to_o lay_v it_o down_o and_o i_o have_v power_n to_o take_v it_o up_o again_o and_o perhaps_o the_o reason_n why_o his_o holy_a soul_n make_v haste_n to_o leave_v his_o body_n may_v be_v this_o that_o his_o leg_n may_v not_o be_v break_v as_o those_o of_o the_o thief_n be_v who_o be_v crucify_v by_o his_o side_n then_o come_v the_o soldier_n and_o break_v john_n 19_o v._o 32._o the_o leg_n of_o the_o first_o and_o of_o the_o other_o which_o be_v crucify_v with_o he_o but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o jesus_n and_o see_v that_o he_o be_v dead_a already_o they_o break_v not_o his_o leg_n so_o that_o i_o have_v answer_v that_o objection_n of_o celsus_n how_o will_v you_o persuade_v we_o that_o he_o can_v foretell_v these_o thing_n as_o for_o that_o other_o how_o will_v you_o ever_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o a_o dead_a person_n be_v immortal_a we_o say_v it_o will_v seem_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o if_o people_n will_v but_o take_v we_o right_n that_o he_o that_o die_v be_v not_o strict_o immortal_a but_o he_o that_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a nay_o we_o say_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o immortal_a with_o respect_n to_o his_o humane_a nature_n before_o his_o body_n be_v separate_v from_o his_o soul_n for_o no_o person_n who_o be_v to_o die_v can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v immortal_a but_o then_o he_o be_v true_o immortal_a when_o he_o be_v for_o ever_o lose_v from_o the_o band_n of_o death_n christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a die_v rom._n 6._o v._o 9_o no_o more_o death_n have_v no_o more_o dominion_n over_o he_o whatever_o some_o person_n may_v affirm_v who_o dont_fw-fr understand_v the_o mean_v of_o these_o mysterious_a word_n chap._n xu._n what_o celsus_n add_v be_v no_o less_o ill-grounded_a than_o what_o go_v before_o what_o god_n say_v he_o or_o daemon_n nay_o what_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n will_v not_o take_v the_o most_o proper_a method_n that_o he_o can_v to_o avoid_v the_o evil_n he_o foresee_v will_v befall_v he_o and_o especial_o when_o he_o know_v he_o can_v easy_o prevent_v they_o if_o he_o will_v but_o socrates_n be_v well-acquainted_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o poison_n that_o be_v give_v he_o and_o if_o he_o have_v but_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o crito_n he_o have_v escape_v out_o of_o prison_n and_o secure_v his_o person_n from_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n to_o which_o he_o be_v expose_v and_o yet_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o die_v than_o to_o act_v in_o the_o least_o unbecoming_a the_o character_n of_o so_o celebrate_v a_o philosopher_n so_o leonidas_n the_o lacaedemonian_a general_n know_v very_o well_o that_o he_o and_o his_o company_n shall_v due_a at_o thermopylae_n yet_o prefer_v his_o honour_n to_o his_o frail_a and_o mortal_a life_n he_o say_v come_v let_v we_o dine_v like_o those_o who_o be_v to_o eat_v their_o supper_n with_o the_o dead_a they_o who_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o consult_v historian_n may_v find_v abundance_n of_o such_o instance_n as_o these_o what_o wonder_n be_v it_o then_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n didn't_fw-mi use_v all_o possible_a endeavour_n to_o avoid_v those_o evil_n which_o he_o know_v will_v befall_v he_o when_o a_o far_o inferior_a person_n i_o mean_v the_o apostle_n paul_n foresee_v what_o thing_n he_o shall_v suffer_v at_o jerusalem_n encounter_v the_o great_a danger_n and_o sharp_o reprove_v the_o cruel_a kindness_n of_o those_o who_o with_o tear_n in_o their_o eye_n endeavour_v to_o prevent_v he_o from_o the_o happy_a execution_n of_o his_o great_a design_n nay_o many_o at_o this_o very_a day_n who_o be_v not_o ignorant_a to_o what_o dreadful_a calamity_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n will_v expose_v they_o and_o that_o if_o they_o will_v open_o renounce_v it_o they_o shall_v be_v immediate_o discharge_v and_o have_v their_o good_n restore_v i_o say_v many_o at_o this_o very_a day_n despise_v life_n with_o all_o its_o native_a and_o gawdy_a charm_n and_o embrace_v death_n itself_o even_o approach_v to_o they_o in_o the_o most_o frightful_a shape_v what_o celsus_n add_v be_v as_o ridiculous_a as_o what_o go_v before_o if_o say_v he_o judas_n be_v treason_n and_o peter_n be_v denial_n of_o his_o master_n be_v foretell_v by_o christ_n one_o will_v think_v they_o shall_v for_o that_o reason_n have_v have_v a_o awful_a sense_n of_o his_o divinity_n and_o thereby_o have_v be_v effectual_o secure_v from_o offer_v such_o base_a affront_v to_o their_o suppose_a rightful_a sovereign_n and_o most_o liberal_a benefactor_n but_o here_o celsus_n with_o all_o his_o wisdom_n do_v unawares_o most_o gross_o contradict_v himself_o because_o if_o our_o saviour_n be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n