reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o two_o volume_n volume_n i._n london_n print_v for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdclxxxviii_o imprimatur_fw-la libre_fw-la cvi_fw-la titulus_fw-la est_fw-la reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n etc._n etc._n in_o ii_o vol._n the_o 12_o of_o january_n 1687_o 1687_o 8._o h._n maurice_n r_n mo_z in_o christo_n p.d._n willielmo_n archiep._n cant._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la to_o the_o king_n great_a sir_n the_o gracious_a acceptance_n which_o your_o majesty_n be_v please_v to_o allow_v the_o first_o volume_n of_o my_o reflection_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n encourage_v and_o almost_o necessitate_v i_o to_o the_o further_a presumption_n of_o lay_v these_o two_o volume_n at_o this_o time_n at_o your_o majesty_n foot_n your_o majesty_n do_v i_o the_o honour_n to_o say_v that_o you_o be_v please_v to_o see_v divine_n apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o subject_n so_o important_a and_o after_o this_o judgement_n give_v by_o so_o great_a a_o prince_n which_o be_v so_o evident_a a_o demonstration_n of_o your_o zeal_n for_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o have_v be_v unpardonable_a in_o i_o not_o to_o have_v go_v on_o with_o the_o work_n and_o i_o have_v reason_n then_o to_o consecrate_v it_o whole_o to_o your_o majesty_n who_o i_o be_v assure_v will_v approve_v of_o my_o intention_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n will_v pardon_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o performance_n as_o your_o majesty_n continue_v still_o to_o give_v such_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o your_o clemency_n and_o royal_a protection_n to_o those_o of_o our_o nation_n so_o i_o confess_v sir_n i_o think_v myself_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o this_o opportunity_n 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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
foretell_v in_o the_o second_o psalm_n ii_o he_o observe_v that_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o begin_v at_o jerusalem_n or_o zion_n which_o be_v then_o to_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o his_o enemy_n iii_o he_o express_o point_v out_o the_o quick_a extent_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n with_o the_o character_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v submit_v to_o he_o without_o constraint_n or_o violence_n which_o be_v much_o practise_v under_o moses_n law._n iv_o he_o positive_o assert_n that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v establish_v a_o priest_n after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedech_n which_o will_v overturn_v the_o whole_a levitical_a priesthood_n which_o then_o be_v to_o have_v a_o end_n yet_o the_o very_a same_o king_n who_o design_v the_o draught_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o solomon_n build_v some_o time_n after_o undermine_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o material_a building_n and_o clear_o suppose_v that_o the_o levitical_a ministry_n which_o be_v fix_v to_o solomon_n temple_n shall_v last_v no_o long_o than_o until_o the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n v._o he_o particular_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v by_o the_o divine_a assistance_n destroy_v all_o that_o shall_v oppose_v his_o power_n and_o shall_v bring_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o dominion_n as_o a_o conqueror_n who_o shall_v overturn_v all_o thing_n with_o the_o utmost_a violence_n nothing_o can_v be_v great_a than_o these_o several_a oracle_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o particular_a than_o his_o description_n of_o the_o glory_n to_o which_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v advance_v after_o that_o prodigious_a humiliation_n which_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o xxii_o psalm_n but_o what_o can_v we_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o david_n speak_v of_o the_o messiah_n in_o this_o psalm_n this_o i_o be_o further_a to_o consider_v one_o may_v say_v that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o constant_o apply_v these_o prophecy_n to_o the_o messiah_n before_o the_o come_v of_o jesus_n christ_n without_o good_a ground_n they_o can_v not_o apply_v they_o to_o any_o of_o david_n successor_n none_o of_o david_n successor_n be_v both_o king_n and_o priest_n uzziah_n be_v the_o only_a man_n who_o dare_v to_o usurp_v the_o priesthood_n and_o he_o be_v punish_v by_o god_n himself_o the_o maccabee_n be_v not_o of_o david_n tribe_n but_o be_v levite_n and_o none_o of_o they_o ever_o go_v up_o into_o heaven_n to_o set_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god._n beside_o their_o kingdom_n do_v not_o begin_v in_o zion_n and_o they_o never_o bring_v any_o other_o king_n under_o their_o authority_n they_o apply_v it_o therefore_o to_o the_o messiah_n pursuant_n to_o the_o maxim_n which_o they_o draw_v from_o a_o frequent_a meditation_n upon_o the_o ancient_a oracle_n that_o we_o ought_v only_o to_o look_v for_o a_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o prophecy_n in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o they_o can_v never_o sin_v to_o be_v fulfil_v any_o