by_o what_o i_o shall_v seasonable_o produce_v in_o its_o defence_n provide_v i_o be_o able_a to_o confute_v his_o error_n i_o resolve_v to_o obey_v your_o most_o just_a command_n and_o to_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o book_n you_o be_v please_v to_o send_v i_o the_o very_a title_n of_o which_o viz._n a_o true_a relation_n will_v hardly_o pass_v for_o such_o with_o they_o who_o be_v no_o great_a proficient_n even_o in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n st._n paul_n know_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o greek_a philosophy_n that_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o contemptible_a but_o have_v by_o accident_n a_o malignant_a influence_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o common_a people_n represent_v error_n under_o the_o plausible_a appearance_n of_o solid_a and_o most_o important_a truth_n have_v these_o very_a word_n beware_v colos_n 2._o u._n 8._o lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ_n but_o this_o be_v more_o than_o i_o think_v any_o judicious_a person_n will_v allow_v the_o book_n which_o i_o be_o just_a go_v to_o answer_v for_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o forementioned_n thing_n by_o the_o name_n of_o vain_a deceit_n perhaps_o in_o contra-distinction_n to_o a_o certain_a kind_a of_o deceit_n which_o be_v not_o vain_a but_o innocent_a and_o useful_a which_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n consider_v make_v bold_a to_o apply_v the_o follow_a word_n to_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o oh_o lord_n thou_o have_v deceive_v i_o and_o jer._n 20._o u._n 7._o i_o be_v deceive_v thou_o be_v strong_a than_o i_o and_o have_v prevail_v but_o in_o my_o opinion_n what_o celsus_n publish_v do_v want_v even_o that_o plausible_a appearance_n to_o render_v it_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v deceitful_a which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o those_o eminently-learned_n person_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o various_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n among_o the_o pagan_n and_o as_o in_o geometry_n tisn_v sufficient_a that_o what_o be_v offor_v for_o a_o demonstration_n be_v in_o itself_o false_a and_o dangerous_a but_o it_o must_v have_v some_o colour_n of_o truth_n or_o it_o can_v never_o deceive_v and_o engage_v even_o the_o most_o faint_a endeavour_n of_o one_o who_o will_v improve_v in_o that_o entertain_n and_o useful_a science_n so_o those_o discourse_n which_o deserve_v the_o character_n of_o vain_a deceit_n must_v have_v some_o affinity_n with_o those_o rational_a argument_n that_o be_v frequent_o make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o head_n of_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n when_o i_o have_v proceed_v in_o my_o answer_n to_o celsus_n as_o far_o as_o the_o place_n where_o he_o personate_v the_o jew_n discourse_v with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v proper_a to_o put_v this_o preface_n before_o my_o book_n that_o so_o any_o one_o into_o who_o hand_n it_o may_v accidental_o fall_v may_v plain_o see_v that_o i_o didn't_fw-mi principal_o intend_v it_o for_o those_o christian_n who_o be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o their_o judgement_n but_o either_o for_o they_o who_o be_v entire_a stranger_n to_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o for_o they_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n rom._n 14._o u._n 1._o receive_v i_o must_v add_v one_o thing_n here_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o i_o have_v a_o different_a design_n in_o answer_v celsus_n in_o the_o gross_a from_o what_o i_o have_v in_o answer_v the_o beginning_n of_o his_o book_n for_o at_o first_o i_o design_v no_o more_o than_o to_o mention_v some_o of_o the_o principal_a head_n and_o content_v myself_o with_o a_o mere_a compendium_n but_o after_o mature_a deliberation_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o proper_a to_o gather_v my_o discourse_n as_o it_o be_v into_o a_o perfect_a system_fw-la or_o body_n then_o i_o be_v satisfy_v from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v at_o a_o needless_a expense_n both_o of_o time_n and_o pain_n and_o content_v myself_o with_o what_o i_o have_v write_v against_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o book_n which_o celsus_n publish_v but_o in_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o my_o apology_n which_o if_o i_o may_v modest_o say_v it_o of_o my_o own_o performance_n be_v much_o more_o elaborate_a i_o determine_v to_o bend_v all_o my_o force_n against_o he_o and_o to_o return_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v material_a and_o even_o to_o some_o of_o his_o most_o trifle_a objection_n i_o must_v therefore_o desire_v my_o reader_n to_o discover_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a candour_n in_o pass_v his_o judgement_n on_o what_o i_o have_v do_v especial_o on_o that_o part_n of_o my_o apology_n which_o immediate_o follow_v this_o epistle_n and_o if_o the_o other_o part_n shall_v have_v no_o better_a effect_n upon_o he_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v there_o also_o be_v extreme_o favourable_a in_o the_o sentence_n which_o he_o may_v pass_v upon_o i_o and_o if_o you_o virtuous_a ambrose_n desire_v a_o more_o complete_a answer_n to_o celsus_n than_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v he_o at_o present_a i_o must_v refer_v you_o to_o they_o who_o have_v a_o far_o great_a share_n of_o judgement_n than_o that_o to_o which_o i_o lay_v my_o most_o humble_a claim_n and_o be_v better_o qualify_v for_o the_o due_a and_o honourable_a management_n of_o so_o difficult_a a_o province_n however_o that_o person_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a and_o much_o more_o desirable_a condition_n who_o have_v meet_v with_o celsus_n performance_n and_o be_v furnish_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n with_o a_o warm_a and_o effectual_a apology_n for_o that_o excellent_a religion_n which_o he_o profess_v and_o endeavour_n to_o practice_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o power_n be_v so_o well-guarded_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o sincere_a follower_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n that_o he_o can_v look_v with_o a_o holy_a contempt_n on_o the_o false_a representation_n and_o most_o plausible_a argument_n of_o the_o most_o celebrate_a heretic_n that_o do_v ever_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n origen_n against_o celsus_n chap._n i._n the_o first_o charge_n which_o celsus_n bring_v against_o the_o christian_n be_v their_o hold_a cabal_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o to_o which_o as_o he_o think_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v entire_o subject_a he_o distinguish_v meeting_n into_o public_a and_o private_a the_o public_a meeting_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o the_o private_a and_o separate_a meeting_n which_o be_v keep_v up_o by_o schismatic_n and_o his_o design_n herein_o be_v to_o cast_v reproach_n on_o the_o love_n feast_n of_o the_o christian_n which_o be_v appoint_v to_o prevent_v a_o common_a and_o threaten_a danger_n and_o be_v far_o more_o bind_v than_o the_o sacred_a tie_n of_o mutual_a oath_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v i_o say_v he_o reproach_n they_o as_o if_o they_o manifest_o and_o gross_o interfere_v with_o that_o due_a and_o indispensible_a loyalty_n which_o as_o they_o be_v subject_n they_o owe_v and_o aught_o as_o he_o imagine_v to_o pay_v the_o national_a establishment_n since_o therefore_o he_o make_v his_o boast_n that_o he_o have_v the_o law_n on_o his_o side_n and_o will_v intimate_v that_o the_o separate_a meeting_n of_o the_o christian_n do_v countenance_n and_o promote_v schism_n and_o sedition_n i_o answer_v that_o as_o a_o stranger_n who_o have_v his_o lot_n providential_o cast_v among_o the_o scythian_n who_o be_v govern_v by_o most_o wicked_a law_n and_o have_v not_o a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o make_v a_o safe_a escape_n will_v be_v esteem_v by_o that_o ignorant_a and_o uncivilise_v people_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o their_o constitution_n and_o a_o favourer_n of_o the_o sectary_n if_o he_o didn't_fw-mi comply_v with_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n but_o may_v still_o urge_v weighty_a and_o unanswerable_a argument_n to_o justify_v his_o separation_n so_o the_o christian_n may_v lawful_o dissent_v from_o the_o establish_v religion_n which_o introduce_v image-worship_n and_o a_o whole_a rifraff_n of_o the_o mock-deity_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o abound_v with_o more_o horrid_a impiety_n than_o be_v ever_o practise_v by_o the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o as_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o a_o city_n may_v lawful_o defend_v themselves_o against_o a_o prince_n who_o have_v make_v a_o unjust_a descent_n upon_o their_o native_a country_n so_o the_o christian_n may_v warrantable_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o satan_n that_o great_a usurper_n to_o free_v themselves_o and_o other_o from_o his_o worse_a than_o scythian_a tyranny_n chap._n
