last_o objection_n of_o atheist_n be_v answer_v 120_o chap._n 22._o the_o consequence_n of_o what_o we_o have_v prove_v in_o our_o forego_v observation_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n 126_o the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o first_o volume_n chap._n 1._o that_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o moses_n be_v the_o author_n of_o exodus_fw-la and_o of_o the_o three_o other_o follow_v book_n page_n 137_o chap._n 2._o that_o both_o the_o character_n of_o moses_n be_v person_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o relate_v have_v always_o make_v man_n read_v his_o book_n with_o attention_n 146_o chap._n 3._o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n relate_v by_o moses_n can_v reasonable_o be_v doubt_v of_o 153_o chap._n 4._o a_o continuation_n of_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n 158_o chap._n 5._o that_o moses_n be_v description_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n give_v he_o his_o law_n be_v evident_o true_a 164_o chap._n 6._o some_o other_o proof_n that_o confirm_v moses_n be_v description_n of_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o law_n be_v give_v and_o promulgate_v 169_o chap._n 7._o that_o there_o be_v no_o just_a exception_n can_v be_v make_v against_o moses_n be_v history_n in_o what_o relate_v to_o the_o oracle_n which_o he_o have_v record_v in_o his_o book_n 173_o chap._n 8._o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o constant_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o oracle_n relate_v by_o moses_n 177_o chap._n 9_o that_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o relation_n that_o moses_n have_v the_o messiah_n in_o view_n when_o he_o write_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n 180_o chap._n 10._o that_o the_o same_o persuasion_n appear_v throughout_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o moses_n until_o his_o death_n 185_o chap._n 11._o that_o balaam_n be_v prophesy_v which_o moses_n relate_v be_v a_o further_a argument_n of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n in_o he_o 188_o chap._n 12._o that_o one_o may_v see_v also_o in_o moses_n be_v law_n plain_a footstep_n of_o god_n design_n in_o distinguish_v these_o from_o who_o he_o will_v have_v the_o messiah_n to_o be_v born._n 194_o chap._n 13._o that_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n promulgate_a his_o law_n among_o the_o israelite_n do_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o nation_n 200_o chap._n 14._o that_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v design_v to_o keep_v up_o a_o spirit_n of_o jealousy_n in_o the_o very_a bosom_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n 206_o chap._n 15._o that_o circumcision_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o distinguish_v the_o israelite_n from_o other_o nation_n 212_o chap._n 16._o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n engage_v the_o jew_n to_o the_o study_n of_o their_o genealogy_n that_o they_o may_v certain_o know_v that_o of_o the_o messiah_n 219_o chap._n 17._o a_o solution_n of_o some_o difficulty_n in_o these_o genealogy_n 223_o chap._n 18._o that_o the_o manner_n whereby_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n fix_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v to_o keep_v they_o separate_v from_o other_o nation_n 228_o chap._n 19_o that_o the_o law_n tie_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o by_o several_a other_o mean_v establish_v the_o distinction_n betwixt_o tribe_n and_o family_n among_o they_o 234_o chap._n 20._o that_o the_o law_n which_o moses_n make_v coneern_v the_o state_n of_o virginity_n do_v principal_o relate_v also_o to_o the_o messiah_n which_o hold_v also_o as_o to_o several_a other_o law_n 241_o chap._n 21._o that_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n by_o all_o these_o ceremony_n and_o particular_o by_o that_o veneration_n which_o he_o inspire_v the_o jew_n with_o for_o the_o tabernacle_n to_o preserve_v the_o idea_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o their_o mind_n by_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o nation_n 249_o chap._n 22._o that_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n that_o this_o whole_a model_n which_o god_n have_v frame_v be_v to_o last_v but_o until_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n 256_o to_o the_o courteous_a reader_n the_o errata_n be_v so_o small_a that_o they_o will_v not_o disturb_v the_o sense_n any_o where_o and_o so_o few_o that_o we_o need_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o a_o table_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o hope_v he_o will_v take_v such_o inconsiderable_a pain_n upon_o himself_o and_o excuse_v the_o author_n reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n chapter_n i._n concern_v the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v three_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o propound_v to_o we_o for_o true_a the_o promise_v it_o afford_v we_o and_o the_o worship_n it_o command_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o propound_v to_o we_o as_o true_a be_v that_o god_n create_v the_o world_n that_o he_o form_v the_o first_o man_n from_o who_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v propagate_v that_o a_o while_n after_o this_o man_n be_v create_v he_o violate_v the_o law_n god_n have_v give_v he_o and_o that_o whereas_o he_o deserve_v to_o have_v perish_v for_o this_o his_o disobedience_n god_n be_v please_v instead_o thereof_o to_o comfort_v he_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o saviour_n which_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o wife_n that_o god_n have_v actual_o send_v this_o saviour_n into_o the_o world_n which_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o christ_n viz._n his_o birth_n life_n preach_v miracle_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n the_o promise_v it_o vouchsafe_v be_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n and_o a_o state_n absolute_o happy_a for_o ever_o in_o heaven_n and_o last_o the_o worship_n or_o divine_a service_n it_o prescribe_v consist_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o his_o protection_n and_o in_o a_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o what_o we_o owe_v he_o for_o all_o his_o benefit_n towards_o we_o the_o first_o of_o these_o three_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n viz._n the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o relate_v may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o other_o two_o viz._n the_o promise_n and_o command_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n have_v create_v this_o world_n in_o which_o we_o live_v and_o make_v mankind_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o blood_n that_o after_o the_o fall_v he_o promise_v to_o save_v man_n and_o do_v actual_o redeem_v they_o in_o send_v jesus_n christ_n who_o suffer_v death_n and_o be_v raise_v the_o three_o day_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n i_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o look_v upon_o these_o fact_n as_o true_a without_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v accomplish_v the_o promise_n he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o we_o can_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n without_o be_v sensible_a of_o a_o strong_a obligation_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o soon_o as_o a_o man_n reflect_v upon_o his_o be_v god_n creature_n he_o find_v himself_o natural_o oblige_v to_o obey_v god_n universal_o according_a to_o his_o utmost_a ability_n but_o when_o he_o come_v further_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o first_o man_n for_o his_o disobedience_n but_o be_v gracious_o please_v to_o promise_v he_o a_o saviour_n for_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o posterity_n and_o when_o moreover_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n have_v real_o send_v this_o saviour_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n the_o gospel_n relate_v to_o we_o we_o can_v conceive_v but_o that_o he_o must_v find_v himself_o under_o the_o high_a engagement_n imaginable_a of_o render_v to_o god_n a_o religious_a obedience_n and_o believe_v his_o promise_n but_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o obligation_n whereby_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v god_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o to_o offer_v he_o all_o manner_n of_o religious_a worship_n god_n by_o redeem_v he_o have_v obtain_v a_o new_a claim_n to_o and_o right_a over_o he_o and_o a_o more_o indispensable_a obligation_n be_v lay_v upon_o man_n to_o submit_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o all_o religious_a concern_v as_o be_v not_o only_o create_v but_o also_o redeem_v by_o he_o reason_n acknowledge_v that_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v once_o admit_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o just_a and_o natural_a than_o those_o consequence_n which_o the_o christian_n thence_o infer_v all_o the_o difficulty_n
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 two_o former_a article_n though_o they_o dispute_v the_o last_o i_o say_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o regulate_v religion_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o particular_a person_n in_o that_o society_n be_v exact_o the_o same_o with_o those_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n which_o contain_v a_o abridgement_n of_o his_o ethic_n have_v no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o restore_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o those_o law_n god_n have_v give_v upon_o mount_n sinai_n and_o though_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o divorce_n it_o seem_v opposite_a to_o that_o law_n wherein_o god_n have_v before_o permit_v they_o yet_o we_o may_v easy_o conceive_v that_o he_o begin_v to_o abrogate_v those_o order_n and_o dispensation_n which_o be_v only_o give_v to_o make_v the_o messiah_n know_v whenever_o he_o shall_v appear_v the_o prayer_n which_o jesus_n christ_n teach_v his_o apostle_n be_v full_a of_o 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
messiah_n by_o in_o which_o case_n the_o apostle_n will_v have_v content_v themselves_o to_o have_v hint_v that_o jesus_n christ_n always_o pass_v for_o the_o son_n of_o david_n as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o several_a place_n of_o their_o write_n without_o give_v we_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o his_o pedigree_n or_o else_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n distinct_o know_v in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v the_o easy_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o have_v confute_v they_o the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o difference_n which_o be_v find_v between_o the_o genealogy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n set_v down_o by_o s._n matthew_n and_o that_o by_o s._n luke_n be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v we_o a_o occasion_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o apostle_n faithfulness_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o new_a proof_n of_o their_o exactness_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n for_o it_o can_v scarce_o be_v imagine_v but_o that_o in_o so_o long_a a_o series_n of_o age_n there_o must_v have_v be_v some_o of_o the_o ancestor_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o who_o that_o law_n take_v place_n which_o oblige_v the_o young_a brother_n to_o marry_v the_o widow_n of_o his_o elder_a brother_n decease_v without_o issue_n and_o so_o to_o raise_v up_o seed_n to_o he_o which_o give_v occasion_n to_o a_o genealogy_n not_o natural_a but_o legal_a the_o child_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o decease_a elder_a brother_n and_o possess_v his_o estate_n now_o the_o evangeliste_n have_v set_v down_o both_o these_o genealogy_n exact_o which_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n of_o their_o care_n and_o fidelity_n the_o three_o be_v that_o it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o necessary_a to_o make_v this_o remark_n in_o the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o messiah_n because_o as_o we_o have_v observe_v elsewhere_o it_o be_v with_o relation_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o give_v birth_n to_o the_o messiah_n or_o of_o have_v child_n which_o may_v live_v under_o his_o empire_n that_o god_n at_o first_o permit_v this_o kind_n of_o incest_n with_o the_o widow_n of_o a_o decease_a brother_n which_o otherwise_o be_v so_o severe_o prohibit_v by_o the_o law._n as_o