the_o horror_n of_o his_o crime_n he_o go_v out_o mat._n 26._o v._o 74._o and_o weep_v bitter_o as_o st._n matthew_n tell_v we_o and_o those_o of_o his_o disciple_n that_o we_o read_v of_o who_o retain_v a_o profound_a respect_n for_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n but_o be_v a_o little_a amaze_v and_o for_o the_o present_a shocked_a by_o consider_v the_o sad_a calamity_n which_o befall_v he_o regain_v that_o native_a courage_n when_o he_o appear_v to_o they_o after_o his_o triumphant_a resurrection_n nay_o they_o not_o only_o believe_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o become_v more_o courageous_a than_o ever_o under_o the_o happy_a conduct_n of_o the_o great_a captain_n of_o their_o salvation_n celsus_n think_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n there_o be_v no_o real_a excellency_n in_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n nor_o any_o regularity_n and_o strictness_n observable_a in_o his_o moral_n sufficient_a to_o advance_v he_o above_o other_o man_n but_o that_o contrary_a to_o the_o character_n which_o he_o bear_v he_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v die_v at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v nothing_o in_o his_o death_n that_o may_v just_o induce_v we_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n when_o occasion_n offer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n but_o to_o i_o i_o confess_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o notion_n not_o a_o little_a unworthy_a of_o the_o learning_n and_o good_a sense_n even_o of_o a_o heathen_a philosopher_n on_o the_o contrary_a our_o saviour_n by_o die_v for_o mankind_n have_v set_v we_o a_o bright_a example_n of_o patience_n under_o all_o the_o suffering_n to_o which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n may_v call_v we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o ungrounded_a prejudices_fw-la which_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o labour_v under_o who_o be_v natural_o ready_a to_o pay_v divine_a adoration_n to_o the_o most_o insignificant_a trifle_n rather_o than_o the_o supreme_a and_o truly-adorable_a majesty_n and_o view_v person_n and_o thing_n in_o a_o false_a or_o very_o imperfect_a light_n be_v wretched_o and_o frequent_o mistake_v in_o the_o judgement_n which_o they_o pass_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o the_o pretend_a piety_n of_o these_o bigot_n to_o idolatry_n be_v to_o level_v all_o their_o wit_n and_o malice_n at_o those_o well-meaning_n and_o truly-religious_a person_n who_o from_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o their_o indispensible_a duty_n have_v entire_o devote_v themselves_o a_o holy_a and_o live_v sacrifice_n to_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o universe_n chap._n xxv_o than_o celsus_n in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o pretend_a jew_n continues_z his_o charge_n against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n your_o jesus_n can_o keep_v himself_o free_a from_o evil._n but_o i_o think_v he_o will_v do_v very_o well_o to_o instance_n in_o any_o moral_a evil_n that_o may_v just_o be_v charge_v upon_o he_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v guilty_a of_o some_o vice_n or_o other_o which_o must_v be_v his_o mean_v or_o else_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o talk_v very_o improper_o it_o will_v lie_v upon_o this_o vile_a caviller_n to_o name_v any_o one_o vice_n if_o he_o can_v that_o ever_o stain_v the_o life_n and_o obscure_v the_o bright_a character_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n but_o if_o his_o mean_v be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o be_v expose_v to_o many_o outward_a and_o grievous_a calamity_n such_o as_o poverty_n persecution_n the_o treachery_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o especial_o the_o shameful_a and_o painful_a death_n which_o he_o suffer_v on_o the_o cross_n than_o i_o think_v we_o may_v with_o equal_a justice_n bring_v in_o a_o severe_a charge_n against_o so_o great_a a_o man_n as_o socrates_n who_o with_o all_o his_o philosophy_n and_o moral_a virtue_n cou'dned_a avoid_v fall_v into_o innumerable_a external_a danger_n and_o how_o many_o of_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n can_v i_o easy_o name_n who_o be_v not_o only_o oppress_v with_o extreme_a poverty_n but_o make_v it_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o de_fw-mi liberate_a choice_n for_o proof_n of_o this_o we_o may_v have_v recourse_n to_o their_o own_o celebrate_a author_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o