recommend_v be_v impracticable_a partly_o by_o reason_n of_o man_n natural_a incapacity_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v very_o unfit_a to_o apply_v their_o mind_n to_o learning_n and_o partly_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a care_n which_o attend_v humane_a life_n what_o better_a way_n can_v any_o one_o have_v contrive_v and_o take_v more_o suit_v to_o the_o genius_n and_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o the_o common_a people_n than_o that_o which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n take_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o degenerate_a world_n and_o as_o for_o the_o vast_a number_n of_o person_n who_o have_v leave_v those_o horrid_a debauchery_n in_o which_o they_o former_o wallow_v and_o have_v profess_v to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n i_o ask_v which_o of_o the_o two_o method_n conduce_v most_o to_o their_o advantage_n and_o have_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o remarkable_a tendency_n to_o the_o general_a benefit_n of_o the_o humane_a race_n to_o 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great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v full_o bend_v upon_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n chap._n xi_o the_o love_n of_o god_n therefore_o in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n do_v very_o plain_o appear_v in_o accommodate_v matter_n to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o humane_a life_n that_o so_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v of_o more_o general_a advantage_n to_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o powerful_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v a_o divine_a commission_n for_o if_o a_o man_n who_o have_v any_o manner_n of_o religion_n will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o physician_n who_o recover_v sick_a person_n be_v send_v from_o god_n though_o the_o cure_n do_v extend_v no_o far_a than_o the_o body_n of_o his_o patient_n much_o more_o must_v we_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v indeed_o send_v by_o the_o father_n who_o have_v recover_v so_o many_o thousand_o of_o person_n from_o spiritual_a and_o more_o dangerous_a distemper_n have_v improve_v the_o faculty_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o refer_v all_o their_o action_n to_o the_o please_a of_o he_o and_o to_o use_v their_o utmost_a care_n lest_o they_o incur_v his_o just_a and_o severe_a displeasure_n by_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n and_o since_o our_o adversary_n be_v continual_o make_v such_o a_o stir_n about_o our_o take_a thing_n on_o trust_n i_o answer_v that_o we_o who_o see_v plain_o and_o have_v find_v the_o vast_a advantage_n that_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o people_n do_v manifest_o and_o frequent_o reap_v thereby_o who_o make_v up_o by_o far_o the_o great_a number_n i_o say_v we_o who_o be_v so_o well_o advise_v of_o these_o thing_n do_v profess_o teach_v they_o to_o believe_v without_o a_o severe_a examination_n who_o can_v neglect_v their_o worldly_a business_n and_o spare_a time_n enough_o to_o make_v long_o and_o exact_a inquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o our_o enemy_n themselves_o though_o they_o wo'n_v confess_v it_o do_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n by_o which_o we_o incur_v their_o censure_n for_o when_o any_o one_o of_o they_o do_v first_o devote_v his_o time_n and_o strength_n to_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n and_o either_o by_o some_o unexpected_a accident_n or_o the_o tutor_n who_o be_v first_o recommend_v to_o his_o choice_n be_v determine_v to_o fall_v in_o with_o a_o particular_a sect_n do_v he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o he_o have_v pitch_v on_o the_o most_o happy_a method_n for_o he_o do'sn_v stay_v till_o he_o have_v hear_v and_o weigh_v the_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v bring_v for_o one_o sect_n and_o against_o another_o and_o so_o at_o last_o choose_v to_o be_v a_o stoic_a platonic_a peripatetic_a or_o epicurean_a philosopher_n or_o the_o like_a for_o it_o be_v by_o a_o certain_a impulse_n in_o which_o reason_n be_v little_a or_o not_o at_o all_o concern_v that_o the_o preference_n be_v frequent_o give_v to_o the_o stoic_a philosophy_n for_o instance_n and_o the_o platonic_a be_v despise_v as_o be_v less_o sublime_a than_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o peripatetic_a as_o give_v too_o great_a a_o indulgence_n to_o humane_a frailty_n and_o represent_v more_o than_o any_o other_o sect_n those_o thing_n to_o be_v true_o good_a which_o be_v general_o but_o very_o unjust_o repute_v to_o be_v so_o and_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v thunderstruck_a at_o the_o very_a mention_n of_o a_o overrule_a providence_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o unequal_a distribution_n of_o its_o favour_n as_o they_o imagine_v do_v rash_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o fond_o embrace_v the_o corrupt_a and_o wild_a notion_n of_o epicurus_n if_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n we_o must_v join_v ourselves_o to_o some_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n or_o other_o either_o among_o the_o greek_n or_o barbarian_n without_o weigh_v all_o the_o argument_n which_o may_v be_v bring_v on_o either_o side_n how_o much_o more_o just_a and_o reasonable_a be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v he_o who_o be_v god_n over_o all_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o teach_v that_o this_o god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v raise_v our_o mind_n above_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o true_a existence_n or_o at_o best_o be_v very_o improper_a object_n of_o divine_a adoration_n it_o be_v true_a that_o only_o one_o who_o make_v use_v of_o reason_n and_o severe_a study_n in_o examine_v the_o principle_n he_o hold_v be_v capable_a of_o build_v his_o faith_n on_o rational_a demonstration_n but_o since_o we_o be_v force_v to_o take_v many_o thing_n on_o trust_n even_o in_o the_o most_o common_a and_o necessary_a affair_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v it_o not_o high_o agreeable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o solid_a reason_n that_o we_o shall_v immediate_o and_o firm_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o in_o he_o alone_o who_o be_v there_o that_o go_v by_o sea_n marry_v perform_v the_o conjugal_a act_n or_o sow_v his_o ground_n that_o will_v not_o hope_v the_o best_a though_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o to_o meet_v with_o frequent_a and_o great_a disappointment_n and_o if_o in_o our_o ordinary_a and_o daily_o concern_v we_o overlook_v the_o uncertain_a event_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v encourage_v by_o the_o please_a prospect_n which_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n do_v already_o give_v we_o how_o much_o more_o reason_n be_v there_o for_o one_o who_o put_v his_o trust_n in_o god_n to_o expect_v the_o desire_a success_n of_o any_o important_a action_n than_o there_o be_v for_o one_o who_o go_v by_o sea_n or_o be_v employ_v in_o any_o worldly_a affair_n i_o say_v how_o much_o more_o reason_n be_v there_o for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o place_v his_o entire_a confidence_n in_o god_n the_o glorious_a creator_n of_o the_o spacious_a universe_n and_o in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n think_v it_o fit_a to_o recommend_v his_o excellent_a doctrine_n to_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n by_o suffer_v for_o mankind_n not_o only_o cruel_a persecution_n but_o also_o a_o death_n which_o in_o some_o sense_n be_v high_o ignominious_a and_o by_o his_o own_o most_o heroic_a example_n at_o once_o teach_v and_o encourage_v the_o first_o publisher_n of_o the_o gospel_n bold_o to_o encounter_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o the_o most_o apparent_a danger_n if_o they_o may_v but_o be_v honourable_o and_o happy_o instrumental_a to_o save_v precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n chap._n xii_o than_o celsus_n say_v if_o they_o will_v return_v a_o solid_a answer_n to_o some_o pertinent_a question_n which_o i_o shall_v fair_o propose_v to_o they_o not_o as_o if_o i_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o opinion_n which_o they_o hold_v but_o
