very_o easy_a and_o though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o hundred_o other_o way_n of_o solve_v it_o that_o we_o can_v know_v at_o this_o distance_n yet_o i_o can_v not_o light_o pass_v it_o over_o because_o it_o be_v the_o only_a material_a difference_n between_o josephus_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o though_o he_o pass_v by_o some_o remarkable_a thing_n that_o be_v there_o record_v yet_o in_o all_o other_o case_n where_o he_o happen_v upon_o the_o same_o thing_n he_o make_v the_o same_o narration_n for_o the_o only_a place_n beside_o in_o which_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o differ_v be_v in_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n agrippa_n which_o he_o say_v happen_v at_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o owl_n but_o saint_n luke_n by_o the_o invisible_a stroke_n of_o a_o angel_n and_o that_o a_o owl_n may_v then_o by_o chance_n appear_v be_v possible_a but_o that_o the_o mere_a sight_n of_o it_o shall_v affect_v he_o after_o such_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n be_v not_o credible_a notwithstanding_o a_o german_a soothsayer_n have_v foretell_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o certain_a omen_n of_o his_o death_n that_o indeed_o may_v not_o a_o little_a disturb_v his_o fancy_n but_o it_o can_v not_o natural_o in_o a_o moment_n putrify_v his_o bowel_n into_o worm_n and_o rottenness_n but_o it_o be_v too_o manifest_a that_o josephus_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o history_n too_o much_o endeavour_v to_o imitate_v the_o greek_a and_o roman_a historian_n who_o constant_a custom_n it_o be_v to_o ascribe_v all_o extraordinary_a calamity_n to_o some_o portentous_a omen_n otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a that_o so_o strange_a and_o unheard_a of_o a_o misery_n shall_v all_o on_o a_o sudden_a seize_v upon_o a_o man_n in_o the_o height_n of_o all_o his_o glory_n and_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o so_o great_a a_o blasphemy_n without_o some_o miraculous_a and_o invisible_a power_n so_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o great_a instance_n upon_o record_n of_o a_o immediate_a divine_a infliction_n than_o in_o the_o miserable_a death_n of_o this_o profane_a man._n and_o thus_o have_v clear_v the_o parallelism_n between_o josephus_n and_o the_o evangelist_n as_o to_o the_o most_o material_a passage_n of_o the_o history_n of_o their_o own_o time_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o that_o particular_a passage_n of_o his_o concern_v our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v so_o full_a a_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n that_o our_o learned_a critic_n think_v it_o too_o great_a for_o a_o jew_n to_o give_v and_o for_o that_o reason_n principal_o suppose_v it_o to_o have_v be_v soi_v into_o he_o in_o after_o time_n §_o xiii_o but_o upon_o what_o just_a ground_n this_o surmise_n be_v build_v let_v we_o now_o consider_v and_o first_o let_v we_o set_v down_o the_o passage_n itself_o which_o be_v to_o this_o purport_n at_o this_o time_n live_v jesus_n a_o wise_a man_n if_o yet_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o call_v he_o a_o man_n for_o he_o wrought_v many_o 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seem_v to_o assert_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n they_o may_v as_o rational_o conclude_v that_o pontius_n pilate_n believe_v he_o to_o be_v so_o too_o when_o he_o crucify_v he_o because_o he_o put_v this_o title_n upon_o his_o cross_n jesus_n of_o nazareth_n the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o when_o he_o be_v solicit_v by_o the_o chief_a priest_n not_o to_o write_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o that_o he_o say_v i_o be_o the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o their_o importunity_n but_o answer_v they_o peremptory_o what_o i_o have_v write_v i_o have_v write_v from_o hence_o i_o say_v our_o learned_a critic_n may_v after_o their_o rate_n of_o draw_v conclusion_n infer_v that_o pontius_n pilate_n serious_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v the_o messiah_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o itself_o that_o he_o only_o use_v the_o common_a form_n of_o speech_n when_o he_o give_v he_o that_o title_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v that_o expression_n of_o josephus_n when_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v the_o christ_n that_o be_v this_o be_v he_o that_o be_v call_v the_o christ_n a_o title_n so_o appropriate_v to_o he_o in_o common_a speech_n that_o it_o be_v familiar_o give_v to_o he_o by_o his_o great_a enemy_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o testimony_n of_o josephus_n as_o if_o we_o design_v to_o gain_v any_o credit_n or_o authority_n from_o his_o opinion_n but_o only_o to_o prove_v from_o it_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o transaction_n then_o on_o foot_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o party_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n who_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o
life_n howsoever_o otherwise_o happy_a be_v turn_v into_o mere_a anguish_n and_o bitterness_n with_o the_o perpetual_a and_o intolerable_a horror_n of_o death_n and_o the_o long_o it_o last_v the_o more_o miserable_a it_o be_v in_o that_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o than_o to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o long_o torment_v with_o the_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o a_o certain_a evil_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o law_n as_o cardan_n observe_v 1._o take_v care_n that_o at_o the_o execution_n of_o malefactor_n the_o more_o modest_a and_o less_o criminal_a shall_v be_v first_o dispatch_v but_o the_o bold_a and_o great_a offender_n be_v make_v spectator_n of_o the_o death_n of_o other_o before_o they_o suffer_v themselves_o so_o nature_n where_o she_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o show_v the_o great_a kidness_n put_v soon_o out_o of_o pain_n but_o where_o she_o intend_v severity_n she_o keep_v man_n long_o in_o suspense_n and_o make_v they_o to_o behold_v their_o friend_n and_o companion_n fate_n 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the_o love_n of_o life_n the_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v unavoidable_a so_o that_o the_o philosopher_n have_v unanimous_o lay_v the_o love_n of_o be_v as_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o their_o morality_n it_o spoil_v all_o their_o consolatory_a discourse_n from_o what_o topic_n soever_o against_o the_o dread_n and_o terror_n of_o die_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v needless_a for_o i_o to_o pursue_v any_o more_o of_o their_o particular_a reason_n upon_o this_o argument_n because_o they_o all_o at_o first_o view_n dash_v so_o apparent_o against_o this_o first_o principle_n §_o xxvii_o and_o now_o have_v as_o he_o suppose_v vanquish_v this_o king_n of_o terror_n the_o fear_n of_o death_n he_o think_v it_o a_o easy_a task_n to_o rout_n all_o the_o little_a evil_n of_o life_n and_o have_v he_o do_v that_o he_o have_v without_o any_o far_a pain_n perform_v his_o whole_a design_n for_o what_o can_v hurt_v the_o man_n who_o fear_v not_o to_o die_v for_o death_n be_v a_o remedy_n always_o at_o hand_n so_o that_o if_o he_o think_v it_o not_o convenient_a to_o struggle_v with_o the_o misery_n of_o life_n by_o die_v he_o may_v put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o but_o have_v beat_v he_o out_o of_o that_o sanctuary_n which_o he_o have_v raise_v by_o his_o first_o day_n conference_n we_o shall_v follow_v he_o through_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o ensue_a disputation_n the_o two_o next_o enemy_n therefore_o that_o he_o undertake_v be_v pain_n and_o grief_n and_o though_o his_o discourse_n upon_o these_o argument_n be_v very_o large_a copious_a and_o eloquent_a yet_o all_o the_o philosophy_n of_o they_o be_v comprehend_v in_o two_o or_o three_o short_a proposition_n the_o first_o be_v that_o dishonour_n be_v worse_a than_o pain_n and_o yet_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o dishonourable_a to_o the_o courage_n of_o a_o man_n or_o more_o unbecoming_a the_o dignity_n of_o a_o philosopher_n than_o complaint_n and_o impatience_n or_o a_o abject_a behaviour_n under_o calamity_n yes_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v a_o decency_n in_o bear_v affliction_n with_o a_o manly_a courage_n what_o then_o be_v this_o any_o remedy_n to_o relieve_v or_o assuage_v the_o pain_n for_o first_o wherein_o consist_v this_o ground_n of_o comfort_n be_v it_o not_o that_o other_o man_n judge_v that_o you_o behave_v yourself_o handsome_o and_o like_o a_o man_n now_o who_o be_v they_o they_o be_v either_o the_o foolish_a or_o the_o wise_a part_n of_o mankind_n but_o how_o can_v the_o opinion_n of_o fool_n afford_v any_o comfort_n to_o a_o wise_a man_n especial_o when_o you_o have_v and_o that_o just_o discard_v the_o common_a people_n as_o a_o ignorant_a idle_a and_o regardless_a herd_n and_o as_o for_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o wise_a which_o way_n can_v that_o alleviate_v any_o man_n pain_n for_o if_o you_o be_v in_o pain_n and_o counterfeit_v that_o you_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v wise_a they_o know_v that_o you_o dissemble_v and_o certain_o their_o knowledge_n of_o your_o hypocrisy_n can_v be_v no_o comfort_n or_o if_o they_o think_v you_o in_o good_a earnest_n it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a how_o their_o false_a opinion_n shall_v afford_v any_o true_a satisfaction_n to_o a_o wise_a man._n but_o second_o how_o do_v the_o decency_n of_o my_o behaviour_n any_o way_n assuage_v my_o pain_n or_o do_v the_o colic_n the_o gout_n and_o the_o stone_n rage_n ever_o the_o less_o for_o the_o stoutness_n of_o my_o look_n and_o then_o if_o the_o pain_n be_v not_o rebate_v by_o my_o courage_n though_o i_o have_v strength_n of_o mind_n enough_o to_o seem_v to_o follow_v this_o advice_n yet_o be_o i_o notwithstanding_o never_o the_o less_o miserable_a not_o that_o i_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o wise_a advice_n for_o though_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o remove_v our_o pain_n yet_o it_o instruct_v we_o not_o to_o double_v their_o smart_n by_o fret_v under_o they_o and_o that_o be_v the_o most_o material_a difference_n between_o a_o wise_a man_n and_o a_o fool_n in_o this_o case_n that_o the_o one_o endure_v only_o the_o simple_a and_o natural_a sense_n of_o his_o pain_n whereas_o the_o other_o by_o his_o impatience_n add_v to_o that_o the_o anguish_n of_o his_o own_o resentment_n which_o affect_v quick_a and_o pierce_v deep_a than_o the_o pain_n itself_o and_o make_v way_n for_o it_o through_o the_o body_n into_o the_o very_a soul_n but_o though_o the_o advice_n be_v wise_a not_o to_o make_v ourselves_o more_o miserable_a than_o we_o needs_o must_v be_v yet_o it_o be_v utter_o ineffectual_a to_o make_v we_o less_o miserable_a than_o we_o real_o be_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o remedy_n against_o the_o distemper_n for_o the_o cure_n whereof_o it_o be_v prescribe_v because_o the_o pain_n itself_o be_v the_o same_o with_o all_o the_o resolution_n in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v without_o it_o and_o yet_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o he_o undertake_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o absolute_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o pain_n and_o then_o last_o we_o be_v in_o quest_n of_o happiness_n whereas_o this_o only_a instruct_v we_o how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o under_o misery_n and_o so_o destroy_v the_o supposition_n of_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o question_n which_o be_v whether_o a_o man_n under_o pain_n can_v be_v happy_a and_o that_o he_o can_v be_v very_a evident_a because_o all_o pain_n be_v miserable_a and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o sentence_n will_v do_v no_o good_a unless_o he_o can_v give_v we_o some_o real_a ground_n of_o comfort_n to_o support_v our_o mind_n and_o cheer_n up_o our_o spirit_n and_o for_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o thought_n of_o and_o reflection_n upon_o a_o happiness_n to_o come_v and_o that_o indeed_o will_v make_v all_o our_o pain_n very_o light_a and_o tolerable_a but_o without_o it_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o they_o must_v lie_v upon_o we_o with_o their_o full_a load_n but_o virtue_n he_o say_v require_v patience_n it_o do_v so_o but_o it_o do_v not_o assuage_v pain_n and_o if_o it_o can_v yet_o take_v alone_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o support_v our_o mind_n that_o it_o can_v support_v itself_o as_o i_o have_v in_o part_n prove_v already_o both_o against_o the_o epicurean_o and_o the_o stoic_n and_o shall_v do_v more_o large_o when_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v our_o author_n discourse_n upon_o that_o argument_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o meet_v with_o material_a in_o his_o second_o book_n for_o as_o for_o the_o example_n of_o the_o lacedaemonian_a boy_n and_o the_o roman_a gladiatour_n and_o other_o instance_n of_o hardiness_n they_o only_o prove_v the_o strange_a power_n of_o custom_n and_o education_n but_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o they_o be_v less_o affect_v with_o their_o pain_n because_o they_o be_v able_a to_o stifle_v the_o natural_a expression_n of_o it_o
his_o divine_a authority_n from_o the_o undoubted_a and_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o his_o resurrection_n for_o to_o that_o alone_o he_o refer_v we_o as_o the_o last_o and_o most_o satisfactory_a proof_n of_o his_o commission_n and_o depend_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o clear_a demonstration_n not_o only_o of_o his_o doctrine_n but_o of_o all_o the_o other_o argument_n whereby_o he_o prove_v his_o doctrine_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v he_o so_o often_o injoin_v his_o disciple_n not_o to_o publish_v his_o other_o work_n and_o miracle_n till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n thus_o when_o his_o apostle_n have_v declare_v to_o he_o the_o firmness_n of_o their_o belief_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n he_o straight_o charge_v they_o matt._n 16._o 20._o that_o they_o shall_v then_o tell_v no_o man_n of_o it_o and_o takes_z occasion_n thence_o to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o his_o approach_a death_n and_o passion_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o grave_a ascension_n into_o glory_n and_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o which_o great_a miracle_n he_o be_v as_o saint_n paul_n observe_v rom._n 1._o 4._o to_o be_v declare_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n but_o chief_o by_o his_o resurrection_n for_o it_o be_v as_o the_o same_o apostle_n elsewhere_o express_v it_o the_o work_n of_o the_o might_n of_o his_o power_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o the_o father_n of_o glory_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a ephes._n 1._o 19_o and_o this_o probable_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n immediate_o add_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o forementioned_a discourse_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o there_o be_v those_o here_o present_a that_o shall_v not_o taste_v of_o death_n till_o they_o see_v the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v in_o his_o kingdom_n matt._n 16._o 28._o in_o that_o he_o be_v as_o evident_o declare_v by_o this_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n or_o son_n of_o god_n as_o if_o they_o have_v see_v he_o solemn_o enthrone_v in_o heaven_n by_o the_o holy_a angel_n so_o again_o when_o the_o devil_n that_o he_o cast_v out_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o still_o command_v they_o silence_n he_o be_v not_o willing_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v too_o much_o notice_n take_v of_o he_o before_o his_o resurrection_n because_o by_o that_o he_o intend_v to_o give_v such_o a_o palpable_a proof_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n as_o shall_v give_v undoubted_a credit_n to_o all_o his_o former_a miracle_n and_o so_o again_o when_o he_o have_v take_v his_o three_o chief_a disciple_n to_o behold_v his_o transfiguration_n thereby_o to_o confirm_v their_o faith_n against_o the_o time_n of_o his_o suffer_v when_o he_o have_v do_v that_o he_o charge_v they_o say_v