of_o a_o future_a and_o awful_a judgement_n and_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n to_o gain_v the_o favour_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n the_o creator_n and_o supreme_a disposer_n of_o the_o universe_n i_o say_v do_v it_o stand_v to_o reason_n that_o such_o a_o one_o so_o serviceable_a to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o miraculous_a way_n as_o to_o be_v of_o a_o base_a and_o illegitimate_a extraction_n i_o ask_v the_o greek_n and_o particular_o celsus_n who_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o platonist_n or_o no_o think_v he_o have_v sufficient_a authority_n for_o what_o he_o say_v if_o he_o do_v but_o quote_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o learned_a plato_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o reflection_n upon_o one_o who_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o transmigration_n of_o soul_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o every_o body_n have_v a_o proper_a soul_n to_o act_v and_o animate_v it_o to_o deny_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v in_o a_o lawful_a manner_n who_o engage_v in_o so_o difficult_a and_o important_a a_o work_n instruct_v so_o many_o ignorant_a and_o seduce_v person_n and_o happy_o and_o sudden_o recover_v they_o from_o that_o deluge_n of_o immorality_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v so_o long_o and_o so_o deep_o plunge_v be_v it_o not_o more_o rational_a to_o think_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o pythagoras_n plato_n and_o empedocles_n on_o the_o testimony_n of_o which_o learned_a author_n celsus_n himself_o do_v very_o much_o rely_v that_o there_o be_v some_o secret_a reason_n why_o every_o soul_n shall_v have_v a_o body_n appropriate_v to_o itself_o that_o be_v a_o fit_a receptacle_n for_o it_o and_o suit_v to_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a quality_n which_o it_o have_v in_o its_o state_n of_o pre-existence_n be_v it_o not_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o a_o more_o than_o humane_a soul_n that_o do_v more_o service_n to_o the_o world_n than_o many_o thousand_o of_o other_o to_o say_v no_o more_o lest_o my_o discourse_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o savour_v of_o prejudice_n shall_v be_v unite_v to_o a_o portion_n of_o organise_v matter_n that_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o the_o generality_n of_o body_n be_v for_o if_o those_o soul_n which_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o some_o secret_a cause_n be_v of_o too_o noble_a a_o nature_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o a_o inanimate_a creature_n and_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o animate_v a_o body_n that_o be_v complete_o form_v have_v one_o that_o be_v adapt_v to_o they_o the_o head_n of_o which_o be_v disproportionable_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o its_o member_n do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n hinder_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o reason_n and_o other_o that_o be_v more_o perfect_a act_v a_o body_n that_o be_v more_o due_o dispose_v and_o so_o other_o according_a to_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o their_o native_a or_o acquire_v excellency_n be_v send_v into_o more_o or_o less_o perfect_a body_n why_o may_v not_o a_o particular_a soul_n assume_v a_o body_n in_o a_o miraculous_a way_n a_o body_n that_o have_v something_o in_o common_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n that_o may_v render_v it_o fit_a for_o humane_a conversation_n and_o something_o wherein_o it_o differ_v from_o they_o that_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n secure_v it_o from_o the_o sad_a contagion_n of_o a_o neighbour_a and_o distemper_a mind_n in_o short_a if_o we_o give_v any_o credit_n to_o they_o who_o be_v skilled_a in_o physiognomy_n such_o as_o zopyrus_n loxus_fw-la polemon_n and_o other_o who_o have_v direct_o handle_v that_o difficult_a subject_n and_o pretend_v to_o find_v out_o extraordinary_a mystery_n by_o observe_v the_o rule_n which_o that_o science_n propose_v what_o absurdity_n be_v there_o in_o assert_v that_o all_o body_n be_v suit_v to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o act_v they_o be_v there_o then_o the_o least_o probability_n that_o a_o soul_n so_o excellent_a in_o itself_o and_o form_v for_o such_o great_a and_o truly-generous_a design_n as_o the_o humane_a soul_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n shall_v animate_v a_o body_n which_o as_o celsus_n represent_v the_o matter_n be_v beget_v in_o adultery_n by_o a_o wicked_a soldier_n on_o the_o body_n of_o a_o lustful_a female_n one_o will_v rather_o think_v that_o a_o madman_n or_o a_o person_n who_o prove_v a_o constant_a plague_n to_o the_o age_n and_o place_v he_o live_v in_o or_o a_o teacher_n of_o intemperance_n and_o injustice_n and_o a_o impudent_a encourager_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n shall_v owe_v his_o birth_n to_o so_o impure_a a_o copulation_n and_o not_o a_o teacher_n much_o less_o a_o eminent_a practiser_n of_o temperance_n justice_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n chap._n xxx_o this_o be_v plain_o foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o exact_o agree_v with_o the_o promise_a sign_n that_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n will_v by_o the_o course_n of_o his_o action_n make_v good_a his_o name_n and_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v emmanuel_n god_n with_o we_o and_o i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a to_o mention_v the_o prediction_n of_o the_o forementioned_a prophet_n that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n which_o celsus_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o though_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v perfect_o acquaint_v with_o what_o the_o christian_n hold_v either_o not_o have_v read_v it_o or_o cunning_o conceal_v his_o knowledge_n lest_o he_o shall_v unaware_o overthrow_v his_o own_o beloved_a opinion_n and_o advance_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o cause_n which_o he_o espouse_n and_o use_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o maintain_v the_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n be_v these_o moreover_o the_o lord_n speak_v again_o to_o ahaz_n isaiah_n seven_o v._o 10._o say_v ask_v thou_o a_o sign_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n ask_v it_o either_o in_o the_o depth_n or_o in_o the_o height_n above_o but_o ahaz_n say_v i_o will_v not_o ask_v neither_o will_v i_o tempt_v the_o lord_n and_o he_o say_v hear_v you_o now_o oh_o house_n of_o david_n be_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n to_o weary_a man_n but_o will_v you_o weary_v my_o god_n also_o therefore_o the_o lord_n himself_o shall_v give_v you_o a_o sign_n behold_v a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n and_o call_v his_o name_n emmanuel_n that_o celsus_n discover_v his_o malice_n in_o not_o mention_v the_o foregoing_a prophecy_n i_o gather_v from_o his_o pass_v over_o it_o in_o a_o profound_a silence_n when_o he_o quote_v some_o