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the_o church_n in_o its_o belief_n in_o that_o it_o will_v not_o light_o receive_v any_o book_n till_o it_o be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o its_o be_v authentic_a and_o therefore_o its_o long_a doubtfulness_n and_o disputation_n about_o these_o book_n clear_v it_o from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o rashness_n and_o credulity_n as_o to_o those_o that_o she_o always_o own_a with_o a_o full_a and_o unanimous_a approbation_n three_o the_o controversy_n concern_v the_o dispute_v book_n relate_v not_o so_o much_o to_o their_o antiquity_n as_o their_o author_n and_o they_o be_v not_o bring_v in_o question_n because_o they_o be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o apostolical_a age_n but_o because_o it_o seem_v uncertain_a by_o who_o they_o be_v then_o write_v thus_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n some_o attribute_n to_o saint_n paul_n some_o to_o saint_n luke_n some_o to_o barnabas_n some_o to_o clemens_n but_o if_o it_o
raise_v against_o christianity_n but_o as_o for_o that_o private_a opposition_n that_o it_o meet_v with_o from_o philosopher_n and_o pretend_o learn_v man_n it_o be_v so_o very_o contemptible_a that_o it_o scarce_o deserve_v consideration_n for_o though_o one_o will_v expect_v to_o have_v find_v all_o the_o learned_a world_n engage_v in_o a_o controversy_n that_o concern_v the_o whole_a world_n yet_o they_o be_v very_o few_o that_o concern_v themselves_o against_o the_o christian_a cause_n and_o those_o that_o do_v so_o only_o pelt_v at_o it_o with_o remote_a and_o far-fetched_a cavil_n but_o never_o come_v up_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v the_o only_a pertinent_a subject_n in_o this_o enquiry_n and_o if_o that_o stand_v firm_a all_o other_o opposition_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o argument_n and_o break_v its_o own_o force_n upon_o itself_o by_o endeavour_v to_o disparage_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o it_o can_v deny_v or_o to_o prove_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v false_a that_o it_o can_v but_o confess_v to_o be_v true_a nay_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o put_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o the_o question_n that_o they_o be_v all_o force_a to_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v porphyry_n and_o celsus_n impute_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n to_o magic_n hierole_n and_o trypho_n say_v only_o that_o the_o christian_n make_v too_o much_o of_o they_o by_o make_v a_o god_n of_o a_o divine_a man_n julian_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o do_v no_o such_o great_a matter_n but_o only_o cure_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o blind_a so_o that_o it_o seem_v none_o of_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n hardy_a enough_o so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v of_o control_a the_o reality_n of_o our_o saviour_n action_n for_o fear_n of_o too_o much_o disadvantage_n in_o the_o controversy_n now_o after_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o foretell_v with_o what_o trifle_a pretence_n they_o must_v satisfy_v themselves_o and_o they_o be_v so_o very_a trifle_a that_o itwill_a require_v but_o very_o little_a pain_n to_o show_v their_o vanity_n all_o the_o opposition_n then_o that_o be_v make_v to_o it_o this_o way_n proceed_v mere_o either_o from_o gross_a superstition_n or_o avow_a atheism_n the_o first_o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o former_a account_n of_o the_o public_a persecution_n and_o be_v nothing_o else_o than_o a_o mere_a fanatic_a zeal_n for_o the_o old_a pagan_a idolatry_n and_o this_o be_v chief_o manage_v by_o the_o pythagorean_n the_o only_a superstitious_a sect_n among_o all_o the_o philosopher_n who_o be_v all_o along_o so_o zealous_a of_o the_o grecian_a rite_n that_o they_o may_v proper_o be_v style_v the_o monk_n and_o friar_n of_o that_o religion_n this_o humour_n they_o derive_v from_o their_o first_o founder_n pythagoras_n himself_o who_o have_v learn_v that_o part_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n from_o thales_n and_o anaximander_n that_o explain_v the_o mechanical_a contrivance_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n to_o which_o alone_o those_o philosopher_n pretend_v he_o quick_o perceive_v either_o by_o the_o sagacity_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n or_o the_o instruction_n of_o pherecides_n that_o there_o be_v some_o intelligent_a be_v in_o nature_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o order_n and_o harmony_n of_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o so_o strong_o possess_v he_o with_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n who_o he_o define_v to_o be_v a_o mind_n diffuse_v through_o all_o nature_n from_o who_o all_o thing_n receive_v their_o life_n and_o activity_n as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v how_o the_o natural_a effect_n that_o be_v constant_o and_o every_o where_o visible_a in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v but_o by_o the_o present_a and_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o such_o a_o power_n and_o now_o have_v his_o mind_n thus_o thorough_o touch_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o find_v the_o orphean_a rite_n and_o constitution_n at_o that_o time_n the_o most_o sacred_a solemnity_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n he_o grow_v very_o zealous_a of_o they_o as_o the_o most_o religious_a symbol_n of_o divine_a worship_n neither_o be_v his_o zeal_n satisfy_v with_o the_o superstition_n of_o his_o own_o country_n but_o he_o travel_v into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o inform_v himself_o of_o their_o several_a way_n of_o worship_v their_o go_n and_o then_o compose_v a_o service_n of_o his_o own_o partly_o out_o of_o the_o orphean_a partly_o out_o of_o the_o egyptian_a partly_o out_o of_o the_o chaldean_a partly_o out_o of_o the_o eleusinian_n and_o partly_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o out_o of_o the_o samothracian_a rite_n which_o together_o with_o his_o own_o theurgic_a ceremony_n must_v make_v up_o a_o complete_a rhapsody_n of_o all_o the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o though_o some_o of_o his_o follower_n leucippus_n democritus_n and_o epicurus_n apostatise_v so_o far_o from_o his_o institution_n as_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o rank_a and_o most_o audacious_a atheism_n yet_o all_o that_o persevere_v in_o their_o master_n discipline_n be_v sure_o no_o doubt_n to_o be_v most_o of_o all_o strict_a in_o his_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v only_o this_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n who_o be_v man_n rather_o devout_a than_o learned_a that_o all_o along_o give_v authority_n and_o reputation_n to_o the_o old_a heathen_a idolatry_n and_o therefore_o when_o christianity_n begin_v to_o bear_v it_o away_o it_o can_v not_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v appear_v the_o most_o forward_a champion_n to_o defend_v their_o fane_n and_o their_o temple_n their_o altar_n and_o their_o oracle_n against_o the_o new_a and_o prevail_a religion_n the_o first_o and_o the_o able_a champion_n be_v porphyry_n a_o man_n at_o that_o time_n eminent_a for_o wit_n and_o learning_n but_o so_o entire_o eat_v up_o with_o fanatic_a zeal_n for_o his_o religion_n that_o he_o have_v not_o patience_n so_o much_o as_o to_o hear_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o oppose_v it_o and_o this_o set_v he_o all_o on_o fire_n against_o christianity_n for_o be_v by_o nature_n of_o a_o fierce_a and_o angry_a temper_n insomuch_o as_o he_o attempt_v to_o cut_v his_o own_o throat_n as_o he_o describe_v himself_o in_o the_o life_n of_o plotinus_n and_o withal_o very_o much_o incline_v to_o austerity_n and_o devotion_n for_o he_o be_v a_o very_a strict_a observer_n of_o the_o pythagorean_n rule_n this_o fix_v he_o in_o his_o fanatic_a and_o superstitious_a zeal_n than_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o insuperable_a though_o when_o this_o happen_v to_o be_v join_v with_o a_o natural_a eagerness_n of_o temper_n it_o grow_v into_o mere_a fury_n and_o outrage_n and_o so_o transport_v man_n out_o of_o the_o use_n of_o their_o natural_a understanding_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o case_n of_o porphyry_n not_o only_o from_o that_o description_n that_o he_o give_v of_o himself_o and_o that_o account_n that_o his_o friend_n give_v of_o his_o life_n but_o also_o by_o that_o character_n that_o be_v give_v of_o his_o write_n against_o the_o christian_n which_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o most_o impartial_a writer_n as_o full_a of_o rage_n and_o bitterness_n though_o how_o he_o perform_v what_o he_o undertake_v be_v not_o so_o certain_o determinable_a in_o that_o not_o only_o his_o own_o book_n but_o all_o those_o that_o be_v write_v against_o it_o be_v utter_o perish_v but_o by_o those_o fragment_n that_o remain_v of_o it_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o appear_v that_o he_o ever_o venture_v to_o deny_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n but_o grant_v they_o so_o far_o as_o to_o impute_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n but_o how_o vain_a that_o pretence_n be_v we_o have_v already_o show_v at_o least_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o controversy_n depend_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v record_v of_o our_o saviour_n none_o of_o which_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o ever_o undertake_v to_o control_v and_o as_o long_o as_o that_o stand_v firm_a all_o other_o opposition_n be_v but_o trifle_v however_o he_o be_v a_o person_n so_o infinite_o superstitious_a that_o his_o opinion_n can_v be_v no_o prejudice_n against_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n because_o he_o be_v at_o no_o liberty_n to_o make_v any_o enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o pretence_n and_o of_o the_o same_o kidney_n be_v hierocles_n especial_o if_o he_o be_v of_o which_o there_o be_v little_a doubt_n the_o same_o zealous_a person_n that_o be_v first_o judge_n at_o nicomedia_n and_o afterward_o perfect_a of_o egypt_n under_o dioclesian_n and_o a_o great_a agent_n in_o his_o bloody_a persecution_n however_o he_o be_v a_o zealous_a orphean_a and_o extreme_o addict_v to_o the_o old_a pythagorick_a superstition_n but_o whatever_o he_o be_v otherwise_o his_o work_n
