as_o little_a as_o he_o gain_v by_o object_v the_o meanness_n of_o our_o saviour_n condition_n he_o gain_v just_a as_o much_o by_o insult_v over_o their_o ignorance_n that_o be_v but_o another_o enhance_a circumstance_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n for_o so_o obscure_a a_o person_n to_o make_v such_o a_o alteration_n in_o the_o world_n so_o be_v it_o much_o more_o so_o to_o effect_v it_o by_o such_o contemptible_a instrument_n for_o no_o man_n that_o ingenuous_o consider_v the_o prodigious_a success_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v ever_o impute_v it_o to_o any_o other_o cause_n than_o either_o some_o divine_a and_o extraordinary_a power_n or_o the_o great_a and_o irresistible_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o in_o that_o by_o the_o objection_n itself_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o the_o art_n of_o eloquence_n and_o learning_n by_o which_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o they_o may_v persuade_v or_o deceive_v the_o people_n into_o any_o belief_n whereas_o if_o jesus_n have_v choose_v the_o learned_a and_o the_o eloquent_a for_o the_o propagation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n he_o may_v have_v be_v just_o suspect_v of_o the_o same_o design_n with_o the_o philosopher_n of_o erect_v a_o new_a sect_n by_o the_o power_n of_o wit_n and_o rhetoric_n but_o when_o a_o few_o fisherman_n that_o want_v all_o the_o improvement_n of_o learning_n and_o education_n as_o the_o evangelist_n record_v and_o celsus_n object_n effect_v it_o with_o such_o prodigious_a success_n it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a how_o they_o shall_v do_v it_o any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o miracle_n either_o in_o their_o word_n or_o action_n and_o thus_o all_o along_o the_o more_o they_o object_v the_o contemptibleness_n of_o the_o mean_n the_o more_o the_o strangeness_n of_o the_o event_n return_v upon_o themselves_o so_o that_o if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v something_o more_o than_o humane_a in_o the_o design_n it_o can_v never_o in_o the_o way_n in_o which_o it_o be_v prosecute_v have_v take_v any_o effect_n in_o the_o second_o book_n the_o counterfeit_a jew_n first_o rate_v his_o countryman_n for_o quit_v the_o law_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n to_o follow_v this_o innovatour_n but_o set_v aside_o the_o answer_n of_o origen_n that_o the_o christian_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n forsake_v the_o religion_n of_o moses_n but_o pursue_v and_o improve_v it_o still_o this_o be_v short_a of_o the_o argument_n and_o come_v not_o up_o to_o the_o reason_n for_o which_o they_o do_v it_o if_o they_o have_v none_o their_o lightness_n be_v just_o unblamable_a but_o whether_o they_o have_v or_o have_v not_o it_o concern_v not_o this_o atheist_n to_o inquire_v and_o then_o this_o become_v celsus_n the_o jew_n and_o the_o epicurean_a very_o well_o that_o when_o the_o epicurean_a have_v begin_v his_o discourse_n with_o a_o disparagement_n of_o the_o impostor_n moses_n the_o jew_n shall_v make_v this_o a_o argument_n against_o the_o 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celsus_n he_o have_v a_o far_a design_n to_o demonstrate_v not_o only_o his_o own_o divinity_n but_o man_n immortality_n if_o he_o have_v only_o disappear_v you_o may_v have_v impute_v that_o to_o a_o trick_n of_o magic_n but_o when_o he_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a after_o he_o have_v be_v so_o public_o execute_v this_o be_v both_o a_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n and_o a_o full_a assurance_n to_o mankind_n of_o their_o capacity_n to_o subsist_v after_o death_n and_o though_o there_o be_v other_o indispensable_a reason_n why_o he_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v sacrifice_v upon_o the_o cross_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v for_o these_o alone_a he_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o suffer_v what_o he_o do_v especial_o when_o himself_n have_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n refer_v the_o proof_n of_o his_o authority_n to_o his_o resurrection_n so_o that_o if_o he_o have_v according_a to_o celsus_n his_o advice_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o cross_n he_o have_v apparent_o defeat_v his_o own_o design_n that_o he_o have_v lay_v through_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o beside_o this_o by_o his_o death_n passion_n and_o resurrection_n he_o have_v demonstrate_v to_o mankind_n that_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v reserve_v the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o another_o life_n and_o clear_v up_o the_o future_a existence_n of_o soul_n by_o a_o undeniable_a experiment_n and_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o so_o much_o fret_v the_o epicurean_o that_o he_o have_v put_v so_o clear_a a_o basfle_n upon_o their_o impiety_n but_o as_o for_o his_o next_o cavil_v he_o be_v real_o to_o be_v pity_v when_o he_o ask_v why_o we_o do_v not_o worship_v all_o other_o crucify_a malefactor_n it_o be_v a_o objection_n worthy_a the_o wisdom_n and_o gravity_n of_o a_o learned_a philosopher_n but_o yet_o for_o his_o satisfaction_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o let_v he_o know_v that_o we_o worship_v all_o such_o malefactor_n as_o our_o saviour_n be_v who_o own_a himself_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o then_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v murder_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o his_o resurrection_n but_o he_o say_v his_o disciple_n forsake_v