passage_n in_o st._n mathew_n gospel_n and_o particular_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o star_n that_o appear_v at_o the_o nativity_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o if_o the_o jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v be_v use_v to_o make_v critical_a remark_n on_o word_n shall_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o word_n which_o be_v translate_v virgin_n shall_v be_v render_v young_a woman_n i_o answer_v the_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o septuagint_n translate_v virgin_n though_o other_o favour_v his_o mean_v of_o the_o word_n be_v understand_v of_o a_o virgin_n in_o the_o book_n of_o deuteronomy_n if_o a_o damsel_n that_o deu._n xxii_o v._n 23._o be_v a_o virgin_n be_v betroth_v to_o a_o husband_n and_o a_o man_n find_v she_o in_o the_o city_n and_o lie_v with_o she_o than_o you_o shall_v bring_v they_o both_o out_o to_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o city_n and_o you_o shall_v stone_n they_o with_o stone_n that_o they_o die_v the_o damsel_n because_o she_o cry_v not_o be_v in_o the_o city_n and_o the_o man_n because_o he_o have_v humble_v his_o neighbour_n wife_n so_o thou_o shall_v put_v away_o evil_a from_o among_o you_o but_o if_o a_o man_n find_v a_o betroth_a damsel_n in_o the_o field_n and_o the_o man_n force_v she_o and_o lie_v with_o she_o than_o the_o man_n only_o that_o lie_v with_o she_o shall_v die_v but_o to_o the_o damsel_n thou_o shall_v do_v nothing_o there_o be_v in_o the_o damsel_n no_o sin_n worthy_a of_o death_n but_o not_o to_o dwell_v too_o long_o upon_o the_o hebrew_n word_n which_o perhaps_o few_o person_n understand_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v from_o the_o context_n that_o according_a to_o the_o prophetic_a oracle_n emmanuel_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n the_o lord_n say_v to_o ahaz_n ask_v thou_o a_o sign_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n either_o in_o the_o depth_n or_o in_o the_o height_n above_o then_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o sign_n be_v to_o be_v give_v behold_v a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n but_o what_o sign_n can_v a_o young_a woman_n conceive_v be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o a_o virgin_n and_o to_o which_o of_o the_o two_o
be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o two_o child_n beforementioned_a a_o great_a and_o diffusive_a blessing_n to_o mankind_n as_o we_o know_v the_o resnrrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v when_o the_o power_n of_o god_n do_v so_o eminent_o accompany_v the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o make_v so_o deep_a and_o last_v a_o impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o so_o many_o of_o his_o hearer_n who_o at_o first_o be_v strange_o prejudice_v against_o he_o chap._n xxxi_o the_o pretend_a jew_n go_v on_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o split_v his_o side_n with_o laugh_a at_o the_o earthquake_n and_o ridicules_a the_o more_o than_o ordinary_a darkness_n that_o be_v the_o awful_a concomitant_n of_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n but_o this_o i_o have_v already_o answer_v according_a to_o my_o weak_a ability_n and_o produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o phlegon_n who_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o wonderful_a event_n do_v real_o happen_v at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n then_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n you_o say_v that_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a though_o he_o be_v far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o secure_v his_o person_n while_o he_o remain_v on_o earth_n and_o show_v upon_o his_o body_n all_o the_o mark_n of_o his_o crucifixion_n and_o the_o very_a print_n of_o the_o nail_n with_o which_o his_o hand_n and_o foot_n be_v pierce_v but_o what_o do_v this_o gentleman_n mean_v by_o say_v he_o wa'_v able_a to_o secure_v his_o person_n if_o he_o mean_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n wa'nt_v able_a to_o secure_a himself_o from_o the_o common_a contagion_n of_o vice_n and_o immorality_n what_o he_o say_v be_v absolute_o and_o manifest_o false_a for_o he_o never_o speak_v a_o word_n or_o do_v a_o action_n that_o be_v in_o the_o least_o indecent_a or_o unworthy_a of_o a_o incarnate_a god._n he_o be_v lead_v as_o a_o sheep_n to_o the_o mat._n 27_o v._n 2_o slaughter_n and_o as_o a_o laneb_n before_o her_o shearer_n be_v dumb_a so_o he_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n viz._n by_o way_n of_o complaint_n or_o uneasiness_n as_o st._n matthew_n acquaint_v we_o but_o if_o celsus_n mean_v that_o he_o didn't_fw-mi exert_v his_o power_n to_o secure_v himself_o from_o the_o outward_a calamity_n to_o which_o he_o be_v expose_v which_o moral_o consider_v be_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a i_o have_v prove_v already_o from_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o submit_v to_o they_o with_o the_o great_a readiness_n imaginable_a and_o show_v the_o reason_n which_o justify_v his_o conduct_n then_o the_o pretend_a jew_n have_v speak_v of_o our_o saviour_n show_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o his_o crucifixion_n and_o the_o very_a print_n of_o his_o nail_n say_v there_o be_v no_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o strange_a account_n but_o one_o fanatical_a woman_n design_v to_o ridicule_n mary_n magdalen_n who_o see_v he_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o because_o we_o be_v inform_v that_o he_o be_v see_v by_o other_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o add_v the_o follow_a word_n and_o perhaps_o some_o body_n else_o of_o the_o same_o wretched_a cabal_n then_o he_o plain_o discover_v that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o those_o who_o admire_v the_o epicurean_a hypothesis_n when_o he_o endeavour_n to_o show_v how_o a_o lively_a idea_n of_o a_o decease_a person_n may_v be_v form_v in_o the_o warm_a imagination_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n who_o be_v delude_v by_o she_o own_o idle_a whimsy_n or_o too_o easy_o believe_v what_o she_o will_v have_v to_o be_v true_a as_o we_o know_v it_o frequent_o happen_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o force_n if_o we_o must_v give_v any_o heed_n to_o his_o idle_a whimsy_n in_o this_o scurrilous_a language_n but_o even_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v be_v furnish_v with_o a_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o immortal_a subsistence_n of_o humane_a soul_n when_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o their_o body_n and_o the_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o what_o he_o here_o assert_n amount_n to_o this_o at_o least_o that_o it_o survive_v the_o body_n for_o if_o as_o plato_n observe_v in_o his_o dialogue_n about_o the_o humane_a soul_n there_o be_v certain_a image_n of_o dead_a person_n that_o be_v see_v near_o their_o tomb_n than_o they_o must_v be_v owe_v to_o some_o cause_n or_o other_o and_o no_o cause_n can_v be_v so_o rational_o assign_v