tell_v the_o vision_n to_o no_o man_n until_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a matt._n 17._o 9_o because_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o that_o will_v give_v undoubted_a credit_n to_o this_o and_o all_o their_o other_o report_n whereas_o till_o then_o man_n will_v be_v very_a difficulty_n persuade_v to_o believe_v such_o prodigious_a and_o unusual_a thing_n though_o after_o that_o and_o the_o undeniable_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o apostle_n who_o attest_v it_o it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v at_o all_o difficult_a to_o yield_v to_o their_o testimony_n that_o it_o will_v be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o distrust_v it_o and_o therefore_o according_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n lay_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o their_o faith_n upon_o this_o one_o principle_n this_o be_v the_o resolution_n of_o all_o their_o dispute_n with_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n and_o when_o man_n in_o those_o day_n inquire_v after_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o only_a state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a this_o alone_a without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o other_o proof_n be_v think_v such_o a_o forcible_a and_o convictive_a confirmation_n that_o it_o supersede_v the_o consideration_n of_o all_o other_o less_o evident_a and_o important_a reason_n and_o where_o this_o be_v not_o able_a to_o prevail_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n they_o despair_v of_o any_o success_n from_o any_o other_o topic_n and_o principle_n this_o then_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v in_o this_o one_o article_n specify_v according_a to_o the_o method_n before_o propose_v those_o wild_a those_o extravagant_a those_o incredible_a absurdity_n that_o must_v be_v swallow_v upon_o its_o disbelief_n §_o iv._o first_o then_o they_o believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n who_o pretend_v to_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n of_o it_o both_o will_v and_o can_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n with_o a_o manifest_a lie_n and_o in_o that_o they_o believe_v ten_o thousand_o absurdity_n for_o it_o be_v easy_o credible_a no_o doubt_n that_o man_n endue_v i_o will_v not_o say_v with_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n reason_n and_o discretion_n that_o be_v more_o than_o i_o need_v suppose_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n only_o to_o suppose_v they_o possess_v with_o that_o natural_a instinct_n that_o they_o have_v in_o common_a with_o all_o other_o creature_n viz._n love_n of_o life_n and_o desire_n of_o self-preservation_n it_o be_v i_o say_v easy_o credible_a that_o such_o creature_n as_o these_o will_v so_o willing_o so_o wilful_o forgo_v all_o advantage_n of_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n so_o cheerful_o expose_v themselves_o to_o so_o many_o hazard_n and_o hardship_n so_o many_o reproach_n and_o contumely_n and_o so_o undaunted_o endure_v so_o many_o torture_n and_o misery_n so_o many_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n so_o many_o martyrdom_n and_o persecution_n only_o to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o what_o themselves_o know_v to_o be_v a_o lewd_a and_o shameless_a imposture_n it_o be_v a_o likely_a thing_n that_o so_o many_o plain_a and_o simple_a man_n shall_v conspire_v together_o to_o the_o manifest_a ruin_n of_o all_o their_o worldly_a interest_n only_o to_o gain_v credit_n and_o belief_n to_o a_o palpable_a falsehood_n that_o so_o many_o hundred_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v eye_n witness_n both_o of_o all_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n in_o his_o life-time_n and_o his_o resurrection_n after_o death_n shall_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o attest_v a_o false_a report_n and_o that_o no_o torment_n no_o nor_o the_o most_o cruel_a death_n can_v ever_o prevail_v upon_o any_o of_o they_o to_o deny_v or_o disow_v their_o testimony_n it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o though_o not_o very_o usual_a that_o man_n shall_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o a_o false_a opinion_n because_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a but_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n credible_a that_o they_o shall_v persist_v to_o death_n for_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o false_a testimony_n for_o if_o it_o be_v false_a they_o know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o then_o if_o they_o will_v die_v in_o defence_n of_o its_o truth_n they_o contradict_v the_o first_o instinct_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o throw_v away_o their_o life_n for_o nothing_o especial_o when_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v no_o present_a advantage_n in_o the_o lie_n itself_o so_o none_o can_v ensue_v upon_o it_o for_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o expect_v any_o reward_n of_o wealth_n or_o honour_n or_o power_n from_o the_o propagation_n of_o a_o extravagant_a and_o a_o proofless_a lie_n nay_o they_o quick_o find_v that_o they_o must_v either_o part_v with_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o in_o this_o life_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o or_o forbear_v to_o spread_v and_o divulge_v the_o fable_n now_o that_o being_n endue_v with_o humane_a nature_n shall_v act_v and_o suffer_v after_o such_o a_o rate_n for_o no_o design_n at_o all_o nay_o against_o the_o design_n of_o all_o design_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o cross_a to_o all_o belief_n that_o i_o may_v challenge_v all_o the_o infidel_n in_o the_o world_n to_o assign_v any_o one_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o incredible_a if_o a_o great_a number_n of_o harmless_a and_o well-meaning_a person_n shall_v offer_v their_o oath_n to_o attest_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o just_o command_v and_o immediate_o overrule_v our_o belief_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o suppose_v that_o a_o great_a multitude_n will_v seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n that_o they_o see_v jesus_n do_v so_o many_o miraculous_a thing_n though_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o they_o never_o see_v he_o do_v any_o one_o of_o they_o they_o be_v certain_o in_o a_o very_a pleasant_a humour_n when_o they_o covenant_v among_o themselves_o to_o sacrifice_v both_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n to_o abuse_v the_o world_n with_o a_o
in_o the_o gospel_n that_o other_o historian_n be_v concern_v to_o record_v as_o well_o as_o the_o christian_n be_v exact_o true_a that_o be_v at_o least_o a_o very_a fair_a probability_n that_o the_o christian_a writer_n be_v faithful_a in_o those_o other_o relation_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o their_o own_o history_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o foreign_a testimony_n for_o if_o such_o writer_n have_v be_v exact_a in_o the_o record_n of_o our_o saviour_n action_n they_o have_v then_o be_v christian_n and_o not_o jew_n or_o heathen_n suppose_v they_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v no_o friend_n to_o christianity_n they_o have_v give_v in_o all_o that_o suffrage_n to_o it_o that_o can_v be_v reasonable_o demand_v from_o they_o and_o now_o as_o for_o the_o proof_n hereof_o it_o have_v be_v much_o more_o easy_a than_o it_o be_v have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o some_o of_o our_o modern_a critic_n who_o care_v very_o little_a what_o become_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o thing_n so_o they_o can_v show_v their_o censure_a faculty_n upon_o word_n and_o particular_o they_o have_v in_o this_o case_n set_v themselves_o with_o their_o utmost_a critical_a severity_n to_o disparage_v or_o destroy_v the_o most_o eminent_a testimony_n cite_v by_o the_o ancient_n out_o of_o foreign_a writer_n in_o behalf_n of_o christianity_n scaliger_n the_o father_n of_o they_o all_o lead_v the_o dance_n upon_o what_o motive_n i_o can_v imagine_v unless_o it_o be_v out_o of_o envy_n to_o the_o fame_n and_o glory_n of_o eusebius_n against_o who_o he_o particular_o set_v himself_o and_o his_o endeavour_n but_o however_o the_o design_n look_v like_o a_o novelty_n and_o carry_v in_o it_o a_o ostentation_n of_o learning_n for_o that_o reason_n alone_o he_o can_v not_o want_v a_o great_a number_n of_o follower_n among_o that_o sort_n of_o men._n but_o to_o what_o little_a purpose_n they_o have_v spend_v all_o their_o pain_n and_o peevishness_n i_o now_o come_v to_o represent_v and_o here_o first_o josephus_n the_o jew_n who_o be_v contemporary_a with_o the_o apostle_n agree_v all_o along_o with_o the_o evangelist_n in_o the_o history_n of_o that_o time_n he_o give_v the_o same_o account_n and_o description_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n he_o give_v we_o the_o same_o narration_n of_o herod_n the_o tetrarch_n and_o particular_o of_o his_o marry_v his_o brother_n wife_n he_o mention_n the_o tax_n of_o cyrenius_n he_o record_v the_o act_n of_o the_o several_a governor_n of_o judaea_n pontius_n pilate_n felix_n and_o portius_n festus_n and_o describe_v the_o succession_n of_o the_o several_a high_a priest_n caiaphas_n joha_n and_o alexander_n the_o death_n of_o herod_n agrippa_n and_o of_o saint_n james_n the_o brother_n of_o our_o lord_n nay_o he_o give_v not_o only_o a_o just_a history_n but_o a_o high_a character_n of_o our_o lord_n himself_o all_o which_o our_o learned_a man_n be_v willing_a enough_o to_o pass_v as_o certain_a and_o warrantable_a history_n except_v only_o that_o passage_n concern_v our_o saviour_n only_o there_o be_v one_o difficulty_n in_o the_o tax_n of_o cyrenius_n which_o saint_n luke_n say_v be_v about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n nativity_n but_o josephus_n not_o till_o after_o the_o banishment_n of_o archelaus_n which_o happen_v at_o least_o nine_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n so_o that_o which_o way_n to_o reconcile_v this_o difference_n learned_a man_n have_v be_v much_o puzzle_v and_o towards_o its_o solution_n have_v start_v variety_n of_o conjecture_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v of_o no_o very_a great_a concernment_n i_o shall_v give_v some_o account_n of_o it_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o testimony_n concern_v jesus_n §_o xii_o and_o first_o of_o all_o baronius_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o josephus_n be_v mistake_v but_o then_o etc._n this_o be_v to_o cut_v the_o knot_n not_o to_o untie_v it_o for_o our_o business_n be_v to_o reconcile_v he_o and_o the_o sacred_a history_n but_o if_o we_o utter_o reject_v he_o instead_o of_o answer_v the_o objection_n we_o grant_v it_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v irreconcilable_a difference_n between_o he_o and_o the_o evangelist_n though_o here_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o the_o unusual_a disingenuity_n of_o casaubon_n 28._o who_o whereas_o baronius_n affirm_v that_o josephus_n do_v in_o many_o thing_n of_o chronology_n contradict_v saint_n luke_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o must_v stand_v to_o his_o authority_n that_o will_v enforce_v we_o to_o reject_v the_o evangelist_n he_o i_o say_v inveigh_v and_o declaim_v upon_o this_o as_o if_o it_o be_v baronius_n his_o assertion_n and_o not_o his_o argument_n and_o rate_v he_o severe_o as_o if_o he_o have_v positive_o affirm_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o josephus_n be_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v we_o to_o quit_v that_o of_o the_o evangelist_n whereas_o he_o only_o make_v use_v of_o it_o as_o a_o forcible_a objection_n against_o appeal_n to_o josephus_n in_o any_o matter_n wherein_o he_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o such_o case_n say_v he_o we_o can_v admit_v he_o without_o reject_v they_o now_o i_o say_v from_o hence_o to_o infer_v that_o baronius_n affirm_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v so_o to_o do_v become_v not_o the_o ingenuity_n of_o a_o learned_a man._n but_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v to_o observe_v once_o for_o all_o casaubon_n be_v little_o less_o partial_a towards_o one_o extreme_a than_o baronius_n towards_o the_o other_o for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o that_o learned_a cardinal_n and_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o rake_v together_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v serve_v their_o cause_n embrace_v the_o forge_a and_o spurious_a as_o well_o as_o the_o true_a and_o undoubted_a record_n of_o antiquity_n so_o casaubon_n and_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o his_o way_n have_v be_v as_o diligent_a to_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o most_o authentic_a writer_n so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o slip_n in_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_n that_o they_o have_v not_o observe_v in_o their_o critical_a note_n upon_o they_o and_o beside_o that_o they_o reject_v whole_a book_n of_o the_o best_a and_o early_a antiquity_n but_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o have_v between_o they_o both_o do_v this_o great_a service_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o as_o they_o have_v discover_v the_o fraud_n of_o supposititious_a book_n so_o they_o have_v confirm_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a and_o it_o be_v by_o occasion_n of_o their_o dispute_n that_o we_o be_v come_v to_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o sincere_a record_n of_o antiquity_n so_o that_o at_o last_o the_o epistle_n of_o ignatius_n and_o the_o apostolical_a canon_n that_o have_v be_v most_o of_o all_o oppose_a have_v by_o those_o great_a endeavour_n that_o have_v be_v employ_v to_o destroy_v their_o authority_n gain_v and_o will_v for_o ever_o keep_v as_o undoubted_a a_o credit_n as_o the_o most_o unquestioned_a piece_n of_o justin_n martyr_n or_o irenaeus_n the_o next_o guess_n be_v that_o of_o beza_n which_o be_v follow_v and_o various_o emprove_v 32._o by_o scaliger_n casaubon_n grotius_n and_o other_o viz._n that_o cyrenius_n be_v employ_v by_o augustus_n to_o take_v two_o several_a muster_n of_o the_o people_n one_o with_o a_o tax_n and_o the_o other_o without_o it_o and_o that_o be_v it_o that_o be_v make_v at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n for_o augustus_n design_v that_o compendious_a account_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o historian_n so_o often_o speak_v of_o and_o which_o he_o leave_v as_o a_o guide_n and_o direction_n to_o his_o successor_n in_o the_o empire_n send_v several_a officer_n through_o the_o several_a province_n to_o take_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o number_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n though_o quintilius_n varus_n be_v then_o perfect_a of_o syria_n cyrenius_n be_v join_v in_o commission_n with_o he_o as_o a_o person_n that_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o residence_n in_o syria_n and_o his_o war_n in_o cilicia_n exact_o acquaint_v with_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o east_n as_o afterward_o he_o be_v send_v with_o c._n caesar_n on_o the_o same_o errand_n and_o when_o judaea_n be_v reduce_v into_o the_o form_n of_o a_o province_n after_o the_o banishment_n of_o archelaus_n and_o the_o first_o tax_n to_o be_v impose_v immediate_o by_o the_o roman_n upon_o the_o people_n he_o be_v particular_o single_v out_o as_o the_o person_n most_o able_a to_o manage_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a that_o he_o may_v be_v employ_v in_o this_o business_n though_o not_o himself_o but_o quintilius_n varus_n be_v then_o perfect_a of_o syria_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o
