of_o a_o future_a and_o awful_a judgement_n and_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n to_o gain_v the_o favour_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n the_o creator_n and_o supreme_a disposer_n of_o the_o universe_n i_o say_v do_v it_o stand_v to_o reason_n that_o such_o a_o one_o so_o serviceable_a to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o miraculous_a way_n as_o to_o be_v of_o a_o base_a and_o illegitimate_a extraction_n i_o ask_v the_o greek_n and_o particular_o celsus_n who_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o platonist_n or_o no_o think_v he_o have_v sufficient_a authority_n for_o what_o he_o say_v if_o he_o do_v but_o quote_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o learned_a plato_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o reflection_n upon_o one_o who_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o transmigration_n of_o soul_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o every_o body_n have_v a_o proper_a soul_n to_o act_v and_o animate_v it_o to_o deny_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v in_o a_o lawful_a manner_n who_o engage_v in_o so_o difficult_a and_o important_a a_o work_n instruct_v so_o many_o ignorant_a and_o seduce_v person_n and_o happy_o and_o sudden_o recover_v they_o from_o that_o deluge_n of_o immorality_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v so_o long_o and_o so_o deep_o plunge_v be_v it_o not_o more_o rational_a to_o think_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o pythagoras_n plato_n and_o empedocles_n on_o the_o testimony_n of_o which_o learned_a author_n celsus_n himself_o do_v very_o much_o rely_v that_o there_o be_v some_o secret_a reason_n why_o every_o soul_n shall_v have_v a_o body_n appropriate_v to_o itself_o that_o be_v a_o fit_a receptacle_n for_o it_o and_o suit_v to_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a quality_n which_o it_o have_v in_o its_o state_n of_o pre-existence_n be_v it_o not_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o a_o more_o than_o humane_a soul_n that_o do_v more_o service_n to_o the_o world_n than_o many_o thousand_o of_o other_o to_o say_v no_o more_o lest_o my_o discourse_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o savour_v of_o prejudice_n shall_v be_v unite_v to_o a_o portion_n of_o organise_v matter_n that_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o the_o generality_n of_o body_n be_v for_o if_o those_o soul_n which_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o some_o secret_a cause_n be_v of_o too_o noble_a a_o nature_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o a_o inanimate_a creature_n and_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o animate_v a_o body_n that_o be_v complete_o form_v have_v one_o that_o be_v adapt_v to_o they_o the_o head_n of_o which_o be_v disproportionable_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o its_o member_n do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n hinder_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o reason_n and_o other_o that_o be_v more_o perfect_a act_v a_o body_n that_o be_v more_o due_o dispose_v and_o so_o other_o according_a to_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o their_o native_a or_o acquire_v excellency_n be_v send_v into_o more_o or_o less_o perfect_a body_n why_o may_v not_o a_o particular_a soul_n assume_v a_o body_n in_o a_o miraculous_a way_n a_o body_n that_o have_v something_o in_o common_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n that_o may_v render_v it_o fit_a for_o humane_a conversation_n and_o something_o wherein_o it_o differ_v from_o they_o that_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n secure_v it_o from_o the_o sad_a contagion_n of_o a_o neighbour_a and_o distemper_a mind_n in_o short_a if_o we_o give_v any_o credit_n to_o they_o who_o be_v skilled_a in_o physiognomy_n such_o as_o zopyrus_n loxus_fw-la polemon_n and_o other_o who_o have_v direct_o handle_v that_o difficult_a subject_n and_o pretend_v to_o find_v out_o extraordinary_a mystery_n by_o observe_v the_o rule_n which_o that_o science_n propose_v what_o absurdity_n be_v there_o in_o assert_v that_o all_o body_n be_v suit_v to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o act_v they_o be_v there_o then_o the_o least_o probability_n that_o a_o soul_n so_o excellent_a in_o itself_o and_o form_v for_o such_o great_a and_o truly-generous_a design_n as_o the_o humane_a soul_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n shall_v animate_v a_o body_n which_o as_o celsus_n represent_v the_o matter_n be_v beget_v in_o adultery_n by_o a_o wicked_a soldier_n on_o the_o body_n of_o a_o lustful_a female_n one_o will_v rather_o think_v that_o a_o madman_n or_o a_o person_n who_o prove_v a_o constant_a plague_n to_o the_o age_n and_o place_v he_o live_v in_o or_o a_o teacher_n of_o intemperance_n and_o injustice_n and_o a_o impudent_a encourager_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n shall_v owe_v his_o birth_n to_o so_o impure_a a_o copulation_n and_o not_o a_o teacher_n much_o less_o a_o eminent_a practiser_n of_o temperance_n justice_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n chap._n xxx_o this_o be_v plain_o foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o exact_o agree_v with_o the_o promise_a sign_n that_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n will_v by_o the_o course_n of_o his_o action_n make_v good_a his_o name_n and_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v emmanuel_n god_n with_o we_o and_o i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a to_o mention_v the_o prediction_n of_o the_o forementioned_a prophet_n that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n which_o celsus_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o though_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v perfect_o acquaint_v with_o what_o the_o christian_n hold_v either_o not_o have_v read_v it_o or_o cunning_o conceal_v his_o knowledge_n lest_o he_o shall_v unaware_o overthrow_v his_o own_o beloved_a opinion_n and_o advance_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o cause_n which_o he_o espouse_n and_o use_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o maintain_v the_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n be_v these_o moreover_o the_o lord_n speak_v again_o to_o ahaz_n isaiah_n seven_o v._o 10._o say_v ask_v thou_o a_o sign_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n ask_v it_o either_o in_o the_o depth_n or_o in_o the_o height_n above_o but_o ahaz_n say_v i_o will_v not_o ask_v neither_o will_v i_o tempt_v the_o lord_n and_o he_o say_v hear_v you_o now_o oh_o house_n of_o david_n be_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n to_o weary_a man_n but_o will_v you_o weary_v my_o god_n also_o therefore_o the_o lord_n himself_o shall_v give_v you_o a_o sign_n behold_v a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n and_o call_v his_o name_n emmanuel_n that_o celsus_n discover_v his_o malice_n in_o not_o mention_v the_o foregoing_a prophecy_n i_o gather_v from_o his_o pass_v over_o it_o in_o a_o profound_a silence_n when_o he_o quote_v some_o passage_n in_o st._n mathew_n gospel_n and_o particular_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o star_n that_o appear_v at_o the_o nativity_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o if_o the_o jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v be_v use_v to_o make_v critical_a remark_n on_o word_n shall_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o word_n which_o be_v translate_v virgin_n shall_v be_v render_v young_a woman_n i_o answer_v the_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o septuagint_n translate_v virgin_n though_o other_o favour_v his_o mean_v of_o the_o word_n be_v understand_v of_o a_o virgin_n in_o the_o book_n of_o deuteronomy_n if_o a_o damsel_n that_o deu._n xxii_o v._n 23._o be_v a_o virgin_n be_v betroth_v to_o a_o husband_n and_o a_o man_n find_v she_o in_o the_o city_n and_o lie_v with_o she_o than_o you_o shall_v bring_v they_o both_o out_o to_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o city_n and_o you_o shall_v stone_n they_o with_o stone_n that_o they_o die_v the_o damsel_n because_o she_o cry_v not_o be_v in_o the_o city_n and_o the_o man_n because_o he_o have_v humble_v his_o neighbour_n wife_n so_o thou_o shall_v put_v away_o evil_a from_o among_o you_o but_o if_o a_o man_n find_v a_o betroth_a damsel_n in_o the_o field_n and_o the_o man_n force_v she_o and_o lie_v with_o she_o than_o the_o man_n only_o that_o lie_v with_o she_o shall_v die_v but_o to_o the_o damsel_n thou_o shall_v do_v nothing_o there_o be_v in_o the_o damsel_n no_o sin_n worthy_a of_o death_n but_o not_o to_o dwell_v too_o long_o upon_o the_o hebrew_n word_n which_o perhaps_o few_o person_n understand_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v from_o the_o context_n that_o according_a to_o the_o prophetic_a oracle_n emmanuel_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n the_o lord_n say_v to_o ahaz_n ask_v thou_o a_o sign_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n either_o in_o the_o depth_n or_o in_o the_o height_n above_o then_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o sign_n be_v to_o be_v give_v behold_v a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n but_o what_o sign_n can_v a_o young_a woman_n conceive_v be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o a_o virgin_n and_o to_o which_o of_o the_o two_o
by_o what_o i_o shall_v seasonable_o produce_v in_o its_o defence_n provide_v i_o be_o able_a to_o confute_v his_o error_n i_o resolve_v to_o obey_v your_o most_o just_a command_n and_o to_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o book_n you_o be_v please_v to_o send_v i_o the_o very_a title_n of_o which_o viz._n a_o true_a relation_n will_v hardly_o pass_v for_o such_o with_o they_o who_o be_v no_o great_a proficient_n even_o in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n st._n paul_n know_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o greek_a philosophy_n that_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o contemptible_a but_o have_v by_o accident_n a_o malignant_a influence_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o common_a people_n represent_v error_n under_o the_o plausible_a appearance_n of_o solid_a and_o most_o important_a truth_n have_v these_o very_a word_n beware_v colos_n 2._o u._n 8._o lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ_n but_o this_o be_v more_o than_o i_o think_v any_o judicious_a person_n will_v allow_v the_o book_n which_o i_o be_o just_a go_v to_o answer_v for_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o forementioned_n thing_n by_o the_o name_n of_o vain_a deceit_n perhaps_o in_o contra-distinction_n to_o a_o certain_a kind_a of_o deceit_n which_o be_v not_o vain_a but_o innocent_a and_o useful_a which_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n consider_v make_v bold_a to_o apply_v the_o follow_a word_n to_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o oh_o lord_n thou_o have_v deceive_v i_o and_o jer._n 20._o u._n 7._o i_o be_v deceive_v thou_o be_v strong_a than_o i_o and_o have_v prevail_v but_o in_o my_o opinion_n what_o celsus_n publish_v do_v want_v even_o that_o plausible_a appearance_n to_o render_v it_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v deceitful_a which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o those_o eminently-learned_n person_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o various_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n among_o the_o pagan_n and_o as_o in_o geometry_n tisn_v sufficient_a that_o what_o be_v offor_v for_o a_o demonstration_n be_v in_o itself_o false_a and_o dangerous_a but_o it_o must_v have_v some_o colour_n of_o truth_n or_o it_o can_v never_o deceive_v and_o engage_v even_o the_o most_o faint_a endeavour_n of_o one_o who_o will_v improve_v in_o that_o entertain_n and_o useful_a science_n so_o those_o discourse_n which_o deserve_v the_o character_n of_o vain_a deceit_n must_v have_v some_o affinity_n with_o those_o rational_a argument_n that_o be_v frequent_o make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o head_n of_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n when_o i_o have_v proceed_v in_o my_o