where_o else_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o know_v that_o the_o exactness_n and_o truth_n of_o those_o prediction_n can_v not_o be_v any_o way_n contest_v in_o short_a it_o plain_o appear_v that_o they_o do_v unanimous_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o messiah_n before_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n from_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o confess_v it_o to_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o press_v they_o with_o the_o cx_o psalm_n though_o they_o can_v not_o explain_v the_o manner_n how_o david_n shall_v call_v the_o messiah_n lord_n when_o they_o allow_v he_o to_o be_v his_o son_n matth._n xxii_o 48._o one_o see_v we_o nothing_o so_o frequent_o urge_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o this_o cx_o psalm_n they_o use_v it_o upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o prove_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v the_o character_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n such_o as_o david_n have_v give_v he_o in_o the_o cx_o psalm_n suppose_v still_o as_o a_o thing_n beyond_o dispute_n that_o david_n speak_v of_o the_o messiah_n in_o this_o famous_a prophecy_n so_o that_o what_o evasion_n soever_o the_o jew_n may_v endeavour_v to_o make_v use_n of_o yet_o they_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o their_o most_o famous_a doctor_n since_o jesus_n christ_n have_v upon_o several_a occasion_n follow_v the_o old_a notion_n of_o the_o synagogue_n in_o this_o matter_n one_o find_v in_o their_o write_n great_a number_n of_o testimony_n which_o confirm_v this_o truth_n i_o shall_v not_o mention_v they_o at_o present_a because_o they_o be_v well_o enough_o know_v and_o because_o i_o will_v make_v haste_n to_o come_v to_o that_o new_a degree_n of_o revelation_n which_o god_n give_v to_o those_o prophet_n who_o give_v new_a character_n of_o the_o messiah_n to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n for_o some_o age_n after_o david_n time_n they_o be_v in_o too_o great_a a_o number_n to_o be_v speak_v of_o one_o by_o one_o and_o i_o be_o force_v to_o range_v they_o under_o certain_a head_n though_o i_o intend_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o make_v more_o particular_a reflection_n upon_o some_o of_o those_o which_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a truth_n and_o so_o by_o that_o mean_n furnish_v we_o with_o the_o most_o sensible_a character_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v more_o certain_o the_o person_n who_o god_n propose_v to_o his_o people_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o the_o saviour_n of_o israel_n and_o who_o he_o have_v before_o call_v the_o expectation_n of_o the_o gentile_n chap._n xii_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o have_v a_o forerunner_n and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v his_o character_n we_o shall_v make_v it_o manifest_a in_o the_o sequel_n of_o the_o discourse_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o appear_v in_o a_o very_a despicable_a state_n and_o consequent_o that_o his_o appearance_n will_v be_v very_o distasteful_a to_o those_o who_o expect_v he_o in_o the_o splendour_n of_o a_o great_a king_n and_o conqueror_n to_o oppose_v this_o preconceive_a opinion_n of_o they_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n think_v fit_a to_o appoint_v one_o to_o be_v his_o forerunner_n who_o shall_v call_v the_o jew_n to_o repentance_n and_o a_o reformation_n of_o their_o life_n and_o form_n in_o they_o a_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o messiah_n as_o of_o a_o person_n who_o be_v to_o prescribe_v to_o they_o law_n of_o the_o great_a purity_n and_o holiness_n and_o indeed_o in_o examine_v the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o find_v that_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v usher_v in_o by_o a_o person_n thus_o distinguish_v the_o follow_a prophecy_n be_v very_o express_v to_o this_o purpose_n the_o first_o of_o these_o we_o find_v in_o the_o xl_o of_o isaiah_n verse_n 3._o where_o the_o prophet_n speak_v thus_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o first_o temple_n 3._o isai_n xl._n 3._o the_o voice_n of_o he_o that_o cry_v in_o the_o wilderness_n prepare_v you_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v straight_o in_o the_o desert_n a_o high_a way_n for_o our_o god._n abenezra_n abenezra_n the_o jew_n acknowledge_v that_o this_o chapter_n speak_v of_o the_o comfort_n the_o messiah_n be_v to_o procure_v for_o his_o people_n and_o that_o the_o voice_n mention_v here_o refer_v to_o those_o who_o be_v to_o declare_v and_o proclaim_v his_o come_v we_o meet_v with_o a_o second_o prophecy_n in_o malachy_n who_o prophesy_v after_o the_o rebuilding_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o who_o have_v shut_v up_o the_o vision_n precise_o point_n at_o the_o time_n wherein_o he_o be_v to_o appear_v viz._n during_o the_o second_o temple_n chap._n iii_o verse_n 1_o 2_o 3_o &_o 4._o behold_v i_o will_v send_v my_o messenger_n and_o he_o shall_v prepare_v the_o way_n before_o i_o and_o the_o lord_n who_o you_o seek_v shall_v sudden_o come_v to_o his_o temple_n even_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o you_o delight_v in_o behold_v he_o shall_v come_v