he_o and_o will_v die_v neither_o with_o nor_o for_o he_o they_o do_v so_o by_o sudden_a surprise_n but_o what_o do_v the_o same_o disciple_n immediate_o after_o upon_o his_o resurrection_n they_o that_o be_v but_o a_o little_a before_o seize_v with_o so_o much_o cowardice_n fear_v then_o no_o danger_n to_o attest_v it_o to_o the_o world_n and_o most_o of_o they_o die_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n so_o that_o this_o objection_n of_o cowardice_n in_o the_o apostle_n be_v just_a such_o another_o advantageous_a circumstance_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n as_o that_o of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o want_n of_o learning_n for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o their_o cause_n when_o man_n neither_o learned_a nor_o 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and_o solitary_a and_o infinite_o more_o unsafe_a than_o hare_n and_o fox_n and_o vermin_n and_o we_o shall_v all_o without_o a_o metaphor_n be_v worse_o than_o wolf_n to_o one_o another_o always_o insecure_a and_o uneasy_a eat_v up_o with_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n troublesome_a to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o in_o continual_a fear_n and_o danger_n from_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o yet_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o our_o vigilance_n and_o industry_n every_o man_n life_n will_v be_v short_a and_o his_o death_n violent_a all_o this_o be_v so_o manifest_a at_o first_o view_n that_o one_o will_v wonder_v how_o a_o late_a author_n can_v be_v so_o wild_a as_o well_o as_o wicked_a in_o his_o conceit_n as_o not_o only_o to_o define_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o war_n but_o to_o lay_v down_o this_o supposition_n as_o the_o only_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o government_n and_o morality_n for_o if_o that_o be_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o which_o nature_n itself_o will_v guide_v and_o direct_v reasonable_a man_n though_o they_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n of_o law_n or_o covenant_n no_o nor_o deity_n then_o certain_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o friendship_n in_o that_o it_o be_v so_o apparent_a from_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o familiar_a observation_n of_o thing_n that_o mankind_n be_v furnish_v with_o sufficient_a provision_n for_o the_o necessity_n and_o comfort_n of_o life_n if_o every_o man_n will_v be_v content_a with_o his_o own_o moderate_a and_o reasonable_a proportion_n but_o if_o not_o that_o then_o their_o life_n must_v of_o necessity_n become_v for_o ever_o forlorn_a and_o miserable_a and_o that_o they_o will_v all_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ever_o secure_a in_o their_o own_o enjoyment_n that_o it_o will_v be_v plain_o impossible_a for_o every_o or_o any_o single_a person_n to_o defend_v himself_o against_o the_o fraud_n or_o the_o violence_n of_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o if_o this_o i_o say_v be_v so_o visible_a from_o the_o very_a first_o observation_n of_o thing_n mankind_n can_v be_v suppose_v so_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a unless_o we_o can_v suppose_v they_o all_o perfect_o mad_a and_o void_a of_o all_o sense_n of_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n as_o natural_o to_o fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o mutual_a hatred_n and_o enmity_n when_o that_o be_v so_o manifest_a a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o first_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o the_o most_o obvious_a direction_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v never_o come_v into_o this_o inhuman_a condition_n of_o life_n till_o they_o become_v so_o unwise_a and_o so_o unnatural_a as_o to_o act_v against_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o all_o the_o suggestion_n of_o their_o own_o interest_n so_o far_o be_v this_o from_o be_v the_o original_a state_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o without_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o providence_n nothing_o can_v ever_o betray_v man_n into_o it_o but_o the_o most_o unnatural_a and_o unreasonable_a folly_n in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o though_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o humane_a race_n spring_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n without_o dependence_n upon_o or_o obligation_n to_o any_o creator_n yet_o if_o we_o will_v be_v please_v only_o to_o suppose_v they_o endue_v with_o the_o faculty_n and_o apprehension_n of_o man_n they_o will_v natural_o fall_v into_o a_o condition_n of_o peace_n and_o society_n it_o be_v so_o evident_o every_o man_n interest_n to_o seek_v and_o procure_v it_o so_o that_o this_o imaginary_a state_n of_o war_n be_v just_a so_o much_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v for_o all_o mankind_n to_o be_v fool_n and_o madman_n but_o if_o it_o be_v more_o natural_a for_o this_o sort_n of_o being_n that_o we_o call_v man_n to_o be_v guide_v in_o their_o action_n by_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o love_n of_o their_o own_o self_n that_o will_v immediate_o reverse_v the_o whole_a train_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o inclination_n and_o bend_v all_o their_o design_n to_o a_o quite_o contrary_a course_n of_o life_n and_o instead_o of_o every_o man_n be_v fall_v upon_o every_o man_n he_o meet_v as_o that_o hypothesis_n imagine_v he_o will_v court_v his_o friendship_n though_o he_o have_v no_o other_o motive_n to_o it_o than_o that_o by_o