as_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o decease_a person_n that_o assume_v a_o body_n which_o be_v adapt_v to_o it_o but_o celsus_n who_o advance_v the_o forementioned_a notion_n will_v make_v people_n dream_n while_o they_o be_v thorough_o awake_a and_o have_v their_o sense_n about_o they_o and_o say_v they_o too_o easy_o believe_v what_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v true_a such_o dream_n indeed_o as_o he_o talk_v of_o be_v common_a when_o the_o bodily_a sense_n be_v lock_v up_o by_o sleep_n but_o i_o think_v we_o can_v easy_o account_v for_o they_o when_o person_n be_v awake_a unless_o they_o be_v trouble_v with_o melancholy_a or_o fall_v into_o a_o fit_a of_o the_o frenzy_n celsus_n it_o seem_v wa'_v ignorant_a of_o this_o and_o that_o make_v he_o call_v mary_n magdalen_n a_o fanatic_a though_o the_o scripture-history_n say_v nothing_o like_o it_o and_o our_o saviour_n appear_v after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o show_v all_o the_o mark_n that_o be_v make_v in_o his_o crucified_a body_n must_v according_a to_o celsus_n be_v solve_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o image_n of_o decease_a person_n but_o according_a to_o the_o scripture-account_a which_o he_o be_v so_o cunning_a as_o to_o use_v when_o he_o think_v that_o it_o serve_v his_o purpose_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n stand_v thus_o our_o saviour_n call_v one_o of_o his_o disciple_n to_o he_o who_o cou'dn_v for_o his_o life_n believe_v that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a with_o the_o same_o body_n i_o say_v with_o the_o same_o body_n for_o the_o appearance_n of_o humane_a soul_n after_o death_n do_v seem_v to_o be_v the_o least_o matter_n of_o his_o doubt_n therefore_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o he_o dos'ned_a say_n except_o i_o see_v he_o but_o except_o john_n 20._o v._o 25_o i_o shall_v see_v in_o his_o hand_n the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o put_v my_o finger_n into_o the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o thrust_v my_o hand_n into_o his_o side_n i_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o didn't_fw-mi question_n but_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o decease_a person_n may_v animate_v a_o body_n which_o will_v be_v visible_a to_o the_o corporeal_a eye_n and_z bear_v a_o resemblance_n to_o that_o from_o which_o it_o be_v separate_v by_o death_n not_o only_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o eye_n and_o voice_n and_o mien_n but_o also_o sometime_o appear_v in_o a_o like_a habit_n clothe_v hom._n il._n book_n 23_o v._o 67._o therefore_o our_o saviour_n call_v thomas_n to_o he_o and_o say_v reach_v hither_o thy_o finger_n and_o behold_v my_o hand_n and_o reach_v john_n 20_o v._o 27._o hither_o thy_o hand_n and_o thrust_v it_o into_o my_o side_n and_o be_v not_o faithless_a but_o believe_v and_o by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o many_o prophecy_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o concern_v he_o the_o many_o evident_a miracle_n he_o wrought_v and_o unusual_a accident_n that_o befall_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o this_o considerable_a circumstance_n shall_v as_o it_o be_v crown_z and_o complete_a the_o rest_n the_o prophetical_a psalmist_n speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v this_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o he_o my_o flesh_n also_o shall_v rest_v in_o hope_n for_o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n nor_o psalm_n 16_o v._o 9_o suffer_v thy_o holy_a one_o to_o see_v corruption_n and_o the_o body_n with_o which_o our_o saviour_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a do_v neither_o consist_v of_o such_o gross_a matter_n as_o it_o consist_v of_o before_o nor_o of_o such_o subtle_a matter_n as_o that_o with_o which_o separate_a soul_n be_v clothe_v when_o a_o apparition_n appear_v therefore_o st._n john_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n his_o disciple_n be_v within_o and_o thomas_n with_o they_o then_o come_v jesus_n the_o door_n be_v shut_v and_o stand_v in_o the_o midst_n and_o say_v peace_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o he_o add_v these_o word_n then_o say_v he_o to_o thomas_n reach_v hither_o thy_o finger_n st._n luke_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o simon_n and_o cleopas_n be_v talk_v of_o the_o thing_n luke_n 24_o v._o 14._o that_o have_v happen_v to_o he_o jesus_n himself_o draw_v near_o and_o go_v with_o they_o but_o their_o eye_n be_v hold_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o know_v he_o and_o he_o say_v to_o they_o what_o manner_n of_o communication_n be_v these_o that_o you_o
other_o innumerable_a excellency_n that_o adorn_v his_o person_n and_o may_v sufficient_o recommend_v he_o to_o the_o world_n he_o did'ned_a act_n like_o a_o tyrant_n who_o by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o prevail_a party_n take_v occasion_n to_o violate_v the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o land_n in_o which_o he_o live_v nor_o like_o a_o robber_n who_o come_v with_o arm_a man_n against_o they_o who_o innocent_o pass_v by_o the_o king_n highway_n about_o their_o necessary_a affair_n or_o like_o a_o wealthy_a man_n who_o by_o the_o help_n of_o bribe_n induce_v person_n to_o come_v over_o to_o his_o interest_n whether_o by_o right_n or_o wrong_n or_o like_o many_o other_o that_o may_v easy_o be_v mention_v who_o proceed_n do_v manifest_o deserve_v our_o censure_n but_o like_o one_o who_o come_v to_o teach_v a_o ignorant_a and_o degenerate_a world_n what_o thought_n they_o shall_v entertain_v of_o god_n and_o how_o they_o may_v so_o regulate_v their_o moral_n as_o to_o maintain_v a_o humble_a and_o familiar_a correspondence_n with_o his_o bless_a majesty_n and_o as_o for_o themistocles_n and_o several_a other_o person_n who_o gain_v a_o more_o than_o common_a reputation_n and_o do_v real_a and_o extraordinary_a service_n to_o their_o native_a country_n this_o must_v be_v say_v to_o draw_v a_o shade_n over_o their_o great_a glory_n that_o every_o thing_n seem_v to_o smile_v on_o their_o just_a and_o honourable_a attempt_n and_o as_o it_o be_v pave_v the_o way_n for_o their_o glorious_a victory_n and_o immortal_a triumph_n but_o as_o for_o our_o bless_a saviour_n beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v which_o upon_o the_o first_o view_n one_o will_v think_v be_v enough_o to_o have_v eternal_o conceal_v or_o shameful_o sully_v the_o name_n of_o the_o great_a hero_n that_o the_o world_n can_v ever_o boast_v of_o the_o ignominious_a death_n which_o he_o suffer_v on_o the_o cross_n if_o he_o have_v have_v the_o fair_a character_n will_v have_v give_v his_o follower_n just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v he_o of_o be_v a_o vile_a impostor_n if_o we_o may_v give_v any_o credit_n to_o our_o adversary_n or_o at_o least_o have_v draw_v a_o most_o dismal_a veil_n over_o the_o few_o bright_a and_o entertain_v scene_n of_o the_o most_o awful_a tragedy_n that_o be_v ever_o act_v chap._n xxviii_o and_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n that_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n