ii_o than_o celsus_n go_v on_o and_o assert_n that_o judaisme_n with_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v a_o very_a close_a connection_n have_v all_o along_o be_v a_o barbarous_a sect_n though_o he_o prudent_o forbear_v to_o reproach_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v of_o a_o mean_a and_o unpolished_a original_a since_o he_o have_v commend_v the_o barbarian_n as_o be_v the_o inventor_n of_o several_a excellent_a and_o very_a important_a maxim_n and_o he_o add_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v indeed_o invent_v by_o the_o barbarian_n have_v be_v improve_v and_o more_o accommodate_v to_o moral_a virtue_n by_o the_o greek_n now_o i_o think_v i_o may_v just_o take_v this_o advantage_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o the_o very_a concession_n which_o celsus_n make_v to_o observe_v that_o one_o who_o leave_v the_o opinion_n and_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n dont_fw-fr only_a assent_n to_o those_o truth_n and_o useful_a rule_n which_o it_o recommend_v to_o his_o consideration_n and_o choice_n but_o the_o more_o he_o be_v verse_v in_o the_o forementioned_a sort_n of_o learning_n the_o more_o he_o be_v confirm_v in_o his_o judgement_n and_o borrow_v from_o the_o christian_n wherever_o he_o perceive_v that_o the_o greek_n themselves_o be_v defective_a to_o this_o i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v just_o boast_v of_o a_o peculiar_a demonstration_n such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v true_o divine_a and_o vast_o exceed_v all_o the_o logic_n of_o the_o greek_n the_o apostle_n call_v it_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v in_o a_o secret_a but_o powerful_a way_n convince_v the_o reader_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture-prophecy_n efpeal_o of_o those_o which_o have_v a_o evident_a and_o near_a relation_n to_o the_o expect_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o power_n in_o as_o much_o as_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n some_o remarkable_a footstep_n of_o which_o do_v remain_v at_o this_o very_a day_n among_o those_o who_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n under_o the_o guidance_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o live_v up_o to_o its_o holy_a precept_n chap._n iii_o than_o celsus_n have_v speak_v of_o the_o private_a meeting_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o which_o they_o exercise_v themselves_o and_o instruct_v one_o another_o in_o their_o particular_a way_n and_o have_v confess_v that_o one_o very_o politic_a reason_n may_v be_v assign_v for_o what_o they_o do_v viz._n the_o prevent_v of_o that_o severe_a penalty_n to_o which_o their_o practice_n render_v they_o extreme_o liable_a compare_v the_o danger_n that_o threaten_v they_o with_o the_o difficulty_n and_o calamity_n to_o which_o socrates_n and_o pythagoras_n and_o other_o heathen_a philosopher_n expose_v themselves_o by_o maintain_v the_o reputation_n and_o promote_a the_o interest_n of_o that_o comparatively-vain_a philosophy_n of_o which_o they_o be_v the_o admire_v and_o truly-learned_n professor_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o athenian_n soon_o repent_v of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v to_o socrates_n nor_o do_v they_o long_o retain_v their_o spite_n against_o pythagoras_n for_o the_o pythagorean_n have_v school_n for_o a_o considerable_a time_n in_o that_o part_n of_o italy_n which_o go_v by_o the_o name_n of_o greece_n the_o great_a but_o the_o whole_a roman_a senate_n the_o emperor_n during_o the_o several_a persecution_n the_o soldier_n the_o common_a people_n and_o even_o they_o who_o be_v near_o relate_v to_o the_o christian_n wage_v open_a war_n as_o it_o be_v against_o the_o religion_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n introduce_v and_o will_v easy_o and_o quite_o have_v stop_v its_o happy_a progress_n if_o a_o divine_a and_o miraculous_a power_n have_v not_o seasonable_o interpose_v and_o make_v it_o overcome_v the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n who_o exert_v all_o their_o malice_n and_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n towards_o its_o sudden_a and_o entire_a extirpation_n chap._n iu._n now_o let_v we_o see_v how_o celsus_n reproach_n the_o practic_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v in_o common_a with_o the_o heathen_n nothing_o that_o be_v new_a or_o truly-great_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o they_o who_o bring_v down_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o head_n by_o their_o notorious_a crime_n will_v never_o suffer_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o divine_a and_o inflexible_a justice_n if_o all_o mankind_n have_v not_o some_o tolerable_a notion_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil._n therefore_o we_o needned_a wonder_n that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o common_a father_n of_o his_o creature_n shall_v plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n those_o natural_a principle_n which_o the_o prophet_n and_o especial_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v so_o frequent_o impress_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o so_o every_o one_o may_v be_v leave_v without_o excuse_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n have_v have_v the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o law_n engrave_v upon_o his_o heart_n in_o very_o legible_a character_n this_o be_v obscure_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o the_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o god_n write_v the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law_n as_o it_o be_v with_o his_o finger_n and_o his_o give_v they_o to_o moses_n and_o acquaint_v we_o that_o they_o be_v afterward_o break_v by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o they_o who_o make_v the_o golden_a calf_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v break_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o that_o when_o the_o law_n be_v write_v the_o second_o time_n on_o table_n of_o stone_n he_o deliver_v they_o to_o moses_n to_o signify_v that_o the_o law_n which_o be_v deface_v by_o the_o original_a apostasy_n shall_v be_v re_fw-mi impress_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n chap._n v._n than_o celsus_n speak_v of_o idolatry_n do_v himself_o advance_v a_o argument_n that_o tend_v to_o justify_v and_o commend_v our_o practice_n when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o christian_n can_v think_v those_o to_o be_v god_n which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n and_o very_o often_o of_o such_o as_o be_v wicked_a and_o unjust_a and_o wallow_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o debauchery_n therefore_o endeavour_v to_o show_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n that_o our_o notion_n of_o image-worship_n be_v not_o a_o discovery_n that_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o we_o have_v it_o in_o common_a with_o the_o heathen_n he_o quote_v a_o passage_n in_o heraclitus_n to_o this_o effect_n that_o they_o who_o pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o inanimate_a creature_n do_v just_a as_o if_o they_o shall_v address_v and_o invocate_v the_o wall_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o since_o i_o have_v already_o grant_v that_o some_o common_a notion_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a be_v original_o implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n we_o needned_a wonder_n that_o heraclitus_n and_o other_o whether_o greek_n or_o barbarian_n have_v public_o acknowledge_v to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o hold_v the_o very_a same_o notion_n which_o we_o maintain_v and_o celsus_n quote_v a_o passage_n in_o herodotus_n to_o show_v that_o the_o same_o notion_n which_o heraclitus_n hold_v do_v obtain_v among_o the_o persian_n and_o i_o can_v quote_v a_o passage_n in_o zeno_n citiensis_fw-la who_o in_o his_o book_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v that_o the_o building_n of_o stately_a temple_n be_v altogether_o needless_a and_o indeed_o ridiculous_a since_o no_o piece_n of_o humane_a architecture_n how_o pompous_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v be_v true_o sacred_a and_o valuaable_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o this_o practical_a notion_n be_v engrave_v in_o divine_a and_o legible_a character_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n chap._n vi_o than_o celsus_n say_v that_o all_o the_o power_n which_o the_o christian_n have_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o name_n of_o certain_a daemon_n and_o their_o invocation_n of_o they_o though_o i_o can_v well_o conceive_v what_o shall_v induce_v or_o even_o tempt_v he_o to_o talk_v at_o so_o extravagant_a a_o rate_n i_o suppose_v he_o obscure_o hint_n at_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o some_o who_o cast_v out_o devil_n but_o this_o be_v a_o most_o notorious_a calumny_n for_o the_o power_n which_o the_o christian_n have_v be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o owe_v to_o enchantment_n but_o to_o their_o pronounce_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o make_v mention_n of_o some_o remarkable_a occurrence_n of_o his_o life_n for_o by_o these_o and_o no_o unlawful_a mean_n have_v daemon_n be_v