his_o help_n and_o assistance_n he_o may_v the_o better_o secure_v his_o own_o safety_n and_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o every_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n to_o seek_v and_o desire_v that_o which_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n can_v ever_o doubt_v of_o it_o be_v as_o natural_a to_o enlarge_v his_o friendship_n and_o dependence_n in_o that_o as_o many_o as_o he_o endear_v or_o oblige_v so_o many_o he_o engage_v to_o his_o service_n and_o defence_n so_o that_o so_o far_o as_o man_n live_v according_a to_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o discretion_n so_o far_o do_v they_o endeavour_v after_o the_o love_n and_o goodwill_n of_o mankind_n because_o their_o safety_n and_o happiness_n be_v great_a or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o their_o friend_n or_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o every_o man_n as_o he_o be_v concern_v to_o secure_v his_o own_o quiet_a be_v concern_v to_o secure_v the_o goodwill_n of_o all_o man_n and_o to_o procure_v it_o by_o be_v as_o unfeigned_o concern_v for_o their_o welfare_n as_o for_o his_o own_o for_o that_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o effectual_a method_n to_o engage_v any_o man_n to_o seek_v or_o consult_v my_o interest_n to_o convince_v he_o that_o it_o be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o his_o own_o so_o that_o the_o strong_a motive_n that_o can_v be_v propound_v to_o court_v his_o benevolence_n be_v to_o persuade_v and_o satisfy_v he_o that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o most_o probable_a way_n to_o endear_v i_o to_o his_o cause_n and_o service_n and_o therefore_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o every_o man_n be_v incline_v to_o seek_v his_o own_o private_a good_a unless_o he_o will_v direct_o cross_v with_o his_o own_o design_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o seek_v the_o public_a too_o i._n e._n the_o good_a of_o all_o other_o within_o the_o sphere_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o capacity_n but_o now_o if_o he_o be_v so_o plain_o direct_v to_o this_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v so_o frame_v and_o contrive_v on_o purpose_n by_o a_o wise_a and_o supreme_a cause_n that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a indication_n to_o mankind_n that_o it_o be_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n that_o they_o shall_v govern_v themselves_o and_o their_o action_n by_o its_o direction_n because_o as_o i_o premise_v at_o the_o beginning_n the_o whole_a train_n of_o natural_a effect_n be_v ultimate_o to_o be_v resolve_v into_o his_o providence_n that_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o of_o all_o the_o property_n that_o result_v from_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v so_o evident_a in_o the_o whole_a contrivance_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v the_o author_n of_o nature_n that_o have_v make_v it_o so_o and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o avoid_v the_o conclusion_n without_o downright_a and_o wilful_a perverseness_n but_o that_o he_o intend_v that_o those_o of_o his_o creature_n that_o be_v able_a to_o make_v observation_n upon_o his_o work_n shall_v take_v it_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o action_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o author_n of_o nature_n this_o be_v a_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o no_o man_n can_v desire_v a_o great_a evidence_n than_o he_o have_v or_o may_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o supposition_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n it_o be_v certain_a we_o can_v be_v under_o no_o obligation_n but_o if_o there_o be_v one_o and_o if_o he_o have_v so_o clear_o discover_v his_o will_n in_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o can_v be_v require_v to_o establish_v it_o into_o a_o law_n and_o declare_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o our_o duty_n so_o that_o by_o the_o same_o method_n that_o we_o arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o supreme_a cause_n be_v we_o force_v into_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n and_o if_o from_o all_o the_o wonderful_a and_o curious_a contrivance_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v so_o dispose_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o intelligent_a be_v the_o very_a same_o appearance_n that_o discover_v he_o discover_v his_o intention_n too_o and_o therefore_o whoever_o go_v about_o to_o avoid_v the_o obligation_n
of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n must_v first_o cashier_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o then_o indeed_o as_o i_o observe_v at_o first_o our_o work_n be_v do_v for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o vindicate_v the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o his_o providence_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o for_o that_o destroy_v the_o matter_n of_o enquiry_n and_o the_o supposition_n upon_o which_o we_o argue_v and_o then_o we_o must_v betake_v ourselves_o to_o a_o new_a dispute_n and_o prove_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o when_o that_o be_v grant_v we_o may_v then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o proceed_v to_o demonstrate_v from_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o providence_n the_o obligation_n of_o his_o law_n and_o that_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v demand_v or_o need_v to_o be_v perform_v upon_o supposition_n of_o a_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n