than_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n cou'dn_v but_o exact_o agree_v with_o what_o his_o infinite_a mind_n foresee_v concern_v they_o and_o by_o consequence_n the_o one_o must_v vnavoidable_o betray_v and_o the_o other_o by_o a_o sad_a but_o fatal_a necessity_n deny_v he_o if_o matter_n can_v have_v happen_v otherwise_o if_o judas_n have_v betray_v nor_o peter_n deny_v he_o be_v sufficient_o forewarn_v of_o the_o folly_n and_o danger_n of_o commit_v such_o horrid_a crime_n his_o veracity_n may_v easy_o have_v be_v call_v in_o question_n for_o if_o our_o saviour_n foresee_v as_o we_o say_v he_o do_v that_o judas_n shall_v betray_v he_o he_o also_o foresee_v that_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n that_o that_o incline_v he_o to_o his_o treachery_n and_o if_o he_o foresee_v that_o n-ab_n peter_n will_v deny_v he_o he_o also_o foresee_v his_o infirmity_n that_o be_v the_o unhappy_a cause_n of_o his_o commit_v so_o base_a a_o crime_n and_o this_o be_v consistent_a enough_o with_o his_o permit_v he_o to_o be_v surprise_v into_o a_o gross_a act_n of_o sin_n and_o what_o do_v celsus_n jew_n propose_v i_o wonder_v when_o he_o say_v they_o betray_v and_o deny_v he_o throw_v off_o all_o manner_n of_o respect_n to_o he_o who_o they_o own_a to_o be_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n for_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o judas_n himself_o as_o vile_a a_o wretch_n as_o he_o be_v retain_v some_o respect_n for_o our_o bless_a saviour_n even_o in_o that_o horrid_a instant_a in_o which_o he_o inhumane_o betray_v he_o and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o st._n peter_n who_o after_o he_o have_v shameful_o deny_v he_o go_v out_o and_o weep_v bitter_o as_o st._n matthew_n acquaint_v we_o what_o the_o jew_n add_v be_v very_o ridiculous_a and_o childish_a if_o a_o person_n say_v he_o do_v once_o discover_v the_o snare_n that_o be_v lay_v for_o he_o and_o detect_v his_o adversary_n they_o common_o desist_v from_o their_o malicious_a purpose_n for_o the_o contrary_n be_v most_o evident_a from_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n then_o as_o if_o he_o be_v draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n he_o say_v we_o mustn_v imagine_v that_o these_o thing_n come_v ever_o the_o more_o to_o pass_v because_o he_o foretell_v they_o but_o rather_o infer_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o he_o never_o do_v foretell_v they_o for_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v that_o either_o judas_n will_v ever_o have_v betray_v or_o peter_n have_v deny_v he_o have_v they_o be_v forewarn_v and_o apprize_v of_o his_o prediction_n but_o since_o i_o have_v already_o overthrow_v the_o principle_n on_o which_o his_o discourse_n be_v found_v the_o conclusion_n which_o he_o draw_v viz._n we_o mustn_v imagine_v that_o these_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v because_o he_o foretell_v they_o must_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o course_n we_o say_v the_o event_n happen_v as_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n possible_a and_o since_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v we_o see_v the_o prediction_n verify_v for_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o prophecy_n be_v best_a know_v by_o the_o event_n therefore_o what_o he_o say_v viz._n that_o they_o didn't_fw-mi come_v ever_o the_o more_o to_o pass_v because_o he_o foretell_v they_o but_o we_o must_v rather_o infer_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o he_o do_v never_o foretell_v they_o for_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v that_o either_o judas_n will_v ever_o have_v betray_v or_o peter_n have_v deny_v he_o have_v they_o be_v forewarn_v and_o apprize_v of_o his_o prediction_n this_o i_o say_v be_v most_o apparent_o false_a and_o his_o inference_n be_v not_o just_a then_o he_o say_v that_o if_o our_o saviour_n be_v god_n and_o real_o foretell_v these_o thing_n as_o you_o be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v they_o must_v necessary_o come_v to_o pass_v so_o that_o a_o god_n be_v suppose_v to_o force_v his_o disciple_n to_o be_v wicked_a with_o who_o he_o seem_o express_v so_o endear_n a_o familiarity_n when_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o of_o all_o person_n shall_v have_v be_v high_o serviceable_a to_o all_o mankind_n and_o especial_o to_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
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 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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 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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
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