of_o so_o ridiculous_a a_o surmise_n and_o he_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o bear_v he_o out_o in_o it_o but_o only_o his_o epicurean_a conceit_n that_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a but_o as_o for_o that_o we_o will_v not_o dispute_v it_o with_o he_o at_o present_a though_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n both_o of_o their_o own_o and_o all_o philosophy_n it_o be_v altogether_o as_o easy_a and_o conceivable_a as_o the_o generation_n of_o a_o man._n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n what_o have_v be_v be_v the_o only_a argument_n of_o our_o debate_n and_o we_o will_v not_o go_v so_o far_o about_o as_o to_o dispute_v its_o possibility_n when_o we_o have_v demonstrate_v its_o actual_a certainty_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o celsus_n after_o he_o have_v take_v so_o much_o pain_n and_o that_o in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o jew_n to_o prove_v the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o resurrection_n be_v so_o wretched_o 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that_o he_o have_v prescribe_v to_o their_o practice_n but_o against_o both_o religion_n the_o epicurean_a object_n that_o they_o begin_v in_o sedition_n the_o jewish_a against_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o christian_a against_o the_o jew_n but_o in_o the_o first_o he_o suppose_v the_o jew_n to_o have_v be_v original_o egyptian_n which_o because_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o proofless_a presumption_n can_v prove_v nothing_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o more_o vain_a to_o charge_n christianity_n with_o sedition_n because_o all_o sedition_n either_o design_n or_o act_v some_o violence_n against_o the_o government_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o saviour_n allow_v no_o weapon_n to_o his_o follower_n but_o suffering_n and_o have_v threaten_v no_o one_o offence_n with_o great_a severity_n than_o endeavour_n of_o disturbance_n to_o the_o civil_a state_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o if_o his_o religion_n be_v true_a it_o can_v not_o 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beside_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n we_o indeed_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sovereign_a governor_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o hereafter_o he_o will_v sit_v in_o judgement_n upon_o all_o our_o action_n and_o in_o this_o belief_n we_o instruct_v the_o people_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o live_v as_o they_o ought_v that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o themselves_o to_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n these_o indeed_o be_v fable_n to_o a_o atheist_n and_o a_o epicurean_a but_o not_o to_o any_o man_n that_o believe_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n or_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o celsus_n write_v against_o not_o mere_o christianity_n only_o he_o be_v fierce_a in_o his_o opposition_n to_o that_o because_o it_o be_v so_o full_a a_o check_n to_o his_o impiety_n though_o otherwise_o the_o main_a of_o his_o objection_n that_o he_o level_v against_o that_o aim_v 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it_o be_v aggravate_v with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n that_o can_v heighten_v its_o baseness_n it_o be_v without_o all_o plea_n of_o excuse_n or_o palliation_n and_o this_o certain_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o unexemplified_a severity_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n against_o christendom_n for_o never_o be_v any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n harass_v with_o such_o remarkable_a plague_n and_o judgement_n as_o this_o have_v be_v in_o that_o their_o big_a impiety_n be_v but_o ordinary_a thing_n if_o compare_v to_o the_o vileness_n of_o our_o apostasy_n the_o time_n of_o their_o ignorance_n as_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n god_n wink_v at_o but_o now_o that_o his_o wrath_n be_v so_o clear_o reveal_v against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n if_o they_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n persevere_v in_o hardness_n and_o impenitence_n they_o can_v but_o treasure_n up_o to_o themselves_o anguish_n and_o tribulation_n and_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n 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majesty_n octavo_fw-la the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o six_o book_n write_v in_o latin_a by_o hugo_n grotius_n and_o now_o translate_v into_o english_a with_o the_o addition_n of_o a_o seven_o book_n by_o s._n patrick_n d._n d._n etc._n etc._n octavo_fw-la a_o book_n for_o beginner_n or_o a_o help_n to_o young_a communicant_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fit_v for_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o receive_v it_o with_o profit_n by_o s._n patrick_n d._n d._n in_o 240._o christ_n counsel_n to_o his_o church_n in_o two_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o two_o last_o fast_n by_o s._n patrick_n d._n d._n in_o quarto_n new_a the_o establish_v church_n or_o a_o subversion_n of_o all_o the_o romanist_n plea_n for_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n in_o england_n together_o with_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o present_a government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o allow_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n against_o all_o fanatical_a exception_n particular_o of_o mr._n hickeringill_n in_o 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of_o england_n fol._n causin_n holy_a court_n fol._n wilson_n complete_a christian_a dictionary_n fol._n bishop_n wilkin_n real_a character_n or_o philosophical_a language_n fol._n pharmacopaeia_fw-la regalis_fw-la collegii_fw-la medicorum_fw-la londinensis_fw-la fol._n judge_n jones_n report_n of_o case_n in_o common_a law_n fol._n judge_n vaughan_n report_n of_o case_n in_o common_a law_n fol._n cave_fw-la tabulae_fw-la ecclesiasticorum_fw-la scriptorum_fw-la fol._n sir_n will._n dugdale_n baronage_n of_o england_n in_o two_o vol._n fol._n dr._n littleton_n latin_a dictionary_n quarto_fw-la bishop_n nicholson_n on_o the_o church_n catechism_n quarto_fw-la the_o complete_a clerk_n quarto_n history_n of_o the_o late_a war_n of_o new_a england_n quarto_fw-la dr._n outram_n de_fw-fr sacrificiis_fw-la quarto_fw-la fowler_n be_v defence_n of_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n against_o john_n bunynan_n 1_o s._n quarto_fw-la dr._n sherlock_n visitation-sermon_n at_o warrington_n 1659._o 6_o d._n quarto_fw-la the_o magistrate_n authority_n assert_v in_o