to_o the_o low_a estate_n to_o which_o the_o family_n of_o david_n be_v then_o reduce_v it_o be_v visible_a that_o david_n and_o solomon_n reign_v with_o great_a glory_n but_o rehoboam_n succeed_v they_o ten_o tribe_n fall_v from_o he_o to_o jeroboam_n in_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 3029._o and_o the_o posterity_n of_o rehoboam_n be_v afterward_o dethrone_v by_o nabuchadnezzar_n who_o carry_v zedechiah_n the_o king_n into_o captivity_n in_o the_o year_n 3416._o after_o their_o return_n from_o captivity_n they_o be_v entire_o thrust_v from_o the_o throne_n the_o priest_n at_o first_o govern_v that_o nation_n the_o maccabee_n who_o be_v of_o the_o family_n of_o levi_n reign_v in_o judea_n from_o the_o return_n of_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n until_o herod_n the_o edomite_n who_o be_v make_v master_n of_o judea_n by_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o roman_n 2._o the_o family_n of_o david_n be_v at_o that_o time_n remove_v from_o their_o ancient_a seat_n and_o be_v now_o fix_v at_o nazareth_n where_o providence_n seem_v to_o have_v remove_v they_o from_o bethlehem_n to_o take_v away_o that_o object_n of_o herod_n jealousy_n which_o will_v have_v offend_v he_o as_o we_o see_v it_o do_v when_o the_o wise_a man_n acquaint_v he_o with_o the_o birth_n of_o jesus_n which_o oblige_v he_o to_o make_v a_o diligent_a enquiry_n after_o the_o place_n where_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v that_o messiah_n who_o he_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o prince_n who_o will_v rob_v he_o of_o the_o sovereignty_n to_o which_o he_o be_v raise_v in_o the_o three_o place_n the_o bless_a virgin_n be_v betroth_v to_o a_o carpenter_n justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n make_v plough_n see_v what_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n be_v reduce_v to_o four_o when_o she_o come_v to_o bethlehem_n she_o lodge_v in_o a_o inn_n her_o kindred_n be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o afford_v she_o better_a accommodation_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v very_o careful_a in_o execute_v this_o design_n there_o be_v some_o decay_n of_o the_o family_n of_o david_n which_o the_o bless_a virgin_n express_v in_o her_o song_n she_o be_v descend_v from_o the_o young_a brother_n of_o depose_a prince_n and_o reduce_v to_o private_a state_n she_o speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o lowness_n and_o meanness_n not_o only_o in_o a_o way_n of_o humility_n but_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o throne_n of_o jesse_n but_o that_o this_o may_v appear_v more_o evident_o and_o confirm_v by_o the_o law_n as_o it_o be_v her_o duty_n to_o present_v her_o son_n in_o the_o temple_n after_o the_o seven_o day_n with_o a_o offer_n so_o she_o do_v not_o offer_v what_o be_v prescribe_v to_o the_o rich_a and_o wealthy_a but_o a_o offer_v which_o be_v appropriate_v by_o god_n in_o the_o law_n to_o poor_a people_n as_o appear_v leu._n xii_o one_o see_v we_o by_o the_o marriage_n feast_n at_o cana_n in_o galilee_n that_o the_o kindred_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o very_o rich_a their_o want_v of_o wine_n on_o such_o a_o occasion_n be_v no_o great_a mark_n of_o plenty_n one_o see_v we_o also_o that_o jesus_n christ_n frequent_o represent_v himself_o as_o not_o have_v where_o to_o rest_v his_o head_n on_o the_o cross_n he_o recommend_v his_o mother_n to_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n and_o be_v himself_o maintain_v by_o those_o who_o follow_v he_o chap._n viii_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 as_o this_o article_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o important_a of_o our_o religion_n so_o it_o be_v well_o worth_a our_o attentive_a consideration_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n here_o that_o according_a to_o the_o observation_n of_o justin_n martyr_n 5._o dial._n cum_fw-la tryph_n p._n 297._o isai_n 5._o that_o the_o fable_n of_o perseus_n take_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n however_o that_o prophecy_n be_v very_o express_v according_a to_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o lxx_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o it_o be_v accomplish_v it_o will_v not_o be_v enough_o here_o to_o say_v that_o ordinary_o extreme_a poverty_n be_v a_o sufficient_a bar_n against_o the_o suspicion_n of_o adultery_n and_o therefore_o we_o desire_v the_o reader_n only_o to_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o observation_n set_v down_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o these_o reflection_n on_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n for_o 1._o polygamy_n and_o divorce_n be_v very_o frequent_a in_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o appear_v from_o several_a passage_n of_o the_o gospel_n where_o god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o example_n thereof_o 2._o god_n be_v willing_a to_o give_v we_o instance_n of_o his_o severity_n against_o adulteress_n among_o which_o those_o be_v reckon_v who_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v defile_v after_o they_o be_v betroth_v we_o have_v a_o example_n hereof_o in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o s._n john_n which_o i_o have_v illustrate_v in_o the_o four_o chapter_n of_o this_o four_o part._n 3._o it_o appear_v that_o the_o same_o law_n which_o engage_v parent_n to_o preserve_v the_o virginity_n of_o their_o daughter_n do_v continue_v and_o be_v still_o observe_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o well_o as_o those_o other_o law_n which_o constitute_v the_o body_n of_o their_o religion_n when_o jesus_n christ_n upbraid_v the_o jew_n for_o have_v change_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o he_o never_o reproach_n they_o upon_o this_o account_n 4._o the_o relation_n set_v down_o in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n of_o s._n john_n make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o water_n of_o jealousy_n still_o retain_v their_o virtue_n that_o which_o jesus_n christ_n write_v on_o the_o ground_n be_v probable_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o curse_n which_o the_o law_n denounce_v against_o the_o woman_n that_o shall_v violate_v her_o honour_n i_o have_v make_v it_o very_o evident_a in_o the_o twenty_o chapter_n of_o my_o second_o part_n what_o be_v the_o use_n of_o those_o law_n concern_v the_o mark_n of_o virginity_n to_o prevent_v any_o doubt_n that_o may_v arise_v concern_v the_o same_o it_o remain_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o several_a passage_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o to_o see_v what_o proof_n we_o can_v find_v there_o to_o confirm_v this_o point_n that_o mary_n be_v indeed_o a_o virgin_n when_o she_o conceive_v jesus_n christ_n and_o how_o we_o may_v answer_v the_o objection_n which_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n make_v against_o this_o truth_n the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o
reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o two_o volume_n volume_n i._n london_n print_v for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdclxxxviii_o imprimatur_fw-la libre_fw-la cvi_fw-la titulus_fw-la est_fw-la reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n etc._n etc._n in_o ii_o vol._n the_o 12_o of_o january_n 1687_o 1687_o 8._o h._n maurice_n r_n mo_z in_o christo_n p.d._n willielmo_n archiep._n cant._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la to_o the_o king_n great_a sir_n the_o gracious_a acceptance_n which_o your_o majesty_n be_v please_v to_o allow_v the_o first_o volume_n of_o my_o reflection_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n encourage_v and_o almost_o necessitate_v i_o to_o the_o further_a presumption_n of_o lay_v these_o two_o volume_n at_o this_o time_n at_o your_o majesty_n foot_n your_o majesty_n do_v i_o the_o honour_n to_o say_v that_o you_o be_v please_v to_o see_v divine_n apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o subject_n so_o important_a and_o after_o this_o judgement_n give_v by_o so_o great_a a_o prince_n which_o be_v so_o evident_a a_o demonstration_n of_o your_o zeal_n for_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o have_v be_v unpardonable_a in_o i_o not_o to_o have_v go_v on_o with_o the_o work_n and_o i_o have_v reason_n then_o to_o consecrate_v it_o whole_o to_o your_o majesty_n who_o i_o be_v assure_v will_v approve_v of_o my_o intention_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n will_v pardon_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o performance_n as_o your_o majesty_n continue_v still_o to_o give_v such_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o your_o clemency_n and_o royal_a protection_n to_o those_o of_o our_o nation_n so_o i_o confess_v sir_n i_o think_v myself_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o this_o opportunity_n of_o publish_v what_o all_o those_o who_o find_v so_o sure_a a_o protection_n in_o your_o majesty_n dominion_n feel_v and_o think_v as_o much_o as_o myself_o upon_o these_o new_a testimony_n of_o your_o royal_a bounty_n when_o your_o majesty_n have_v take_v we_o into_o your_o particular_a care_n and_o have_v grant_v we_o several_a privilege_n and_o so_o make_v we_o sharer_n in_o all_o the_o advantage_n which_o those_o who_o live_v under_o your_o government_n enjoy_v your_o majesty_n do_v yet_o something_o more_o and_o inspire_v all_o your_o subject_n with_o the_o same_o compassion_n towards_o we_o with_o which_o your_o royal_a breast_n be_v already_o touch_v you_o see_v our_o misery_n and_o resolve_v to_o give_v we_o ease_v and_o this_o generous_a design_n be_v execute_v and_o your_o royal_a clemency_n diffuse_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o your_o subject_n the_o whole_a world_n sir_n which_o have_v receive_v upon_o all_o its_o coast_n some_o remainder_n of_o our_o shipwreck_n be_v fill_v with_o admiration_n of_o the_o unexampled_a effect_n of_o your_o majesty_n clemency_n there_o be_v no_o place_n so_o barbarous_a whither_o the_o renown_n of_o that_o mercy_n which_o have_v be_v so_o glorious_o extend_v towards_o we_o have_v not_o be_v carry_v and_o the_o remembrance_n will_v be_v ever_o dear_a to_o the_o remote_a age_n of_o posterity_n we_o must_v sir_n be_v whole_o insensible_a if_o we_o have_v not_o all_o of_o we_o the_o high_a sense_n of_o so_o great_a a_o bounty_n and_o we_o shall_v just_o appear_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o be_v unworthy_a of_o this_o your_o majesty_n paternal_a care_n if_o notwithstanding_o that_o low_a condition_n to_o which_o we_o be_v now_o reduce_v we_o shall_v not_o prostrate_v ourselves_o before_o your_o august_n throne_n with_o the_o humble_a demonstration_n of_o thankfulness_n when_o god_n shower_n down_o the_o great_a blessing_n upon_o mankind_n he_o require_v this_o just_a tribute_n which_o be_v also_o their_o great_a honour_n by_o open_v to_o they_o a_o access_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o glory_n and_o this_o sacred_a pattern_n we_o crave_v leave_v to_o follow_v when_o we_o solemn_o pay_v the_o like_a tribute_n to_o your_o majesty_n who_o can_v receive_v nothing_o from_o we_o again_o that_o can_v answer_v the_o greatness_n or_o the_o number_n of_o those_o favour_n which_o have_v so_o very_a much_o exceed_v all_o our_o desire_n i_o can_v wish_v sir_n that_o this_o work_n which_o i_o now_o present_a to_o your_o majesty_n may_v be_v so_o haypy_a as_o to_o pass_v to_o posterity_n with_o this_o character_n of_o our_o acknowledgement_n and_o that_o it_o may_v stand_v as_o a_o faithful_a record_n for_o ever_o to_o perpetuate_v the_o memory_n of_o that_o lively_a sense_n of_o your_o bounty_n which_o be_v imprint_v on_o all_o our_o heart_n if_o this_o can_v be_v hope_v for_o it_o must_v be_v whole_o owe_v to_o your_o majesty_n glorious_a name_n which_o late_a age_n will_v receive_v with_o reverence_n but_o sir_n though_o i_o dare_v not_o hope_v that_o these_o reflection_n can_v obtain_v that_o honour_n yet_o our_o age_n at_o least_o may_v see_v that_o they_o bear_v these_o public_a mark_n of_o gratitude_n for_o all_o your_o majesty_n royal_a favour_n this_o sir_n be_v my_o sole_a aim_n in_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o work_n to_o your_o majesty_n and_o may_v your_o sacred_a majesty_n be_v please_v to_o approve_v of_o these_o poor_a testimony_n of_o our_o thankfulness_n in_o general_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o instance_n of_o i_o in_o particular_a and_o of_o that_o profound_a respect_n with_o which_o i_o be_o london_n may_v the_o seven_o 1688._o sir_n your_o majesty_n most_o dutiful_a and_o obedient_a subject_n and_o servant_n p._n allix_fw-la