answer_n to_o celsus_n as_o far_o as_o the_o place_n where_o he_o personate_v the_o jew_n discourse_v with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v proper_a to_o put_v this_o preface_n before_o my_o book_n that_o so_o any_o one_o into_o who_o hand_n it_o may_v accidental_o fall_v may_v plain_o see_v that_o i_o didn't_fw-mi principal_o intend_v it_o for_o those_o christian_n who_o be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o their_o judgement_n but_o either_o for_o they_o who_o be_v entire_a stranger_n to_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o for_o they_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n rom._n 14._o u._n 1._o receive_v i_o must_v add_v one_o thing_n here_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o i_o have_v a_o different_a design_n in_o answer_v celsus_n in_o the_o gross_a from_o what_o i_o have_v in_o answer_v the_o beginning_n of_o his_o book_n for_o at_o first_o i_o design_v no_o more_o than_o to_o mention_v some_o of_o the_o principal_a head_n and_o content_v myself_o with_o a_o mere_a compendium_n but_o after_o mature_a deliberation_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o proper_a to_o gather_v my_o discourse_n as_o it_o be_v into_o a_o perfect_a system_fw-la or_o body_n then_o i_o be_v satisfy_v from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v at_o a_o needless_a expense_n both_o of_o time_n and_o pain_n and_o content_v myself_o with_o what_o i_o have_v write_v against_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o book_n which_o celsus_n publish_v but_o in_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o my_o apology_n which_o if_o i_o may_v modest_o say_v it_o of_o my_o own_o performance_n be_v much_o more_o elaborate_a i_o determine_v to_o bend_v all_o my_o force_n against_o he_o and_o to_o return_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v material_a and_o even_o to_o some_o of_o his_o most_o trifle_a objection_n i_o must_v therefore_o desire_v my_o reader_n to_o discover_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a candour_n in_o pass_v his_o judgement_n on_o what_o i_o have_v do_v especial_o on_o that_o part_n of_o my_o apology_n which_o immediate_o follow_v this_o epistle_n and_o if_o the_o other_o part_n shall_v have_v no_o better_a effect_n upon_o he_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v there_o also_o be_v extreme_o favourable_a in_o the_o sentence_n which_o he_o may_v pass_v upon_o i_o and_o if_o you_o virtuous_a ambrose_n desire_v a_o more_o complete_a answer_n to_o celsus_n than_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v he_o at_o present_a i_o must_v refer_v you_o to_o they_o who_o have_v a_o far_o great_a share_n of_o judgement_n than_o that_o to_o which_o i_o lay_v my_o most_o humble_a claim_n and_o be_v better_o qualify_v for_o the_o due_a and_o honourable_a management_n of_o so_o difficult_a a_o province_n however_o that_o person_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a and_o much_o more_o desirable_a condition_n who_o have_v meet_v with_o celsus_n performance_n and_o be_v furnish_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n with_o a_o warm_a and_o effectual_a apology_n for_o that_o excellent_a religion_n which_o he_o profess_v and_o endeavour_n to_o practice_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o power_n be_v so_o well-guarded_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o sincere_a follower_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n that_o he_o can_v look_v with_o a_o holy_a contempt_n on_o the_o false_a representation_n and_o most_o plausible_a argument_n of_o the_o most_o celebrate_a heretic_n that_o do_v ever_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n origen_n against_o celsus_n chap._n i._n the_o first_o charge_n which_o celsus_n bring_v against_o the_o christian_n be_v their_o hold_a cabal_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o to_o which_o as_o he_o think_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v entire_o subject_a he_o distinguish_v meeting_n into_o public_a and_o private_a the_o public_a meeting_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o the_o private_a and_o separate_a meeting_n which_o be_v keep_v up_o by_o schismatic_n and_o his_o design_n herein_o be_v to_o cast_v reproach_n on_o the_o love_n feast_n of_o the_o christian_n which_o be_v appoint_v to_o prevent_v a_o common_a and_o threaten_a danger_n and_o be_v far_o more_o bind_v than_o the_o sacred_a tie_n of_o mutual_a oath_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v i_o say_v he_o reproach_n they_o as_o if_o they_o manifest_o and_o gross_o interfere_v with_o that_o due_a and_o indispensible_a loyalty_n which_o as_o they_o be_v subject_n they_o owe_v and_o aught_o as_o he_o imagine_v to_o pay_v the_o national_a establishment_n since_o therefore_o he_o make_v his_o boast_n that_o he_o have_v the_o law_n on_o his_o side_n and_o will_v intimate_v that_o the_o separate_a meeting_n of_o the_o christian_n do_v countenance_n and_o promote_v schism_n and_o sedition_n i_o answer_v that_o as_o a_o stranger_n who_o have_v his_o lot_n providential_o cast_v among_o the_o scythian_n who_o be_v govern_v by_o most_o wicked_a law_n and_o have_v not_o a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o make_v a_o safe_a escape_n will_v be_v esteem_v by_o that_o ignorant_a and_o uncivilise_v people_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o their_o constitution_n and_o a_o favourer_n of_o the_o sectary_n if_o he_o didn't_fw-mi comply_v with_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n but_o may_v still_o urge_v weighty_a and_o unanswerable_a argument_n to_o justify_v his_o separation_n so_o the_o christian_n may_v lawful_o dissent_v from_o the_o establish_v religion_n which_o introduce_v image-worship_n and_o a_o whole_a rifraff_n of_o the_o mock-deity_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o abound_v with_o more_o horrid_a impiety_n than_o be_v ever_o practise_v by_o the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o as_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o a_o city_n may_v lawful_o defend_v themselves_o against_o a_o prince_n who_o have_v make_v a_o unjust_a descent_n upon_o their_o native_a country_n so_o the_o christian_n may_v warrantable_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o satan_n that_o great_a usurper_n to_o free_v themselves_o and_o other_o from_o his_o worse_a than_o scythian_a tyranny_n chap._n
be_v it_o most_o proper_a to_o attribute_v the_o conception_n of_o emmanuel_n that_o be_v god_n with_o we_o to_o a_o young_a woman_n with_o child_n in_o a_o unlawful_a and_o dishonourable_a way_n or_o to_o one_o who_o have_v not_o lose_v her_o virginity_n certain_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o person_n be_v conceive_v by_o the_o latter_a in_o a_o strange_a and_o even_o miraculous_a way_n and_o if_o the_o jew_n lay_v such_o a_o mighty_a stress_n upon_o those_o word_n ask_v thou_o a_o sign_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o know_v what_o person_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o ahaz_n of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v say_v this_o be_v emmanuel_n which_o be_v interpret_v be_v god_n with_o we_o and_o if_o no_o such_o person_n can_v be_v find_v i_o think_v we_o may_v fair_o understand_v this_o text_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o as_o the_o scripture_n acquaint_v we_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o follow_a word_n in_o the_o height_n above_o or_o in_o the_o depth_n below_o have_v a_o manifest_a agreement_n with_o what_o be_v say_v of_o our_o saviour_n he_o that_o descend_v be_v the_o same_o that_o eph._n four_o v._o 10._o ascend_v up_o far_o above_o all_o heaven_n that_o he_o may_v fill_v all_o thing_n chap._n xxxi_o this_o i_o say_v to_o a_o jew_n who_o if_o he_o observe_v his_o character_n must_v give_v his_o ready_a and_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o jewish_a prophecy_n and_o i_o ask_v celsus_n and_o those_o of_o his_o party_n do_v the_o prophet_n foresee_v thing_n to_o come_v or_o do_v they_o not_o if_o they_o do_v not_o foresee_v they_o what_o shall_v make_v they_o speak_v with_o such_o a_o air_n of_o assurance_n and_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n have_v all_o along_o look_v upon_o their_o prophecy_n as_o divinely-inspired_a oracle_n and_o since_o i_o be_o natural_o lead_v into_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o jewish_a prophet_n i_o hope_v that_o what_o i_o shall_v offer_v on_o this_o important_a head_n may_v not_o only_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o almighty_n god_n be_v of_o some_o use_n to_o the_o jew_n who_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v divinely-inspired_a but_o also_o to_o as_o many_o of_o the_o greek_n themselves_o as_o act_v upon_o ingenuous_a principle_n for_o they_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v true_a prophet_n among_o they_o unless_o we_o can_v suppose_v they_o to_o have_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o violate_v their_o divinely-instituted_n rite_n and_o pay_v divine_a worship_n as_o a_o just_a tribute_n to_o the_o mock-deity_n of_o foreign_a nation_n i_o prove_v my_o assertion_n thus_o we_o read_v in_o the_o jewish_a law_n that_o other_o nation_n deu._n xviii_o v._o 10._o hearken_v to_o observer_n of_o time_n and_o to_o diviner_n but_o to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n it_o be_v say_v as_o for_o thou_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n have_v not_o suffer_v thou_o so_o to_o do_v then_o it_o follow_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v raise_v up_o to_o thou_o a_o prophet_n of_o thy_o brethren_n if_o therefore_o while_o other_o nation_n have_v man_n among_o they_o who_o foretell_v future_a event_n whether_o by_o the_o fly_a or_o sing_v of_o bird_n or_o by_o a_o narrow_a inspection_n into_o the_o entrail_n of_o beast_n or_o by_o the_o hollow_a voice_n that_o be_v form_v in_o the_o belly_n of_o certain_a person_n or_o by_o the_o childaean_a horoscope_n the_o jew_n who_o have_v in_o common_a with_o other_o a_o curiosity_n to_o know_v what_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v be_v forbid_v to_o take_v the_o forementioned_a method_n and_o have_v no_o prophet_n of_o their_o own_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o futurity_n they_o will_v immediate_o have_v entertain_v mean_a thought_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n as_o bear_v no_o undeniable_a character_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n and_o have_v reject_v all_o their_o prophet_n down_o from_o moses_n himself_o insomuch_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v they_o will_v never_o have_v commit_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v deliver_v by_o they_o to_o write_v but_o either_o have_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n or_o have_v practise_v something_o in_o imitation_n of_o they_o in_o their_o native_a country_n and_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o absurd_a that_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o some_o person_n who_o desire_v it_o shall_v prophesy_v concern_v matter_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o mean_a importance_n as_o samuel_n do_v concern_v some_o ass_n that_o 1_o sam._n ix_o v._o 20._o be_v lose_v and_o ahijah_n concern_v the_o death_n of_o jeroboam_n son_n 1_o kin_n fourteen_o v._o 12._o and_o indeed_o if_o they_o have_v no_o prophet_n among_o they_o how_o can_v any_o that_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o jewish_a law_n reprove_v they_o who_o consult_v the_o heathen_a oracle_n as_o we_o read_v that_o elijah_n reprove_v ahaziah_n say_v be_v it_o because_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n in_o israel_n that_o you_o go_v to_o inquire_v of_o baalzebub_a the_o god_n of_o ekron_n i_o think_v then_o that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v not_o only_o that_o our_o saviour_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n but_o also_o that_o there_o be_v divinely-inspired_a prophet_n to_o who_o the_o jewish_a nation_n may_v have_v frequent_a and_o satisfactory_a recourse_n these_o didn't_fw-mi only_o in_o the_o general_n foretell_v some_o thing_n that_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v