who_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o enemy_n be_v not_o eye-witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o triumphant_a resurrection_n and_o see_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v common_a and_o even_o contemptible_a in_o his_o person_n shou'dned_a be_v afraid_a to_o imitate_v he_o in_o his_o suffering_n to_o encounter_v the_o most_o imminent_a and_o threat'ning_n danger_n and_o leave_v their_o native_a country_n to_o publish_v the_o doctrine_n which_o their_o crucified_a but_o bless_a lord_n have_v teach_v they_o for_o i_o believe_v that_o no_o person_n who_o lay_v aside_o his_o prejudice_n examine_v these_o matter_n due_o will_v say_v that_o they_o will_v ever_o have_v undergo_v the_o fatigue_n of_o ttinerant_n preach_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o vast_a obligation_n that_o lay_v upon_o they_o both_o from_o reason_n and_o gratitude_n not_o only_o to_o conform_v their_o manner_n to_o the_o holy_a precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o also_o to_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n to_o bring_v many_o other_o under_o the_o same_o honourable_a and_o happy_a bond_n when_o as_o matter_n go_v at_o that_o critical_a juncture_n they_o be_v sure_a to_o incur_v the_o displeasure_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n who_o be_v zealous_a for_o their_o ancient_a law_n and_o custom_n and_o can_o endure_v the_o least_o seem_a innovation_n especial_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o pompous_a ceremony_n of_o their_o religious_a worship_n but_o all_o these_o difficulty_n be_v light_a and_o trivial_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o those_o who_o have_v courage_n not_o only_o to_o prove_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v frequent_o and_o express_o foretell_v by_o their_o own_o prophetic_a oracle_n but_o also_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o other_o as_o occasion_n offer_v that_o this_o very_a person_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n who_o be_v crucify_v but_o other_o day_n and_o willing_o and_o even_o cheerful_o lay_v down_o his_o precious_a life_n for_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o man_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n though_o with_o unspeakable_a advantage_n in_o which_o some_o other_o have_v sacrifice_v all_o that_o be_v near_a and_o dear_a to_o they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o native_a country_n to_o free_v it_o from_o a_o rage_a pestilence_n a_o threat'ning_n famine_n or_o some_o violent_a impend_a tempest_n that_o great_o endanger_v ship_n and_o put_v a_o stop_v even_o to_o navigation_n which_o be_v so_o convenient_z and_o necessary_a for_o promote_a a_o advantageous_a trade_n into_o foreign_n and_o very_o distant_a part_n for_o there_o be_v some_o secret_a reason_n in_o nature_n which_o very_o few_o understand_v why_o the_o death_n of_o one_o virtuous_a man_n who_o ready_o suffer_v the_o great_a evil_n that_o can_v possible_o befall_v he_o for_o the_o real_a and_o perhaps_o last_a welfare_n of_o the_o place_n of_o his_o nativity_n shall_v destroy_v or_o at_o least_o severe_o check_v the_o usurp_a power_n of_o those_o infernal_a daemon_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o plague_n famine_n storm_n and_o the_o like_a evident_a and_o great_a disorder_n which_o frequent_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o they_o who_o dont_fw-fr believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n die_v for_o the_o general_a benefit_n of_o the_o humane_a race_n whether_o they_o will_v give_v easy_a credit_n to_o many_o history_n that_o be_v extant_a both_o of_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n which_o furnish_v we_o with_o frequent_a and_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o person_n who_o have_v free_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o who_o death_n have_v be_v happy_o instrumental_a to_o purge_v away_o those_o threat'ning_n and_o grievous_a calamity_n that_o infect_v city_n and_o perhaps_o whole_a nation_n or_o whither_o on_o the_o supposition_n that_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v in_o the_o least_o improbable_a that_o one_o clothe_v with_o humane_a nature_n shall_v be_v nail_v to_o a_o cross_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o before_o do_v often_o and_o too_o successful_o exercise_v a_o tyrannical_a power_n over_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o men._n our_o saviour_n disciple_n observe_v these_o thing_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n with_o which_o in_o all_o probability_n their_o prudent_a and_o indulgent_a master_n think_v fit_a to_o acquaint_v they_o and_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v not_o inspire_v with_o their_o unusual_a courage_n by_o the_o virgin_n which_o the_o poet_n speak_v of_o but_o by_o the_o true_a wisdom_n of_o god_n they_o make_v haste_n through_o the_o wide_a world_n their_o fame_n to_o spread_v hom._n il._n lib._n 5._o u._n 2_o chap._n xxix_o but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o return_v to_o the_o jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v who_o say_v that_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v big_a with_o child_n be_v divorce_v by_o her_o husband_n the_o carpenter_n for_o commit_v adultery_n with_o one_o panthera_n a_o soldier_n and_o be_v get_v with_o child_n by_o that_o scandalous_a wretch_n let_v we_o see_v therefore_o whether_o the_o inventor_n of_o this_o story_n do_v give_v a_o false_a and_o obscure_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o whether_o by_o all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o say_v they_o be_v able_a to_o overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n miraculous_a conception_n by_o the_o over-shadowing_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o so_o surprise_v a_o passage_n as_o this_o be_v may_v very_o easy_o be_v falsify_v and_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o though_o they_o be_v inward_o convince_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o conceive_v in_o the_o common_a way_n of_o humane_a generation_n and_o methinks_v it_o will_o have_v be_v incongruous_a at_o all_o that_o they_o who_o didn't_fw-mi believe_v or_o rather_o will_o acknowledge_v the_o miracle_n shall_v invent_v a_o fiction_n to_o serve_v their_o malicious_a and_o base_a design_n but_o to_o invent_v one_o that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v a_o plausible_a appearance_n that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o notorious_a untruth_n be_v to_o discover_v their_o weakness_n to_o they_o who_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n for_o do_v it_o stand_v to_o reason_n that_o one_o who_o be_v so_o useful_a to_o the_o world_n in_o general_n and_o express_v a_o most_o tender_a concern_v both_o for_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n that_o they_o may_v reform_v their_o manner_n from_o a_o sense_n