the_o preface_n one_o may_v divide_v man_n into_o two_o general_a class_n some_o be_v without_o any_o knowledge_n of_o a_o deity_n or_o sense_n of_o religion_n traveller_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o the_o west-indies_n the_o eastern_a part_n of_o tartary_n and_o some_o place_n of_o africa_n such_o people_n be_v to_o be_v find_v i_o know_v this_o be_v a_o fact_n which_o be_v dispute_v by_o other_o and_o fabricius_n a_o divine_a of_o the_o palatinate_n pretend_v that_o he_o have_v solid_o confute_v it_o if_o this_o fact_n shall_v be_v think_v doubtful_a yet_o it_o be_v know_v at_o least_o that_o some_o person_n may_v be_v find_v here_o and_o there_o in_o the_o world_n who_o look_v upon_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n as_o upon_o a_o fable_n and_o who_o ridicule_n all_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n whatsoever_o but_o one_o may_v also_o say_v that_o if_o he_o compare_v these_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n they_o make_v the_o least_o and_o worst_a part_n of_o mankind_n though_o many_o of_o they_o affect_v to_o live_v moral_o well_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n make_v profession_n that_o they_o own_o a_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o most_o perfect_a eternal_a and_o independent_a be_v that_o he_o govern_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o providence_n that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o man_n do_v well_o or_o ill_o in_o those_o action_n which_o depend_v on_o his_o liberty_n from_o whence_o they_o equal_o conclude_v that_o man_n be_v design_v for_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n that_o society_n without_o it_o will_v be_v pure_a robbery_n and_o that_o as_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v whole_o destroy_v by_o death_n so_o it_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o conscience_n to_o deny_v all_o reward_n for_o virtue_n or_o punishment_n for_o vice_n after_o this_o life_n all_o the_o diversity_n of_o religion_n among_o man_n be_v reducible_a to_o two_o kind_n the_o first_o be_v of_o those_o who_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v more_o than_o one_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o all_o pagan_n in_o general_n the_o second_o be_v of_o those_o that_o acknowledge_v one_o only_a god_n such_o be_v the_o jew_n christian_n and_o mahometan_n now_o as_o for_o the_o cure_n of_o different_a disease_n several_a remedy_n be_v make_v use_n of_o so_o it_o be_v visible_a that_o to_o deliver_v man_n of_o their_o various_a prejudices_fw-la we_o must_v take_v very_o different_a method_n the_o ignorance_n of_o those_o barbarous_a people_n in_o the_o indies_n tartary_n and_o africa_n must_v be_v remove_v by_o teach_v they_o the_o first_o principle_n and_o make_v they_o apply_v the_o little_a sense_n they_o have_v leave_v they_o of_o good_a and_o evil_n right_a and_o wrong_n to_o the_o fundamental_a maxim_n of_o religion_n atheist_n must_v be_v convince_v by_o reflection_n upon_o those_o principle_n which_o they_o admit_v by_o show_v that_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o reject_v be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o they_o dare_v not_o dispute_v to_o convince_v the_o heathen_a who_o suppose_v many_o god_n we_o must_v
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
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
prescribe_v to_o they_o in_o the_o other_o book_n of_o moses_n but_o the_o occasion_n and_o ground_n of_o they_o all_o be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o genesis_n to_o which_o all_o these_o law_n have_v a_o natural_a relation_n the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n take_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n as_o well_o as_o his_o ancestor_n have_v always_o observe_v the_o sabbath_n and_o circumcision_n and_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n order_v the_o same_o to_o be_v constant_o read_v in_o every_o family_n to_o which_o the_o sabbath_n day_n be_v more_o peculiar_o appropriate_v and_o the_o whole_a to_o be_v read_v over_o every_o seven_o year_n as_o we_o know_v the_o jew_n practice_n be_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o first_o of_o which_o injunction_n they_o practise_v still_o in_o all_o place_n and_o have_v leave_v off_o the_o other_o only_o because_o they_o can_v do_v it_o now_o they_o be_v out_o of_o their_o own_o land_n i_o say_v suppose_v all_o this_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a that_o any_o other_o than_o moses_n can_v have_v make_v this_o book_n to_o be_v receive_v the_o forgery_n at_o the_o beginning_n will_v have_v be_v palpable_a even_o to_o child_n themselves_o as_o for_o example_n let_v we_o suppose_v that_o solomon_n have_v form_v a_o design_n of_o deceive_v the_o people_n in_o publish_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n for_o a_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v so_o far_o impose_v on_o his_o people_n as_o to_o make_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o say_a book_n all_o at_o once_o as_o that_o which_o have_v be_v constant_o read_v in_o their_o family_n every_o seven_o day_n and_o year_n and_o that_o for_o 600_o year_n before_o his_o time_n and_o therefore_o as_o a_o book_n that_o have_v be_v so_o long_o in_o all_o their_o family_n though_o indeed_o it_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o by_o they_o before_o that_o time_n if_o a_o impostor_n can_v create_v a_o belief_n in_o other_o that_o he_o have_v some_o secret_a communication_n with_o the_o deity_n those_o who_o be_v thus_o persuade_v by_o he_o will_v easy_o submit_v themselves_o to_o his_o law_n but_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a that_o a_o whole_a people_n shall_v all_o at_o once_o forget_v whatsoever_o they_o have_v learn_v or_o hear_v of_o their_o parent_n and_o forefather_n and_o instead_o thereof_o admit_v of_o tale_n forge_v at_o pleasure_n some_o nation_n have_v be_v so_o ridiculous_a to_o derive_v themselves_o from_o a_o fabulous_a original_a but_o they_o never_o fall_v into_o such_o mistake_v about_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v at_o no_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o live_v beside_o we_o know_v that_o these_o fabulous_a original_n never_o make_v so_o lively_a a_o impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o whole_a nation_n especial_o the_o learned_a among_o they_o as_o general_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o we_o rather_o find_v that_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o truth_n by_o show_v something_o else_o be_v hint_v thereby_o as_o we_o may_v see_v by_o the_o explication_n the_o heathen_n themselves_o have_v give_v we_o of_o all_o their_o fable_n and_o utter_o reject_v those_o which_o they_o can_v not_o reconcile_v to_o good_a sense_n but_o in_o this_o case_n we_o find_v a_o whole_a nation_n to_o this_o very_a day_n maintain_v all_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o genesis_n and_o in_o particular_a that_o of_o the_o creation_n as_o of_o matter_n who_o memorial_n they_o have_v constant_o celebrate_v every_o seven_o day_n since_o the_o time_n they_o first_o happen_v last_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o book_n be_v constant_o use_v to_o be_v read_v among_o the_o jew_n especial_o on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o that_o under_o the_o name_n of_o moses_n for_o instance_n since_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o since_o that_o of_o david_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v deny_v but_o this_o constant_a read_n be_v observe_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o law_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a book_n now_o if_o this_o law_n have_v always_o be_v in_o this_o book_n from_o the_o first_o appear_v of_o it_o which_o can_v be_v question_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o forge_v and_o foist_v in_o this_o book_n under_o the_o name_n of_o moses_n the_o founder_n of_o the_o jewish_a government_n i_o say_v this_o book_n which_o beside_o all_o this_o contain_v such_o extraordinary_a matter_n and_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o their_o religion_n i_o will_v not_o repeat_v here_o what_o i_o mention_v in_o the_o three_o chapter_n to_o make_v the_o vanity_n of_o those_o man_n appear_v who_o imagine_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n and_o the_o four_o that_o follow_v it_o may_v have_v be_v forge_v by_o other_o under_o moses_n his_o name_n yet_o i_o think_v i_o ought_v before_o i_o proceed_v further_o to_o remove_v a_o seem_a difficulty_n which_o be_v often_o allege_v by_o this_o sort_n of_o people_n for_o say_v they_o it_o can_v be_v that_o these_o book_n be_v ever_o read_v with_o that_o care_n and_o constancy_n we_o speak_v of_o because_o a_o time_n can_v be_v point_v at_o wherein_o the_o say_a book_n be_v whole_o unknown_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n and_o indeed_o the_o history_n plain_o inform_v we_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v find_v again_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o josias_n from_o whence_o they_o infer_v that_o if_o it_o be_v then_o unknown_a it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v forge_v but_o indeed_o they_o may_v conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o which_o willing_o we_o allow_v they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n wherein_o ungodliness_n do_v prevail_v and_o idolatry_n be_v public_o establish_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n itself_o yet_o can_v they_o not_o from_o this_o instance_n draw_v any_o other_o consequence_n which_o may_v support_v their_o pretension_n they_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v first_o that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v not_o only_o among_o the_o three_o tribe_n but_o also_o among_o the_o ten_o since_o the_o time_n of_o their_o revolt_n under_o rehoboam_n that_o they_o who_o be_v carry_v by_o salmanassar_n into_o the_o land_n of_o assyria_n have_v the_o say_v book_n among_o they_o as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n who_o be_v leave_v in_o their_o own_o country_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o when_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n send_v some_o of_o the_o priest_n of_o samaria_n to_o instruct_v the_o colony_n which_o he_o have_v settle_v in_o their_o country_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o those_o priest_n go_v to_o borrow_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n from_o they_o of_o judah_n nor_o that_o the_o say_v law_n be_v altogether_o unknown_a in_o that_o country_n but_o only_o that_o they_o have_v former_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o serve_v strange_a god_n as_o they_o still_o do_v but_o that_o withal_o they_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o to_o this_o day_n be_v yet_o find_v among_o their_o posterity_n second_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o though_o the_o wickedness_n and_o violence_n of_o manasseh_n cause_v a_o great_a change_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o his_o subject_n notwithstanding_o have_v still_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n among_o they_o the_o blood_n which_o he_o shed_v in_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o evident_a sign_n that_o there_o be_v some_o godly_a man_n leave_v among_o they_o who_o continue_v true_a to_o their_o religion_n and_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o god._n beside_o if_o we_o consider_v his_o repentance_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o his_o reign_n he_o do_v in_o some_o degree_n re-establish_a the_o purity_n of_o that_o religion_n he_o have_v before_o profane_v a_o main_a part_n of_o which_o be_v the_o expound_v and_o read_v of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n according_a to_o those_o law_n before_o mention_v in_o the_o three_o place_n it_o be_v visible_a that_o the_o reason_n why_o hilkiah_n have_v find_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o temple_n as_o they_o be_v cleanse_v and_o repair_v it_o send_v the_o same_o to_o josiah_n be_v not_o because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o such_o book_n leave_v in_o judah_n but_o because_o the_o say_a book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n himself_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v something_o very_o extraordinary_a in_o the_o find_n of_o it_o at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o they_o be_v endeavour_v a_o reformation_n and_o it_o be_v this_o circumstance_n which_o do_v in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n excite_v the_o zeal_n of_o this_o good_a prince_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o suppose_v that_o josiah_n have_v never_o before_o see_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n how_o can_v he_o have_v apply_v himself_o to_o the_o reform_v of_o his_o