with_o reference_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o the_o remarkable_a revolution_n of_o empire_n and_o change_v of_o the_o face_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o sometime_o do_v more_o particular_o foretell_v some_o thing_n as_o that_o the_o ass_n which_o kish_n have_v lose_v shall_v be_v find_v and_o that_o jeroboam_n son_n shall_v die_v and_o i_o may_v give_v many_o parallel_n instance_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n xxxii_o i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v far_o to_o the_o greek_n who_o wo'n_v believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n that_o the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n if_o he_o please_v can_v make_v every_o animal_n bring_v forth_o its_o young_a in_o the_o same_o wonderful_a manner_n that_o be_v observe_v of_o some_o inanimate_a creature_n and_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o he_o may_v cause_v if_o he_o please_v the_o like_a unusual_a production_n in_o the_o world_n of_o men._n for_o among_o animal_n there_o be_v some_o female_n that_o bring_v forth_o their_o young_a without_o any_o previous_a copulation_n with_o the_o male_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o vulture_n which_o propagate_v their_o kind_a in_o this_o uncommon_a way_n as_o the_o best_a writer_n of_o natural_a history_n do_v acquaint_v we_o what_o absurdity_n be_v there_o then_o in_o suppose_v that_o the_o alwise_a god_n design_v to_o bless_v mankind_n with_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o truly-divine_a teacher_n shall_v so_o order_v matter_n that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n shall_v not_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o humane_a generation_n and_o the_o greek_n themselves_o do_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o some_o man_n have_v come_v into_o the_o world_n without_o the_o conjunction_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n for_o if_o the_o world_n have_v a_o beginning_n as_o many_o of_o they_o grant_v it_o have_v than_o the_o first_o man_n be_v not_o produce_v in_o the_o common_a way_n but_o according_a to_o they_o by_o the_o spermatick_a virtue_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o to_o i_o seem_v much_o more_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a than_o our_o saviour_n nativity_n if_o we_o do_v but_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o impartial_a reason_n since_o the_o way_n in_o which_o he_o be_v bear_v have_v some_o resemblance_n with_o the_o usual_a method_n of_o carnal_a copulation_n and_o since_o i_o be_o concern_v with_o the_o learned_a greek_n it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a to_o make_v my_o appeal_n even_o to_o their_o own_o history_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n that_o other_o as_o well_o as_o the_o christian_n must_v upon_o their_o own_o principle_n acknowledge_v the_o possibility_n of_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o production_n against_o which_o they_o so_o loud_o exclaim_v now_o some_o of_o their_o modern_a author_n tell_v we_o that_o plato_n be_v bear_v of_o amphictione_n without_o the_o conjunction_n of_o ariston_n who_o be_v forbid_v to_o touch_v his_o wife_n till_o she_o shall_v be_v deliver_v of_o a_o son_n who_o she_o shall_v conceive_v by_o apollo_n this_o be_v a_o mere_a fable_n i_o confess_v invent_v in_o favour_n of_o a_o person_n who_o uncommon_a attainment_n make_v they_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o even_o his_o body_n be_v of_o
return_v he_o a_o proper_a and_o sufficient_a answer_n i_o have_v resolve_v to_o examine_v every_o material_a article_n though_o i_o can_v observe_v so_o strict_a a_o method_n as_o i_o will_v but_o be_o force_v so_o far_o to_o comply_v even_o with_o the_o folly_n of_o my_o adversary_n as_o to_o trace_v he_o through_o the_o labyrinth_n of_o his_o confuse_a discourse_n let_v we_o see_v then_o what_o he_o have_v to_o offer_v against_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n chap._n xxxvii_o the_o jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v direct_v his_o discourse_n to_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n you_o pretend_v say_v he_o that_o a_o bird_n appear_v to_o you_o at_o your_o baptism_n but_o can_v you_o produce_v any_o credible_a person_n that_o be_v present_a to_o see_v it_o or_o hear_v the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n by_o which_o you_o say_v you_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n beside_o yourself_o and_o if_o we_o may_v take_v your_o word_n another_o person_n of_o the_o same_o pityful_a class_n but_o before_o i_o return_v he_o a_o direct_a and_o full_a answer_n i_o must_v beg_v leave_v to_o make_v one_o remark_n that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o in_o some_o case_n impossible_a to_o give_v evident_a and_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o undoubted_a matter_n of_o fact_n suppose_v any_o one_o shall_v say_v there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o scene_n of_o action_n as_o the_o trojan_a war_n ground_v his_o bold_a affirmation_n on_o the_o seem_a impossibility_n of_o some_o of_o the_o material_a circumstance_n which_o attend_v it_o and_o not_o conceive_v how_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la such_o a_o person_n as_o achilles_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o the_o son_n of_o peleus_n and_o thetis_n the_o goddess_n of_o the_o sea_n or_o sarpedon_n the_o son_n of_o jupiter_n or_o ascalaphus_n and_o jalmenus_n the_o son_n of_o mars_n or_o aeneas_n the_o son_n of_o venus_n how_o can_v we_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o gross_a mistake_n when_o so_o many_o fable_n be_v interweave_v with_o the_o body_n of_o the_o history_n be_v so_o ready_o and_o so_o universal_o believe_v or_o suppose_v any_o person_n shall_v call_v into_o question_n the_o story_n of_o oedipus_n and_o jocasta_n and_o eteocles_n and_o polynices_n their_o son_n by_o reason_n of_o what_o be_v confident_o relate_v concern_v the_o sphinx_n a_o certain_a monster_n that_o be_v half_o a_o virgin_n how_o can_v we_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o whole_a account_n be_v true_a i_o may_v say_v the_o same_o concern_v the_o second_o theban_a war_n which_o be_v continue_v by_o the_o posterity_n of_o they_o who_o have_v lose_v their_o life_n in_o the_o first_o though_o that_o be_v more_o free_a from_o the_o appearance_n of_o fiction_n than_o the_o former_a story_n and_o concern_v the_o return_n of_o the_o heraclidae_fw-la to_o peloponnesus_n and_o i_o may_v instance_n in_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o greek_n but_o he_o who_o read_v they_o without_o a_o tincture_n of_o prejudice_n and_o with_o a_o sincere_a desire_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v deceive_v will_v judge_v how_o far_o he_o be_v require_v to_o yield_v his_o ready_a and_o firm_a assent_n what_o passage_n he_o must_v take_v in_o a_o allegorical_a sense_n and_o what_o he_o must_v reject_v as_o be_v write_v in_o favour_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n and_o will_v endeavour_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a and_o full_a mean_v of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o original_a author_n of_o these_o story_n which_o the_o greek_n who_o be_v a_o learned_a nation_n do_v so_o general_o believe_v i_o will_v lay_v down_o this_o praeliminary_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o entire_a and_o amaze_a history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n as_o it_o be_v impartial_o relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o i_o do_v mention_v this_o as_o if_o i_o will_v have_v the_o more_o intelligent_a and_o learned_a sort_n of_o people_n to_o take_v thing_n on_o trust_n but_o to_o show_v that_o the_o reader_n have_v great_a need_n of_o candour_n join_v with_o a_o severe_a application_n and_o must_v penetrate_v if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v into_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o the_o author_n if_o he_o will_v take_v their_o write_n in_o their_o true_a sense_n and_o utmost_a latitude_n i_o answer_v then_o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o if_o the_o person_n who_o reject_v the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v appear_v to_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n be_v a_o follower_n of_o epicurus_n democritus_n or_o aristotle_n there_o will_v be_v some_o plausible_a ground_n for_o his_o incredulity_n because_o then_o i_o confess_v he_o will_v observe_v his_o character_n chap._n xxxviii_o but_o celsus_n with_o all_o his_o wisdom_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v quite_o forget_v that_o all_o this_o while_n he_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o jew_n who_o we_o must_v suppose_v to_o yield_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o many_o passage_n in_o the_o prophet_n that_o will_v soon_o be_v liable_a to_o shock_v our_o reason_n than_o any_o thing_n relate_v in_o the_o history_n of_o which_o i_o be_o now_o discourse_v for_o one_o may_v ask_v this_o pretend_a jew_n who_o wo'n_v believe_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n appear_v to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n pray_v sir_n how_o will_v you_o be_v ever_o capable_a of_o give_v evident_a and_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o god_n speak_v to_o adam_n eve_n cain_n noah_n abraham_n isaac_n or_o jacob_n as_o your_o scripture_n do_v plain_o assert_v he_o do_v and_o to_o set_v history_n against_o history_n i_o will_v address_v this_o jew_n after_o the_o follow_a manner_n dear_a sir_n you_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o ezekiel_n who_o be_v one_o of_o your_o own_o celebrate_a prophet_n have_v these_o very_a word_n the_o heaven_n be_v open_v and_o i_o see_v vision_n of_o ezek._n i._n v._o 1._o god_n and_o he_o add_v this_o be_v the_o appearance_n ezek._n i._n v._o 28_o of_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o say_v to_o i_o now_o if_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v relate_v of_o our_o saviour_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v false_a because_o as_o you_o think_v they_o have_v not_o sufficient_a extrinsic_a evidence_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o world_n since_o you_o affirm_v they_o be_v see_v and_o hear_v by_o no_o person_n but_o himself_o and_o another_o of_o the_o same_o pityful_a class_n have_v we_o not_o more_o reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o ezekiel_n impose_v upon_o we_o when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o heaven_n be_v open_a to_o his_o view_n and_o though_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n say_v i_o see_v the_o lord_n sit_v upon_o a_o throne_n high_a and_o lift_v up_o above_o it_o stand_v isa_n vi_fw-la v._o 1._o the_o seraphim_n each_o one_o have_v six_o wing_n pray_v sir_n what_o rational_a assurance_n have_v you_o that_o he_o real_o see_v this_o entertain_v and_o amaze_a sight_n you_o believe_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o neither_o can_v be_v deceive_v nor_o will_v deceive_v we_o and_o be_v persuade_v not_o only_o that_o the_o prophet_n see_v they_o but_o also_o that_o he_o be_v divinely-inspired_a when_o he_o commit_v these_o thing_n to_o write_v but_o i_o ask_v which_o of_o these_o three_o be_v it_o most_o fit_a we_o shall_v believe_v ezekiel_n isaiah_n or_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o two_o former_a do_v nothing_o that_o deserve_v to_o be_v compare_v or_o even_o mention_v with_o what_o the_o latter_a have_v do_v who_o power_n be_v not_o only_o most_o glorious_o display_v when_o he_o appear_v and_o dwell_v on_o earth_n but_o shine_v with_o a_o happy_a and_o remarkable_a lustre_n at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n in_o the_o conversion_n and_o exemplary_a reformation_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o god_n through_o he_o and_o that_o all_o those_o wonderful_a effect_n which_o we_o frequent_o see_v be_v owe_v to_o his_o infinite_a power_n i_o infer_v from_o hence_o that_o as_o he_o say_v and_o as_o constant_a experience_n may_v convince_v we_o the_o sincere_a labourer_n be_v few_o in_o a_o mat._n ix_o v._o 37._o comparative_a sense_n and_o yet_o the_o harvest_n of_o soul_n be_v great_a that_o be_v vast_a number_n ibid._n five_o 38_o be_v every_o where_o almost_o continual_o bring_v into_o god_n threshing-floor_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v i_o mean_v the_o visible_a church_n this_o i_o say_v to_o a_o jew_n not_o as_o if_o i_o have_v the_o least_o design_n to_o derogate_v from_o the_o honour_n which_o i_o be_o sensible_a be_v due_a to_o ezekiel_n and_o isaiah_n for_o that_o will_v be_v very_o inconsistent_a with_o