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 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be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o two_o child_n beforementioned_a a_o great_a and_o diffusive_a blessing_n to_o mankind_n as_o we_o know_v the_o resnrrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v when_o the_o power_n of_o god_n do_v so_o eminent_o accompany_v the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o make_v so_o deep_a and_o last_v a_o impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o so_o many_o of_o his_o hearer_n who_o at_o first_o be_v strange_o prejudice_v against_o he_o chap._n xxxi_o the_o pretend_a jew_n go_v on_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o split_v his_o side_n with_o laugh_a at_o the_o earthquake_n and_o ridicules_a the_o more_o than_o ordinary_a darkness_n that_o be_v the_o awful_a concomitant_n of_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n but_o this_o i_o have_v already_o answer_v according_a to_o my_o weak_a ability_n and_o produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o phlegon_n who_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o wonderful_a event_n do_v real_o happen_v at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n 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not_o his_o mouth_n viz._n by_o way_n of_o complaint_n or_o uneasiness_n as_o st._n matthew_n acquaint_v we_o but_o if_o celsus_n mean_v that_o he_o didn't_fw-mi exert_v his_o power_n to_o secure_v himself_o from_o the_o outward_a calamity_n to_o which_o he_o be_v expose_v which_o moral_o consider_v be_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a i_o have_v prove_v already_o from_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o submit_v to_o they_o with_o the_o great_a readiness_n imaginable_a and_o show_v the_o reason_n which_o justify_v his_o conduct_n then_o the_o pretend_a jew_n have_v speak_v of_o our_o saviour_n show_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o his_o crucifixion_n and_o the_o very_a print_n of_o his_o nail_n say_v there_o be_v no_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o strange_a account_n but_o one_o fanatical_a woman_n design_v to_o ridicule_n mary_n magdalen_n who_o see_v he_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o because_o we_o be_v inform_v that_o he_o 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assert_n amount_n to_o this_o at_o least_o that_o it_o survive_v the_o body_n for_o if_o as_o plato_n observe_v in_o his_o dialogue_n about_o the_o humane_a soul_n there_o be_v certain_a image_n of_o dead_a person_n that_o be_v see_v near_o their_o tomb_n than_o they_o must_v be_v owe_v to_o some_o cause_n or_o other_o and_o no_o cause_n can_v be_v so_o rational_o assign_v as_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o decease_a person_n that_o assume_v a_o body_n which_o be_v adapt_v to_o it_o but_o celsus_n who_o advance_v the_o forementioned_a notion_n will_v make_v people_n dream_n while_o they_o be_v thorough_o awake_a and_o have_v their_o sense_n about_o they_o and_o say_v they_o too_o easy_o believe_v what_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v true_a such_o dream_n indeed_o as_o he_o talk_v of_o be_v common_a when_o the_o bodily_a sense_n be_v lock_v up_o by_o sleep_n but_o i_o think_v we_o can_v easy_o account_v for_o they_o when_o person_n be_v awake_a unless_o they_o be_v trouble_v with_o melancholy_a or_o fall_v into_o a_o fit_a of_o the_o frenzy_n celsus_n it_o seem_v wa'_v ignorant_a of_o this_o and_o that_o make_v he_o call_v mary_n magdalen_n a_o fanatic_a though_o the_o scripture-history_n say_v nothing_o like_o it_o and_o our_o saviour_n appear_v after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o show_v all_o the_o mark_n that_o be_v make_v in_o his_o crucified_a body_n must_v according_a to_o celsus_n be_v solve_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o image_n of_o decease_a person_n but_o according_a to_o the_o scripture-account_a which_o he_o be_v so_o cunning_a as_o to_o use_v when_o he_o think_v that_o it_o serve_v his_o purpose_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n stand_v thus_o our_o saviour_n call_v one_o of_o his_o disciple_n to_o he_o who_o cou'dn_v for_o his_o life_n believe_v that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a with_o the_o same_o body_n i_o say_v with_o the_o same_o body_n for_o the_o appearance_n of_o humane_a soul_n after_o death_n do_v seem_v to_o be_v the_o least_o matter_n of_o his_o doubt_n therefore_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o he_o dos'ned_a say_n except_o i_o see_v he_o but_o except_o john_n 20._o v._o 25_o i_o shall_v see_v in_o his_o hand_n the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o put_v my_o finger_n into_o the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o thrust_v my_o hand_n into_o his_o side_n i_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o didn't_fw-mi question_n but_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o decease_a person_n may_v animate_v a_o body_n which_o