frequent_o dispossess_v especial_o when_o the_o person_n who_o pronounce_v that_o sacred_a name_n do_v it_o with_o a_o become_a disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o with_o a_o most_o lively_a faith_n nay_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n have_v have_v such_o power_n over_o daemon_n that_o sometime_o it_o have_v prove_v effectual_a though_o pronounce_v by_o very_o wicked_a person_n to_o this_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o reference_n when_o he_o say_v many_o shall_v say_v to_o i_o in_o that_o day_n in_o thy_o name_n we_o have_v mat._n seven_o v._o 22._o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o celsus_n do_v omit_v this_o passage_n through_o ignorance_n or_o rather_o through_o a_o voluntary_a and_o malicious_a oversight_n chap._n vii_o than_o he_o accuse_v our_o saviour_n himself_o as_o if_o he_o wrought_v miracle_n by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n and_o foresee_v that_o many_o other_o person_n will_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o their_o skill_n in_o that_o hellish_a art_n boast_v that_o a_o divine_a power_n do_v attend_v they_o and_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n do_v exclude_v they_o from_o the_o number_n of_o his_o follower_n and_o favourite_n and_o he_o make_v use_v of_o this_o argument_n against_o he_o if_o say_v he_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n for_o his_o reject_v the_o forementioned_a person_n than_o he_o be_v a_o wicked_a man_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o fault_n which_o he_o charge_v on_o they_o and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o wicked_a man_n than_o neither_o do_v they_o deserve_v a_o mark_n of_o infamy_n who_o according_a to_o his_o own_o confession_n be_v to_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v himself_o but_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v difficult_a for_o we_o to_o determine_v precise_o by_o what_o power_n our_o saviour_n wrought_v his_o miracle_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o christian_n make_v use_v of_o no_o enchantment_n unless_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o some_o passage_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o sacred_a spell_n chap._n viii_o than_o celsus_n frequent_o and_o severe_o reproach_n the_o christian_n with_o keep_v their_o opinion_n secret_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v more_o know_v and_o more_o general_o publish_v than_o the_o admire_a speculation_n of_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o even_o almost_o to_o the_o utmost_a limit_n of_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n for_o who_o in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o saviour_n nativity_n and_o resurrection_n and_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n in_o which_o he_o will_v reward_v the_o righteous_a and_o punish_v the_o wicked_a according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o be_v not_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o infidel_n acquaint_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n who_o turn_v it_o all_o into_o banter_n and_o ridicule_n so_o that_o the_o charge_n be_v altogether_o ungrounded_a and_o by_o consequence_n unjust_a but_o if_o there_o be_v some_o arcana_fw-la imperii_fw-la in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o vulgar_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o in_o philosophy_n for_o even_o the_o philosopher_n hold_v some_o opinion_n which_o they_o keep_v more_o secret_a some_o of_o pythagoras_n pupil_n rely_v on_o his_o bare_a authority_n and_o be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o ipse_fw-la dixit_fw-la other_o be_v more_o private_o teach_v and_o instruct_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v prostitute_v to_o vulgar_a and_o unsanctify_v ear_n and_o many_o rite_n in_o the_o religion_n both_o of_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n be_v conceal_v from_o the_o notice_n of_o the_o vulgar_a chap._n ix_o but_o celsus_n seem_v with_o abundance_n of_o earnestness_n to_o plead_v for_o they_o who_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n when_o he_o say_v i_o will_v not_o persuade_v any_o one_o to_o renounce_v his_o religion_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o danger_n to_o which_o it_o may_v expose_v he_o nor_o will_v i_o have_v he_o even_o seem_v to_o leave_v it_o where_o he_o tacit_o condemn_v all_o they_o who_o be_v christian_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o yet_o public_o disow_v their_o religion_n here_o i_o may_v take_v occasion_n to_o charge_v he_o with_o the_o gross_a inconsistency_n of_o his_o discourse_n for_o in_o some_o place_n of_o his_o book_n he_o talk_v like_o a_o zealous_a follower_n of_o the_o admire_a epicurus_n but_o here_o that_o his_o accusation_n may_v carry_v the_o more_o plausible_a appearance_n he_o dissemble_v his_o opinion_n and_o seem_v to_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v in_o man_n beside_o his_o body_n which_o be_v material_a and_o earthly_a another_o and_o much_o noble_a substance_n that_o have_v a_o affinity_n with_o god_n himself_o and_o say_v that_o they_o who_o have_v soul_n due_o dispose_v do_v as_o far_o as_o the_o frailty_n of_o their_o nature_n will_v admit_v aspire_v to_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o which_o they_o be_v so_o near_o ally_v and_o be_v never_o more_o high_o please_v than_o when_o they_o be_v seasonable_o and_o solid_o entertain_v with_o discourse_n concern_v the_o supreme_a and_o adorable_a majesty_n both_o of_o earth_n and_o heaven_n observe_v a_o little_a before_o he_o say_v he_o will_o persuade_v any_o one_o to_o renounce_v his_o religion_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o danger_n to_o which_o it_o may_v expose_v he_o nor_o will_v he_o have_v he_o even_o seem_v to_o leave_v it_o and_o yet_o he_o be_v gross_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o fault_n himself_o which_o he_o severe_o condemn_v in_o other_o for_o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o if_o he_o have_v open_o profess_v he_o be_v a_o epicurean_a philosopher_n his_o accusation_n will_v be_v little_o regard_v by_o they_o who_o live_v in_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o a_o overrule_a providence_n though_o indeed_o they_o may_v differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o their_o sense_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o principle_n which_o they_o be_v know_v to_o hold_v by_o the_o way_n i_o be_o inform_v there_o have_v be_v two_o person_n who_o go_v by_o the_o name_n of_o celsus_n and_o both_o of_o they_o be_v philosopher_n of_o the_o epicurean_a sect_n one_o who_o live_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o emperor_n nero_n and_o another_o who_o live_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o emperor_n hadrian_n and_o some_o time_n after_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o be_v the_o person_n with_o who_o i_o be_o at_o present_a concern_v chap._n x._o and_o he_o continue_v his_o discourse_n and_o advise_v we_o to_o embrace_v no_o opinion_n but_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o impartial_a reason_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o many_o and_o gross_a error_n to_o which_o the_o contrary_a practice_n will_v shameful_o and_o avoidable_o expose_v we_o and_o he_o compare_v those_o person_n who_o take_v up_o any_o notion_n without_o due_a examination_n to_o the_o design_v priest_n of_o mithras_n bacchus_n cybele_n or_o hecate_n or_o any_o other_o mock-deity_n of_o the_o heathen_n for_o as_o these_o impostor_n have_v once_o get_v the_o ascendant_n over_o the_o common_a people_n who_o be_v gross_o ignorant_a can_v turn_v and_o wind_v these_o harmless_a cattle_n as_o their_o interest_n or_o fancy_n may_v direct_v so_o he_o say_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_n some_o of_o they_o say_v he_o neither_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o believe_v nor_o care_v to_o be_v examine_v will_v use_v this_o expression_n do_v examine_v into_o matter_n but_o believe_v and_o thy_o faith_n will_v infallible_o save_v thou_o and_o will_v frequent_o say_v with_o a_o air_n of_o affect_a gravity_n that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o mischievous_a but_o folly_n be_v a_o most_o admirable_a and_o useful_a thing_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o all_o man_n can_v convenient_o leave_v the_o concern_v of_o life_n and_o have_v leisure_n and_o inclination_n to_o bend_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n i_o shall_v hearty_o wish_v that_o this_o may_v become_v a_o universal_a practice_n though_o to_o speak_v modest_o and_o to_o keep_v within_o due_a compass_n i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o the_o sublime_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o short_a hint_n of_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n our_o saviour_n parable_n and_o abundance_n of_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v simbolical_o deliver_v and_o propose_v with_o the_o sanction_n of_o a_o law_n be_v not_o more_o involve_v and_o attend_v with_o great_a obscurity_n than_o many_o of_o the_o opinion_n which_o be_v advance_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o but_o if_o the_o method_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o before_o