say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n but_o who_o may_v abide_v the_o day_n of_o his_o come_n and_o who_o shall_v stand_v when_o he_o appear_v for_o he_o be_v like_o a_o refiner_n fire_n and_o like_o fuller_n soap_n and_o he_o shall_v sit_v as_o a_o refiner_n and_o purifier_n of_o silver_n and_o he_o shall_v purify_v the_o son_n of_o levi_n and_o purge_v they_o as_o gold_n and_o silver_n that_o they_o may_v offer_v unto_o the_o lord_n a_o offer_v in_o righteousness_n the_o jew_n own_o that_o these_o word_n also_o of_o malachy_n saad_n r._n saad_n speak_v of_o the_o forerunner_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v in_o the_o forego_n passage_n 1._o that_o they_o have_v a_o manifest_a relation_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n come_v shall_v the_o jew_n deny_v this_o as_o indeed_o they_o unanimous_o acknowledge_v it_o it_o will_v be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o convince_v they_o 1._o by_o urge_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o evangelist_n
he_o who_o have_v make_v himself_o so_o famous_a by_o his_o sorcery_n become_v a_o disciple_n s._n luke_n in_o a_o history_n of_o the_o action_n of_o thirty_o year_n relate_v the_o continual_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o particular_o by_o s._n paul_n who_o he_o constant_o follow_v it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o if_o one_o consider_v the_o history_n itself_o and_o the_o person_n who_o make_v it_o that_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a relation_n however_o there_o be_v other_o testimony_n which_o invincible_o establish_v the_o same_o truth_n 1._o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o effect_n establish_v in_o most_o of_o the_o province_n and_o great_a city_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n s._n paul_n write_v to_o the_o christian_n of_o thessalonica_n corinth_n and_o ephesus_n to_o the_o galatian_n colossian_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v christian_n every_o where_o that_o be_v disciple_n of_o these_o twelve_o fisherman_n who_o understand_v nothing_o but_o their_o native_a syriack_n language_n how_o then_o be_v all_o these_o nation_n convert_v without_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n at_o the_o pentecost_n 2._o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o they_o of_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n as_o of_o a_o common_a thing_n s._n paul_n employ_v some_o part_n of_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o regulate_v those_o disorder_n which_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o abuse_n of_o those_o gift_n s._n james_n speak_v of_o the_o power_n that_o the_o priest_n have_v to_o cure_v the_o sick_a and_o s._n paul_n wish_v for_o a_o opportunity_n of_o go_v to_o rome_n to_o communicate_v those_o gift_n to_o the_o roman_n 3._o they_o take_v occasion_n to_o raise_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o that_o of_o the_o law_n in_o call_v it_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n notwithstanding_o the_o table_n 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wrought_v so_o few_o miracle_n that_o he_o may_v leave_v to_o the_o son_n this_o mean_n of_o make_v himself_o know_v the_o son_n have_v the_o glory_n of_o pour_v forth_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o a_o great_a abundance_n than_o the_o father_n thereby_o to_o supply_v the_o shame_n of_o his_o humiliation_n this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v the_o second_o be_v that_o from_o this_o miracle_n one_o ought_v to_o infer_v these_o two_o conclusion_n the_o first_o be_v that_o god_n be_v full_o pacify_v by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o apostle_n constant_o represent_v the_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n offer_v by_o he_o the_o other_o be_v that_o from_o that_o time_n forward_a mankind_n be_v conscerate_v to_o god_n as_o his_o temple_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o prayer_n before_o his_o death_n express_v himself_o much_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o solomon_n do_v at_o his_o dedication_n of_o the_o first_o temple_n and_o fire_n from_o heaven_n fall_v down_o on_o his_o sacrifice_n jesus_n christ_n consecrate_v his_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o live_a stone_n of_o his_o temple_n and_o cause_v the_o heavenly_a flame_n to_o fall_v down_o upon_o they_o as_o have_v former_o be_v grant_v at_o solomon_n dedication_n of_o the_o first_o temple_n the_o three_o be_v that_o the_o jew_n themselves_o can_v conceive_v a_o more_o glorious_a or_o magnificent_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o ancient_a oracle_n concern_v the_o effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n than_o what_o we_o find_v relate_v by_o s._n luke_n whereof_o the_o whole_a world_n may_v see_v the_o visible_a effect_n in_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o whence_o one_o may_v rational_o conclude_v that_o jesus_n christ_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v for_o the_o messiah_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v chap._n xv._o that_o according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v call_v the_o gentile_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o have_v