will_v be_v visible_a to_o the_o corporeal_a eye_n and_z bear_v a_o resemblance_n to_o that_o from_o which_o it_o be_v separate_v by_o death_n not_o only_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o eye_n and_o voice_n and_o mien_n but_o also_o sometime_o appear_v in_o a_o like_a habit_n clothe_v hom._n il._n book_n 23_o v._o 67._o therefore_o our_o saviour_n call_v thomas_n to_o he_o and_o say_v reach_v hither_o thy_o finger_n and_o behold_v my_o hand_n and_o reach_v john_n 20_o v._o 27._o hither_o thy_o hand_n and_o thrust_v it_o into_o my_o side_n and_o be_v not_o faithless_a but_o believe_v and_o by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o many_o prophecy_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o concern_v he_o the_o many_o evident_a miracle_n he_o wrought_v and_o unusual_a accident_n that_o befall_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o this_o considerable_a circumstance_n shall_v as_o it_o be_v crown_z and_o complete_a the_o rest_n the_o prophetical_a psalmist_n speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v this_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o he_o my_o flesh_n also_o shall_v rest_v in_o hope_n for_o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n nor_o psalm_n 16_o v._o 9_o suffer_v thy_o holy_a one_o to_o see_v corruption_n and_o the_o body_n with_o which_o our_o saviour_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a do_v neither_o consist_v of_o such_o gross_a matter_n as_o it_o consist_v of_o before_o nor_o of_o such_o subtle_a matter_n as_o that_o with_o which_o separate_a soul_n be_v clothe_v when_o a_o apparition_n appear_v therefore_o st._n john_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n his_o disciple_n be_v within_o and_o thomas_n with_o they_o then_o come_v jesus_n the_o door_n be_v shut_v and_o stand_v in_o the_o midst_n and_o say_v peace_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o he_o add_v these_o word_n then_o say_v he_o to_o thomas_n reach_v hither_o thy_o finger_n st._n luke_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o simon_n and_o cleopas_n be_v talk_v of_o the_o thing_n luke_n 24_o v._o 14._o that_o have_v happen_v to_o he_o jesus_n himself_o draw_v near_o and_o go_v with_o they_o but_o their_o eye_n be_v hold_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o know_v he_o and_o he_o say_v to_o they_o what_o manner_n of_o communication_n be_v these_o that_o you_o
have_v with_o one_o another_o as_o you_o walk_v and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o have_v these_o word_n and_o their_o eye_n be_v open_v and_o they_o know_v he_o and_o v._o 35_o he_o vanish_v out_o of_o their_o sight_n and_o though_o celsus_n compare_v this_o account_n which_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o of_o the_o appearance_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o common_a story_n of_o wonderful_a apparition_n and_o laugh_v at_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o fact_n yet_o they_o who_o impartial_o examine_v into_o matter_n and_o be_v furnish_v with_o a_o capacity_n to_o make_v nice_a inquiry_n will_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o that_o be_v very_o remarkable_a and_o surprise_v chap._n xxxii_o than_o celsus_n offer_v a_o objection_n which_o do_v a_o little_a deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v by_o we_o if_o christ_n have_v a_o mind_n say_v he_o to_o exert_v the_o divine_a power_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v certain_o 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 rise_v up_o as_o it_o be_v in_o arm_n against_o he_o and_o indeed_o we_o do_v go_v about_o to_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n plain_o acquaint_v we_o that_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o refuse_v to_o appear_v so_o public_o and_o to_o all_o person_n promiscuous_o as_o he_o do_v before_o he_o be_v see_v of_o the_o apostle_n forty_o day_n and_o speak_v act_n 1_o v._o 3._o of_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o we_o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o wa'_v continual_o with_o they_o but_o sometime_o after_o the_o interval_n of_o eight_o day_n appear_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o when_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v and_o at_o other_o opportunity_n appear_v to_o they_o in_o a_o very_a different_a manner_n and_o st._n paul_n intimate_v to_o we_o that_o he_o dide_v so_o frequent_o appear_v then_o as_o he_o have_v do_v before_o have_v the_o follow_a word_n i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o first_o of_o all_o that_o which_o i_o also_o receive_v how_o that_o 1_o cor._n 15._o v._o 3_o etc._n etc._n christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o he_o be_v bury_v and_o that_o he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o cephas_n then_o of_o the_o twelve_o after_o that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o