hope_n of_o immortality_n the_o vanity_n of_o epicurus_n his_o great_a antidote_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n viz._n that_o death_n can_v hurt_v we_o because_o when_o that_o be_v we_o be_v not_o p._n 106._o §_o xxii_o all_o the_o other_o receipt_n prescribe_v by_o the_o philosopher_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n represent_v and_o explode_v p._n 113._o §_o xxiii_o without_o a_o future_a state_n no_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o virtue_n first_o not_o for_o temperance_n p._n 120._o §_o xxiv_o second_o not_o for_o justice_n nor_o magnanimity_n p._n 124._o §_o xxv_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o stoical_a philosophy_n represent_v upon_o its_o principle_n neither_o happiness_n nor_o virtue_n without_o a_o future_a state_n p._n 131._o §_o xxvi_o a_o account_n of_o the_o platonic_a and_o peripatetic_a morality_n out_o of_o tully_n and_o first_o his_o consolatory_a discourse_n in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o tusculane_n question_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n prove_v vain_a and_o ineffectual_a p._n 139._o §_o xxvii_o the_o same_o show_v of_o the_o remedy_n prescribe_v in_o his_o second_o book_n for_o the_o alleviate_a of_o pain_n p._n 147._o §_o xxviii_o the_o same_o show_v of_o the_o prescription_n of_o the_o three_o and_o four_o book_n against_o grief_n and_o trouble_v under_o the_o calamity_n of_o life_n and_o all_o other_o perturbation_n of_o the_o mind_n p._n 151._o §_o xxix_o a_o account_n of_o the_o five_o book_n where_o he_o forsake_v the_o peripatetic_a philosophy_n as_o insufficient_a to_o his_o purpose_n and_o what_o good_a reason_n he_o have_v so_o to_o do_v p._n 157._o §_o xxx_o the_o defect_n of_o his_o own_o new_a way_n of_o philosophise_v prove_v in_o general_n p._n 162._o §_o xxxi_o that_o great_a and_o glorious_a maxim_n of_o his_o friend_n brutus_n that_o virtue_n be_v sufficient_a to_o its_o own_o happiness_n prove_v to_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o empty_a say_n without_o immortality_n the_o argument_n conclude_v p._n 167._o part_n ii_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n §_o i._o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n pag._n 175._o §_o ii_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n demonstrate_v from_o the_o infinite_a and_o intolerable_a absurdity_n of_o unbelief_n p._n 179._o §_o iii_o this_o particular_o prove_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n own_o advice_n in_o the_o article_n of_o his_o resurrection_n p._n 182._o §_o iv._o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v false_a in_o their_o testimony_n of_o it_o demonstrate_v from_o the_o first_o instinct_n of_o humane_a nature_n love_v of_o life_n and_o desire_v of_o self-preservation_n p._n 184._o §_o v._o the_o same_o prove_v from_o its_o contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o prudence_n and_o common_a understanding_n p._n 190._o §_o vi_o the_o same_o prove_v from_o its_o inconsistency_n with_o and_o contrariety_n to_o their_o own_o design_n in_o publish_v christianity_n to_o the_o world_n p._n 193._o §_o vii_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n history_n if_o write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o name_n it_o bear_v p._n 199._o §_o viii_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v write_v by_o any_o other_o demonstrative_o prove_v p._n 204._o §_o ix_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o authority_n be_v sometime_o dispute_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o apostolical_a antiquity_n p._n 207._o §_o x._o mr._n hobbs_n witticism_n against_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o canon_n be_v first_o compile_v by_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n confute_v p._n 210._o §_o xi_o the_o concurrence_n of_o jew_n and_o heathen_n with_o the_o testimony_n of_o christian_a writer_n p._n 112._o §_o xii_o josephus_n and_o saint_n luke_n reconcile_v about_o the_o tax_n of_o cyrenius_n and_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n agrippa_n p._n 215._o §_o xiii_o the_o famous_a testimony_n of_o josephus_n concern_v our_o saviour_n vindicate_v from_o the_o exception_n of_o tanaquil_n faber_n and_o other_o critic_n p._n 222._o §_o fourteen_o the_o testimony_n of_o phlegon_n concern_v the_o eclipse_n at_o the_o passion_n assert_v p._n 229._o §_o xv._n pontius_n pilate_n his_o narrative_a concern_v our_o saviour_n to_o tiberius_n and_o tiberius_n his_o opinion_n of_o it_o clear_v p._n 230._o §_o xvi_o the_o story_n of_o agbarus_n prove_v genuine_a p._n 235._o §_o xvii_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o apostle_n prevail_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o mankind_n if_o their_o story_n have_v be_v false_a p._n 239._o §_o xviii_o the_o speedy_a propagation_n of_o christianity_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n describe_v philo_n therapeutae_n prove_v to_o have_v be_v christian_n p._n 241._o §_o xix_o the_o first_o disadvantage_n of_o christianity_n if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a its_o be_v a_o late_a matter_n of_o fact_n p._n 251._o §_o xx._n the_o second_o disadvantage_n of_o christianity_n be_v its_o contrariety_n to_o the_o atheism_n and_o the_o luxury_n of_o the_o age_n in_o which_o it_o be_v publish_v p._n 256._o §_o xxi_o the_o three_o disadvantage_n of_o christianity_n be_v its_o defiance_n to_o the_o establish_a and_o inveterate_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n both_o jewish_a and_o heathen_a p._n 259._o §_o xxii_o the_o wonderful_a success_n of_o christianity_n notwithstanding_o all_o other_o disadvantage_n not_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o rational_a evidence_n that_o it_o give_v of_o its_o truth_n p._n 263._o §_o xxiii_o that_o the_o apostle_n plant_v the_o christian_a faith_n with_o so_o much_o speed_n by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o have_v do_v it_o any_o other_o way_n p._n 266._o §_o xxiv_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o same_o power_n to_o the_o next_o follow_v age_n assert_v and_o with_o the_o great_a assurance_n appeal_v to_o by_o all_o the_o advocate_n of_o christianity_n in_o their_o public_a write_n p._n 275._o §_o xxv_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o ancient_n against_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o be_v wrought_v by_o magic_n p._n 283._o §_o xxvi_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o miracle_n oppose_v by_o the_o heathen_n to_o our_o saviour_n particular_o that_o of_o vespasian_n in_o cure_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o blind_a p._n 287._o §_o xxvii_o a_o account_n of_o the_o evident_a imposture_n of_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n from_o his_o own_o historian_n philostratus_n p._n 293._o §_o xxviii_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n from_o mere_a humane_a tradition_n and_o that_o first_o public_a by_o the_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o chief_a church_n from_o the_o apostle_n p._n 300._o §_o xxix_o the_o same_o prove_v by_o private_a tradition_n and_o first_o of_o saint_n clement_n bishop_n of_o rome_n p._n 308._o §_o xxx_o second_o of_o saint_n ignatius_n with_o a_o account_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o epistle_n p._n 311._o §_o xxxi_o three_o of_o saint_n policarp_n pothinus_n and_o papias_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o ancient_n vindicate_v as_o to_o the_o paschal_n controversy_n p._n 320._o §_o xxxii_o of_o hegesippus_n the_o purity_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n vindicate_v against_o all_o innovator_n and_o hegesippus_n his_o history_n against_o the_o cavil_n of_o scaliger_n p._n 328._o §_o xxxiii_o of_o justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n and_o a_o great_a number_n more_o p._n 338._o §_o xxxiv_o the_o objection_n from_o the_o infidelity_n of_o great_a number_n of_o man_n in_o that_o age_n answer_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v their_o invincible_a prejudice_n in_o honour_n of_o moses_n p._n 343._o §_o xxxv_o their_o second_o great_a prejudice_n be_v their_o expectation_n of_o a_o great_a temporal_a prince_n for_o their_o messiah_n and_o how_o they_o be_v cross_v in_o it_o by_o our_o saviour_n p._n 349._o §_o xxxvi_o atheism_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o sadducee_n oppose_v christianity_n and_o fanatic_a pride_n and_o arrogance_n of_o the_o pharisee_n p._n 357._o §_o xxxvii_o the_o heathen_n oppose_v christianity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o idolatry_n the_o neronian_a persecution_n only_o a_o trick_n of_o state_n to_o secure_v himself_o from_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o multitude_n by_o deliver_v up_o the_o christian_n to_o it_o p._n 363._o §_o xxxviii_o domitian_n persecution_n found_v upon_o jealousy_n of_o state_n against_o the_o line_n of_o david_n hegesippus_n vindicate_v in_o his_o account_n of_o it_o against_o scaliger_n the_o jealousy_n both_o of_o the_o emperor_n and_o the_o senate_n about_o the_o messiah_n p._n 370._o §_o thirty-nine_o a_o account_n of_o the_o follow_a persecution_n and_o of_o the_o injustice_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o their_o several_a proceed_n against_o