other_o innumerable_a excellency_n that_o adorn_v his_o person_n and_o may_v sufficient_o recommend_v he_o to_o the_o world_n he_o did'ned_a act_n like_o a_o tyrant_n who_o by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o prevail_a party_n take_v occasion_n to_o violate_v the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o land_n in_o which_o he_o live_v nor_o like_o a_o robber_n who_o come_v with_o arm_a man_n against_o they_o who_o innocent_o pass_v by_o the_o king_n highway_n about_o their_o necessary_a affair_n or_o like_o a_o wealthy_a man_n who_o by_o the_o help_n of_o bribe_n induce_v person_n to_o come_v over_o to_o his_o interest_n whether_o by_o right_n or_o wrong_n or_o like_o many_o other_o that_o may_v easy_o be_v mention_v who_o proceed_n do_v manifest_o deserve_v our_o censure_n but_o like_o one_o who_o come_v to_o teach_v a_o ignorant_a and_o degenerate_a world_n what_o thought_n they_o shall_v entertain_v of_o god_n and_o how_o they_o may_v so_o regulate_v their_o moral_n as_o to_o maintain_v a_o humble_a and_o familiar_a correspondence_n with_o his_o bless_a majesty_n and_o as_o for_o themistocles_n and_o several_a other_o person_n who_o gain_v a_o more_o than_o common_a reputation_n and_o do_v real_a and_o extraordinary_a service_n to_o their_o native_a country_n this_o must_v be_v say_v to_o draw_v a_o shade_n over_o their_o great_a glory_n that_o every_o thing_n seem_v to_o smile_v on_o their_o just_a and_o honourable_a attempt_n and_o as_o it_o be_v pave_v the_o way_n for_o their_o glorious_a victory_n and_o immortal_a triumph_n but_o as_o for_o our_o bless_a saviour_n beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v which_o upon_o the_o first_o view_n one_o will_v think_v be_v enough_o to_o have_v eternal_o conceal_v or_o shameful_o sully_v the_o name_n of_o the_o great_a hero_n that_o the_o world_n can_v ever_o boast_v of_o the_o ignominious_a death_n which_o he_o suffer_v on_o the_o cross_n if_o he_o have_v have_v the_o fair_a character_n will_v have_v give_v his_o follower_n just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v he_o of_o be_v a_o vile_a impostor_n if_o we_o may_v give_v any_o credit_n to_o our_o adversary_n or_o at_o least_o have_v draw_v a_o most_o dismal_a veil_n over_o the_o few_o bright_a and_o entertain_v scene_n of_o the_o most_o awful_a tragedy_n that_o be_v ever_o act_v chap._n xxviii_o and_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n that_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n who_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o enemy_n be_v not_o eye-witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o triumphant_a resurrection_n and_o see_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v common_a and_o even_o contemptible_a in_o his_o person_n shou'dned_a be_v afraid_a to_o imitate_v he_o in_o his_o suffering_n to_o encounter_v the_o most_o imminent_a and_o threat'ning_n danger_n and_o leave_v their_o native_a country_n to_o publish_v the_o doctrine_n which_o their_o crucified_a but_o bless_a lord_n have_v teach_v they_o for_o i_o believe_v that_o no_o person_n who_o lay_v aside_o his_o prejudice_n examine_v these_o matter_n due_o will_v say_v that_o they_o will_v ever_o have_v undergo_v the_o fatigue_n of_o ttinerant_n preach_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o vast_a obligation_n that_o lay_v upon_o they_o both_o from_o reason_n and_o gratitude_n not_o only_o to_o conform_v their_o manner_n to_o the_o holy_a precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o also_o to_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n to_o bring_v many_o other_o under_o the_o same_o honourable_a and_o happy_a bond_n when_o as_o matter_n go_v at_o that_o critical_a juncture_n they_o be_v sure_a to_o incur_v the_o displeasure_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n who_o be_v zealous_a for_o their_o ancient_a law_n and_o custom_n and_o can_o endure_v the_o least_o seem_a innovation_n especial_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o pompous_a ceremony_n of_o their_o religious_a worship_n but_o all_o these_o difficulty_n be_v light_a and_o trivial_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o those_o who_o have_v courage_n not_o only_o to_o prove_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v frequent_o and_o express_o foretell_v by_o their_o own_o prophetic_a oracle_n but_o also_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o other_o as_o occasion_n offer_v that_o this_o very_a person_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n who_o be_v crucify_v but_o other_o day_n and_o willing_o and_o even_o cheerful_o lay_v down_o his_o precious_a life_n for_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o man_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n though_o with_o unspeakable_a advantage_n in_o which_o some_o other_o have_v sacrifice_v all_o that_o be_v near_a and_o dear_a to_o they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o native_a country_n to_o free_v it_o from_o a_o rage_a pestilence_n a_o threat'ning_n famine_n or_o some_o violent_a impend_a tempest_n that_o great_o endanger_v ship_n and_o put_v a_o stop_v even_o to_o navigation_n which_o be_v so_o convenient_z and_o necessary_a for_o promote_a a_o advantageous_a trade_n into_o foreign_n and_o very_o distant_a part_n for_o there_o be_v some_o secret_a reason_n in_o nature_n which_o very_o few_o understand_v why_o the_o death_n of_o one_o virtuous_a man_n who_o ready_o suffer_v the_o great_a evil_n that_o can_v possible_o befall_v he_o for_o the_o real_a and_o perhaps_o last_a welfare_n of_o the_o place_n of_o his_o nativity_n shall_v destroy_v or_o at_o least_o severe_o check_v the_o usurp_a power_n of_o those_o infernal_a daemon_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o plague_n famine_n storm_n and_o the_o like_a evident_a and_o great_a disorder_n which_o frequent_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o they_o who_o dont_fw-fr believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n die_v for_o the_o general_a benefit_n of_o the_o humane_a race_n whether_o they_o will_v give_v easy_a credit_n to_o many_o history_n that_o be_v extant_a both_o of_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n which_o furnish_v we_o with_o frequent_a and_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o person_n who_o have_v free_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o who_o death_n have_v be_v happy_o instrumental_a to_o purge_v away_o those_o threat'ning_n and_o grievous_a calamity_n that_o infect_v city_n and_o perhaps_o whole_a nation_n or_o whither_o on_o the_o supposition_n that_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v in_o the_o least_o improbable_a that_o one_o clothe_v with_o humane_a nature_n shall_v be_v nail_v to_o a_o cross_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o before_o do_v often_o and_o too_o successful_o exercise_v a_o tyrannical_a power_n over_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o men._n our_o saviour_n disciple_n observe_v these_o thing_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n with_o which_o in_o all_o probability_n their_o prudent_a and_o indulgent_a master_n think_v fit_a to_o acquaint_v they_o and_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v not_o inspire_v with_o their_o unusual_a courage_n by_o the_o virgin_n which_o the_o poet_n speak_v of_o but_o by_o the_o true_a wisdom_n of_o god_n they_o make_v haste_n through_o the_o wide_a world_n their_o fame_n to_o spread_v hom._n il._n lib._n 5._o u._n 2_o chap._n xxix_o but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o return_v to_o the_o jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v who_o say_v that_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v big_a with_o child_n be_v divorce_v by_o her_o husband_n the_o carpenter_n for_o commit_v adultery_n with_o one_o panthera_n a_o soldier_n and_o be_v get_v with_o child_n by_o that_o scandalous_a wretch_n let_v we_o see_v therefore_o whether_o