above_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o of_o who_o the_o great_a part_n remain_v unto_o this_o present_a but_o some_o be_v fall_v asleep_o after_o that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o james_n then_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o last_o of_o all_o he_o be_v see_v of_o i_o also_o as_o one_o bear_v out_o of_o due_a time_n here_o a_o very_a difficult_a question_n do_v occur_v that_o require_v the_o close_a application_n and_o that_o not_o of_o ordinary_a christian_n but_o of_o those_o who_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o great_a eminency_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n viz._n why_o our_o saviour_n refuse_v to_o expose_v himself_o to_o public_a view_n after_o his_o resurrection_n as_o he_o have_v do_v before_o there_o be_v no_o need_n i_o think_v in_o a_o book_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o main_a design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o defend_v the_o christian_a religion_n against_o the_o bold_a attempt_n of_o its_o malicious_a adversary_n to_o give_v a_o full_a or_o large_a solution_n of_o so_o critical_a a_o point_n but_o i_o shall_v offer_v a_o few_o thought_n at_o present_a which_o i_o hope_v will_v give_v the_o reader_n some_o small_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o difficult_a affair_n though_o our_o saviour_n be_v but_o one_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o person_n yet_o there_o be_v several_a notion_n under_o which_o mankind_n do_v consider_v he_o and_o different_a person_n see_v he_o in_o very_o different_a sense_n that_o there_o be_v several_a capacity_n in_o which_o mankind_n do_v consider_v he_o be_v plain_a from_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o john_n 14_o v._o 6._o the_o life_n i_o be_o the_o bread_n i_o be_o the_o door_n and_o many_o other_o expression_n john_n 6_o v._o 35._o that_o i_o can_v easy_o name_v if_o occasion_n john_n 10_o v._o 9_o offer_v that_o different_a person_n see_v he_o in_o very_o different_a sense_n will_v ready_o be_v grant_v by_o those_o who_o can_v assign_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o didn't_fw-mi take_v all_o the_o disciple_n with_o he_o into_o the_o mount_n of_o transfiguration_n but_o only_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n viz_o because_o they_o alone_o can_v bear_v the_o brightness_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o sight_n behold_v the_o dazzle_a lustre_n of_o moses_n and_o elias_n and_o hear_v the_o voice_n that_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o the_o charm_a conversation_n which_o those_o two_o celebrate_a prophet_n have_v the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n to_o maintain_v with_o the_o bless_a jesus_n i_o be_o of_o the_o opinion_n i_o confess_v that_o before_o he_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n mat._n 5_o five_o 1._o and_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n concern_v the_o beatitude_n he_o did_o appear_v to_o those_o who_o be_v bring_v to_o he_o in_o the_o evening_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o mountain_n and_o be_v cure_v of_o their_o distemper_n i_o say_v he_o did_o appear_v to_o those_o who_o be_v indispose_v and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o his_o heal_a power_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o he_o do_v to_o they_o who_o enjoy_v a_o confirm_a state_n of_o health_n and_o be_v able_a to_o go_v up_o with_o he_o to_o the_o mountain_n and_o as_o he_o private_o explain_v the_o mean_v of_o his_o parable_n to_o his_o disciple_n who_o sense_n of_o hear_v be_v much_o quick_a than_o that_o of_o the_o common_a people_n to_o who_o ear_n there_o be_v 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body_n the_o form_n of_o which_o i_o believe_v he_o change_v when_o ever_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o do_v it_o we_o think_v that_o before_o his_o death_n by_o which_o he_o spoil_v principality_n and_o power_n he_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n discernible_a by_o all_o but_o afterward_o even_o many_o of_o those_o who_o have_v former_o see_v he_o have_v not_o sense_n that_o be_v adapt_v to_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o rise_v jesus_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o instance_n of_o his_o condescension_n to_o the_o weakness_n of_o man_n capacity_n that_o he_o didn't_fw-mi expose_v himself_o to_o public_a view_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o public_a view_n do_v i_o say_v when_o twa'n_v without_o frequent_a interval_n that_o he_o appear_v even_o to_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n for_o after_o he_o have_v honourable_o and_o happy_o accomplish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o his_o divinity_n shine_v with_o much_o bright_a ray_n through_o 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