but_o beside_o this_o grand_a absurdity_n of_o wilful_o deceive_v themselves_o to_o no_o purpose_n nay_o against_o all_o the_o forementioned_a inconvenience_n they_o must_v be_v so_o far_o beside_o themselves_o that_o when_o they_o have_v abuse_v themselves_o with_o a_o proofless_a tale_n they_o shall_v join_v their_o zcal_n to_o the_o first_o impostor_n for_o propagate_a the_o cheat_n to_o the_o manifest_a ruin_n of_o their_o fortune_n and_o hazard_n of_o their_o life_n and_o that_o such_o vast_a number_n of_o they_o shall_v with_o such_o unheard_a of_o courage_n and_o constancy_n endure_v the_o most_o exquisite_a pain_n and_o suffer_v all_o kind_n of_o death_n either_o without_o ever_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o which_o they_o suffer_v or_o suffer_v for_o it_o after_o that_o rate_n without_o any_o satisfactory_a evidence_n of_o it_o here_o in_o short_a we_o must_v believe_v that_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o christianity_n publish_v in_o 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false_a story_n persuade_v such_o vast_a number_n of_o man_n to_o forsake_v the_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o be_v educate_v and_o without_o any_o hope_n of_o profit_n nay_o with_o a_o certain_a prospect_n of_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o life_n yes_o and_o death_n itself_o to_o embrace_v this_o new_a this_o despise_a this_o hate_a this_o persecute_a forgery_n last_o that_o great_a number_n both_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n that_o live_v in_o the_o age_n next_o and_o immediate_o after_o it_o shall_v after_o the_o strict_a enquiry_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n not_o only_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o so_o late_a and_o palpable_a a_o fiction_n but_o hazard_n nay_o lose_v their_o life_n and_o fortune_n in_o its_o defence_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o primitive_a convert_v as_o i_o come_v now_o to_o demonstrate_v by_o a_o review_n of_o particular_n §_o xviii_o now_o as_o for_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o speedy_a entertainment_n of_o christianity_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o unanimous_o attest_v by_o all_o writer_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v suppose_v than_o prove_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3._o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n like_o the_o sun_n enlighten_v all_o the_o world_n at_o once_o and_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o people_n both_o from_o city_n and_o village_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n preach_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n like_o corn_n crowd_v into_o a_o granary_n and_o they_o who_o have_v be_v long_o enslave_v to_o the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o their_o ancestor_n be_v set_v at_o liberty_n by_o the_o preach_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o renounce_v that_o rout_n of_o false_a god_n that_o the_o merciless_a daemon_n have_v introduce_v into_o the_o heathen_a world_n return_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a one_o true_a god_n the_o great_a creator_n of_o all_o thing_n so_o when_o celsus_n object_n the_o novelty_n of_o christianity_n origen_n answer_v that_o there_o 68_o lie_v the_o wonder_n that_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n a_o new_a doctrine_n shall_v so_o strange_o prevail_v over_o all_o the_o world_n conquer_v both_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n the_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a all_o rank_n and_o profession_n of_o man_n and_o possess_v they_o with_o so_o firm_a a_o belief_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n as_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o seal_v their_o faith_n with_o their_o blood_n a_o thing_n that_o be_v never_o do_v for_o any_o opinion_n in_o the_o world_n before_o and_o so_o justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o conference_n with_o trypho_n the_o jew_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o 345._o part_n of_o mankind_n greek_n or_o barbarian_n nay_o not_o those_o wild_a and_o uncivilized_a people_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o live_v without_o house_n and_o city_n among_o who_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n be_v not_o make_v to_o the_o father_n and_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o crucify_a jesus_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a passage_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o 502._o six_o book_n of_o collection_n the_o philosopher_n say_v he_o please_v the_o greek_n alone_o neither_o do_v every_o one_o please_v all_o plato_n follow_v socrates_n xenocrates_n plato_n theophrastus_n aristotle_n cleanthes_n zeno_n every_o master_n have_v his_o own_o particular_a school_n and_o scholar_n but_o our_o great_a master_n philosophy_n be_v not_o confine_v as_o they_o be_v to_o their_o own_o country_n within_o judaea_n alone_o but_o spread_v itself_o over_o all_o part_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n and_o be_v entertain_v by_o whole_a city_n and_o nation_n both_o of_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n it_o bear_v away_o whole_a family_n and_o village_n and_o no_o single_a person_n can_v resist_v its_o force_n that_o will_v but_o give_v himself_o leave_v to_o hear_v its_o wisdom_n insomuch_o that_o it_o gain_v over_o many_o of_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o and_o if_o any_o magistrate_n do_v any_o where_o suppress_v the_o grecian_a philosophy_n it_o soon_o vanish_v whereas_o our_o institution_n from_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o it_o have_v be_v every_o where_o persecute_v by_o king_n and_o emperor_n and_o tyrant_n by_o presect_v of_o province_n by_o commander_n of_o army_n and_o which_o be_v more_o furious_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n by_o the_o multitude_n these_o have_v join_v all_o their_o power_n and_o their_o malice_n utter_o to_o extirpate_v our_o religion_n but_o still_o it_o flourish_v more_o and_o more_o and_o do_v not_o wither_v away_o as_o it_o must_v have_v do_v have_v it_o be_v a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n but_o it_o stand_v invincible_a as_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o nothing_o can_v restrain_v or_o alter_v and_o this_o notwithstanding_o that_o it_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o that_o all_o its_o follower_n must_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o tertullian_n assure_v the_o senate_n of_o rome_n that_o the_o christian_n have_v fill_v all_o place_n and_o 37._o all_o office_n that_o they_o be_v of_o strength_n enough_o to_o master_v the_o roman_a empire_n nay_o that_o so_o great_a be_v their_o number_n that_o if_o they_o will_v but_o agree_v to_o retire_v out_o of_o it_o the_o world_n will_v stand_v amaze_v at_o its_o own_o solitude_n and_o in_o his_o book_n against_o the_o jew_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o enlarge_v 7._o its_o conquest_n beyond_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a empire_n that_o it_o subdue_v those_o place_n that_o be_v inaccessible_a to_o their_o army_n and_o reckon_v up_o multitude_n of_o people_n from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n to_o the_o other_o that_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o crucify_a jesus_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v arnobius_n challenge_v the_o unbelieving_a world_n methinks_v 2._o say_v he_o this_o shall_v not_o a_o little_a shock_n your_o unbelief_n to_o see_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o despise_a name_n to_o prevail_v in_o all_o place_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n that_o no_o nation_n be_v so_o utter_o barbarous_a and_o lose_v to_o all_o civility_n who_o manner_n have_v not_o be_v reform_v and_o polish_a by_o this_o gentle_a institution_n nay_o more_o than_o this_o it_o have_v master_v the_o great_a wit_n the_o orator_n critic_n lawyer_n physician_n and_o philosopher_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o all_o its_o disciple_n be_v so_o serious_a and_o sincere_a in_o their_o profession_n that_o they_o will_v forgo_v all_o advantage_n of_o life_n even_o life_n itself_o rather_o than_o forsake_v the_o cross_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o your_o law_n and_o interdict_v your_o threaten_n and_o execution_n your_o hangman_n and_o drag_v hook_n and_o all_o your_o innumerable_a way_n of_o torture_n they_o grow_v not_o only_o more_o numerous_a but_o more_o
do_v much_o more_o like_o a_o philosopher_n if_o he_o will_v have_v instruct_v we_o how_o to_o do_v it_o and_o furnish_v we_o with_o arm_n and_o weapon_n for_o the_o combat_n otherwise_o it_o will_v have_v be_v more_o advisable_a to_o lie_v down_o under_o the_o burden_n then_o to_o think_v of_o make_v resistance_n to_o no_o purpose_n for_o that_o be_v only_o a_o new_a trouble_n and_o vexation_n and_o add_v fury_n to_o pain_n like_o a_o captive_n that_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o his_o imprisonment_n but_o bite_v his_o chain_n and_o fight_n with_o the_o stonewall_n to_o assert_v his_o liberty_n or_o to_o keep_v more_o close_o to_o our_o author_n metaphor_n that_o resolve_v not_o to_o lie_v down_o under_o a_o weight_n though_o he_o know_v that_o he_o can_v bear_v it_o for_o so_o he_o immediate_o tell_v we_o nunc_fw-la hoc_fw-la plerique_fw-la faciunt_fw-la attrahunt_fw-la in_o se_fw-la rvinam_fw-la cui_fw-la obstandum_fw-la est_fw-la istud_fw-la quod_fw-la premit_fw-la quod_fw-la impendet_fw-la quod_fw-la urget_fw-la si_fw-la subducere_fw-la te_fw-la coeperis_fw-la sequetur_fw-la &_o gravius_fw-la incumbet_fw-la si_fw-la contra_fw-la steteris_fw-la &_o obniti_fw-la volueris_fw-la repelletur_fw-la man_n draw_v ruin_n upon_o themselves_o by_o shun_v what_o they_o ought_v to_o bear_v when_o they_o will_v avoid_v what_o lie_v upon_o they_o it_o press_v they_o so_o much_o the_o heavy_a but_o if_o they_o keep_v their_o station_n they_o support_v it_o but_o what_o if_o i_o can_v bear_v up_o under_o it_o must_v i_o not_o then_o yield_v whether_o i_o will_v or_o no_o i_o must_v and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o in_o my_o power_n to_o thrust_v away_o a_o disease_n by_o force_n than_o to_o support_v the_o ruin_n of_o a_o fall_a rock_n some_o more_o advice_n there_o be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o be_v to_o no_o more_o than_o that_o suppose_v the_o firmament_n itself_o shall_v fall_v they_o shall_v advice_n we_o to_o prepare_v our_o shoulder_n without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o other_o prop_n to_o bear_v it_o up_o §_o xxi_o but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n we_o must_v not_o fear_v to_o die_v and_o this_o the_o epicurean_o reckon_v to_o be_v the_o first_o point_n of_o happiness_n for_o see_v death_n be_v unavoidable_a that_o man_n can_v never_o enjoy_v any_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n that_o continual_o dread_v so_o great_a a_o evil_a and_o therefore_o here_o they_o begin_v to_o lay_v their_o first_o foundation_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o overthrow_n of_o their_o worst_a and_o great_a enemy_n and_o indeed_o they_o that_o have_v conquer_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n have_v nothing_o else_o to_o fear_v but_o alas_o that_o be_v a_o insuperable_a evil_n and_o the_o most_o insupportable_a calamity_n of_o humane_a life_n so_o that_o though_o happiness_n be_v otherwise_o acquirable_a in_o this_o world_n this_o alone_a be_v more_o than_o enough_o to_o sadden_fw-mi all_o our_o joy_n and_o overwhelm_v they_o with_o perpetual_a melancholy_n and_o sorrow_n for_o 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perpetual_o over_o his_o head_n so_o uncomfortable_a will_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o most_o happy_a and_o fortunate_a man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o when_o they_o have_v arrive_v at_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o humane_a felicity_n the_o most_o pleasant_a prospect_n they_o can_v take_v from_o thence_o will_v be_v the_o gloomy_a region_n of_o everlasting_a death_n and_o darkness_n and_o all_o the_o advantage_n they_o shall_v gain_v by_o their_o height_n will_v be_v only_o to_o see_v themselves_o encompass_v with_o the_o grave_a and_o bottomless_a dungeon_n of_o oblivion_n which_o they_o know_v must_v after_o a_o few_o day_n swallow_v they_o up_o for_o ever_o and_o now_o what_o can_v create_v great_a horror_n than_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o eternal_a annihilation_n what_o be_v there_o so_o much_o shrink_v and_o affright_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o the_o dark_a and_o fearful_a thought_n of_o its_o own_o mortality_n how_o must_v it_o for_o ever_o die_v and_o languish_v under_o the_o dreadful_a expectation_n of_o eternal_a darkness_n when_o after_o a_o short_a mushroom_n life_n it_o must_v return_v into_o dust_n and_o silence_n and_o be_v for_o ever_o bury_v in_o the_o horror_n and_o loathsomeness_n of_o the_o grave_a so_o that_o when_o man_n have_v do_v and_o talk_v all_o they_o can_v nothing_o can_v ever_o vanquish_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n but_o the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n this_o and_o this_o alone_a be_v able_a to_o scatter_v all_o the_o black_a and_o melancholy_a apprehension_n of_o our_o approach_a fate_n and_o to_o support_v our_o mind_n against_o all_o its_o horror_n and_o without_o this_o however_o man_n may_v pretend_v to_o comfort_v themselves_o with_o apothegm_n paradox_n and_o brave_a say_n the_o terror_n of_o death_n be_v insuperable_a to_o all_o other_o principle_n and_o resolution_n thus_o what_o a_o lame_a and_o silly_a device_n be_v that_o great_a subtlety_n of_o epicurus_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o death_n can_v hurt_v we_o because_o when_o that_o be_v we_o be_v not_o for_o first_o there_o be_v no_o appetite_n either_o more_o strong_a or_o more_o natural_a to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v sensible_a of_o its_o be_v than_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o its_o existence_n this_o desire_n result_v from_o the_o same_o instinct_n of_o nature_n with_o the_o passion_n of_o self-love_n and_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a to_o reconcile_v a_o man_n to_o a_o abhorrency_n of_o himself_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o annihilation_n for_o if_o he_o delight_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o be_v he_o can_v but_o dread_v the_o loss_n of_o his_o enjoyment_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o dismal_a meditation_n do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o think_v of_o be_v blot_v out_o of_o life_n for_o ever_o so_o that_o notwithstanding_o this_o device_n the_o continual_a foresight_n of_o this_o black_a and_o inevitable_a fate_n of_o thing_n can_v but_o damp_n all_o our_o mirth_n and_o embitter_v our_o big_a joy_n with_o the_o sad_a accent_n of_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o advise_v we_o as_o epicurus_n do_v to_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n when_o nature_n itself_o recoil_v and_o stand_v aghast_a at_o the_o very_a apprehension_n of_o it_o and_o the_o man_n that_o be_v serious_o possess_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o its_o be_v a_o everlasting_a annihilation_n can_v never_o after_o lift_v up_o his_o head_n with_o any_o cheerfulness_n and_o clearness_n of_o spirit_n but_o will_v droop_v away_o his_o life_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o his_o art_n and_o diversion_n with_o a_o perpetual_a inward_a dismayedness_n and_o discontent_n and_o i_o may_v safe_o appeal_v to_o the_o sad_a experience_n of_o epicurus_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o follower_n whether_o any_o thing_n so_o much_o check_n and_o abate_v the_o comfort_n of_o their_o life_n as_o the_o importune_a thought_n of_o die_v if_o they_o will_v speak_v out_o their_o inward_a pang_n they_o must_v confess_v that_o when_o they_o have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o reconcile_v themselves_o to_o this_o necessity_n of_o fate_n that_o they_o dread_v nothing_o with_o so_o much_o anguish_n and_o confusion_n as_o the_o approach_n and_o apprehension_n of_o death_n it_o be_v a_o stupify_a horror_n and_o strike_v nature_n itself_o with_o a_o infinite_a and_o unexpressible_a amazement_n but_o epicurus_n himself_o say_v they_o a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n when_o he_o be_v quite_o wear_v out_o with_o the_o stone_n and_o strangury_n the_o torment_n whereof_o he_o think_v so_o exquisite_a that_o nothing_o can_v increase_v it_o be_v able_a to_o magnify_v that_o mighty_a pleasure_n and_o happiness_n that_o he_o then_o reap_v from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o wise_a thought_n and_o invention_n but_o certain_o if_o he_o expect_v to_o be_v believe_v either_o himself_o be_v none_o of_o the_o wise_a or_o he_o think_v his_o friend_n hermachus_n to_o who_o he_o