the_o inventor_n of_o this_o story_n do_v give_v a_o false_a and_o obscure_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o whether_o by_o all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o say_v they_o be_v able_a to_o overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n miraculous_a conception_n by_o the_o over-shadowing_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o so_o surprise_v a_o passage_n as_o this_o be_v may_v very_o easy_o be_v falsify_v and_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o though_o they_o be_v inward_o convince_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o conceive_v in_o the_o common_a way_n of_o humane_a generation_n and_o methinks_v it_o will_o have_v be_v incongruous_a at_o all_o that_o they_o who_o didn't_fw-mi believe_v or_o rather_o will_o acknowledge_v the_o miracle_n shall_v invent_v a_o fiction_n to_o serve_v their_o malicious_a and_o base_a design_n but_o to_o invent_v one_o that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v a_o plausible_a appearance_n that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o notorious_a untruth_n be_v to_o discover_v their_o weakness_n to_o they_o who_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n for_o do_v it_o stand_v to_o reason_n that_o one_o who_o be_v so_o useful_a to_o the_o world_n in_o general_n and_o express_v a_o most_o tender_a concern_v both_o for_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n that_o they_o may_v reform_v their_o manner_n from_o a_o sense_n
the_o 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
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
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 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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
the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o accomplish_v such_o great_a design_n but_o it_o be_v hardly_o worth_a my_o while_n to_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o so_o ridiculous_a a_o question_n for_o it_o be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o person_n shall_v say_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o i_o who_o always_o preach_v up_o the_o doctrine_n of_o temperance_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o debauchery_n or_o that_o i_o who_o in_o discourse_n do_v always_o vindicate_v the_o injure_a right_n of_o justice_n shall_v ever_o be_v guilty_a of_o violate_v its_o sacred_a rule_n and_o as_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o for_o person_n to_o talk_v in_o the_o praise_n of_o virtue_n and_o yet_o be_v open_o guilty_a of_o the_o most_o scandalous_a vice_n so_o the_o jew_n who_o make_v the_o prophetic_a oracle_n the_o matter_n of_o their_o continual_a boast_n do_v yet_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o those_o scripture-prophecy_n which_o be_v evident_o accomplish_v in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o if_o i_o may_v ascribe_v their_o blindness_n to_o some_o other_o cause_n beside_o the_o wretched_a degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o they_o plain_o discover_v i_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o it_o be_v direct_o foretell_v by_o the_o very_a prophet_n they_o so_o much_o admire_v for_o isaiah_n say_v express_o hear_v you_o indeed_o but_o understand_v not_o and_o see_v you_o indeed_o but_o perceive_v not_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n fat_a now_o let_v any_o person_n acquaint_v i_o what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o prophet_n intend_v by_o these_o and_o the_o like_a expression_n it_o be_v plain_a they_o see_v our_o saviour_n but_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o pierce_a ray_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n and_o hear_v he_o discourse_n to_o they_o but_o can_o comprehend_v that_o his_o humane_a nature_n be_v the_o live_a temple_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o be_v go_v to_o forsake_v their_o nation_n and_o to_o engage_v all_o its_o infinite_a perfection_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o believe_a gentile_n and_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o a_o thing_n very_o remarkable_a that_o since_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o jew_n have_v be_v leave_v by_o god_n and_o that_o the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n entire_o deface_v and_o lose_v insomuch_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o one_o sign_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n among_o they_o except_o the_o severe_a judgement_n which_o do_v so_o just_o befall_v their_o nation_n they_o have_v neither_o prophet_n nor_o miracle_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n whereas_o the_o christian_n even_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n have_v a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n confer_v upon_o they_o some_o of_o which_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o those_o which_o be_v wrought_v when_o our_o saviour_n be_v on_o earth_n chap._n ix_o than_o celsus_n jew_n break_v out_o into_o the_o follow_a expression_n how_o can_v any_o one_o imagine_v that_o we_o shall_v treat_v a_o person_n so_o ill_o that_o be_v foretell_v by_o our_o own_o prophet_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o enhance_v our_o crime_n and_o so_o to_o aggravate_v our_o most_o deserve_a punishment_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o at_o the_o final_a judgement_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o jew_n will_v be_v punish_v in_o a_o more_o dreadful_a manner_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n not_o only_o for_o reject_v the_o messiah_n which_o be_v a_o horrid_a crime_n but_o also_o for_o their_o barbarous_a and_o almost_o unaccountable_a carriage_n towards_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n nay_o even_o at_o this_o day_n so_o remarkable_o do_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n pursue_v they_o they_o be_v the_o most_o miserable_a people_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n for_o what_o nation_n be_v there_o beside_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v banish_v from_o their_o metropolis_n and_o deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o father_n and_o ancestor_n in_o their_o native_a soil_n these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o grievous_a calamity_n to_o which_o their_o own_o crime_n expose_v they_o for_o no_o history_n can_v parallel_v their_o villainy_n and_o especial_o those_o horrid_a barbarity_n which_o they_o exercise_v towards_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v they_o from_o sin_n and_o hell_n chap._n x._o the_o jew_n add_v how_o can_v we_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o god_n who_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n do_v none_o of_o those_o mighty_a thing_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o effect_v and_o on_o the_o other_o be_v convict_v and_o condemn_v to_o a_o severe_a punishment_n be_v force_v to_o abscond_v that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v take_v run_v like_o a_o vagabond_n from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o yet_o be_v at_o last_o apprehend_v and_o betray_v even_o by_o one_o of_o his_o most_o eminent_a follower_n who_o of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n one_o will_v think_v may_v have_v have_v the_o grace_n to_o espouse_v his_o master_n cause_n be_v it_o in_o the_o least_o suitable_a to_o the_o majesty_n and_o wisdom_n of_o a_o god_n to_o flee_v like_o a_o guilty_a wretch_n and_o to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v apprehend_v and_o forsake_v by_o his_o intimate_a friend_n who_o esteem_v he_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a messiah_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o ignorant_a as_o to_o call_v the_o body_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v material_a and_o sensible_a by_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o god._n nay_o we_o do_v attribute_v so_o much_o as_o this_o even_o to_o the_o holy_a and_o spotless_a soul_n of_o jesus_n with_o respect_n to_o which_o he_o use_v the_o follow_a word_n