to_o assign_v by_o what_o law_n he_o govern_v it_o and_o he_o be_v a_o very_a unreasonable_a man_n that_o require_v great_a evidence_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o law_n than_o can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o lawgiver_n himself_o and_o if_o we_o have_v so_o much_o we_o have_v enough_o and_o all_o that_o we_o can_v just_o desire_v and_o he_o that_o will_v have_v more_o be_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v without_o a_o contradiction_n this_o then_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sovereign_a cause_n of_o the_o universe_n which_o must_v be_v suppose_v in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o we_o can_v proceed_v to_o any_o far_a enquiry_n the_o best_a and_o easy_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o rule_n and_o method_n of_o his_o government_n be_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o natural_a order_n and_o tendency_n of_o thing_n for_o that_o be_v altogether_o contrive_v and_o design_v by_o himself_o it_o manifest_o discover_v to_o all_o that_o be_v able_a to_o observe_v the_o connection_n between_o cause_n and_o effect_n what_o he_o principal_o intend_v and_o aim_v at_o so_o that_o all_o thing_n in_o nature_n be_v so_o order_v as_o to_o inform_v every_o man_n that_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v by_o mutual_a benevolence_n and_o by_o nothing_o else_o that_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a evidence_n to_o they_o all_o that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o his_o purpose_n so_o it_o be_v his_o intention_n to_o oblige_v all_o his_o subject_n to_o act_v in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o same_o design_n and_o what_o can_v be_v do_v more_o effectual_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o it_o than_o to_o let_v they_o know_v if_o they_o will_v know_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o not_o only_o that_o it_o be_v his_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n by_o that_o order_n that_o he_o have_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n but_o also_o that_o he_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v comply_v with_o it_o as_o they_o intend_v to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o comfort_n and_o escape_v all_o the_o misery_n of_o life_n and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v to_o purpose_n when_o he_o have_v make_v every_o man_n private_a good_a so_o manifest_o to_o depend_v upon_o his_o sincere_a and_o serious_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o all_o with_o the_o same_o necessary_a connexion_n as_o natural_a effect_n do_v upon_o their_o natural_a cause_n and_o therefore_o see_v we_o have_v such_o a_o ample_a assurance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o such_o vehement_a enforcement_n to_o perform_v it_o we_o have_v all_o the_o condition_n that_o can_v be_v require_v to_o bring_v we_o under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o law_n or_o a_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n §_o v._o now_o this_o sense_n of_o mutual_a benevolence_n as_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n and_o be_v able_a if_o attend_v to_o without_o any_o other_o direction_n to_o preserve_v man_n honest_a and_o virtuous_a in_o all_o their_o intercourse_n of_o life_n so_o it_o erect_v without_o any_o train_n of_o consequence_n the_o two_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o most_o necessary_a to_o the_o happiness_n and_o security_n of_o mankind_n society_n and_o propriety_n in_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o nothing_o else_o than_o a_o just_a and_o reasonable_a division_n of_o every_o man_n love_n between_o himself_o and_o the_o public_a i._n e._n between_o himself_o and_o all_o other_o to_o who_o his_o power_n and_o concernment_n reach_v now_o if_o there_o be_v a_o common_a interest_n in_o which_o every_o man_n be_v concern_v as_o he_o be_v concern_v in_o his_o own_o that_o be_v it_o that_o make_v society_n and_o if_o no_o man_n from_o the_o natural_a condition_n of_o his_o faculty_n be_v able_a to_o carry_v on_o either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o without_o have_v a_o peculiar_a share_n divide_v and_o appropriate_v to_o himself_o for_o the_o exercise_n and_o employment_n of_o his_o industry_n it_o be_v that_o that_o assign_v and_o settle_v propriety_n so_o that_o both_o these_o result_n immediate_o from_o the_o constitution_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v as_o evident_a to_o any_o man_n that_o observe_v the_o natural_a frame_n of_o thing_n as_o any_o experiment_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n or_o problem_n in_o mathematics_n and_o resolve_v themselves_o into_o such_o proposition_n as_o these_o that_o those_o cause_n that_o preserve_v the_o whole_a preserve_v its_o part_n also_o and_o that_o those_o that_o preserve_v the_o part_n preserve_v the_o whole_a but_o for_o a_o full_a and_o more_o distinct_a demonstration_n of_o both_o we_o shall_v prove_v and_o consider_v they_o apart_o and_o first_o as_o for_o society_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o support_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n for_o be_v this_o once_o dissolve_v and_o shall_v mankind_n once_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o wood_n and_o the_o desert_n and_o imitate_v the_o manner_n of_o wild_a and_o unsociable_a creature_n they_o must_v subsist_v by_o destroy_v and_o prey_v upon_o each_o other_o and_o then_o the_o most_o innocent_a will_v always_o be_v the_o least_o secure_a as_o