write_v his_o die_a letter_n very_o credulous_a for_o what_o be_v these_o comfortable_a and_o ravish_a invention_n that_o can_v so_o much_o beatify_v a_o man_n in_o that_o sad_a condition_n that_o god_n take_v no_o care_n of_o man_n that_o man_n have_v no_o other_o be_v than_o their_o body_n that_o death_n annihilate_v they_o for_o ever_o that_o they_o have_v no_o great_a happiness_n than_o to_o gratify_v their_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o to_o please_v themselves_o with_o reflect_v upon_o it_o ravish_v invention_n these_o to_o compose_v the_o thought_n of_o a_o die_a man_n for_o first_o what_o comfort_n or_o happiness_n can_v there_o be_v in_o cast_v off_o all_o intercourse_n and_o commerce_n with_o a_o deity_n be_v it_o not_o much_o better_a to_o have_v a_o modest_a and_o awful_a reverence_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n than_o to_o cut_v off_o all_o dependence_n upon_o his_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n nothing_o can_v equal_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n that_o a_o good_a man_n reap_v from_o his_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n for_o he_o be_v ever_o secure_a of_o his_o care_n and_o kindness_n in_o all_o condition_n and_o what_o great_a quiet_n can_v he_o enjoy_v than_o to_o have_v a_o well_o ground_a assurance_n that_o he_o stand_v upon_o good_a term_n with_o and_o have_v a_o powerful_a interest_n in_o the_o great_a and_o sovereign_a governor_n of_o all_o thing_n he_o be_v in_o all_o condition_n safe_a under_o his_o almighty_a protection_n in_o that_o there_o be_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n a_o kind_n of_o friendship_n between_o god_n and_o all_o good_a man_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n not_o to_o be_v good_a to_o the_o good_a thus_o what_o happiness_n can_v exceed_v that_o of_o hermogenes_n in_o plutarch_n who_o can_v say_v of_o himself_o the_o god_n that_o know_v etc._n all_o thing_n and_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n be_v so_o much_o my_o friend_n and_o so_o high_o concern_v for_o my_o welfare_n that_o i_o be_o never_o night_n nor_o day_n out_o of_o their_o watchful_a providence_n but_o whatever_o i_o do_v i_o have_v their_o assistance_n and_o whatever_o i_o design_v their_o direction_n and_o now_o beside_o the_o gift_n of_o providence_n in_o themselves_o this_o be_v that_o which_o affect_v with_o the_o great_a delight_n to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v token_n of_o the_o divine_a love_n and_o goodness_n but_o by_o take_v away_o the_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a providence_n the_o epicurean_a rob_v himself_o of_o that_o which_o be_v most_o delightful_a in_o his_o happiness_n and_o leave_v nothing_o wherewith_o to_o relieve_v himself_o in_o his_o affliction_n for_o in_o the_o next_o place_n when_o he_o think_v to_o take_v refuge_n in_o death_n that_o as_o plutarch_n observe_v colot_n be_v such_o another_o kind_n of_o comfort_n as_o if_o you_o shall_v tell_v a_o man_n in_o a_o storm_n at_o sea_n that_o your_o ship_n have_v no_o pilot_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o allay_v the_o tempest_n but_o yet_o however_o be_v not_o afraid_a for_o in_o a_o little_a time_n the_o ship_n shall_v split_v and_o sink_v and_o when_o you_o be_v drown_v then_o the_o storm_n will_v trouble_v you_o no_o long_o such_o be_v the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o epicurean_o in_o all_o great_a calamity_n do_v you_o hope_v for_o any_o ease_n from_o the_o deity_n by_o your_o prayer_n you_o be_v too_o vain_o conceit_v his_o bless_a nature_n be_v concern_v about_o nothing_o but_o itself_o do_v you_o expect_v a_o recompense_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v not_o deceive_v when_o you_o be_v dead_a you_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o uncapable_a of_o sense_n and_o therefore_o of_o pleasure_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n i_o advise_v you_o to_o eat_v drink_v and_o be_v merry_a in_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o storm_n because_o by_o and_o by_o you_o shall_v sink_v and_o sink_v for_o ever_o so_o that_o grant_v to_o epicurus_n his_o darling_n principle_n that_o after_o death_n there_o remain_v nothing_o of_o we_o sensible_a of_o pain_n or_o pleasure_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o lose_v our_o being_n yet_o as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o loss_n we_o thereby_o become_v no_o more_o miserable_a than_o we_o be_v before_o we_o be_v put_v into_o be_v grant_v i_o say_v all_o this_o yet_o the_o love_n of_o be_v and_o the_o desire_n of_o self-preservation_n be_v so_o vehement_a and_o earnest_a that_o the_o very_a fear_n of_o ever_o be_v defeat_v of_o it_o be_v a_o desperate_a confusion_n of_o all_o the_o joy_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o present_a life_n such_o a_o man_n know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o determine_v his_o thought_n and_o design_n but_o his_o soul_n or_o as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o his_o fancy_n pine_v and_o languish_v for_o want_v of_o some_o suitable_a object_n to_o entertain_v itself_o withal_o and_o sink_v for_o ever_o into_o despair_n and_o melancholy_n the_o utmost_a happiness_n of_o this_o life_n be_v in_o itself_o so_o vain_a and_o empty_a that_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o art_n of_o diversion_n and_o forgetfulness_n it_o be_v infinite_o unable_a to_o appease_v our_o discontent_n and_o man_n that_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o trust_v to_o what_o dismal_a and_o disconsolate_a life_n must_v they_o live_v in_o every_o condition_n if_o they_o lie_v under_o calamity_n and_o affliction_n this_o be_v a_o intolerable_a accession_n to_o the_o load_n for_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sad_a reflection_n to_o consider_v that_o when_o the_o period_n of_o life_n be_v so_o short_a and_o fade_a so_o much_o of_o so_o little_a shall_v be_v lose_v and_o wear_v away_o in_o sorrow_n and_o misery_n and_o no_o doubt_n it_o can_v but_o be_v huge_o comfortable_a to_o a_o man_n that_o groan_v under_o the_o sorrow_n of_o a_o sharp_a disease_n to_o despair_v of_o any_o other_o remedy_n or_o deliverance_n but_o in_o eternal_a death_n and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o mighty_a relief_n against_o the_o unavoidable_a care_n of_o life_n to_o consider_v that_o when_o a_o man_n have_v spend_v the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o day_n in_o toil_n and_o drudgery_n he_o must_v then_o die_v for_o ever_o so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n the_o whole_a and_o best_a account_n of_o life_n will_v be_v no_o better_o than_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o short_a period_n of_o trouble_n and_o misery_n and_o that_o man_n be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n only_o to_o grieve_v and_o die_v and_o no_o doubt_n they_o can_v but_o be_v much_o in_o love_n with_o their_o being_n that_o they_o can_v value_v at_o a_o high_a rate_n for_o if_o the_o date_n of_o our_o existence_n expire_v with_o that_o of_o our_o life_n and_o if_o our_o whole_a duration_n be_v but_o threescore_o year_n and_o ten_o if_o all_o our_o hope_n be_v bury_v with_o our_o body_n and_o if_o wewere_v thrust_v into_o be_v only_o after_o a_o few_o day_n or_o year_n to_o be_v thrust_v back_o into_o nothing_o it_o be_v much_o more_o eligible_a never_o to_o have_v be_v bear_v than_o to_o be_v bear_v only_o to_o drop_v a_o tear_n and_o vent_v a_o groan_n and_o die_v for_o who_o will_v choose_v to_o float_v up_o and_o down_o a_o few_o minute_n in_o this_o stormy_a and_o tempestuous_a world_n instant_o to_o disappear_v and_o sink_v back_o into_o nothing_o who_o will_v be_v bear_v for_o no_o other_o end_n than_o that_o he_o may_v be_v put_v into_o a_o capacity_n to_o die_v who_o will_v enter_v upon_o this_o tragical_a scene_n of_o thing_n only_o to_o appear_v and_o so_o return_v into_o dust_n and_o silence_n who_o will_v dance_v upon_o these_o restless_a wave_n a_o little_a while_n till_o either_o violence_n crush_v or_o nature_n sink_v the_o bubble_n into_o a_o eternal_a nothing_o but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o man_n shall_v happen_v to_o enjoy_v the_o delight_n of_o ease_n affluence_n and_o prosperity_n a_o perpetual_a health_n and_o a_o undisturbed_a tranquillity_n how_o do_v this_o meditation_n dash_v and_o scatter_v all_o his_o joy_n with_o what_o a_o weight_n of_o despair_n and_o astonishment_n must_v it_o lie_v upon_o his_o oppress_a mind_n and_o how_o must_v he_o for_o ever_o droop_v and_o languish_v under_o the_o expectation_n of_o his_o endless_a fate_n in_o a_o word_n what_o be_v or_o what_o can_v be_v conceive_v more_o frightful_a to_o the_o mind_n or_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n especial_o in_o prosperity_n than_o the_o aspect_n of_o eternal_a death_n and_o yet_o this_o representation_n haunt_v and_o follow_v such_o person_n like_o a_o murder_a ghost_n in_o all_o company_n and_o all_o delight_n nothing_o be_v able_a to_o lay_v or_o divert_v its_o importunity_n it_o fright_v away_o all_o consideration_n and_o the_o more_o man_n study_v to_o reconcile_v their_o mind_n to_o their_o fate_n the_o more_o it_o scare_n and_o
distract_v their_o thought_n there_o be_v no_o charm_n nor_o counsel_n against_o necessity_n and_o a_o terror_n that_o be_v unavoidable_a be_v above_o the_o power_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o philosophy_n and_o will_v not_o be_v vanquish_v by_o stubborn_a thought_n or_o proud_a word_n so_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o as_o easy_a to_o prevail_v with_o a_o man_n to_o hate_v and_o abhor_v his_o own_o be_v as_o to_o reconcile_v he_o to_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o own_o destruction_n for_o by_o the_o same_o necessity_n that_o nature_n love_v and_o desire_v the_o continuance_n of_o itself_o it_o recoil_v and_o start_v back_o from_o all_o thought_n of_o its_o dissolution_n this_o then_o be_v upon_o the_o epicurean_a supposition_n a_o vain_a a_o useless_a and_o unreasonable_a advice_n be_v it_o be_v so_o insuperable_a a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o be_o now_o to_o represent_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o inexorable_a as_o death_n itself_o and_o man_n may_v as_o soon_o divest_v themselves_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n as_o suppress_v the_o convulsion_n of_o this_o inbred_a passion_n and_o now_o when_o it_o be_v so_o incurable_a and_o yet_o withal_o so_o importunate_a and_o disquiet_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o imagine_v what_o desperate_o cheerful_a live_v those_o man_n must_v live_v that_o always_o live_v under_o its_o sad_a and_o dismal_a apprehension_n §_o xxii_o but_o beside_o this_o great_a and_o sovereign_a antidote_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n they_o have_v several_a other_o little_a receipt_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o their_o write_n i_o shall_v but_o brief_o mention_v they_o because_o all_o that_o little_a force_n which_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v depend_v upon_o the_o former_a fundamental_a principle_n first_o say_v they_o let_v we_o be_v thankful_a to_o the_o bounty_n of_o nature_n for_o make_v our_o life_n so_o long_o instead_o of_o repine_v at_o it_o for_o make_v they_o no_o long_o but_o i_o say_v if_o our_o whole_a be_v be_v at_o all_o mortal_a we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v at_o all_o thankful_a for_o it_o and_o if_o our_o whole_a be_v be_v wear_v out_o with_o this_o life_n it_o be_v much_o more_o eligible_a never_o to_o have_v be_v but_o then_o say_v they_o we_o be_v admit_v into_o life_n upon_o this_o condition_n that_o we_o shall_v give_v place_n to_o other_o as_o other_o have_v give_v place_n to_o we_o be_v we_o so_o then_o be_v we_o all_o admit_v upon_o unacceptable_a term_n yes_o but_o by_o trouble_v ourselves_o in_o vain_a we_o do_v but_o add_v one_o misery_n to_o another_o it_o be_v true_a but_o that_o be_v a_o fatal_a misery_n and_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o fear_v death_n as_o it_o be_v to_o die_v and_o that_o be_v it_o that_o make_v up_o the_o complaint_n that_o we_o be_v put_v in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o be_v which_o we_o can_v enjoy_v without_o this_o continual_a anguish_n and_o perplexity_n annex_v to_o it_o so_o that_o how_o wise_a or_o foolish_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o fear_v death_n be_v not_o at_o all_o material_a but_o whether_o it_o be_v unavoidable_a though_o if_o it_o be_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o very_a foolish_a thing_n to_o endeavour_v against_o it_o but_o how_o irksome_a soever_o death_n may_v be_v yet_o see_v it_o be_v fatal_a we_o ought_v to_o make_v it_o as_o easy_a as_o we_o can_v by_o a_o voluntary_a compliance_n with_o it_o but_o this_o beside_o the_o folly_n that_o be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o it_o advise_v to_o a_o impossibility_n be_v not_o so_o proper_o compliance_n as_o despair_v and_o be_v like_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o condemn_a malefactor_n that_o go_v to_o his_o execution_n only_o because_o otherwise_o he_o must_v be_v drive_v and_o whip_v to_o it_o and_o no_o man_n have_v any_o other_o comfort_n all_o his_o life-time_n against_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n than_o a_o thief_n upon_o the_o gallow_n that_o will_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a counterfeit_a to_o die_v cheerful_o because_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o other_o advice_n that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o fear_v death_n because_o it_o be_v natural_a necessary_a and_o inevitable_a that_o be_v because_o it_o be_v remediless_a and_o there_o lie_v the_o very_a agony_n of_o all_o our_o horror_n that_o a_o thing_n so_o infinite_o terrible_a shall_v withal_o be_v so_o utter_o unavoidable_a and_o when_o they_o tell_v we_o how_o strange_a a_o folly_n and_o madness_n it_o be_v to_o torment_v ourselves_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o that_o which_o we_o be_v infallible_o certain_a we_o can_v never_o escape_v they_o do_v but_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o madness_n of_o despair_n instead_o of_o courage_n and_o resolution_n for_o how_o foolish_a or_o unreasonable_a soever_o this_o fear_n may_v be_v it_o be_v natural_a antecedent_n to_o the_o choice_n of_o our_o will_n and_o the_o discretion_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o so_o above_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o prescription_n of_o philosophy_n they_o can_v only_o guide_v and_o instruct_v our_o mind_n in_o thing_n subject_a to_o their_o own_o election_n but_o can_v affect_v much_o less_o over_o rule_v the_o instinct_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v already_o dead_a say_v they_o to_o so_o much_o of_o our_o life_n as_o be_v past_a and_o go_v so_o that_o so_o much_o as_o we_o live_v we_o die_v and_o that_o which_o we_o call_v death_n be_v but_o our_o last_o death_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o fear_v not_o our_o death_n that_o be_v past_o why_o shall_v we_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v but_o what_o child_n understand_v not_o the_o difference_n between_o life_n and_o death_n and_o if_o to_o live_v be_v to_o die_v notwithstanding_o this_o quibble_n we_o be_v trouble_v never_o the_o less_o that_o this_o new_a way_n of_o die_v put_v a_o end_n to_o our_o old_a way_n of_o die_a and_o if_o we_o have_v be_v die_v ever_o since_o we_o be_v bear_v that_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o grieve_v we_o that_o we_o can_v be_v die_v so_o for_o ever_o but_o bassus_n aufidius_n the_o epicurean_a old_a man_n in_o 30._o seneca_n reconcile_v himself_o to_o his_o approach_a death_n with_o this_o reason_n because_o it_o be_v as_o absurd_a to_o fear_v death_n as_o old_a age_n which_o yet_o all_o man_n desire_v to_o come_v to_o in_o that_o as_o old_a age_n follow_v youth_n so_o death_n follow_v old_a age._n but_o if_o he_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n satisfy_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o he_o have_v live_v not_o only_o to_o his_o old_a age_n but_o to_o his_o second_o childhood_n for_o old_a age_n be_v desirable_a not_o because_o it_o follow_v youth_n but_o because_o it_o defer_v death_n and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o make_v it_o so_o much_o less_o valuable_a than_o youth_n because_o it_o be_v so_o much_o near_o to_o death_n and_o the_o philosopher_n reason_n have_v be_v altogether_o as_o comfortable_a if_o he_o have_v prefer_v old_a age_n before_o youth_n because_o his_o youth_n be_v very_o old_a it_o be_v many_o year_n since_o he_o be_v a_o young_a man_n whereas_o his_o old_a age_n be_v of_o a_o late_a date_n he_o have_v be_v but_o a_o little_a time_n a_o old_a man._n by_o which_o device_n he_o may_v have_v prove_v to_o himself_o that_o youth_n be_v old_a age_n and_o old_a age_n youth_n much_o like_o this_o be_v that_o other_o reason_v wherewith_o gassendus_fw-la himself_o seem_v so_o much_o please_v that_o whereas_o we_o now_o count_v ourselves_o happy_a if_o we_o live_v to_o a_o hundred_o year_n yet_o if_o the_o natural_a course_n of_o our_o life_n be_v as_o much_o short_a we_o shall_v be_v as_o much_o satisfy_v with_o twenty_o and_o if_o our_o natural_a course_n reach_v to_o a_o thousand_o year_n we_o shall_v then_o be_v as_o much_o trouble_v to_o die_v at_o six_o hundred_o as_o now_o at_o sixty_o and_o so_o forward_o it_o be_v like_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o philosophic_a comfort_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o reconcile_a we_o to_o death_n at_o any_o time_n that_o it_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o there_o be_v no_o time_n in_o which_o a_o epicurean_a can_n or_o aught_o to_o be_v content_a to_o die_v and_o that_o be_v our_o life_n long_o or_o short_a yet_o unless_o they_o be_v eternal_a we_o can_v rid_v ourselves_o of_o this_o importunate_a and_o intolerable_a evil_n and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v that_o witty_a say_n of_o seneca_n that_o a_o little_a or_o great_a circle_n be_v both_o equal_a in_o perfection_n of_o figure_n though_o not_o in_o quantity_n so_o be_v the_o life_n of_o man_n whether_o it_o last_o to_o twenty_o or_o to_o a_o hundred_o year_n but_o certain_o no_o man_n that_o may_v live_v to_o a_o hundred_o
