afterward_o arise_v and_o take_v the_o young_a child_n and_o his_o mother_n and_o flee_v into_o egypt_n and_o be_v thou_o there_o until_o i_o bring_v thou_o word_n for_o herod_n will_v seek_v the_o young_a child_n to_o destroy_v he_o and_o i_o see_v nothing_o in_o this_o whole_a account_n that_o even_o seem_v to_o shock_v our_o reason_n and_o destroy_v our_o faith_n for_o we_o read_v elsewhere_o that_o joseph_n be_v warn_v by_o god_n in_o a_o dream_n and_o that_o such_o apparition_n as_o these_o have_v be_v be_v a_o truth_n in_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o which_o experience_v itself_o may_v i_o think_v sufficient_o confirm_v we_o what_o absurdity_n be_v there_o then_o upon_o the_o whole_a in_o suppose_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o assume_v the_o humane_a nature_n shall_v act_v with_o the_o prudence_n of_o a_o man_n in_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o impend_a calamity_n not_o as_o if_o he_o can_o have_v avoid_v they_o by_o his_o infinite_a power_n without_o take_v such_o measure_n as_o he_o do_v but_o because_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o his_o life_n shall_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o not_o by_o a_o continue_v course_n of_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a event_n it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v be_v carry_v by_o his_o parent_n into_o egypt_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v tarry_v there_o till_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v stay_v in_o his_o native_a country_n and_o yet_o be_v preserve_v from_o the_o evil_n to_o which_o he_o be_v expose_v be_v better_o arm_v than_o with_o pluto_n helmet_n and_o secure_v from_o the_o rage_n of_o his_o malicious_a enemy_n by_o their_o be_v strike_v like_o the_o sodomite_n of_o old_a with_o sudden_a blindness_n for_o such_o a_o series_n of_o miraculous_a appearance_n have_v be_v very_o unsuitable_a to_o his_o great_a design_n of_o acquaint_v the_o world_n as_o a_o man_n authorise_a by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o that_o the_o true_a son_n of_o god_n the_o eternal_a word_n the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n do_v glorious_o though_o wonderful_o reside_v in_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o the_o incarnate_a jesus_n but_o it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n at_o present_a to_o speak_v full_o of_o the_o two_o nature_n that_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n since_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a and_o if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v a_o domestic_a dispute_n between_o we_o concern_v that_o difficult_a and_o important_a point_n chap._n lvii_o than_o celsus_n jew_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o instruct_v in_o their_o learning_n say_v that_o the_o ancient_a fable_n that_o attribute_v a_o divine_a original_a to_o perseus_n amphion_n aeacus_n and_o minos_n though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o strictness_n true_a yet_o do_v display_v the_o action_n of_o these_o person_n as_o be_v great_a and_o wonderful_a and_o above_o the_o sphere_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o for_o your_o part_n what_o do_v you_o ever_o say_v or_o do_v that_o be_v worthy_a of_o admiration_n though_o you_o be_v open_o challenge_v to_o give_v convince_a proof_n that_o you_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o need_v only_o ask_v the_o greek_n whether_o they_o can_v show_v that_o any_o of_o the_o forementioned_a person_n do_v any_o extraordinary_a service_n to_o the_o world_n or_o perform_v any_o great_a exploit_n to_o induce_v future_a age_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o fable_n which_o represent_v they_o to_o we_o as_o be_v derive_v from_o a_o divine_a original_a but_o i_o defy_v they_o to_o instance_n in_o any_o of_o the_o action_n of_o these_o fabulous_a hero_n that_o deserve_v to_o be_v name_v much_o less_o compare_v with_o what_o our_o saviour_n do_v unless_o they_o will_v refer_v we_o to_o their_o own_o fable_n and_o history_n and_o have_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o without_o any_o more_o ado_n and_o disbelieve_v our_o history_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o importance_n of_o which_o we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o we_o can_v reasonable_o desire_v we_o say_v and_o know_v that_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v be_v sufficient_o see_v and_o happy_o feel_v through_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n where_o any_o church_n be_v found_v that_o consist_v of_o person_n reclaim_v from_o many_o exorbitant_a vice_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n at_o this_o very_a day_n compose_v the_o ruffle_a mind_n of_o man_n dispossess_v daemon_n cure_n disease_n and_o work_v a_o meek_a gentle_a and_o amicable_a temper_n in_o all_o those_o person_n who_o make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n from_o a_o high_a end_n than_o their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o sincere_o believe_v what_o it_o teach_v we_o concern_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o a_o future_a judgement_n chap._n lviii_o than_o celsus_n foresee_v how_o many_o remarkable_a action_n that_o be_v perform_v by_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v mention_v by_o we_o to_o his_o honour_n a_o few_o of_o which_o i_o have_v relate_v make_v as_o if_o he_o grant_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v write_v concern_v the_o disease_n that_o be_v cure_v the_o dead_a that_o be_v raise_v to_o life_n and_o the_o few_o loaf_n with_o which_o a_o great_a multitude_n be_v feed_v and_o of_o which_o many_o fragment_n do_v remain_v and_o those_o strange_a account_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o gospel-history_n and_o immediate_o add_v the_o follow_a word_n well_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o you_o real_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o talk_v of_o but_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n he_o quite_o unravel_v what_o he_o have_v say_v before_o and_o set_v they_o on_o a_o level_n with_o the_o operation_n that_o be_v perform_v by_o magician_n who_o pretend_v to_o do_v mighty_a