never_o be_v apt_a to_o invade_v other_o man_n right_n and_o lie_v always_o expose_v to_o other_o man_n wrong_n and_o injury_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o most_o injurious_a will_v always_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v the_o least_o unhappy_a ever_o study_v to_o enlarge_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o power_n by_o wily_a and_o unjust_a invasion_n and_o then_o the_o wanton_a and_o the_o violent_a leviathan_n must_v at_o length_n devour_v all_o as_o be_v the_o cruel_a and_o so_o more_o apt_a the_o strong_a and_o so_o more_o able_a to_o oppress_v the_o rest_n whence_o that_o say_n of_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n that_o law_n and_o society_n be_v establish_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n viz._n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o injury_n and_o oppression_n of_o the_o bad_a for_o as_o much_o as_o if_o these_o will_v but_o be_v content_a to_o prescribe_v bound_n to_o their_o appetite_n and_o moderate_v their_o desire_n by_o the_o capacity_n of_o nature_n they_o will_v never_o be_v dispose_v nor_o invite_v to_o encroach_v upon_o other_o man_n enjoyment_n but_o whilst_o their_o appetite_n be_v unbridled_a and_o exorbitant_a and_o not_o restrain_v within_o the_o necessity_n and_o conveniency_n of_o nature_n they_o must_v be_v invade_v the_o share_n and_o propriety_n of_o their_o honest_a and_o harmless_a neighbour_n to_o satisfy_v their_o wanton_a and_o unreasonable_a humour_n this_o then_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n and_o usefulness_n of_o society_n to_o institute_v a_o common_a amity_n and_o friendship_n among_o man_n to_o unite_v multitude_n together_o into_o combination_n of_o friendship_n to_o endear_v they_o to_o each_o other_o by_o mutual_a office_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n and_o by_o a_o joint_a defence_n of_o their_o common_a welfare_n against_o all_o foreign_a injury_n and_o invasion_n so_o that_o to_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a be_v only_o to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o our_o friend_n and_o be_v mankind_n as_o faithful_a to_o one_o another_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o nature_n require_v and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o expect_v there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o civil_a law_n and_o penalty_n that_o be_v only_o a_o second_o and_o subsidiary_a help_n to_o force_v a_o few_o bad_a man_n to_o preserve_v that_o amity_n and_o friendship_n which_o be_v they_o good_a and_o virtuous_a they_o will_v choose_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n as_o most_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o humane_a nature_n so_o that_o this_o be_v plain_a that_o if_o man_n will_v but_o reflect_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o nature_n consider_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o their_o own_o personal_a strength_n to_o their_o own_o security_n observe_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o public_a concern_v in_o order_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o
up_o both_o in_o the_o record_n of_o that_o city_n and_o the_o syrian_a tongue_n to_o which_o language_n the_o ancient_a greek_a and_o latin_a father_n be_v altogether_o stranger_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v ignorant_a of_o so_o remote_a a_o register_n but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o record_n we_o have_v all_o the_o faith_n of_o eusebius_n at_o stake_n who_o positive_o vouch_v it_o that_o he_o find_v they_o enroll_v in_o the_o public_a registry_n of_o edessa_n and_o faithful_o translate_v they_o out_o of_o the_o syrian_a into_o the_o greek_a tongue_n not_o to_o mention_v saint_n ephraem_n who_o live_v before_o the_o time_n of_o saint_n austin_n and_o be_v a_o deacon_n in_o the_o city_n of_o edessa_n who_o make_v the_o same_o honourable_a mention_n of_o these_o epistle_n with_o eusebius_n though_o that_o be_v a_o pregnant_a testimony_n by_o itself_o but_o much_o more_o so_o from_o its_o exact_a agreement_n with_o eusebius_n his_o relation_n but_o pass_v by_o that_o and_o much_o aug._n ep._n 263._o more_o the_o epistle_n of_o darius_n to_o saint_n austin_n and_o of_o theodorus_n studita_n to_o pope_n paschal_n 60._o because_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v rely_v whole_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o eusebius_n i_o shall_v lay_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o the_o testimony_n upon_o he_o alone_o who_o we_o can_v suppose_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o gross_a and_o mere_a forgery_n as_o to_o have_v frame_v the_o whole_a story_n only_o out_o of_o his_o own_o brain_n i_o will_v grant_v that_o he_o may_v sometime_o seem_v partial_a and_o favourable_a to_o his_o own_o cause_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v more_o of_o a_o testimony_n than_o the_o testimony_n itself_o will_v bear_v but_o that_o he_o shall_v forge_v and_o falsie_n a_o public_a record_n and_o that_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o weighty_a nature_n he_o have_v give_v we_o no_o reason_n to_o entertain_v so_o hard_a and_o unkind_a a_o suspicion_n of_o he_o for_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o eusebius_n that_o know_v he_o not_o to_o be_v as_o nice_a and_o curious_a in_o examine_v the_o credit_n of_o his_o authority_n as_o any_o the_o most_o critical_a author_n whatsoever_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n he_o have_v reject_v many_o excellent_a passage_n that_o may_v have_v