of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n §_o ii_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o publication_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o plain_a account_n of_o it_o have_v be_v obscure_v by_o nothing_o more_o then_o that_o it_o have_v always_o be_v describe_v and_o discourse_v of_o in_o metaphorical_a and_o allusive_a expression_n such_o as_o engraving_n and_o inscription_n and_o the_o table_n of_o the_o heart_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n consist_v of_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o proposition_n that_o be_v imprint_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o concreated_a with_o their_o understanding_n by_o attend_v to_o and_o reflect_v upon_o which_o they_o be_v instruct_v or_o bind_v to_o govern_v their_o moral_a action_n perhaps_o this_o may_v be_v true_a and_o god_n may_v possible_o have_v put_v some_o secret_a notice_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o the_o great_a security_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n in_o the_o world_n but_o then_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n or_o demonstrate_v the_o obligation_n of_o any_o such_o inward_a record_n this_o plain_o resolve_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n into_o uncertain_a and_o unaccountable_a principle_n or_o such_o as_o may_v be_v pretend_v and_o when_o they_o be_v aught_o to_o be_v admit_v without_o any_o proof_n or_o evidence_n of_o reason_n and_o this_o amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o all_o the_o idle_a and_o precarious_a pretence_n of_o enthusiasm_n and_o whatsoever_o some_o man_n affirm_v or_o fancy_v to_o be_v write_v upon_o their_o heart_n must_v immediate_o pass_v a_o obligation_n upon_o all_o man_n action_n and_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n may_v be_v as_o wild_o plead_v in_o all_o case_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v for_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v be_v but_o though_o that_o influence_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o secret_a and_o undiscernible_a impression_n yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o warrant_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o undertake_n but_o that_o must_v be_v decide_v by_o the_o common_a and_o avow_a rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n always_o act_v according_a to_o their_o intendment_n and_o direction_n so_o that_o by_o they_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o its_o impulse_n and_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v determine_v in_o any_o affair_n but_o where_o they_o will_v abet_v or_o justify_v our_o proceed_n whether_o we_o real_o be_v or_o be_v not_o act_v by_o any_o other_o principle_n otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certain_a rule_n of_o moral_a action_n and_o thus_o too_o may_v man_n that_o be_v bold_a and_o confident_a call_v every_o thing_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n or_o fancy_n to_o without_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v any_o proof_n of_o its_o reasonableness_n or_o account_n of_o its_o obligation_n it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o call_v it_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o then_o it_o must_v right_v or_o wrong_n pass_v for_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o mankind_n so_o that_o after_o this_o rate_n there_o will_v remain_v no_o certain_a method_n whereby_o we_o may_v discern_v man_n own_a fancy_n prejudices_fw-la and_o inclination_n from_o the_o true_a dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o natural_a ground_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n and_o therefore_o these_o phrase_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o exact_a propriety_n of_o speech_n but_o only_o in_o a_o loose_a and_o popular_a way_n of_o expression_n and_o so_o they_o be_v intend_v by_o those_o that_o first_o use_v they_o that_o only_o allude_v to_o the_o know_a custom_n and_o solemnity_n of_o enact_v law_n that_o be_v always_o wont_a to_o be_v declare_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o subject_a by_o write_v or_o proclamation_n and_o in_o allusion_n to_o this_o they_o come_v to_o describe_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o voice_n within_o the_o book_n of_o conscience_n the_o table_n of_o the_o heart_n etc._n etc._n because_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v as_o certain_o declare_v reasonable_a and_o obligatory_a by_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v write_v upon_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n or_o proclaim_v by_o a_o audible_a voice_n to_o our_o conscience_n however_o though_o we_o shall_v allow_v they_o in_o their_o literal_a sense_n and_o so_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o know_v we_o may_v yet_o we_o can_v never_o derive_v the_o certainty_n of_o their_o obligation_n from_o such_o uncertain_a supposition_n at_o least_o we_o need_v not_o when_o they_o be_v so_o clear_o demonstrable_a from_o reason_n and_o experience_n from_o the_o observation_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o life_n from_o the_o advantage_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o society_n this_o give_v a_o complete_a and_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o their_o authority_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o they_o may_v come_v to_o a_o sufficient_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o their_o duty_n by_o their_o own_o thought_n and_o reflection_n without_o any_o other_o declaration_n or_o express_v discovery_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o saint_n paul_n in_o his_o description_n of_o the_o case_n of_o the_o gentile_n rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o where_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o describe_v the_o law_n which_o he_o affirm_v to_o be_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n in_o allusion_n to_o the_o mosaic_a table_n not_o by_o the_o common_a expression_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d general_a notion_n or_o instinct_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a but_o by_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d reason_n or_o such_o evident_a result_v or_o conclusion_n as_o it_o be_v natural_a or_o at_o least_o very_a easy_a for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o make_v from_o its_o experience_n and_o observation_n of_o thing_n for_o the_o heathen_a world_n have_v no_o other_o object_n to_o exercise_n or_o entertain_v their_o thought_n withal_o but_o what_o nature_n present_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o those_o reason_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o saint_n paul_n here_o speak_v of_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v deduce_v from_o this_o principle_n and_o no_o other_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n draw_v forth_o into_o use_n and_o bind_v upon_o the_o conscience_n not_o by_o any_o express_a voice_n or_o immediate_a impression_n of_o the_o legislator_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o work_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o unavoidable_a result_v of_o our_o own_o conscience_n that_o as_o long_o as_o we_o act_v sincere_o and_o meditate_v impartial_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v lead_v we_o into_o some_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o our_o obedience_n there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o desperate_o dull_a and_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o perceive_v and_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o first_o problem_n in_o morality_n when_o as_o we_o shall_v prove_v they_o be_v so_o evident_a from_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n and_o when_o they_o be_v find_v so_o useful_a from_o all_o the_o experience_n and_o observation_n of_o humane_a life_n that_o it_o be_v even_o impossible_a to_o open_v our_o eye_n or_o to_o look_v abroad_o without_o observe_v their_o goodness_n so_o that_o we_o can_v suppose_v any_o person_n to_o live_v without_o any_o sense_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n without_o suppose_v such_o a_o brutish_a stupidity_n as_o can_v scarce_o be_v suppose_v incident_a to_o a_o rational_a creature_n but_o if_o any_o man_n will_v choose_v inadvertency_n and_o resolve_v to_o make_v no_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o the_o most_o common_a object_n that_o present_v themselves_o to_o his_o outward_a sense_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n so_o plain_a or_o so_o obvious_a that_o he_o may_v never_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o but_o then_o this_o be_v such_o a_o brutish_a affront_n to_o his_o nature_n such_o a_o affect_a and_o wilful_a sottishness_n that_o it_o be_v of_o all_o crime_n the_o most_o unnatural_a and_o inexcusable_a it_o be_v indeed_o not_o impossible_a but_o a_o man_n may_v be_v so_o wretched_o regardless_o of_o all_o thing_n as_o never_o to_o have_v make_v one_o observation_n all_o his_o life-time_n and_o to_o be_v ignorant_a even_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o proposition_n that_o the_o whole_a of_o any_o thing_n be_v big_a than_o a_o part_n of_o it_o but_o then_o nothing_o can_v ever_o be_v plead_v to_o excuse_v such_o a_o palpable_a brutishness_n and_o inadvertency_n and_o all_o the_o world_n will_v impute_v so_o gross_a a_o ignorance_n to_o the_o most_o shameful_a and_o unpardonable_a neglect_n of_o