already_o see_v what_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o distinction_n which_o he_o make_v of_o the_o jew_n from_o other_o nation_n be_v only_a that_o the_o messiah_n may_v by_o that_o mean_n be_v the_o more_o certain_o know_v in_o who_o all_o mankind_n have_v a_o right_a as_o be_v promise_v to_o adam_n god_n renew_v the_o idea_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o a_o very_a lively_a manner_n when_o he_o assure_v abraham_n before_o he_o give_v he_o the_o law_n of_o circumcision_n that_o in_o his_o seed_n all_o nation_n shall_v be_v bless_v jacob_n enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n on_o his_o deathbed_n plain_o take_v this_o truth_n for_o grant_v when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o messiah_n who_o he_o call_v shiloh_n be_v to_o be_v the_o expectation_n of_o the_o gentile_n gen._n xlix_o why_o do_v he_o not_o say_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o because_o he_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v and_o the_o gentile_n call_v in_o their_o stead_n one_o see_v we_o in_o the_o psalm_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n until_o malachi_n inclusive_o a_o thousand_o declaration_n of_o this_o future_a call_v of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o though_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o idea_n which_o the_o prophet_n make_v use_v of_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o figurative_a describe_v the_o messiah_n as_o a_o conqueror_n who_o be_v to_o subdue_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o his_o dominion_n by_o the_o force_n of_o arm_n yet_o we_o find_v a_o great_a many_o other_o interweave_v with_o they_o which_o only_o relate_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o which_o not_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o other_o sense_n sufficient_o determine_v the_o other_o so_o as_o not_o to_o perplex_v the_o reader_n with_o those_o seem_a obscurity_n but_o jesus_n christ_n very_o distinct_o declare_v this_o in_o divers_a place_n and_o above_o all_o in_o the_o xxiv_o of_o s._n matthew_n this_o gospel_n say_v he_o shall_v be_v preach_v throughout_o all_o the_o world._n now_o nothing_o can_v ever_o be_v more_o exact_o fulfil_v than_o these_o ancient_a oracle_n have_v be_v let_v the_o jew_n cavil_v as_o long_o as_o they_o please_v about_o our_o application_n of_o many_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o our_o saviour_n let_v they_o put_v a_o sense_n upon_o the_o scripture_n which_o treat_v of_o this_o subject_a contrary_a to_o what_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v contemporary_a with_o jesus_n christ_n ever_o do_v and_o to_o the_o most_o of_o those_o with_o who_o the_o first_o christian_n as_o justin_n tertullian_n and_o other_o from_o time_n to_o time_n dispute_v yet_o at_o least_o they_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o thing_n have_v be_v exact_o fulfil_v it_o be_v clear_a than_o the_o day_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o exact_a all_o christian_n from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o another_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n of_o malachi_n jesus_n christ_n subject_v they_o to_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o mahometan_n themselves_o have_v learn_v of_o the_o christian_n to_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o god_n but_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n the_o multitude_n of_o false_a god_n which_o the_o world_n worship_v be_v vanish_v from_o all_o place_n where_o christianity_n have_v be_v plant_v and_o very_o few_o be_v leave_v in_o comparison_n of_o those_o which_o be_v already_o destroy_v so_o that_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o thing_n as_o already_o go_v very_o far_o in_o truth_n while_o thing_n continue_v thus_o one_o may_v reasonable_o maintain_v against_o the_o
who_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n be_v so_o indeed_o so_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a to_o examine_v it_o or_o know_v it_o since_o the_o destruction_n of_o that_o model_n if_o we_o suppose_v that_o god_n at_o first_o frame_v it_o for_o the_o determine_n of_o this_o question_n as_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v it_o the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o christian_n exact_o follow_v this_o divine_a model_n and_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n which_o exact_o correspond_v with_o it_o and_o which_o answer_v it_o in_o all_o its_o part_n they_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n imaginable_a to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n in_o short_a if_o we_o consider_v it_o well_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o question_n of_o fact_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n but_o such_o a_o question_n as_o the_o jew_n at_o present_a be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o maintain_v against_o the_o christian_n both_o jew_n and_o christian_n agree_v in_o the_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n or_o at_o least_o about_o the_o most_o of_o they_o according_a to_o these_o character_n the_o messiah_n ought_v to_o be_v come_v the_o christian_n maintain_v that_o they_o may_v be_v