the_o profession_n which_o i_o make_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v build_v on_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n as_o well_o as_o on_o our_o saviour_n apostle_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n but_o i_o will_v eph._n two_o v._o 20._o convince_v he_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a upon_o the_o principle_n in_o which_o we_o both_o agree_v that_o we_o have_v far_o more_o reason_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o report_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o be_v report_v to_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v such_o thing_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v do_v acquaint_v his_o disciple_n with_o the_o vision_n which_o he_o see_v and_o the_o voice_n which_o he_o hear_v from_o heaven_n perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v object_v against_o we_o that_o even_o they_o who_o have_v give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v appear_v in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n and_o of_o the_o voice_n that_o come_v from_o heaven_n hadn_v these_o thing_n so_o much_o as_o from_o our_o saviour_n mouth_n since_o even_o according_a to_o our_o own_o notion_n the_o same_o spirit_n which_o inspire_v moses_n to_o write_v a_o history_n of_o what_o pass_v for_o many_o age_n before_o ever_o he_o be_v bear_v even_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o time_n of_o abraham_n who_o in_o some_o sense_n be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o jewish_a race_n may_v also_o immediate_o reveal_v the_o strange_a passage_n which_o happen_v at_o our_o saviour_n baptism_n to_o the_o four_o evangelist_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o one_o who_o be_v favour_v with_o what_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n can_v easy_o account_v for_o the_o open_v of_o heaven_n and_o assign_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o holy_a spirit_n appear_v to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o shape_n of_o any_o other_o animal_n however_o these_o be_v nicety_n that_o be_v foreign_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n all_o therefore_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v at_o present_a shall_v be_v to_o show_v that_o celsus_n do_v not_o only_o want_v the_o innocence_n of_o the_o dove_n but_o even_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o serpent_n when_o he_o put_v such_o discourse_n as_o this_o into_o the_o mouth_n of_o one_o who_o he_o call_v a_o jew_n who_o if_o he_o be_v not_o false_a to_o his_o pretension_n must_v believe_v several_a thing_n that_o be_v much_o more_o improbable_a than_o any_o thing_n relate_v in_o the_o history_n of_o which_o i_o be_o now_o discourse_v chap._n thirty-nine_o i_o remember_v in_o a_o disputation_n i_o have_v with_o some_o celebrate_a jewish_a doctor_n and_o before_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o learned_a company_n who_o be_v at_o once_o witness_n and_o judge_n of_o what_o i_o say_v i_o use_v this_o argument_n against_o they_o pray_v gentleman_n let_v i_o know_v say_v i_o since_o two_o person_n have_v appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v confident_o report_v to_o have_v do_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v vast_o beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o nature_n viz._n moses_n the_o lawgiver_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v write_v the_o history_n of_o what_o he_o do_v and_o jesus_n our_o master_n who_o have_v not_o leave_v behind_o he_o in_o write_v a_o account_n of_o any_o of_o the_o action_n which_o he_o do_v but_o have_v the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n i_o say_v let_v i_o know_v on_o what_o ground_n you_o can_v justify_v the_o vast_a difference_n which_o you_o make_v between_o they_o that_o we_o must_v believe_v forsooth_o that_o moses_n deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v true_a though_o the_o egyptian_n reproach_n he_o as_o one_o that_o deal_v with_o the_o devil_n but_o must_v look_v upon_o our_o saviour_n as_o a_o vile_a impostor_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o severe_a accusation_n which_o you_o bring_v against_o he_o we_o see_v that_o both_o these_o person_n have_v their_o authority_n support_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o great_a body_n of_o people_n moses_n have_v his_o support_v by_o the_o ready_a and_o joint_a testimony_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o our_o saviour_n his_o by_o the_o general_n suffrage_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o dont_fw-fr deny_v moses_n to_o be_v a_o prophet_n send_v from_o god_n but_o confirm_v the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n even_o by_o the_o sacred_a and_o undisputed_a authority_n of_o your_o celebrate_a moses_n if_o therefore_o you_o desire_v we_o to_o justify_v our_o conduct_n in_o pay_v so_o awful_a a_o regard_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v you_o first_o assign_v some_o reason_n why_o you_o believe_v in_o moses_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n many_o age_n before_o the_o incarnate_a jesus_n and_o then_o it_o may_v be_v time_n to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o rational_a ground_n on_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v build_v but_o if_o you_o refuse_v to_o give_v we_o any_o reason_n why_o you_o believe_v in_o moses_n neither_o shall_v we_o think_v fit_a to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o those_o we_o have_v for_o believe_v in_o our_o saviour_n or_o if_o you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o offer_v any_o demonstrative_a argument_n in_o favour_n of_o your_o just_o celebrate_a moses_n be_v please_v to_o hear_v what_o argument_n we_o can_v bring_v even_o from_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o jesus_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o which_o be_v something_o strange_a those_o very_a argument_n which_o we_o bring_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n write_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v a_o divine_a commission_n do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n prove_v that_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v person_n who_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v but_o to_o return_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n abound_v with_o as_o strange_a story_n as_o that_o of_o the_o dove_n that_o appear_v to_o our_o saviour_n at_o his_o baptism_n and_o the_o voice_n that_o come_v to_o he_o out_o of_o heaven_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o appear_v to_o he_o in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n do_v i_o think_v at_o least_o seem_v high_o probable_a from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v which_o celsus_n say_v he_o do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n which_o he_o have_v learn_v in_o egypt_n here_o i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a to_o mention_v not_o only_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o also_o those_o which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v every_o way_n qualify_v for_o that_o great_a work_n in_o which_o their_o master_n do_v engage_v they_o for_o if_o their_o ministry_n