be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o his_o cause_n mere_o because_o of_o their_o doubtful_a antiquity_n allow_v nothing_o as_o authentic_a that_o he_o can_v vouch_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o ancient_a and_o contemporary_a writer_n now_o that_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o gross_a and_o groundless_a lie_n as_o this_o be_v past_o the_o ill-nature_n of_o mankind_n to_o suspect_v nay_o far_o though_o some_o of_o our_o late_a master_n of_o censure_n be_v very_o forward_o to_o observe_v the_o slip_n and_o mistake_v of_o this_o great_a man_n and_o charge_v they_o smart_o upon_o he_o as_o if_o do_v out_o of_o mere_a design_n yet_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v impartial_o weigh_v we_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o impute_v they_o to_o haste_n and_o inadvertency_n for_o though_o sometime_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o emprove_v testimony_n yet_o do_v he_o as_o often_o lessen_v they_o which_o plain_o show_v that_o he_o trust_v too_o much_o to_o his_o memory_n but_o still_o he_o be_v ever_o in_o the_o right_a as_o to_o the_o main_a of_o the_o story_n and_o fail_v only_o in_o circumstance_n and_o that_o chief_o of_o chronology_n by_o confound_v sometime_o one_o story_n with_o another_o but_o otherwise_o he_o tell_v no_o false_a story_n and_o only_o make_v some_o mistake_n of_o memory_n upon_o true_a one_o and_o as_o many_o of_o they_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n as_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o cause_n as_o may_v be_v show_v if_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n by_o compare_v all_o particular_n but_o for_o the_o present_a this_o be_v sufficient_o exemplify_v in_o the_o very_a last_o passage_n that_o we_o insist_v upon_o viz._n the_o testimony_n of_o pilate_n concern_v our_o saviour_n in_o which_o the_o chief_a thing_n as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o by_o tertullian_n be_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v leave_v out_o by_o eusebius_n when_o he_o transcribe_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o testimony_n and_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o he_o may_v follow_v the_o greek_a translator_n of_o tertullian_n yet_o however_o we_o see_v he_o be_v as_o easy_o draw_v into_o a_o lessen_v as_o a_o magnify_v mistake_n and_o it_o be_v much_o more_o likely_a that_o eusebius_n shall_v through_o haste_n clip_v the_o translation_n than_o that_o the_o translator_n shall_v clip_v the_o original_a for_o he_o only_o consult_v the_o passage_n occasional_o and_o so_o may_v in_o his_o hasty_a transcribe_v overlook_v a_o part_n of_o it_o but_o for_o the_o other_o who_o make_v that_o translation_n his_o particular_a business_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o overlook_v so_o material_a a_o passage_n in_o short_a whatsoever_o fault_n eusebius_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o no_o man_n can_v suspect_v he_o of_o mere_a forgery_n without_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o his_o ingenuity_n neither_o in_o the_o last_o place_n be_v the_o date_n of_o the_o record_n a_o inconsiderable_a circumstance_n to_o prove_v the_o record_n itself_o for_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o that_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o be_v subscribe_v these_o thing_n be_v do_v the_o 340_o the_o year_n which_o though_o it_o have_v heretofore_o puzzle_v learned_a 13._o man_n be_v excellent_o clear_v by_o the_o epocha_n of_o the_o edessean_a computation_n who_o begin_v their_o account_n from_o the_o first_o year_n of_o the_o 117_o the_o olympiad_n when_o seleucus_n begin_v his_o reign_n in_o asia_n now_o from_o that_o to_o the_o 202_o d._n olympiad_n in_o which_o year_n be_v the_o 15_o the_o of_o tiberius_n our_o saviour_n suffer_v be_v just_a 340._o year_n so_o that_o thaddaeus_n be_v dispatch_v to_o edessa_n in_o the_o very_a same_o year_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n arise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o great_a work_n it_o seem_v be_v once_o over_o he_o will_v no_o long_o delay_v the_o good_a king_n request_n these_o be_v all_o the_o foreign_a testimony_n that_o i_o think_v convenient_a to_o represent_v in_o this_o place_n though_o many_o more_o i_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o observe_v when_o i_o come_v to_o give_v a_o account_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o though_o our_o saviour_n do_v those_o miracle_n that_o be_v record_v of_o he_o and_o though_o there_o be_v all_o that_o evidence_n give_v of_o they_o that_o we_o pretend_v there_o be_v yet_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o man_n of_o that_o age_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n shall_v live_v and_o die_v in_o infidelity_n §_o xvii_o have_v hitherto_o demonstrate_v the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n from_o its_o contradiction_n to_o the_o first_o instinct_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a prudence_n and_o to_o their_o own_o design_n itself_o and_o from_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o their_o record_n and_o from_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o foreign_a writer_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n that_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o first_o disciple_n of_o christ_n will_v have_v endeavour_v to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n with_o a_o palpable_a and_o unprofitable_a lie_n against_o all_o the_o forementioned_a contradiction_n to_o nature_n to_o sense_n and_o to_o