find_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o they_o prove_v it_o by_o matter_n of_o fact_n wherefore_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o either_o these_o character_n attribute_v to_o the_o messiah_n be_v not_o proper_a character_n to_o know_v he_o by_o and_o so_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n will_v be_v elude_v and_o both_o jew_n and_o christian_n equal_o deceive_v in_o take_v that_o for_o a_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v not_o or_o else_o that_o both_o the_o messiah_n be_v certain_o come_v and_o and_o that_o he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o jesus_n who_o we_o worship_v chap._n xxi_o that_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o 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several_a witness_n it_o appear_v from_o tacitus_n that_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v death_n under_o tiberius_n pontius_n pilate_n be_v governor_n of_o judea_n it_o be_v know_v that_o claudius_n banish_v the_o christian_n from_o rome_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 54._o it_o be_v evident_a from_o tacitus_n in_o his_o life_n of_o nero_n that_o he_o accuse_v the_o christian_n of_o burn_a the_o city_n of_o rome_n which_o himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_n therefore_o make_v a_o considerable_a body_n in_o the_o capital_a city_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o this_o happen_v in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 64._o suetonius_n say_v the_o same_o thing_n 2._o it_o appear_v that_o pliny_n in_o trajan_n time_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o meeting_n 3._o dion_n cassius_n set_v down_o the_o accusation_n bring_v in_o against_o flavius_n and_o domitilla_n as_o against_o atheist_n which_o be_v the_o title_n julian_n the_o apostate_n give_v to_o constantine_n because_o the_o christian_n reject_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o heathen_a gods._n 4._o it_o appear_v by_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o this_o book_n be_v write_v in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 63_o and_o yet_o this_o book_n suppose_v the_o gospel_n of_o s._n luke_n to_o have_v be_v write_v before_o it_o and_o s._n luke_n gospel_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o some_o of_o the_o other_o gospel_n be_v already_o publish_v 5._o it_o appear_v from_o the_o write_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n that_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v then_o write_v and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o book_n of_o s._n ignatius_n polycarp_n and_o s._n justin._n these_o fact_n which_o be_v certain_a be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o immediate_o after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o apostle_n and_o their_o disciple_n as_o eye_n witness_n maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n after_o this_o it_o may_v indeed_o be_v dispute_v by_o what_o power_n he_o be_v raise_v whether_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n or_o by_o his_o own_o but_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o dispute_v the_o fact_n by_o reason_v draw_v from_o preten_v absurdity_n which_o one_o may_v think_v to_o find_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n second_o these_o mystery_n as_o for_o instance_n that_o of_o the_o trinity_n relate_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n if_o a_o idea_n of_o it_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o which_o not_o be_v distinct_o know_v by_o we_o may_v raise_v difficulty_n and_o perplexity_n in_o our_o mind_n if_o i_o will_v discourse_v with_o one_o bear_v blind_a of_o the_o sun_n of_o its_o light_n and_o heat_n and_o shall_v attribute_v to_o the_o sun_n the_o production_n of_o light_n and_o afterward_o of_o heat_n he_o will_v find_v a_o infinite_a trouble_n not_o to_o imagine_v three_o sun_n it_o be_v know_v how_o the_o philosopher_n who_o agree_v about_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v notwithstanding_o be_v oblige_v to_o attribute_v several_a faculty_n to_o it_o which_o the_o common_a people_n look_v upon_o as_o very_o different_a thing_n and_o which_o seem_v to_o oppose_v the_o idea_n of_o its_o unity_n and_o simplicity_n in_o the_o three_o place_n the_o christian_n prove_v very_o solid_o that_o these_o mystery_n have_v be_v clear_o propose_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o receive_v their_o light_n from_o heaven_n as_o to_o these_o truth_n and_o so_o may_v necessary_o be_v believe_v upon_o their_o word_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v former_o believe_v moreover_o they_o assert_v that_o these_o doctrine_n be_v first_o express_v though_o not_o so_o clear_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o mortal_a enemy_n of_o christian_n i_o add_v to_o these_o remark_n that_o most_o of_o those_o fact_n who_o truth_n be_v so_o invincible_o establish_v suppose_v these_o doctrine_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o religion_n do_v so_o necessary_o require_v they_o that_o we_o rob_v it_o of_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o its_o glory_n in_o question_v or_o contest_v any_o of_o they_o these_o reflection_n may_v suffice_v in_o general_a to_o resolve_v this_o