A VINDICATION OF THE Christians Messiah, ( Viz.) That Jesus Christ the son of God is the true MESSIAH prophesied of, or foretold by all the holy men of God who were the Writers of the old Testament, from Genesis unto the Prophet Mallachy. As also proved out of their own beloved TALMOUTH. Wherein is also declared, the Coherence which the Old Testament hath with the New, as to that particular. As also a clear proof of the Trinity in Unity, ( Viz.) That the Father, son, and Spirit, are but one God. Against the general received opinion of the Jews. Written by ELIAZAR BAR-ISAJAH P. a Jew born, but now a Converted and Baptized Christian. LONDON, Printed by Gartrude Dawson, 1653. To the supreme Authority, the PARLIAMENT of the Common Wealth of ENGLAND. As also the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of the famous City of LONDON. Right Honourable, IN as much as divine Providence hath brought me out of the darkness of my Predecessors, into his most marvelous light, by taking away the vail of their Ceremonies( so) from before the Eyes of my Understanding, as that now I see Jesus Christ to be my alone Saviour; which was onely Typpified or Shadowed out in them by Hyroglyffickes: And in as much as the aforesaid Providence hath likewise brought me with Abraham from my Fathers House and idols into a Land I did not know, wherein I am now a Stranger, wherein blessed be his Name, he hath instructed me by his divine Precepts, to walk in those ways that are most consonant to his divine Will. As also, in as much as the Lord hath given you a heart to promote the same a privilege, which this nation did never before enjoy, as at present. I have therefore thought it my duty, to aclowledge my thankfulness unto you, as the chiefest Instruments under God, both for the enjoyment of my profession in religious Worship, as also, for those many noble and gracious favours received from you: and for which, I hope the Lord will one day reward you, by giving you far more glorious degrees of honour then now you enjoy, even in heavenly places with Jesus Christ. And, in token hereof, I have presumed to dedicate this little pains, which I have taken, to depress the pride and arrogancy of the people who call themselves Jews, but indeed are not, for he is not a Jew that is one outwardly, but he that is one inwardly; neither is that Circumcision, which is in the Flesh, but that of the Spirit. Neither are they the seed of Abraham, who claim it by the Flesh, but such as attain thereto by Faith. For, until they be Christs, they cannot be Abrahams seed, and heires according to the Promise. I presume your Honours will not expect curious phrase from him that as yet hath but in a small measure attained to the English tongue, as also that you will bear with the rudnesse of the method, in as much as I am not yet acquainted with the manner of writing English Books, being constrained to make use of an Interpreter. I hope also, your Honours will not impute the course Language therein to the People aforesaid, out of any malice, to their persons, but merely out of the zeal I have to drive them from their fond imaginations, to embrace the Truth as it is in Jesus. For, I do ingeniously profess, in the presence of the great God of Heaven and Earth, and in the presence of his dearly beloved son Jesus Christ, as also of that blessed Spirit of Truth proceeding from the same, the onely comforter of the Elect: that my very bowels do yearn after them, until Christ be formed in them. Neither have I in the least abused my writing, wherein I have set forth their yet inveterate malice against the Professors of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but have dealt as candidly therein as I would have done for my dearest friend: It being the desire of my soul, that the Eternal, Immortal, Invisible and onely wise God, would in his good time bring them also from darkness to his most marvellous Light, and from the power of satan unto God, as blessed be his name he hath done to Your Honours most humble Servant, Eliazar Bar-isajah. P. THE EPISTLE to the READER. Christian Reader, BEloved in our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ, I have thought it fit, and meet to give you to understand, first, what I have been, as also by the grace of God what I now am, in reference to the first of these. I was by birth such a one as men commonly call a jew, and was likewise Circumcised upon the eighth day, as the manner of such people yet is. I shall not boast of my Parents in the flesh, because, I now know none after the flesh, though otherwise I might in point of worldly riches and honour: but some will look upon me as a Traveller, and therefore I shall forbear, and proceed to my intended purpose. ( Viz.) That I was also brought up from my youth, and instructed in all their abominable vices, as blasphemy, cursing, and other sins of that lineage or off-spring,( I mean in point of Christianity) it being their manner to vilify Iesus Christ and his disciples, with all the opprobrious language that their hearts can conceive, or tongues express; as in the ensuing Treatise will fully appear. But I bless the God and Father of our Lord Iesus Christ, who sowed such a seed of Grace in my heart, as that I may safely witness before the God of Truth, that I had no pleasure in such their evil customs. Which seed of Grace I perceived to grow and ripen in me every day more and more. In-so-much that my Mother and Friends taking notice of this my inclination, took counsel to prevent the same, and to that purpose, they determined to sand me to my Brother in Prague,( the Metropolis of the realm of Bohemia) who is yet, if living, one of the learnedest Rabies there; which also they did: In whose discipline I was tutored two yeares and a half. During which time, I learned the fabling Talmouth. And the aforesaid Brother of mine in the flesh,( having received secret instructions, as I perceived, from my aforesaid Mother and Friends) did so narrowly look to my steps, that I could not possibly increase that small measure of Grace which was formerly in me in any public manner, albeit privately I desired God to led me in the truth, who, blessed be his Name, did not onely hear me, but did also answer the Prayer of me his poor Servant, by delivering me from the vile estate and condition that I was in, and that by a wonderful and unexpected way and manner, which I shall now declare and publish unto you; for at the expiation of the aforesaid time, Providence hath so ordered, that it came to pass in {αβγδ}, that is in Anno Dom. 1648. there arrived a Rabie, by name Elias, from {αβγδ}( that is Jerusalem) into Dutchland or Holland, who, whensoever he came into the jewish Synagogues, preached or declared, that their messiah should come in or during that present year; which assertion he endeavoured to prove from Levit. 3.10. where it standeth in Hebrew, {αβγδ} ( viz.) that Aaron shall come again with an Offering into the Holy place, which he expounded to be meant of their messiah; and that he should come indeed that year, for that his Number being compared with the word {αβγδ}, which without the first one thousand years from the Creation of the World, as they reckon that word {αβγδ}, having in it in number 408. did therefore conclude that he,( viz: their Messiah) should come that year, yea, and that assuredly and undoubtedly: But notwithstanding all this his confident assurance, he proved no better than a false Prophet: for the Messiah, whom they expected, did come that year no more than he ever will, which is not at all; viz: such a Messiah whom they expect, shall call them together as a Huntsman doth his Hounds, and so to led them to Jerusalem, and there to build the same again with the Temple, and that in a more glorious manner than ever it yet enjoyed: But so it was, that this learned Rabie's unlearned Sermon, took so much in the hearts of the aforesaid deluded people, who had rather than Roast-meat see their Demygod come to carry them as aforesaid, as that they gave him much moneys, the women likewise presented him with many good gifts both of Gold and Silver unknown to their husbands, and all to the end they might find the more favour and respect in the sight of their Messiah when he should come; as also of his Servant or fore-runner Elias as aforesaid; and therefore they cried out the more exceedingly that he would hasten his coming: But it was all in vain, for they proved no better than the Worshippers of Baal, for that their Messiah, whom they so expected, was either asleep, or had some other weighty business; so that all their Prayers, Tears, and Howlings could not prevail with him, to answer that their expectation of those Idolatrous people. But so it happened, that hereupon the learned Jews of Moravia, living upon the Frontier of the Realm of Hungaria, who belonged to the german Emperor, summoned a meeting to consult about the aforesaid matter of their messiahs not coming, as was expected; and finding no foundation in the Scripture to own any such foppery, they did jointly and unanimously relinquish that their groundless assertion, and not onely so, but did with the like unanimity confess and aclowledge, that Iesus Christ, whom the Christians worshipped, was the true Messiah, and that none other was to be waited upon or expected, until his second coming to judge the quick and the dead: And thereupon they were sprinkled according to the custom of the Papists, unto whose Religion they betook themselves; which when I understood, I made the like attempt myself, but inasmuch as I was so narrowly watched as aforesaid, I therefore resolved to travail into such a place where I might perform the same with more freedom. And hereupon I took a resolution by the help of God, to take a Voyage to this blessed and prosperous Country of England; but so it happened, that in my aforesaid journey or travail, I happened to come to Brissil in Brabant, to visit Prince Ratzeville, who was a Polander, and a man of great renown in those parts; but being informed that he was departed from thence towards the Army of the Duke Leopoldus, which was in Flanders, I thereupon resolved to go for Antwerp, where I was no sooner arrived, but I fell sick of a fever; during which my residing there, one of the Palers, as they there call a jesuit, hearing that I was a Jew, and newly come to that Town, with another young man my Fellow-Traveler, who was also a Jew, he comes to our lodging to instruct us in the Christian Faith or Religion, persuading us exceeding much to be Baptized, promising that he would afterward instruct us thoroughly in the same; but we purposed not to have tarried there in hope of his instructions in their belief, our resolutions being for England; But it pleased God so to increase my sickness, as that we were forced to abide there; which the aforesaid jesuit perceiving, would never leave persuading us, until he had overcome us to be sprinkled, which they call Baptism, which indeed suited then with our present condition, we being but Infants in the knowledge of Christ, and not in the least acquainted with such strong men in Christ Iesus, as we have since, by the good hand of Gods Providence, light upon, since we came thence to England; since which I have utterly disclaimed that aforesaid sprinkling, which they call Baptism, being now fully satisfied from the Scriptures, that my Saviour Iesus Christ was not Baptized in such a manner, but by going down into the water, and so being there washed by dipping,( which the Original word imports) he