how_o his_o body_n have_v be_v form_v of_o the_o earth_n be_v i_o confess_v a_o thing_n difficult_a to_o be_v conceive_v but_o the_o production_n of_o a_o infant_n like_v to_o himself_o by_o the_o way_n of_o generation_n which_o he_o afterward_o be_v assure_v of_o by_o experience_n be_v sufficient_a to_o confirm_v his_o mind_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n the_o way_n of_o generation_n be_v at_o least_o as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o difficult_a to_o comprehend_v as_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o creation_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o as_o it_o be_v adam_n duty_n that_o so_o he_o do_v real_o make_v those_o reflection_n i_o have_v attribute_v to_o he_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n give_v he_o a_o law_n proportion_v to_o the_o state_n in_o which_o he_o be_v create_v for_o this_o law_n suppose_v that_o adam_n own_a himself_o god_n subject_a that_o he_o consider_v god_n as_o his_o great_a benefactor_n that_o he_o hope_v for_o reward_n from_o he_o and_o fear_v to_o be_v punish_v by_o he_o and_o last_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v that_o these_o reflection_n do_v not_o at_o first_o make_v so_o deep_a a_o impression_n in_o his_o heart_n yet_o at_o least_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o after_o his_o fall_n he_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n necessitate_v to_o meditate_v on_o these_o truth_n god_n appear_v to_o he_o in_o a_o visible_a manner_n god_n pass_v sentence_n upon_o he_o his_o wife_n and_o the_o serpent_n god_n condemn_v the_o serpent_n and_o afford_v his_o grace_n to_o man_n god_n make_v he_o a_o promise_v proportion_v to_o the_o evil_a into_o which_o he_o be_v fall_v the_o woman_n have_v deceive_v her_o husband_n which_o do_v natural_o tend_v to_o disunite_v they_o but_o god_n unite_n himself_o again_o with_o adam_n make_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o promise_n to_o depend_v upon_o adam_n reunion_n with_o his_o wife_n have_v assure_v he_o that_o the_o offspring_n of_o his_o wife_n shall_v be_v his_o redeemer_n god_n threaten_v the_o woman_n with_o extreme_a pain_n in_o child-bearing_a he_o drive_v they_o out_o of_o the_o garden_n of_o eden_n and_o place_v a_o flame_n of_o fire_n to_o guard_v the_o entrance_n there_o all_o this_o without_o doubt_n will_v never_o suffer_v adam_n slight_o to_o pass_v over_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o his_o creation_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o be_v form_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n thing_n be_v thus_o state_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_v whether_o we_o have_v suppose_v adam_n too_o subtle_a and_o contemplative_a by_o attribute_v the_o foresay_a reflection_n to_o he_o chap._n x._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 it_o be_v apparent_a that_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o child_n of_o adam_n be_v arrive_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n they_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n to_o make_v reflection_n on_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o production_n according_a to_o the_o information_n receive_v of_o their_o parent_n they_o be_v able_a to_o compare_v the_o twofold_a original_a of_o man_n the_o one_o in_o which_o the_o body_n be_v immediate_o take_v from_o the_o earth_n the_o other_o in_o which_o it_o be_v produce_v by_o generation_n and_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v if_o either_o of_o they_o be_v improbable_a and_o in_o particular_a whether_o the_o formation_n of_o their_o parent_n with_o other_o matter_n consequent_a and_o depend_v on_o it_o can_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o confirm_v for_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o they_o to_o judge_v that_o their_o parent_n of_o who_o tenderness_n and_o care_n they_o have_v so_o great_a experience_n can_v not_o have_v have_v the_o least_o design_n to_o deceive_v they_o in_o what_o they_o have_v deliver_v to_o they_o concern_v the_o creation_n they_o have_v also_o leisure_n enough_o during_o the_o long_a life_n they_o enjoy_v to_o examine_v the_o solidity_n of_o those_o reason_n which_o persuade_v their_o parent_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o creation_n for_o instance_n they_o can_v easy_o inform_v themselves_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o more_o man_n and_o woman_n than_o their_o father_n and_o mother_n that_o have_v be_v before_o they_o whether_o they_o be_v produce_v from_o the_o earth_n or_o by_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o other_o language_n beside_o that_o which_o they_o speak_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o ruin_n of_o building_n or_o other_o remain_v which_o signify_v that_o art_n have_v be_v former_o cultivate_v and_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o reason_n to_o persuade_v they_o that_o the_o world_n have_v not_o its_o beginning_n at_o the_o time_n which_o their_o parent_n assign_v for_o it_o neither_o be_v they_o only_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o their_o sense_n be_v able_a to_o convince_v they_o of_o it_o as_o for_o instance_n by_o see_v the_o first_o tree_n the_o production_n of_o other_o from_o they_o and_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o their_o growth_n but_o beside_o all_o this_o they_o can_v experience_v most_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o person_n they_o can_v know_v whether_o god_n have_v assign_v to_o man_n the_o fruit_n of_o tree_n and_o grain_n for_o their_o food_n as_o moses_n have_v record_v only_o by_o examine_v their_o own_o mouth_n which_o be_v form_v to_o chew_v fruit_n and_o not_o to_o tear_v the_o raw_a flesh_n of_o animal_n which_o require_v sharp_a and_o strong_a set_v of_o tooth_n than_o those_o they_o find_v themselves_o provide_v with_o the_o eat_n of_o flesh_n not_o be_v introduce_v till_o after_o the_o deluge_n thus_o after_o the_o act_n of_o generation_n they_o see_v their_o child_n bear_v as_o it_o be_v represent_v to_o they_o that_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v form_v they_o have_v also_o before_o their_o eye_n sensible_a sign_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n relate_v to_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o continual_a miracle_n of_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n which_o keep_v they_o from_o enter_v into_o paradise_n be_v a_o certain_a argument_n of_o the_o first_o sin_n of_o which_o they_o have_v not_o be_v eye-witness_n the_o pain_n of_o a_o woman_n in_o child-bearing_a do_v the_o more_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o divine_a sentence_n because_o it_o be_v not_o obvious_a for_o they_o to_o apprehend_v such_o consequence_n from_o a_o act_n which_o be_v please_v to_o their_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o last_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o keep_v a_o solemn_a day_n to_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o world_n nativity_n on_o which_o seven_o day_n their_o parent_n repeat_v to_o they_o no_o less_o than_o two_o and_o fifty_o time_n a_o year_n the_o same_o thing_n inform_v they_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o formation_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o suppose_v that_o they_o shall_v let_v these_o thing_n pass_v without_o make_v any_o reflection_n on_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o we_o can_v rational_o conceive_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v serious_a in_o any_o duty_n of_o religion_n without_o have_v first_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o redeemer_n which_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o all_o religious_a act_n whatsoever_o chap._n xi_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 i_o suppose_v it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o the_o immediate_a posterity_n of_o adam_n can_v easy_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o manner_n how_o their_o parent_n have_v be_v produce_v from_o who_o they_o derive_v their_o being_n they_o can_v likewise_o be_v full_o satisfy_v about_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o promise_n god_n have_v make_v they_o that_o one_o of_o their_o posterity_n shall_v destroy_v the_o enemy_n of_o mankind_n my_o business_n therefore_o next_o be_v to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v actual_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v that_o as_o these_o matter_n be_v the_o chief_a object_n of_o their_o meditation_n because_o of_o their_o extraordinary_a importance_n so_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o act_v as_o person_n full_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o the_o other_o be_v that_o as_o they_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o these_o truth_n by_o their_o parent_n so_o they_o deliver_v the_o same_o to_o their_o posterity_n to_o who_o they_o transmit_v the_o belief_n of_o these_o matter_n as_o of_o thing_n altogether_o unquestionable_a i_o say_v then_o that_o they_o act_v as_o those_o who_o be_v full_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n which_o appear_v throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n not_o only_a when_o they_o do_v
little_a more_o than_o forty_o year_n interval_n betwixt_o the_o conquest_n of_o canaan_n by_o joshua_n and_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o israelite_n under_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n have_v it_o not_o be_v a_o fit_a time_n then_o to_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o moses_n law_n and_o to_o publish_v the_o pretend_a lie_n and_o imposture_n of_o his_o history_n be_v not_o the_o comparison_n which_o the_o israelite_n can_v easy_o make_v betwixt_o the_o mosaic_a write_n and_o the_o tradition_n general_o receive_v in_o the_o country_n of_o their_o captivity_n a_o natural_a and_o ready_a mean_n to_o undeceive_v they_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o we_o see_v that_o they_o obstinate_o entertain_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o several_a transaction_n record_v by_o moses_n and_o stand_v firm_o to_o all_o their_o pretension_n nay_o we_o see_v they_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o remedy_n of_o repentance_n which_o moses_n prescribe_v they_o to_o use_v in_o those_o sad_a misfortune_n which_o he_o foretell_v shall_v befall_v they_o and_o out_o of_o which_o he_o promise_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o god_n will_v miraculous_o deliver_v they_o which_o indeed_o be_v do_v according_o even_o fourteen_o time_n within_o less_o than_o four_o hundred_o year_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n can_v there_o then_o be_v a_o more_o pregnant_a argument_n that_o if_o moses_n make_v it_o death_n by_o one_o of_o his_o sanction_n for_o any_o of_o the_o israelite_n to_o contest_v the_o truth_n either_o of_o his_o write_n or_o of_o his_o oracle_n and_o miracle_n it_o be_v not_o to_o force_v the_o belief_n of_o they_o without_o examination_n but_o rather_o only_o to_o prevent_v the_o corruption_n of_o that_o people_n and_o their_o mingle_n and_o confound_v themselves_o with_o the_o heathen_n which_o god_n intend_v to_o hinder_v on_o purpose_n because_o he_o will_v have_v the_o messiah_n to_o be_v bear_v according_a to_o his_o promise_n out_o of_o that_o nation_n which_o to_o effect_v he_o think_v fit_a in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n to_o employ_v the_o rigour_n of_o some_o capital_a law_n to_o keep_v that_o people_n unmixed_a and_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n till_o the_o messiah_n be_v bear_v chap._n xxii_o the_o consequence_n of_o what_o we_o have_v prove_v in_o our_o forego_v observation_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n these_o several_a observation_n which_o i_o have_v make_v upon_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v all_o i_o think_v very_o natural_a and_o easy_a and_o if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v solid_o the_o truth_n of_o moses_n account_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o conclusion_n that_o i_o draw_v out_o of_o the_o premise_n be_v that_o first_o i_o assert_v that_o moses_n that_o famous_a hebrew_n who_o be_v design_v to_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n be_v the_o true_a and_o sole_a