A DISCOURSE OF THE NATURE and USE O F MIRACLES. By SAMUEL CHANDLER. LONDON: 3-1-45M84 Sent Let 2-21-45 THE PREFACE. Tis unneceffary to acquaint the reader with the occafion of writing the following difcourfe of miracles, which hath lain by me finished for above two years, and would long fince have been offered to the publick, had I not been drawn into fome farther confiderations, by the author whom I have attempted to answer in the fecond difcourfe. The expectations, which the world had raifed from the great abili ties and learning of that reverend Prelate, who hath fo lately appeared in behalf of Chriftianity, made it improper for advocates of a lower degree to shew themselves; how much foever they might have the fame good caufe at heart, or be capable in their own opinion, of defending it: and some perhaps may think, that all farther apologies for Chriftianity, after that learned performance, are entirely needlefs. Undoubtedly all who have read that valuable work, will do his Lordfhip the juftice to own, that many of the prophecies of the Old Teftament have been therein carefully examined, their fenfe justly ftated, and their reference to the MESSIAH abundantly vindicated. Nor have any of the aids that learning could afford been omitted: Jewish Rabbies have been made to miliate in defence of Chriftianity; and even Virgil himself fhewn to fing in the fweet ftrains of the gospel. The reader will not, I hope, expect any fuch expence of learning in the enfuing treatife. I have not relied much оп on the authority of teftimonies; but have· endeavoured to vindicate our Saviour and his Apoftles, upon the plain foot of reason. It was indeed neceffary, to fet my argu ment in a clear light, to confider the fentiments of the antient Jews, as to the Old Teftament prophecies, and the reference they apprehended them to have to the MESSIAH; and accordingly. I have allowed one short chapter, (chap. vii. of the fecond difcourfe) for that fervice; barely citing the places, where either Jonathan, or Onkelos, or the Hierufalem Targum, Speak of the MESSIAH, as intended in the prophecies. And I the rather confined myfelf to thefe, because I think they prove enough, and their authority is unquestionable. I cannot apprehend, how the Jews can ever answer the Bishop's book; it abundantly appearing, that their most ancient expofitors, and celebrated Rabbi's expounded many of the Old Teftament prophecies, in the Chriftian fenfe of them; and that, as they had their full and literal accomplishment in Jefus Chrift, fo they can never be Shewn a 4 |