for_o his_o so_o do_v beside_o his_o run_v down_o the_o epicurean_a philosophy_n in_o gross_a and_o yet_o that_o as_o much_o concern_v the_o cyrenaick_n as_o themselves_o for_o though_o they_o differ_v in_o this_o particular_a proposition_n they_o both_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o general_a principle_n that_o there_o be_v no_o happiness_n but_o of_o the_o body_n and_o that_o be_v suppose_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v who_o give_v the_o wise_a advice_n to_o prevent_v misery_n either_o he_o that_o by_o foresight_n abate_v but_o extend_v the_o pain_n or_o he_o that_o by_o neglect_n contract_v it_o into_o a_o sharp_a but_o a_o short_a fit_n though_o which_o soever_o be_v best_a they_o be_v both_o no_o better_o than_o the_o comfort_n of_o despair_n which_o be_v the_o very_a abyss_n of_o misery_n for_o they_o both_o resolve_n into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o we_o be_v condemn_v to_o misery_n and_o therefore_o say_v one_o count_v upon_o it_o aforehand_o and_o then_o you_o will_v feel_v it_o less_o when_o it_o come_v no_o say_v the_o other_o think_v as_o little_a of_o it_o as_o be_v possible_a it_o be_v enough_o to_o endure_v when_o we_o can_v avoid_v it_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o comfort_n that_o our_o philosopher_n and_o indeed_o all_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n send_v we_o in_o against_o the_o evil_n and_o misfortune_n of_o life_n to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o such_o and_o such_o be_v the_o condition_n and_o fate_n of_o mankind_n be_v thou_o torture_v with_o any_o violent_a and_o sharp_a disease_n why_o thou_o be_v bear_v with_o a_o body_n liable_a to_o such_o distemper_n have_v death_n rob_v thou_o of_o thy_o dear_a friend_n why_o he_o be_v bear_v mortal_a have_v thou_o suffer_v great_a loss_n why_o then_o fortune_n be_v unconstant_a etc._n etc._n a_o strange_a way_n to_o be_v happy_a this_o only_o by_o count_v upon_o be_v miserable_a can_v this_o mitigate_v the_o torture_n of_o the_o stone_n to_o be_v tell_v that_o my_o body_n be_v expose_v to_o their_o rage_n do_v this_o lessen_v my_o pain_n have_v it_o any_o influence_n upon_o my_o sensory_n or_o do_v it_o at_o all_o dull_a and_o mortify_v their_o sensation_n nay_o be_v not_o this_o the_o very_a root_n of_o all_o my_o misery_n that_o i_o have_v such_o a_o sad_a and_o experimental_a conviction_n of_o the_o inevitable_a evil_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o when_o a_o man_n be_v rack_v and_o tear_v apiece_o with_o torment_n it_o be_v no_o more_o ease_n than_o it_o be_v news_n to_o he_o to_o be_v tell_v that_o indeed_o he_o may_v suffer_v they_o so_o that_o the_o result_n of_o all_o come_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o we_o all_o know_v the_o worst_a of_o our_o condition_n that_o it_o be_v fatal_o miserable_a and_o therefore_o we_o must_v resolve_v to_o bear_v it_o as_o we_o can_v which_o be_v not_o to_o make_v we_o patient_a but_o sullen_a discontent_a and_o desperate_a what_o then_o will_v you_o say_v be_v there_o no_o difference_n between_o a_o fool_n and_o a_o philosopher_n true_o upon_o their_o principle_n very_o little_a as_o to_o this_o point_n they_o be_v both_o equal_o liable_a to_o the_o sorrow_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n and_o equal_o destitute_a of_o any_o ground_n of_o comfort_n to_o support_v their_o mind_n under_o their_o suffering_n for_o it_o be_v not_o paradox_n and_o great_a say_n that_o can_v do_v the_o business_n and_o they_o may_v preach_v to_o we_o ten_o thousand_o witty_a apothegm_n but_o nothing_o can_v ever_o real_o affect_v we_o unless_o the_o discovery_n of_o some_o real_a and_o substantial_a good_a that_o indeed_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o endure_v all_o our_o present_a sorrow_n not_o only_o with_o patience_n but_o with_o cheerfulness_n in_o short_a nothing_o but_o the_o reasonable_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n can_v bear_v we_o up_o under_o the_o sorrow_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o and_o therefore_o this_o principle_n be_v not_o take_v in_o among_o their_o philosophic_a rule_n advice_n and_o receipt_n of_o happiness_n they_o fall_v as_o short_a of_o its_o attainment_n as_o the_o vulgar_a and_o the_o ignorant_a part_n of_o mankind_n though_o i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v altogether_o as_o miserable_a because_o the_o foolish_a people_n superinduce_v their_o own_o voluntary_a trouble_n from_o within_o to_o their_o casual_a calamity_n from_o without_o thus_o though_o a_o philosopher_n do_v not_o assuage_v his_o pain_n by_o his_o patience_n yet_o a_o fool_n increase_v it_o by_o his_o impatience_n though_o the_o main_a advantage_n of_o all_o their_o philosophy_n be_v this_o that_o it_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o true_a value_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n so_o that_o they_o may_v not_o abuse_v themselves_o and_o their_o hope_n with_o too_o swell_a and_o vain_a expectation_n and_o so_o forgo_v the_o actual_a comfort_n of_o their_o life_n such_o as_o they_o be_v for_o pompous_a and_o troublesome_a nothing_o and_o that_o be_v the_o unhappy_a condition_n of_o the_o vulgar_a herd_n that_o they_o understand_v neither_o themselves_o nor_o the_o world_n but_o be_v breed_v up_o to_o covetousness_n or_o ambition_n and_o fancy_n to_o reap_v such_o a_o vast_a happiness_n out_o of_o their_o design_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o suit_v to_o their_o present_a condition_n but_o be_v only_o such_o a_o paradise_n as_o they_o dream_v of_o and_o thus_o not_o be_v aware_a of_o the_o meanness_n of_o their_o capacity_n forget_v their_o mortality_n and_o not_o consider_v that_o they_o creep_v upon_o the_o earth_n they_o think_v to_o lift_v their_o head_n alost_a and_o fancy_n they_o walk_v among_o the_o star_n take_v mighty_a pain_n to_o compass_v their_o little_a great_a design_n and_o if_o at_o last_o they_o do_v it_o they_o be_v then_o sad_o cheat_v of_o their_o expectation_n if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o they_o be_v then_o infinite_o undo_v and_o for_o ever_o strangle_v with_o insupportable_a grief_n and_o anguish_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o great_a and_o common_a folly_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o man_n renounce_v that_o little_a quiet_a they_o may_v otherwise_o have_v enjoy_v only_o to_o pursue_v some_o great_a and_o anxious_a fancy_n whereas_o wise_a man_n deal_v faithful_o with_o themselves_o reflect_v impartial_o upon_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o nature_n understand_v the_o true_a state_n of_o humane_a affair_n and_o expect_v no_o more_o from_o the_o world_n than_o the_o world_n be_v able_a to_o afford_v and_o hence_o they_o moderate_v their_o design_n and_o desire_n and_o do_v not_o lose_v that_o little_a present_a tranquillity_n that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v with_o surious_a and_o restless_a prosecution_n after_o such_o a_o happiness_n as_o they_o can_v never_o obtain_v but_o though_o they_o do_v not_o load_v themselves_o with_o needless_a care_n and_o vexation_n yet_o they_o must_v with_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n couch_v under_o such_o as_o be_v necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a because_o they_o have_v no_o substantial_a good_a to_o support_v their_o mind_n under_o they_o and_o for_o want_v of_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o fool_n and_o a_o philosopher_n in_o point_n of_o positive_a happiness_n be_v very_o little_a and_o inconsiderable_a §_o xxix_o and_o thus_o have_v take_v in_o as_o it_o be_v all_o these_o little_a outwork_n of_o the_o philosopher_n we_o now_o come_v to_o lay_v siege_n to_o their_o very_a capital_a viz._n that_o let_v our_o condition_n be_v what_o it_o will_v virtue_n will_v supply_v all_o want_n and_o overcome_v all_o misery_n or_o that_o that_o alone_o be_v as_o brutus_n express_v it_o abundant_o sufficient_a to_o its_o own_o happiness_n than_o which_o there_o be_v no_o one_o thing_n more_o great_o and_o magnificent_o say_v in_o all_o philosophy_n and_o it_o be_v a_o sentence_n worthy_a the_o noble_a courage_n and_o gallantry_n of_o its_o author_n by_o which_o he_o apparent_o steer_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n though_o it_o seem_v it_o fail_v he_o at_o his_o death_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o virtue_n say_v our_o great_a philosopher_n it_o be_v entire_o satisfy_v in_o itself_o and_o be_v so_o it_o be_v above_o all_o the_o attempt_n of_o fortune_n and_o then_o may_v with_o confidence_n and_o bravery_n despise_v all_o whatsoever_o that_o can_v befall_v it_o this_o this_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o all_o philosophic_a wisdom_n slight_v all_o other_o thing_n as_o trifle_n whole_o to_o employ_v ourselves_o in_o this_o great_a and_o noble_a exercise_n of_o life_n o_o thou_o sovereign_a guide_n of_o humane_a kind_a thou_o patroness_n of_o good_a man_n and_o scourge_n of_o vice_n how_o forlorn_a and_o despicable_a a_o thing_n be_v the_o life_n of_o man_n or_o man_n himself_o without_o thou_o thou_o do_v at_o first_o find_v city_n thou_o do_v at_o first_o call_v
unprofitable_a cheat_n but_o yet_o however_o one_o will_v think_v rack_n and_o gibbet_n will_v have_v spoil_v the_o frolic_a and_o it_o be_v high_o credible_a that_o any_o man_n but_o much_o more_o these_o man_n who_o have_v give_v we_o no_o ground_n to_o suspect_v their_o integrity_n because_o they_o can_v have_v no_o motive_n to_o forgo_v it_o shall_v prevaricate_v after_o such_o a_o odd_a and_o extravagant_a manner_n with_o mankind_n yes_o and_o themselves_o too_o and_o when_o so_o many_o plain_a and_o simple_a man_n so_o apparent_o without_o craft_n and_o without_o design_n without_o advantage_n without_o interest_n have_v give_v the_o world_n the_o most_o unquestionable_a proof_n that_o they_o be_v serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n as_o to_o the_o certain_a truth_n and_o reality_n of_o what_o they_o relate_v after_o all_o this_o what_o wise_a and_o wary_a man_n will_v not_o suspect_v the_o forgery_n and_o disbelieve_v the_o relation_n but_o this_o argument_n i_o find_v prosecute_v by_o eusebius_n with_o extraordinary_a acuteness_n both_o of_o wit_n and_o reason_n suppose_v say_v he_o that_o 3_o our_o saviour_n never_o wrought_v any_o of_o those_o miracle_n that_o be_v unanimous_o report_v of_o he_o by_o his_o disciple_n we_o must_v then_o suppose_v that_o they_o enter_v into_o covenant_n among_o themselves_o after_o this_o manner_n man_n and_o brethren_n what_o that_o seducer_n be_v that_o live_v among_o we_o other_o day_n and_o how_o just_o he_o suffer_v death_n for_o his_o vile_a imposture_n we_o of_o all_o man_n have_v most_o reason_n to_o know_v and_o though_o other_o that_o be_v less_o intimate_o acquaint_v with_o he_o and_o his_o way_n of_o deceive_a may_v have_v some_o opinion_n of_o his_o worth_n and_o honesty_n yet_o we_o that_o be_v the_o daily_a companion_n of_o his_o conversation_n see_v nothing_o in_o he_o answerable_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o pretence_n but_o that_o his_o whole_a design_n be_v by_o all_o the_o bold_a art_n of_o craft_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o get_v a_o name_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o one_o and_o all_o join_v hand_n and_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n among_o ourselves_o to_o propagate_v the_o belief_n of_o this_o impudent_a cheat_n among_o mankind_n and_o to_o fain_o all_o manner_n of_o lie_n for_o its_o confirmation_n to_o swear_v that_o we_o see_v he_o restore_v eye_n to_o the_o blind_a ear_n to_o the_o deaf_a and_o life_n to_o the_o dead_a and_o though_o it_o be_v all_o impudent_o false_a yet_o let_v we_o confident_o report_v it_o nay_o and_o stand_v too_o it_o to_o the_o last_o drop_n of_o our_o blood_n and_o because_o after_o all_o his_o great_a and_o glorious_a pretence_n of_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o be_v at_o last_o execute_v as_o a_o vile_a malefactor_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o shame_n and_o dishonour_n we_o must_v agree_v among_o ourselves_o upon_o some_o lie_n to_o wipe_v off_o this_o disgrace_n let_v we_o therefore_o resolve_v to_o affirm_v with_o a_o undaunted_a impudence_n that_o after_o he_o be_v thus_o dishonourable_o crucify_a the_o three_o day_n he_o arise_v again_o and_o often_o converse_v with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o familiar_a way_n as_o he_o have_v always_o do_v before_o his_o execution_n but_o then_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o stand_v unalterable_o to_o the_o impudence_n of_o the_o lie_n and_o to_o persevere_v to_o death_n itself_o in_o its_o assertion_n for_o what_o absurdity_n be_v there_o in_o throw_v away_o our_o life_n for_o nothing_o and_o why_o shall_v any_o man_n think_v it_o hard_o to_o suffer_v stripe_n rack_n bond_n imprisonment_n reproach_n dishonur_n and_o death_n itself_o for_o no_o reason_n at_o all_o let_v we_o therefore_o unanimous_o and_o vigorous_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o design_n and_o with_o one_o consent_n agree_v to_o report_v such_o impudent_a falsehood_n as_o be_v of_o no_o advantage_n either_o to_o ourselves_o or_o to_o those_o we_o deceive_v or_o to_o he_o for_o who_o sake_n we_o deceive_v neither_o let_v we_o be_v content_a to_o propagate_v this_o lie_n only_o among_o our_o own_o countryman_n but_o let_v we_o resolve_v to_o spread_v it_o through_o all_o part_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n impose_v new_a law_n upon_o all_o nation_n overthrow_v all_o their_o old_a religion_n command_v the_o roman_n to_o quit_v the_o god_n of_o their_o ancestor_n the_o greek_n to_o renounce_v the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o philosopher_n and_o the_o egyptian_n the_o pretend_a antiquity_n of_o their_o superstition_n neither_o will_v we_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o overthrow_v these_o ancient_a custom_n of_o the_o most_o polite_a and_o most_o powerful_a nation_n in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o force_n of_o learning_n or_o wit_n or_o eloquence_n but_o by_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o our_o crucify_a master_n neither_o will_v we_o stop_v here_o but_o we_o will_v travel_v to_o all_o barbarous_a nation_n in_o the_o world_n reverse_v all_o their_o ancient_a law_n and_o command_v their_o obedience_n to_o a_o new_a religion_n and_o this_o let_v we_o resolve_v to_o go_v through_o with_o a_o undaunted_a courage_n and_o resolution_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a reward_n that_o we_o expect_v for_o our_o impudence_n nor_o be_v it_o for_o vulgar_a crown_n and_o trophy_n that_o we_o engage_v ourselves_o in_o such_o hard_a and_o hazardous_a enterprise_n no_o