difficulty_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o for_o a_o more_o particular_a satisfaction_n we_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o those_o book_n which_o purposely_o treat_v of_o these_o mystery_n desire_v he_o to_o observe_v careful_o that_o common_o the_o most_o difficult_a objection_n of_o heretic_n against_o these_o matter_n do_v rather_o oppose_v the_o term_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o or_o the_o notion_n which_o man_n follow_v in_o speak_v of_o these_o truth_n than_o the_o proposition_n contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n at_o least_o one_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v constrain_v to_o resolve_v several_a parallel_n objection_n to_o which_o one_o can_v scarce_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n without_o borrow_v some_o distinction_n and_o notion_n from_o the_o christian_n neither_o can_v the_o second_o objection_n of_o the_o jew_n give_v we_o any_o more_o disturbance_n it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o have_v be_v division_n among_o christian_n and_o be_v still_o to_o this_o day_n what_o can_v we_o conclude_v thence_o can_v we_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o therefore_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o christianity_n be_v doubtful_a concern_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o fact_n which_o be_v the_o support_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o on_o the_o contrary_a upon_o a_o attentive_a observation_n one_o may_v find_v 1._o that_o heresy_n have_v only_o serve_v to_o render_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o fact_n more_o incontestable_a by_o oblige_v those_o that_o have_v consider_v of_o they_o to_o examine_v their_o certainty_n with_o more_o care_n and_o application_n this_o be_v the_o judgement_n one_o ought_v to_o make_v upon_o all_o those_o heresy_n in_o the_o second_o age_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o flesh_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o about_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o death_n from_o thence_o man_n take_v occasion_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o collect_v with_o great_a care_n all_o the_o circumstance_n that_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o both_o these_o fact_n 2._o we_o find_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o contest_v do_v not_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n but_o the_o several_a consequence_n draw_v from_o they_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n continue_v still_o beyond_o dispute_n this_o we_o find_v in_o the_o dispute_v raise_v about_o the_o millennium_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v equal_o believe_v by_o both_o the_o dispute_a party_n but_o different_o understand_v according_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o those_o that_o consider_v of_o they_o some_o form_v gross_a and_o sensual_a conception_n concern_v they_o other_o have_v a_o more_o spiritual_a relish_n which_o they_o have_v acquire_v by_o study_v the_o prophecy_n and_o their_o true_a sense_n 3._o we_o find_v that_o this_o division_n which_o have_v spring_v up_o among_o christian_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o solid_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o some_o fool_n have_v endeavour_v to_o decry_v some_o of_o they_o or_o to_o falsify_v some_o particular_a place_n we_o see_v that_o both_o party_n unite_v to_o repel_v that_o violence_n by_o produce_v their_o copy_n and_o beat_v back_o the_o impostor_n with_o their_o unite_a strength_n one_o see_v we_o that_o tertullian_n though_o a_o montanist_n write_v prescription_n against_o heretic_n and_o epiphanius_n take_v notice_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o some_o that_o be_v orthodox_n of_o their_o crime_n in_o blot_v out_o of_o their_o copy_n that_o christ_n have_v weep_v it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o division_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o karaite_n and_o thalmudist_n the_o jealousy_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n and_o the_o division_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o preserve_v the_o scripture_n and_o hinder_v its_o corruption_n each_o party_n be_v very_o vigilant_a to_o hinder_v their_o adversary_n from_o attempt_v any_o thing_n to_o its_o prejudice_n in_o corrupt_v a_o book_n which_o they_o consider_v as_o common_a to_o they_o all_o i_o may_v observe_v many_o other_o advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o the_o truth_n from_o these_o human_a fail_n but_o i_o will_v only_o instance_n in_o one_o which_o have_v always_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o considerable_a and_o that_o be_v that_o these_o heretic_n distinct_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n a_o impious_a person_n will_v have_v reason_n to_o accuse_v our_o oracle_n as_o false_a if_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o heresy_n but_o truth_n triumph_v in_o see_v so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o they_o who_o the_o more_o they_o increase_v the_o more_o she_o see_v we_o herself_o confirm_v and_o establish_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n induce_v god_n to_o permit_v so_o great_a a_o increase_n in_o the_o first_o age_n when_o the_o truth_n meet_v with_o the_o great_a opposition_n by_o persecution_n stand_v in_o the_o great_a need_n of_o sensible_a character_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v know_v i_o conclude_v this_o work_n with_o desire_v my_o reader_n to_o consider_v these_o reflection_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n here_o propound_v with_o a_o serious_a attention_n and_o to_o examine_v the_o coherence_n and_o indissoluble_a connexion_n of_o they_o and_o with_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o it_o may_v please_v he_o to_o make_v they_o serviceable_a to_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n which_o be_v the_o only_a end_n i_o have_v propose_v to_o myself_o in_o the_o write_n of_o they_o finis_fw-la