the_o opinion_n of_o the_o philosopher_n among_o the_o pagan_n and_o will_v manifest_o have_v have_v its_o foundation_n lay_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n rather_o than_o the_o irresistible_a power_n of_o god_n now_o what_o person_n who_o look_v on_o these_o fisherman_n and_o publican_n who_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o teach_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n of_o humane_a literature_n as_o the_o gospel_n acquaint_v we_o and_o as_o celsus_n be_v ready_a enough_o to_o believe_v and_o yet_o have_v such_o a_o presence_n of_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o discourse_v to_o their_o countryman_n the_o jew_n concern_v faith_n in_o christ_n but_o also_o to_o preach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n to_o other_o nation_n and_o be_v favour_v with_o most_o wonderful_a success_n i_o say_v what_o person_n who_o look_v on_o these_o fisherman_n and_o publican_n will_v not_o present_o inquire_v whence_o they_o derive_v this_o uncommon_a power_n of_o persuasion_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o saviour_n promise_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n come_v after_o i_o and_o i_o will_v make_v you_o fisher_n of_o man_n be_v evident_o mat._n four_o v._o 19_o and_o remarkable_o accomplish_v in_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o accompany_v the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v this_o to_o which_o st._n paul_n have_v so_o plain_a a_o reference_n when_o he_o say_v my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_v be_v not_o 1_o cor._n two_o v._o 4._o with_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n that_o your_o faith_n shall_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o prophetical_a psalmist_n speak_v who_o foretold_a the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o lord_n give_v the_o word_n great_a be_v the_o company_n of_o those_o that_o publish_v it_o ps_n lxviii_o v._o 11._o and_o as_o it_o be_v foretold_a in_o another_o place_n his_o word_n run_v very_o swift_o ps_n cxlvii_o v._n 15._o we_o see_v that_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v hear_v through_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o doctrine_n and_o fame_n too_o be_v spread_v to_o the_o most_o distant_a region_n they_o also_o who_o hear_v this_o doctrine_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o accompany_v the_o preach_a of_o it_o as_o abundant_o appear_v by_o the_o disposition_n of_o their_o mind_n the_o tenor_n of_o their_o conversation_n and_o their_o vigorous_a defence_n of_o the_o naked_a truth_n even_o to_o the_o apparent_a hazard_n of_o their_o fortune_n their_o reputation_n and_o their_o life_n though_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o aught_o to_o be_v deep_o lament_v that_o too_o many_o who_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o ministerial_a function_n after_o all_o the_o profession_n which_o they_o make_v of_o believe_v in_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o after_o have_v seem_v to_o be_v wonderful_o attract_v by_o the_o bright_a and_o almost_o irresistible_a charm_n of_o gospel-grace_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v do_v never_o feel_v the_o save_a impression_n of_o it_o on_o their_o heart_n attend_v with_o a_o suitable_a influence_n on_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o though_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v that_o expression_n in_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n matthew_n the_o harvest_n be_v great_a but_o the_o labourer_n be_v few_o pray_v you_o therefore_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n that_o he_o will_v send_v forth_o more_o labourer_n into_o mat._n ix_o v._o 37._o the_o harvest_n i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v improper_a to_o repeat_v it_o to_o show_v that_o our_o saviour_n foreknowledge_n of_o the_o entertainment_n which_o his_o doctrine_n will_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o divine_a proof_n of_o its_o future_a happy_a and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a effect_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n a_o doctrine_n the_o good_a success_n of_o which_o be_v far_o from_o depend_v on_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a doctor_n but_o be_v owe_v to_o that_o divine_a and_o miraculous_a power_n that_o accompany_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o sacred_a ministration_n chap._n lii_o and_o because_o celsus_n represent_v they_o not_o only_o as_o a_o parcel_n of_o ignorant_a fellow_n but_o also_o as_o a_o club_n of_o most_o scandalous_a creature_n vile_a publican_n and_o mariner_n i_o answer_v it_o seem_v he_o assent_v to_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o gospel_n whereby_o he_o think_v he_o can_v support_v his_o cause_n but_o reject_v when_o he_o think_v fit_a the_o authority_n of_o the_o evangelist_n themselves_o that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o reverence_v thâ—se_a character_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v so_o legible_a in_o their_o write_n but_o when_o he_o see_v with_o what_o faithfulness_n they_o relate_v even_o those_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o lessen_v their_o esteem_n and_o manifest_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o great_a danger_n he_o ought_v certain_o to_o believe_v the_o rest_n as_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o by_o consequence_n infallible_o true_a and_o of_o the_o high_a importance_n to_o we_o barnabas_n i_o confess_v in_o his_o catholic_n epistle_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o celsus_n have_v borrow_a his_o disadvantageous_a remark_n upon_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n say_v that_o jesus_n choose_v such_o person_n to_o the_o apostolical_a function_n as_o be_v wicked_a to_o the_o last_o degree_n and_o in_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n luke_n st._n peter_n say_v to_o jesus_n lord_n depart_v from_o i_o for_o luke_n u._n five_o 8._o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man._n and_o st._n paul_n in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n say_v this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_v and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o christ_n jesus_n come_v 1_o tim._n 1._o v._o 15._o into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n of_o who_o i_o be_o chief_a though_o at_o last_o he_o become_v a_o most_o eminent_a apostle_n and_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o celsus_n memory_n or_o his_o judgement_n be_v most_o defective_a when_o he_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o next_o to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v the_o most_o remarkable_a founder_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o it_o be_v probable_a he_o think_v it_o will_v not_o serve_v his_o cause_n and_o that_o if_o he_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o he_o he_o have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o have_v give_v a_o rational_a and_o distinct_a account_n how_o a_o person_n who_o once_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n spit_v his_o venom_n and_o employ_v his_o most_o vigorous_a endeavour_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o christian_n insomuch_o that_o he_o thirst_v for_o their_o blood_n be_v so_o strange_o alter_v on_o a_o sudden_a that_o he_o spread_v the_o gospel_n from_o jerusalem_n to_o illyricum_n endeavour_v to_o avoid_v building_n on_o the_o foundation_n which_o another_o have_v lay_v and_o make_v it_o his_o choice_n and_o business_n to_o preach_v to_o they_o who_o have_v never_o hear_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n by_o a_o crucified_a redeemer_n chap._n liii_o what_o absurdity_n be_v there_o then_o in_o suppose_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v desirous_a to_o show_v mankind_n what_o sovereign_a remedy_n he_o have_v and_o be_v willing_a to_o apply_v to_o the_o distemper_a soul_n of_o man_n shall_v make_v choice_n of_o person_n that_o be_v notorious_o wicked_a and_o work_v such_o a_o sudden_a and_o surprise_v change_n upon_o they_o that_o by_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o life_n they_o become_v very_o honourable_a example_n to_o they_o who_o be_v afterward_o convert_v by_o their_o ministry_n if_o they_o who_o have_v reform_v their_o manner_n must_v be_v upbraid_v with_o the_o crime_n which_o they_o former_o commit_v than_o we_o may_v as_o well_o bring_v in_o a_o most_o heavy_a charge_n against_o phaedon_n himself_o even_o after_o he_o have_v devote_v his_o time_n and_o strength_n to_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n because_o history_n acquaint_v we_o that_o socrates_n take_v he_o from_o a_o place_n where_o debauchery_n be_v practise_v without_o fear_n or_o regret_n and_o put_v he_o upon_o rational_a and_o learned_a study_n in_o which_o in_o process_n of_o time_n he_o be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o mean_a proficient_a we_o may_v also_o condemn_v philosophy_n itself_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o extravagant_a course_n which_o polemon_n the_o successor_n of_o zenocrates_n have_v former_o take_v but_o in_o truth_n this_o consideration_n do_v great_o brighten_v and_o recommend_v their_o character_n that_o by_o the_o help_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o thing_n as_o philosophy_n they_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o resolve_v on_o a_o virtuous_a and_o severe_a course_n of_o life_n in_o spite_n of_o those_o bad_a impression_n with_o which_o they_o be_v force_v to_o struggle_v and_o over_o which_o they_o do_v with_o no_o small_a difficulty_n obtain_v a_o honourable_a and_o happy_a
the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o accomplish_v such_o great_a design_n but_o it_o be_v hardly_o worth_a my_o while_n to_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o so_o ridiculous_a a_o question_n for_o it_o be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o person_n shall_v say_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o i_o who_o always_o preach_v up_o the_o doctrine_n of_o temperance_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o debauchery_n or_o that_o i_o who_o in_o discourse_n do_v always_o vindicate_v the_o injure_a right_n of_o justice_n shall_v ever_o be_v guilty_a of_o violate_v its_o sacred_a rule_n and_o as_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o for_o person_n to_o talk_v in_o the_o praise_n of_o virtue_n and_o yet_o be_v open_o guilty_a of_o the_o most_o scandalous_a vice_n so_o the_o jew_n who_o make_v the_o prophetic_a oracle_n the_o matter_n of_o their_o continual_a boast_n do_v yet_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o those_o scripture-prophecy_n which_o be_v evident_o accomplish_v in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o if_o i_o may_v ascribe_v their_o blindness_n to_o some_o other_o cause_n beside_o the_o wretched_a degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o they_o plain_o discover_v i_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o it_o be_v direct_o foretell_v by_o the_o very_a prophet_n they_o so_o much_o admire_v for_o isaiah_n say_v express_o hear_v you_o indeed_o but_o understand_v not_o and_o see_v you_o indeed_o but_o perceive_v not_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n fat_a now_o let_v any_o person_n acquaint_v i_o what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o prophet_n intend_v by_o these_o and_o the_o like_a expression_n it_o be_v plain_a they_o see_v our_o saviour_n but_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o pierce_a ray_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n and_o hear_v he_o discourse_n to_o they_o