author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n second_o i_o maintain_v that_o this_o be_v once_o grant_v he_o can_v not_o according_a to_o his_o way_n of_o write_v record_v those_o important_a transaction_n he_o relate_v otherwise_o than_o they_o real_o come_v to_o pass_v three_o i_o maintain_v that_o though_o he_o have_v not_o be_v a_o eye_n witness_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o he_o have_v make_v the_o description_n of_o it_o according_a to_o such_o a_o authentic_a tradition_n as_o can_v be_v reasonable_o doubt_v of_o because_o it_o be_v then_o the_o universal_a tradition_n not_o only_o of_o the_o moabite_n of_o the_o ammonite_n of_o the_o ishmaelite_n and_o of_o the_o edomite_n who_o be_v all_o of_o sem_n posterity_n and_o among_o who_o he_o have_v be_v travel_v for_o forty_o year_n together_o but_o also_o of_o the_o egyptian_n of_o his_o own_o people_n and_o in_o a_o word_n of_o all_o man_n then_o live_v in_o the_o world._n four_o i_o maintain_v that_o he_o never_o be_v find_v fault_n with_o nor_o contradict_v till_o true_a reason_n and_o sense_n if_o i_o may_v say_v so_o be_v lose_v and_o banish_v from_o among_o mankind_n till_o the_o egyptian_n for_o example_n they_o who_o use_v before_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o greek_n as_o mere_a child_n and_o idiot_n be_v fall_v into_o so_o great_a a_o stupidity_n and_o deprivation_n of_o sense_n as_o to_o believe_v and_o maintain_v that_o man_n be_v first_o bear_v in_o egypt_n because_o forsooth_o frog_n do_v natural_o as_o they_o think_v breed_v out_o of_o their_o muddy_a fen_n and_o marsh_n five_o i_o maintain_v that_o for_o many_o age_n after_o moses_n no_o body_n do_v ever_o public_o declare_v for_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o yet_o for_o its_o fortuitous_a production_n these_o opinion_n be_v mere_a absurdity_n and_o chimaera_n bring_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o chaldean_n and_o greek_n only_o about_o alexander_n time_n or_o perhaps_o a_o hundred_o year_n before_o he_o i._n e._n about_o eleven_o or_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n after_o moses_n decease_n six_o i_o maintain_v that_o see_v there_o be_v no_o particular_a time_n to_o be_v find_v wherein_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n be_v interrupt_v and_o discontinue_v for_o any_o considerable_a time_n among_o the_o jew_n see_v it_o continue_v still_o to_o this_o very_a hour_n among_o they_o every_o sabbath_n day_n in_o the_o several_a place_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o they_o be_v disperse_v and_o see_v beside_o that_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o law_n which_o enjoin_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o creation_n can_v never_o be_v impose_v upon_o they_o without_o their_o perceive_v and_o declare_v present_o the_o novelty_n and_o supposition_n of_o that_o account_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o book_n wherein_o it_o be_v relate_v see_v all_o this_o be_v certain_a i_o do_v positive_o maintain_v that_o the_o truth_n 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 christ_n resurrection_n by_o such_o another_o undeniable_a argument_n viz._n by_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v eye_n witness_n of_o it_o and_o institute_v a_o solemn_a day_n in_o every_o week_n to_o celebrate_v and_o perpetuate_v the_o memory_n of_o it_o among_o man_n from_o their_o time_n down_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world._n and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o as_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o continual_a celebration_n of_o the_o sabbath_n every_o week_n can_v easy_o run_v back_o to_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sabbath_n so_o the_o christian_n may_v by_o the_o weekly_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n prove_v christ_n resurrection_n which_o occasion_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o
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
if_o it_o have_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v a_o jew_n before_o they_o have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o promise_n second_o it_o suppose_v that_o god_n be_v to_o remove_v that_o people_n out_o of_o canaan_n into_o remote_a country_n and_o to_o disperse_v they_o as_o it_o be_v into_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v do_v by_o divine_a providence_n only_o to_o publish_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n to_o establish_v the_o belief_n in_o the_o prophet_n and_o so_o to_o facilitate_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o faith._n three_o he_o declare_v express_o as_o st._n paul_n observe_v that_o he_o be_v to_o call_v his_o people_n that_o which_o be_v not_o his_o people_n that_o he_o may_v by_o that_o mean_n provoke_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o jealousy_n this_o notion_n of_o jealousy_n mention_v by_o st._n paul_n deserve_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o with_o very_o great_a care_n if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o jealousy_n which_o reign_v among_o the_o israelite_n and_o their_o neighbour_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n in_o another_o place_n of_o the_o great_a number_n of_o oracle_n of_o david_n upon_o the_o same_o subject_a although_o he_o otherwise_o insult_v upon_o the_o moabite_n and_o edomite_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o show_v as_o much_o aversion_n and_o jealousy_n against_o those_o nation_n as_o be_v possible_a for_o one_o that_o live_v in_o a_o continual_a war_n with_o those_o people_n i_o shall_v also_o make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o solomon_n marriage_n with_o the_o princess_n of_o tyre_n of_o sidon_n and_o of_o egypt_n that_o be_v to_o say_v with_o the_o posterity_n of_o ham_n which_o be_v unite_v to_o that_o of_o judah_n to_o take_v a_o part_n with_o they_o in_o the_o blessing_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o song_n that_o be_v write_v upon_o that_o marriage_n be_v preserve_v as_o a_o piece_n divine_o inspire_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o happy_a presage_n of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o messiah_n one_o may_v also_o join_v here_o the_o manner_n of_o solomon_n give_v to_o hiram_n subject_n who_o have_v help_v he_o in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n the_o country_n of_o chabul_n which_o be_v enclose_v within_o judea_n although_o those_o people_n be_v of_o the_o canaanite_n posterity_n upon_o who_o noah_n have_v particular_o pronounce_v ix_o gen._n ix_o curse_v be_v canaan_n one_o may_v also_o see_v that_o as_o god_n have_v permit_v his_o people_n to_o be_v transport_v into_o chaldea_n and_o babylon_n and_o have_v raise_v up_o there_o prophet_n among_o they_o on_o purpose_n to_o acquaint_v the_o world_n with_o the_o glorious_a hope_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o he_o cause_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v translate_v into_o greek_a about_o 300_o year_n before_o our_o saviour_n birth_n not_o only_o to_o prevent_v all_o suspicion_n of_o falsehood_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o gentile_n if_o they_o be_v produce_v of_o a_o sudden_a after_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o also_o to_o instruct_v the_o heathen_n by_o little_a and_o little_a of_o the_o right_n which_o all_o nation_n have_v as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n to_o that_o promise_n that_o they_o may_v take_v their_o share_n in_o it_o whenever_o they_o shall_v be_v invite_v to_o it_o by_o god_n and_o especial_o to_o take_v away_o the_o scandal_n which_o be_v to_o follow_v upon_o god_n destroy_v the_o form_n of_o that_o commonwealth_n by_o the_o roman_n according_a to_o daniel_n prediction_n all_o these_o thing_n no_o doubt_n engage_v the_o jew_n who_o read_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n to_o make_v particular_a remark_n upon_o they_o but_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v observe_v three_o thing_n especial_o the_o first_o be_v that_o although_o god_n have_v at_o first_o choose_v their_o whole_a nation_n yet_o he_o be_v please_v to_o disperse_v afterward_o almost_o ten_o part_n of_o thirteen_o which_o plain_o show_v that_o this_o choice_n which_o he_o have_v make_v be_v only_o a_o oeconomical_a choice_n and_o for_o a_o particular_a design_n the_o second_o be_v that_o although_o he_o be_v very_o severe_a and_o punctual_a in_o exact_v obedience_n to_o the_o ceremonial_a service_n yet_o he_o have_v fix_v the_o most_o part_n of_o their_o observance_n to_o certain_a place_n to_o certain_a time_n and_o to_o certain_a person_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_v that_o when_o god_n bound_v they_o in_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v only_o for_o a_o oeconomical_a service_n prescribe_v only_o upon_o a_o particular_a prospect_n which_o be_v one_o day_n to_o have_v a_o end_n the_o three_o be_v that_o experience_n convince_v they_o that_o although_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v fix_v his_o service_n to_o the_o temple_n yet_o he_o suffer_v the_o chaldean_n to_o destroy_v the_o first_o and_o do_v not_o restore_v to_o the_o second_o the_o first_o mark_n of_o his_o presence_n when_o it_o be_v rebuilt_a by_o the_o order_n of_o cyrus_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o conclude_v that_o such_o a_o glory_n as_o retire_v by_o little_a and_o little_a from_o that_o place_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v be_v only_o design_v to_o be_v there_o for_o a_o time_n till_o god_n shall_v extend_v his_o service_n by_o call_v all_o the_o world_n to_o his_o religion_n and_o so_o make_v the_o whole_a universe_n his_o temple_n as_o we_o see_v it_o do_v in_o our_o day_n by_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n finis_fw-la reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n volume_n ii_o london_n print_v for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdclxxxviii_o the_o preface_n in_o my_o reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n i_o have_v show_v the_o mean_n god_n make_v use_n of_o to_o imprint_v the_o idea_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n during_o that_o long_a tract_n of_o 2500_o year_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n depart_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o before_o the_o history_n of_o it_o be_v pen_v by_o moses_n they_o that_o consider_v that_o god_n at_o first_o prescribe_v the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n to_o fix_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o this_o law_n have_v be_v constant_o observe_v since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n until_o moses_n and_o be_v still_o to_o this_o day_n observe_v among_o the_o jew_n easy_o apprehend_v that_o this_o fact_n of_o the_o creation_n can_v not_o be_v more_o incontestable_o prove_v or_o more_o firm_o ground_v in_o like_a manner_n a_o attentive_a reflection_n upon_o the_o oracle_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o which_o alone_o at_o first_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o be_v afterward_o record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v any_o one_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v deep_o engrave_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o israelite_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o jealousy_n which_o god_n have_v raise_v among_o the_o several_a pretender_n to_o the_o execution_n of_o that_o great_a promise_n do_v not_o much_o contribute_v to_o preserve_v the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o as_o i_o have_v show_v very_o careful_o that_o it_o be_v very_o useful_a for_o that_o purpose_n i_o have_v in_o my_o reflection_n afterward_o prove_v upon_o the_o four_o last_o book_n of_o moses_n that_o god_n prosecute_v the_o same_o design_n in_o the_o law_n which_o he_o give_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o peculiar_a form_n and_o regulation_n of_o their_o government_n and_o religion_n the_o great_a design_n of_o which_o rule_n be_v only_a that_o the_o messiah_n at_o his_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v unquestionable_o know_v whoever_o shall_v read_v the_o reflection_n which_o i_o have_v make_v upon_o this_o matter_n will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o long_a life_n of_o the_o patriarch_n be_v of_o great_a efficacy_n to_o make_v so_o fresh_a and_o lively_a a_o impression_n of_o those_o illustrious_a fact_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o very_o frequent_a oracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o same_o as_o indeed_o we_o find_v that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o 2553_o year_n only_o five_o or_o six_o principal_a oracle_n be_v give_v which_o have_v a_o particular_a relation_n to_o the_o messiah_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o now_o this_o reflection_n be_v once_o suppose_v as_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v afterward_o