is said to come up out of the said water, where he was so Baptized: As also in the example of the Eunuch, where it is also expressed, that they both went down,( viz: Philip and the Eunuch) and that Philip there Baptized him as aforesaid; as also when he had so done, they are both said to come up out of the said water again: Which manner of Baptism, is( without all controversy) the true Baptism of Iesus Christ. In obedience whereunto, I have had the honour to take it up amongst the societies of such persons, who make the word of God the onely rule and square of all their actions, which is my hearty desire to imitate, and which I hope the Lord will enable me every day more and more to accomplish. And thus, Christian Reader, have I given thee a brief account, both what I have been, and what I now am by the grace and mercy of Iesus Christ my Saviour; desiring, that all that readeth this ensuing Treatise, to defer no time to come into the way of Truth, lest they repent when it is too late, or with the five foolish Virgins, desire to come in when it is too late: Which, that the Lord in much mercy would prevent, is the earnest desire of Your beloved Friend in Christ Jesus, Eliazar Bar-Isajah. THE Christians Messiah, Vindicated, BY One that was a jew Born. Considerations upon the Trinity. {αβγδ} WHich signifies ( Selag) snow, ( Ovoorach) hail, ( Mayim) that is water, being well understood, it is all but one water. Again, it is to be likened to a mans name: Man is name with three names, the one name is ( Adam,) that is man: The second is ( Ish,) a man: The third is ( Enoch,) which is also a man: And yet all but one man. Likewise it is likened to the earth. The earth hath three names, as for example, ( Adoma) earth, ( Eretz) earth, ( Thovet) is likewise earth; yet is all but one ( Adoma,) but one earth. Moreover, it is to be understood out of Gen. 1. {αβγδ}. That signifies, that the Holy Ghost appeared upon the waters: Now we naming God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, albeit they have three Names, yet they are only one God. {αβγδ}. Psal. 33.6. Here is to be unerstood this, that By the Word or Command of Almighty God, the Heavens and the Earth were Created; and of the Holy Ghost proceeding from the mouth of Almighty God, all things were made. Now it is evident, that God is a Holy Ghost, and so consequently all but one God. It is likewise manifest that there is a Holy Ghost Chap. 27.18. . {αβγδ}. This is to be understood thus, that man hath the Holy Ghost remaining in him: And it is also manifest, that there is a Holy Ghost specified in the Old Testament, in these words, {αβγδ}. This is to say, That whosoever will not believe there is a Holy Ghost, that person denieth the Father: For the Holy Ghost is not a God alone of himself, but one God in the Father. So likewise as we name Christ God the Son, that is to be understood, not God alone of himself, but as the Holy Ghost one God in the Father. {αβγδ} Zach. 14.19. . That is to be understood thus, In that day Jehovah shall be name One alone, and shall have one name: That is, when the messiah( our Saviour shall come again in Glory, for to judge both the quick and the dead.) Or thus, At that time there shall be accomplished the Verse of Zachariah, that God shall be called by one Name. {αβγδ}. This is the signification thereof: In this world there are many Idolaters, many believe in the Stars, others in the Moon, and some in the Sun: But when our Saviour shall come in his glory, then they shall leave their Idols, and believe onely in one God, and call upon one God; and at that time there shall be fulfilled That is, One God, and one: {αβγδ} Name. {αβγδ}. The meaning is, Wherefore did he begin to writ the Bible with that word( Barishes,) and wherefore not with the word( Rishes:) that word( Rishes) is also a beginning, which is all one and the same thing. But I believe this is the Reason why he begins with ( Barishes,) for the B signifies ( Bar) a Son, or ( Ben) a Son. Or it may be understood in another sense, for the word ( Berishes) signifies, Before he had created the Heaven and the Earth, then he had determined to sand his Son upon Earth, who is called the messiah: Otherwise the said word( Berishes) may be taken in another sense. {αβγδ}. For Berishes signifies In the beginning, that is, before the Heaven and Earth was made, the Son of God was: So it is without question, that there is both God the Father and God the Son. {αβγδ}. This is to be understood thus,[ Wherefore hath he written thus, that the Holy Ghost appeared upon the Waters? For that was not needful to be manifested that there was a Holy Ghost upon the Waters, but onely to declare unto his people( in his Holy Word) that there are three Names, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, but all is one God.] {αβγδ} Gen. 2. . This signifies, Let us make man according to our Image. For that word ( Naisa) is the Plural number,( signifying) more than one, that is to be understood, the onely Name, that is, the Father, who speaks to that one Name, which is called Son: Let us make man. {αβγδ} {αβγδ}. This is to be understood thus:[ that God the Father had spoken to his Son in this manner: Seeing he knew that he should afterwards be born of a young Virgin in the flesh, like unto a creature, said therefore, Let us make man according to our Image.] And it is easy to be understood, that God spake not to any creature, for there was no creature then Created: As also with no Angels, as I shall more plainly make appear: In that respect he could not speak to any one else, than onely to his Son. {αβγδ}. This is to be understod in another sense, according to the Council of ( Nice,)[ So God spake to his Son] Or[ Let us make man of Fire and Water like unto us, Or according to our Image.] {αβγδ}. This is to be understood thus: The Son our Saviour answered his Father on this wise:[ It is apparent unto you, that there is no man upon the earth but sins, and for his sins he must die;( for with Fire and Water there is no such death) therefore he said, Let us make man of the Earth: For the earth is likened to death, in regard every one treads upon it. And moreover it is manifest, that he should be buried, and remain three days in the earth: So it is apparent that there are three persons. To wit, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost; which is but one God. {αβγδ}. Zach. 9.9. And that signifieth also, Your King will come to you in righteousness, as before is manifested, and was so called being our Saviour. For he is God, and our righteousness; yet all but one God. For this Verse cannot be spoken of any other King. For, it is written thus, {αβγδ} That signifieth, There is no man {αβγδ}. upon the earth that can do good and not sin. {αβγδ}. Ecles. 7.22. That is to be understood, That Moses who was the Father of the Prophets, and wiser than any of the Wise; yet nevertheless he had offended and sinned. And that Verse in Zachariah, it is to be understood, That such a King of righteousness should come, that should not sin, Which King, was our God and Saviour. And yet again that word ( Vernosa) is as much to say, {αβγδ} That it hath assisted his people without any other help. And there can be no Creature that can do any thing without help or assistance, Therefore it was our Saviour who assisted and aided his people without any other help. Onely the Father, the son our Saviour, and the Holy Ghost, who was, and are, jointly one Command, and one help, and so onely one God, as is before written. {αβγδ}. Which is to be understood thus, Daniel saith, I have seen in a Vision by night, in a dream, and behold one like the son of man came with the Clouds of Heaven. {αβγδ}. Which is to say, That man came to the Throne of God. {αβγδ}. That signifies, The Angels brought him to Gods Throne. Now it is to be understood, that our Saviour came in the likeness of a man. Which is in sum, Christ our Saviour came upon the earth in the likeness of a Creature, and suffered for our sins. {αβγδ}. That is understood, Our Saviour did not die, but caused death itself to die. {αβγδ}. That is, He ascended corporally into Heaven the third day, where he sits at the Throne of his Father. And this had David spoken off in his Plalme: {αβγδ}. Which is, My Lord spake unto my Lord, sit upon my right hand. And moreover it standeth in Daniel {αβγδ}. Which is to say, His kingdom shall be everlasting, which is impossible to the Creature. {αβγδ}. Isai. 11.1. That is to be understood, A sceptre shall go out, and a stranger shall come from the progeny of Jess. {αβγδ}. Which is, Proceeding from his stock: And that word ( Nestor) is, a great man. And farther there stands, {αβγδ}. That signifies, The Holy Ghost, and the Spirit of the Wise, and of Understanding, a Spirit of Counsel and Strength, the Spirit to know the fear of God. Now by all this is to be understood, that the Messiah is not like to another man. For by man it is not possible all good should be. For, there is no man upon earth but sins, according as it stands in Jeremiah, That no man on earth shall vanut himself of his strength who lives to die, and to morrow is dead: And by this Verse it is to be understood, that all things remain to eternity. For, there stands, {αβγδ}. Isai. 11. That is, The Law remaines to him for ever. And as the Jews do understand, that our Saviour died, it is true, his humanity, but not his divinity. {αβγδ}. That is, That he shall rise again the third day with honour, to remain with his Father in Heaven, at his right hand, as David saith in his psalms. And if you would demand these words ( Jeras Jehovah) the fear of God,( speaknig of his humanity, is the fear of God;) We must understand it thus. He learnt his people the fear of the Lord. {αβγδ}. Isai. 11.14. That is to be understood, He will judge his poor people with righteousness, and he will justly punish them: He shall not expect any help from Angels, who could not judge Israel alone. But the same is to be understood of our Saviour, and not of the Creature. {αβγδ}. Isai. 7. That is, The Jehovah himself, who will be a sign himself. For, he it is that was born of the Virgin, as more aptly appears: {αβγδ} That signifies, And to his Majesty {αβγδ}. and tranquillity there is no end. And who is he that hath no end but God? And now it is manifest, that the Messiah is God, and his son, and yet all but one God. {αβγδ}. Isai. 53. Which signifieth, There is no Prophet, and no wise man, who shall do those wonders which he hath done; And who hath heard that ever any Creature had the power to do the same things which Christ hath done? Now it is to be understood that he is not onely Man, but the son of God. For these works are not like the works of the Creature. {αβγδ}. Raschhascana cap. 1. f. 186. Rabi Isaac said to Rabi Cahana,[ I desire and request, that you should sacrifice to the God of Heaven, and pray unto the everlasting King and his Son.] Wherein the Rabi plainly acknowledges, that God had a son. Upon which words, the Rabi Cahana answered: We will pray to the everlasting King and his son. Now it is manifest in their Talmouth, that God had a son. {αβγδ}. This is to be understood thus: The Jews object that if Christ were a God, Wherefore is he come in the Womb of a Virgin who was defiled? And they bring an example, that when Mary his Mother had offered up two Doves after he was born, then she was unclean; as also all other women after their Children were born, must bring two Doves and offer them up, to signify that they are unclean; so that she must