no_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o the_o utmost_a severity_n of_o the_o law_n in_o all_o place_n wherever_o we_o come_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v we_o deserve_v it_o for_o disturb_v the_o public_a settlement_n only_o to_o establish_v a_o ridiculous_a cheat_n and_o imposture_n but_o for_o this_o who_o will_v not_o endure_v all_o the_o torment_n in_o the_o world_n burn_v hang_a behead_v crucify_a and_o be_v tear_v in_o piece_n by_o wild_a beast_n all_o which_o we_o must_v as_o we_o will_v secure_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o impostor_n encounter_n with_o a_o cheerful_a and_o 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every_o day_n free_o exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n crucify_v under_o pontius_n pilate_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n but_o tertullian_n as_o his_o manner_n be_v speak_v 23._o very_o dare_o for_o have_v convince_v the_o heathen_n of_o their_o folly_n in_o worship_v their_o god_n by_o argument_n he_o challenge_v they_o to_o do_v it_o by_o matter_n of_o fact_n set_v say_v he_o before_o your_o public_a seat_n of_o judgement_n any_o person_n possess_v as_o you_o suppose_v by_o some_o daemon_n and_o there_o let_v any_o christian_a only_o command_v he_o to_o confess_v what_o he_o be_v and_o the_o spirit_n shall_v as_o certain_o acknowledge_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o devil_n as_o at_o other_o time_n he_o confident_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o god_n nay_o take_v any_o person_n that_o you_o suppose_v inspire_v by_o any_o of_o your_o great_a deity_n be_v it_o ceres_n or_o aesculapius_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v devil_n not_o dare_v to_o 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affirm_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o quite_o vanish_v away_o at_o last_o he_o only_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o go_v away_o and_o this_o though_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v after_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n and_o no_o body_n know_v how_o be_v a_o pitiful_a abatement_n to_o the_o bigness_n of_o his_o former_a expression_n vanish_v away_o though_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o he_o have_v stand_v to_o it_o it_o must_v unavoidable_o have_v prove_v itself_o a_o lie_n for_o it_o be_v utter_o incredible_a that_o so_o strange_a a_o thing_n as_o that_o shall_v have_v be_v do_v in_o so_o great_a a_o presence_n as_o that_o and_o yet_o never_o any_o notice_n be_v take_v of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o historian_n will_v fain_o bid_v at_o something_o of_o his_o hero_n appear_v after_o death_n yet_o he_o do_v it_o so_o faint_o that_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o it_o come_v to_o nothing_o especial_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o 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exercise_n and_o on_o the_o sudden_a start_n up_o in_o a_o great_a fright_n and_o a_o great_a sweat_n cry_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o believe_v thou_o o_o tyanaeus_n and_o be_v ask_v by_o his_o companion_n the_o meaning_n of_o his_o transport_n why_o say_v he_o do_v you_o not_o see_v apollonius_n they_o answer_v he_o no_o but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o give_v all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o can_v it_o be_v true_a say_v he_o for_o he_o only_o appear_v to_o i_o and_o for_o my_o satisfaction_n and_o be_v invisible_a to_o all_o other_o and_o so_o tell_v they_o what_o he_o have_v say_v to_o he_o in_o his_o sleep_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o soul_n this_o poor_a account_n of_o a_o dream_n and_o a_o vision_n of_o a_o over-watched_n boy_n be_v all_o that_o this_o great_a story_n afford_v to_o vie_v with_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n and_o now_o upon_o review_n of_o this_o whole_a history_n it_o seem_v evident_a to_o i_o that_o this_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v endue_v with_o any_o extraordinary_a or_o divine_a power_n that_o he_o do_v not_o deserve_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o ordinary_a conjurer_n for_o though_o huetius_n have_v take_v some_o pain_n to_o prove_v he_o so_o yet_o he_o give_v no_o evidence_n of_o it_o beside_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o common_a people_n and_o if_o that_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o conjurer_n there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o a_o odd_a and_o a_o singular_a humour_n as_o apollonius_n affect_v to_o be_v who_o be_v not_o so_o think_v of_o by_o the_o common_a people_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o be_v accuse_v for_o it_o before_o domitian_n the_o emperor_n when_o he_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o cause_n slight_v both_o he_o and_o his_o accuser_n and_o dismiss_v he_o the_o court_n for_o a_o idle_a and_o fantastic_a fellow_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o his_o history_n that_o he_o be_v a_o very_a vain_a man_n and_o affect_v to_o be_v think_v something_o extraordinary_a and_o so_o wander_v all_o the_o world_n over_o in_o a_o odd_a garb_n to_o be_v gaze_v at_o and_o admire_v and_o make_v himself_o considerable_a in_o that_o age_n by_o wit_n impudence_n and_o flattery_n of_o all_o which_o he_o have_v a_o very_a competent_a share_n but_o for_o his_o wonder-working_a faculty_n which_o he_o will_v needs_o pretend_v to_o he_o fetch_v that_o as_o far_o off_o as_o the_o east_n indies_n that_o be_v the_o far_a off_o as_o he_o think_v from_o confutation_n and_o yet_o the_o account_n that_o he_o have_v give_v of_o those_o part_n be_v so_o gross_o fabulous_a that_o that_o alone_o convict_v his_o whole_a life_n of_o imposture_n and_o impudence_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o make_v good_a this_o part_n of_o the_o demonstration_n of_o our_o saviour_n divine_a authority_n from_o the_o certain_a evidence_n both_o of_o his_o own_o and_o his_o apostle_n miracle_n and_o to_o set_v it_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o manner_n either_o of_o objection_n or_o competition_n §_o xxviii_o but_o though_o the_o history_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n have_v this_o advantage_n of_o all_o other_o in_o that_o the_o tradition_n whereby_o it_o have_v be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o have_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o its_o own_o testimony_n by_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a miracle_n yet_o if_o we_o set_v aside_o this_o peculiar_a divine_a attestation_n and_o consider_v the_o tradition_n by_o itself_o as_o mere_o humane_a and_o deliver_v down_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n it_o have_v be_v so_o constant_a so_o catholic_a and_o so_o uninterrupted_a as_o to_o be_v its_o own_o demonstration_n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o story_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n in_o that_o age_n there_o can_v never_o have_v be_v any_o such_o tradition_n or_o if_o there_o be_v it_o be_v so_o early_o that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a it_o must_v immediate_o have_v perish_v as_o a_o manifest_a lie_n in_o that_o when_o it_o come_v so_o near_o the_o very_a time_n in_o which_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v act_v nothing_o but_o undoubted_a truth_n can_v ever_o have_v maintain_v its_o authority_n for_o though_o it_o be_v easy_a at_o a_o distance_n to_o tell_v strange_a story_n of_o the_o time_n of_o old_a as_o we_o find_v by_o those_o many_o idle_a and_o incredible_a legend_n add_v to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o after-age_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n yet_o to_o raise_v a_o story_n so_o strange_a and_o remarkable_a as_o that_o of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o his_o apostle_n without_o any_o ground_n or_o foundation_n for_o it_o nay_o against_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v first_o broach_v and_o to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o such_o a_o notorious_a fiction_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o possible_a in_o the_o course_n of_o humane_a affair_n for_o to_o pass_v by_o all_o the_o other_o disadvantage_n that_o i_o have_v already_o represent_v that_o this_o tradition_n must_v labour_v under_o if_o it_o rise_v not_o up_o to_o the_o very_a time_n that_o it_o pretend_v to_o especial_o that_o of_o its_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o must_v unavoidable_o have_v destroy_v it_o if_o false_a that_o which_o i_o have_v already_o propose_v and_o come_v now_o to_o prosecute_v seem_v as_o insuperable_a as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n viz._n that_o great_a number_n of_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o age_n next_o and_o immediate_o after_o it_o shall_v after_o the_o strict_a enquiry_n concern_v its_o truth_n not_o only_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o so_o late_a and_o palpable_a a_o fiction_n but_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o defence_n of_o it_o this_o be_v not_o credible_a unless_o they_o be_v full_o assure_v of_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o their_o assurance_n alone_o be_v to_o we_o a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n of_o it_o but_o though_o that_o be_v enough_o yet_o i_o will_v undertake_v more_o viz._n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o assurance_n by_o trace_v up_o the_o certain_a tradition_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o to_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o from_o they_o derive_v it_o down_o to_o after-age_n through_o the_o hand_n of_o wise_a learned_a and_o judicious_a man_n and_o that_o as_o i_o take_v it_o will_v make_v a_o new_a and_o distinct_a demonstration_n of_o the_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n now_o this_o tradition_n be_v convey_v two_o manner_n of_o way_n either_o by_o a_o succession_n of_o church_n or_o of_o single_a person_n first_o by_o a_o succession_n of_o church_n and_o
meet_v with_o many_o bishop_n and_o find_v they_o all_o 22._o of_o one_o mind_n and_o teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o have_v give_v some_o account_n of_o clement_n epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n he_o add_v that_o the_o church_n remain_v after_o that_o in_o the_o pure_a and_o right_a doctrine_n until_o the_o time_n of_o primus_fw-la bishop_n there_o with_o who_o sail_v to_o rome_n i_o confer_v and_o abide_v many_o day_n be_v come_v to_o rome_n i_o stay_v there_o till_o the_o time_n of_o anicetus_n who_o deacon_n be_v eleutherius_fw-la who_o soter_n succeed_v and_o after_o he_o eleutherius_fw-la in_o all_o their_o succession_n and_o in_o every_o one_o of_o their_o city_n it_o be_v no_o otherways_o teach_v than_o as_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o lord_n himself_o preach_v this_o be_v a_o singular_a testimony_n of_o the_o sincere_a tradition_n not_o only_o of_o one_o or_o two_o or_o a_o few_o church_n but_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o as_o he_o describe_v the_o ecclesiastical_a succession_n every_o where_o so_o have_v he_o the_o rise_v and_o birth_n of_o heresy_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o that_o james_n surname_v the_o just_a have_v suffer_v martyrdom_n his_o uncle_n simeon_n the_o son_n of_o cleophas_n be_v choose_v bishop_n be_v prefer_v by_o the_o unanimous_a vote_n of_o all_o because_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n kinsman_n and_o hitherto_o that_o church_n be_v call_v a_o pure_a virgin_n because_o as_o yet_o it_o have_v not_o be_v deflower_v with_o any_o false_a doctrine_n but_o thebalis_fw-la be_v displease_v that_o he_o be_v not_o choose_v bishop_n secret_o endeavour_v to_o debauch_v it_o from_o who_o spring_v those_o many_o heresy_n that_o he_o afterward_o reckon_v up_o and_o so_o have_v elsewhere_o describe_v the_o martyrdom_n 29._o of_o saint_n simeon_n he_o add_v until_o those_o time_n the_o church_n of_o god_n remain_v a_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a virgin_n for_o such_o as_o endeavour_v to_o corrupt_v the_o perfect_a rule_n and_o the_o sincere_a delivery_n of_o the_o faith_n hide_v themselves_o till_o that_o time_n in_o secret_a and_o obscure_a place_n but_o after_o that_o the_o sacred_a company_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v wear_v out_o and_o that_o generation_n be_v whole_o spend_v that_o by_o special_a favour_n have_v hear_v with_o their_o ear_n the_o heavenly_a wisdom_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n than_o the_o conspiracy_n of_o wicked_a and_o detestable_a heresy_n through_o the_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n of_o such_o as_o affect_v to_o be_v master_n of_o new_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n take_v root_a and_o because_o none_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v then_o survive_v they_o publish_v with_o all_o imaginable_a confidence_n and_o boldness_n their_o false_a conceit_n and_o impugn_a the_o old_a plain_a certain_a and_o know_a truth_n at_o these_o passage_n i_o must_v stop_v a_o little_a because_o though_o they_o be_v a_o great_a testimony_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n yet_o i_o find_v they_o very_o confident_o make_v use_n of_o by_o innovatour_n as_o unanswerable_a argument_n for_o reject_v its_o authority_n thus_o gittichius_n a_o eager_a socinian_n contend_v with_o 93._o ruarus_n both_o concern_v grotius_n his_o way_n of_o writing_n in_o make_v so_o much_o use_v of_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n in_o his_o commentary_n and_o withal_o concern_v the_o primitive_a fast_n of_o the_o church_n which_o schliclingius_fw-la and_o some_o of_o that_o party_n begin_v to_o imitate_v condemn_v it_o not_o only_o as_o altogether_o useless_a but_o dangerous_a de_fw-fr antiquitate_fw-la in_o religionis_fw-la negotio_fw-la statuo_fw-la extra_fw-la ipsas_fw-la sacras_fw-la novi_fw-la foederis_fw-la literas_fw-la &_o in_o iis_fw-la exempla_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la nullius_fw-la omnino_fw-la antiquitatis_fw-la habendam_fw-la cviquam_fw-la christiano_n ullam_fw-la rationem_fw-la and_o then_o prove_v his_o assertion_n from_o this_o passage_n of_o hegesippus_n and_o the_o more_o ancient_a he_o say_v the_o tradition_n be_v after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o much_o the_o worse_o it_o be_v because_o from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o their_o dissolution_n the_o church_n be_v overrun_v with_o heresy_n and_o superstition_n so_o peevish_a be_v man_n against_o the_o honour_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n when_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o own_o apostasy_n from_o it_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v all_o our_o innovatour_n agree_v in_o this_o one_o principle_n and_o that_o for_o this_o one_o very_o good_a reason_n because_o the_o ancient_a church_n if_o it_o be_v permit_v to_o give_v judgement_n upon_o they_o condemn_v they_o all_o for_o these_o man_n find_v error_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n instead_o of_o reform_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n they_o fall_v to_o contrive_v new_a model_n and_o body_n of_o divinity_n out_o of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o among_o other_o socinus_n dislike_a the_o calvinian_a theology_n as_o contrary_a not_o only_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o to_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n set_v up_o a_o new_a divinity_n of_o his_o own_o contrivance_n without_o ever_o inquire_v into_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o be_v advise_v of_o his_o fly_v so_o wide_o of_o it_o he_o together_o with_o his_o follower_n rather_o than_o part_v with_o their_o own_o fine_a new_a notion_n of_o which_o they_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v the_o first_o author_n and_o abettor_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o true_a and_o uncorrupted_a church_n ever_o since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o with_o what_o vanity_n and_o arrogance_n it_o be_v none_o of_o my_o present_a task_n to_o inquire_v only_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n i_o must_v reply_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a wide_a and_o i_o be_o sure_a very_o far_o from_o a_o civil_a inference_n to_o conclude_v that_o because_o there_o be_v heresy_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v