have_v be_v accompany_v with_o miracle_n they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v able_a so_o happy_o to_o prevail_v with_o their_o hearer_n to_o renounce_v the_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v bear_v and_o breed_v and_o to_o embrace_v a_o new_a discountenance_a doctrine_n the_o profession_n of_o which_o will_v expose_v they_o to_o the_o great_a danger_n even_o to_o a_o ignominious_a and_o painful_a death_n and_o some_o remarkable_a footstep_n of_o that_o holy_a spirit_n who_o appear_v to_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n do_v remain_v among_o christian_n to_o this_o very_a day_n they_o dispossess_v daemon_n perform_v many_o wonderful_a cure_n and_o sometime_o when_o god_n see_v fit_a they_o foresee_v and_o foretell_v future_a distant_a and_o very_o contingent_a event_n and_o therefore_o let_v celsus_n and_o his_o jew_n ridicule_fw-la we_o as_o much_o as_o ever_o they_o please_v yet_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o i_o think_v undeniable_a that_o many_o person_n have_v embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o force_n of_o prejudice_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v so_o sudden_a and_o so_o powerful_a a_o impression_n on_o their_o mind_n whether_o in_o a_o dream_n or_o vision_n or_o some_o other_o way_n that_o instead_o of_o be_v implacable_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n as_o once_o they_o be_v they_o have_v cheerful_o and_o even_o triumphant_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o seal_v the_o truth_n with_o their_o warm_a blood_n if_o i_o shall_v only_o relate_v those_o thing_n that_o have_v fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o my_o own_o personal_a knowledge_n and_o frequent_a observation_n i_o shall_v furnish_v infidel_n with_o abundant_a matter_n of_o laughter_n who_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o suspect_v we_o christian_n as_o we_o do_v they_o of_o invent_v fiction_n to_o support_v a_o bad_a and_o sink_a cause_n though_o the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n can_v bear_v i_o witness_n that_o my_o design_n and_o endeavour_v be_v not_o to_o maintain_v our_o religion_n by_o fabulous_a and_o ridiculous_a narration_n but_o by_o a_o variety_n of_o proper_a evidence_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n
jesus_n ever_o do_v that_o be_v true_o great_a and_o any_o way_n worthy_a of_o a_o god_n do_v he_o baffle_v his_o enemy_n and_o disconcert_v their_o most_o politic_a measure_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o earth_n shake_v the_o rock_n be_v rend_v the_o grave_n be_v open_v the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v rend_v in_o two_o the_o sun_n suffer_v a_o eclipse_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v cover_v with_o thick_a darkness_n even_o such_o as_o may_v be_v feel_v these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o awful_a circumstance_n that_o attend_v the_o most_o bitter_a passion_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o i_o think_v celsus_n will_v have_v discover_v much_o more_o of_o a_o ingenuous_a temper_n if_o instead_o of_o rely_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o evangelist_n only_o when_o they_o offer_v any_o thing_n that_o make_v as_o he_o think_v for_o the_o cause_n which_o he_o espouse_n he_o have_v either_o whole_o reject_v the_o gospel_n or_o else_o whole_o admit_v they_o and_o have_v but_o thankful_o admit_v the_o amaze_a condescension_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n who_o willing_o become_v incarnate_a with_o this_o great_a design_n to_o recover_v a_o degenerate_a world_n from_o the_o sad_a ruin_n of_o their_o first_o apostasy_n another_o very_a considerable_a circumstance_n that_o make_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o even_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n his_o name_n have_v such_o a_o admirable_a virtue_n that_o it_o infallible_o and_o easy_o cure_v the_o most_o dangerous_a distemper_n both_o of_o body_n and_o mind_n and_o as_o for_o the_o sympathy_n which_o the_o sun_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v discover_v when_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n itself_o be_v suffer_v a_o more_o dreadful_a eclipse_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o emperor_n tiberius_n and_o as_o for_o the_o stupid_a earth_n which_o tremble_v when_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n groan_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o expire_v we_o have_v the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o phlegon_n if_o i_o mistake_v not_o in_o the_o thirteen_o book_n of_o his_o chronicon_fw-la then_o the_o jew_n think_v to_o ridicule_n our_o saviour_n quote_v those_o word_n of_o bacchus_n in_o euripides_n when_o ever_o i_o please_v euripid._n bacc._n heaven_n for_o my_o rescue_n deign_v to_o interpose_v but_o here_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o can_v but_o make_v this_o obvious_a remark_n that_o the_o jew_n of_o all_o people_n in_o the_o world_n be_v least_o fond_a of_o the_o heathen_a poet_n however_o for_o once_o we_o will_v suppose_v our_o jew_n to_o differ_v from_o all_o his_o countryman_n and_o to_o express_v a_o singular_a affection_n for_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o i_o ask_v he_o whether_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o any_o logic_n that_o he_o ever_o read_v it_o even_o seem_v to_o follow_v that_o because_o our_o saviour_n didn't_fw-mi avoid_v his_o suffering_n he_o can_o have_v free_v himself_o from_o they_o if_o he_o please_v i_o think_v he_o ought_v much_o rather_o to_o believe_v what_o be_v relate_v to_o we_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o a_o angel_n shake_v off_o st._n peter_n chain_n and_o deliver_v he_o from_o prison_n and_o that_o paul_n and_o silas_n who_o be_v put_v into_o the_o stock_n at_o philippi_n a_o city_n of_o macedonia_n escape_v out_o of_o prison_n by_o a_o miracle_n and_o much_o more_o will_v the_o power_n of_o god_n have_v be_v engage_v to_o preserve_v our_o saviour_n from_o the_o grievous_a suffering_n which_o he_o undergo_v if_o the_o decree_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n have_v conspire_v if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v to_o render_v they_o most_o high_o necessary_a for_o aught_o i_o know_v celsus_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o ridicule_n those_o story_n or_o perhaps_o may_v never_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v they_o since_o in_o all_o probability_n if_o he_o have_v ever_o mind_v they_o at_o all_o he_o will_v present_o have_v resolve_v they_o as_o he_o do_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n into_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n then_o celsus_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n the_o person_n that_o condemn_v your_o pretend_a saviour_n didn't_fw-mi endure_v a_o punishment_n comparable_a to_o that_o of_o pentheus_n who_o be_v deprive_v of_o his_o sense_n and_o tear_v to_o piece_n but_o he_o be_v so_o horrible_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o know_v that_o pilate_n