likewise be unclean as the rest. But I have found in their Books, after the Nativity of our Saviour, She was as pure as she was before: And when she had brought the two Doves to be offered up, she did it( not for that she was defiled, but) that she would not break or violate the Law of Moses; for if the other Jewish women had seen that she had brought no Offering, then they also would not have performed the same; insomuch that there would have come a Breach in the Law of Moses: and in this respect she offered up two Doves: So that the Virgin knew well that our Saviour came to fulfil the Law of Moses. And when the Jews shall demand, Wherefore is he born if he was God? Wherefore is he not come as a God from Heaven upon Earth without being born? I understand it thus: That he would fulfil the Law and the Command of being Circumcised the eighth day. {αβγδ}. This is to be understood thus, That on the eighth day Christ should be Circumcised, and in that respect he came as a man in the flesh: And that he having been thirty years here upon the earth, before he had acknowledged he was the Messiah, he did it to the end that he would fulfil the Law and the Command of Moses: And when he had fulfilled the Law and the Command, then he did begin to demonstrate to the world, that he was the true Messiah and Jehovah, who had done such Miracles, that no Prophet, nor Wiseman ever did the like, and thereby manifested, that those who should believe in him, should be freed from their sins: And so it is written, Isa. 53. that he would free his people from their sins, and he would give them a new Law. Jer. 31. And he will Circumcise them with a new Circumcision, for God said, I will make a new Covenant with thee: Not such a Covenant as I have made with thy Fore-fathers; that is, to Circumcise every Male in eight dayes: But that Covenant was another Covenant, which signifies Baptizing, according as Christ himself was Baptized, and that Covenant shall be all one, as well for the Men as the Women: For the former was onely for the Men, and therefore we may perceive that all the Women would not keep the Law of Moses, they having not received the Covenant. {αβγδ}. This signifies,[ I will give you a new heart, and a new Spirit; and my Spirit I will give between you, and I will make that you shall keep and observe my Law and my Covenant.] And that is fulfilled, God sending his Holy Spirit in a Person, who signified the Virgin Mary, and to learn his people a new Law, and a new Covenant: But it was not performed until the Law of Moses was fulfilled; for the Law of Moses was given at a time, according as I shall make appear unto you, as I have found it in the Talmud; which is called Messigea Avoda Sora. {αβγδ}. This signifieth,[ The Law of Moses was not commanded for longer time than 2000 years,] and in this manner it was written: Rabi Eliochu said, that the World should stand 6000 years; that is, 2000 years the World was a dark Wilderness, and then there was no Law. {αβγδ}. This signifieth,[ That after the other 2000 years, the Messiah should be killed, and after the third 2000 years, it should be a dark Wilderness. Now it is to be understood, that at this time we are not under the command of the Law of Moses; and if we have no command to keep the Law, then we have no salary for the same: And once again it stands thus written. {αβγδ}. That signifieth, [ Think upon the Law of my Servant Moses. {αβγδ}. This signifieth,[ It is not said keep the Law, but it is said, think on the Law] and this was after the 2000 years. Object. Now my loving Jews, you demand why the New Testament was given unto us? Answ. As well as the Almighty God had the power to give Moses other Tables of ston when he had broken the former; so he had also the power to sand his Son upon earth to give us a new Law, and to make a new Covenant, as the Prophet said, and that was the New Testament; then how is it there stands Exod. 21.6. . {αβγδ}. Which signifieth,[ A Law made to your generations for ever:] So that your Law would be fallen, as before is specified. {αβγδ}. This signifieth,[ There stands written ( Oulum,) that is for ever, but there doth not stand ( Oulum voed) that is for ever and ever: For we find in your Books, that until the end of 50 years, is signified for ever, and that is this word ( Oulum,) as we find here stands. {αβγδ}. Which signifieth,[ they have served ( La Oulum,) that is for ever; until jubilee, that is 50 years: But where it stands {αβγδ}. This signifieth, for ever and ever; that is such a word as signifieth without end: And that ( Almi Olumin,) is that which our Saviour said, Heaven and Earth shall pass away, but my word shall stand for ever; that is, the new Law. And moreover, we are not commanded to hold the full Law of Moses at this time, for it is written, {αβγδ}. This signifieth,[ At that time when the Temple was.] And likewise there stands again Exod. 12.25. , {αβγδ}. This signifieth,[ When you shall come into your Country:] Now it is to be understood, that the Law was to be observed when they should come into their Country: For what they hold at present, is nothing but their Rabinish Fables; as we find when Israel was 40 years in the Wilderness, they did not observe the Commands, during all that time they kept their Easter or Passeover but once; and that was the greatest Commandment, in regard they were delivered out of egypt at that time. Arguments and proofs taken out of the Old TESTAMENT. THis I have understood and observed in the Old Testament, and also learned, that there is one God and three Persons; God the Father, God the son, and God the Holy Ghost. The son is Jesus of Nazareth( and no other) who was conceived of the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary, according as it was fore-spoken by the Prophet Isaiah, in manner as hereafter is specified. In the beginning of the Old Testament, which is called Genesis, that is( {αβγδ}) I will make it appear that there standeth( {αβγδ}) Which signieth, Father, son and Holy Ghost. And according as the Prophets likewise do manifest concerning the Trinity, I shall hereafter demonstrate. And what the Prophets have said and given in writing, it hath not been of themselves, no otherwise than that which God the Father, and God the son hath been pleased to reveal unto them, speaking to them by the mouth of his Prophets, and that through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. Wherefore beloved Christians, I will here notify unto you one thing out of the New Testament, and then I am determined to continue upon the Old. The holy Apostle writeth, and also giveth Testimony, that the son of God, Jesus Christ, hath shewed many wonderful and great Miracles; But, they would not believe in him. But beloved Christians, it is not a thing much to be admired at, in regard that they were a stiff-necked and gain-saying generation, according as the Prophet sets them forth. For they would not believe in God the Father, although that he had done many miracles and wonders for them, both in Egypt, and in the wilderness, having brought them out with a strong and mighty arm from the servile bondage of Egypt unto Canaan, the land of Promise; as may be seen in Exod. 16.3. {αβγδ}. That is, It had been better for us to have died in Egypt, when we sate by the flesh-pots: and now thou hast brought us into the wilderness where we have no bread. Now beloved Christians, you may very well perceive, that herein they would not believe God the son, seeing they would not believe God the Father. I will also set down here the first verse of the Old Testament, whereby I shall make it appear, that there are three persons. In the beginning there stands {αβγδ}. Gen. 1.1. That is to say, In the beginning was created hy the persons Heaven and Earth. Now my beloved Jews, I think that herein you can give me no answer. For if the word {αβγδ} should be but one person, then there must stand, {αβγδ} that is as much to say one person. For the word {αβγδ}. That signifies, Plurality, or more than one as you do hold, that some words signifies more than one thing, as I shall show you more at large; in the second verse of the said Chapter there standeth thus {αβγδ}. The which is as much to say, And the spirit of God, that is as much as to say, more than one person moved upon the face of the waters. Now my beloved Christians, and also ye my unwilling Jews; here you have palpably manifest that there are three persons in one God. Wherefore O my Jews will ye still remain blind in unbelief? Ye were accustomend to teach in your fabulous Talmouth,( {αβγδ}.) That is to say, One word for every letter, and every letter signifieth a word, or a whole word for such a letter. Let me therefore ask you, wherefore are you blind here in the beginning, where God revealeth himself unto you by his servant Moses, did he not say as afore? Now I shall tell you, that you are absolutely blind and will not understand. I will therefore show you that out of the word {αβγδ}. These three persons to be comprehended out of the first letter, which is( {αβγδ}) A son, or,( {αβγδ}) A son. Afterward there is the letter( {αβγδ}) that is( {αβγδ}) giving us to understand, the Holy Ghost. The last letter is( {αβγδ}) that is( {αβγδ}) the Father. Therefore give ear my Jews, and ye shall learn for your good, lay aside your Rabinish Doctrine, but ye will not: For could you but find such a word against the Christian Religion, ye would beat your heads against the wall, and with your wicked Spirit in your Rabinish Doctrine you would explain that word ten manner of ways. But alas, herein you are extreme blind. {αβγδ}. Gen. 18.1. That siginfieh, Jehovah, which was apparent to our Father Abraham. And in the next verse following in the said Chapter, you shall find it thus written. {αβγδ}. Which signifieth thus, And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and he saw three men standing by him. Moreover in the third verse of this Chapter there followeth thus, {αβγδ}. That signifieth, And Abraham said, my Lord, as if he had spake to one. Now it is to be understood, that there is onely one God and three persons. For in the first place there stands Jehovah, that is, God alone. Afterwards Abraham had again seen, as if it were three men, according as Rabi Salomon Jarcha writeth in his Annotations upon the same words. Now it is manifest that it is God and Man. Likewise it is evident that Jehovah, is in three persons; as it stands in the third verse. {αβγδ}. Which signifieth, Abraham said, my Lord. Now out of this there is plainly to be understood, that there are three persons, and onely one God. For Jehovah) had appeared before unto Abraham in one person; and afterwards he manifested himself in three persons. And again Abraham calleth him, my Lord, as one God, to show, that there be three Persons and one God. And as the Jews do say those three, which appeared to Abraham, were Angels. Why therefore did Abraham call them ( Jehovah) For they call the angel ( Malochim) that is Angells, and ( Maloch) that is one angel? since that word ( Jehovah) is otherways not to be understood than the Trinity, which is one God and no more. {αβγδ}. Isai. 66.9. That signifieth, God saith, shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth, saith the Lord? Shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb saith thy God. So saith God, is it possible I should be unfruitful, and not cause to bring forth, seeing I give power to all creatures to be born; Wherefore then should not I myself bring forth? Where note, the Prophet doth