institute_v during_o the_o captivity_n we_o must_v blind_v ourselves_o of_o purpose_n to_o conceive_v that_o any_o impostor_n can_v forge_v book_n which_o have_v so_o exact_a a_o relation_n and_o such_o certain_a characteristic_n to_o fix_v they_o to_o the_o time_n in_o which_o every_o author_n live_v and_o to_o the_o circumstance_n wherein_o he_o write_v we_o must_v of_o necessity_n grant_v that_o before_o such_o a_o impostor_n can_v bring_v about_o such_o a_o design_n he_o must_v have_v make_v himself_o master_n of_o the_o whole_a profane_a history_n to_o fix_v so_o exact_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o of_o those_o oracle_n which_o have_v be_v give_v in_o circumstance_n which_o be_v unintelligible_a without_o the_o help_n of_o profane_a history_n of_o different_a nation_n i_o come_v now_o to_o fact_n which_o can_v be_v contest_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o those_o fact_n be_v acknowledge_v as_o true_a to_o establish_v in_o general_a the_o truth_n of_o those_o book_n whereof_o we_o teach_v i._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o jew_n preserve_v these_o oracle_n to_o this_o day_n with_o great_a fidelity_n ii_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o christian_n who_o preserve_v they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n since_o they_o have_v be_v separate_v from_o they_o that_o be_v for_o almost_o seventeen_o age_n iii_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o these_o prophecy_n have_v be_v exact_o read_v by_o the_o jew_n because_o of_o those_o oracle_n upon_o which_o they_o believe_v to_o this_o day_n that_o the_o whole_a happiness_n of_o their_o nation_n be_v found_v iv_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v read_v these_o book_n exact_o to_o refute_v the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v pretend_v from_o the_o first_o age_n of_o their_o appear_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n mark_v out_o by_o these_o oracle_n in_o short_a whereas_o the_o christian_n pretend_v to_o prove_v by_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o ancient_a oracle_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o jew_n endeavour_v to_o this_o day_n to_o wrest_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o oracle_n and_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o literal_o accomplish_v and_o which_o by_o consequence_n can_v be_v apply_v to_o jesus_n christ_n v._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o most_o of_o the_o controversy_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o the_o christian_n only_o regard_v the_o application_n of_o the_o text_n of_o the_o prophetical_a author_n the_o christian_n explain_v they_o in_o a_o mystical_a sense_n the_o jew_n maintain_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v explain_v literal_o vi_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o about_o 300_o year_n before_o the_o birth_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o prophetical_a book_n be_v translate_v and_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o egyptian_n have_v be_v carry_v to_o and_o translate_v at_o alexandria_n by_o a_o public_a order_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o king_n of_o egypt_n the_o history_n of_o that_o version_n which_o put_v those_o sacred_a book_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o jew_n who_o dwell_v in_o egypt_n be_v the_o most_o famous_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o which_o make_v those_o book_n perfect_o know_v here_o we_o have_v now_o these_o book_n in_o hebrew_n and_o in_o greek_a that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o the_o primitive_a language_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o vulgar_a language_n of_o the_o empire_n which_o alexander_n found_v it_o be_v know_v that_o from_o that_o time_n the_o christian_n take_v care_n to_o make_v great_a number_n of_o translation_n into_o all_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n after_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o they_o preserve_v those_o ancient_a book_n as_o the_o first_o element_n of_o their_o religion_n now_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o acknowledge_v those_o truth_n to_o consider_v that_o those_o oracle_n be_v true_a which_o foretell_v thing_n which_o happen_v almost_o four_o age_n after_o their_o prediction_n thus_o for_o instance_n the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n the_o destruction_n of_o the_o syrian_a and_o egyptian_a monarchy_n be_v all_o contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o daniel_n haggai_n zachariah_n and_o malachi_n now_o there_o be_v not_o more_o difficulty_n to_o conceive_v that_o such_o author_n as_o isaiah_n amos_n joel_n shall_v have_v foretell_v the_o same_o thing_n eight_o or_o nine_o hundred_o year_n before_o than_o there_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v foretell_v by_o those_o who_o live_v but_o little_a above_o four_o age_n before_o they_o actual_o come_v to_o pass_v there_o be_v therefore_o no_o difficulty_n in_o conceive_v that_o these_o ancient_a oracle_n be_v propose_v as_o we_o see_v they_o and_o in_o those_o time_n to_o which_o we_o find_v they_o fix_v but_o we_o ought_v to_o go_v further_o into_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o establish_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o i_o confess_v that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o suspicion_n of_o those_o oracle_n which_o be_v not_o relate_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o public_a volume_n as_o for_o instance_n those_o of_o elijah_n elisha_n and_o uriah_n the_o son_n of_o shemaiah_n who_o seem_v never_o to_o have_v publish_v any_o thing_n but_o here_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v 1._o that_o usual_o the_o author_n who_o publish_v the_o oracle_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o those_o who_o tell_v we_o of_o their_o accomplishment_n 2._o that_o the_o oracle_n of_o which_o we_o now_o speak_v be_v upon_o subject_n perfect_o know_v and_o upon_o very_o illustrious_a exigency_n what_o more_o illustrious_a than_o the_o destruction_n of_o ahab_n family_n foretell_v by_o elijah_n what_o more_o extraordinary_a than_o the_o manner_n of_o jezebel_n death_n foretell_v by_o the_o same_o prophet_n in_o short_a we_o ought_v to_o take_v notice_n i._o that_o these_o oracle_n be_v write_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o complete_a volume_n we_o have_v sixteen_o prophet_n sufficient_o distinguish_v by_o their_o proper_a volume_n ii_o each_o of_o these_o author_n have_v a_o very_a different_a character_n from_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o some_o as_o daniel_n for_o instance_n write_v in_o a_o peculiar_a language_n one_o part_n of_o his_o book_n be_v in_o chaldee_n iii_o every_o one_o have_v some_o relation_n to_o the_o rest_n so_o those_o who_o live_v together_o often_o treat_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n so_o isaiah_n for_o instance_n joel_n amos_n hosea_n but_o they_o have_v separate_a idea_n and_o particular_a oracle_n and_o a_o turn_n which_o perfect_o distinguish_v they_o one_o from_o another_o iv_o one_o needs_o only_o read_v their_o work_n to_o find_v that_o they_o write_v in_o different_a place_n amos_n be_v of_o juda_n and_o go_v to_o prohecy_v in_o israel_n that_o appear_v plain_o ezechiel_n and_o daniel_n prophesy_v in_o chaldea_n that_o be_v see_v by_o read_v their_o work_n v._o there_o be_v a_o natural_a dependence_n between_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o those_o of_o the_o prophet_n in_o general_a for_o the_o prophet_n be_v continual_o reproach_v the_o king_n and_o people_n with_o the_o crime_n which_o they_o commit_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n propose_v by_o moses_n vi_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a dependence_n between_o the_o write_n of_o the_o former_a and_o of_o the_o latter_a prophet_n 2._o dan._n ix_o 2._o so_o jeremiah_n be_v quote_v by_o daniel_n as_o foretell_v the_o time_n when_o the_o desolation_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o have_v a_o end_n this_o he_o propose_v not_o as_o if_o he_o have_v learn_v it_o by_o a_o revelation_n but_o as_o a_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v find_v out_o by_o a_o attentive_a examination_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremiah_n vii_o there_o be_v a_o exact_a connexion_n of_o these_o oracle_n with_o the_o history_n of_o the_o time_n which_o be_v often_o interweave_v with_o the_o prophecy_n one_o see_v we_o it_o in_o the_o book_n of_o isaiah_n jeremiah_n and_o daniel_n the_o other_o historical_a book_n not_o be_v altogether_o so_o particular_a as_o these_o prophetical_a book_n be_v viii_o in_o short_a one_o see_v we_o that_o these_o book_n be_v interweave_v with_o oracle_n concern_v ancient_a event_n and_o people_n which_o have_v now_o no_o existence_n so_o thaâ—_n that_o hinder_v we_o from_o suspect_v any_o forgery_n i_o shall_v not_o repeat_v here_o the_o common_a argument_n which_o establish_v the_o credit_n of_o these_o book_n i_o bring_v in_o most_o of_o they_o when_o i_o establish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n i_o shall_v only_o make_v some_o reflection_n here_o to_o establish_v the_o same_o truth_n chap._n vi_o that_o the_o
iv_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o pay_v a_o much_o great_a deference_n to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n than_o of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v sour_v by_o their_o misery_n and_o dispute_n to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o they_o have_v lose_v that_o principle_n of_o equity_n which_o keep_v man_n from_o deny_v the_o most_o evident_a truth_n and_o which_o have_v be_v the_o most_o universal_o acknowledge_v by_o a_o whole_a nation_n that_o be_v not_o prepossess_v with_o so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o obstinacy_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v beside_o that_o this_o seem_a confusion_n of_o those_o oracle_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n with_o other_o subject_n treat_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n arise_v from_o several_a cause_n i._o from_o the_o prophet_n often_o join_v the_o idea_n of_o the_o principal_a promise_n the_o send_n of_o the_o messiah_n with_o the_o promise_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o promise_n as_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o instance_n so_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o egypt_n and_o their_o departure_n from_o thence_o with_o their_o settle_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v they_o before_o be_v foretell_v as_o necessary_a mean_n in_o the_o order_n of_o providence_n to_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o great_a design_n of_o god._n for_o so_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n and_o their_o deliverance_n there_o from_o which_o be_v both_o foretell_v be_v foretell_v as_o step_n towards_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o send_v the_o messiah_n and_o so_o likewise_o when_o they_o foretell_v the_o persecution_n by_o antiochus_n and_o the_o other_o neighbour_a nation_n they_o also_o foretell_v the_o deliverance_n which_o god_n will_v grant_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o re-establishment_n until_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o great_a promise_n ii_o this_o seem_a confusion_n arise_v from_o the_o write_n of_o these_o book_n piece_n by_o piece_n which_o afterward_o be_v put_v into_o this_o order_n without_o have_v always_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v and_o without_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o the_o occasion_n which_o engage_v the_o prophet_n to_o write_v and_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o prophecy_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n join_v to_o several_a other_o transaction_n and_o to_o several_a other_o prediction_n who_o connexion_n be_v not_o always_o so_o very_o evident_a iii_o it_o arise_v from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophecy_n each_o by_o themselves_o so_o that_o all_o those_o of_o the_o same_o prophet_n be_v put_v together_o as_o they_o come_v out_o make_v only_o a_o new_a chapter_n in_o the_o work_n whereas_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v