democritus_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o noble_a thought_n that_o he_o have_v no_o leisure_n hour_n to_o bestow_v upon_o his_o farm_n that_o crates_n give_v away_o the_o income_n of_o his_o whole_a estate_n with_o the_o great_a freedom_n imaginable_a that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o better_a opportunity_n for_o philosophical_a speculation_n and_o that_o diogenes_n out_o of_o his_o strange_a frugality_n be_v content_v to_o spend_v his_o life_n in_o a_o tub_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n i_o think_v of_o common_a sense_n will_n for_o that_o reason_n entertain_v hard_a thought_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o person_n then_o celsus_n add_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v far_o from_o be_v regular_a and_o unblameable_a but_o let_v he_o give_v a_o instance_n if_o he_o can_v of_o any_o one_o among_o the_o numerous_a follower_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o ever_o observe_v he_o to_o do_v a_o unworthy_a action_n or_o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o rely_v on_o their_o unite_a testimony_n i_o think_v it_o be_v fit_a he_o shall_v acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o he_o build_v his_o unjust_a and_o heavy_a charge_n it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a to_o say_v no_o more_o that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o least_o breach_n of_o any_o promise_n that_o he_o ever_o make_v if_o we_o consider_v how_o much_o and_o how_o ready_o he_o consult_v the_o true_a interest_n of_o his_o follower_n i_o mean_v the_o welfare_n of_o their_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n and_o when_o we_o see_v that_o the_o remarkable_a and_o unlikely_a event_n which_o he_o foretell_v at_o some_o distance_n of_o time_n from_o their_o accomplishment_n have_v exact_o answer_v his_o prediction_n that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v publish_v to_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o they_o who_o have_v embrace_v it_o have_v mere_o on_o that_o account_n be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n we_o can_v but_o be_v fill_v with_o a_o holy_a admiration_n and_o encourage_v to_o have_v our_o firm_a and_o entire_a dependence_n upon_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n irresistible_a power_n and_o universal_a goodness_n and_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o celsus_n himself_o can_v reasonable_o desire_v to_o have_v great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n than_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n unless_o he_o be_v so_o wretched_o ignorant_a of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n as_o to_o expect_v that_o the_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v assume_v by_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o common_a calamity_n which_o attend_v humane_a life_n and_o by_o consequence_n to_o imagine_v that_o we_o shall_v want_v the_o bright_a example_n of_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o any_o mortal_n ever_o give_v the_o only_a reason_n if_o it_o may_v be_v call_v so_o that_o can_v possible_o be_v assign_v for_o such_o a_o extravagant_a conceit_n be_v this_o that_o celsus_n esteem_v pain_n the_o great_a evil_n and_o pleasure_n the_o high_a good_a and_o here_o he_o go_v a_o strain_n beyond_o most_o of_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o i_o mean_v of_o those_o that_o believe_v a_o overruling_a providence_n and_o allow_v courage_n and_o constancy_n and_o the_o like_a endowment_n a_o place_n among_o the_o moral_a virtue_n which_o be_v at_o once_o so_o necessary_a and_o so_o ornamental_a and_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o subvert_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o the_o various_a and_o grievous_a calamity_n to_o which_o he_o be_v expose_v and_o which_o in_o the_o event_n do_v befall_v he_o that_o i_o think_v he_o have_v take_v the_o most_o effectual_a method_n to_o confirm_v it_o if_o we_o can_v but_o divert_v our_o thought_n from_o the_o shock_a calamity_n that_o attend_v humane_a life_n to_o the_o bright_a object_n and_o glorious_a entertainment_n of_o the_o future_a state_n in_o which_o we_o shall_v look_v with_o a_o holy_a disdain_n upon_o sin_n satan_n and_o this_o low_a world_n chap._n xxvi_o than_o celsus_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n sure_o you_o will_v not_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v that_o your_o jesus_n be_v unable_a to_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o the_o wretched_a world_n in_o which_o we_o live_v go_v down_o to_o hell_n itself_o to_o see_v if_o he_o can_o make_v convert_v there_o but_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n have_v so_o many_o and_o such_o zealous_a follower_n