my_o soul_n be_v exceed_o sorrowful_a even_o unto_o death_n when_o we_o meet_v mat._n xxvi_o v._n 38._o with_o such_o word_n as_o these_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n behold_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n the_o god_n of_o all_o flesh_n or_o those_o jer._n xxxii_o v._n 27._o word_n before_o i_o there_o be_v no_o god_n isa_n xliii_o v._o 10._o form_v neither_o shall_v there_o be_v after_o i_o the_o jew_n acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a god_n himself_o that_o speak_v but_o he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o prophet_n as_o instrument_n to_o communicate_v his_o will_n to_o man_n and_o the_o greek_n confess_v that_o it_o be_v a_o god_n that_o speak_v the_o follow_a word_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o pythian_a priestess_n i_o can_v the_o numerous_a sand_n with_o ease_n recount_v herod_n clio._n fathom_v the_o sea_n and_o understand_v a_o mute_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v god_n the_o eternal_a word_n the_o son_n of_o the_o everblessed_n god_n that_o make_v use_v of_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n as_o a_o proper_a instrument_n when_o he_o speak_v the_o follow_a word_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o john_n fourteen_o v._o 6._o truth_n and_o the_o life_n i_o be_o the_o door_n i_o be_o the_o live_a bread_n that_o come_v down_o john_n x._o v._o 7._o from_o heaven_n and_o i_o may_v instance_n john_n vi_fw-la v._o 15._o in_o many_o other_o expression_n to_o the_o same_o effect_n we_o blame_v the_o jew_n therefore_o and_o i_o think_v not_o unjust_o for_o not_o acknowledge_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v god_n of_o who_o the_o prophet_n do_v so_o frequent_o produce_v their_o concur_v testimony_n that_o he_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_z it_o be_v to_o he_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v direct_v which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o account_n that_o moses_n give_v we_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n let_v there_o be_v light_n gen._n 1._o v._o 3._o let_v there_o be_v a_o firmament_n and_o the_o like_a it_o be_v to_o he_o he_o say_v let_v we_o make_v bid_v v._o 6._o man_n in_o our_o image_n after_o our_o likeness_n ibid._n 26._o and_o the_o eternal_a word_n do_v every_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o conjecture_n form_v in_o our_o own_o fancy_n but_o we_o build_v our_o faith_n in_o this_o important_a affair_n on_o the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o those_o very_a prophet_n who_o be_v ready_o own_a and_o extreme_o admire_v by_o the_o jew_n themselves_o for_o we_o be_v tell_v express_o he_o command_v and_o they_o be_v create_v now_o what_o create_v be_v how_o noble_a soever_o can_v execute_v the_o command_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_z with_o respect_n to_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n who_o but_o he_o who_o be_v the_o eternal_a and_o live_a word_n chap._n xi_o beside_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o several_a
passage_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o who_o speak_v those_o word_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n be_v not_o circumscribe_v within_o the_o narrow_a limit_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n john_n the_o baptist_n foretell_v that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v make_v his_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n speak_v of_o he_o as_o a_o person_n that_o be_v omnipresent_v there_o stand_v one_o among_o john_n 1_n v._o 26._o 27._o you_o say_v he_o who_o you_o know_v not_o he_o it_o be_v who_o come_v after_o i_o be_v before_o i_o now_o be_v it_o probable_a or_o even_o possible_a he_o shall_v apply_v these_o word_n to_o our_o saviour_n body_n or_o his_o humane_a soul_n and_o our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o raise_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o disciple_n to_o more_o sublime_a thought_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n make_v use_n of_o the_o follow_a expression_n where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v ma._n xviii_o v._o 20._o together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o there_o be_v another_o promise_n that_o be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o import_n which_o he_o make_v to_o his_o disciple_n lo_o i_o be_o with_o mat._n 28._o v._o 20._o you_o always_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o hope_v the_o reader_n will_v not_o misunderstand_v i_o as_o if_o i_o say_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v in_o the_o least_o interfere_v with_o that_o intimate_a and_o glorious_a union_n that_o there_o be_v between_o the_o humanity_n of_o the_o incarnate_a jesus_n and_o the_o mysterious_a person_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n for_o if_o st._n paul_n teach_v we_o that_o he_o that_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o spirit_n 1._o cor._n 6._o v._o 17._o certain_o they_o that_o understand_v this_o doctrine_n will_v ready_o allow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o close_o and_o more_o divine_a union_n between_o the_o word_n and_o it_o be_v assume_v humanity_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v abundant_o discover_v that_o he_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o power_n of_o god_n by_o the_o frequent_a and_o uncontested_a miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v even_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o jew_n though_o they_o profess_v to_o entertain_v a_o most_o unaccountable_a notion_n i_o can_v imagine_v for_o my_o part_n that_o it_o shall_v ever_o enter_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n that_o he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o celsus_n we_o know_v ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n but_o our_o saviour_n abundant_o confute_v this_o absurd_a conceit_n by_o show_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n be_v go_v to_o suffer_v a_o most_o violent_a shock_n as_o evident_o appear_v to_o they_o who_o read_v the_o gospel_n with_o any_o tolerable_a share_n of_o judgement_n let_v celsus_n show_v if_o he_o can_v wherein_o our_o saviour_n fail_v in_o his_o great_a design_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o bring_v convince_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o even_a probability_n of_o what_o he_o offer_v but_o this_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v be_v what_o he_o will_v scarce_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v since_o the_o objection_n that_o he_o raise_v against_o we_o be_v found_v for_o the_o most_o part_n on_o some_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v gross_o misunderstand_v by_o he_o or_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v shameful_o misapply_v or_o some_o fabulous_a account_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o unhappy_a but_o fruitful_a invention_n of_o the_o jew_n chap._n xii_o but_o because_o celsus_n jew_n affirm_v that_o he_o be_v convict_v and_o condemn_v after_o a_o legal_a process_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v how_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a when_o it_o be_v plain_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n that_o his_o enemy_n be_v very_o zealous_a in_o suborn_v false_a witness_n against_o he_o perhaps_o they_o will_v fain_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v convict_v because_o his_o accuser_n take_v great_a advantage_n against_o he_o by_o that_o innocent_a and_o just_a expression_n of_o he_o i_o be_o able_a to_o destroy_v the_o temple_n of_o mat._n twenty-five_o v._n 6._o 1_o god_n and_o to_o build_v it_o in_o three_o day_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o he_o speak_v these_o word_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o his_o body_n but_o they_o not_o know_v his_o design_n imagine_v that_o they_o have_v a_o reference_n to_o their_o material_a and_o pompous_a temple_n for_o which_o they_o plain_o discover_v a_o far_o great_a veneration_n than_o for_o that_o glorious_a and_o adorable_a temple_n wherein_o