but_o can_o comprehend_v that_o his_o humane_a nature_n be_v the_o live_a temple_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o be_v go_v to_o forsake_v their_o nation_n and_o to_o engage_v all_o its_o infinite_a perfection_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o believe_a gentile_n and_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o a_o thing_n very_o remarkable_a that_o since_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o jew_n have_v be_v leave_v by_o god_n and_o that_o the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n entire_o deface_v and_o lose_v insomuch_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o one_o sign_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n among_o they_o except_o the_o severe_a judgement_n which_o do_v so_o just_o befall_v their_o nation_n they_o have_v neither_o prophet_n nor_o miracle_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n whereas_o the_o christian_n even_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n have_v a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n confer_v upon_o they_o some_o of_o which_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o those_o which_o be_v wrought_v when_o our_o saviour_n be_v on_o earth_n chap._n ix_o than_o celsus_n jew_n break_v out_o into_o the_o follow_a expression_n how_o can_v any_o one_o imagine_v that_o we_o shall_v treat_v a_o person_n so_o ill_o that_o be_v foretell_v by_o our_o own_o prophet_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o enhance_v our_o crime_n and_o so_o to_o aggravate_v our_o most_o deserve_a punishment_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o at_o the_o final_a judgement_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o jew_n will_v be_v punish_v in_o a_o more_o dreadful_a manner_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n not_o only_o for_o reject_v the_o messiah_n which_o be_v a_o horrid_a crime_n but_o also_o for_o their_o barbarous_a and_o almost_o unaccountable_a carriage_n towards_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n nay_o even_o at_o this_o day_n so_o remarkable_o do_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n pursue_v they_o they_o be_v the_o most_o miserable_a people_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n for_o what_o nation_n be_v there_o beside_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v banish_v from_o their_o metropolis_n and_o deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o father_n and_o ancestor_n in_o their_o native_a soil_n these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o grievous_a calamity_n to_o which_o their_o own_o crime_n expose_v they_o for_o no_o history_n can_v parallel_v their_o villainy_n and_o especial_o those_o horrid_a barbarity_n which_o they_o exercise_v towards_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v they_o from_o sin_n and_o hell_n chap._n x._o the_o jew_n add_v how_o can_v we_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o god_n who_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n do_v none_o of_o those_o mighty_a thing_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o effect_v and_o on_o the_o other_o be_v convict_v and_o condemn_v to_o a_o severe_a punishment_n be_v force_v to_o abscond_v that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v take_v run_v like_o a_o vagabond_n from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o yet_o be_v at_o last_o apprehend_v and_o betray_v even_o by_o one_o of_o his_o most_o eminent_a follower_n who_o of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n one_o will_v think_v may_v have_v have_v the_o grace_n to_o espouse_v his_o master_n cause_n be_v it_o in_o the_o least_o suitable_a to_o the_o majesty_n and_o wisdom_n of_o a_o god_n to_o flee_v like_o a_o guilty_a wretch_n and_o to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v apprehend_v and_o forsake_v by_o his_o intimate_a friend_n who_o esteem_v he_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a messiah_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o ignorant_a as_o to_o call_v the_o body_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v material_a and_o sensible_a by_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o god._n nay_o we_o do_v attribute_v so_o much_o as_o this_o even_o to_o the_o holy_a and_o spotless_a soul_n of_o jesus_n with_o respect_n to_o which_o he_o use_v the_o follow_a word_n my_o soul_n be_v exceed_o sorrowful_a even_o unto_o death_n when_o we_o meet_v mat._n xxvi_o v._n 38._o with_o such_o word_n as_o these_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n behold_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n the_o god_n of_o all_o flesh_n or_o those_o jer._n xxxii_o v._n 27._o word_n before_o i_o there_o be_v no_o god_n isa_n xliii_o v._o 10._o form_v neither_o shall_v there_o be_v after_o i_o the_o jew_n acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a god_n himself_o that_o speak_v but_o he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o prophet_n as_o instrument_n to_o communicate_v his_o will_n to_o man_n and_o the_o greek_n confess_v that_o it_o be_v a_o god_n that_o speak_v the_o follow_a word_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o pythian_a priestess_n i_o can_v the_o numerous_a sand_n with_o ease_n recount_v herod_n clio._n fathom_v the_o sea_n and_o understand_v a_o mute_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v god_n the_o eternal_a word_n the_o son_n of_o the_o everblessed_n god_n that_o make_v use_v of_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n as_o a_o proper_a instrument_n when_o he_o speak_v the_o follow_a word_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o john_n fourteen_o v._o 6._o truth_n and_o the_o life_n i_o be_o the_o door_n i_o be_o the_o live_a bread_n that_o come_v down_o john_n x._o v._o 7._o from_o heaven_n and_o i_o may_v instance_n john_n vi_fw-la v._o 15._o in_o many_o other_o expression_n to_o the_o same_o effect_n we_o blame_v the_o jew_n therefore_o and_o i_o think_v not_o unjust_o for_o not_o acknowledge_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v god_n of_o who_o the_o prophet_n do_v so_o frequent_o produce_v their_o concur_v testimony_n that_o he_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_z it_o be_v to_o he_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v direct_v which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o account_n that_o moses_n give_v we_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n let_v there_o be_v light_n gen._n 1._o v._o 3._o let_v there_o be_v a_o firmament_n and_o the_o like_a it_o be_v to_o he_o he_o say_v let_v we_o make_v bid_v v._o 6._o man_n in_o our_o image_n after_o our_o likeness_n ibid._n 26._o and_o the_o eternal_a word_n do_v every_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o conjecture_n form_v in_o our_o own_o fancy_n but_o we_o build_v our_o faith_n in_o this_o important_a affair_n on_o the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o those_o very_a prophet_n who_o be_v ready_o own_a and_o extreme_o admire_v by_o the_o jew_n themselves_o for_o we_o be_v tell_v express_o he_o command_v and_o they_o be_v create_v now_o what_o create_v be_v how_o noble_a soever_o can_v execute_v the_o command_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_z with_o respect_n to_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n who_o but_o he_o who_o be_v the_o eternal_a and_o live_a word_n chap._n xi_o beside_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o several_a
passage_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o who_o speak_v those_o word_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n be_v not_o circumscribe_v within_o the_o narrow_a limit_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n john_n the_o baptist_n foretell_v that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v make_v his_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n speak_v of_o he_o as_o a_o person_n that_o be_v omnipresent_v there_o stand_v one_o among_o john_n 1_n v._o 26._o 27._o you_o say_v he_o who_o you_o know_v not_o he_o it_o be_v who_o come_v after_o i_o be_v before_o i_o now_o be_v it_o probable_a or_o even_o possible_a he_o shall_v apply_v these_o word_n to_o our_o saviour_n body_n or_o his_o humane_a soul_n and_o our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o raise_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o disciple_n to_o more_o sublime_a thought_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n make_v use_n of_o the_o follow_a expression_n where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v ma._n xviii_o v._o 20._o together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o there_o be_v another_o promise_n that_o be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o import_n which_o he_o make_v to_o his_o disciple_n lo_o i_o be_o with_o mat._n 28._o v._o 20._o you_o always_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o hope_v the_o reader_n will_v not_o misunderstand_v i_o as_o if_o i_o say_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v in_o the_o least_o interfere_v with_o that_o intimate_a and_o glorious_a union_n that_o there_o be_v between_o the_o humanity_n of_o the_o incarnate_a jesus_n and_o the_o mysterious_a person_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n for_o if_o st._n paul_n teach_v we_o that_o he_o that_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o spirit_n 1._o cor._n 6._o v._o 17._o certain_o they_o that_o understand_v this_o doctrine_n will_v ready_o allow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o close_o and_o more_o divine_a union_n between_o the_o word_n and_o it_o be_v assume_v humanity_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v abundant_o discover_v that_o he_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o power_n of_o god_n by_o the_o frequent_a and_o uncontested_a miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v even_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o jew_n though_o they_o profess_v to_o entertain_v a_o most_o unaccountable_a notion_n i_o can_v imagine_v for_o my_o part_n that_o it_o shall_v ever_o enter_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n that_o he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o celsus_n we_o know_v ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n but_o our_o saviour_n abundant_o confute_v this_o absurd_a conceit_n by_o show_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n be_v go_v to_o suffer_v a_o most_o violent_a shock_n as_o evident_o appear_v to_o they_o who_o read_v the_o gospel_n with_o any_o tolerable_a share_n of_o judgement_n let_v celsus_n show_v if_o he_o can_v wherein_o our_o saviour_n fail_v in_o his_o great_a design_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o bring_v convince_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o even_a probability_n of_o what_o he_o offer_v but_o this_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v be_v what_o he_o will_v scarce_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v since_o the_o objection_n that_o he_o raise_v against_o we_o be_v found_v for_o the_o most_o part_n on_o some_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v gross_o misunderstand_v by_o he_o or_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v shameful_o misapply_v or_o some_o fabulous_a account_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o unhappy_a but_o fruitful_a invention_n of_o the_o jew_n chap._n xii_o but_o because_o celsus_n jew_n affirm_v that_o he_o be_v convict_v and_o condemn_v after_o a_o legal_a process_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v how_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a when_o it_o be_v plain_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n that_o his_o enemy_n be_v very_o zealous_a in_o suborn_v false_a witness_n against_o he_o perhaps_o they_o will_v fain_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v convict_v because_o his_o accuser_n take_v great_a advantage_n against_o he_o by_o that_o innocent_a and_o just_a expression_n of_o he_o i_o be_o able_a to_o destroy_v the_o temple_n of_o mat._n twenty-five_o v._n 6._o 1_o god_n and_o to_o build_v it_o in_o three_o day_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o he_o speak_v these_o word_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o