woman_n be_v most_o notorious_o false_a for_o st._n matthew_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o sabbath_n as_o it_o begin_v to_o dawn_n towards_o the_o first_o mat._n 28._o v._o 1._o day_n of_o the_o week_n come_v mary_n magdalen_n and_o the_o other_o marry_o to_o see_v the_o sepulchre_n and_o behold_v there_o be_v a_o great_a earthquake_n for_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o come_v and_o roll_v back_o the_o stone_n from_o the_o door_n and_o sit_v upon_o it_o a_o little_a after_o he_o have_v these_o word_n behold_v jesus_n meet_v they_o i._n e._n the_o two_o ave-mary_n say_v all_o hail_n and_o ibid._n 9_o they_o come_v and_o hold_v he_o by_o the_o foot_n and_o worship_v he_o and_o i_o have_v already_o answer_v what_o celsus_n object_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n when_o he_o be_v crucify_v say_v he_o there_o be_v witness_n enough_o but_o when_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a at_o most_o he_o appear_v only_o to_o a_o small_a company_n of_o scoundrel_n i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v that_o our_o saviour_n can_o be_v see_v by_o all_o and_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v at_o present_a that_o all_o person_n be_v capable_a at_o time_n of_o see_v he_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o humane_a nature_n but_o to_o discern_v the_o bright_a ray_n or_o even_o the_o least_o glimmering_n of_o his_o deity_n be_v what_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o men._n i_o speak_v now_o of_o his_o humane_a and_o divine_a nature_n in_o contra-distinction_n to_o each_o other_o and_o not_o as_o have_v a_o mutual_a reference_n and_o close_a connexion_n but_o pray_v observe_v how_o weak_o celsus_n talk_v have_v say_v that_o our_o saviour_n appear_v only_o to_o one_o fanatical_a woman_n or_o perhaps_o a_o few_o other_o of_o the_o same_o wretched_a cabal_n he_o add_v the_o follow_a word_n when_o he_o be_v crucify_v say_v he_o there_o be_v witness_n enough_o but_o when_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o appear_v but_o to_o a_o few_o whereas_o have_v he_o have_v any_o brain_n he_o must_v have_v take_v the_o quite_o contrary_a course_n but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o latter_a word_n according_a to_o his_o weak_a judgement_n our_o saviour_n must_v have_v take_v such_o method_n as_o be_v plain_o impracticable_a and_o gross_o absurd_a viz._n he_o must_v be_v crucify_v forsooth_o in_o the_o sight_n but_o of_o a_o single_a person_n and_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n promiscuous_o when_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a for_o those_o word_n he_o shall_v have_v take_v the_o quite_o contrary_a course_n will_v bear_v no_o other_o tolerable_a sense_n if_o i_o be_o capable_a of_o make_v a_o judgement_n upon_o any_o thing_n our_o saviour_n have_v acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o person_n that_o send_v he_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n no_o man_n know_v the_o father_n save_o the_o son_n and_o in_o these_o word_n no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n but_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n who_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o he_o it_o be_v who_o reveal_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n to_o his_o true_a disciple_n and_o we_o endeavour_v to_o form_v our_o scheme_n of_o divinity_n upon_o his_o most_o excellent_a model_n who_o sometime_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v light_a and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o darkness_n 1_o joâ—n_n 1_n v._o 5_o at_o all_o and_o at_o other_o time_n that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v john_n 4._o v._o 24._o he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o any_o one_o that_o will_v may_v learn_v for_o what_o end_n god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n if_o he_o will_v but_o consult_v the_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o especial_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n he_o come_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o true_a and_o most_o direct_a way_n to_o peace_n here_o and_o complete_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o and_o to_o take_v a_o most_o bless_a advantage_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v of_o