nothing_o else_o and_o they_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n have_v apply_v the_o objection_n against_o the_o apostolical_a church_n itself_o because_o then_o as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o complain_v the_o tare_n be_v sow_v though_o it_o seem_v not_o so_o open_o and_o so_o impudent_o as_o afterward_o nay_o upon_o these_o term_n it_o be_v impossible_a their_o shall_v ever_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o pride_n and_o vanity_n among_o mankind_n there_o will_v be_v such_o man_n in_o all_o society_n as_o will_v be_v taint_v with_o their_o own_o idle_a dream_n and_o conceit_n and_o then_o rub_v their_o itch_n upon_o the_o common_a people_n but_o though_o there_o be_v heresy_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o i_o say_v be_v not_o to_o be_v avoid_v as_o long_o as_o it_o consist_v of_o man_n yet_o they_o be_v never_o able_a to_o prevail_v but_o after_o some_o struggle_n for_o admittance_n be_v soon_o or_o late_a utter_o stifle_v and_o we_o have_v as_o certain_a a_o tradition_n of_o the_o birth_n growth_n and_o death_n of_o heresy_n as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a that_o all_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n overwhelm_v the_o heretic_n with_o this_o one_o argument_n by_o convict_v they_o of_o apparent_a innovation_n and_o derive_v down_o their_o own_o doctrine_n from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v heresy_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n yet_o its_o apostolical_a tradition_n be_v never_o mix_v or_o taint_v with_o they_o but_o run_v down_o in_o a_o pure_a and_o clear_a channel_n by_o itself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o very_a childish_a as_o well_o as_o disingenuous_a objection_n against_o its_o authority_n that_o there_o be_v some_o man_n in_o it_o that_o will_v have_v be_v corrupt_v the_o purity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n but_o be_v never_o able_a to_o compass_v their_o design_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o pass_v undiscovered_a or_o uncontrolled_a that_o we_o have_v as_o certain_a a_o account_n both_o of_o the_o man_n and_o of_o their_o opinion_n and_o their_o inconsistency_n with_o the_o apostolical_a tradition_n as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o new_a fangle_a conceit_n of_o our_o own_o present_a innovatour_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o more_o danger_n of_o our_o swallow_v down_o old_a heresy_n together_o with_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n than_o there_o be_v of_o suck_v in_o their_o new_a one_o whilst_o we_o adhere_v faithful_o to_o that_o and_o thus_o have_v upon_o occasion_n of_o this_o particular_a passage_n of_o this_o ancient_a author_n clear_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o
with_o they_o in_o their_o atheistical_a idolatry_n and_o this_o be_v the_o grand_a motive_n of_o all_o their_o persecution_n against_o they_o in_o which_o they_o proceed_v upon_o no_o other_o article_n than_o that_o they_o refuse_v to_o sacrifice_v to_o their_o go_n so_o that_o if_o the_o heathen_a religion_n be_v absurd_a and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o so_o and_o if_o all_o their_o hatred_n to_o christianity_n be_v found_v mere_o upon_o their_o zeal_n to_o that_o this_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o their_o oppose_v the_o christian_a faith_n notwithstanding_o the_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o its_o divinity_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v as_o i_o have_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n itself_o and_o thereby_o it_o will_v appear_v not_o only_o that_o the_o assertion_n be_v a_o probable_a but_o a_o certain_a truth_n and_o so_o will_v not_o only_o answer_v but_o confute_v the_o objection_n by_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o reason_n that_o man_n have_v to_o oppose_v christianity_n be_v their_o be_v gross_o unreasonable_a and_o this_o i_o shall_v make_v good_a first_o as_o to_o public_a persecution_n second_o private_a opposition_n the_o first_o persecution_n be_v raise_v by_o nero_n a_o prince_n sufficient_o brand_v for_o all_o manner_n of_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n but_o above_o all_o for_o his_o brutish_a and_o inhuman_a cruelty_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o a_o person_n so_o barbarous_a to_o all_o mankind_n even_o to_o his_o dear_a friend_n and_o near_a relation_n shall_v vent_v some_o of_o his_o fury_n upon_o the_o christian_n but_o as_o bad_a as_o he_o be_v and_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v any_o prince_n unless_o caligula_n more_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a in_o his_o manner_n and_o will_v allow_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o character_n which_o suetonius_n give_v of_o he_o it_o a_o degenerasse_fw-la à _fw-la 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these_o be_v the_o god_n they_o worship_v and_o how_o this_o folly_n first_o
begin_v it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o imagine_v but_o it_o must_v certain_o have_v be_v in_o the_o most_o brutish_a and_o barbarous_a age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o afterward_o gain_v authority_n only_o by_o virtue_n of_o ancient_a prescription_n for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v so_o monstrous_a and_o ridiculous_a in_o itself_o that_o its_o most_o zealous_a patron_n can_v make_v no_o better_a defence_n for_o it_o and_o be_v at_o last_o force_v to_o turn_v it_o into_o allegory_n contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o own_o history_n and_o though_o the_o primitive_a christian_n insist_v very_o severe_o upon_o this_o argument_n against_o the_o heathen_n of_o worship_v dead_a man_n for_o god_n i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o any_o of_o the_o heathen_n that_o oppose_v christianity_n ever_o take_v upon_o they_o its_o defence_n but_o all_o their_o write_n against_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n past_o uncontrolled_a so_o uncapable_a be_v it_o of_o any_o defence_n that_o no_o man_n dare_v so_o much_o as_o undertake_v it_o and_o nothing_o be_v do_v for_o it_o but_o only_o by_o force_n of_o law_n and_o government_n it_o be_v settle_v in_o the_o empire_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v comply_v with_o and_o object_n what_o you_o please_v against_o its_o impiety_n that_o concern_v not_o statesman_n the_o law_n must_v be_v preserve_v and_o now_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o chief_o be_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n suffer_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v charge_v against_o their_o own_o religion_n but_o only_o for_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n that_o be_v their_o form_n of_o trial_n will_v you_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o god_n if_o they_o do_v that_o alone_o absolve_v they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o that_o be_v certain_a death_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o christian_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o heathen_a worship_n be_v in_o they_o downright_a atheism_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o comply_v it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o so_o they_o be_v vulgar_o esteem_v and_o put_v to_o death_n as_o enemy_n to_o all_o religion_n but_o if_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o heathen_n proceed_n against_o the_o christian_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o concern_v not_o themselves_o to_o inquire_v after_o the_o christian_a pretence_n it_o be_v matter_n enough_o for_o condemnation_n that_o they_o will_v not_o worship_v their_o go_n §_o xl._o neither_o be_v these_o trial_n and_o execution_n set_v on_o foot_n so_o much_o by_o the_o governor_n themselves_o as_o by_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o people_n that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n force_v the_o emperor_n and_o proconsul_n to_o put_v the_o law_n in_o execution_n romani_fw-la nec_fw-la ulli_fw-la magis_fw-la depostulatores_fw-la christianorum_fw-la 35._o quam_fw-la vulgus_fw-la planè_fw-la coeteri_fw-la ordines_fw-la pro_fw-la authoritate_fw-la religiosi_fw-la ex_fw-la fide_fw-la nihil_fw-la hosticum_fw-la de_fw-la ipso_fw-la senatu_fw-la de_fw-fr equite_v de_fw-fr castris_fw-la de_fw-la palatiis_fw-la ipsis_fw-la spirat_fw-la it_o be_v the_o vulgar_a rabble_n say_v tertullian_n that_o be_v the_o vehement_a accuser_n of_o christian_n the_o other_o order_n be_v civil_a and_o courteous_a in_o their_o respective_a office_n neither_o the_o senate_n nor_o the_o knight_n nor_o the_o camp_n nor_o the_o court_n breath_n out_o any_o hostility_n against_o we_o and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o trajan_n rescript_n to_o pliny_n that_o he_o care_v not_o that_o the_o christian_n shall_v be_v seek_v for_o but_o if_o the_o people_n accuse_v they_o the_o law_n must_v be_v execute_v and_o though_o his_o successor_n adrian_n under_o who_o reign_n the_o next_o persecution_n commence_v be_v as_o great_a a_o zealot_n for_o the_o grecian_a rite_n as_o he_o be_v a_o pretender_n to_o their_o learning_n and_o be_v himself_o initiate_v into_o their_o eleusinian_n mystery_n yet_o he_o be_v rather_o the_o occasion_n than_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o persecution_n for_o that_o zeal_n that_o he_o have_v show_v to_o the_o rite_n of_o greece_n encourage_v the_o common_a people_n to_o fall_v foul_a upon_o the_o christian_n and_o therefore_o eusebius_n ascribe_v the_o beginning_n of_o this_o persecution_n not_o to_o the_o emperor_n but_o to_o the_o forwardness_n of_o some_o ill-minded_n man_n but_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o people_n run_v so_o high_a that_o the_o government_n be_v force_v to_o give_v a_o stop_n to_o it_o in_o so_o much_o that_o serenius_fw-la granianus_n proconsul_n of_o asia_n write_v to_o the_o emperor_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o christian_n that_o it_o be_v very_o unjust_a that_o for_o no_o crime_n but_o only_o at_o the_o outcry_n of_o the_o people_n they_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o that_o be_v grow_v the_o common_a custom_n to_o sacrifice_v they_o to_o popular_a tumult_n and_o meeting_n at_o the_o public_a theatre_n which_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o proverbial_a say_n christianos_n ad_fw-la leones_n viz._n that_o if_o the_o people_n ask_v it_o at_o the_o public_a show_n the_o proconsul_n and_o precedent_n be_v force_v to_o yield_v to_o their_o demand_n as_o they_o do_v not_o only_o in_o this_o but_o innumerable_a other_o case_n nothing_o be_v more_o common_a both_o at_o rome_n and_o in_o the_o several_a province_n than_o for_o the_o people_n to_o extort_v what_o they_o please_v from_o their_o governor_n at_o these_o tumultuary_a meeting_n and_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v their_o barbarity_n upon_o these_o occasion_n against_o the_o christian_n the_o emperor_n return_v this_o serious_a and_o severe_a answer_n to_o minutius_n fundanus_n that_o immediate_o succeed_v granianus_n i_o receive_v the_o letter_n which_o be_v send_v i_o by_o the_o most_o excellent_a serenius_fw-la granianus_n your_o predecessor_n nor_o do_v i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o matter_n fit_a to_o be_v pass_v over_o without_o due_a enquiry_n that_o the_o man_n may_v not_o be_v needless_o disquiet_v nor_o informer_n have_v occasion_n and_o encouragement_n of_o fraudulent_a accusation_n minister_v unto_o they_o wherefore_o if_o the_o subject_n of_o our_o province_n be_v able_a open_o to_o appear_v to_o their_o indictment_n against_o the_o christian_n so_o as_o to_o answer_v to_o they_o before_o the_o public_a tribunal_n let_v they_o take_v that_o course_n and_o not_o deal_v by_o petition_n and_o mere_a noise_n and_o clamour_n it_o be_v much_o fit_a if_o any_o accusation_n be_v bring_v that_o you_o shall_v have_v the_o cognisance_n of_o it_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v prefer_v a_o indictment_n and_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v transgress_v the_o law_n then_o give_v you_o sentence_n against_o they_o according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o crime_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o he_o bring_v it_o only_o out_o of_o spite_n and_o malice_n take_v care_n to_o punish_v that_o man_n according_a to_o the_o mischief_n of_o his_o own_o intention_n a_o copy_n of_o which_o epistle_n he_o send_v to_o several_a other_o governor_n of_o province_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o magistrate_n themselves_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o rigorous_a proceed_n against_o the_o christian_n that_o they_o do_v it_o only_o to_o gratify_v the_o clamour_n of_o the_o people_n and_o interpose_v their_o authority_n to_o screen_n they_o from_o their_o fury_n and_o tertullian_n reckon_v up_o several_a precedent_n to_o scapula_n who_o either_o avoid_v or_o refuse_v to_o proceed_v against_o the_o christian_n and_o particular_o pudens_n out_o of_o regard_n to_o this_o reseript_n but_o though_o it_o be_v able_a to_o check_v and_o bridle_v their_o fury_n during_o that_o emperor_n reign_n yet_o it_o break_v out_o again_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o successor_n antoninus_n pius_n and_o extort_a from_o he_o a_o more_o severe_a letter_n to_o the_o state_n or_o common_a council_n of_o asia_n prohibit_v all_o such_o wild_a and_o barbarous_a proceed_n against_o the_o christian_n but_o still_o the_o law_n be_v in_o force_n and_o ready_a to_o be_v seize_v upon_o at_o all_o turn_v by_o public_a zeal_n or_o private_a malice_n and_o so_o they_o be_v under_o the_o succeed_a reign_n of_o m._n aurelius_n for_o whilst_o himself_o be_v busy_a in_o his_o war_n several_a persecution_n be_v raise_v in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o empire_n at_o smyrna_n where_o policarp_n at_o rome_n where_o justin_n martyr_n and_o at_o lion_n where_o pothinus_n suffer_v policarp_n be_v mere_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o out_o cry_v of_o the_o people_n away_o with_o the_o atheist_n let_v policarp_n be_v seek_v for_o upon_o which_o be_v apprehend_v by_o a_o fanatic_a and_o hotheaded_a justice_n of_o peace_n he_o be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n that_o command_v to_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o god_n and_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n genius_n justin_n be_v prosecute_v by_o