upon_o such_o appeal_n and_o challenge_v as_o these_o that_o be_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o their_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o reality_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture-history_n suppose_v the_o book_n of_o it_o be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v though_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v no_o inconsiderable_a proof_n of_o their_o integrity_n that_o eusebius_n 5._o have_v observe_v in_o their_o impartial_a way_n of_o writing_n thus_o only_a saint_n matthew_n himself_o of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n take_v notice_n of_o his_o own_o dishonourable_a employment_n before_o his_o conversion_n and_o saint_n mark_v who_o write_v his_o gospel_n from_o the_o information_n of_o saint_n peter_n be_v observable_o spare_v in_o those_o thing_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o that_o apostle_n and_o so_o can_v not_o with_o decent_a modesty_n be_v report_v by_o himself_o but_o more_o exact_a than_o any_o other_o of_o the_o evangelist_n in_o the_o description_n of_o his_o shameful_a fall_n thus_o when_o saint_n peter_n have_v so_o frank_o own_a our_o saviour_n for_o the_o messiah_n saint_n matthew_n relate_v our_o saviour_n answer_n with_o a_o high_a commendation_n of_o he_o bless_a art_n thou_o simon_n bar_n 19_o jona_n for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o unto_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o i_o say_v also_o unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n then_o charge_v he_o his_o disciple_n that_o they_o shall_v tell_v no_o man_n that_o he_o be_v jesus_n the_o christ._n whereas_o in_o saint_n mark_v all_o these_o magnificent_a expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o saint_n peter_n be_v modest_o omit_v and_o all_o the_o answer_n that_o be_v there_o make_v be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o and_o he_o charge_v 30._o they_o that_o they_o shall_v tell_v no_o man._n and_o so_o again_o though_o saint_n mark_v in_o all_o his_o other_o relation_n be_v more_o compendious_a than_o any_o of_o the_o other_o evangelist_n yet_o in_o the_o story_n of_o saint_n peter_n denial_n of_o his_o saviour_n he_o be_v most_o of_o all_o circumstantial_a and_o whereas_o saint_n matthew_n and_o saint_n luke_n set_v off_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o repentance_n afterward_o by_o say_v that_o he_o weep_v bitter_o saint_n mark_n express_v it_o more_o modest_o only_o that_o he_o weep_v now_o when_o writer_n pass_v by_o such_o thing_n as_o make_v for_o their_o own_o praise_n and_o record_v their_o own_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n that_o without_o their_o own_o discovery_n may_v never_o have_v be_v know_v to_o posterity_n they_o be_v of_o all_o man_n lest_o to_o be_v suspect_v of_o falsehood_n and_o give_v the_o strong_a proof_n in_o the_o world_n of_o their_o love_n to_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n so_o again_o grant_v that_o they_o will_v not_o stick_v at_o any_o falsehood_n to_o advance_v their_o master_n honour_n and_o reputation_n yet_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o forge_v lie_n of_o his_o disgrace_n and_o suffering_n especial_o all_o those_o shameful_a circumstance_n that_o they_o have_v record_v of_o his_o condemnation_n and_o execution_n now_o if_o we_o believe_v they_o in_o the_o black_a and_o tragical_a part_n of_o the_o story_n why_o not_o in_o all_o for_o if_o they_o only_o design_v to_o set_v off_o their_o master_n greatness_n why_o do_v they_o so_o careful_o acquaint_v the_o world_n with_o the_o history_n of_o his_o misfortune_n why_o do_v they_o tell_v we_o of_o his_o great_a agony_n before_o his_o passion_n of_o his_o scourge_n and_o mock_n of_o his_o purple_a robe_n and_o reeden_fw-mi sceptre_n of_o the_o contumely_n and_o reproach_n that_o be_v throw_v at_o he_o whilst_o he_o be_v hang_v on_o the_o gibbet_n of_o his_o be_v forsake_v by_o all_o his_o follower_n of_o his_o be_v abjure_v by_o the_o most_o zealous_a of_o they_o all_o and_o that_o without_o the_o application_n of_o rack_n or_o torment_n these_o thing_n if_o not_o true_a to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o invent_v they_o nay_o if_o true_a why_o shall_v they_o not_o do_v what_o they_o be_v able_a to_o stifle_v they_o if_o the_o only_a design_n of_o their_o romance_n have_v be_v to_o gain_v honour_n to_o their_o master_n so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v honest_a and_o faithful_a in_o those_o sad_a relation_n concern_v he_o why_o not_o in_o those_o that_o carry_v triumph_n and_o reputation_n in_o they_o for_o if_o they_o have_v design_v to_o lie_v for_o his_o glory_n they_o must_v have_v baulk_v every_o thing_n that_o may_v any_o way_n offend_v the_o reader_n and_o if_o they_o have_v design_v a_o romance_n instead_o of_o that_o plain_a story_n that_o they_o have_v record_v to_o posterity_n they_o will_v have_v tell_v we_o that_o judas_n have_v no_o soon_o give_v the_o treacherous_a kiss_n but_o he_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o stone_n that_o the_o hand_n that_o strike_v he_o be_v immediate_o wither_v that_o caiphas_n and_o his_o accuser_n be_v strike_v blind_a that_o the_o soldier_n who_o suppose_v they_o have_v apprehend_v he_o have_v only_o seize_v a_o phantasm_n whilst_o he_o vanish_v away_o that_o his_o judge_n be_v befoold_v in_o all_o their_o fantastic_a process_n against_o he_o whilst_o he_o stand_v invisible_a among_o they_o despise_v their_o mock-solemnity_n in_o short_a be_v it_o in_o all_o humane_a account_n much_o more_o become_v the_o grandeur_n and_o dignity_n of_o that_o person_n that_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o common_a misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o humane_a life_n but_o that_o when_o by_o his_o divine_a power_n he_o have_v establish_v his_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n he_o shall_v have_v return_v back_o to_o heaven_n without_o any_o suffering_n and_o with_o all_o the_o ornament_n of_o glory_n and_o triumph_n this_o certain_o have_v be_v much_o more_o proper_a matter_n for_o a_o romance_n if_o they_o have_v design_v nothing_o but_o their_o master_n greatness_n than_o to_o have_v feign_v those_o mix_a action_n that_o be_v record_v of_o he_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o those_o that_o will_v have_v believe_v their_o other_o report_n will_v not_o have_v disbelieved_a these_o and_o therefore_o see_v they_o will_v not_o corrupt_v or_o suppress_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o unpleasant_a part_n of_o the_o story_n we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o suspect_v they_o of_o the_o least_o falsehood_n in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o it_o howsoever_o in_o itself_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a when_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o their_o design_n be_v real_a truth_n and_o not_o their_o master_n greatness_n §_o viii_o but_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o write_v by_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v than_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o either_o they_o be_v forge_v in_o their_o day_n or_o afterward_o if_o in_o their_o day_n than_o they_o either_o own_a they_o as_o true_a or_o not_o if_o they_o vouch_v they_o they_o give_v they_o the_o same_o authority_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v indict_v by_o themselves_o if_o they_o disow_v they_o as_o contain_v report_n that_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a than_o they_o themselves_o be_v oblige_v to_o discover_v the_o imposture_n which_o have_v never_o do_v that_o be_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n that_o if_o they_o be_v write_v in_o their_o time_n either_o they_o themselves_o write_v they_o or_o at_o least_o approve_a of_o they_o but_o if_o they_o be_v write_v afterward_o how_o come_v they_o to_o meet_v with_o such_o a_o early_a and_o universal_a reception_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o find_v they_o always_o own_a as_o the_o undoubted_a record_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n in_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n that_o live_v after_o they_o nay_o some_o with_o they_o now_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o book_n that_o contain_v in_o they_o matter_n so_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a if_o they_o have_v be_v counterfeit_a and_o spurious_a and_o thrust_v upon_o the_o world_n after_o the_o death_n of_o those_o person_n who_o name_n they_o pretend_v to_o bear_v shall_v command_v such_o a_o catholic_a and_o unquestionable_a reputation_n if_o indeed_o they_o have_v pretend_v to_o have_v lie_v obscure_a for_o some_o time_n and_o to_o have_v be_v afterward_o retrieve_v there_o may_v have_v be_v some_o ground_n of_o suspicion_n but_o when_o they_o be_v own_a as_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o undoubted_a record_n of_o the_o church_n