the_o horrid_a impiety_n and_o continual_a provocation_n of_o impenitent_a and_o dare_a sinner_n celsus_n be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o have_v the_o follow_a word_n he_o come_v it_o seem_v to_o instruct_v good_a man_n and_o to_o make_v free_a and_o monstrously-large_a offer_v of_o his_o grace_n even_o to_o the_o vile_a rebel_n then_o say_v he_o if_o he_o have_v so_o singular_a a_o fancy_n to_o abscond_v what_o need_n be_v there_o i_o wonder_v of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god._n and_o if_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o abscond_v then_o why_o do_v he_o suffer_v and_o die_v he_o imagine_v i_o perceive_v that_o the_o account_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o themselves_o not_o be_v able_a with_o all_o his_o pretend_a sagacity_n to_o comprehend_v or_o frame_v any_o just_a idea_n of_o the_o design_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v neither_o to_o lie_v hide_v altogether_o and_o so_o be_v entire_o useless_a and_o a_o mere_a cypher_n in_o his_o own_o creation_n nor_o to_o have_v his_o bright_a side_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v i_o mean_v his_o divine_a nature_n know_a to_o many_o of_o those_o very_a person_n who_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o see_v he_o with_o their_o bodily_a eye_n the_o voice_n that_o come_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well-pleased_a i_v say_v to_o be_v hear_v by_o the_o multitude_n as_o celsus_n jew_n imagine_v and_o the_o other_o voice_n which_o be_v say_v to_o come_v from_o the_o cloud_n be_v only_o hear_v by_o those_o who_o go_v up_o with_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o mountain_n for_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n that_o it_o can_v only_o be_v hear_v by_o those_o for_o who_o god_n be_v please_v for_o wise_a reason_n to_o design_n it_o i_o do_v speak_v here_o of_o the_o mere_a vibration_n of_o the_o particle_n of_o the_o air_n or_o any_o philosophical_a account_n that_o may_v be_v give_v of_o a_o voice_n but_o of_o a_o spiritual_a senfation_n whereby_o one_o who_o have_v spiritual_a sense_n exercise_v do_v hear_v god_n speak_v when_o one_o who_o be_v deaf_a to_o all_o the_o awaken_n precept_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n be_v entire_o ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v say_v i_o mean_v as_o to_o any_o valuable_a and_o last_a purpose_n that_o it_o serve_v this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o those_o word_n of_o celsus_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o what_o i_o have_v already_o offer_v concern_v the_o suffering_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n i_o judge_v to_o the_o follow_a word_n if_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o conceal_v his_o power_n and_o obscure_v his_o glory_n then_o sure_o he_o be_v bear_v under_o a_o very_a unhappy_a planet_n or_o else_o he_o have_v never_o suffer_v and_o die_v then_o celsus_n jew_n be_v please_v to_o draw_v a_o consequence_n which_o be_v very_o unnatural_a and_o unjust_a for_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v that_o because_o our_o saviour_n by_o his_o suffering_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o bid_v defiance_n to_o death_n itself_o therefore_o when_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o shall_v have_v order_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o make_v a_o general_n rendezvouz_n and_o have_v public_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o leave_v the_o realm_n of_o light_n and_o glory_n and_o think_v it_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o come_v down_o into_o this_o miserable_a and_o sinful_a world_n for_o this_o he_o have_v already_o do_v when_o he_o say_v come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n mat._n 11._o v._o 28._o and_o be_v heavy-laden_a and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_v this_o he_o have_v also_o do_v in_o the_o long_a sermon_n which_o he_o preach_v upon_o the_o mount_n concern_v the_o beatitude_n and_o his_o discourse_n on_o several_a other_o subject_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o it_o and_o in_o his_o useful_a parable_n and_o frequent_a dispute_n with_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o st._n john_n acquaint_v we_o in_o his_o gospel_n with_o what_o a_o majesty_n our_o saviour_n speak_v which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o artificial_a colour_n of_o humane_a rhetoric_n or_o a_o graceful_a elocution_n and_o happy_a gesture_n as_o of_o those_o divine_a important_a and_o plain_a but_o command_v truth_n that_o be_v the_o subject-matter_n of_o his_o frequent_a discourse_n and_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o other_o gospel_n that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v with_o