syria_n obtain_v over_o the_o king_n of_o samaria_n one_o find_v that_o the_o story_n of_o phaeton_n be_v sole_o found_v upon_o the_o translation_n of_o elijah_n in_o a_o chariot_n of_o fire_n ii_o two_o king_n ii_o all_o that_o i_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o happen_v before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o olympiad_n from_o whence_o the_o learned_a varro_n have_v observe_v that_o the_o first_o knowledge_n of_o history_n begin_v among_o the_o greek_n whence_o also_o it_o be_v that_o they_o call_v all_o the_o precedent_a time_n fabulous_a the_o greek_n have_v before_o nothing_o but_o fable_n into_o which_o they_o have_v turn_v whatever_o ancient_a history_n they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o since_o that_o time_n we_o do_v not_o find_v few_o mark_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o sacred_a history_n one_o see_v we_o in_o the_o pagan_a writer_n the_o reign_n of_o tiglah-pilese_a who_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o young_a ninus_n as_o also_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o syrian_a monarchy_n by_o his_o mean_n as_o it_o be_v describe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o sacred_a historian_n nicholas_n damascenus_n in_o josephus_n antiq._n lib._n vii_o cap._n 6._o one_o see_v we_o among_o the_o heathen_n euseb_n castor_n in_o euseb_n the_o succession_n of_o shalmaneser_n as_o it_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o scripture_n one_o see_v we_o the_o manner_n of_o sennacherib_n conquer_a the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o town_n of_o palestina_n ult_n menander_n apud_fw-la joseph_n lib._n ix_o cap._n ult_n of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n describe_v in_o heathen_a writer_n particular_o as_o we_o have_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o manner_n of_o sennacherib_n succession_n to_o shalmaneser_n of_o his_o desolate_v the_o country_n of_o palestine_n while_o he_o carry_v on_o his_o victory_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o heathen_n herodot_n lib._n ii_o &_o berosus_n in_o josephus_n lib._n x._o c._n 1._o exact_o as_o the_o sacred_a historian_n relate_v it_o the_o memory_n of_o tirbakah_n king_n of_o aethiopia_n xv._o strabo_n lib._n i._n &_o xv._o as_o of_o a_o great_a conqueror_n be_v preserve_v among_o the_o heathen_n for_o it_o be_v his_o come_n in_o short_a which_o oblige_v sennacherib_n to_o arise_v from_o before_o libna_fw-la whence_o he_o intend_v to_o go_v and_o besiege_v jerusalem_n one_o find_v among_o the_o heathen_n the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o all_o sennacherib_n army_n for_o his_o blasphemy_n against_o god_n which_o the_o egyptian_n disguise_v to_o appropriate_a to_o themselves_o herodot_n lib._n ii_o cap._n 141._o one_o find_v the_o ruin_n of_o ashdod_n by_o king_n psammetichus_n describe_v by_o heathen_a author_n 10._o herodot_n lib._n i._o cap._n 104._o lib._n ii_o cap._n 1._o lib._n vii_o cap._n 10._o as_o we_o have_v it_o in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n herod_n lib._n ii_o one_o find_v a_o account_n of_o the_o way_n by_o which_o the_o mede_n lose_v the_o empire_n of_o asia_n under_o cyaxares_n after_o his_o conquest_n over_o the_o assyrian_n in_o the_o heathen_a writer_n much_o the_o same_o as_o it_o be_v describe_v in_o nahum_n h._n 5._o the_o account_n of_o the_o take_n of_o ninive_n by_o nabopollasar_n syncellum_n alexand._n polyhistor_n ap_fw-mi syncellum_n and_o by_o astyages_n be_v much_o the_o same_o in_o heathen_a author_n with_o the_o description_n of_o it_o in_o nahum_n esaiah_n and_o ezekiel_n the_o manner_n of_o josia_n undertake_v a_o war_n against_o pharaoh-necho_n king_n of_o egypt_n when_o he_o be_v overthrow_v in_o the_o plain_n of_o megiddo_n ii_o herodot_n lib._n ii_o as_o it_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o heathen_n agree_v with_o the_o relation_n which_o be_v give_v of_o it_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o victory_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n over_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o jew_n 30._o two_o king_n xxiii_o 29_o 30._o the_o carry_v away_o of_o the_o consecrate_a vessel_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o of_o the_o jew_n to_o babylon_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o heathen_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o yield_n up_o of_o tyre_n to_o nabuchadnezzar_n as_o they_o describe_v it_o apionem_fw-la annal._n phoenicic_n