his_o body_n but_o they_o not_o know_v his_o design_n imagine_v that_o they_o have_v a_o reference_n to_o their_o material_a and_o pompous_a temple_n for_o which_o they_o plain_o discover_v a_o far_o great_a veneration_n than_o for_o that_o glorious_a and_o adorable_a temple_n wherein_o the_o eternal_a word_n the_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n do_v personal_o though_o mysterious_o reside_v but_o since_o celsus_n jew_n insult_v over_o we_o because_o our_o saviour_n be_v take_v i_o grant_v he_o be_v but_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o wa_v do_v without_o his_o own_o consent_n for_o when_o his_o time_n be_v come_v he_o surrender_v himself_o as_o a_o easy_a prey_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o barbarous_a enemy_n and_o abundant_o make_v good_a the_o character_n which_o be_v give_v he_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n behold_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o john_n i._n v._o 28._o world_n this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o jesus_n therefore_o know_v say_v he_o all_o thing_n that_o shall_v joh._n xviii_o v._n 4_o etc_o etc_o come_v upon_o he_o go_v forth_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o who_o seek_v you_o they_o answer_v he_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n jesus_n say_v unto_o they_o i_o be_o he_o and_o judas_n also_o which_o betray_v he_o stand_v with_o they_o as_o soon_o then_o as_o he_o have_v say_v unto_o they_o i_o be_o he_o they_o go_v backward_o and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n then_o ask_v he_o they_o again_o who_o seek_v you_o and_o they_o say_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n jesus_n answer_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o i_o be_o he_o if_o therefore_o you_o seek_v i_o let_v these_o go_v their_o way_n and_o when_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n stand_v by_o and_o smite_v the_o ear_n of_o the_o high-priest_n servant_n he_o say_v put_v up_o thy_o sword_n into_o its_o place_n for_o all_o they_o that_o take_v the_o sword_n shall_v perish_v by_o the_o sword_n think_v thou_o that_o i_o can_v now_o pray_v unto_o my_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v present_o give_v i_o more_o than_o twelve_o legion_n of_o angel_n but_o how_o then_o shall_v the_o scripture_n be_v fulfil_v that_o thus_o it_o must_v be_v now_o if_o any_o person_n shall_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o these_o be_v only_a fiction_n of_o the_o evangelist_n have_v we_o not_o reason_n on_o the_o contrary_a to_o think_v our_o adversary_n have_v be_v gross_o guilty_a of_o that_o practice_n with_o which_o they_o charge_v the_o christian_n that_o so_o they_o may_v vent_v their_o implacable_a malice_n against_o all_o those_o who_o profess_v to_o be_v the_o follower_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o those_o thing_n be_v most_o certain_o true_a which_o be_v relate_v by_o person_n who_o integrity_n do_v abundant_o appear_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o dreadful_a calamity_n to_o which_o they_o know_v their_o religion_n do_v so_o manifest_o expose_v they_o for_o we_o can_v conceive_v that_o the_o follower_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n shall_v embrace_v the_o most_o shameful_a and_o painful_a death_n with_o undaunted_a courage_n and_o heroic_a constancy_n have_v they_o be_v the_o scandalous_a inventor_n of_o the_o history_n which_o they_o transmit_v to_o posterity_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v esteem_v they_o to_o be_v person_n who_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o importance_n of_o what_o they_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n since_o they_o know_v by_o observation_n and_o experience_n that_o scorn_v and_o infamy_n be_v the_o shock_n attendant_n and_o persecution_n and_o death_n almost_o the_o natural_a and_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o the_o glorious_a profession_n which_o they_o make_v of_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n chap._n xiii_o what_o the_o pretend_a jew_n say_v far_a viz._n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v betray_v by_o his_o own_o disciple_n he_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o evangelist_n with_o this_o little_a difference_n that_o whereas_o they_o acquaint_v we_o that_o he_o be_v betray_v by_o judas_n he_o choose_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n that_o his_o objection_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v the_o great_a force_n but_o hasn_v the_o curiosity_n i_o will_v not_o say_v the_o conscience_n to_o inquire_v narrow_o into_o the_o account_n which_o we_o have_v of_o judas_n who_o heart_n be_v miserable_o
he_o say_v those_o word_n with_o a_o eye_n to_o judas_n he_o that_o dip_v his_o hand_n with_o i_o in_o the_o dish_n the_o same_o shall_v betray_v i_o take_v notice_n far_o of_o the_o absurdity_n and_o falsehood_n of_o what_o celsus_n say_v it_o be_v unusual_a say_v he_o for_o person_n to_o betray_v their_o friend_n to_o who_o table_n they_o be_v welcome_a yet_o here_o even_o a_o god_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v betray_v on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v too_o well_o know_v that_o person_n who_o have_v be_v engage_v by_o the_o most_o sacred_a and_o endear_n tie_v have_v often_o and_o most_o shameful_o betray_v their_o intimate_a friend_n and_o liberal_a benefactor_n the_o history_n both_o of_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n do_v furnish_v we_o with_o abundant_a instance_n of_o the_o forementioned_a practice_n this_o be_v what_o the_o famous_a poet_n who_o dwell_v at_o paros_n and_o be_v so_o much_o admire_v for_o his_o jambick_a verse_n reproach_n lycambe_n with_o for_o speak_v of_o his_o entrench_v on_o the_o law_n of_o civil_a conversation_n he_o say_v thou_o have_v dissolve_v the_o sacred_a band_n of_o archilochus_n friendship_n and_o be_v notorious_o guilty_a of_o the_o base_a treachery_n but_o for_o the_o full_a confirmation_n of_o my_o argument_n i_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o they_o who_o have_v apply_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o study_n of_o history_n both_o sacred_a and_o profane_a then_o celsus_n as_o if_o he_o have_v undeniable_a argument_n for_o what_o he_o offer_v have_v the_o follow_a word_n nay_o a_o god_n which_o high_o aggravate_v the_o matter_n be_v suppose_v to_o entrench_v upon_o the_o rule_n of_o civility_n and_o common_a friendship_n and_o to_o make_v his_o disciple_n turn_v traitor_n and_o coward_n but_o this_o be_v more_o than_o he_o can_v ever_o prove_v unless_o we_o must_v allow_v the_o consequence_n which_o he_o draw_v to_o be_v natural_a and_o just_a which_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v so_o very_o weak_a that_o any_o child_n almost_o will_v see_v through_o it_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o expose_v it_o chap._n xvii_o than_o say_v celsus_n if_o your_o saviour_n suffer_v free_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o heavenly_a father_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o since_o you_o say_v that_o he_o be_v god_n and_o that_o his_o suffering_n be_v entire_o voluntary_a you_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o suppose_a agony_n he_o shall_v have_v have_v so_o quick_a a_o sense_n of_o pain_n but_o here_o though_o he_o do_v perceive_v it_o his_o word_n imply_v a_o plain_a and_o very_o gross_a contradiction_n for_o he_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o our_o saviour_n suffer_v free_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o father_n and_o then_o certain_o he_o must_v feel_v some_o pain_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o notion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o suffer_v since_o it_o be_v very_o ungrateful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o he_o can_v but_o know_v and_o be_v not_o easy_o reconcile_v even_o to_o the_o calm_a dictate_v of_o impartial_a reason_n and_o if_o he_o think_v that_o all_o sense_n of_o pain_n be_v immediate_o exclude_v where_o there_o be_v a_o partial_a or_o even_o a_o entire_a consent_n of_o the_o humane_a will_n why_o do_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o saviour_n ever_o suffer_v in_o truth_n he_o have_v resemble_v we_o in_o all_o thing_n sin_n only_o except_v have_v he_o assume_v the_o humane_a nature_n without_o those_o many_o infirmity_n and_o misery_n which_o be_v its_o common_a and_o almost_o inseparable_a attendant_n so_o that_o after_o his_o voluntary_a incarnation_n he_o be_v under_o some_o sort_n of_o necessity_n to_o suffer_v and_o in_o some_o respect_n the_o calamity_n to_o which_o he_o be_v expose_v be_v occasion_v by_o the_o malice_n and_o unwearied_a endeavour_n of_o his_o cruel_a enemy_n and_o indeed_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v if_o he_o have_v give_v his_o consent_n it_o have_v be_v impossible_a that_o one_o who_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n shall_v suffer_v but_o he_o willing_o and_o even_o cheerful_o embrace_v the_o most_o painful_a and_o shameful_a death_n from_o a_o deep_a and_o most_o affect_a sense_n of_o the_o vast_a advantage_n that_o will_v redound_v from_o it_o to_o a_o degenerate_a world_n then_o celsus_n grant_v what_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o deny_v have_v the_o follow_a word_n pray_v why_o do_v he_o make_v such_o horrid_a complaint_n and_o so_o earnest_o desire_v that_o his_o suffering_n may_v be_v prevent_v for_o he_o say_v father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o but_o here_o celsus_n do_v plain_o and_o not_o a_o little_a discover_v his_o impotent_a malice_n against_o the_o bless_a founder_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n for_o instead_o of_o admire_v the_o remarkable_a integrity_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n who_o may_v if_o they_o have_v please_v have_v omit_v this_o passage_n which_o he_o think_v do_v make_v so_o much_o for_o the_o interest_n he_o espouse_n but_o be_v induce_v by_o several_a very_o urgent_a motive_n to_o relate_v it_o i_o say_v instead_o of_o admire_v the_o sense_n the_o remarkable_a integrity_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n he_o take_v their_o word_n in_o a_o sense_n in_o which_o they_o never_o understand_v they_o and_o add_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v owe_v to_o his_o own_o invention_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o what_o immediate_o follow_v from_o whence_o he_o may_v have_v learn_v how_o submissive_a our_o saviour_n be_v to_o the_o all-disposing_a will_n of_o his_o eternal_a father_z nevertheless_o say_v he_o not_o as_o i_o will_v but_o as_o thou_o will_v and_o celsus_n seem_v to_o have_v never_o read_v those_o other_o word_n which_o plain_o show_v how_o submissive_a a_o temper_n our_o bless_a lord_n discover_v under_o all_o the_o grievous_a calamity_n which_o his_o father_n be_v please_v to_o bring_v upon_o he_o i_o mean_v those_o word_n of_o st._n matthew_n nevertheless_o if_o this_o cup_n can_v pass_v mat._n 26_o v._o 42._o from_o i_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v here_o celsus_n act_v the_o part_n of_o those_o who_o horrible_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o do_v it_o in_o the_o most_o open_a manner_n our_o adversary_n frequent_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o word_n i_o kill_v and_o reproach_v we_o with_o they_o but_o they_o wilful_o deut._n 32_o v._o 29._o overlook_v the_o follow_a word_n i_o make_v alive_a which_o passage_n of_o scripture_n plain_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o though_o god_n do_v destroy_v all_o they_o who_o live_v in_o a_o course_n of_o rebellion_n against_o he_o and_o be_v horrid_a plague_n to_o their_o native_a country_n yet_o at_o length_n he_o will_v make_v they_o partaker_n of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o glorious_a life_n such_o a_o one_o as_o will_v make_v they_o trample_v upon_o this_o low_a and_o perish_a world_n with_o the_o great_a disdain_n imaginable_a they_o take_v 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reveal_v in_o his_o time_n for_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n do_v already_o work_v only_o he_o who_o now_o let_v