the_o christian_n from_o those_o foul_a aspersion_n which_o celsus_n have_v public_o cast_v upon_o they_o as_o if_o a_o confutation_n of_o he_o be_v not_o legible_a in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o what_o he_o offer_v may_v not_o be_v deserve_o reject_v as_o want_v even_o the_o appearance_n of_o truth_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n to_o show_v that_o our_o saviour_n hold_v his_o peace_n when_o false_a witness_n be_v bring_v against_o he_o i_o need_v only_o at_o present_a produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o st._n matthew_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o what_o saint_n mark_v the_o evangelist_n relate_v st._n matthew_n have_v these_o word_n now_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n mat._n 26._o u._n 59_o and_o all_o the_o council_n seek_v false_a witness_n against_o jesus_n to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n but_o find_v none_o yea_o though_o many_o false_a witness_n come_v yet_o find_v they_o none_o at_o last_o come_v two_o false_a witness_n and_o say_v this_o fellow_n say_v i_o be_o able_a to_o destroy_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o to_o build_v it_o in_o three_o day_n and_o the_o highpriest_n arise_v and_o say_v to_o he_o answer_v thou_o nothing_o what_o be_v it_o which_o these_o witness_n against_o thou_o but_o jesus_n hold_v his_o peace_n we_o read_v in_o another_o place_n of_o the_o same_o evangelist_n that_o our_o saviour_n return_v no_o answer_n to_o the_o person_n who_o accuse_v he_o and_o jesus_n mat._n 27._o u._n 11._o stand_v before_o the_o governor_n and_o the_o governor_n ask_v he_o say_v be_v thou_o the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o thou_o say_v and_o when_o he_o be_v accuse_v of_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n he_o answer_v nothing_o then_o say_v pilate_n unto_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o how_o many_o thing_n these_o witness_n against_o thou_o and_o he_o answer_v he_o never_o a_o word_n insomuch_o that_o the_o governor_n marvel_v great_o and_o indeed_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v admire_v by_o person_n who_o be_v least_o capable_a of_o reflection_n that_o when_o he_o have_v so_o fair_a a_o opportunity_n to_o free_v himself_o from_o the_o heavy_a charge_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o he_o to_o enumerate_v or_o at_o least_o modest_o insinuate_v his_o shine_a character_n and_o to_o commend_v the_o high_a power_n as_o be_v ordame_v of_o god_n and_o by_o these_o innocent_a and_o politic_a method_n to_o procure_v the_o judge_n favour_n i_o say_v that_o when_o he_o have_v so_o fair_a a_o opportunity_n to_o do_v all_o this_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o embrace_v it_o as_o to_o look_v upon_o his_o most_o violent_a accuser_n with_o a_o truly-generous_a disdain_n that_o the_o judge_n seem_v willing_a to_o acquit_v he_o have_v he_o make_v his_o apology_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o follow_a word_n who_o mat._n 27._o u._n 17._o will_v you_o that_o i_o release_v unto_o you_o barrabas_n or_o jesus_n who_o be_v call_v christ_n and_o those_o word_n he_o know_v that_o for_o envy_n ibid._n 18._o he_o have_v deliver_v he_o so_o that_o the_o holy_a and_o spotless_a jesus_n be_v scarce_o ever_o free_a from_o unjust_a and_o severe_a accusation_n as_o long_o as_o the_o perverse_a disposition_n of_o man_n who_o mind_n be_v corrupt_a and_o who_o life_n be_v often_o stain_v with_o the_o most_o gross_a enormity_n do_v remain_v the_o same_o as_o they_o have_v be_v in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o even_o now_o he_o hold_v his_o peace_n and_o make_v no_o verbal_a answer_n but_o the_o unblemished_a life_n of_o his_o sincere_a follower_n be_v his_o most_o cheerful_a and_o most_o successful_a advocate_n and_o have_v so_o loud_a a_o voice_n that_o they_o drown_v the_o clamour_n of_o his_o most_o bigoted_a and_o most_o zealous_a adversary_n i_o will_v therefore_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v that_o by_o publish_v this_o apology_n i_o shall_v seem_v to_o lessen_v the_o force_n of_o those_o powerful_a argument_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o holy_a life_n of_o its_o pious_a votary_n and_o be_v plain_a appeal_n even_o to_o sense_n and_o common_a observation_n