manifestly make it appear, that God hath a son born, who is no other than our Saviour. Beloved Christians, here we can manifestly see the three persons united in one: and in the six and twentieth verse of the same Chapter you shall find it thus written, {αβγδ}. That is thus Englished, Let us make man in our Image after our Likeness. And therefore questionless there is spoken of more than one Person; A Trinity and no other than God the Father, son, and Holy Ghost. And in Gen. 3.13. {αβγδ}. Which is as much to say, I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed, he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise her heel. harken now my Jews, what doth this signify? Do we find in any place or book, that a Serpent could speak but onely this. But alas my Jews, that is not really a Serpent that caused our mother Eve to sin, and from whom we received our original sin. But Corruption itself, the Devil, that evil one, whose head our Saviour Christ hath bruised: He who was the true seed of the Woman, hath prevailed against him; His blood hath given satisfaction for our sins. For he is that promised seed specified in holy writ, John 3.14. John, 3.14. He is that true Brazen Serpent, and that which Moses erected in the wilderness, was onely a Type of Christ Numb. 21.9. Numb. 21.9. That if any one had been bitten, beholding the Brazen Serpent he lived. Now, Is not this that true Figure, that real and effectual Brazen Serpent, viz. Iesus Christ our Saviour, who hath restored man from death to life, those, I mean, that behold him with the eye of a believing heart? But whosoever believeth not is already dead, the Believers are saved and freed from Original sin, those I say are saved; so saith the Prophet Isaiah in these words Isa. 7.14. , {αβγδ}. This is as much as to say, Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign, and behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call his Name EMANUEL: Which being interpnted, is as much as to say, God with us. Now my wilful and blind Jews, I conceive you will answer me thus, that the word {αβγδ} signifies A young woman: And there stands in Gen. 24.43. {αβγδ}: Therefore the word signifieth A Virgin. And in Isaiah that word {αβγδ} signifieth also A Virgin: Otherwise, What miracle had it been for a young Woman to have born a Son? Surely none at all. Also in the Gospel you shall find Matth. 1.18. Luke 1.23. Gal. 2.11. they mention no other to be the Son of God, than onely our Saviour Jesus Christ. Likewise you shall find in Hos. 11.1. where it is thus said, {αβγδ}. That is, Out of egypt I called my Son. And the Prophet Michah saith, Mich. 5.22. {αβγδ}. That is to be understood thus, And his going forth hath been of old, yea, from everlasting. Now it is evidently here to be seen, that God hath a son, who is Christ the Saviour. And in the Prophet Isaiah Isa. 33.15. it stands thus, {αβγδ} {αβγδ}. That is as much as to say,[ in those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David, and he shall execute judgement and righteousness in the Land; this is the name wherewith he shall be called, {αβγδ}. The Lord of Righteousness,] Well then my Jews, where do you find any that proceedeth from the House of David that was thus called, but onely Christ? Ye know well, O Jews, that no human person can appropriate the Name of Jehovah, but only God: So Jesus Christ( proceeding from the house of David) who was the second Person of the Trinity; this name therefore did belong unto him, and this was the onely meaning of the Prophet, and therefore he styled himself Jehovah. Yea, my blind and ignorant Jews, ye will neither see nor apprehended what the Scriptures testifies for your good. Moreover, in the Book of the Prophet Samuel there stands written thus 2 Sam. 7.16. : {αβγδ}. That is, And thy house, and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee, and thy Throne shall de established for ever. And in the said Chapter, verse 12. it is thus written, {αβγδ} Which is as much as to say, And I will set up thy Seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy Bowels, and I will establish his Kingdom. Again, in the 14 verse of the same Chapter it is thus written, {αβγδ}. Being Englished is, I will be his Father, and he shall be my Son: Questionless therefore God hath a Son, and that he shall proceed from the House of David; Therefore this is no otherwise to be understood, than onely Jesus Christ; who( according to his human Narure) was of the true Line and genealogy of David. The Gospel likewise gives testimony of the same, as you may find in Matth. 1. Luke 3. . And also in the Old Testament a man may evidently see, that it is our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ the true Messiah; who said and revealed to his Disciples, that the Father had given unto him the everlasting Kingdom. Likewise in Isaiah you have it thus written Isa. 42. , {αβγδ}. Which is, Behold my Servant, whom I do uphold, mine Elect, in whom my soul delighteth: I have put my Spirit upon him, and he shall bring forth judgement to the Gentiles. Herein is manifestly clear, that there is questionless more than one Person; to wit, God the Father, and God the Holy Ghost: So likewise it is to be understood, that Iesus Christ the Messiah is comprehended in the same verse: For no other than our Saviour had brought the kingdom to the Gentiles. Insomuch that it is evidently seen, there are three Persons, or a Trinity. What answer now, my loving Jews can you make unto this? I shall therefore( to satisfy you the more fully) bring you a sufficient proof thereof out of the Old Testament, to show you evidently the humanity of Christ, as you shall find it in the Prophet Michah Mic. 15.1. . {αβγδ}. Which is,[ But thou Bethlehem Ephratath, though thou art but little amongst the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me, that is to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth have been from old, from everlasting.] Now my Jews, show me in any of your Books or Scriptures, who was born at Bethlehem, whose going out hath been from everlasting: For I understand, and you may perceive there hath been none from everlasting but onely God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, according as I have shewed you more at large in other places; that he should be your Ruler, and your King, but you would not aclowledge him; therefore he hath given his Monarchy unto the Gentiles, according to the saying of the prophecy of the Prophets. But hear and understand you, {αβγδ} that is,[ you hard-hearted, what is set down for our salvation] in the true Bible the Old Testament, given by God himself; yet you will neither learn nor understand what is written in the same: But I say, depart out of your fabulous Talmud, your pretended Spiritual Doctrine of your Rabies, published against the true Orthodox Doctrine of Christians.( {αβγδ}) That is, learn and understand that Doctrine, that you may out of your own Letter make a word. Let me therefore request you, O my Jews, that you would but red the New Testament as I have done, and you shall find as I have found, Matth. 2.1. To wit, that true Messiah Jesus Christ, whom ye call( {αβγδ}) who was born at Bethlehem, as the story saith: Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the dayes of Herod the King, behold there came( {αβγδ}) that is, Wise men from the East to Jerusalem, saying, {αβγδ}. Which is to be understood thus, Where is he that is born King of the Jews, for we have seen his Star in the East, and are come to worship him. Luke 2.4, 5. again it is thus written, And Joseph went up from Galilee, out of the City of Nazareth unto Judea, the City of David, which is called Bethlehem, to pay Tribute with Mary his espoused Wife, being great with child. Now it is certain that Jesus of Nazareth is our Saviour, by what you, Jews, do call him, Viz.( {αβγδ}.) Which is, Jesus of Nazareth is and ought to be your true and undoubted King, according to the saying of the Wise men. Also, it is not onely certain and true, that he was their King, but a God to, as it may be perceived out of the precedent or fore-going words, where it is said[ we are come to worship him.] In comparison, as if any person, of what condition soever he be, should come and inquire after any other King, either to speak to him, or to entreat, or desire any thing of him, is usual. But as for that word of Adoring, or Worshipping, it belongs to none but God onely, that is, to the Father, son, and Holy Ghost. Therefore it is most certain that Jesus Christ is the onely son of God, and it is as sure, and without question, that he was born of the Virgin at Bethlehem, brought up at Nazareth, and of the house and lineage of David. For there standeth written, that they went forth to be taxed; for she was already overshadowed by the Holy Ghost, being great with Child, to the end, that it might be accomplished, according as had been foretold by the Prophet Zachariah. Now my beloved Jews, you may very well understand, and easily perceive( if you will open your eyes) unstop your ears, and mollify your hard harts, that this is the true Messiah, and Saviour of the World, and that we need not hope for, or expect any other Messiah, as you still fancy. It is true, my over-curious Jews, and you cannot but aclowledge yourselves, that in your fabulous Talmouth there stands thus written. That your Messiah shall come riding upon an ass, and shall be some great Lord, and shall make war with the Christians, &c. But in the Old Testament you shall see what is spoken by God himself, by the mouth of his Prophets commanding them thereto speak unto his people as you shall find it witten in Zach. 9.9. {αβγδ}. Which is,[ rejoice greatly O Daughter of Sion, shout O Daughter of Jerusalem; behold thy King cometh unto thee, he is just, having salvation, lowly, and riding upon an Ass, a Colt, the Foal of an Ass.] This is now accomplished and come to pass, it being all fulfilled by our Saviour Mat. 21.1.2. ; Wherein stands written thus, that[ When Iesus drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and was come unto Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Iesus sent two of his Disciples, saying unto them, Go into the Village over against you, and straightways you shall find an Ass tied, and a Colt with him, loose them, and bring them unto me.] But all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Prophets. Now assuredly, my loving Jews, this is that Messiah, who hath been long come, whom we call Iesus of Nazareth our onely Saviour, and Son of the ever living God. There stands likewise in the Old Testament thus Isa. 40.3. Mal. 3.1. , {αβγδ}. [ Behold, I will sand a Messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me; and the Lord whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his Temple, even the Messenger of the Covenant: Whom you delight in, behold he shall come saith the Lord of Hosts.] And that is likewise fulfilled according as it is written Mat. 3.1. [ For in those dayes came John the Baptist preaching in the Wilderness of Judea, saying, Repent ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the Prophet Esaias, saying,[ The voice of one crying in the Wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths strait.] Now, my loving Jews, this is that true Elias, who hath brought us the glad tidings, and not as your fabulous Talmud mentioneth, that Elias shall come, and shall gather you together, as a Hunter shall gather his Dogs together. Alas, my loving Jews, that will be a great damage unto you