follower_n of_o aristotle_n and_o epicurus_n think_v it_o be_v but_o have_v certain_a state_v rule_n as_o they_o that_o be_v skilled_a in_o it_o do_v know_v and_o can_v easy_o demonstrate_v i_o say_v if_o i_o can_v make_v this_o appear_v i_o think_v i_o may_v then_o safe_o affirm_v that_o the_o name_n sabaoth_v adonai_n and_o other_o name_n for_o which_o the_o jew_n have_v so_o profound_a a_o veneration_n be_v not_o design_v to_o denominate_v any_o create_a being_n much_o less_o those_o of_o a_o inferior_a order_n but_o do_v contain_v some_o sacred_a mystery_n which_o have_v a_o immediate_a reference_n to_o the_o great_a and_o adorable_a creator_n of_o the_o universe_n these_o name_n therefore_o have_v a_o efficacy_n when_o they_o be_v due_o pronounce_v by_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v other_o name_n which_o be_v pronounce_v in_o the_o egyptian_a language_n be_v prevalent_a with_o certain_a daemon_n who_o power_n be_v limit_v to_o such_o or_o such_o a_o sphere_n and_o other_o which_o be_v pronounce_v in_o the_o persian_a language_n be_v prevalent_a with_o other_o daemon_n and_o i_o may_v instance_n in_o several_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o use_v other_o name_n apply_v they_o in_o very_o different_a sense_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o terrestrial_a daemon_n which_o have_v particular_a place_n assign_v they_o have_v name_n give_v they_o according_a to_o the_o language_n which_o the_o people_n speak_v any_o man_n of_o sense_n therefore_o one_o will_v think_v that_o bestow_v but_o the_o least_o thought_n on_o this_o important_a subject_n will_v scruple_n to_o make_v use_n of_o name_n foreign_a to_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o represent_v lest_o he_o shall_v unaware_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o fault_n with_o they_o who_o use_v such_o improper_a and_o harsh_a expression_n concern_v god_n himself_o that_o they_o do_v it_o at_o all_o stick_n to_o give_v he_o the_o false_a and_o vile_a appellation_n of_o inanimate_a matter_n or_o run_v into_o the_o error_n of_o those_o unhappy_a person_n who_o great_o derogate_v from_o the_o infinite_a honour_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o supreme_a and_o original_a cause_n and_o disparage_v true_a virtue_n and_o piety_n by_o mis-applying_a the_o sacred_a name_n of_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la to_o a_o little_a glitter_a but_o perish_v dust_n or_o a_o happy_a constitution_n of_o body_n or_o that_o which_o be_v false_o but_o too_o common_o call_v a_o honourable_a descent_n noble_a princely_a or_o royal_a blood_n and_o sure_o the_o danger_n of_o mis-applying_a the_o name_n of_o the_o awful_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n or_o the_o chief_a good_a be_v at_o least_o equal_a to_o that_o of_o change_v the_o state_v name_n which_o be_v use_v in_o magic_n and_o have_v a_o mystical_a sense_n and_o give_v the_o name_n of_o superior_a power_n to_o infernal_a spirit_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o of_o infernal_a spirit_n to_o superior_a power_n i_o need_v not_o say_v that_o at_o the_o very_a mention_n of_o jupiter_n be_v understand_v the_o son_n of_o saturn_n and_o rhea_n the_o husband_n of_o juno_n the_o brother_n of_o neptune_n the_o father_n of_o minerva_n and_o diana_n and_o the_o person_n that_o commit_v incest_n with_o his_o daughter_n nor_o need_v i_o say_v that_o at_o the_o mention_n of_o apollo_n be_v understand_v the_o son_n of_o jupiter_n and_o latona_n the_o brother_n of_o diana_n and_o brother_n to_o mercury_n by_o the_o father_n side_n or_o need_v i_o speak_v of_o many_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v relate_v by_o the_o ancient_a hero_n who_o celsus_n have_v with_o so_o much_o honour_n enumerate_v or_o contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o admire_v theology_n of_o the_o learned_a greek_n pray_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o jupiter_n be_v call_v as_o he_o be_v and_o that_o the_o son_n of_o saturn_n and_o rhea_n be_v not_o the_o name_n that_o be_v give_v he_o the_o same_o question_n may_v proper_o enough_o be_v ask_v concern_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o riff-raff_a of_o the_o heathen_a go_n this_o consideration_n i_o think_v have_v a_o manifest_a tendency_n to_o favour_n and_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o person_n who_o have_v some_o mystical_a but_o solid_a reason_n for_o use_v the_o name_n sabaoth_v or_o adonai_n and_o some_o other_o name_n when_o they_o speak_v of_o god_n since_o they_o who_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o name_n will_v easy_o find_v that_o some_o sacred_a mystery_n be_v veil_v under_o the_o name_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o angel_n one_o of_o who_o be_v call_v michael_n another_o gabriel_n and_o another_o raphael_n each_o have_v a_o name_n affix_v to_o he_o by_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o that_o honourable_a work_n in_o which_o his_o great_a creator_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o employ_v he_o and_o the_o virtue_n which_o accompany_v the_o pronunciation_n of_o our_o saviour_n name_n and_o by_o which_o cruel_a and_o obstinate_a daemon_n be_v frequent_o and_o public_o dispossess_v both_o of_o the_o mind_n and_o body_n of_o man_n must_v i_o think_v be_v resolve_v at_o least_o in_o some_o measure_n into_o the_o natural_a efficacy_n of_o name_n i_o may_v add_v one_o thing_n here_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o they_o who_o be_v skilled_a in_o enchantment_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o they_o make_v use_v of_o such_o and_o such_o word_n in_o the_o original_a language_n the_o end_v propose_v will_v certain_o be_v obtain_v but_o if_o the_o very_a same_o word_n be_v change_v and_o other_o be_v make_v use_n of_o which_o convey_v the_o very_a same_o idea_n they_o will_v immediate_o and_o strange_o lose_v their_o extraordinary_a virtue_n so_o that_o the_o power_n which_o they_o have_v be_v not_o owe_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o be_v the_o external_a sign_n but_o to_o certain_a unknown_a property_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o name_n themselves_o chap._n xxi_o this_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o apology_n for_o the_o christian_n who_o willing_o and_o even_o triumphant_o embrace_v death_n itself_o in_o the_o most_o horrid_a shape_v rather_o than_o call_v god_n by_o the_o name_n of_o jupiter_n whatever_o intention_n or_o mental_a reservation_n they_o may_v have_v or_o give_v he_o those_o name_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o language_n and_o adapt_v to_o the_o religion_n of_o other_o country_n for_o either_o they_o call_v he_o by_o the_o general_a name_n of_o god_n or_o they_o bestow_v such_o epithet_n as_o these_o upon_o he_o the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n the_o former_a of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n or_o may_v express_v themselves_o by_o the_o follow_a periphrasis_n he_o who_o have_v send_v some_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a man_n into_o the_o world_n who_o name_n be_v honourable_o blend_v with_o his_o own_o have_v a_o strange_a and_o even_o miraculous_a power_n here_o i_o may_v enter_v into_o a_o long_a discourse_n in_o opposition_n to_o they_o who_o eager_o contend_v for_o the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o the_o most_o sacred_a name_n for_o if_o plato_n be_v so_o much_o and_o not_o undeserved_o commend_v who_o bring_v in_o a_o person_n upon_o philebus_n call_v pleasure_n a_o goddess_n make_v use_n of_o the_o follow_a expression_n for_o my_o part_n protarchus_n i_o have_v a_o profound_a veneration_n even_o for_o the_o name_n of_o the_o god_n which_o like_o themselves_o i_o esteem_v sacred_a and_o inviolable_a how_o much_o more_o ought_v christian_n to_o be_v commend_v who_o make_v conscience_n of_o apply_v those_o name_n to_o god_n which_o be_v unhappy_o but_o too_o common_o borrow_a from_o the_o empty_a and_o ridiculous_a fable_n of_o the_o poet_n but_o so_o much_o of_o this_o matter_n for_o the_o present_a chap._n xxii_o let_v we_o now_o see_v how_o celsus_n load_v the_o jew_n with_o reproach_n which_o dont_fw-fr well_n suit_n with_o his_o horrid_a presumption_n in_o profess_v that_o he_o be_v perfect_o acquaint_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o christian_n they_o give_v themselves_o say_v he_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o angel_n and_o to_o magic_n follow_v therein_o the_o precept_n of_o their_o celebrate_a moses_n let_v he_o therefore_o since_o he_o be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a doctrine_n show_v where_o there_o be_v any_o precept_n in_o all_o the_o pentateuch_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v in_o favour_n of_o angel-worship_n and_o acquaint_v we_o how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o magic_n shall_v be_v in_o vogue_n with_o a_o nation_n that_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n who_o have_v leave_v the_o follow_a word_n upon_o record_n regard_v not_o they_o leu._n nineteeen_o v._n 31_o that_o have_v familiar_a spirit_n neither_o seek_v after_o wizard_n to_o be_v defile_v by_o they_o chap._n xxiii_o than_o celsus_n undertake_v to_o show_v that_o the_o jew_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o monstrous_a ignorance_n tame_o suffer_v themselves_o
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