agree_v exact_o with_o all_o those_o other_o innumerable_a record_n that_o i_o think_v i_o have_v prove_v unquestionable_a but_o if_o i_o be_o mistake_v either_o in_o any_o of_o these_o or_o any_o other_o historical_a or_o chronological_a nicety_n they_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o fringe_n of_o my_o argument_n which_o be_v demonstrative_a either_o with_o or_o without_o they_o and_o now_o this_o be_v premise_v that_o the_o reader_n take_v all_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o i_o have_v intend_v and_o represent_v they_o and_o lay_v the_o same_o stress_n upon_o they_o that_o i_o have_v do_v i_o will_v upon_o the_o perusal_n of_o the_o whole_a leave_n it_o to_o his_o own_o choice_n to_o make_v his_o own_o conclusion_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o it_o be_v common_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o invidious_a thing_n for_o a_o author_n to_o seem_v to_o speak_v with_o any_o assurance_n of_o his_o own_o performance_n but_o for_o that_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v for_o i_o only_o make_v use_v of_o my_o own_o liberty_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o capacity_n of_o my_o argument_n and_o leave_v other_o to_o they_o and_o as_o i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o overvalue_v so_o neither_o will_v i_o be_v so_o formal_a as_o to_o undervalue_v a_o discourse_n only_o because_o it_o be_v my_o own_o lest_o by_o this_o seem_a and_o counterfeit_a modesty_n in_o myself_o i_o reflect_v but_o a_o scurvy_a and_o uncivil_a compliment_n upon_o my_o cause_n for_o writer_n when_o all_o be_v do_v do_v not_o create_v their_o topic_n of_o reason_v no_o more_o than_o worker_n in_o the_o mine_n do_v their_o oar_n but_o only_o dig_v up_o such_o material_n as_o the_o vein_n will_v afford_v so_o that_o if_o i_o shall_v pretend_v to_o less_o evidence_n than_o my_o cause_n have_v give_v i_o i_o shall_v only_o wrong_v that_o for_o i_o do_v not_o make_v but_o find_v it_o and_o therefore_o though_o i_o will_v not_o forestall_v my_o reader_n be_v judgement_n much_o less_o upbraid_v his_o ingenuity_n by_o pretend_v too_o confident_o to_o demonstration_n but_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o the_o result_n of_o his_o own_o impartial_a thought_n yet_o this_o i_o can_v but_o declare_v for_o my_o own_o part_n that_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v give_v i_o of_o my_o christian_a faith_n be_v much_o great_a than_o i_o can_v in_o reason_n have_v expect_v and_o i_o be_o sure_a much_o more_o than_o i_o shall_v in_o modesty_n have_v desire_v and_o the_o satisfaction_n that_o upon_o a_o thorough_a enquiry_n i_o have_v receive_v be_v so_o very_o great_a that_o as_o much_o as_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n for_o the_o strange_a work_n of_o my_o redemption_n i_o think_v myself_o not_o less_o oblige_v for_o the_o wonderful_a and_o amase_a evidence_n that_o he_o have_v give_v i_o of_o it_o the_o security_n of_o the_o gift_n be_v as_o valuable_a as_o the_o gift_n itself_o for_o it_o be_v the_o certainty_n of_o our_o title_n to_o good_a thing_n that_o give_v our_o mind_n satisfaction_n in_o they_o and_o certain_o it_o be_v the_o high_a contentment_n that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o to_o live_v not_o with_o a_o mere_a fluctuate_a hope_n and_o unexamined_a belief_n but_o a_o just_a and_o reasonable_a assurance_n of_o immortal_a happiness_n but_o if_o in_o this_o this_o follow_a discourse_n fall_v short_a of_o demonstration_n yet_o however_o i_o be_o insure_v of_o its_o acceptance_n with_o all_o good_a man_n from_o the_o goodness_n of_o its_o design_n which_o be_v to_o do_v some_o honour_n to_o our_o dear_a saviour_n and_o his_o divine_a religion_n and_o if_o by_o this_o undertake_n i_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n towards_o that_o it_o be_v enough_o and_o i_o may_v from_o this_o time_n forward_o as_o cheerful_o as_o the_o good_a old_a man_n do_v when_o he_o have_v his_o saviour_n in_o his_o arm_n sing_v my_o nunc_fw-la dimittis_fw-la the_o content_n part_n i._o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n §_o i._o the_o enquiry_n after_o a_o law_n of_o nature_n suppose_v and_o depend_v upon_o the_o antecedent_n proof_n of_o a_o author_n of_o nature_n pag._n 1._o §_o ii_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n not_o to_o be_v prove_v by_o instinct_n and_o notion_n within_o we_o but_o by_o the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o thing_n p._n 5._o §_o iii_o the_o great_a and_o the_o lesser_a rule_n of_o morality_n the_o great_a evident_a to_o all_o the_o world_n the_o consent_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o their_o obligation_n unknown_a to_o none_o without_o the_o most_o wilful_a ignorance_n or_o most_o brutish_a stupidity_n the_o lesser_a be_v only_a rule_n of_o decency_n one_o direction_n about_o they_o all_o viz._n to_o avoid_v unnatural_a imitation_n p._n 9_o §_o iv._o all_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n reduce_v to_o one_o principle_n viz._n mutual_a love_n and_o kindness_n among_o all_o mankind_n this_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v the_o will_n and_o intention_n of_o their_o maker_n the_o absurdity_n of_o mr._n hobbs_n suppose_a state_n of_o war_n show_v though_o there_o be_v no_o deity_n but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o deity_n the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n unavoidable_a p._n 17._o §_o v._o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o society_n its_o divine_a institution_n demonstrate_v the_o state_n of_o war_n show_v to_o be_v contradictory_n to_o humane_a nature_n p._n 25._o §_o vi_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o propriety_n and_o dominion_n prove_v first_o from_o the_o limitedness_n of_o every_o man_n nature_n second_o from_o its_o subserviency_n to_o the_o public_a good_n p._n 35._o §_o vii_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n make_v know_v and_o recommend_v to_o we_o from_o the_o constitution_n of_o all_o thing_n within_o we_o first_o from_o the_o natural_a activity_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man._n p._n 42._o §_o viii_o second_o from_o that_o natural_a sense_n and_o desire_n that_o every_o man_n have_v of_o his_o own_o happiness_n p._n 47._o §_o ix_o three_o from_o some_o natural_a instinct_n and_o inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o first_o conjunction_n of_o sex_n for_o propagation_n of_o the_o kind_a second_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a affection_n between_o parent_n and_o child_n three_o natural_a pity_n and_o compassion_n last_o from_o the_o passion_n of_o laugh_v p._n 50._o §_o x._o all_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o argument_n recapitulate_v p._n 57_o §_o xi_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o natural_a reward_n and_o penalty_n prove_v p._n 60._o §_o xii_o the_o first_o reward_n of_o virtue_n be_v its_o own_o intrinsic_a pleasure_n and_o natural_a tendency_n to_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o health_n of_o body_n p._n 64._o §_o xiii_o the_o second_o be_v the_o conscience_n that_o a_o good_a man_n have_v of_o his_o approve_v himself_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n and_o the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o divine_a will._n p._n 69._o §_o fourteen_o the_o three_o be_v the_o endearment_n and_o recommendation_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o love_n and_o goodwill_n of_o mankind_n p._n 74._o §_o xv._n the_o first_o natural_a punishment_n of_o injustice_n be_v the_o forfeiture_n of_o all_o other_o man_n kindness_n the_o second_o be_v insecurity_n the_o three_o be_v provoke_v the_o whole_a society_n to_o endeavour_v his_o destruction_n in_o order_n to_o the_o public_a safety_n p._n 79._o §_o xvi_o as_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n follow_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n so_o do_v the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a state_n upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o law_n of_o nature_n in_o that_o without_o it_o it_o can_v never_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o its_o institution_n and_o first_o because_o without_o it_o mankind_n be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o happiness_n this_o prove_v against_o all_o the_o philosopher_n p._n 84._o §_o xvii_o and_o first_o against_o the_o epicurean_o the_o controversy_n with_o they_o state_v not_o whether_o pleasure_n be_v our_o sovereign_a happiness_n but_o what_o pleasure_n p._n 88_o §_o xviii_o the_o meanness_n and_o foulness_n of_o epicurus_n his_o doctrine_n that_o all_o happiness_n consist_v in_o sensual_a pleasure_n prove_v against_o those_o several_a apology_n that_o be_v make_v to_o excuse_v it_o p._n 91._o §_o xix_o there_o can_v be_v no_o happiness_n in_o this_o life_n if_o take_v alone_o because_o of_o the_o fickleness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o its_o enjoyment_n p._n 96_o §_o xx._n the_o several_a prescription_n of_o epicurus_n and_o seneca_n against_o the_o misery_n of_o life_n show_v to_o be_v vain_a and_o trifle_a p._n 99_o §_o xxi_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n prove_v a_o inevitable_a and_o insuperable_a misery_n of_o life_n without_o the_o
hope_n of_o immortality_n the_o vanity_n of_o epicurus_n his_o great_a antidote_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n viz._n that_o death_n can_v hurt_v we_o because_o when_o that_o be_v we_o be_v not_o p._n 106._o §_o xxii_o all_o the_o other_o receipt_n prescribe_v by_o the_o philosopher_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n represent_v and_o explode_v p._n 113._o §_o xxiii_o without_o a_o future_a state_n no_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o virtue_n first_o not_o for_o temperance_n p._n 120._o §_o xxiv_o second_o not_o for_o justice_n nor_o magnanimity_n p._n 124._o §_o xxv_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o stoical_a philosophy_n represent_v upon_o its_o principle_n neither_o happiness_n nor_o virtue_n without_o a_o future_a state_n p._n 131._o §_o xxvi_o a_o account_n of_o the_o platonic_a and_o peripatetic_a morality_n out_o of_o tully_n and_o first_o his_o consolatory_a discourse_n in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o tusculane_n question_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n prove_v vain_a and_o ineffectual_a p._n 139._o §_o xxvii_o the_o same_o show_v of_o the_o remedy_n prescribe_v in_o his_o second_o book_n for_o the_o alleviate_a of_o pain_n p._n 147._o §_o xxviii_o the_o same_o show_v of_o the_o prescription_n of_o the_o three_o and_o four_o book_n against_o grief_n and_o trouble_v under_o the_o calamity_n of_o life_n and_o all_o other_o perturbation_n of_o the_o mind_n p._n 151._o §_o xxix_o a_o account_n of_o the_o five_o book_n where_o he_o forsake_v the_o peripatetic_a philosophy_n as_o insufficient_a to_o his_o purpose_n and_o what_o good_a reason_n he_o have_v so_o to_o do_v p._n 157._o §_o xxx_o the_o defect_n of_o his_o own_o new_a way_n of_o philosophise_v prove_v in_o general_n p._n 162._o §_o xxxi_o that_o great_a and_o glorious_a maxim_n of_o his_o friend_n brutus_n that_o virtue_n be_v sufficient_a to_o its_o own_o happiness_n prove_v to_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o empty_a say_n without_o immortality_n the_o argument_n conclude_v p._n 167._o part_n ii_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n §_o i._o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n pag._n 175._o §_o ii_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n demonstrate_v from_o the_o infinite_a and_o intolerable_a absurdity_n of_o unbelief_n p._n 179._o §_o iii_o this_o particular_o prove_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n own_o advice_n in_o the_o article_n of_o his_o resurrection_n p._n 182._o §_o iv._o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v false_a in_o their_o testimony_n of_o it_o demonstrate_v from_o the_o first_o instinct_n of_o humane_a nature_n love_v of_o life_n and_o desire_v of_o self-preservation_n p._n 184._o §_o v._o the_o same_o prove_v from_o its_o contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o prudence_n and_o common_a understanding_n p._n 190._o §_o vi_o the_o same_o prove_v from_o its_o inconsistency_n with_o and_o contrariety_n to_o their_o own_o design_n in_o publish_v christianity_n to_o the_o world_n p._n 193._o §_o vii_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n history_n if_o write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o name_n it_o bear_v p._n 199._o §_o viii_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v write_v by_o any_o other_o demonstrative_o prove_v p._n 204._o §_o ix_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o authority_n be_v sometime_o dispute_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o apostolical_a antiquity_n p._n 207._o §_o x._o mr._n hobbs_n witticism_n against_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o canon_n be_v first_o compile_v by_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n confute_v p._n 210._o §_o xi_o the_o concurrence_n of_o jew_n and_o heathen_n with_o the_o testimony_n of_o christian_a writer_n p._n 112._o §_o xii_o josephus_n and_o saint_n luke_n reconcile_v about_o the_o tax_n of_o cyrenius_n and_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n agrippa_n p._n 215._o §_o xiii_o the_o famous_a testimony_n of_o josephus_n concern_v our_o saviour_n vindicate_v from_o the_o exception_n of_o tanaquil_n faber_n and_o other_o critic_n p._n 222._o §_o fourteen_o the_o testimony_n of_o phlegon_n concern_v the_o eclipse_n at_o the_o passion_n assert_v p._n 229._o §_o xv._n pontius_n pilate_n his_o narrative_a concern_v our_o saviour_n to_o tiberius_n and_o tiberius_n his_o opinion_n of_o it_o clear_v p._n 230._o §_o xvi_o the_o story_n of_o agbarus_n prove_v genuine_a p._n 235._o §_o xvii_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o apostle_n prevail_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o mankind_n if_o their_o story_n have_v be_v false_a p._n 239._o §_o xviii_o the_o speedy_a propagation_n of_o christianity_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n describe_v philo_n therapeutae_n prove_v to_o have_v be_v christian_n p._n 241._o §_o xix_o the_o first_o disadvantage_n of_o christianity_n if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a its_o be_v a_o late_a matter_n of_o fact_n p._n 251._o §_o xx._n the_o second_o disadvantage_n of_o christianity_n be_v its_o contrariety_n to_o the_o atheism_n and_o the_o luxury_n of_o the_o age_n in_o which_o it_o be_v publish_v p._n 256._o §_o xxi_o the_o three_o disadvantage_n of_o christianity_n be_v its_o defiance_n to_o the_o establish_a and_o inveterate_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n both_o jewish_a and_o heathen_a p._n 259._o §_o xxii_o the_o wonderful_a success_n of_o christianity_n notwithstanding_o all_o other_o disadvantage_n not_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o rational_a evidence_n that_o it_o give_v of_o its_o truth_n p._n 263._o §_o xxiii_o that_o the_o apostle_n plant_v the_o christian_a faith_n with_o so_o much_o speed_n by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o have_v do_v it_o any_o other_o way_n p._n 266._o §_o xxiv_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o same_o power_n to_o the_o next_o follow_v age_n assert_v and_o with_o the_o great_a assurance_n appeal_v to_o by_o all_o the_o advocate_n of_o christianity_n in_o their_o public_a write_n p._n 275._o §_o xxv_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o ancient_n against_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o be_v wrought_v by_o magic_n p._n 283._o §_o xxvi_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o miracle_n oppose_v by_o the_o heathen_n to_o our_o saviour_n particular_o that_o of_o vespasian_n in_o cure_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o blind_a p._n 287._o §_o xxvii_o a_o account_n of_o the_o evident_a imposture_n of_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n from_o his_o own_o historian_n philostratus_n p._n 293._o §_o xxviii_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n from_o mere_a humane_a tradition_n and_o that_o first_o public_a by_o the_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o chief_a church_n from_o the_o apostle_n p._n 300._o §_o xxix_o the_o same_o prove_v by_o private_a tradition_n and_o first_o of_o saint_n clement_n bishop_n of_o rome_n p._n 308._o §_o xxx_o second_o of_o saint_n ignatius_n with_o a_o account_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o epistle_n p._n 311._o §_o xxxi_o three_o of_o saint_n policarp_n pothinus_n and_o papias_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o ancient_n vindicate_v as_o to_o the_o paschal_n controversy_n p._n 320._o §_o xxxii_o of_o hegesippus_n the_o purity_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n vindicate_v against_o all_o innovator_n and_o hegesippus_n his_o history_n against_o the_o cavil_n of_o scaliger_n p._n 328._o §_o xxxiii_o of_o justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n and_o a_o great_a number_n more_o p._n 338._o §_o xxxiv_o the_o objection_n from_o the_o infidelity_n of_o great_a number_n of_o man_n in_o that_o age_n answer_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v their_o invincible_a prejudice_n in_o honour_n of_o moses_n p._n 343._o §_o xxxv_o their_o second_o great_a prejudice_n be_v their_o expectation_n of_o a_o great_a temporal_a prince_n for_o their_o messiah_n and_o how_o they_o be_v cross_v in_o it_o by_o our_o saviour_n p._n 349._o §_o xxxvi_o atheism_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o sadducee_n oppose_v christianity_n and_o fanatic_a pride_n and_o arrogance_n of_o the_o pharisee_n p._n 357._o §_o xxxvii_o the_o heathen_n oppose_v christianity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o idolatry_n the_o neronian_a persecution_n only_o a_o trick_n of_o state_n to_o secure_v himself_o from_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o multitude_n by_o deliver_v up_o the_o christian_n to_o it_o p._n 363._o §_o xxxviii_o domitian_n persecution_n found_v upon_o jealousy_n of_o state_n against_o the_o line_n of_o david_n hegesippus_n vindicate_v in_o his_o account_n of_o it_o against_o scaliger_n the_o jealousy_n both_o of_o the_o emperor_n and_o the_o senate_n about_o the_o messiah_n p._n 370._o §_o thirty-nine_o a_o account_n of_o the_o follow_a persecution_n and_o of_o the_o injustice_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o their_o several_a proceed_n against_o