to expect, and a folly to wait upon such vain hopes; as more clearly may be seen in this my Treatise, as I myself have been enlightened, and as I have written in like manner to that purpose in this Book Isa. 36.3. . {αβγδ}. That is to say,[ Strengthen the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees] which is accomplished in the Gospel Mat. 11.5. [ The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the Lepers are cleansed, and the deaf do hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the Gospel preached unto them:] And be assured, that these Miracles were wrought onely by our Saviour Iesus Christ. Therefore, my loving Jew, when thou shalt also believe in him, he will then take that blindness from thy eyes, he will mollify thy hard heart, he will cleanse thee of thy Spirit of unbelief, redeem thee from thy sins, and enlighten thy understanding, and be a Saviour to thee, as he is to me, and the rest of those that believe in him. Ye shall also perceive what he saith in Zac. 11.12. . {αβγδ}. And I said unto them,[ If you think good, give me my price; so they weighed for my price 30 pieces of silver.] The which was also fulfilled, as you may find in Mat. 26.14. Then one of the Twelve called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief Priests, and said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they Covenanted with him for 30 pieces of silver. This( O my loving Jews) Zachariah did not speak in relation to himself, but by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. Likewise( my loving Jews) you know very well that this was not fulfilled by Zachariah, nor by any other, but onely by our Saviour himself; This you shall find in Zac. 13.7. . {αβγδ}. This is as much as to say, And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thy hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. My loving Jews, none other than our Saviour hath fulfilled all these things, who hath suffered and undergone these things for our sins and imperfections, as may be seen in Isa. 5.7. , when that they crucified him, and pierced his hands and feet upon the across: And that is it which Zachariah meaneth, and was fulfilled by our Saviour as the Prophet foretold Mat. 27. . {αβγδ}. That is, I gave my back to the smiters, and my ckeeks to them that plucked off my hair; I hide not my face from shane and spitting: And this also was not fulfilled by the Prophet Isaiah, but it was spoken of by our Saviour, and by him also fulfilled, as you shall find it written in Mat. 23.69. Mark 15. Luke 23. John 19. Psalm 22.16. where it is said thus, that[ they condemned him to death, they spat upon him, they smote him on the face, and in the Psalms it stands thus, {αβγδ} That is,[ Dogs have compassed me about, the Assembly of the wicked have enclosed me, they pierced my hands and my feet, so that I may tell all my bones; they look and stare upon me, they part my Garments amongst them, and cast Lots upon my Vesture, as Matthew testifies Mat. 27.35. saying, They Crucified him, and partend his Garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Prophets.] Now, my blind and stupid Jews, was there any that pierced King Davids hands, partend or cast lots for his garments? No, there hath not been any one that hath fulfilled these things, but onely our Saviour Iesus Christ, that true Messiah of the house and lineage of David. Zac. 12.7. And this was the meaning of the Prophet Zachariah, where he saith, I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of jerusalem, the Spirit of Grace, and of supplication: And they shall look upon him, whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his onely son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his first-born. And in John it is said, John, 19.31, 34, 35. When they came to Jesus, and saw that he was already dead, they broke not his legs, but one of the Souldiers with a Spear, pierced his side. For these things were done, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. Numb. 9.12 Exod. 12.46. Psal. 34.21. Zac. 12.10. Now, my Jews, this I believe for the truth, and that your forefathers have taken notice hereof, that he was the true Passeover, otherways they would have broken his legs, according as they were accustomend to do, for they had him in their power. But the Almighty, God the Father, would not suffer it so to be. That this( {αβγδ}) our off-spring should be broken, or be made an unfitting sacrifice. Neither was this Sacrifice like unto other Sacrifices: for the Priests in other Sacrifices, were accustomend to take part of the flesh, and for to eat the same, and to sprinkle the blood thereof upon the Altar. But this outward Sacrifice, was not for the nourishment of the soul, for the Redemption of mankind from his sins, but for an outward Ceremony, or a Type or Figure of this real Sacrifice of our Saviour, who had offered himself for us. And that great and high Priest, was that( {αβγδ}) that is, That true high Priest. And it was he alone that had taken the flesh to himself into his own kingdom, the kingdom of Heaven: and hereby hath redeemed us and our children with his dear and precious blood: I mean all those that truly believe in him, from the tyranny of their sins? renewing his Covenant with us, but summoning you O Jews, before Pilate, your own Judge, as you may see in Matthew, Matth. 21.25 where your fore-Fathers, high Priests, and Elders, cried out, his blood be upon us and our children. The which blood hath since ensued and fallen both upon them and their children in this manner. {αβγδ}. That is to say, Four times in one year that blood falls from Heaven upon you O Jews: The which I shall make appear, and at each time evidently manifest. The first time is( {αβγδ}) That is, in May. The second time is( {αβγδ}) That is, in July. The third time is( {αβγδ}) That is, in October. And the fourth time is called( {αβγδ}) That is, in January. And when that these times approach or draw near the evening before,( {αβγδ}) that is, their high Priests in their synagogue with their Custos or clerk do utter or sing forth these words in their order. ( Viz.) {αβγδ}. Which being interpnted, signifieth, That blood shall fall from heaven upon the beathens( meaning also the Christians.) At this time and hour, in those quarters and places all the Jews must beware of this. Yet nevertheless all the Jews in general are not acquainted herewith, unless it be their Rabies and Priests. For they have found a secret or hidden book called of their high Priest( {αβγδ}) that is, that blood is of Jesus Christ the Innocent, the which according to their demand or desire might so fall upon them and their children. And that is that blood which so falls four times every year. Now when they perceive that the time approacheth or groweth near at hand, then do they lay upon all the meat and drink, which is in the house, a piece of Iron: But none of them know to what end they do it, or for what the said Iron should be good, or what benefit or profit doth acrew unto them thereby. Let me therefore entreat you, my Jews, what is the reason that no Christians are acquainted with this falling of the blood, but that the same is made known unto you or your Rabies onely? I have been in Russia with one of my Uncles, who was my Mothers Brother, in the City called Bochaw, which belongs to the chancellor of Litovia: My uncle being one of the chief or principal Rabies in the said City, and as I myself together with other( {αβγδ}) that is students, sate round about the Table for our learning or studies: Behold a drop of blood, as big as a grain of Lin-seed, fell from above upon the said Table, and it made a hole in the Table, the which became wider and wider, and visibly bigger and bloudier, insomuch that the Table was died with blood: The which my Uncle perceiving, he caused a Christian to break them in pieces, and to throw the same into the fire, leaving not one piece thereof as bog as a corn of Powder; and being so burnt, he strewed the Ashes thereof into the stream of a swift running River: And all this was done by a Christian, for they are warned much to take heed thereof. They said likewise, that when the said blood falls into any water in the house, or upon any of their meat, or into their drink, they having not been careful to provide Iron beforehand, the same must be thrown away, being not fit for any use: for they say, that if any one eareth thereof, or maketh any use of the same, he would burst to pieces. Beloved Christians, what do you think of this, or what can we suppose this to be, other than the innocent blood of our Saviour, that true paschal Lamb, Jesus Christ the Righteous. Now we do not find, either in their Bible, or any other of their books, concerning the falling of any such blood, unless it be in that book, which they have found written by their Priests, but the same being secretly kept, few of the Jews know of it, beside their Rabies. The Kingly Prophet David saith in the psalm. Psal. 68.19. {αβγδ}. That is, Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast lead captivity captive, thou hast received gifts from men, yea, from the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them. Wherefore my loving Jews, I cannot understand, or apprehended this,( {αβγδ}) that is, this verse to be of any other than of our Saviour. For there is no other( as the Kingly Prophet speaks) that hath in the like manner ascended up into heaven, but our Saviour onely, and it is he who hath delivered us from condemnation, and the captivity of our sins: and these good works are the gifts which he hath given us. And thus these three words are to be understood. The first is,( {αβγδ}) that is, to Rest. The second is( {αβγδ}) that is, the name of God. The third is,( {αβγδ}) and this word signifies, more than one person. Now, my good Jews, I will clearly manifest this Verse unto you, to the end that every Jew might understand, that no other than Christ ascended into heaven, and he is name,( {αβγδ}) that is, the half of Jehovah. And( {αβγδ}) that is, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost. For the word signifies more than one person. This verse plainly manifesting, the Father, the son, and the holy Ghost. And this you shall also find in the psalm of David, Psal. 110.1. {αβγδ}. Which is to be understood thus, And the Lord said unto my Lord, sit thou at my right hand. {αβγδ}. That is, until I shall make thine enemies thy foot-stool. Beloved Jews, as long as I was in your blindness and unbelief, I could not apprehended, who it was that King David meant in this Verse. But now being become a Christian, and understanding the true fundamental grounds of Christian Religion; I do clearly find, that the Psalmist doth mean, our Saviour Christ, the true Messiah, who hath opened the eyes of my understanding, and hath made the same evident and apparent unto me, and unto every Christian Believer: As more clearly may be seen in Matthew, Matth. 