the_o eternal_a word_n the_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n do_v personal_o though_o mysterious_o reside_v but_o since_o celsus_n jew_n insult_v over_o we_o because_o our_o saviour_n be_v take_v i_o grant_v he_o be_v but_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o wa_v do_v without_o his_o own_o consent_n for_o when_o his_o time_n be_v come_v he_o surrender_v himself_o as_o a_o easy_a prey_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o barbarous_a enemy_n and_o abundant_o make_v good_a the_o character_n which_o be_v give_v he_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n behold_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o john_n i._n v._o 28._o world_n this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o jesus_n therefore_o know_v say_v he_o all_o thing_n that_o shall_v joh._n xviii_o v._n 4_o etc_o etc_o come_v upon_o he_o go_v forth_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o who_o seek_v you_o they_o answer_v he_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n jesus_n say_v unto_o they_o i_o be_o he_o and_o judas_n also_o which_o betray_v he_o stand_v with_o they_o as_o soon_o then_o as_o he_o have_v say_v unto_o they_o i_o be_o he_o they_o go_v backward_o and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n then_o ask_v he_o they_o again_o who_o seek_v you_o and_o they_o say_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n jesus_n answer_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o i_o be_o he_o if_o therefore_o you_o seek_v i_o let_v these_o go_v their_o way_n and_o when_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n stand_v by_o and_o smite_v the_o ear_n of_o the_o high-priest_n servant_n he_o say_v put_v up_o thy_o sword_n into_o its_o place_n for_o all_o they_o that_o take_v the_o sword_n shall_v perish_v by_o the_o sword_n think_v thou_o that_o i_o can_v now_o pray_v unto_o my_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v present_o give_v i_o more_o than_o twelve_o legion_n of_o angel_n but_o how_o then_o shall_v the_o scripture_n be_v fulfil_v that_o thus_o it_o must_v be_v now_o if_o any_o person_n shall_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o these_o be_v only_a fiction_n of_o the_o evangelist_n have_v we_o not_o reason_n on_o the_o contrary_a to_o think_v our_o adversary_n have_v be_v gross_o guilty_a of_o that_o practice_n with_o which_o they_o charge_v the_o christian_n that_o so_o they_o may_v vent_v their_o implacable_a malice_n against_o all_o those_o who_o profess_v to_o be_v the_o follower_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o those_o thing_n be_v most_o certain_o true_a which_o be_v relate_v by_o person_n who_o integrity_n do_v abundant_o appear_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o dreadful_a calamity_n to_o which_o they_o know_v their_o religion_n do_v so_o manifest_o expose_v they_o for_o we_o can_v conceive_v that_o the_o follower_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n shall_v embrace_v the_o most_o shameful_a and_o painful_a death_n with_o undaunted_a courage_n and_o heroic_a constancy_n have_v they_o be_v the_o scandalous_a inventor_n of_o the_o history_n which_o they_o transmit_v to_o posterity_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v esteem_v they_o to_o be_v person_n who_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o importance_n of_o what_o they_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n since_o they_o know_v by_o observation_n and_o experience_n that_o scorn_v and_o infamy_n be_v the_o shock_n attendant_n and_o persecution_n and_o death_n almost_o the_o natural_a and_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o the_o glorious_a profession_n which_o they_o make_v of_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n chap._n xiii_o what_o the_o pretend_a jew_n say_v far_a viz._n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v betray_v by_o his_o own_o disciple_n he_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o evangelist_n with_o this_o little_a difference_n that_o whereas_o they_o acquaint_v we_o that_o he_o be_v betray_v by_o judas_n he_o choose_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n that_o his_o objection_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v the_o great_a force_n but_o hasn_v the_o curiosity_n i_o will_v not_o say_v the_o conscience_n to_o inquire_v narrow_o into_o the_o account_n which_o we_o have_v of_o judas_n who_o heart_n be_v miserable_o
curse_a hand_n in_o the_o bloody_a death_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n celsus_n therefore_o may_v every_o jot_n as_o well_o have_v grant_v that_o our_o saviour_n know_v what_o accident_n will_v befall_v he_o and_o yet_o have_v talk_v with_o the_o high_a contempt_n of_o his_o divine_a prescience_n as_o grant_v that_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o work_v such_o miracle_n as_o he_o wrought_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n affirm_v that_o he_o be_v a_o notorious_a and_o vile_a impostor_n and_o he_o may_v with_o all_o his_o learning_n have_v show_v that_o the_o augur_n and_o auspex_n foretell_v future_a event_n by_o the_o fly_a of_o bird_n and_o by_o the_o entrail_n of_o beast_n but_o he_o be_v loath_a it_o seem_v to_o make_v this_o concession_n whereas_o he_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n acknowledge_v that_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v many_o miracle_n and_o yet_o assert_n he_o do_v they_o by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n phlegon_n be_v much_o more_o ingenuous_a who_o in_o the_o 13_o and_o 14_o book_n of_o his_o chronicon_fw-la acknowledge_v that_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v future_a event_n and_o say_v they_o exact_o answer_v his_o prediction_n though_o i_o observe_v that_o he_o seem_v sometime_o to_o confound_v our_o bless_a lord_n with_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o spite_n of_o prejudice_n he_o draw_v this_o natural_a conclusion_n that_o since_o the_o founder_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o many_o of_o his_o follower_n be_v able_a to_o foretell_v many_o future_a and_o remarkable_a event_n at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n of_o time_n which_o exact_o answer_v their_o prediction_n we_o must_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v act_v by_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a power_n then_o celsus_n say_v that_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n not_o be_v able_a to_o conceal_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v expose_v to_o public_a view_n think_v that_o the_o best_a game_n they_o have_v to_o play_v be_v to_o give_v out_o that_o their_o master_n foresee_v a_o long_a time_n before_o all_o the_o accident_n that_o do_v afterward_o befall_v he_o but_o either_o he_o didn't_fw-mi know_v or_o at_o least_o seem_v to_o be_v ignorant_a that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n use_v the_o follow_a word_n to_o his_o disciple_n all_o you_o shall_v be_v offend_v because_o of_o i_o this_o night_n which_o mat._n 26._o v._o 31._o we_o know_v happen_v according_o and_o be_v no_o false_a prophet_n when_o he_o say_v to_o peter_n before_o the_o cock_n crow_v thou_o shall_v deny_v i_o thrice_o ibid._n v._o 34._o now_o if_o they_o have_v be_v man_n of_o undoubted_a integrity_n but_o have_v design_v to_o impose_v on_o our_o credulity_n by_o false_a narration_n they_o will_v certain_o have_v discover_v so_o much_o of_o worldly_a policy_n as_o to_o have_v say_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o peter_n deny_v his_o bless_a lord_n who_o cause_n he_o have_v so_o resolute_o promise_v to_o maintain_v and_o never_o to_o have_v mention_v the_o offence_n which_o even_o some_o of_o the_o disciple_n take_v at_o the_o mean_a condition_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n condescend_v and_o think_v fit_a to_o appear_v and_o if_o these_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o represent_v the_o follower_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n to_o a_o great_a disadvantage_n be_v not_o relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n how_o can_v celsus_n or_o any_o other_o person_n have_v