ap_fw-mi joseph_n lib._n i._o contra_fw-la apionem_fw-la agree_v with_o what_o ezekiel_n say_v chap._n xxviii_o 18_o 19_o one_o find_v in_o heathen_a author_n a_o account_n of_o the_o stately_a build_n of_o babylon_n by_o nebuehadnezzar_n abyden_n beros_n abyden_n which_o be_v describe_v exact_o in_o the_o scripture_n one_o find_v also_o in_o they_o 169._o herodot_n lib._n two_o cap._n 163_o &_o 169._o that_o the_o death_n of_o pharaoh-hoptha_a or_o vaphre_n as_o they_o call_v he_o happen_v according_a to_o jeremiah_n prediction_n chap._n xl._n 30._o one_o find_v also_o the_o take_n of_o babylon_n by_o cyrus_n 178._o herod_n lib._n i._o cap._n 178._o as_o it_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n chap._n li._n 46._o one_o find_v also_o that_o the_o death_n of_o belshazzar_n happen_v exact_o as_o daniel_n have_v describe_v it_o vii_o xenophon_n histor_n lib._n vii_o chap._n v._n one_o see_v we_o there_o a_o account_n of_o xerxes_n great_a undertake_n against_o greece_n 6._o herod_n lib._n vii_o cap_n 5_o 6._o as_o daniel_n have_v foretell_v it_o chap._n xi_o here_o then_o be_v a_o agreement_n which_o be_v perfect_a enough_o in_o several_a article_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v a_o great_a number_n if_o we_o have_v a_o great_a number_n of_o pagan_a historian_n but_o as_o we_o can_v find_v after_o the_o reign_n of_o artaxerxes_n longimanus_fw-la history_n among_o the_o jew_n of_o equal_a authority_n with_o those_o which_o be_v write_v by_o and_o after_o moses_n as_o josephus_n the_o jewish_a historian_n observe_v so_o we_o can_v compare_v the_o jewish_a and_o pagan_a history_n together_o afterward_o in_o that_o form_n we_o have_v do_v hitherto_o but_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v four_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o considerable_a upon_o this_o head._n i._o that_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o sacred_a historian_n may_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o great_a number_n of_o remark_n we_o have_v make_v already_o or_o else_o nothing_o will_v ever_o establish_v it_o for_o how_o can_v we_o conceive_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o historian_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o all_o age_n babylonian_n assyrian_n tyrian_n egyptian_n and_o greek_n can_v agree_v so_o exact_o with_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o fact_n they_o relate_v if_o the_o jewish_a author_n have_v not_o exact_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o truth_n ii_o that_o as_o the_o prophecy_n of_o zechariah_n and_o daniel_n describe_v with_o a_o almost_o incredible_a exactness_n the_o considerable_a event_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o country_n near_a to_o judea_n and_o in_o judea_n itself_o in_o a_o time_n which_o be_v not_o expire_v until_o the_o sacred_a writer_n have_v give_v over_o write_v among_o the_o jew_n so_o there_o be_v need_n of_o almost_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o look_v over_o the_o book_n of_o daniel_n to_o see_v what_o happen_v from_o day_n to_o day_n and_o here_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o porphyry_n think_v the_o book_n of_o daniel_n be_v forge_v after_o the_o time_n of_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n be_v because_o this_o book_n seem_v to_o he_o to_o be_v rather_o a_o history_n than_o a_o prediction_n which_o he_o justify_v in_o make_v a_o sort_n of_o commentary_n upon_o this_o prophecy_n by_o compare_v with_o it_o the_o pagan_a historian_n which_o be_v then_o extant_a iii_o that_o as_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n come_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o greek_n who_o be_v master_n of_o learning_n and_o of_o the_o art_n of_o write_v history_n so_o there_o be_v little_a need_n of_o any_o other_o witness_n beside_o the_o greek_a author_n as_o josephus_n demonstrate_v in_o effect_n by_o prove_v that_o the_o greek_n be_v well_o enough_o acquaint_v with_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n iv_o that_o we_o do_v real_o find_v after_o the_o time_n of_o artaxerxes_n a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a history_n compose_v by_o the_o care_n of_o some_o particular_a man_n with_o sufficient_a exactness_n though_o it_o be_v not_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o sacred_a writer_n chap._n iii_o that_o there_o be_v a_o uninterrupted_a series_n of_o event_n foretell_v by_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n of_o which_o we_o may_v see_v a_o very_a great_a number_n accomplish_v in_o every_o age._n as_o we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o say_v that_o all_o the_o history_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n have_v a_o very_a exact_a dependence_n upon_o the_o write_n of_o that_o famous_a legislator_n so_o we_o may_v also_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o considerable_a event_n which_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o this_o history_n which_o do_v not_o deserve_v a_o particular_a remark_n either_o as_o a_o fulfil_n of_o moses_n prophecy_n or_o of_o those_o other_o prophet_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o after_o he_o to_o reform_v the_o error_n of_o that_o nation_n and_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