but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o seem_v backward_o in_o obey_v the_o command_v you_o have_v lay_v upon_o i_o i_o have_v endeavour_v according_a to_o my_o present_a ability_n to_o give_v a_o full_a or_o at_o least_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o material_a objection_n which_o celsus_n have_v bring_v against_o we_o which_o in_o your_o opinion_n my_o dear_a and_o respect_a ambrose_n do_v strike_v at_o the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o i_o very_o believe_v will_v never_o shock_v the_o faith_n of_o one_o who_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v live_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o with_o some_o measure_n of_o sincerity_n and_o god_n forbid_v that_o any_o of_o we_o shall_v have_v so_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v so_o lively_a a_o declaration_n of_o his_o love_n to_o perish_a sinner_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o bless_a and_o all-sufficient_a redeemer_n as_o to_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o receive_v any_o bad_a impression_n from_o celsus_n discourse_n or_o the_o write_n of_o any_o other_o ingenious_a and_o learned_a person_n who_o hold_v the_o same_o wicked_a principle_n for_o st._n paul_n reckon_v up_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o separate_v mankind_n from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n all_o which_o his_o love_n to_o they_o do_v and_o will_v at_o last_o effectual_o and_o most_o glorious_o overcome_v do_v it_o say_v that_o erroneous_a discourse_n shall_v be_v any_o much_o less_o a_o principal_a cause_n of_o this_o unhappy_a separation_n observe_v first_o he_o say_v who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n rom._n 8._o u._n 25._o of_o god_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n as_o it_o be_v write_v for_o thy_o sake_n we_o be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o we_o be_v account_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v we_o then_o reckon_v up_o another_o set_a of_o thing_n which_o usual_o shock_v man_n faith_n and_o virtue_n he_o say_v i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o ibid_fw-la 38._o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n even_o for_o we_o who_o fall_v vast_o short_a of_o the_o extraordinary_a attainment_n of_o that_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o say_v who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n but_o the_o apostle_n who_o think_v this_o too_o mean_v a_o boast_n for_o those_o who_o have_v arrive_v to_o so_o remarkable_a a_o pitch_n of_o virtue_n as_o that_o to_o which_o he_o have_v attain_v profess_v that_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v more_o than_o a_o conqueror_n which_o word_n have_v a_o peculiar_a weight_n and_o emphasis_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o noble_a class_n come_v to_o make_v their_o boast_n they_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o set_a of_o thing_n which_o be_v here_o enumerate_v and_o can_v say_v with_o a_o holy_a triumph_n that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n so_o that_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v no_o great_a opinion_n of_o that_o man_n christianity_n who_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o least_o liable_a to_o be_v shocked_a either_o by_o this_o book_n of_o celsus_n or_o the_o write_n of_o any_o other_o person_n of_o the_o same_o unhappy_a stamp_n for_o real_o i_o be_o at_o a_o loss_n to_o know_v in_o what_o class_n of_o christian_n i_o shall_v rank_v that_o man_n who_o be_v not_o proof_n against_o all_o the_o bitter_a but_o unjust_a reproach_n with_o which_o celsus_n have_v load_v the_o follower_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n but_o because_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o people_n be_v in_o no_o small_a danger_n as_o you_o imagine_v my_o dear_a ambrose_n of_o turn_v apostate_n from_o the_o faith_n since_o perhaps_o they_o may_v be_v shocked_a by_o what_o celsus_n have_v offer_v against_o the_o wellgrounded_n principle_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v no_o less_o confirm_v in_o their_o judgement_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 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all_o but_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o heaven_n consult_v the_o capacity_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o appear_v as_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o god_n appear_v to_o abraham_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n though_o there_o be_v considerable_a