A history of the work of redemption. Containing the outlines of a body of…

Antiochus intended not only to extirpate the Jewish religion, but, as far as in him lay, the very nation; and particularly laboured to the utmost to destroy all copies of the law. And considering how weak they were, in comparison with a king of such vast dominion, the providence of God appears very wonderful in defeating his design. Many times the Jews seemed to be on the very b•ink of ruin, […] just ready to be wholly swallowed up: their enemies often thought themselves sure of obtaining their purpose. They once came against the people with a mighty army, and with a design of killing all, except the women and children, and of selling these for sl•ves; and they were so confident of obtaining their purpose, and others of purchasing, that above a thousand merchants came with the army, wi•h money in their hands, to buy the slaves that should be sold▪ But God wonderfully stirred up and assisted one Judas, and others his successors, that were called the Maccabees, who, with a small handful in comparison, vanquished their enemies time after time, and delivered their nation; which was foretold by Daniel. xi.32. Speaking of Antiochus's persecution, he says, "And such as do wickedly against the covenant, shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God, shall be strong, and do exploits."

Antiochus intended not only to extirpate the Jewish religion, but, as far as in him lay, the very nation; and particularly labored to the utmost to destroy all copies of the law. And considering how weak they were, in comparison with a king of such vast dominion, the providence of God appears very wonderful in defeating his design. Many tim•s the Jews seemed to be on the very b•ink of ruin, 〈…〉 just ready to be wholly swallowed up: their enemies often thought themse•ves sure of obtaining their purpose. They once came against the people with a mighty army, and with a design of killi•g all, except the women and children, and of selling these for sl•ves; and they were so confident of obtaining their purpose, and others of purchasing, that above a thousand merchants came with the army, wih money in their hands, to buy the slaves that should be sold But God wonderfully stirred up and assisted one Judas, and others his successors, that were called the Maccabees, who, with a small handful in comparison, vanquished their enemies time after time, and delivered their nation; which was foretold by