reason_n than_o you_o can_v say_v it_o of_o yourself_o and_o seem_v to_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o person_n to_o who_o this_o prophecy_n may_v fit_o be_v apply_v as_o well_o in_o all_o respect_n as_o to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n he_o say_v several_a enthusiast_n and_o impostor_n have_v claim_v the_o venerable_a title_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o have_v say_v that_o they_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n though_o i_o know_v not_o what_o ground_n he_o can_v have_v for_o use_v this_o expression_n since_o the_o jew_n do_v strong_o deny_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o several_a prophet_n have_v prophesy_v in_o a_o different_a manner_n concern_v the_o messiah_n some_o by_o obscure_a and_o almost_o unintelligible_a hint_n other_o by_o allegory_n and_o some_o in_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o express_a term_n imaginable_a and_o because_o celsus_n discover_v his_o malice_n and_o excessive_a heat_n in_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n where_o the_o jew_n speak_v to_o those_o of_o his_o own_o nation_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n have_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v that_o the_o prophecy_n which_o be_v apply_v to_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v otherwise_o and_o much_o better_o accommodate_v i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a at_o present_a to_o instance_n in_o some_o few_o of_o they_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a and_o here_o let_v any_o person_n employ_v his_o utmost_a skill_n i_o defy_v he_o to_o shock_v the_o faith_n of_o any_o judicious_a and_o establish_v christian_n as_o for_o the_o place_n of_o our_o saviour_n nativity_n it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o ruler_n shall_v come_v forth_o from_o bethlehem_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n but_o thou_o bethlehem_n mica_n v._o v._n 2._o ephratah_n though_o thou_o be_v little_a among_o the_o thousand_o of_o judah_n yet_o out_o of_o thou_o shall_v he_o come_v forth_o unto_o i_o who_o be_v to_o be_v ruler_n in_o israel_n who_o go_n forth_o have_v be_v from_o of_o old_a from_o everlasting_a this_o prophecy_n can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v apply_v to_o those_o enthusiast_n and_o impostor_n as_o celsus_n call_v they_o who_o say_v they_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n unless_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v come_v forth_o from_o bethlehem_n to_o be_v ruler_n of_o the_o people_n as_o for_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n if_o any_o person_n be_v dissatisfy_v with_o the_o prophecy_n of_o micah_n and_o the_o account_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o evangelist_n let_v he_o only_o consider_v that_o the_o cave_n in_o which_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o the_o manger_n in_o which_o he_o lay_v be_v to_o be_v see_v at_o the_o fore_n mention_v place_n to_o this_o very_a day_n and_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o well_o know_v and_o so_o credible_o attest_v that_o even_o they_o who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v frequent_o hear_v to_o say_v here_o be_v the_o cave_n in_o which_o that_o jesus_n who_o be_v worship_v by_o the_o christian_n be_v bear_v and_o it_o be_v my_o opinion_n that_o before_o our_o saviour_n do_v make_v his_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n the_o chief_a priest_n and_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o people_n open_o confess_v and_o teach_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n and_o that_o even_o the_o common_a people_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v acquaint_v with_o this_o prophecy_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o express_a and_o very_o familiar_a term_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o herod_n inquire_v of_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_z scribes_z where_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v bear_v receive_v this_o answer_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n in_o the_o land_n of_o judaea_n which_o be_v honour_v by_o be_v the_o place_n from_o which_o no_o less_o a_o person_n than_o king_n david_n himself_o do_v spring_v beside_o we_o read_v in_o st._n john_n gospel_n that_o the_o jew_n say_v that_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n which_o be_v in_o the_o native_a country_n of_o the_o forementioned_a king_n but_o when_o our_o saviour_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n those_o person_n who_o leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a to_o oppose_v the_o religion_n which_o he_o introduce_v do_v no_o long_o teach_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n plain_o show_v they_o belong_v to_o the_o fame_n wretched_a fraternity_n with_o they_o who_o prevail_v with_o the_o soldier_n who_o be_v appoint_v to_o guard_v the_o sepulchre_n and_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o triumphant_a resurrection_n to_o say_v his_o disciple_n come_v by_o night_n and_o steal_v matthew_n â—xv_v i._n v._n 13._o v._o 14._o he_o away_o while_o we_o sleep_v and_o say_v to_o they_o if_o this_o come_v to_o the_o governor_n ear_n we_o will_v persuade_v he_o and_o secure_v you_o such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o prejudice_n and_o the_o love_n of_o opposition_n that_o it_o often_o happen_v that_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o most_o apparent_a truth_n and_o be_v loath_a to_o endure_v the_o shame_n which_o attend_v a_o recantation_n of_o those_o false_a and_o dangerous_a principle_n which_o we_o have_v once_o embrace_v and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v every_o jot_n as_o easy_a to_o leave_v any_o bad_a habit_n that_o we_o have_v unhappy_o contract_v though_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v root_v in_o our_o very_a nature_n as_o to_o leave_v the_o opinion_n which_o we_o former_o hold_v and_o which_o be_v very_o dear_a and_o extreme_o familiar_a to_o we_o it_o be_v well_o know_v we_o do_v with_o a_o kind_a of_o secret_a reluctancy_n forsake_v those_o house_n city_n and_o village_n which_o by_o our_o long_a and_o delightful_a continuance_n in_o they_o have_v render_v themselves_o familiar_a and_o even_o natural_a to_o we_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o unaccountable_a prejudice_n even_o the_o common_a people_n among_o the_o jew_n will_o shut_v their_o eve_n as_o they_o manifest_o do_v against_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o scripture-prophecy_n nor_o deny_v the_o extraordinary_a and_o often_o miraculous_a circumstance_n which_o attend_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o that_o prejudice_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a infirmity_n which_o our_o mind_n can_v possible_o labour_v under_o be_v plain_a to_o they_o who_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v with_o no_o small_a difficulty_n and_o regret_n that_o we_o leave_v the_o opinion_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o our_o parent_n though_o perhaps_o they_o may_v be_v such_o as_o on_o mature_a deliberation_n do_v cover_v we_o with_o the_o deep_a shame_n and_o fill_v we_o with_o vexation_n and_o confusion_n so_o talk_v to_o a_o egyptian_a till_o your_o heart_n do_v ache_v and_o your_o breath_n fail_v you_o yet_o he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o renounce_v his_o religion_n that_o he_o will_v persist_v in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a with_o great_a obstinacy_n than_o before_o and_o rather_o die_v than_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o horrid_a a_o profanation_n as_o he_o account_v it_o to_o eat_v and_o pollute_v the_o sacred_a flesh_n of_o animal_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o dwell_v the_o long_o on_o this_o subject_a that_o so_o we_o may_v return_v a_o solid_a answer_n to_o they_o who_o perhaps_o may_v not_o stick_v to_o say_v if_o the_o prophecy_n have_v so_o plain_a a_o reference_n to_o your_o saviour_n as_o you_o say_v they_o have_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o jew_n who_o wisdom_n you_o so_o high_o value_v do_v embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o well_o and_o as_o ready_o as_o you_o and_o regulate_v their_o practice_n by_o those_o precept_n which_o christ_n in_o some_o sense_n have_v leave_v behind_o he_o but_o let_v none_o reproach_v we_o as_o if_o we_o be_v so_o wretched_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o discern_v the_o sophistry_n of_o so_o weak_a a_o argument_n since_o some_o and_o i_o hope_v many_o of_o we_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v upon_o occasion_n that_o christianity_n be_v build_v on_o the_o most_o rational_a and_o solid_a ground_n or_o reflect_v upon_o we_o as_o if_o we_o be_v accountable_a for_o the_o monstrous_a blindness_n and_o extravagant_a practice_n of_o the_o jew_n chap._n xliii_o i_o may_v if_o it_o be_v necessary_a instance_n in_o another_o prophecy_n that_o be_v write_v many_o age_n before_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o which_o jacob_n prophecy_v concern_v all_o his_o child_n and_o speak_v concern_v judah_n have_v these_o remarkable_a word_n the_o sceptre_n gen._n xlix_o v._o 10._o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n nor_o a_o lawgiver_n from_o between_o his_o foot_n till_o shiloh_n come_v and_o unto_o he_o shall_v the_o gather_v of_o the_o people_n be_v