be_v write_v by_o any_o of_o they_o it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a so_o it_o be_v write_v by_o some_o of_o they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o be_v very_o evident_a from_o clemens_n his_o epistle_n who_o have_v borrow_v divers_a passage_n out_o of_o it_o word_n for_o word_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v the_o controversy_n concern_v the_o revelation_n all_o allow_v it_o to_o have_v be_v of_o apostolical_a antiquity_n only_o some_o will_v have_v it_o to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o saint_n john_n the_o apostle_n other_o by_o saint_n mark_v surname_v john_n other_o by_o saint_n john_n call_v the_o elder_a but_o whosoever_o it_o be_v that_o write_v it_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o apostolical_a age_n and_o that_o be_v enough_o though_o it_o be_v moreover_o sufficient_o attest_v that_o saint_n john_n the_o apostle_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o both_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o justin_n martyr_n and_o irenaeus_n who_o live_v very_o near_o the_o time_n of_o its_o writing_n last_o those_o that_o be_v at_o first_o doubt_v of_o be_v not_o afterward_o rash_o admit_v into_o the_o canon_n but_o be_v admit_v upon_o careful_a enquiry_n mature_a deliberation_n and_o unexceptionable_a testimony_n for_o as_o they_o be_v at_o first_o own_a by_o some_o and_o dispute_v by_o other_o this_o become_v a_o matter_n of_o debate_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o oblige_a they_o to_o make_v far_a enquiry_n after_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v at_o last_o satisfy_v of_o that_o which_o at_o first_o only_o a_o part_n of_o it_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v and_o this_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v after_o this_o manner_n the_o apostle_n direct_v many_o of_o their_o epistle_n to_o particular_a church_n so_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v know_v to_o some_o church_n and_o not_o to_o other_o who_o therefore_o doubt_v of_o they_o put_v those_o who_o assert_v they_o to_o have_v be_v true_a apostolical_a write_n to_o prove_v their_o assertion_n and_o they_o it_o seem_v bring_v such_o evident_a proof_n of_o their_o tradition_n as_o gain_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o their_o authority_n and_o this_o probable_o they_o do_v by_o produce_v the_o original_n write_v under_o the_o apostle_n own_o hand_n and_o reserve_v in_o the_o archive_v of_o the_o several_a church_n for_o that_o many_o such_o there_o be_v tertullian_n inform_v we_o even_o in_o his_o time_n and_o to_o they_o refer_v the_o man_n of_o his_o own_o age_n for_o their_o full_a satisfaction_n §_o x._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o a_o very_a slender_a witticism_n of_o mr._n hobbs_n in_o derogation_n of_o 33._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o he_o have_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n live_v all_o in_o less_o than_o a_o age_n after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o have_v all_o of_o they_o see_v our_o saviour_n or_o be_v his_o disciple_n except_o saint_n paul_n and_o saint_n luke_n and_o consequent_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v by_o they_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n yet_o be_v they_o make_v canonical_a scripture_n only_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n which_o first_o collect_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o recommend_v they_o to_o we_o as_o the_o write_n of_o those_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n under_o who_o name_n they_o go_v hereby_o witty_o intimate_v or_o rather_o broad_o assert_v that_o these_o write_n be_v not_o canonical_a scripture_n till_o that_o council_n that_o be_v till_o the_o year_n 364._o but_o first_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o author_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o make_v a_o book_n canonical_a then_o be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n make_v so_o long_o before_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n in_o that_o we_o find_v they_o enumerate_v in_o the_o apostolical_a canon_n which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o compile_v by_o clement_n as_o be_v vulgar_o suppose_v yet_o be_v they_o the_o decree_n of_o council_n in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o age_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n so_o that_o upon_o this_o account_n they_o be_v stamp_v canonical_a almost_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v write_v second_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o more_o than_o a_o proof_n or_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o original_a and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n as_o any_o other_o testimony_n be_v or_o may_v be_v thus_o when_o we_o cite_v clement_n of_o rome_n ignatius_n policarp_n justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n yes_o and_o celsus_n himself_o that_o live_v either_o in_o or_o near_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o give_v in_o testimony_n to_o their_o write_n no_o man_n can_v without_o very_o wilful_a impertinence_n thence_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v they_o that_o give_v the_o book_n their_o divine_a authority_n when_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v only_o make_v use_n of_o as_o competent_a witness_n to_o attest_v that_o they_o be_v no_o forge_a write_n but_o be_v pen_v by_o those_o very_a person_n under_o who_o name_n they_o go_v and_o if_o they_o be_v than_o they_o themselves_o make_v good_a their_o own_o authority_n for_o authority_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o right_n or_o power_n of_o bind_v our_o assent_n which_o unless_o it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o author_n himself_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v by_o any_o other_o and_o all_o the_o council_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o give_v divine_a authority_n to_o any_o book_n if_o it_o have_v it_o not_o before_o all_o their_o office_n be_v to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o their_o authenticalness_n and_o it_o be_v no_o inconsiderable_a evidence_n of_o it_o when_o so_o many_o grave_n and_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n upon_o mature_a deliberation_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n in_o council_n declare_v that_o upon_o the_o strict_a enquiry_n they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o those_o book_n be_v write_v by_o those_o very_a author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v but_o from_o hence_o to_o infer_v as_o the_o leviathan_n do_v that_o their_o canonical_a authority_n that_o be_v their_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n depend_v entire_o upon_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n as_o if_o it_o can_v give_v or_o take_v it_o away_o at_o pleasure_n only_o become_v mr._n hobbs_n logic_n and_o modesty_n and_o they_o it_o become_v equal_o for_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o determine_v whether_o the_o conclusion_n be_v more_o impudent_a or_o more_o impertinent_a §_o xi_o and_o now_o beside_o this_o direct_a demonstrative_a proof_n of_o the_o apostolical_a antiquity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o alone_o be_v a_o full_a demonstration_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n there_o be_v another_o more_o remote_a way_n of_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n insist_v upon_o by_o learned_a man_n that_o be_v by_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o foreign_a writer_n jew_n or_o heathen_n who_o live_v in_o or_o about_o the_o same_o time_n but_o this_o evidence_n be_v so_o weak_a in_o comparison_n of_o that_o which_o i_o have_v already_o produce_v that_o i_o shall_v not_o prosecute_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n in_o my_o cause_n but_o rather_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o objection_n against_o it_o viz._n that_o if_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o know_v and_o notorious_a as_o be_v pretend_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o so_o little_a notice_n be_v take_v of_o it_o by_o any_o author_n but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v his_o own_o disciple_n there_o be_v many_o other_o excellent_a writer_n especial_o historian_n about_o that_o time_n so_o that_o if_o his_o action_n have_v be_v so_o great_a and_o remarkable_a as_o his_o disciple_n tell_v we_o they_o be_v it_o be_v scarce_o credible_a that_o they_o shall_v pass_v he_o over_o with_o so_o slender_a a_o regard_n and_o scarce_o any_o mention_n of_o he_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o discourse_n give_v a_o satisfactory_a and_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o infidelity_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o heathen_n notwithstanding_o christianity_n bring_v along_o with_o it_o all_o that_o evidence_n that_o we_o pretend_v it_o do_v but_o beside_o this_o i_o shall_v here_o show_v that_o the_o best_a writer_n of_o that_o time_n concur_v with_o and_o so_o confirm_v the_o main_a stroke_n of_o our_o saviour_n history_n and_o by_o consequence_n all_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v interweave_v with_o they_o especial_o when_o what_o they_o write_v be_v pure_o to_o deliver_v matter_n of_o fact_n without_o any_o design_n to_o serve_v the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n for_o when_o all_o thing_n