interval_n and_o we_o know_v very_o well_o that_o he_o didn't_fw-mi appear_v to_o all_o so_o we_o may_v rational_o suppose_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n when_o he_o make_v his_o appearance_n to_o person_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a take_v a_o prudent_a method_n not_o unlike_o that_o which_o god_n have_v before_o observe_v in_o make_v discovery_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n so_o that_o i_o have_v return_v a_o answer_n according_a to_o my_o weak_a ability_n and_o as_o far_o as_o i_o think_v consistent_a with_o the_o design_n of_o the_o present_a treatise_n to_o the_o objection_n which_o celsus_n make_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n if_o christ_n say_v he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o exert_v his_o divine_a power_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v appear_v to_o his_o enemy_n to_o the_o judge_n who_o pass_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n who_o as_o it_o be_v take_v up_o arm_n against_o he_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o he_o act_v wise_o in_o not_o appear_v to_o his_o enemy_n or_o the_o judge_n who_o condemn_v he_o for_o he_o happy_o prevent_v they_o from_o be_v strike_v blind_a like_o the_o sodomite_n of_o old_a who_o lie_v in_o wait_n for_o the_o angel_n who_o as_o the_o scripture_n acquaint_v we_o be_v kind_o entertain_v by_o lot_n gen._n 19_o 9_o 10._o the_o man_n it_o be_v say_v put_v forth_o their_o hand_n and_o pull_v lot_n into_o the_o house_n to_o they_o and_o shut_v the_o door_n and_o they_o sinote_v the_o man_n that_o be_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o house_n with_o blindness_n both_o small_a and_o great_a so_o that_o they_o weary_v themselves_o to_o find_v the_o door_n the_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v to_o show_v his_o divine_a power_n in_o a_o way_n suit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n and_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o he_o refuse_v to_o appear_v so_o public_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o before_z be_v this_o because_o he_o be_v then_o too_o bright_a a_o object_n to_o be_v behold_v by_o common_a eye_n therefore_o celsus_n as_o if_o he_o have_v wrack_v his_o brain_n to_o the_o utmost_a can_v hardly_o have_v think_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v less_o argument_n in_o it_o than_o the_o follow_a word_n what!_o be_v he_o afraid_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n again_o when_o if_o we_o may_v give_v any_o heed_n to_o you_o he_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o god_n beside_o i_o suppose_v you_o will_v hardly_o say_v that_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n on_o purpose_n to_o abscond_v but_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v see_v by_o few_o comparitive_o and_o many_o of_o those_o who_o see_v he_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n stranger_n to_o the_o bright_a ray_n of_o his_o divinity_n nay_o he_o be_v altogether_o unknown_a to_o many_o in_o as_o much_o as_o he_o come_v to_o discover_v his_o glory_n to_o those_o who_o be_v child_n of_o the_o light_n and_o so_o be_v free_v from_o that_o worse_a than_o egyptian_a darkness_n which_o natural_o draw_v a_o veil_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n and_o he_o come_v with_o this_o generous_a design_n to_o display_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o those_o who_o be_v unrighteous_a and_o lay_v wallow_v in_o their_o filth_n and_o gore_n and_o to_o act_v the_o part_n of_o the_o best_a physician_n that_o the_o world_n can_v ever_o boast_v of_o in_o cure_v those_o who_o mind_n be_v attend_v with_o innumerable_a and_o great_a disorder_n chap._n xxxiii_o let_v we_o see_v what_o celsus_n add_v have_v he_o have_v a_o mind_n say_v he_o to_o have_v give_v a_o proof_n of_o his_o pretend_a divinity_n one_o will_v think_v he_o shall_v have_v vanish_v the_o very_a moment_n he_o be_v nail_v to_o the_o cross_n but_o this_o be_v just_a for_o all_o the_o world_n like_o the_o idle_a and_o profane_a talk_n of_o those_o who_o deny_v a_o overruling_a providence_n and_o be_v erect_v new_a scheme_n in_o their_o warm_a and_o fruitful_a imagination_n for_o the_o more_o regular_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v the_o horrid_a impudence_n to_o say_v that_o have_v the_o affair_n of_o it_o be_v leave_v entire_o to_o their_o prudent_a management_n the_o benefit_n of_o the_o universe_n have_v be_v more_o effectual_o consult_v than_o now_o it_o be_v though_o many_o thing_n in_o their_o hypothesis_n be_v