take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o cast_v a_o reproach_n on_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n but_o they_o be_v not_o unwilling_a that_o late_a posterity_n shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o failing_n since_o they_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o this_o wou'dned_a in_o the_o least_o hinder_v the_o happy_a progress_n of_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n or_o give_v the_o reader_n any_o just_a occasion_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o like_a irregular_a practice_n what_o celsus_n add_v be_v ridiculous_a to_o the_o last_o degree_n the_o disciple_n get_v this_o publish_v say_v he_o to_o secure_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o master_n and_o it_o be_v as_o if_o to_o prove_v that_o a_o man_n be_v just_a i_o shall_v instance_n in_o several_a act_n of_o injustice_n that_o he_o have_v do_v or_o to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v free_a from_o passion_n i_o shall_v show_v that_o he_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o murder_n or_o to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v immortal_a shall_v expose_v his_o dead_a body_n to_o view_n and_o after_o all_o put_z people_z off_o with_o this_o frivolous_a pretence_n that_o he_o foresee_v whatsoever_o shall_v befall_v he_o but_o here_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o he_o gross_o misapply_v the_o instance_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o produce_v for_o there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n at_o all_o in_o suppose_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n shall_v propose_v himself_o to_o we_o as_o a_o bright_a example_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o yet_o teach_v we_o to_o sacrifice_v our_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o religion_n we_o embrace_v consider_v also_o that_o the_o death_n which_o he_o suffer_v be_v of_o general_n and_o universal_a advantage_n as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v already_o and_o though_o celsus_n do_v fond_o imagine_v that_o it_o make_v very_o much_o for_o the_o cause_n which_o he_o espouse_n that_o we_o do_v deny_v that_o our_o saviour_n suffer_v in_o the_o most_o notorious_a and_o shameful_a manner_n yet_o this_o be_v for_o want_n of_o know_v the_o sacred_a mystery_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o passion_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n as_o st._n paul_n observe_v and_o the_o several_a prediction_n which_o be_v leave_v upon_o record_n by_o the_o inspire_a prophet_n concern_v this_o difficult_a and_o important_a affair_n beside_o he_o seem_v not_o to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o celebrate_a heretic_n who_o deny_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v real_a this_o make_v he_o say_v you_o do_v pretend_v that_o his_o bitter_a passion_n be_v only_o in_o appearance_n but_o without_o mince_v the_o matter_n you_o hold_v that_o he_o suffer_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n for_o our_o part_n we_o think_v it_o be_v a_o notorious_a heresy_n to_o maintain_v that_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n be_v only_o in_o appearance_n since_o we_o must_v then_o affirm_v as_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o forementioned_a false_a and_o dangerous_a position_n that_o his_o resurrection_n as_o glorious_a as_o we_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v be_v a_o mere_a deceptio_fw-la visus_fw-la for_o he_o that_o real_o die_v if_o he_o rise_v again_o must_v be_v real_o rise_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o that_o die_v but_o in_o appearance_n can_v only_o seem_o rise_v but_o because_o infidel_n endeavour_n to_o expose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o last_o degree_n of_o profane_a contempt_n i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o mention_v here_o what_o plato_n relate_v of_o er_o the_o son_n of_o armenius_n plato_n common_a wealth_n l._n 10._o who_o at_o the_o end_n of_o twelve_o day_n rise_v out_o of_o his_o tomb_n and_o tell_v several_a remarkable_a transaction_n that_o to_o his_o certain_a knowledge_n have_v pass_v in_o the_o world_n of_o spirit_n and_o i_o may_v mention_v the_o story_n which_o heraclitus_n tell_v of_o a_o woman_n who_o continue_v a_o considerable_a time_n without_o any_o sign_n of_o life_n which_o i_o think_v do_v evident_o and_o not_o a_o little_a serve_v my_o present_a purpose_n since_o it_o be_v with_o infidel_n i_o be_o now_o engage_v and_o many_o pregnant_a instance_n may_v easy_o be_v produce_v from_o history_n of_o person_n who_o have_v appear_v the_o day_n after_o their_o decease_n be_v it_o then_o any_o wonder_n at_o all_o that_o one_o who_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n do_v so_o many_o action_n which_o nothing_o short_v of_o a_o divine_a power_n can_v possible_o enable_v he_o to_o perform_v who_o wrought_v miracle_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o surprise_v and_o so_o open_a to_o the_o view_n of_o his_o most_o implacable_a adversary_n that_o celsus_n himself_o have_v not_o the_o face_n to_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v true_a in_o fact_n though_o indeed_o he_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o infernal_a daemon_n i_o say_v be_v it_o any_o wonder_n at_o all_o that_o so_o divine_a a_o person_n as_o our_o saviour_n be_v shall_v have_v something_o that_o be_v remarkable_a in_o his_o death_n and_o that_o his_o holy_a soul_n have_v free_o and_o even_o cheerful_o leave_v his_o body_n for_o a_o time_n shall_v return_v to_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o it_o have_v perform_v the_o entire_a duty_n of_o a_o disunit_a spirit_n our_o saviour_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n no_o man_n take_v it_o from_o i_o speak_v of_o his_o life_n but_o i_o lay_v it_o down_o of_o john_n 10._o v._o 18._o myself_o i_o have_v power_n
his_o intimate_a acquaintance_n and_o may_v have_v have_v so_o much_o policy_n one_o will_v think_v as_o to_o affect_v those_o person_n who_o espouse_v his_o cause_n beside_o be_v it_o usual_a for_o man_n to_o betray_v their_o friend_n to_o who_o table_n they_o be_v welcome_a and_o where_o they_o be_v civil_o and_o perhaps_o very_o plentiful_o entertain_v yet_o here_o no_o less_o a_o person_n than_o a_o god_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v betray_v nay_o a_o god_n which_o great_o aggravate_v the_o matter_n be_v suppose_v most_o gross_o to_o entrench_v on_o the_o sacred_a law_n of_o civility_n and_o common_a friendship_n and_o by_o his_o divine_a prediction_n to_o make_v his_o disciple_n themselves_o turn_v traitor_n and_o coward_n i_o shall_v return_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o long_a invective_n rather_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o strict_a injunction_n that_o be_v lay_v upon_o i_o than_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o force_n that_o i_o discern_v in_o the_o objection_n celsus_n entertain_v a_o fond_a conceit_n that_o whatever_o be_v foretell_v by_o a_o god_n do_v therefore_o come_v to_o pass_v because_o it_o be_v foretell_v by_o he_o but_o here_o i_o must_v beg_v leave_v to_o differ_v from_o he_o and_o be_o i_o confess_v of_o the_o opinion_n that_o he_o who_o foretell_v future_a event_n i_v proper_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o come_v to_o pass_v at_o the_o predicted_a time_n but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o foresee_v that_o thing_n will_v happen_v so_o or_o so_o whether_o ever_o they_o be_v foretell_v or_o not_o and_o i_o do_v think_v that_o his_o prescience_n even_o upon_o the_o supposition_n that_o he_o be_v god_n do_v in_o the_o least_o interfere_v with_o the_o possibility_n of_o future_a event_n to_o happen_v or_o not_o to_o happen_v according_a to_o the_o natural_a and_o regular_a course_n of_o thing_n as_o if_o bare_o on_o that_o account_n they_o must_v infallible_o answer_v his_o prediction_n chap._n xvi_o here_o i_o may_v produce_v abundance_n of_o pregnant_a instance_n from_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o greek_n themselves_o to_o show_v that_o future_a