will_v let_v until_o he_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o then_o shall_v that_o wicked_a one_o be_v reveal_v who_o the_o lord_n shall_v consume_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o shall_v destroy_v with_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_v even_o he_o who_o come_v be_v after_o the_o work_v of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o vnrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n will_v suffer_v he_o to_o act_v his_o hellish_a part_n upon_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n viz._n because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o vnrighteousness_n now_o let_v any_o one_o show_n with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v do_v by_o such_o wicked_a artifice_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o and_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o read_v the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n concern_v antichrist_n but_o celsus_n represent_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o a_o disadvantage_n when_o he_o make_v he_o say_v that_o many_o shall_v come_v after_o he_o who_o shall_v do_v the_o very_a same_o miracle_n with_o those_o which_o he_o wrought_v himself_o and_o yet_o be_v wicked_a person_n and_o notorious_a impostor_n for_o as_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o diabolical_a power_n by_o which_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o egyptian_n be_v act_v and_o the_o divine_a assistance_n which_o moses_n have_v when_o he_o wrought_v his_o miracle_n the_o event_n sufficient_o prove_v that_o what_o the_o former_a do_v be_v mere_o owe_v to_o the_o force_n of_o their_o curse_a 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no_o stamp_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n but_o be_v such_o work_n as_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v it_o seem_v by_o some_o of_o the_o vile_a person_n that_o ever_o breathe_v on_o earth_n for_o he_o make_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o between_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v homogeneous_a and_o those_o that_o be_v heterogeneous_a as_o logician_n call_v they_o between_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o and_o thing_n of_o a_o very_a different_a kind_a now_o as_o a_o wolf_n and_o a_o dog_n do_v wide_o differ_v though_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o considerable_a resemblance_n between_o they_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o shape_n and_o tone_n of_o voice_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o a_o stock-dove_n and_o a_o pigeon_n so_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n be_v not_o of_o
be_v wicked_a man_n and_o most_o notorious_a impostor_n and_o a_o greek_a or_o egyptian_a or_o any_o other_o infidel_n may_v say_v thus_o to_o a_o jew_n oh_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n moses_n have_v tell_v we_o plain_o as_o your_o own_o write_n inform_v we_o that_o many_o shall_v come_v who_o will_v perform_v the_o same_o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v himself_o and_o yet_o be_v very_o wicked_a and_o design_v wretch_n for_o it_o be_v write_v in_o your_o own_o law_n if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o deut._n 13_o v._o 1._o he_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v unto_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o that_o prophet_n or_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n the_o pretend_a jew_n go_v on_o and_o make_v our_o saviour_n say_v that_o satan_n will_v be_v the_o original_a author_n of_o their_o curse_a art_n think_v thereby_o to_o ridicule_n and_o insult_v he_o but_o the_o christian_n or_o any_o infidel_n may_v as_o well_o allege_v against_o his_o celebrate_a moses_n that_o these_o prophet_n and_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n will_v counterfeit_v his_o miracle_n the_o jew_n say_v far_a that_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n even_o according_a to_o his_o own_o confession_n have_v no_o stamp_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n but_o be_v such_o work_n as_o will_v be_v do_v by_o the_o vile_a person_n upon_o earth_n but_o a_o infidel_n may_v turn_v the_o argument_n upon_o moses_n and_o say_v that_o his_o miracle_n even_o according_a to_o his_o own_o confession_n have_v no_o stamp_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n but_o be_v such_o work_n as_o will_v be_v do_v by_o person_n of_o the_o most_o infamous_a character_n and_o the_o follow_a word_n that_o our_o saviour_n not_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n do_v in_o the_o same_o 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and_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o insert_v that_o passage_n no_o one_o know_v his_o sepulchre_n unto_o this_o day_n with_o a_o politic_a design_n to_o render_v his_o name_n immortal_a then_o the_o jew_n continue_v his_o discourse_n to_o those_o of_o his_o own_o countryman_n that_o be_v christian_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n well_o we_o will_v suppose_v say_v he_o for_o once_o that_o your_o pretend_a saviour_n foretell_v that_o he_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o pray_v have_v not_o other_o make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o pityful_a artifice_n to_o take_v advantage_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o some_o silly_a people_n zamolxis_n servant_n to_o pythagoras_n take_v this_o method_n to_o delude_v the_o scythian_n and_o it_o seem_v pythagoras_n be_v so_o cunning_a as_o to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o rampsinitus_n be_v report_v to_o have_v do_v the_o like_a in_o egypt_n who_o if_o any_o credit_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o history_n play_v at_o 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he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o exert_v his_o divine_a power_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v appear_v to_o his_o enemy_n to_o the_o judge_n who_o pass_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n who_o as_o it_o be_v take_v up_o arm_n against_o he_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o he_o act_v wise_o in_o not_o appear_v to_o his_o enemy_n or_o the_o judge_n who_o condemn_v he_o for_o he_o happy_o prevent_v they_o from_o be_v strike_v blind_a like_o the_o sodomite_n of_o old_a who_o lie_v in_o wait_n for_o the_o angel_n who_o as_o the_o scripture_n acquaint_v we_o be_v kind_o entertain_v by_o lot_n gen._n 19_o 9_o 10._o the_o man_n it_o be_v say_v put_v forth_o their_o hand_n and_o pull_v lot_n into_o the_o house_n to_o they_o and_o shut_v the_o door_n and_o they_o sinote_v the_o man_n that_o be_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o house_n with_o blindness_n both_o small_a and_o great_a so_o that_o they_o weary_v themselves_o to_o find_v the_o door_n the_o 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possible_a but_o still_o they_o add_v to_o the_o seem_a irregularity_n that_o we_o allow_v to_o have_v happen_v by_o their_o fanciful_a scheme_n or_o they_o suppose_v that_o to_o be_v do_v which_o in_o some_o respect_n may_v have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o universe_n but_o go_v on_o so_o many_o and_o such_o weak_a hypothesis_n as_o will_v destroy_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n and_o on_o both_o account_n be_v perhaps_o equal_o guilty_a of_o apparent_a and_o gross_a absurdity_n but_o to_o return_v a_o more_o direct_a answer_n to_o celsus_n i_o may_v acquaint_v he_o that_o our_o saviour_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n can_v have_v disappear_v if_o he_o please_v as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o be_v nail_v to_o the_o accurse_a tree_n this_o be_v self-evident_a to_o those_o who_o believe_v and_o know_v that_o he_o be_v god._n and_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o they_o who_o consult_v the_o gospel_n if_o they_o do_v only_o rely_v on_o their_o 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we_o to_o some_o mystery_n or_o other_o which_o a_o judicious_a reader_n with_o some_o difficulty_n may_v perceive_v for_o instance_n the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o representation_n of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o follow_a expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o be_o crucify_v with_o gal._n 2._o v._o 20._o christ_n and_o by_o those_o other_o word_n god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_v save_v in_o gal._n 6._o v._o 14._o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o unto_o the_o world_n his_o death_n be_v necessary_a that_o we_o may_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o he_o die_v he_o die_v unto_o sin_n once_o and_o that_o the_o righteous_a rom._n 6._o v._o 10._o be_v make_v conformable_a to_o his_o death_n may_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n if_o we_o 2_o tim._n 2_o v._o 4._o be_v dead_a with_o he_o we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o so_o his_o burial_n be_v design_v to_o represent_v our_o conformity_n to_o his_o death_n and_o our_o crucifixion_n with_o he_o as_o st._n paul_n observe_v we_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o say_v he_o by_o baptism_n into_o death_n but_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o full_a acount_n of_o his_o burial_n of_o his_o tomb_n and_o of_o the_o person_n that_o bury_v he_o in_o a_o distinct_a treatise_n on_o these_o important_a subject_n at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o mention_v the_o linen_n clothes_n in_o which_o divine_a providence_n do_v wise_o order_n that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o spotless_a jesus_n shall_v be_v wrap_v and_o the_o new_a sepulchre_n that_o be_v hew_v in_o stone_n or_o cut_v out_o of_o a_o rock_n by_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n wherein_o as_o st._n luke_n and_o st._n john_n observe_v no_o man_n be_v ever_o lay_v before_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v whether_o the_o account_n of_o the_o sepulchre_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n which_o have_v the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o three_o evangelist_n dont_fw-fr carry_v with_o it_o some_o convince_a evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o whether_o they_o who_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o allegorical_a sense_n of_o scripture_n ought_v not_o to_o seek_v for_o some_o mystical_a reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n shall_v be_v lay_v in_o a_o new_a sepulchre_n as_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n acquaint_v we_o and_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o st._n luke_n and_o st._n john_n mention_n wherein_o no_o man_n have_v ever_o be_v mat._n 27._o v._o 60._o lay_v before_o he_o for_o it_o be_v high_o requisite_a that_o one_o who_o seem_o john_n 19_o v._o 41._o tragical_a end_n be_v grace_v with_o so_o uncommon_a circumstance_n and_o such_o mark_n of_o honour_n that_o our_o saviour_n who_o after_o he_o be_v dead_a give_v sign_n of_o life_n i_o mean_v the_o water_n and_o blood_n that_o flow_v from_o his_o pierce_a side_n shall_v have_v something_o that_o be_v very_o remarkable_a in_o his_o burial_n that_o as_o he_o be_v free_a from_o the_o least_o stain_v of_o moral_a impurity_n be_v bear_v out_o of_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o humane_a generation_n so_o his_o burial_n may_v bear_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o untainted_a purity_n which_o be_v mystical_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o the_o new_a sepulchre_n in_o which_o he_o be_v lay_v which_o be_v not_o compose_v of_o many_o stone_n join_v together_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o art_n but_o be_v one_o entire_a piece_n cut_v out_o of_o the_o rock_n make_v hollow_a and_o every_o way_n adapt_v for_o the_o purpose_n i_o may_v have_v make_v several_a other_o remark_n and_o from_o these_o outward_a sign_n have_v raise_v my_o thought_n much_o high_o in_o contemplation_n of_o those_o sublime_a thing_n which_o they_o faint_o represent_v but_o they_o will_v afford_v such_o vast_a plenty_n of_o most_o excellent_a matter_n as_o will_v very_o well_o deserve_v a_o distinct_a discourse_n