themselves_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o impossibility_n that_o they_o can_v ever_o have_v prevail_v so_o effectual_o and_o so_o speedy_o as_o they_o do_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o mankind_n and_o as_o many_o thousand_o absurdity_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o former_a supposition_n there_o be_v so_o many_o ten_o thousand_o in_o this_o for_o the_o inequality_n of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o person_n be_v not_o less_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v very_o sew_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o vast_a multitude_n of_o their_o first_o convert_v and_o yet_o if_o christianity_n be_v false_a all_o these_o must_v be_v guilty_a not_o only_o of_o all_o that_o folly_n that_o we_o have_v represent_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o much_o more_o in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o suffer_v themselves_o wilful_o to_o be_v deceive_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o strange_a story_n of_o jesus_n without_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n for_o if_o it_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n than_o it_o be_v no_o imposture_n if_o it_o have_v not_o than_o all_o that_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o it_o be_v wilful_o deceive_v i._n e._n they_o pretend_v to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n though_o themselves_o know_v that_o they_o have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n or_o motive_n for_o so_o strange_a a_o belief_n
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a_o great_a argument_n of_o true_a wisdom_n and_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o thing_n than_o to_o see_v through_o its_o folly_n and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o for_o the_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n he_o have_v as_o good_a have_v let_v that_o alone_o too_o when_o porphyry_n or_o any_o other_o learned_a man_n conversant_a in_o history_n of_o ancient_a time_n can_v have_v tell_v he_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a or_o undeniable_a than_o that_o moses_n live_v many_o age_n before_o linus_n or_o orpheus_n or_o any_o other_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n among_o the_o grecian_n but_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o epicurean_o to_o be_v confident_a upon_o the_o slight_a inquiry_n otherwise_o if_o he_o have_v take_v never_o so_o little_a pain_n in_o search_v and_o compare_v ancient_a record_n he_o can_v never_o have_v put_v such_o a_o
trick_n upon_o himself_o as_o to_o think_v of_o bring_v down_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n below_o the_o know_a time_n of_o greece_n as_o for_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n which_o follow_v next_o i_o shall_v not_o answer_v he_o here_o because_o if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o prove_v it_o false_a it_o run_v too_o far_o from_o the_o present_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n history_n and_o as_o for_o moses_n his_o command_v the_o jew_n to_o worship_n angel_n i_o scorn_v to_o answer_v it_o because_o it_o be_v so_o impudent_o false_a when_o the_o great_a commandment_n of_o his_o law_n be_v to_o worship_n one_o god_n alone_o and_o when_o himself_o have_v but_o a_o very_a little_a before_o object_v this_o as_o a_o singularity_n in_o the_o jew_n against_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o then_o as_o for_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o magician_n i_o hope_v i_o may_v now_o let_v that_o pass_v too_o without_o be_v suspect_v as_o guilty_a of_o any_o omission_n and_o as_o for_o his_o meanness_n and_o poverty_n i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o account_v for_o that_o too_o already_o in_o that_o it_o be_v but_o suitable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n strip_v of_o all_o worldly_a advantage_n that_o he_o may_v subdue_v it_o pure_o by_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o that_o alone_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o enquiry_n whether_o he_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n or_o not_o if_o he_o do_v the_o meanness_n of_o his_o condition_n be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o miracle_n if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v for_o a_o much_o worse_a objection_n nay_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o bring_v any_o real_a disadvantage_n upon_o the_o christian_a cause_n that_o it_o bring_v a_o considerable_a accession_n to_o its_o demonstrative_a proof_n and_o evidence_n in_o so_o much_o that_o without_o it_o it_o must_v have_v ever_o be_v liable_a to_o suspicion_n for_o if_o he_o have_v appear_v with_o kingly_a splendour_n and_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o earthly_a power_n the_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a entertainment_n of_o his_o doctrine_n may_v have_v be_v impute_v to_o worldly_a interest_n and_o not_o to_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n and_o man_n will_v have_v follow_v he_o for_o politic_a end_n and_o not_o for_o any_o conscience_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v secure_a of_o the_o integrity_n of_o his_o disciple_n he_o give_v they_o no_o secular_a encouragement_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a ensure_n to_o they_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o humane_a life_n in_o their_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n his_o institution_n be_v pure_a religion_n and_o conscience_n towards_o god_n