event_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o prediction_n but_o fall_v out_o always_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o humane_a will._n and_o either_o my_o notion_n of_o this_o matter_n be_v just_a or_o what_o the_o greek_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d will_v be_v no_o sophism_n at_o all_o though_o the_o contrary_n be_v very_o apparent_a to_o any_o learned_a and_o judicious_a person_n to_o render_v this_o matter_n as_o intelligible_a as_o may_v be_v i_o shall_v instance_n in_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v judas_n which_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n do_v furnish_v we_o with_o and_o shall_v produce_v one_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o assertion_n from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o greek_n viz._n the_o answer_n of_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n to_o laius_n by_o the_o way_n i_o shall_v here_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o oracle_n be_v true_a since_o i_o think_v i_o may_v make_v the_o supposition_n without_o do_v the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o the_o subject_a which_o i_o have_v now_o in_o hand_n the_o author_n of_o the_o hundred_o and_o nine_o psalm_n speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n concern_v that_o traitor_n judas_n hold_v not_o psal_n cix_o v._o 1._o thy_o peace_n oh_o god_n of_o my_o praise_n for_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o deceitful_a be_v open_v against_o i_o and_o if_o you_o take_v diligent_a notice_n you_o will_v find_v that_o throughout_o the_o psalm_n the_o prediction_n must_v be_v understand_v in_o a_o sense_n consistent_a with_o the_o crime_n of_o the_o traitor_n and_o his_o deserve_v all_o those_o heavy_a curse_n that_o be_v there_o mention_v by_o the_o psalmist_n let_v they_o fall_v upon_o he_o say_v he_o by_o ibid._n 16._o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n because_o he_o remember_v not_o to_o show_v mercy_n but_o persecute_v the_o poor_a and_o needy_a man_n that_o he_o may_v even_o slay_v the_o break_a in_o heart_n it_o be_v plain_a he_o may_v if_o he_o will_v have_v remember_v to_o show_v mercy_n and_o be_v not_o force_v to_o persecute_v the_o poor_a and_o needy_a man_n though_o he_o misemploy_v that_o power_n which_o god_n original_o give_v he_o and_o actual_o betray_v his_o master_n and_o so_o render_v himself_o most_o just_o obnoxious_a to_o those_o dreadful_a curse_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o that_o famous_a prophecy_n and_o as_o for_o the_o answer_n that_o the_o oracle_n return_v to_o laius_n which_o i_o mention_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o greek_n it_o be_v relate_v by_o one_o of_o their_o ancient_a tragedian_n to_o this_o effect_n seek_v not_o vain_a man_n in_o spite_n of_o destiny_n eurip._n phoenis_n the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o marriage_n to_o enjoy_v too_o soon_o alas_o thou_o will_v find_v it_o prove_v thy_o bane_n for_o he_o who_o to_o thy_o native_a heat_n his_o life_n will_v owe_v with_o death_n itself_o shall_v ill-requite_a thy_o pain_n and_o dreadful_a mischief_n on_o thy_o household_n bring_v here_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o laius_n be_v under_o no_o necessity_n of_o beget_v a_o unhappy_a son_n but_o if_o due_a care_n be_v want_v a_o tragical_a scene_n will_v present_v itself_o and_o oedipus_n and_o jocasta_n and_o their_o two_o son_n will_v suffer_v all_o those_o grievous_a calamity_n which_o as_o the_o history_n acquaint_v we_o do_v afterward_o befall_v they_o the_o same_o sophism_n be_v frequent_o make_v use_v of_o as_o a_o argument_n against_o take_v physic_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o our_o bodily_a health_n and_o strength_n if_o god_n have_v decree_v say_v one_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v effectual_o cure_v of_o my_o distemper_n i_o shall_v certain_o recover_v my_o former_a state_n of_o health_n whether_o i_o use_v any_o remedy_n or_o no_o and_o if_o he_o have_v decree_v that_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v recover_v from_o it_o whatever_o medicine_n i_o may_v take_v it_o will_v infallible_o remain_v upon_o i_o therefore_o whether_o he_o have_v decree_v my_o recovery_n or_o not_o the_o endeavour_n of_o the_o physician_n be_v equal_o that_o be_v to_o say_v entire_o useless_a and_o the_o sophism_n in_o the_o case_n of_o laius_n be_v very_o comical_a and_o run_v after_o the_o follow_a manner_n if_o the_o fate_n have_v decree_v that_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o son_n i_o shall_v certain_o have_v he_o whether_o i_o be_o ever_o concern_v with_o any_o woman_n or_o no_o and_o if_o they_o have_v decree_v that_o i_o shall_v never_o have_v a_o son_n i_o shall_v never_o have_v one_o whether_o i_o live_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n or_o no_o and_o therefore_o whether_o they_o have_v decree_v that_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o son_n or_o have_v determine_v the_o contrary_a no_o carnal_a copulation_n will_v ever_o have_v the_o desire_a effect_n but_o as_o it_o be_v high_o absurd_a to_o refuse_v physic_n which_o be_v the_o usual_a and_o proper_a method_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o our_o bodily_a health_n so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o absurd_a to_o abstain_v from_o carnal_a copulation_n if_o a_o person_n be_v desirous_a of_o a_o child_n since_o it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a and_o proper_a method_n of_o humane_a generation_n these_o thing_n i_o mention_v because_o the_o profound_a celsus_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n if_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o do_v real_o foretell_v these_o thing_n you_o talk_v of_o they_o must_v infallible_o come_v to_o pass_v at_o the_o predict_v time_n for_o i_o deny_v that_o they_o must_v necessary_o come_v to_o pass_v since_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o have_v have_v a_o quite_o contrary_a event_n but_o if_o he_o only_a mean_n that_o divine_a prescience_n do_v in_o some_o sense_n necessitate_v the_o event_n i_o ready_o grant_v it_o and_o this_o i_o think_v i_o may_v vigorous_o maintain_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n assert_v that_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o matter_n may_v have_v happen_v otherwise_o but_o i_o think_v he_o be_v far_o from_o prove_v what_o he_o bold_o assert_v viz._n that_o on_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o divine_a prescience_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o will_v natural_o follow_v that_o he_o make_v his_o disciple_n turn_v traitor_n and_o coward_n and_o so_o be_v just_o chargeable_a with_o their_o aggravate_v gild_n it_o be_v true_a that_o since_o the_o heart_n of_o judas_n be_v as_o it_o be_v open_v and_o transparent_a to_o his_o all-piercing_a eye_n our_o bless_a lord_n be_v full_o apprize_v of_o the_o hellish_a design_n which_o he_o have_v form_v and_o plain_o perceive_v that_o the_o respect_n which_o he_o have_v for_o his_o master_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o secure_v he_o from_o the_o fatal_a impression_n of_o a_o covetous_a disposition_n this_o make_v