and_o a_o considerable_a volume_n by_o itself_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o say_v it_o be_v fit_a that_o he_o who_o have_v design_v to_o hang_v upon_o a_o cross_n and_o to_o die_v like_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v bury_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o mysterious_a death_n and_o so_o answer_v his_o character_n to_o the_o last_o but_o suppose_v the_o evangelist_n have_v acquaint_v we_o that_o our_o saviour_n vanish_v as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o be_v nail_v to_o the_o cross_n than_o celsus_n and_o the_o infidel_n so_o hard_o be_v it_o to_o please_v they_o will_v have_v come_v upon_o we_o and_o have_v say_v good_a sir_n what_o crotchet_n come_v into_o his_o head_n that_o he_o shall_v stay_v till_o he_o be_v nail_v to_o his_o cross_n before_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o vanish_v or_o how_o come_v he_o to_o forget_v to_o take_v this_o matter_n into_o his_o serious_a thought_n before_o he_o come_v to_o the_o place_n where_o he_o be_v shameful_o execute_v if_o therefore_o they_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o evangelist_n for_o not_o tell_v we_o that_o our_o saviour_n vanish_v when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o be_v crucify_v but_o give_v we_o a_o impartial_a account_n of_o matter_n we_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o blame_v they_o severe_o for_o not_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n though_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v john_n 20_o v._o 19_o and_o give_v bread_n to_o two_o of_o they_o and_o vanish_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v do_v discourse_v with_o they_o chap._n xxxiv_o but_o i_o can_v conceive_v why_o celsus_n shall_v say_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v abscond_v what_o ambassador_n say_v he_o do_v ever_o affect_v to_o conceal_v himself_o when_o one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v plain_a enough_o that_o his_o business_n be_v to_o deliver_v his_o embassy_n but_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a slander_n as_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o those_o who_o endeavour_v to_o apprehend_v he_o i_o sit_v daily_o say_v he_o with_o you_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o mat._n 26._o v._o 55_o you_o lay_v no_o hold_n on_o i_o as_o for_o what_o celsus_n needless_o repeat_v i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o the_o answer_n which_o i_o have_v already_o give_v he_o go_v on_o and_o say_v do_v your_o pretend_a saviour_n in_o his_o life-time_n teach_v his_o doctrine_n in_o a_o most_o public_a manner_n and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n only_o appear_v to_o one_o fanatical_a woman_n or_o some_o other_o who_o belong_v to_o the_o same_o wretched_a cabal_n because_o when_o he_o be_v live_v the_o world_n have_v more_o sense_n than_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o he_o but_o every_o one_o forsooth_o must_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o course_n but_o that_o he_o appear_v only_o to_o one_o
woman_n be_v most_o notorious_o false_a for_o st._n matthew_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o sabbath_n as_o it_o begin_v to_o dawn_n towards_o the_o first_o mat._n 28._o v._o 1._o day_n of_o the_o week_n come_v mary_n magdalen_n and_o the_o other_o marry_o to_o see_v the_o sepulchre_n and_o behold_v there_o be_v a_o great_a earthquake_n for_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o come_v and_o roll_v back_o the_o stone_n from_o the_o door_n and_o sit_v upon_o it_o a_o little_a after_o he_o have_v these_o word_n behold_v jesus_n meet_v they_o i._n e._n the_o two_o ave-mary_n say_v all_o hail_n and_o ibid._n 9_o they_o come_v and_o hold_v he_o by_o the_o foot_n and_o worship_v he_o and_o i_o have_v already_o answer_v what_o celsus_n object_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n when_o he_o be_v crucify_v say_v he_o there_o be_v witness_n enough_o but_o when_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a at_o most_o he_o appear_v only_o to_o a_o small_a company_n of_o scoundrel_n i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v that_o our_o saviour_n can_o be_v see_v by_o all_o and_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v at_o present_a that_o all_o person_n be_v capable_a at_o time_n of_o see_v he_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o humane_a nature_n but_o to_o discern_v the_o bright_a ray_n or_o even_o the_o least_o glimmering_n of_o his_o deity_n be_v what_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o men._n i_o speak_v now_o of_o his_o humane_a and_o divine_a nature_n in_o contra-distinction_n to_o each_o other_o and_o not_o as_o have_v a_o mutual_a reference_n and_o close_a connexion_n but_o pray_v observe_v how_o weak_o celsus_n talk_v have_v say_v that_o our_o saviour_n appear_v only_o to_o one_o fanatical_a woman_n or_o perhaps_o a_o few_o other_o of_o the_o same_o wretched_a cabal_n he_o add_v the_o follow_a word_n when_o he_o be_v crucify_v say_v he_o there_o be_v witness_n enough_o but_o when_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o appear_v but_o to_o a_o few_o whereas_o have_v he_o have_v any_o brain_n he_o must_v have_v take_v the_o quite_o contrary_a course_n but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o latter_a word_n according_a to_o his_o weak_a judgement_n our_o saviour_n must_v have_v take_v such_o method_n as_o be_v plain_o impracticable_a and_o gross_o absurd_a viz._n he_o must_v be_v crucify_v forsooth_o in_o the_o sight_n but_o of_o a_o single_a person_n and_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n promiscuous_o when_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a for_o those_o word_n he_o shall_v have_v take_v the_o quite_o contrary_a course_n will_v bear_v no_o other_o tolerable_a sense_n if_o i_o be_o capable_a of_o make_v a_o judgement_n upon_o any_o thing_n our_o saviour_n have_v acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o person_n that_o send_v he_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n no_o man_n know_v the_o father_n save_o the_o son_n and_o in_o these_o word_n no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n but_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n who_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o he_o it_o be_v who_o reveal_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n to_o his_o true_a disciple_n and_o we_o endeavour_v to_o form_v our_o scheme_n of_o divinity_n upon_o his_o most_o excellent_a model_n who_o sometime_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v light_a and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o darkness_n 1_o joâ—n_n 1_n v._o 5_o at_o all_o and_o at_o other_o time_n that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v john_n 4._o v._o 24._o he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o any_o one_o that_o will_v may_v learn_v for_o what_o end_n god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n if_o he_o will_v but_o consult_v the_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o especial_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n he_o come_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o true_a and_o most_o direct_a way_n to_o peace_n here_o and_o complete_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o and_o to_o take_v a_o most_o bless_a advantage_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v of_o the_o horrid_a impiety_n and_o continual_a provocation_n of_o impenitent_a and_o dare_a sinner_n celsus_n be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o have_v the_o follow_a word_n he_o come_v it_o seem_v to_o instruct_v good_a man_n and_o to_o make_v free_a and_o monstrously-large_a offer_v of_o his_o grace_n even_o to_o the_o vile_a rebel_n then_o say_v he_o if_o he_o have_v so_o singular_a a_o fancy_n to_o abscond_v what_o need_n be_v there_o i_o wonder_v of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god._n and_o if_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o abscond_v then_o why_o do_v he_o suffer_v and_o die_v he_o imagine_v i_o perceive_v that_o the_o account_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o themselves_o not_o be_v able_a with_o all_o his_o pretend_a sagacity_n to_o comprehend_v or_o frame_v any_o just_a idea_n of_o the_o design_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v neither_o to_o lie_v hide_v altogether_o and_o so_o be_v entire_o useless_a and_o a_o mere_a cypher_n in_o his_o own_o creation_n nor_o to_o have_v his_o bright_a side_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v i_o mean_v his_o divine_a nature_n know_a to_o many_o of_o those_o very_a person_n who_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o see_v he_o with_o their_o bodily_a eye_n the_o voice_n that_o come_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well-pleased_a i_v say_v to_o be_v hear_v by_o the_o multitude_n as_o celsus_n jew_n imagine_v and_o the_o other_o voice_n which_o be_v say_v to_o come_v from_o the_o cloud_n be_v only_o hear_v by_o those_o who_o go_v up_o with_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o mountain_n for_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n that_o it_o can_v only_o be_v hear_v by_o those_o for_o who_o god_n be_v please_v for_o wise_a reason_n to_o design_n it_o i_o do_v speak_v here_o of_o the_o mere_a vibration_n of_o the_o particle_n of_o the_o air_n or_o any_o philosophical_a account_n that_o may_v be_v give_v of_o a_o voice_n but_o of_o a_o spiritual_a senfation_n whereby_o one_o who_o have_v spiritual_a sense_n exercise_v do_v hear_v god_n speak_v when_o one_o who_o be_v deaf_a to_o all_o the_o awaken_n precept_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n be_v entire_o ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v say_v i_o mean_v as_o to_o any_o valuable_a and_o last_a purpose_n that_o it_o serve_v this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o those_o word_n of_o celsus_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o what_o i_o have_v already_o offer_v concern_v the_o suffering_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n i_o judge_v to_o the_o follow_a word_n if_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o conceal_v his_o power_n and_o obscure_v his_o glory_n then_o sure_o he_o be_v bear_v under_o a_o very_a unhappy_a planet_n or_o else_o he_o have_v never_o suffer_v and_o die_v then_o celsus_n jew_n be_v please_v to_o draw_v a_o consequence_n which_o be_v very_o unnatural_a and_o unjust_a for_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v that_o because_o our_o saviour_n by_o his_o suffering_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o bid_v defiance_n to_o death_n itself_o therefore_o when_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o shall_v have_v order_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o make_v a_o general_n rendezvouz_n and_o have_v public_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o leave_v the_o realm_n of_o light_n and_o glory_n and_o think_v it_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o come_v down_o into_o this_o miserable_a and_o sinful_a world_n for_o this_o he_o have_v already_o do_v when_o he_o say_v come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n mat._n 11._o v._o 28._o and_o be_v heavy-laden_a and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_v this_o he_o have_v also_o do_v in_o the_o long_a sermon_n which_o he_o preach_v upon_o the_o mount_n concern_v the_o beatitude_n and_o his_o discourse_n on_o several_a other_o subject_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o it_o and_o in_o his_o useful_a parable_n and_o frequent_a dispute_n with_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o st._n john_n acquaint_v we_o in_o his_o gospel_n with_o what_o a_o majesty_n our_o saviour_n speak_v which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o artificial_a colour_n of_o humane_a rhetoric_n or_o a_o graceful_a elocution_n and_o happy_a gesture_n as_o of_o those_o divine_a important_a and_o plain_a but_o command_v truth_n that_o be_v the_o subject-matter_n of_o his_o frequent_a discourse_n and_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o other_o gospel_n that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v with_o