rather_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o matter_n than_o to_o the_o order_n in_o which_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o book_n as_o we_o have_v it_o at_o the_o present_a for_o the_o prophet_n often_o borrow_v their_o light_n from_o what_o they_o themselves_o have_v say_v some_o time_n before_o or_o from_o what_o some_o other_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v particular_o of_o those_o who_o live_v about_o the_o same_o time_n but_o beside_o those_o rule_n which_o i_o propose_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o beside_o those_o observation_n of_o the_o join_v the_o oracle_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n with_o other_o subject_n i_o must_v add_v two_o rule_n more_o which_o may_v be_v useful_a in_o determine_v the_o sense_n of_o great_a number_n of_o oracle_n which_o be_v express_v in_o figurative_a term_n the_o first_o be_v that_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o conceive_v that_o when_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o when_o they_o be_v intent_n upon_o the_o description_n of_o his_o kingdom_n they_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o expression_n which_o seem_v to_o foretell_v a_o sort_n of_o overturning_a of_o nature_n which_o shall_v happen_v at_o that_o time_n but_o then_o these_o expression_n ought_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o figurative_a sense_n in_o the_o same_o spiritual_a sense_n in_o which_o the_o christian_n understand_v they_o as_o the_o famous_a maimonides_n allow_v in_o that_o passage_n of_o isaiah_n xii_o lib._n de_fw-fr regibus_fw-la cap._n xii_o where_o the_o wolf_n and_o the_o lamb_n be_v say_v to_o feed_v together_o second_o since_o the_o messiah_n be_v describe_v as_o one_o who_o shall_v unite_v in_o his_o own_o person_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o the_o meanness_n of_o the_o human_a nature_n together_o we_o ought_v to_o understand_v those_o oracle_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o what_o be_v great_a in_o those_o prophetical_a description_n shall_v not_o contradict_v the_o more_o contemptible_a part_n when_o we_o consider_v the_o messiah_n as_o clothe_v with_o all_o the_o meanness_n of_o the_o human_a nature_n these_o idea_n which_o be_v often_o join_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o oracle_n aught_o to_o be_v exact_o apply_v to_o the_o different_a consideration_n which_o the_o prophet_n have_v of_o the_o messiah_n or_o to_o those_o various_a state_n through_o which_o they_o themselves_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o pass_v a_o intelligent_a reader_n will_v easy_o judge_v that_o i_o may_v have_v add_v a_o three_o rule_n to_o the_o two_o former_a which_o be_v that_o when_o a_o person_n who_o have_v all_o the_o character_n of_o a_o prophet_n apply_v a_o old_a oracle_n to_o any_o subject_a one_o can_v reasonable_o dispute_v his_o application_n this_o the_o christian_n assure_v we_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o oracle_n but_o because_o this_o suppose_v a_o prophetic_a character_n in_o the_o apostle_n before_o it_o have_v be_v establish_v by_o solid_a proof_n i_o shall_v wave_v the_o proposal_n of_o it_o at_o present_a after_o these_o general_a remark_n i_o shall_v gather_v together_o those_o oracle_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n i_o may_v here_o follow_v the_o order_n of_o the_o matter_n by_o bring_v under_o each_o article_n those_o oracle_n which_o relate_v to_o it_o which_o will_v give_v a_o great_a light_n to_o the_o subject_a as_o eusebius_n have_v right_o observe_v and_o as_o he_o have_v practise_v himself_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr demonstratione_fw-la evangelicâ_fw-la however_o i_o rather_o choose_v to_o follow_v the_o order_n of_o time_n in_o which_o these_o oracle_n be_v utter_v which_o do_v not_o seem_v improper_a to_o explain_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o oracle_n in_o short_a this_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n i._o because_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o consider_v the_o series_n of_o god_n design_n and_o the_o connexion_n which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o those_o idea_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o express_v it_o ii_o because_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o light_n in_o the_o revelation_n proportionable_o as_o the_o time_n draw_v near_o so_o that_o it_o be_v of_o use_n to_o observe_v how_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n follow_v this_o natural_a order_n in_o make_v the_o late_a oracle_n clear_a than_o the_o former_a and_o in_o hint_v by_o little_a and_o little_a a_o great_a number_n of_o circumstance_n by_o which_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o explain_v they_o iii_o because_o this_o serve_v to_o give_v we_o a_o very_a strong_a proof_n that_o god_n intend_v to_o furnish_v we_o from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o with_o that_o which_o shall_v fix_v we_o in_o a_o belief_n of_o this_o capital_a truth_n in_o our_o religion_n in_o short_a when_o the_o truth_n of_o each_o of_o the_o book_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v once_o approve_a and_o their_o age_n set_v down_o it_o appear_v that_o several_a prophet_n do_v agree_v wonderful_o without_o any_o concert_n in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n at_o several_a time_n and_o in_o several_a place_n and_o circumstance_n which_o hinder_v man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n from_o agree_v in_o the_o most_o common_a matter_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o reflection_n i_o have_v already_o consider_v that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n follow_v rule_n very_o conformable_a to_o the_o condition_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o patriarch_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o messiah_n we_o may_v see_v the_o same_o conduct_n in_o the_o follow_a time_n so_o since_o god_n have_v promise_v child_n to_o adam_n in_o abel_n stead_n one_o may_v see_v that_o he_o also_o promise_v david_n a_o son_n who_o shall_v set_v upon_o his_o throne_n he_o explain_v almost_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o come_v his_o humiliation_n his_o exaltation_n the_o opposition_n he_o shall_v meet_v with_o the_o victory_n he_o shall_v obtain_v and_o his_o office_n prophetical_a priestly_a and_o royal._n one_o see_v
fact_n be_v join_v with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o weakness_n whereinto_o they_o all_o fall_v they_o relate_v their_o own_o flight_n and_o forsake_v their_o master_n with_o s._n peter_n deny_v of_o he_o whilst_o they_o set_v down_o the_o courage_n of_o those_o woman_n and_o that_o entire_a love_n which_o they_o show_v to_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o account_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o these_o ancient_a oracle_n be_v interweave_v with_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o which_o be_v utter_v by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v good_a his_o claim_n the_o three_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v never_o on_o any_o occasion_n more_o open_o stand_v to_o his_o pretention_n of_o be_v the_o messiah_n than_o when_o he_o apply_v to_o himself_o those_o oracle_n which_o by_o their_o public_a consent_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o messiah_n which_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n more_o obstinate_o contest_v than_o ever_o the_o four_o be_v that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o more_o exact_a description_n of_o all_o circumstance_n which_o may_v assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o relation_n than_o that_o which_o the_o evangelist_n have_v give_v we_o of_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o which_o we_o find_v the_o place_n the_o time_n the_o person_n their_o discourse_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n set_v down_o with_o extreme_a care_n the_o five_o be_v that_o as_o this_o fact_n with_o all_o its_o circumstance_n be_v the_o most_o exact_o describe_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o ever_o be_v so_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n concern_v which_o it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o impose_v upon_o any_o one_o all_o be_v do_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n who_o be_v meet_v together_o at_o their_o most_o solemn_a festival_n all_o be_v do_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o sovereign_n heathen_a magistrate_n of_o the_o council_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o herod_n and_o of_o those_o who_o follow_v he_o to_o jerusalem_n the_o six_o be_v that_o we_o find_v a_o account_n of_o some_o miracle_n interweave_v with_o this_o relation_n of_o the_o evangelist_n concern_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o miracle_n as_o public_a and_o as_o little_a subject_n to_o suspicion_n as_o the_o death_n itself_o of_o jesus_n christ_n if_o we_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o examine_v they_o they_o who_o come_v to_o take_v jesus_n fall_v down_o backward_o to_o the_o ground_n jesus_n christ_n restore_v the_o ear_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n servant_n which_o be_v cut_v off_o there_o be_v darkness_n over_o all_o the_o land_n from_o nine_o a_o clock_n in_o the_o morning_n till_o noon_n the_o vail_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v rend_v these_o be_v miraculous_a action_n and_o such_o as_o the_o jew_n may_v easy_o have_v refute_v wheresoever_o they_o have_v be_v propose_v if_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o have_v not_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n from_o all_o these_o remark_n it_o evident_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o dispute_v the_o application_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v of_o these_o oracle_n which_o be_v so_o particular_a to_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o true_a messiah_n we_o find_v every_o part_n of_o their_o relation_n exact_o answer_v to_o the_o prophecy_n how_o then_o can_v any_o one_o doubt_n of_o their_o be_v fulfil_v in_o he_o especial_o see_v it_o be_v evident_a by_o so_o many_o other_o proof_n that_o he_o be_v indeed_o the_o messiah_n and_o that_o god_n have_v be_v please_v so_o many_o other_o way_n to_o confirm_v the_o same_o truth_n chap._n xiii_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 have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v crucify_v under_o pontius_n pilate_n for_o maintain_v that_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n i_o be_o now_o to_o show_v that_o according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n set_v down_o in_o my_o three_o part_n he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n and_o afterward_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n as_o these_o two_o fact_n be_v the_o most_o important_a of_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n because_o if_o they_o be_v deny_v all_o the_o divine_a worship_n give_v to_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o a_o great_a number_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o receive_v he_o for_o their_o master_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v absolute_o unlawful_a so_o we_o ought_v solid_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v indisputable_o true_a of_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v full_o convince_v by_o make_v some_o observation_n upon_o the_o relation_n which_o the_o evangelist_n give_v we_o concern_v they_o and_o we_o shall_v easy_o find_v therein_o all_o the_o character_n of_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o observe_v that_o a_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v a_o fact_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v believe_v and_o that_o though_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o all_o of_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o impossible_a thing_n yet_o there_o be_v sadducee_n among_o they_o who_o doctrine_n be_v public_o teach_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o though_o the_o disciple_n have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n raise_v three_o person_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o among_o other_o lazarus_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n yet_o we_o find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o thereby_o more_o dispose_v to_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v to_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a in_o short_a