study_v the_o same_o excellent_a science_n for_o many_o year_n in_o the_o school_n of_o cleanthes_n whereas_o judas_n have_v continue_v three_o year_n with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o he_o so_o shameful_o betray_v he_o and_o if_o we_o read_v the_o live_v of_o the_o philosopher_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o frequent_a instance_n that_o in_o some_o respect_n resemble_v the_o horrid_a treachery_n of_o judas_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o pythagorean_n build_v tomb_n for_o such_o person_n as_o leave_v the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o different_a and_o less-useful_a course_n of_o life_n but_o i_o suppose_v no_o person_n will_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o reflect_v on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o pythagoras_n or_o the_o solid_a argument_n which_o his_o follower_n use_v in_o its_o defence_n the_o jew_n add_v that_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o say_v with_o respect_n to_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v far_o from_o be_v fair_o represent_v by_o his_o disciple_n he_o choose_v to_o pass_v they_o over_o in_o a_o profound_a silence_n but_o i_o ask_v what_o truth_n be_v these_o that_o be_v misinterpret_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o which_o he_o forbear_v to_o mention_v must_v not_o this_o pass_n for_o a_o rhetorical_a flourish_n to_o make_v we_o believe_v he_o be_v furnish_v with_o a_o great_a stock_n of_o argument_n against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o most_o if_o not_o all_o that_o he_o can_v possible_o say_v if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o material_a be_v borrow_a from_o those_o very_a gospel_n which_o sometime_o he_o so_o much_o despise_v chap._n fourteen_o than_o celsus_n find_v fault_n with_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n for_o say_v that_o he_o foreknow_v and_o foretell_v all_o the_o remarkable_a thing_n that_o ever_o happen_v to_o he_o but_o we_o doubt_v not_o in_o the_o least_o but_o we_o can_v easy_o prove_v by_o a_o enumeration_n of_o particular_n let_v celsus_n say_v what_o he_o please_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v several_a thing_n that_o shall_v befall_v his_o disciple_n some_o considerable_a time_n before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v what_o a_o wonderful_a instance_n of_o this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n matthew_n give_v you_o mat._n x._o v._n 18._o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o my_o sake_n for_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o and_o the_o gentile_n i_o may_v quote_v many_o other_o place_n where_o our_o saviour_n do_v express_o foretell_v the_o grievous_a persecution_n that_o shall_v be_v the_o too_o common_a lot_n of_o christian_n now_o what_o religion_n be_v there_o in_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n that_o want_v the_o advantage_n of_o a_o toleration_n except_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n introduce_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o that_o foolish_a plea_n which_o our_o enemy_n make_v use_v of_o that_o he_o see_v what_o bad_a entertainment_n false_a and_o corrupt_a notion_n will_v natural_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o to_o raise_v his_o reputation_n and_o promote_v his_o interest_n do_v only_o foretell_v those_o thing_n which_o any_o child_n may_v have_v know_v will_v befall_v he_o but_o if_o person_n will_v avoidable_o be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o hold_v false_a and_o wicked_a notion_n one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o epicurean_o who_o disbelieve_v a_o overrule_a povidence_n shall_v be_v bring_v before_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o any_o person_n in_o the_o world_n or_o the_o peripatetic_n who_o think_v that_o the_o prayer_n which_o be_v put_v up_o and_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o god_n be_v whole_o insignificant_a and_o little_a art_n unworthy_a to_o be_v practise_v by_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o learn_v of_o philosopher_n but_o perhaps_o our_o enemy_n may_v object_v that_o the_o samaritan_n be_v persecute_v on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v condemn_v to_o die_v for_o circumcise_n themselves_o in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o law_n which_o permit_v none_o but_o jew_n to_o observe_v this_o celebrate_v and_o ancient_a rite_n and_o we_o do_v find_v that_o the_o judge_n leave_v it_o to_o their_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v obstinate_o persist_v and_o die_v or_o renounce_v their_o religion_n and_o so_o be_v public_o acquit_v but_o if_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v circumcise_a immediate_o they_o must_v suffer_v death_n the_o christian_n be_v the_o only_a person_n in_o the_o world_n who_o though_o they_o be_v persecute_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n prediction_n you_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o my_o sake_n be_v entreat_v to_o the_o last_o breath_n they_o draw_v to_o renounce_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n and_o so_o to_o put_v themselves_o direct_o into_o a_o safe_a and_o happy_a condition_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n see_v therefore_o with_o what_o authority_n our_o bless_a saviour_n speak_v the_o follow_a word_n whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o mat._n x._o v._n 32_o 33._o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n take_v notice_n that_o this_o be_v speak_v by_o he_o a_o considerable_a time_n before_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o be_v true_a in_o fact_n perhaps_o such_o a_o thought_n as_o this_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o dart_v into_o your_o mind_n that_o he_o build_v castle_n in_o the_o air_n and_o what_o he_o prophecy_v do_v look_v at_o all_o as_o if_o the_o event_n will_v be_v answerable_a but_o if_o you_o can_v exercise_v a_o little_a patience_n you_o will_v say_v thus_o to_o yourselves_o if_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v ready_o foretell_v that_o governor_n and_o king_n will_v use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v the_o religion_n he_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n and_o if_o the_o event_n have_v full_o answer_v his_o prediction_n certain_o we_o have_v all_o imaginable_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o receive_v such_o a_o power_n from_o god_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v his_o doctrine_n obtain_v so_o universal_o as_o it_o do_v and_o that_o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n to_o its_o reception_n shall_v be_v happy_o and_o easy_o surmount_v by_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n and_o who_o without_o a_o transport_v of_o holy_a admiration_n can_v set_v our_o saviour_n before_o his_o eye_n express_o foretell_v that_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v mat._n xxiv_o v._n 14_o be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n for_o a_o witness_n unto_o all_o nation_n and_o see_v the_o prediction_n in_o due_a time_n fulfil_v the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n to_o the_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a and_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n be_v bring_v as_o it_o be_v under_o its_o honourable_a and_o happy_a yoke_n beside_o let_v the_o pretend_a jew_n who_o dont_fw-fr believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v do_v afterward_o befall_v he_o i_o say_v let_v he_o consider_v that_o when_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v in_o all_o its_o glory_n and_o the_o pompous_a ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v solemn_o perform_v in_o it_o he_o foretell_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v invade_v and_o ruin_v by_o the_o roman_n i_o suppose_v no_o one_o will_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o say_v that_o they_o who_o be_v his_o familiar_a friend_n and_o constant_a hearer_n do_v satisfy_v themselves_o with_o teach_v viva_n voice_fw-la those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o subject-matter_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o leave_v behind_o they_o a_o history_n of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a transaction_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n st._n luke_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n when_o you_o shall_v see_v jerusalem_n compass_v with_o luke_n 21._o v._o 20._o army_n then_o know_v that_o the_o desolation_n thereof_o be_v nigh_o now_o at_o the_o time_n when_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v there_o be_v no_o suspicion_n of_o a_o siege_n or_o any_o grievous_a calamity_n that_o threaten_v the_o jewish_a church_n and_o state_n it_o be_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o emperor_n nero_n that_o the_o roman_n make_v their_o first_o attack_v on_o this_o once-glorious_a city_n and_o it_o be_v not_o take_v till_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o emperor_n vespasian_n who_o son_n titus_n vespasian_n do_v utter_o destroy_v it_o this_o be_v a_o just_a and_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o for_o kill_v james_n the_o just_a as_o josephus_n will_v fain_o have_v we_o to_o believe_v whereas_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o horrid_a crime_n they_o commit_v in_o embrue_v their_o