consider_v in_o his_o public_a capacity_n be_v not_o so_o proper_o concern_v in_o condemn_v our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n which_o we_o see_v be_v for_o that_o reason_n disperse_v over_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n and_o suffer_v a_o far_o worse_a distraction_n than_o ever_o pentheus_n do_v but_o why_o do_v he_o make_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o of_o the_o troublesome_a dream_n that_o the_o wife_n of_o the_o roman_a governor_n have_v insomuch_o that_o she_o say_v to_o her_o husband_n have_v thou_o nothing_o to_o do_v with_o matxxvii_n v._n 19_o that_o just_a man_n for_o i_o have_v suffer_v many_o thing_n this_o day_n in_o a_o dream_n because_o of_o he_o then_o he_o leave_v out_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v evident_a and_o remarkable_a proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n person_n and_o commission_n and_o take_v abundance_n of_o pain_n to_o dress_v up_o the_o lord_n of_o glory_n in_o a_o fool_n be_v goat_a by_o the_o disadvantageous_a and_o ludicrous_a relation_n which_o he_o give_v of_o the_o horrid_a affront_v that_o be_v offer_v he_o viz._n the_o scarlet_a robe_n that_o they_o put_v upon_o he_o in_o a_o way_n of_o mockery_n the_o crown_n of_o thorn_n that_o they_o put_v upon_o his_o head_n and_o the_o reed_n that_o they_o put_v into_o his_o hand_n but_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o ask_v you_o the_o follow_a question_n from_o whence_o can_v you_o learn_v these_o thing_n but_o from_o those_o very_a gospel_n which_o you_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o reject_v at_o pleasure_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o case_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v i_o beseech_v you_o that_o such_o person_n as_o you_o be_v can_v take_v occasion_n to_o reflect_v upon_o our_o saviour_n from_o those_o very_a passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o as_o many_o other_o with_o great_a reason_n judge_n do_v leave_v a_o eternal_a brand_n of_o infamy_n on_o those_o who_o have_v the_o horrid_a impudence_n to_o insult_v he_o i_o think_v you_o shall_v rather_o admire_v the_o remarkable_a integrity_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o a_o holy_a awe_n when_o you_o consider_v the_o amaze_a condescension_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o seal_v his_o doctrine_n with_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n for_o we_o have_v no_o account_n that_o after_o the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n be_v pass_v upon_o he_o he_o make_v the_o least_o complaint_n or_o ever_o utter_v a_o word_n that_o even_o seem_v to_o be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o great_a hero_n that_o the_o world_n can_v ever_o boast_v of_o then_o celsus_n say_v one_o will_v think_v that_o now_o if_o ever_o he_o have_v a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o give_v full_a proof_n of_o his_o pretend_a deity_n and_o in_o the_o face_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v of_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n to_o be_v revenge_v of_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o base_a affront_v which_o you_o see_v be_v offer_v both_o to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o dearly-beloved_a and_o highly-honoured_a father_n but_o here_o i_o ask_v those_o of_o the_o greek_n who_o believe_v a_o overruling_a providence_n and_o grant_v that_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v pray_v why_o do_v it_o the_o injure_a deity_n take_v that_o advantage_n as_o on_o your_o hypothesis_n he_o may_v easy_o do_v which_o be_v plain_o give_v he_o by_o those_o innumerable_a and_o great_a affront_v which_o be_v daily_o offer_v he_o by_o the_o bold_a assertor_n of_o a_o blind_a fatality_n and_o when_o they_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o single_a question_n all_o the_o argument_n which_o they_o bring_v may_v easy_o be_v retort_v on_o themselves_o chap._n xxiii_o than_o say_v the_o pretend_a jew_n what!_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o this_o vile_a fellow_n that_o be_v crucify_v other_o day_n have_v such_o blood_n as_o from_o the_o immortal_a god_n do_v flow_v hom._n il._n l._n 5_o v._o 340_o this_o we_o must_v suppose_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o he_o in_o his_o usual_a way_n of_o banter_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a talon_n but_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o evangelist_n who_o relate_v these_o matter_n with_o a_o become_a gravity_n and_o prudent_a care_n have_v leave_v behind_o they_o a_o true_a and_o sufficient_a account_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a passage_n that_o occur_v let_v celsus_n say_v what_o
the_o account_n which_o he_o give_v we_o of_o rampsinitus_n and_o ceres_n will_v have_v come_v with_o a_o much_o better_a grace_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o egyptian_a who_o to_o lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o moses_n may_v say_v that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o probable_a that_o the_o forementioned_a person_n shall_v play_v at_o die_n together_o in_o the_o region_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o he_o as_o a_o proof_n of_o his_o descent_n thither_o shall_v produce_v the_o embroider_v handkerchief_n which_o he_o take_v from_o the_o goddess_n than_o that_o moses_n go_v into_o the_o darkness_n which_o god_n himself_o do_v inhabit_v and_o that_o he_o alone_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o come_v near_o he_o as_o he_o himself_o give_v we_o a_o account_n and_o we_o who_o be_v the_o follower_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n may_v make_v the_o follow_a address_n to_o the_o pretend_a jew_n when_o he_o talk_v at_o so_o extravagant_a a_o rate_n pray_v how_o do_v you_o answer_v the_o greek_n and_o egyptian_n who_o raise_v many_o of_o the_o same_o objection_n against_o moses_n that_o you_o offer_v against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o you_o have_v heap_v up_o all_o the_o argument_n you_o can_v think_v of_o in_o defence_n of_o moses_n though_o we_o think_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o we_o can_v solid_o and_o clear_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o very_o eminent_a prophet_n you_o will_v be_v force_v unaware_o to_o acknowledge_v even_o according_a to_o those_o argument_n which_o you_o yourselves_o make_v use_v of_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v vast_o and_o indeed_o infinite_o exceed_v he_o but_o because_o celsus_n jew_n make_v mere_a game_n of_o the_o history_n which_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o descent_n of_o some_o hero_n into_o the_o region_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o their_o return_n from_o thence_o and_o think_v that_o their_o pretend_a divine_a sort_n of_o abscond_v for_o a_o time_n and_o then_o come_v back_o again_o and_o make_v a_o appearance_n upon_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n be_v all_o artifice_n and_o delusion_n as_o he_o plain_o intimate_v when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o