22.42. and 3.4. where you shall find it thus written. And Jesus asked of the People saying, what think ye of Christ, whose son is he? They said unto him, the son of David. And he said unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord? saying, the Lord said unto my Lord, sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy foot-stool. Now, my loving Jews, he cannot be properly Davids own Son, neither hath it ever been the custom that the Father should call the son Lord. Wherefore it is manifestly evident, that Christ is of the house of David, and yet is the son of God. And this is the meaning of the Prophet David, by the word Jehovah, which is, God: And this word is taken in many places of the Scripture for the name of God. Therefore David spake right well, the Lord said unto my Lord. Thereby giving to understand, that the Father is God, that is, Jehovah. And the son is also God, that is, Adonai. So that there is no difference, they being both one and the famed. Wherefore, my beloved Iewes, how many places in the holy Scripture have I now manifested unto you, which is a sufficient testimony to assure you, that this is the true Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, whom ye rejected, he is the son of the ever-living God, and born of( {αβγδ}) that is the Virgin Mary. But alas, you are become so stiff-necked and wilful,( your hearts being stopped) that you apprehended not this word Haalma, to signify a Virgin. Likewise, my beloved Iewes, you may esteem of our mother Rebecca, to have been no honest Virgin; For the word Haalma, is specified there with the same letters, as it is written by the Mother of our Lord. So it doth likewise stand by that of Rebecca, as you shall find it in Genesis, Gen. 24.4. {αβγδ}. That is to say, The Virgin which shall come forth, as may be seen more at large in the aforesaid Chapter. again, my Iewes, I know that ye are able to understand, and capable enough to perceive, but the stubbornness, and hardness of your hearts, will not suffer you to apprehended these things. Moreover turn to the Proverbs, Prov. 30.4. and you shall find it thus written, {αβγδ}. Which is, Who hath ascended up into heaven, or came down from thence, who hath gathered the Winds in his hands, who hath bound up the Waters as a garment, and who hath established all the ends of the earth, what is his name, what is his sons name, if thou canst tell. Now, my loving Iewes, No man hath done these things but God Almighty alone, and he it is who hath a son, according as King Salomon saith, not of himself, but through the divine inspiration of the Holy Ghost. And so you may clearly see, that there are three persons. To wit, God the Father, God the son, and God the Holy Ghost. As you shall find it written in the fift book of Moses, called deuteronomy. Deut. 18.16. {αβγδ}. That is to say, I will raise them up a Prophet from amongst the Brethren, like unto the Jehovah Elehecha. That is, God his God. And, I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that which I shall command him, and it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not harken unto my words, which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. Again my loving Jews, What answer are you able to make me upon this Verse in the Old Testament? for there is no other Prophet come unto you,( that shall be called Jehovah Elahecho) whom you shall obey, than onely Christ; he is that true Prophet and God, whom I have manifested unto you in divers places, but you would not harken unto him. But I suppose my Jews, that you will say this {αβγδ} that is, you will give me this answer which Moses said,[ that {αβγδ} his Disciple or Scholar shall arise, who shall be as good as he; and they should be obedient unto him.] I shall tell you, my Jews, this cannot be so, for thus it stands in your {αβγδ} that is, your Prayer-book, wherein there stands, There shall not arise the like Prophet as Moses was. Wherefore, my loving Jews, it cannot otherwise be said or understood of any other, than of Christ onely, who is the Son of God, who is one and the same like unto his Father. Wherefore let me exhort you to have a care of your own good, and to consider with yourselves in what blind and besotted ignorance you still go astray, walking in darkness; neither are you able to accuse me with any error in writing unto you, for what I have written, I can sufficiently make it appear in the Old Testament. Likewise, my beloved Christians, I cannot forbear to give you notice at this time, of the many scandalous and opprobrious speeches which they use, in dishonouring and vilifying our Saviour Jesus Christ concerning his Birth, &c. The Heavens do admire and wonder at this, yea they are astonished; the Potentates of the earth tremble at the blasphemy and revilings of a castaway people, as the Prophet jeremiah saith, Jer. 2. Whereby you may evidently see, that the Prophet complains, their practise is to dishonour the Name of Christ, insolently casting out reproaches against him; they deride and mock him, and do daily continue in the same. But let me manifest one proof more, and you shall find that the Prophet Isaiah tells us, that Christ is our Saviour Isa. 7.14. . And the Lord himself shall give you a sign, Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpnted, is God with us. This is that true Messiah born of the Virgin Mary, the Holy Ghost having overshadowed her; this the Iewes will not apprehended, but with a false interpretation, they have their recourse to divers places in Scripture, vainly deluding themselves, and imprinting that into their Children, making them believe, that that is not to be understood of a Virgin, but of a young Woman; as if it were so miraculous a thing that A Child should be born of a young Woman; and they will not have that word Alma to be any otherwise understood, than onely for A young Woman; not contenting themselves onely with this, but use many other lewd speeches and lies concerning the Birth of our Saviour. I should almost be ashamed to make any mention hereof, but for divers reasons I could not omit to inform you of their false reports and lies given out by these malicious people, to the end that every Christian may perceive the stubbornness and grossness of these wilful Iewes. They call Christ( who is the Son of God) not only {αβγδ} That is to say, The son of a Whore, but palpably, as we say, Bastard. Again, they nominate him {αβγδ} That is, a Two-fold Bastard, or The Son of a Whore in relation to his Mother; which expression is held in more disdain amongst them, than the other word, which is Son of a Whore; these, and the like abominations they did imprint into the imaginations of their Children. But we, who are better acquainted with the Holy Scriptures, do assuredly know and believe, that Christ our Saviour is the Son of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Son of God. My loving Christians, I will moreover acquaint you with the blind and dark expressions, which they have in their Writings or Scriptures, as thus: It came to pass, that in the time of their Sacred Temple, that an untoward boy, who throwing up his Ball, or playing with the same before the Temple, it happened that the Ball ran into the Temple, and so under the Table where the {αβγδ}( that is their) 70 Wise men or Doctors were: This unlucky Boy( as they term him) who they give out to have been our Saviour, came into the Temple, running after his ball {αβγδ}( that is) bareheaded, without a Hat; the which these Learned Persons perceiving, were angry, esteeming it for a great sin and misdemeanour; whereupon, one amongst these 70 Learned persons( who was called Besamah) said, Behold {αβγδ}( that is) What a rude and shameless Boy this is. Another Rabi( called Helel) said, {αβγδ}( that is Behold What a son of a Whore this is. The third likewise said, {αβγδ} What a Bastard is this son of an unchaste woman. {αβγδ} Now the next day it came to pass, that one of the three( before name Rabies) went to Market, with an intention to buy a Pot of Milk of a certain woman, who was called Mary, and he bought it of her: Then some of the people said unto this Rabi, Rabi, wherefore do you buy of this Whore? Whereupon the said Rabi asked this woman, if that, which the people said, were true; upon which demand the woman made answer, Rabi it is true; for indeed it happened that my Husband not being at home, I committed an unclean action. There came a Smith unto me, and caused me to commit this vile offence, and by whom I had that son or Boy of his begetting, whom yesterday you called Bastard, and The son of a Whore. Whereupon the Rabi said, {αβγδ} Praised be God, which hath put the truth into my mouth. Is not this therefore an extreme lye, most profane and unspeakable blasphemy? The which, not onely the Evangelists do condemn, as you shall find in Luke 7.53. Mat. 1.18. where it is evidently proved to the contrary, considering the strict Law of the Iewes against that sin of Adultery; But likewise in the old Testament, according to the Law of Moses Levit. 20.10 . The man that committeth adultery with another mans Wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death. And again in deuteronomy, Deut. 22.21 If a man be found lying with a woman, married to a husband, they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman also. So shalt thou put away evil from Israel. And much to the same purpose you shall find written in Leviticus, &c. Well then, my blind Iewes, how is it come to pass( or let me know the reason) that these two persons escaped, seeing there were two such severe laws that did forbid these transgressions, and that they remained unpunished, and that they were suffered to come into the streets, or frequent the Markets; wherefore were they not( according to the Law of Moses) stoned to death, as it was the custom amongst the Jews formerly to be done, who were presently ready to ston them to death, in manner as it was with him who had gathered sticks on the Sabbath day, and others also for the like offence; who without remission have been put to death? And without doubt, if your scandalous accusations had been true, the blessed Virgin Mary would not have received the least favour or commiseration from them, who were her Enemies, and that in regard of her Son our Saviour Jeius Christ, such an occasion would have given them sufficient opportunity to have presently stoned her to death, according to the Law of Moses. Now my Jews, why harbour you such inhuman and profane thoughts? considering that the V. M. is the Mother of Jesus her Son, as the Prophet testifies, and as it is written in the Evangelist, Brought up and lived at Nazareth; as also at that time was called Jesus of Nazareth, even as you yourselves do name him {αβγδ} which is, Jesus of Nazareth. How is it possible then, my Jews, that you dare presume to say, or at least imagine that our Saviour( when he was a Boy) did play up and down with a Ball in Jerusalem, in the Land of Judea; the one being distant from the other the space of 15 Leagues, which is about 45 English miles, as may be seen and proved by your own Books. How was it possible then, that Mary the Mother of Iesus should come from thence to market to sell Milk at Jerusalem, just at such a time when it was to be sold? Doubtless that Milk must have grown sour by the way, especially by reason of the great distance that there is from the one place to the other; as also the burden would have been very ponderous to have been carried from Nazareth to jerusalem, the charges likewise unsufferable, and the profit but little. Consider with yourselves, O Jews, what palpable errors you run into, and how manifestly you condemn yourselves by your abominable lies and untruths; the Turks themselves know better, and confess that Christ was born of a Virgin, and so remained in her Virginity: But ye unbelieving Jews remain still obstinate, not desiring to condescend to the truth, endeavouring what you can, to dishonour the Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.: For at Christmas, when that our Saviour was born of the Virgin Mary, according to the prophecy