and_o sometime_o must_v be_v restrain_v to_o his_o humane_a nature_n as_o when_o he_o say_v you_o seek_v to_o kill_v i_o a_o man_n that_o have_v tell_v you_o the_o truth_n which_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o god_n so_o in_o the_o case_n which_o be_v now_o before_o we_o we_o must_v understand_v he_o speak_v as_o a_o man_n discover_v at_o once_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o willingness_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o former_a in_o those_o word_n father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o and_o the_o latter_a in_o those_o word_n nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o begin_v with_o those_o word_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a indication_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o conclude_v with_o those_o which_o discover_v the_o willingness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o latter_a be_v often_o repeat_v by_o he_o beside_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o our_o notice_n that_o he_o do_v absolute_o pray_v let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o but_o express_v a_o most_o profound_a submission_n to_o his_o father_n will_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a i_o be_o not_o insensible_a i_o confess_v that_o some_o interpret_v those_o word_n after_o the_o follow_a manner_n that_o our_o saviour_n foresee_v what_o calamity_n will_v befall_v the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n on_o the_o account_n of_o that_o unjust_a and_o barbarous_a treatment_n he_o shall_v meet_v with_o at_o their_o hand_n have_v such_o a_o tender_a compassion_n for_o this_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a people_n that_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v from_o suffer_v that_o he_o may_v prevent_v they_o from_o be_v forsake_v of_o god_n and_o expose_v to_o those_o threaten_a calamity_n which_o he_o have_v in_o view_n and_o then_o it_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v since_o the_o jew_n upon_o my_o suffer_v will_v be_v sad_o leave_v by_o that_o god_n who_o once_o take_v they_o into_o his_o special_a protection_n and_o put_v they_o under_o so_o happy_a a_o government_n as_o that_o of_o a_o theocracy_n i_o desire_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o this_o cup_n may_v escape_v i_o beside_o if_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n put_v he_o to_o no_o pain_n at_o all_o as_o celsus_n will_v fain_o have_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v upon_o our_o own_o hypothesis_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o know_v how_o he_o can_v set_v his_o follower_n a_o bright_a example_n of_o patience_n under_o the_o most_o grievous_a suffering_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o most_o holy_a religion_n chap._n xviii_o than_o celsus_n jew_n accuse_v our_o saviour_n disciple_n of_o imposture_n you_o impose_v on_o we_o say_v he_o with_o a_o company_n of_o old_a wife_n fable_n and_o have_v the_o sense_n to_o give_v they_o the_o least_o colour_n of_o reason_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o world_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v the_o evangelist_n can_v easy_o have_v omit_v these_o thing_n if_o they_o have_v please_v and_o then_o there_o have_v be_v no_o room_n for_o this_o horrid_a slander_n for_o how_o can_v our_o enemy_n unless_o they_o will_v invent_v fiction_n out_o of_o their_o own_o fruitful_a brain_n reproach_n we_o with_o such_o and_o such_o expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n during_o his_o most_o bitter_a passion_n if_o the_o evangelist_n have_v suffer_v they_o as_o it_o be_v to_o sleep_v in_o a_o eternal_a silence_n and_o celsus_n wa_v sensible_a that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o allow_v emselve_n to_o be_v tame_o delude_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o history_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n so_o as_o to_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o look_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o god_n and_o the_o very_a person_n that_o be_v so_o frequent_o and_o so_o express_o foretell_v by_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v convince_v in_o their_o conscience_n that_o all_o that_o they_o write_v concern_v he_o at_o lest_o what_o seem_v to_o favour_v he_o be_v make_v up_o of_o fiction_n that_o be_v entire_o owe_v to_o their_o fruitful_a but_o unhappy_a invention_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o either_o they_o be_v man_n of_o integrity_n and_o publish_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o firm_o believe_v be_v true_a or_o else_o their_o gospel_n be_v fill_v with_o trifle_a fiction_n of_o their_o own_o and_o by_o consequence_n they_o can_o possible_o be_v persuade_v in_o their_o mind_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o god._n then_o celsus_n jew_n assert_n that_o even_o some_o of_o the_o christian_n like_o man_n that_o be_v intoxicate_v by_o the_o fume_n of_o wine_n and_o dont_fw-fr mind_n at_o all_o what_o they_o say_v or_o do_v have_v alter_v the_o original_a text_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o they_o may_v admit_v of_o various_a and_o almost_o infinite_a readins_n and_o this_o i_o suppose_v they_o do_v out_o of_o humane_a policy_n that_o when_o we_o press_v they_o home_o with_o a_o argument_n they_o may_v have_v the_o large_a scope_n for_o their_o pitiful_a evasion_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o confess_v i_o know_v no_o change_n that_o the_o original_a text_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v ever_o undergo_v unless_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o follower_n of_o martion_n valentinus_n and_o lucian_n beside_o tisn_v fair_a at_o all_o to_o charge_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o this_o upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o a_o crime_n and_o unworthy_a of_o its_o pretend_a purity_n but_o those_o person_n who_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o fact_n aught_o by_o all_o the_o law_n of_o justice_n to_o answer_v for_o it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v no_o solid_a though_o a_o plausible_a and_o popular_a argument_n against_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n that_o sophist_n epicurean_o and_o peripatetic_n have_v use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o delude_v the_o world_n with_o their_o false_a and_o dangerous_a opinion_n so_o it_o be_v no_o convince_a argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o some_o person_n have_v have_v the_o horrid_a impudence_n to_o corrupt_v the_o gospel_n themselves_o and_o so_o have_v give_v a_o unhappy_a rise_n to_o numerous_a and_o most_o impious_a heresy_n chap._n xix_o than_o celsus_n jew_n find_v fault_n with_o the_o christian_n again_o for_o misapply_v as_o he_o fond_o imagine_v the_o scripture-prophecy_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o i_o think_v i_o have_v speak_v sufficient_o to_o this_o point_n already_o beside_o if_o the_o conviction_n of_o his_o reader_n be_v the_o end_n which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v give_v we_o a_o key_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o jewish_a prophecy_n and_o may_v have_v offer_v one_o will_v think_v some_o solid_a reason_n why_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v fair_o accommodate_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o real_o he_o needn_v have_v be_v so_o spare_v of_o his_o time_n and_o strength_n in_o examine_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a importance_n and_o especial_o since_o he_o confident_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o person_n to_o who_o the_o prophecy_n may_v more_o fit_o be_v apply_v but_o celsus_n it_o seem_v i_v sensible_a at_o all_o that_o though_o such_o extravagant_a discourse_n as_o this_o may_v become_v one_o who_o be_v a_o utter_a stranger_n to_o the_o prophetic_a oracle_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o improper_a to_o come_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o any_o rational_a and_o sober_a jew_n indeed_o a_o person_n of_o the_o forementioned_a character_n will_v do_v what_o lie_v in_o his_o power_n to_o evade_v the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o christian_n give_v but_o he_o will_v never_o grant_v what_o celsus_n say_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o person_n to_o who_o the_o prophecy_n may_v more_o fit_o be_v apply_v than_o to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n i_o have_v already_o observe_v that_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o a_o twofold_a come_v of_o the_o messiah_n so_o that_o it_o be_v needless_a for_o i_o to_o answer_v the_o pretend_a jew_n when_o he_o say_v the_o prophet_n represent_v the_o messiah_n as_o a_o mighty_a prince_n and_o sovereign_a of_o the_o universe_n chap._n xx._n what_o he_o add_v that_o god_n never_o destgn_v to_o bring_v so_o great_a a_o plague_n upon_o the_o world_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v strong_o savour_v of_o the_o malice_n of_o a_o inveterate_a jew_n who_o supply_v his_o want_n of_o reason_n by_o a_o vast_a stock_n of_o impudence_n that_o he_o have_v always_o by_o he_o but_o i_o defy_v celsus_n and_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o doctrine_n introduce_v by_o one_o who_o reclaim_v so_o many_o person_n from_o the_o most_o scandalous_a vice_n and_o effectual_o engage_v they_o to_o