altogether_o false_a and_o frivolous_a what_o be_v that_o to_o what_o happen_v at_o rome_n so_o that_o have_v there_o be_v never_o so_o many_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o david_n at_o babylon_n there_o may_v have_v be_v no_o more_o than_o two_o find_v at_o rome_n and_o therefore_o if_o hegesippus_n have_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v onlytwo_o all_o scaliger_n story_n of_o babylon_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n but_o when_o he_o have_v affirm_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n give_v we_o a_o distinct_a account_n of_o simeon_n the_o son_n of_o cleopas_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o live_v there_o after_o the_o time_n of_o domitian_n scaliger_n can_v have_v no_o motive_n to_o make_v the_o objection_n but_o only_o to_o empty_v his_o common-place-book_n of_o two_o or_o three_o rabinical_a quotation_n but_o yet_o his_o next_o exception_n be_v much_o worse_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o person_n as_o judas_n of_o the_o kindred_n of_o our_o lord_n mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o such_o upon_o record_n it_o seem_v very_o hard_a deal_n with_o a_o ancient_a writer_n that_o live_v so_o near_o the_o time_n that_o he_o write_v of_o and_o have_v opportunity_n of_o inquire_v into_o the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o family_n when_o he_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o branch_n of_o it_o to_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n only_o because_o it_o happen_v not_o to_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n whereas_o nothing_o be_v better_a know_v than_o that_o divers_a more_o material_a passage_n relate_v to_o our_o saviour_n family_n be_v there_o omit_v their_o design_n be_v to_o describe_v his_o own_o descent_n from_o david_n and_o not_o to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o the_o several_a present_a branch_n of_o the_o family_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o scaliger_n confidence_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o man_n upon_o record_n do_v we_o find_v he_o express_o reckon_v among_o our_o saviour_n near_a kindred_n mat._n 13._o 15._o be_v not_o this_o the_o carpenter_n son_n be_v not_o his_o mother_n call_v mary_n and_o his_o brethren_n james_n and_o jose_n and_o simon_n and_o judas_n so_o blind_a be_v the_o humour_n of_o criticise_v as_o to_o overlook_v the_o most_o obvious_a passage_n rather_o than_o loose_v the_o glory_n of_o one_o new_a discovery_n this_o passage_n i_o have_v vindicate_v not_o because_o that_o itself_o be_v at_o all_o needful_a to_o my_o purpose_n but_o only_o to_o maintain_v the_o credit_n of_o hegesippus_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o story_n that_o save_v our_o labour_n of_o give_v any_o account_n of_o it_o if_o there_o be_v than_o we_o must_v take_v it_o as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o hegesippus_n according_a to_o who_o account_n it_o be_v no_o persecution_n for_o religion_n but_o only_o a_o jealousy_n of_o state_n neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o domitian_n though_o of_o all_o man_n most_o suspicious_a shall_v be_v so_o strong_o taint_v with_o it_o when_o the_o same_o conceit_n have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n be_v of_o so_o great_a force_n among_o his_o predecessor_n for_o it_o be_v very_o obvious_a from_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n that_o the_o jewish_a notion_n of_o their_o messiah_n have_v get_v deep_a foot_n in_o the_o gentile_a world_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sybilline_a oracle_n in_o that_o the_o old_a book_n of_o the_o sibyl_n that_o have_v be_v for_o many_o age_n religious_o preserve_v in_o the_o capitol_n be_v together_o with_o the_o capitol_n itself_o burn_v about_o eighty_o year_n before_o our_o saviour_n birth_n and_o to_o retreive_v their_o loss_n three_o ambassador_n be_v about_o seven_o year_n after_o when_o the_o capitol_n be_v rebuilt_a dispatch_v into_o asia_n to_o gather_v together_o what_o record_v they_o can_v there_o find_v of_o those_o prophecy_n and_o bring_v back_o with_o they_o about_o a_o thousand_o verse_n by_o who_o they_o be_v first_o compose_v i_o be_o not_o concern_v to_o inquire_v though_o it_o be_v probable_a as_o the_o learned_a isaac_n vossius_fw-la conjecture_n that_o they_o be_v collect_v by_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n as_o appear_v from_o their_o agreement_n with_o the_o holy_a write_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o great_a prediction_n of_o a_o messiah_n or_o universal_a monarch_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v so_o plain_o foretell_v by_o they_o that_o in_o a_o little_a time_n it_o alarm_v the_o senate_n itself_o to_o forbid_v the_o read_n of_o they_o and_o that_o for_o very_o good_a reason_n too_o when_o they_o find_v every_o aspire_a spirit_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n to_o apply_v they_o to_o himself_o for_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o foundation_n of_o catiline_n conspiracy_n as_o tully_n inform_v we_o concern_v leutulus_n in_o his_o three_o oration_n against_o catiline_n and_o when_o caesar_n have_v make_v himself_o master_n of_o all_o it_o be_v vulgar_o believe_v to_o have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o prophecy_n as_o the_o same_o author_n triumphant_o tell_v we_o in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o divination_n which_o be_v write_v immediate_o after_o caesar_n fall_n cum_fw-la antistitibus_fw-la agamus_fw-la &_o quidvis_fw-la potius_fw-la ex_fw-la illis_fw-la libris_fw-la quam_fw-la regem_fw-la proferant_fw-la quem_fw-la romae_fw-la posthaec_fw-la nec_fw-la dii_fw-la nec_fw-la homines_fw-la esse_fw-la patientur_fw-la the_o great_a thing_n that_o offend_v the_o zealous_a commonwealth_n man_n in_o they_o be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o great_a king_n and_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v suetonius_n or_o his_o author_n julius_n marathus_n the_o same_o year_n 94._o that_o augustus_n caesar_n be_v bear_v the_o senate_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o this_o prediction_n regem_fw-la populo_fw-la romano_n naturam_fw-la parturire_fw-la that_o nature_n be_v then_o in_o labour_n with_o a_o king_n of_o the_o roman_n decree_v nequis_fw-la illo_fw-la anno_fw-la genitus_fw-la educaretur_fw-la not_o unlike_o the_o practice_n of_o herod_n when_o he_o murder_v the_o child_n of_o bethlehem_n to_o secure_v the_o title_n of_o shiloh_n to_o himself_o which_o some_o of_o the_o atheistical_a jew_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o sadducee_n have_v flatter_o apply_v to_o he_o and_o be_v for_o that_o reason_n style_v herodian_o and_o this_o conceit_n himself_o cherish_v with_o very_o great_a care_n among_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o fulfil_n of_o jacob_n prophecy_n upon_o the_o departure_n of_o the_o sceptre_n from_o judah_n to_o himself_o thereby_o to_o conciliate_v the_o great_a reverence_n and_o authority_n to_o his_o government_n and_o this_o probable_o be_v the_o reason_n as_o very_o a_o atheist_n as_o he_o be_v of_o his_o build_n so_o magnificent_a a_o temple_n because_o the_o jew_n expect_v such_o a_o glorious_a work_n from_o their_o messiah_n now_o this_o conceit_n be_v so_o familiar_o entertain_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o that_o age_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o all_o that_o be_v in_o actual_a possession_n of_o authority_n whether_o themselves_o believe_v it_o or_o not_o be_v so_o watchful_a against_o all_o pretender_n to_o it_o but_o much_o less_o in_o such_o a_o suspicious_a prince_n as_o domitian_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o family_n of_o david_n who_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v the_o great_a master_n of_o these_o prophecy_n have_v the_o first_o title_n to_o this_o great_a prerogative_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o but_o only_o as_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o story_n they_o be_v present_v by_o some_o flatter_a and_o officious_a informer_n to_o the_o emperor_n which_o occasion_v some_o trouble_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o the_o follower_n of_o jesus_n but_o when_o the_o jealous_a emperor_n come_v to_o inquire_v into_o their_o claim_n he_o be_v so_o satisfy_v of_o the_o innocence_n of_o the_o man_n that_o he_o immediate_o dismiss_v the_o indictment_n as_o frivolous_a and_o revoke_v all_o edict_n against_o the_o christian_n as_o partisan_n in_o the_o same_o cause_n this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o all_o his_o proceed_n against_o they_o though_o if_o he_o have_v proceed_v upon_o other_o reason_n all_o his_o reason_n can_v be_v nothing_o but_o reason_n of_o state_n and_o all_o his_o execution_n nothing_o but_o act_n of_o savageness_n and_o cruelty_n but_o whatever_o they_o be_v there_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o his_o enter_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o his_o brutal_a tyranny_n can_v be_v no_o objection_n nay_o if_o he_o do_v all_o that_o can_v be_v infer_v be_v that_o christianity_n be_v not_o please_v to_o one_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o prince_n and_o that_o be_v the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o his_o persecution_n and_o there_o we_o leave_v it_o that_o as_o nero_n be_v the_o first_o so_o domitian_n be_v the_o second_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n and_o conclude_v with_o tertullian_n consulite_fw-la commentarios_fw-la vestros_fw-la