of the Prophet Isaiah, where his birth is at large foretold; And when the Christians do ring the Bells, as it is the custom in Poland, remaining in the Church, and publishing the Birth of our Lord Iesus; when these unbelieving Jews do hear the Bells ring, they cry out, and utter these most abominable words: {αβγδ}. That is to say, Must that Bastard go through all these Clocks and holy places? And at that time they make a great deal of noise in the house with their Children and Servants,; neither do they take any rest that whole night, but running up and down, out of one Chamber into another, not one alone, but many together. Also( during the whole night) they may not exercise themselves in their Fabulous Talmud, but in Books which their Rabies have made, and which they call: {αβγδ} that is, The story of the hanged. Beloved Christians, can I term this any otherwise than an abominable Blasphemy? It is a common practise which these people have, to ban, curse, and revile the name of our blessed Saviour; insomuch that it is no marvel( according to the saying of the Prophet Jeremiah, how it is possible to be endured;) yea, that the earth doth not open, and swallow them up, as it happened to Corah, Dathan, and Abiram; who were swallowed up in the Earth, by reason of their Rebellion. Let it therefore be our Prayer, that God would be pleased to open their eyes, that they may believe in our Saviour, who is that true Messiah; whereby they might prevent the like punishment for their abominable Blasphemies against our Saviour, and the blessed Virgin his Mother. I will here likewise declare some few things unto you,( although somewhat against myself) that every good Christian may receive some benefit from these blind and stupid Jews, who love to walk in darkness. It is the custom of the Iewes, that when they take upon them to speak of the Virgin Mary, the most favourablest title which they give her, is this; {αβγδ} that is, The Mother of a Person that was hanged. Also in another word which is, {αβγδ}. That is, The name of the hanged shall be abolished, neither shall it be had any more in remembrance. Moreover, they call the Virgin Mary( {αβγδ}) that is, unclean; and when it happeneth that there is any Wedding amongst them, and that the Bride gives her self out for a Maid,( it having been perceived that she had committed some unchaste action before, then they use these terms. {αβγδ}. That is, She is a Virgin, like unto the Mother of the hanged, meaning thereby the Virgin Mary: These are the abominable lies, and false Accusations, and Blasphemies of the Iewes. Ye unbelieving Iewes, you may charge our Saviour and his Mother with what false Accusation you will, or that your unclean spirits shall move you; but I will clearly manifest unto you, and prove out of your own Scriptures, that your Accusations are false. It was an ancient custom amongst the Iewes before the destruction of the Temple of jerusalem, they had there( {αβγδ}) that is a Book, wherein their Priests or Rabies did writ, and therein was specified the number of their Rabies; and as soon as any of their Priests or Rabies deceased, they presently established another in his place, and that they writ also into their Book, together with the names, both of his Father and Mother, as likewise the day when he was taken in and established; this was so kept in the Temple, that no man durst presume to carry the said Book out of the Temple. Now it happened that when our Saviour Christ came into the land of Judea, he then began to teach and preach the word of God: but before he began publicly to teach or preach the word of God, it came to pass that at the same time one of the said Rabies died, and at that time also they found none that came to possess the place of the deceased Rabi or Priest, unless it were one Jesus the son of Joseph a Carpenter, as they style him, who was then nominated. Now he was a person who was very young, but in his Life, Learning, and Conversation he excelled all, and the most voices were for him. And when the whole council and Assembly of Rabies or Divines had given their consent, his Mother( in regard that joseph her husband was deceased) was called in before the council of these Rabies, calling them by their names. To wit, Jesus and Mary, to the end that they should be written in the book of the Priests. And when the same was red before them, both of her, and her son Jesus Christ our Saviour, they then began to inquire very narrowly of her, concerning his Father. Whereupon she gave them this answer. That it was true, that she was the Mother of Jesus( the which the women must also aclowledge, who were present at the birth of the son) saying likewise that he had no Father in the World, as I can give you sufficient testimony upon good grounds of the truth thereof. For living in the Country of Galilee, and having preserved my Virginity with all Integrity, it happened that,( {αβγδ}) which is, an Angel from God, came and appeared unto me in my house at that time when I was earnest at my prayers, who told me, that I should have a son, and that I should conceive the same by the Holy Ghost, and his name should be called Iesus. And upon sight of this Angel, I found that I was with Child, and I brought forth this son without any pain or grief: And before and since that time, I was, and still have continued a Virgin. Now after that the Priests or Rabies, had heard what was said, they sent for a very wise and understanding woman, and charged her very highly, that she should narrowly inquire after the truth hereof, and whether this Mary was still a pure Virgin. And thereupon the women, who had been present at the birth of Christ, came presently to the Priests or Rabies, and witnessed that she bare Christ in her pure Virginity. Hereupon the Priests commanded, that the Virgin Mary should come before them again, and then they charged her, that she freely aclowledge and manifest unto them, who it was that was the Father of Jesus, to the end that they might writ their names, and the name of their son Jesus in the said Book, and that they might love him. To which the Virgin Mary firmly made answer, saying, Verily I have conceived without the help of any Father in the World, but onely by the power of the Holy Ghost, foretold and affirmed unto me by the Angel. Therefore he is not any mans son else but mine, and the son of God. Now when the Priests or Rabies, had heard and understood these words, they presently wrote the same, together which these words in the said Book. ( Viz.) That on that day there departed out of this life a Priest, one of their Society: and in his place, with the joint consent of the whole Congregation, we have taken in, and received, for a Priest, one who is called JESUS. Or, {αβγδ}. That is, The son of the everliving God, born of the Virgin Mary. And this book lay hide in jerusalem, being kept up and reserved, by the Rabies or Priests there: But at this present the same is kept or hidden at the City of Tyris. This History is apparently known unto all the Rabies and chief of the Iewes. Yet nevertheless they will not open their eyes, but remain still in their blindness, and will not aclowledge nor believe in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Now, my Jews, what can you think of yourselves, how can you explain this History, which ye call( {αβγδ}) that is, the History of the hanged. Ye may now easily see, that your Doctrine is false, cannot you apprehended what your own Elders and Priests said unto the Virgin Mary, and to her son Jesus. But I see you remain still unwilling to embrace any good instructions, for you still mind your false books, calling the twelve Apostles, {αβγδ} That being interpnted well, signifieth, the twelve Apostates, in regard that they were baptized: For ye call all those that are baptized,( {αβγδ}) that is, Apostate. But the common Proverb is, that the cuckoo sings always but one song, to wit his own name. A farther Explanation of the Godhead of CHRIST, upon this Text of Scripture. EZEK. Cap. 44. Vers. 1, 2, 3. {αβγδ}. And he brought me again to the door of the uttermost Sanctuary, towards the morning, but it was shut. And the Lord spake unto me thus: This door shall remain shut up, and shall not be opened, and no man shall enter through the same, but onely the Lord Jehovah, who is the God of Israel, he shall go through the same, and so it shall remain shut. He shall go in through the door, and shall return through the same again. IN which Text is clear and evidently manifested the bearing of the Holy Virgin, wherein God speaks to Ezekiel concerning the closed door: of the uttermost Temple, by which the undefilednesse of the chased Virgin, and the unspotted life is sufficiently evident and apparent, who was the exterior Temple of the Majesty of almighty God, as likewise of the body of Christ, and the inward Temple of the Almighty, who was the son of God, who according to his humanity took up his abode in this unspotted Virgin. And it is especially and apparently set down, that this Gate of the exterior Temple, the which shall so remain shut up, and shall not be opened, was the lock of that Virgins Virginity, which lock should not be opened, although that Christ our Saviour, according to his humanity, had been born of the said Virgin Mary. And this Text doth farther demonstrate. And no man shall go for to open this lock or gate. That signifieth, she shall be and remain a Virgin without spot or blemish. For the God of Israel onely shall pass and repass through this gate, and nevertheless the gate shall remain shut. That is as much as to say, she is and was a Virgin, as well before, as after the birth of our Saviour. In the expression of which Godhead, there is absolutely meant the Trinity. To wit, the Father, the son, and the Holy Ghost. Now as the Father sent the holy Ghost into the Virgin Mary, so the blessed Virgin did conceive our Saviour, called Jesus the Son of God, who was called the God of Israel, as more amply is set down in the former expressions, to be but one onely and entire Godhead. CONCERNING THE CHURCHES Of The CHRISTIANS. THE Christians public Congregations are said to be Gods Houses or Churches, but these wicked people nominates or stiles them {αβγδ} that is to say, an unclean or an unworthy House. Also in the book {αβγδ} in the ninth Chapter. When that a jew passed by a ruinated Christian Church, he must say thus,( {αβγδ}) that is, Praised be God, who hath ruinated or destroyed the the house of strange services, or Idolatries. Thus they falsely and abominably curse the Worship of the Christians: calling those Songs which are sung in the Churches,( {αβγδ}) that is to say, The songs of the hanged, or condemned person. And they likewise call the book of the New Testament, and other books thus,( {αβγδ}) That is to say, unworthy books. The Greeks and roman languages they call( {αβγδ}) that is, beast-like or unclean speeches. And when they see a Christians child carried to be sprinkled, they say thus,( {αβγδ}) that is, behold they carry a bastard into an unclean place. Finally whatsoever is used or accustomend to be done in the Christian Church, they do presently open their unworthy mouths, breathing out such abominable expressions, as these are to the dishonour of the Christians. Now, my loving Christians, happily by these smooth words of the Iewes, you may suppose that they speak nothing but Honey, but alas you do not perceive the venom which lies hide amongst it: And it is really no otherwise than what I have declared unto you. Concerning