may_v suspect_v that_o out_o of_o wicked_a policy_n i_o pass_v by_o his_o objection_n be_v conscious_a to_o myself_o that_o i_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o return_v a_o satisfactory_a or_o even_o tolerable_a answer_n then_o say_v he_o pray_v i_v it_o the_o most_o absurd_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o suppose_v that_o he_o who_o when_o he_o be_v alive_a and_o use_v all_o the_o little_a art_n he_o have_v can_v gain_v no_o follower_n in_o comparison_n or_o at_o lest_o none_o of_o any_o sense_n or_o rank_n shall_v after_o his_o death_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o apostle_n so_o strange_o influence_n a_o considerable_a part_n of_o mankind_n as_o they_o be_v represent_v by_o some_o to_o do_v but_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o strict_a reason_v which_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o master_n of_o he_o shall_v have_v argue_v thus_o if_o after_o his_o death_n he_o furnish_v his_o ambassador_n with_o all_o necessary_a ability_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o do_v actual_o and_o so_o wonderful_o move_v all_o the_o secret_a spring_n of_o the_o humane_a soul_n then_o there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o when_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n in_o person_n he_o make_v deep_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n even_o of_o the_o great_a barbarian_n partly_o by_o his_o powerful_a preach_v and_o partly_o by_o his_o uncontested_a miracle_n chap._n xxviii_o by_o and_o by_o he_o ask_v pray_v what_o reason_n have_v you_o to_o believe_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o personate_n one_o of_o we_o return_v this_o answer_n in_o his_o usual_a way_n of_o banter_n because_o we_o know_v say_v he_o that_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n in_o a_o affair_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o importance_n be_v build_v i_o can_v assure_v he_o on_o no_o single_a argument_n how_o persuasive_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v but_o the_o concur_v and_o clear_a evidence_n of_o several_a motive_n a_o few_o of_o which_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v and_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n perhaps_o to_o make_v mention_n of_o some_o other_o argument_n on_o this_o head_n not_o only_o in_o my_o answer_n to_o celsus_n book_n entitle_v a_o true_a relation_n but_o also_o in_o some_o other_o treatise_n if_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v i_o that_o measure_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o accomplish_v my_o design_n then_o as_o if_o we_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n bare_a suffer_v on_o the_o cross_n be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o say_v what_o if_o he_o do_v real_o suffer_v can_v we_o instance_n in_o many_o other_o that_o suffer_v as_o well_o and_o as_o much_o as_o he_o but_o celsus_n in_o this_o matter_n act_v the_o part_n of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o unfair_a enemy_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v who_o when_o they_o read_v the_o history_n of_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o saviour_n immediate_o imagine_v that_o we_o fond_o canonize_v all_o person_n who_o be_v ever_o so_o unfortunate_a as_o to_o hang_v upon_o a_o cross_n this_o any_o one_o may_v see_v be_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o adversary_n i_o have_v to_o do_v with_o who_o be_v utter_o unable_a to_o resist_v the_o clear_a evidence_n which_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v carry_v in_o they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n have_v the_o face_n to_o misrepresent_v they_o to_o the_o world_n as_o do_v by_o mere_a legerdemain_n or_o rather_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o this_o pityful_a and_o vile_a cavil_v have_v be_v so_o frequent_o answer_v according_a to_o my_o slender_a ability_n that_o real_o it_o quite_o tire_v my_o patience_n to_o repeat_v thing_n so_o often_o as_o i_o see_v i_o must_v then_o celsus_n make_v we_o say_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o he_o cure_v the_o lame_a and_o blind_a and_o raise_v a_o few_o from_o the_o dead_a as_o we_o poor_a creature_n that_o we_o be_v be_v ready_a to_o imagine_v but_o that_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o that_o he_o can_v say_v this_o consideration_n of_o itself_o be_v a_o solid_a argument_n to_o prove_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v plain_a from_o that_o famous_a prophecy_n in_o isaiah_n then_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a shall_v be_v open_v and_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o deaf_a shall_v isa_n 35_o v._o â—_o be_v unstop_v then_o shall_v the_o lame_a man_n leap_v as_o a_o hart._n and_o it_o be_v high_o improbable_a to_o say_v no_o more_o that_o the_o evangelist_n shall_v forge_v the_o account_n they_o give_v we_o of_o some_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a because_o have_v they_o be_v give_v to_o invent_v fiction_n mere_o to_o serve_v a_o turn_n they_o will_v have_v give_v we_o more_o frequent_a instance_n of_o that_o nature_n than_o we_o meet_v with_o and_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v long_o dead_a than_o those_o of_o who_o we_o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o their_o give_v so_o few_o instance_n of_o person_n restore_v to_o life_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o proof_n as_o can_v be_v that_o the_o evangelist_n whatever_o celsus_n may_v say_v be_v man_n of_o honest_a principle_n and_o the_o far_a of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n except_o our_o bless_a saviour_n from_o be_v person_n of_o intriegve_n they_o instance_n only_o in_o the_o daughter_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o case_n seem_v foreign_a to_o the_o purpose_n for_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o she_o she_o be_v not_o dead_a but_o sleep_n in_o the_o only_a son_n of_o a_o widow_n who_o our_o saviour_n recover_v out_o of_o tender_a compassion_n to_o his_o disconsolate_a mother_n order_v the_o coffin_n to_o be_v stop_v and_o last_o in_o lazarus_n who_o have_v continue_v some_o day_n in_o the_o grave_a as_o the_o evangelist_n acquaint_v we_o and_o i_o will_v offer_v the_o follow_a consideration_n to_o the_o most_o judicious_a of_o our_o adversary_n and_o at_o this_o time_n more_o immediate_o to_o the_o jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v viz._n that_o as_o in_o elisha_n time_n there_o be_v many_o leper_n but_o none_o of_o they_o be_v cure_v that_o we_o read_v of_o except_o naaman_n the_o syrian_a and_o many_o widow_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o prophet_n elijah_n but_o he_o be_v only_o send_v to_o the_o widow_n of_o sarepta_n in_o the_o country_n of_o sidon_n for_o she_o alone_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o the_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v so_o many_o person_n die_v when_o our_o saviour_n be_v on_o earth_n but_o he_o only_o raise_v those_o from_o the_o dead_a who_o in_o some_o sense_n have_v qvalify_v themselves_o for_o so_o special_a a_o favour_n and_o this_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v he_o do_v to_o typify_v something_o future_a and_o give_v mankind_n convince_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o he_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n and_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o according_a to_o the_o promise_v he_o have_v make_v his_o disciple_n do_v far_o strange_a thing_n than_o those_o which_o he_o himself_o exhibit_v to_o the_o outward_a sense_n of_o they_o who_o be_v the_o happy_a spectator_n of_o his_o miracle_n for_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o spiritual_o blind_a be_v frequent_o open_v by_o they_o the_o ear_n of_o those_o who_o once_o be_v deaf_a to_o all_o the_o awaken_n precept_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n be_v unstop_v that_o so_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o many_o who_o be_v spiritual_o lame_a be_v cure_v by_o the_o gospel_n insomuch_o that_o they_o do_v only_o leap_v but_o even_o leap_v as_o a_o stag_n which_o animal_n as_o naturalist_n observe_v be_v a_o enemy_n to_o serpent_n and_o happy_o expel_v their_o poison_n they_o derive_v such_o a_o heal_a virtue_n from_o their_o heavenly_a physician_n that_o they_o can_v immediate_o tread_v on_o those_o serpent_n and_o scorpion_n by_o which_o they_o be_v once_o most_o sad_o cripple_a without_o incur_v the_o least_o seem_a danger_n nay_o they_o be_v effectual_o steel_v if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v against_o the_o strong_a and_o too_o often_o fatal_a impression_n which_o vice_n and_o immorality_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n fortify_v against_o the_o malicious_a and_o vigorous_a attempt_n of_o unite_a daemon_n chap._n xxix_o when_o our_o saviour_n admonish_v his_o disciple_n to_o avoid_v those_o design_v wretch_n who_o confident_o affirm_v they_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o endeavour_v by_o their_o curse_a enchantment_n to_o draw_v