against_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o contemptible_a that_o it_o be_v slight_v as_o none_o of_o his_o own_o and_o make_v up_o altogether_o of_o borrow_a feather_n out_o of_o other_o man_n write_n which_o he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o transcribe_v word_n for_o word_n into_o his_o own_o rhapsody_n especial_o out_o of_o celsus_n insomuch_o as_o eusebius_n stick_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o passage_n in_o all_o his_o book_n that_o be_v not_o answer_v aforehand_o by_o origen_n and_o that_o be_v his_o parallel_n between_o our_o saviour_n and_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n but_o how_o even_o that_o run_v we_o have_v already_o consider_v and_o therefore_o here_o i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o only_o that_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o question_v much_o less_o deny_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n but_o only_o vied_z the_o unvouched_a story_n of_o that_o pedantic_a impostor_n with_o the_o so_o well_o vouch_a history_n of_o jesus_n nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o gainsay_v their_o truth_n that_o he_o be_v force_v to_o yield_v that_o he_o be_v a_o divine_a man_n and_o the_o only_a thing_n for_o which_o he_o be_v so_o much_o offend_v against_o the_o christian_n be_v that_o nothing_o less_o will_v serve_v their_o turn_n unless_o he_o may_v be_v repute_v a_o god_n too_o so_o that_o his_o whole_a opposition_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n amount_v to_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o clear_a confession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o that_o be_v all_o that_o at_o present_a i_o be_o concern_v to_o prove_v and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o emperor_n julian_n as_o he_o be_v the_o fierce_a of_o all_o the_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n so_o be_v he_o the_o most_o impotent_a too_o be_v too_o angry_a and_o passionate_a to_o make_v any_o just_a enquiry_n into_o the_o cause_n and_o withal_o of_o a_o strange_a lightness_n and_o vanity_n of_o nature_n which_o those_o historian_n that_o will_v most_o admire_v he_o remark_n as_o the_o most_o predominant_a principle_n in_o all_o his_o action_n this_o hurry_v he_o according_a to_o the_o eagerness_n of_o his_o temper_n against_o the_o christian_n because_o their_o doctrine_n bring_v contempt_n upon_o all_o the_o old_a constitution_n of_o greece_n of_o which_o he_o be_v so_o fond_a and_o this_o be_v the_o main_a of_o his_o argument_n in_o his_o book_n against_o the_o christian_n that_o they_o disparage_v the_o heathen_a god_n and_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n so_o that_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o his_o zeal_n be_v nothing_o but_o pedantry_n and_o superstition_n for_o he_o value_v himself_o not_o a_o little_a upon_o the_o opinion_n that_o he_o have_v of_o his_o skill_n in_o the_o grecian_a learning_n and_o especial_o the_o mystical_a philosophy_n of_o plotinus_n lamblicus_fw-la and_o the_o latter_a platonist_n but_o much_o more_o upon_o his_o zeal_n for_o the_o old_a superstition_n of_o which_o he_o be_v so_o childish_o fond_a that_o it_o expose_v he_o even_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o superstitious_a rabble_n itself_o that_o flout_v he_o as_o if_o he_o design_v the_o utter_a extirpation_n of_o ox_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n and_o as_o he_o be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o think_v himself_o alexander_n the_o great_a according_a to_o the_o pythagorean_n doctrine_n of_o the_o transmigration_n of_o soul_n which_o put_v he_o upon_o his_o unfortunate_a persian_a expedition_n as_o not_o doubt_v to_o return_v with_o the_o same_o honour_n and_o success_n as_o he_o have_v do_v before_o so_o be_v he_o most_o ambitious_a of_o imitate_v marcus_n aurelius_n as_o he_o be_v of_o numa_n in_o his_o zeal_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o go_n and_o it_o be_v this_o wild_a zeal_n light_v upon_o his_o temper_n that_o be_v natural_o hot_a to_o a_o degree_n of_o madness_n that_o transport_v he_o into_o all_o his_o extravagant_a attempt_n against_o the_o christian_n but_o as_o he_o be_v not_o natural_o capable_a of_o any_o sober_a reason_n so_o much_o less_o in_o this_o case_n in_o which_o he_o be_v so_o much_o blind_v with_o pride_n and_o passion_n and_o it_o be_v too_o evident_a with_o what_o little_a reason_n he_o oppose_v christianity_n when_o the_o main_a thing_n that_o he_o always_o charge_v upon_o it_o be_v atheism_n the_o very_a falsehood_n and_o disingenuity_n of_o which_o charge_n be_v a_o manifest_a indication_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o partiality_n and_o as_o for_o his_o book_n that_o he_o write_v against_o it_o with_o all_o possible_a keenness_n and_o indignation_n he_o dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o come_v near_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v our_o saviour_n action_n but_o play_v aloof_o off_o against_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a and_o the_o christian_n of_o his_o own_o time_n but_o as_o for_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n upon_o which_o the_o whole_a controversy_n depend_v he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o undertake_v to_o contradict_v they_o but_o only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v no_o such_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o he_o to_o cure_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o blind_a see_v therefore_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o meddle_v with_o the_o main_a argument_n of_o christianity_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o evidence_n of_o that_o alone_o must_v of_o itself_o baffle_v all_o other_o attempt_v at_o least_o till_o that_o be_v consider_v all_o other_o consideration_n be_v short_a of_o the_o argument_n so_o that_o this_o alone_a may_v suffice_v as_o a_o answer_n to_o all_o his_o cavil_n to_o refer_v he_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o if_o that_o prove_v itself_o true_a he_o can_v prove_v nothing_o but_o if_o it_o do_v not_o he_o need_v prove_v nothing_o it_o sink_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n §_o xliii_o however_o if_o they_o have_v any_o cavil_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v any_o appearance_n of_o reason_n in_o they_o they_o be_v all_o rake_v together_o by_o celsus_n the_o epicurean_a who_o of_o all_o the_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n be_v both_o the_o bold_a and_o the_o able_a as_o appear_v with_o less_o folly_n and_o more_o malice_n for_o be_v a_o atheist_n and_o so_o not_o at_o all_o taint_a with_o their_o superstitious_a conceit_n he_o escape_v all_o those_o disadvantage_n into_o which_o they_o run_v themselves_o by_o their_o fanatic_a zeal_n but_o be_v a_o epicurean_a too_o he_o be_v the_o more_o exasperate_v against_o the_o christian_a cause_n because_o that_o confute_v all_o his_o wisdom_n by_o sensible_a experiment_n which_o be_v the_o only_a proof_n of_o thing_n that_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o in_o their_o philosophy_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o have_v so_o brave_o deliver_v all_o wise_a man_n that_o be_v themselves_z from_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o the_o care_n of_o a_o future_a state_n it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o very_a grate_a provocation_n upon_o man_n of_o their_o proud_a peevish_a and_o ill-natured_a principle_n to_o have_v so_o clear_a a_o baffle_v put_v upon_o all_o their_o wisdom_n and_o that_o in_o their_o own_o way_n and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o main_a motive_n of_o the_o peculiar_a displeasure_n of_o the_o sadducee_n against_o the_o apostle_n among_o the_o jew_n so_o no_o doubt_n it_o wrought_v the_o same_o effect_n upon_o man_n of_o the_o same_o principle_n among_o the_o heathen_n but_o of_o all_o other_o celsus_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v most_o angry_a at_o the_o defeat_n and_o therefore_o lay_v about_o he_o to_o load_v it_o with_o all_o the_o cavil_n and_o calumny_n that_o wit_n or_o malice_n can_v invent_v and_o for_o the_o great_a plenty_n of_o objection_n he_o take_v upon_o himself_o a_o double_a person_n of_o a_o jew_n and_o of_o a_o heathen_a though_o the_o truth_n be_v he_o personate_v the_o jew_n full_a as_o awkerd_o as_o the_o ass_n do_v the_o lion_n in_o the_o lion_n skin_n his_o epicurean_a ear_n every_o where_o show_v themselves_o through_o his_o jewish_a livery_n and_o he_o be_v so_o eager_a in_o his_o pursuit_n of_o christianity_n that_o at_o every_o turn_n he_o forget_v the_o person_n he_o bear_v and_o fall_v as_o foul_a upon_o the_o jew_n themselves_o as_o the_o christian_n we_o shall_v engage_v he_o in_o both_o his_o shape_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o impartial_a either_o jew_n or_o heathen_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o validity_n of_o his_o discourse_n his_o two_o great_a batter_a engine_n that_o he_o plant_v in_o all_o part_n of_o it_o we_o have_v already_o dismount_v viz._n his_o impute_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n to_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n and_o his_o vie_v the_o resurrection_n of_o other_o in_o heathen_a story_n with_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o have_v already_o dispatch_v the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o business_n for_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o the_o slightness_n of_o most_o of_o his_o cavil_n he_o at_o every_o turn_n