opinion_n that_o the_o odrysian_o have_v of_o orpheus_n the_o thessalian_n of_o protesilaus_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o toenarus_fw-la entertain_v of_o hercules_n and_o theseus_n i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o comparison_n between_o these_o fable_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o account_n that_o the_o evangelist_n give_v we_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o be_v obvious_a to_o remark_n that_o these_o fabulous_a hero_n can_v descend_v into_o the_o region_n of_o the_o dead_a whenever_o the_o fancy_n take_v they_o and_o return_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o see_v cause_n to_o do_v so_o but_o since_o our_o saviour_n be_v crucify_v in_o the_o open_a view_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o roman_n and_o after_o his_o death_n be_v take_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o so_o many_o witness_n what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o imagine_v that_o he_o feign_v his_o descent_n into_o the_o world_n of_o disembody_v spirit_n and_o his_o return_n to_o our_o world_n again_o as_o the_o greek_n have_v feign_v their_o hero_n to_o have_v often_o do_v nay_o i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o from_o the_o story_n of_o these_o ancient_a hero_n we_o may_v be_v furnish_v with_o a_o argument_n that_o will_v take_v away_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o svpposed_a infamy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n have_v our_o saviour_n die_v in_o a_o common_a way_n and_o give_v the_o jew_n and_o roman_n no_o convince_a proof_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o death_n he_o have_v certain_o be_v liable_a to_o suspicion_n as_o well_o as_o many_o of_o the_o hero_n of_o the_o greek_n though_o he_o have_v real_o be_v lose_v from_o the_o strong_a bond_n of_o the_o grave_a in_o which_o he_o be_v some_o time_n hold_v i_o humble_o conceive_v therefore_o that_o one_o principal_a reason_n why_o he_o die_v in_o so_o public_a a_o manner_n be_v this_o that_o no_o person_n may_v have_v the_o least_o umbrage_n of_o jealousy_n that_o he_o crafty_o retire_v from_o the_o world_n and_o feign_v himself_o to_o be_v go_v down_o to_o the_o region_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o take_v his_o own_o time_n to_o appear_v again_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a when_o in_o truth_n he_o be_v all_o this_o while_n as_o much_o alive_a as_o ever_o but_o to_o remove_v any_o such_o foolish_a suspicion_n we_o need_v only_o consider_v that_o his_o disciple_n most_o willing_o expose_v themselves_o to_o imminent_a danger_n in_o publish_v his_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n though_o they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o root_v prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n against_o it_o this_o certain_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v tempt_v to_o do_v if_o their_o lord_n resurrection_n have_v be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o emty_a fiction_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o not_o only_o persuade_v other_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n but_o with_o the_o great_a readiness_n will_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a have_v die_v ten_o thousand_o death_n to_o promote_v it_o then_o celsus_n jew_n as_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o one_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a with_o the_o same_o numerical_a body_n make_v use_v of_o this_o rash_a expression_n we_o must_v say_v he_o consider_v whether_o any_o person_n that_o be_v real_o dead_a do_v ever_o rise_v with_o the_o same_o numerical_a and_o proper_a body_n this_o one_o will_v think_v shou'dned_a come_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o one_o who_o bear_v the_o character_n of_o a_o jew_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o believe_v what_o we_o find_v record_v in_o the_o two_o book_n of_o king_n 1_o kin._n 17._o v._o 22._o concern_v two_o child_n one_o of_o which_o be_v restore_v to_o life_n by_o elijah_n 2_o kin._n 4._o v._o 34._o and_o the_o other_o by_o elisha_n and_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v matter_n of_o our_o saviour_n choice_n to_o be_v educate_v among_o the_o jew_n because_o they_o be_v accustom_a to_o miracle_n that_o so_o by_o compare_v what_o he_o do_v with_o what_o have_v be_v do_v in_o the_o former_a age_n of_o the_o world_n they_o may_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o his_o miracle_n deserve_v the_o preference_n by_o who_o and_o in_o who_o name_n far_o great_a thing_n be_v perform_v than_o have_v be_v do_v in_o the_o memory_n of_o man._n then_o the_o pretend_a jew_n have_v produce_v the_o history_n of_o the_o greek_n to_o show_v we_o the_o strange_a artifices_fw-la which_o the_o ancient_a hero_n use_v that_o people_n may_v imagine_v that_o they_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a direct_v his_o discourse_n to_o those_o of_o his_o native_a country_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n do_v you_o look_v upon_o the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v by_o other_o as_o trifle_a story_n and_o imagine_v that_o the_o catastrophe_n of_o your_o senseless_a drama_n be_v ever_o the_o more_o just_a or_o probable_a because_o you_o endeavour_v to_o adorn_v it_o with_o some_o fine_a invention_n because_o your_o crucified_a jesus_n give_v a_o most_o dreadful_a outcry_a when_o he_o lie_v at_o the_o very_a point_n of_o death_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v we_o believe_v that_o the_o account_n which_o you_o have_v give_v of_o the_o ancient_a hero_n of_o the_o greek_n be_v gross_o fabulous_a but_o we_o be_v full_o persuade_v and_o i_o think_v on_o very_o rational_a ground_n that_o the_o account_n which_o be_v give_v we_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o those_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v common_a to_o we_o both_o and_o of_o which_o we_o make_v our_o boast_n as_o much_o as_o you_o yourselves_o be_v far_o from_o deserve_v that_o contemptible_a character_n which_o this_o gentleman_n be_v please_v to_o give_v it_o therefore_o we_o can_v never_o grant_v that_o the_o glorious_a miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o raise_v some_o person_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o we_o be_v credible_o inform_v be_v no_o better_a than_o empty_a fiction_n and_o vain_a amusement_n we_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v real_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o the_o prophet_n and_o he_o himself_o have_v foretell_v he_o shall_v and_o one_o thing_n among_o other_o that_o make_v his_o resurrection_n the_o more_o remarkable_a and_o in_o which_o it_o excel_v that_o of_o any_o other_o person_n be_v the_o follow_a consideration_n that_o he_o wa'_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o a_o prophet_n such_o as_o elijah_n or_o elisha_n be_v but_o by_o the_o immediate_a inflvence_n of_o rhe_n godhead_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o his_o resurrection_n be_v so_o exrraordinary_a and_o so_o general_n pray_v