enter_v upon_o a_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n do_v deserve_v so_o scornful_a a_o title_n as_o that_o which_o the_o jew_n bestow_v upon_o our_o holy_a religion_n celsus_n add_v with_o equal_a inadvertency_n no_o one_o say_v he_o but_o a_o mad_a man_n will_v take_v your_o saviour_n to_o be_v god_n or_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o instead_o of_o carry_v the_o awful_a stamp_n of_o divinity_n bear_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o infamy_n and_o disgrace_n and_o especial_o since_o this_o doctrine_n be_v entire_o build_v on_o some_o force_a and_o even_o ridiculous_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n but_o he_o ought_v to_o produce_v some_o instance_n of_o these_o force_a interpretation_n which_o he_o talk_v of_o and_o these_o mark_n of_o infamy_n as_o he_o think_v which_o do_v so_o much_o disgust_v he_o and_o let_v we_o see_v what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o have_v to_o offer_v against_o we_o that_o so_o the_o christian_n may_v return_v he_o a_o satisfactory_a or_o at_o least_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n if_o they_o think_v the_o matter_n do_v require_v it_o he_o say_v that_o as_o the_o sun_n enlighten_v every_o thing_n by_o its_o pierce_a ray_n do_v immediate_o discover_v itself_o to_o we_o by_o the_o glorious_a light_n which_o it_o transmits_n over_o the_o whole_a sphere_n by_o turn_n so_o your_o pretend_a saviour_n have_v he_o be_v god_n or_o the_o son_n of_o god_n will_v have_v resemble_v that_o glorious_a luminary_n this_o we_o say_v believe_v know_v and_o can_v prove_v he_o do_v for_o when_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n when_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n do_v but_o begin_v to_o shine_v and_o its_o dazzle_a ray_n be_v intercept_v by_o a_o dark_a and_o sullen_a cloud_n justice_n seem_v to_o regain_v its_o native_a seat_n the_o neigh_v of_o horse_n the_o clangor_n of_o trumpet_n the_o clash_v of_o arm_n and_o the_o pierce_a groan_n of_o sick_a and_o wound_a person_n be_v hear_v no_o more_o but_o a_o wonderful_a and_o happy_a calm_v succeed_v the_o late_a dismal_a confusion_n the_o alwise_a god_n so_o order_v matter_n that_o he_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o subject_v entire_a nation_n to_o the_o roman_a empire_n that_o so_o our_o saviour_n apostle_n may_v not_o be_v hinder_v as_o otherwise_o they_o may_v have_v be_v in_o observe_v the_o order_n which_o their_o bless_a lord_n have_v give_v they_o to_o teach_v all_o nation_n for_o how_o will_v this_o have_v be_v practicable_a i_o wo'n_v say_v easy_a to_o be_v do_v if_o people_n of_o different_a country_n have_v live_v under_o prince_n of_o their_o own_o have_v want_v a_o mutual_a and_o fair_a correspondence_n and_o have_v not_o live_v under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o emperor_n augustus_n who_o bring_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n under_o the_o roman_a yoke_n and_o make_v mankind_n almost_o as_o it_o be_v one_o body_n politic_a this_o manifest_o and_o great_o conduce_v to_o the_o spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n not_o only_o as_o it_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o a_o freedom_n of_o commerce_n but_o also_o as_o it_o happy_o prevent_v those_o dreadful_a war_n which_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v will_v avoidable_o have_v happen_v if_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n have_v be_v unite_v under_o one_o common_a empire_n for_o before_o the_o reign_n of_o augustus_n the_o athenian_n wage_v war_n with_o the_o peloponnesian_n and_o many_o parallel_n instance_n if_o it_o be_v needful_a may_v easy_o be_v produce_v from_o history_n and_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o peaceful_a religion_n which_o the_o christian_n embrace_v will_v never_o in_o all_o probability_n have_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n as_o bless_a be_v god_n it_o be_v if_o our_o saviour_n have_v be_v seasonable_o bear_v in_o a_o time_n of_o profound_a and_o universal_a tranquillity_n then_o celsus_n say_v that_o the_o christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o wretched_a sophistry_n when_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v that_o he_o who_o they_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o very_a eternal_a word_n and_o he_o think_v this_o be_v unanswerable_a because_o say_v he_o instead_o of_o that_o pure_a and_o holy_a word_n which_o we_o expect_v they_o will_v give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o they_o only_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o miserable_a man_n and_o scandalous_a wretch_n that_o end_v his_o day_n upon_o a_o cross_n which_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o shameful_a as_o well_o as_o painful_a death_n that_o he_o can_v possible_o have_v sufr_v but_o this_o objection_n have_v be_v already_o answer_v and_o i_o have_v plain_o show_v that_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n be_v please_v to_o assume_v a_o human_a body_n and_o soul_n that_o at_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n god_n give_v a_o positive_a and_o strict_a command_n and_o the_o person_n who_o be_v concern_v in_o its_o honourable_a and_o speedy_a execution_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o live_n and_o coeternal_a word_n and_o since_o my_o business_n at_o present_a be_v to_o talk_v to_o a_o pretend_a jew_n i_o shall_v quote_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n viz._n he_o send_v his_o word_n psal_n 107_o v._o 20._o and_o heal_v they_o and_o deliver_v they_o from_o their_o destruction_n what_o celsus_n add_v in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o jew_n that_o if_o this_o be_v the_o word_n that_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o hearty_o agree_v with_o you_o be_v more_o than_o i_o ever_o hear_v any_o jew_n acknowledge_v though_o i_o have_v frequent_o converse_v and_o dispute_v with_o their_o most_o celebrate_a doctor_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v no_o magician_n nor_o vile_a impostor_n and_o i_o do_v think_v fit_a to_o imitate_v celsus_n in_o his_o frequent_a and_o ridiculous_a tautology_n chap._n xxi_o let_v we_o see_v now_o what_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o the_o genealogy_n of_o our_o saviour_n here_o one_o will_v think_v he_o may_v seasonable_o have_v mention_v the_o dispute_n that_o the_o christian_n themselves_o have_v often_o have_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o seem_a disagreement_n that_o there_o be_v between_o the_o several_a evangelist_n in_o this_o important_a affair_n but_o with_o all_o his_o profound_a knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n he_o hadn_v so_o much_o policy_n it_o seem_v as_o that_o will_v amount_v to_o he_o say_v this_o genealogy_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v orderly_o trace_v up_o to_o the_o repute_a parent_n of_o mankind_n and_o according_a to_o which_o your_o pretend_a saviour_n be_v of_o the_o honourable_a line_n of_o the_o jewish_a king_n be_v a_o fine_a invention_n to_o procure_v he_o great_a kindness_n and_o respect_n from_o those_o weak_a person_n who_o will_v be_v so_o credulous_a as_o to_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o he_o and_o say_v he_o it_o be_v a_o little_a odd_a indeed_o but_o the_o christian_n can_v swallow_v any_o thing_n that_o the_o carpenter_n be_v wife_n be_v descend_v from_o so_o noble_a a_o race_n and_o which_o be_v more_o unaccountable_a that_o she_o herself_o shall_v know_v nothing_o of_o the_o matter_n but_o pray_v what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o affair_n in_o hand_n suppose_v she_o be_v ignorant_a that_o she_o come_v from_o a_o noble_a family_n what_o i_o beseech_v you_o can_v you_o infer_v from_o thence_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o christianity_n may_v it_o not_o be_v true_a that_o she_o be_v remote_o descend_v from_o the_o common_a parent_n of_o mankind_n and_o more_o immediate_o from_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n whether_o she_o know_v it_o or_o no_o and_o perhaps_o celsus_n think_v that_o all_o the_o ancestor_n of_o a_o person_n who_o be_v oppress_v with_o poverty_n must_v of_o course_n resemble_v he_o in_o condition_n and_o that_o all_o the_o ancestor_n of_o a_o king_n do_v infallible_o attain_v to_o royal_a dignity_n but_o it_o will_v be_v loss_n of_o time_n to_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o such_o ridiculous_a discourse_n as_o this_o for_o the_o age_n in_o which_o our_o lot_n be_v cast_v will_v furnish_v we_o with_o innumerable_a instance_n of_o person_n who_o come_v of_o a_o rich_a and_o noble_a family_n and_o yet_o by_o some_o unhappy_a accident_n or_o other_o be_v soon_o reduce_v to_o a_o much_o mean_a condition_n than_o that_o of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n the_o mother_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o who_o outward_a circumstance_n be_v former_o very_o inconsiderable_a have_v be_v advance_v by_o some_o sudden_a and_o remarkable_a turn_v of_o providence_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o external_n grandeur_n chap._n xxii_o than_o he_o ask_v in_o his_o cavil_v way_n pray_v what_o do_v your_o