though_o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o have_v foretell_v that_o he_o be_v to_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o common_o know_v that_o the_o priest_n to_o elude_v the_o prophecy_n desire_v of_o pilate_n that_o a_o guard_n may_v be_v set_v on_o jesus_n his_o grave_n yet_o they_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o disciple_n none_o except_v be_v in_o such_o a_o consternation_n at_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o have_v entire_o lose_v the_o hope_n of_o see_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o prophecy_n some_o pious_a woman_n who_o have_v accompany_v he_o to_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o show_v some_o mark_n of_o their_o veneration_n after_o his_o death_n come_v indeed_o to_o his_o sepulchre_n but_o with_o spice_n to_o embalm_v his_o dead_a body_n so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o expect_v to_o find_v he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a though_o these_o holy_a woman_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o apparition_n of_o a_o angel_n by_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o by_o the_o repetition_n of_o his_o order_n that_o they_o shall_v go_v to_o galilee_n where_o they_o shall_v see_v he_o yet_o the_o relation_n which_o they_o give_v of_o these_o thing_n be_v account_v fabulous_a so_o that_o two_o only_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o curiosity_n to_o go_v to_o the_o grave_a and_o inform_v themselves_o here_o be_v a_o great_a unbelief_n among_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v to_o be_v cure_v this_o be_v a_o condition_n whole_o inconsistent_a if_o we_o suppose_v they_o impostor_n and_o that_o they_o intend_v to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world._n a_o second_o thing_n we_o may_v observe_v be_v that_o as_o the_o incredulity_n of_o our_o saviour_n own_o disciple_n be_v extraordinary_a so_o we_o can_v imagine_v any_o more_o efficacious_a mean_n than_o be_v employ_v to_o overcome_v this_o their_o doubtfulness_n if_o one_o join_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o evangelist_n together_o one_o may_v find_v several_a degree_n of_o evidence_n in_o those_o proof_n which_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o first_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n angel_n at_o first_o declare_v his_o resurrection_n to_o some_o woman_n jesus_n christ_n afterward_o appear_v to_o mary_n magdalen_n all_o alone_a afterward_o he_o appear_v only_o to_o two_o of_o his_o disciple_n then_o to_o st._n peter_n afterward_o he_o appear_v to_o seven_o of_o they_o at_o once_o then_o to_o all_o his_o disciple_n except_o thomas_n and_o soon_o after_o to_o the_o eleven_o thomas_n be_v one_o of_o they_o after_o all_o this_o he_o appear_v to_o a_o great_a number_n of_o his_o follower_n till_o at_o last_o have_v be_v several_a time_n see_v of_o they_o all_o he_o appear_v to_o they_o all_o assemble_v together_o and_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n in_o their_o sight_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o as_o they_o be_v inform_v of_o this_o truth_n one_o after_o another_o so_o they_o be_v more_o oblige_v to_o examine_v the_o fact_n more_o attentive_o when_o jesus_n christ_n appear_v to_o they_o the_o second_o degree_n have_v relation_n to_o those_o mark_n and_o character_n by_o which_o they_o be_v assure_v
become_v christian_n it_o be_v also_o of_o great_a importance_n to_o observe_v further_o as_o i_o have_v already_o do_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v pen_v before_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v only_o some_o of_o the_o work_n of_o s._n john_n which_o be_v write_v after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o have_v before_o observe_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n order_v it_o so_o that_o all_o the_o jew_n for_o five_o and_o thirty_o year_n together_o repair_v thrice_o a_o year_n to_o jerusalem_n at_o their_o three_o solemn_a festival_n may_v have_v great_a opportunity_n to_o inform_v themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o remark_n i_o shall_v now_o add_v two_o weighty_a consideration_n the_o one_o be_v that_o the_o christian_n for_o some_o year_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o repair_v with_o the_o jew_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v engage_v to_o examine_v the_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o other_o be_v that_o after_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v dispense_v with_o as_o to_o that_o custom_n as_o well_o as_o the_o observe_n of_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o set_v the_o christian_n in_o a_o great_a opposition_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o so_o increase_v the_o necessity_n of_o examine_v very_o scrupulous_o on_o both_o side_n whatsoever_o be_v for_o or_o against_o they_o in_o those_o matter_n of_o religion_n this_o observation_n lead_v we_o natural_o to_o another_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a that_o a_o imposture_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v not_o be_v discover_v when_o there_o arise_v a_o difference_n between_o those_o who_o may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o forgery_n and_o those_o who_o after_o they_o endeavour_v to_o gain_v credit_n to_o it_o now_o if_o we_o find_v that_o one_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n betray_v he_o without_o accuse_v he_o of_o the_o least_o crime_n or_o imposture_n if_o we_o have_v see_v the_o christian_n at_o first_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o assembly_n with_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o there_o be_v several_a contest_v and_o dispute_v between_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o first_o christian_n yet_o without_o call_v those_o fact_n which_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o question_n by_o either_o side_n s._n paul_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o contest_v which_o happen_v betwixt_o he_o and_o s._n peter_n s._n luke_n relate_v the_o heat_n between_o s._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n upon_o very_o slight_a occasion_n he_o set_v down_o also_o the_o dispute_n which_o arise_v about_o the_o distribution_n of_o alm_n to_o the_o greek_a and_o jewish_a widow_n one_o see_v we_o that_o there_o arise_v a_o dispute_n among_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o about_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o gospel_n one_o see_v we_o afterward_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o maintain_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o submit_v to_o circumcision_n and_o s._n paul_n opposition_n set_v down_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n we_o need_v no_o more_o to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o concert_n nor_o collusion_n between_o they_o to_o deceive_v or_o impose_v upon_o those_o to_o who_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n let_v we_o go_v a_o little_a further_o a_o dispute_n happen_v about_o a_o capital_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n about_o the_o resurrection_n insomuch_o that_o s._n paul_n think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o write_v concern_v it_o to_o the_o corinthian_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n again_o now_o we_o find_v that_o s._n paul_n to_o confirm_v this_o doctrine_n in_o general_n chief_o make_v use_v of_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o he_o prove_v by_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o fact_n itself_o that_o be_v by_o witness_n who_o he_o produce_v whereupon_o i_o make_v this_o considerable_a reflection_n that_o in_o compare_v this_o dispute_n of_o s._n paul_n with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n it_o clear_o appear_v that_o they_o do_v not_o allege_v all_o the_o proof_n they_o may_v have_v do_v none_o of_o they_o relate_v in_o particular_a the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o see_v jesus_n christ_n in_o galilee_n upon_o the_o holy_a mountain_n but_o s._n paul_n who_o have_v examine_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o their_o relation_n and_o know_v the_o witness_n specify_v the_o number_n and_o observe_v that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v yet_o alive_a if_o perhaps_o any_o of_o they_o be_v already_o dead_a i_o shall_v add_v only_o two_o consideration_n more_o which_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v even_o impossible_a for_o the_o apostle_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n on_o this_o occasion_n the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n they_o be_v no_o great_a lord_n who_o power_n may_v terrify_v any_o one_o from_o examine_v their_o write_n or_o who_o reputation_n can_v not_o have_v be_v call_v in_o question_n without_o danger_n on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v man_n of_o mean_a condition_n employ_v in_o base_a profession_n often_o cast_v into_o prison_n and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n oblige_v to_o appear_v before_o magistrate_n for_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o the_o same_o fact_n which_o they_o publish_v to_o the_o world._n let_v we_o consider_v then_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n for_o s._n paul_n for_o instance_n i_o say_v for_o this_o s._n paul_n a_o maker_n of_o tent_n this_o s._n paul_n without_o reputation_n without_o riches_n this_o s._n paul_n who_o be_v seize_v at_o jerusalem_n after_o divers_a persecution_n this_o s._n paul_n who_o be_v send_v a_o prisoner_n to_o rome_n and_o imprison_v there_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n and_o who_o at_o last_o lose_v his_o life_n by_o nero_n order_n to_o make_v those_o blind_o believe_v all_o he_o say_v who_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o examine_v whether_o all_o that_o luke_n relate_v as_o happen_v to_o he_o at_o jerusalem_n at_o maltha_n at_o philippi_n at_o athens_n be_v indeed_o true_a or_o only_o a_o frame_a story_n the_o second_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o observe_v be_v that_o not_o only_o the_o book_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v public_o read_v every_o lord_n day_n by_o a_o constant_a law_n of_o which_o we_o have_v most_o authentic_a witness_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o in_o other_o ancient_a book_n which_o be_v still_o extant_a but_o also_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o write_v not_o in_o hebrew_n which_o at_o that_o time_n be_v a_o dead_a tongue_n nor_o in_o syriack_n a_o language_n speak_v in_o a_o very_a few_o place_n but_o in_o greek_a which_o at_o that_o time_n be_v the_o language_n common_o receive_v throughout_o all_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o beside_o be_v the_o language_n into_o which_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v cause_v the_o old_a testament_n to_o be_v translate_v about_o three_o age_n before_o that_o man_n may_v compare_v the_o ancient_a oracle_n and_o their_o accomplishment_n together_o chap._n xx._n that_o the_o whole_a model_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v at_o this_o day_n so_o entire_o destroy_v that_o the_o messiah_n can_v no_o more_o be_v know_v what_o i_o have_v before_o set_v down_o to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o fact_n which_o serve_v for_o a_o foundation_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v certain_o sufficient_a to_o answer_v the_o design_n which_o i_o form_v in_o write_v these_o reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v with_o justice_n conclude_v that_o as_o nothing_o be_v more_o contestable_a than_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o book_n and_o of_o the_o fact_n in_o they_o relate_v so_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o now_o i_o have_v only_o two_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o which_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o conclude_v these_o reflection_n the_o one_o be_v to_o show_v the_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o conceive_v any_o other_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o ancient_a oracle_n than_o what_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o other_o be_v that_o concern_v the_o division_n among_o christian_n which_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o especial_o concern_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o mystery_n which_o the_o gospel_n propose_v which_o be_v as_o so_o many_o stumble_a block_n to_o they_o which_o hinder_v they_o from_o discern_v those_o character_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o by_o