Government of Christians: Of their Princes and Potentates. AS for the King, they pray three times in a day for him in their Synagogues in this manner: {αβγδ}. That is, And the strange Kingdoms( those are the Christians) thou shalt suddenly destroy. And in the same Prayer they use these terms: {αβγδ} That is, And all the Priests( or Ministers) shall suddenly be destroyed out of the World. Likewise they call those Magistrates of the Christians, who dare not do as they would have them: {αβγδ} that is, Wicked persons: And cursing them, they say thus, {αβγδ} that is, Wicked Persons shall be rewarded. Likewise they say thus, {αβγδ}. Tat is, What a wicked and unjust Magistrate is this. And when it comes to pass that a Godly and just Magistrate doth govern, and one that is an Enemy to them; and that he hath the rule and command over them, and that he happeneth to die suddenly; then they make or ordain a Fast, the which they call {αβγδ} that is to say, A day of deliverance; celebrating the same with great joy, feasting and drinking; then those dayes are welcome to them. But when they have any Magistrate, who commands them, that is meek, courteous, and gentle, and that doth show them favours, then they can say or speak of him thus, {αβγδ}. That is, What a good Magistrate is this, he willingly and voluntarily receives our gifts, his name shall be had in remembrance: Even as our rabbins, who said thus, {αβγδ}. That is the difference between the Godly and Righteous Magistrates, and the blind Iewes. My beloved Christians, what a great pride is this, that they should esteem themselves better than the greatest sorts of Rulers or Magistrates that are set over the Christians; and by that word Lahafdil, they mean this, a Jew and a Christian being compared together, whether the same be either King, Prince, Potentate, or others, they Curse, ban, and revile them, using these words: {αβγδ}. That is, The Plague or Pestilence light upon them, who are {αβγδ} upright and just. And sometimes they call them Haman, meaning thereby, As Haman was not good to the Jews, so was this Potentate also; and therefore it shall be with him, as it was with Haman. Wherefore, my loving Christians, are not these words both shameful and abominable, wherewith they most unworthily and falsely do vilify the Christians, Banning and Cursing all the Christians and their blessed Redeemer; but in especial manner those Jews, who are become Christians, and have received the Sacrament of Baptism, which they call sprinkling, these are no way exempted; and they call us {αβγδ}. That is, Those that have departed from their belief, shall have no hope of Salvation. They call them {αβγδ} that is Apostates, or those that have forsaken the true Faith. This in brief, I have at present thought good to publish to the view of the world, for the defence of the Christian Religion. Finally, Gentle Reader, and beloved Christian: I would have related unto you an innumerable company of other things of those wicked jews, which for brevities sake, I let slip; I could have given you large information of their comportments, and have warned you of their manifold misdemeanours towards the Christians; but by the persuasion and entreaty of some especial friends, I have omitted to do the same; I have already published the first part hereof in Print for the benefit of all good Christians; and when I shall find that you have received satisfaction thereby, I shall hereafter endeavour to give you a more ample relation of things of greater concernment in a more larger Volume; wherefore let me desire you to accept of this for the first proffer of my true affections to the Christian Religion, and therewith recommend you to the protection of the Almighty, who is able to give a blessing to this, and to erect the same in the hearts of all true Believers; hoping that he will go forward in the augmentation thereof with his Holy Spirit; for it is he alone, that hath taken away the scale from my eyes, opening my heart, and giving me a believing Spirit, whereby I may behold his mercy, and be obedient to his holy will; he is that onely God that enlargeth our hearts, yea, it is God alone doth guide and govern our affections, to the end we should value his goodness more than Gold or Silver, that we may be constant in his service; to that end, he of his Infinite Goodness hath brought us to the Fountain of living Waters, yea, to those Wells, which we digged not; therefore we ought not to cast earth into them, as the Phylistines; neither prefer those broken wells, as the jews have done: I suppose you have sufficiently perceived their manifest errors in this my Treatise; and whilst we remain in the true light, let us not run wilfully into darkness; but let us remember that saying of Austin, Those that tempt and despise Gods will inviting them, shall be sure to feel Gods wrath taking vengeance on them. I will not burden your patience too much, beloved Christians, with my long discourse, but shall herewith conclude; entreating you, that if you find any thing herein, which you did not formerly know, that you would be pleased to judge charitably thereof, and to interpret for the best; embracing what may be beneficial to you, and give God the glory. But in case there are not such varieties as may happily be expected, yet let the same be acceptable to you, seeing it is done according to the small abilities of the Christian Author; concluding with S. Peter Chap. 4. v. 10. This do and thou wilt engage him, who is Thy regenerated Brother, and Servant in Christ, ELEAZAR Bar ISAJAH. TO My former Brethren THE JEWES. Pcirachoves. CHAP. 2. Loving Jews, RAbi Jouse the Priest, and Rabi Joctenen, the son of Sachiah, went the one with the other, and said: They heard a voice from heaven, which said, Rise up, rise; the great Palace is also made ready for you, and there is a Lordly Throne therein erected: Then you, and your Disciples, and your Disciples disciples are ready to sit down before the holy Trinity, in which place both these Rabines give us gracious writings, wherein they aclowledge the Holy Trinity according to the Holy Bible. And you, O Iewes, calling our Saviour Jesus, you call him right; but you construe the word in Rostives, that is, to take a word out of every letter; and your Rabines do unfold it thus: The first word, that is the( Jud signifieth Jomach, and the other letter is ( Shin;) that signifieth Shemou, and the third letter is ( Vauf) that signifieth Viceckrau, that signifieth together, Put out his Name and his remembrance. To this foolish and blind conceit, the Rabines have instructed me; but I have found the ground of this word Jesus, and according to my understanding, that name Jesus is the true Name of God the Father, and God the Son. The first letter Jud signifieth JEHOVAH, and so our Saiour is called Jehovah the Righteous: And the other letter is Shin, signifying Shadai, that is ALMIGHTY, that is, God the Father said to Moses, Shadai, Shemei, My Name is Shadai: And the third letter is the Vauf, signifying Vacced, which is, For ever and ever: And if you would demand concerning the Holy Ghost, I have told you divers times in my Book that he is a Holy SPIRIT: Or in another signification the letter, Vauf, signifieth, Verruah, that is, the holy Spirit. Now it is manifest, that that word which you call Seshu, is both Father, son, and Holy Ghost, which is all but one God. I Eleazar Bar-Isajah, do request almighty God on your behalf, as having formerly been my Brethren, that he would be pleased to be merciful unto you, and give you his peace together with his holy Spirit, to the end, that he would be pleased to open your eyes, and to take off the darkness from your eyes, that you may perceive, and aclowledge the great darkness and obscurity wherein you are at this present time. Such is my hearty prayer unto Almighty God, that he would be pleased to guide you by Iesus Christ his strength, and by the power of the Holy Ghost. Loving Brothers, you know very well, that these are the last times of the 6000 yeares which the world should stand, according as here-above is written, according to the rules of Rabi Aliehu, in the Talmud, in manner as is signified by the Chapters formerly mentioned in my book. Ye know well, that you do believe more in your Talmud than in the ten Commandements themselves, and the other Word of God, and also of all the Prophets. And your fabulous Talmud is sweeter in your mouths than honey: and through the same misunderstanding, many are lead astray out of the right way, into the contrary way leading to darkness. But I suppose the reason is, because your learned Rabies will not demonstrate unto you the true grounds out of their Talmud. And that is the cause, that of a thousand Iewes, one of them is not able to give the true meaning of one leaf of your Talmud. But you all believe what your false Prophets, the Rabies, do teach and preach unto you. And through thire false and dubious Doctrine, they bring you astray, by leading you into the wrong way, to the very pit of destruction, and eternal damnation; where is nothing but shane and disgrace, without any hope or consolation for ever. Therefore, my former loving Brethren, I do earnestly beseech you, for the love of God, being I am obleiged to instruct you in the way and path of life, that you would with a cordial affection take upon you to red this my small work, in regard that therein is specified out of the old Testament, and out of your well beloved Talmouth, that the Messiah is come, and is the son of Almighty God; according to your Rabinish doctrine, in manner as I have made it appear, that he is the son, the true Messiah, and our beloved Saviour, and that he was from everlasting, as I have explained it to the full in this book. And I could not have any rest or quietness, until I had manifested at this time the mercy of God the Father, his son, and the Holy Ghost, who hath brought me out of the darkness into the light. I would from my heart that likewise the true light from Almighty God would enlighten you, wherewith you all one with the ooher, might be by the help of God brought to the holy Baptism, as well as I am, and so with the other Christians, be brought to his true knowledge and eternal life. And finally, loving brethren, you must not think in your hearts, that I have done that small work out of any shane or approbry unto you, but to free and relase you, and to instruct you in the way to eternal happiness, where our fore-Fathers, who believed on Christ, have their everlasting habitations. For with the aged there is wisdom, and those who have lived long have true understanding, so that in them, the Holy Ghost remaineth, and they have learned all of it through the Holy Ghost. And therefore I will pray to the Almighty God, that he would give us his holy Spirit, who shall conduct us in these holy paths and ways, wherein our fore-Fathers have walked, and thereby the coverts of your eyes shall be enlightened, and then ye shall see the lightness and brightness of his goodness with your eyes. And it shall be said unto you, Behold, that is the God of our Father, in whom we have trusted: And this is our Saviour. And at this time, they shall rejoice both in Heaven and Earth, and they shall say amongst the heathen, The Lord hath reigned, the Lord hath been merciful unto us, and made us worthy; yea, vouchsafed us the light of his glory, with our eyes. LONDON, Printed by G. D. and are to be sold by William shears, at the sign of the Bible in St. Pauls Church-Yard. 1653. FINIS. {αβγδ}