be_v its_o only_a obligation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o agreeable_a to_o its_o own_o intention_n that_o it_o shall_v carry_v along_o with_o it_o no_o other_o recommendation_n and_o thus_o i_o remember_v when_o julian_n object_n the_o meanness_n of_o our_o saviour_n condition_n 6._o in_o that_o he_o be_v bear_v a_o subject_a of_o the_o empire_n which_o as_o he_o fancy_n be_v below_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n st._n cyril_n answer_v that_o if_o he_o have_v appear_v with_o imperial_a power_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o command_v the_o obedience_n of_o mankind_n man_n must_v have_v submit_v to_o he_o for_o worldly_a interest_n and_o not_o out_o of_o any_o sense_n of_o duty_n or_o religion_n and_o he_o have_v be_v just_o such_o another_o deity_n as_o caligula_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o emperor_n be_v who_o force_v man_n in_o spite_n of_o themselves_o to_o give_v they_o the_o show_n of_o divine_a honour_n by_o their_o own_o law_n and_o whereas_o you_o object_v say_v he_o that_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o caesar_n what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o purpose_n when_o he_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o neither_o caesar_n nor_o any_o other_o man_n ever_o do_v he_o raise_v man_n from_o the_o dead_a do_v any_o of_o your_o caesar_n ever_o do_v so_o what_o then_o if_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o caesar_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o his_o work_n that_o he_o be_v great_a and_o they_o alone_o demonstrate_v he_o to_o have_v be_v the_o same_o person_n that_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o that_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o scorn_v all_o your_o outward_a pomp_n and_o show_n of_o majesty_n and_o will_v receive_v no_o honour_n but_o what_o reflect_v upon_o he_o from_o the_o glory_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o own_o work_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v origen_n reply_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n for_o man_n that_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o birth_n and_o fortune_n to_o make_v themselves_o considerable_a in_o the_o world_n but_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o wonderful_a in_o jesus_n that_o a_o person_n so_o obscure_a upon_o all_o worldly_a account_n shall_v raise_v himself_o to_o so_o great_a 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it_o be_v most_o wonderful_a of_o all_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v never_o see_v our_o saviour_n after_o his_o resurrection_n or_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o his_o divinity_n how_o it_o can_v ever_o come_v into_o their_o mind_n to_o leave_v their_o country_n and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o hazard_n and_o hardship_n to_o publish_v and_o propagate_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o know_a falsehood_n so_o that_o we_o see_v that_o the_o meanness_n of_o that_o state_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n appear_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o material_a objection_n against_o his_o divine_a authority_n that_o upon_o several_a account_n in_o the_o last_o result_n of_o thing_n it_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o itsdemonstration_n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o flout_v at_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n at_o our_o saviour_n baptism_n as_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o absurd_a and_o incredible_a but_o here_o the_o epicurean_a forget_v that_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n in_o that_o there_o be_v many_o relation_n of_o such_o appearance_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o yet_o if_o this_o objection_n hold_v good_a every_o jew_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v false_a and_o impossible_a but_o to_o treat_v with_o he_o as_o a_o epicurean_a why_o be_v it_o impossible_a because_o all_o story_n of_o god_n concern_v himself_o in_o humane_a affair_n be_v undoubted_a fable_n a_o admirable_a way_n this_o of_o confute_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n only_o by_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a upon_o a_o precarious_a principle_n of_o our_o own_o so_o that_o the_o last_o result_n of_o this_o rude_a objection_n against_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o evangelist_n be_v only_o this_o that_o it_o can_v be_v true_a because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o divine_a providence_n but_o he_o add_v that_o there_o be_v no_o witness_n of_o it_o but_o only_o john_n the_o baptist_n his_o companion_n in_o wickedness_n and_o this_o be_v another_o unhappy_a mistake_n of_o a_o man_n that_o sustain_v the_o person_n of_o a_o jew_n when_o all_o the_o jewish_a nation_n even_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o jesus_n have_v a_o very_a great_a reverence_n for_o john_n the_o baptist._n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o his_o testimony_n that_o we_o rely_v upon_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evangelist_n that_o have_v record_v it_o they_o know_v what_o evidence_n they_o have_v of_o its_o reality_n and_o we_o know_v what_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o now_o have_v discharge_v all_o his_o little_a topic_n of_o calumny_n against_o our_o saviour_n own_o person_n in_o the_o last_o place_n he_o fall_v foul_a upon_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o with_o the_o same_o unhappy_a success_n for_o