thing_n and_o have_v study_v magic_a in_o egypt_n get_v a_o little_a money_n out_o of_o people_n pocket_n by_o practise_v their_o art_n in_o the_o open_a forum_n dispossess_v daemon_n cure_v distemper_n call_v back_o depart_v soul_n and_o represent_v to_o the_o delude_a sight_n a_o table_n spread_v with_o imaginary_a dainty_n and_o animal_n that_o seem_v to_o move_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n but_o have_v no_o inward_a spring_n of_o life_n and_o motion_n his_o word_n be_v these_o pray_v must_v we_o esteem_v the_o person_n who_o perform_v these_o wonderful_a operation_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o must_v we_o not_o rather_o esteem_v they_o to_o be_v vile_a wretch_n that_o be_v well-versed_a it_o seem_v in_o a_o diabolical_a art_n you_o see_v here_o that_o he_o allow_v a_o extraordinary_a power_n in_o magic_n though_o by_o the_o way_n i_o be_o much_o mistake_v if_o he_o i_v the_o very_a person_n who_o write_v several_a book_n in_o which_o he_o direct_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a and_o yet_o because_o he_o think_v it_o may_v serve_v his_o cause_n he_o compare_v the_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o the_o operation_n of_o magician_n indeed_o there_o have_v be_v some_o ground_n for_o make_v this_o invidious_a comparison_n if_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v such_o a_o vain_a show_n of_o miracle_n as_o the_o magician_n do_v their_o design_n also_o whatever_o wonder_v they_o may_v effect_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v not_o to_o reform_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n nor_o have_v such_o vain_a amusement_n the_o least_o tendency_n to_o beget_v in_o person_n a_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o so_o to_o regulate_v their_o action_n that_o they_o may_v be_v honourable_o acquit_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v summon_v to_o appear_v before_o his_o awful_a bar._n the_o forementioned_a person_n do_v it_o so_o much_o as_o aim_v at_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_a and_o if_o they_o do_v of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n they_o will_v be_v most_o unfit_a for_o so_o great_a a_o undertake_n since_o they_o themselves_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o moâ—t_o notorious_a crime_n whereas_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o design_v by_o his_o miracle_n to_o reform_v the_o manner_n of_o they_o who_o be_v eye_n witness_n of_o what_o he_o do_v give_v not_o only_o his_o follower_n but_o all_o mankind_n a_o bright_a example_n of_o unaffected_a virtue_n and_o piety_n that_o they_o who_o be_v to_o publish_v his_o excellent_a doctrine_n may_v at_o once_o be_v direct_v and_o encourage_v to_o acquaint_v their_o hearer_n with_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o forementioned_a person_n be_v more_o convince_v by_o the_o native_a beauty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o holy_a life_n of_o their_o teacher_n than_o by_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v may_v in_o all_o their_o action_n have_v a_o sincere_a
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
to_o confute_v his_o grace_n but_o as_o i_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o my_o own_o salvation_n than_o of_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o that_o singular_o pious_a as_o well_o as_o incomparable_o rational_a and_o very_o learned_a prelate_n so_o i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v that_o origen_n will_v be_v a_o star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n in_o the_o superior_a orb_n and_o though_o his_o notion_n may_v in_o some_o respect_n be_v peculiar_a to_o he_o and_o just_o deserve_v our_o censure_n yet_o the_o chief_a thing_n in_o we_o which_o the_o great_a god_n regard_v and_o on_o which_o he_o will_v put_v distinguish_v mark_n of_o his_o favour_n through_o all_o the_o revolution_n of_o eternity_n be_v a_o regular_a and_o steady_a course_n of_o sincere_a and_o unaffected_a virtue_n and_o piety_n as_o for_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o idol_n which_o petavius_n the_o jesuit_n and_o other_o learned_a man_n do_v seem_v incline_v to_o charge_n on_o origen_n and_o epiphanius_n 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especial_o so_o good_a a_o man._n we_o have_v the_o rational_a and_o learned_a dr._n parker_n demonstration_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o many_o excellent_a author_n who_o have_v unite_v their_o force_n against_o the_o most_o formidable_a adversary_n of_o our_o common_a faith_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v too_o well_o furnish_v with_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o slight_v either_o the_o ancient_a apology_n of_o justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n tatian_n arnobius_n lactantius_n and_o the_o like_a or_o even_o the_o modern_a dcfence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o i_o think_v we_o shall_v deep_o lament_v that_o we_o have_v no_o more_o and_o that_o those_o which_o we_o have_v be_v no_o better_o understand_v and_o it_o high_o become_v we_o to_o make_v a_o thankful_a and_o due_a improvement_n of_o those_o many_o excellent_a help_n which_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n see_v fit_a to_o afford_v we_o i_o can_v think_v but_o of_o one_o objection_n more_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o by_o publish_v this_o translation_n of_o origen_n i_o do_v expose_v the_o corrupt_a principle_n of_o celsus_n to_o more_o public_a view_n it_o be_v true_a i_o do_v so_o but_o certain_o the_o truth_n be_v so_o safe_o guard_v by_o its_o native_a purity_n and_o so_o well_o recommend_v by_o the_o evidence_n that_o attend_v it_o that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o light_n that_o it_o desire_v nothing_o more_o if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v than_o to_o make_v its_o most_o open_a and_o undisguised_a appearance_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o the_o objection_n have_v any_o real_a force_n it_o will_v hold_v as_o well_o though_o not_o equal_o against_o origen_n himself_o for_o write_v against_o celsus_n which_o plain_o suppose_v that_o all_o the_o learning_n wit_n and_o malice_n of_o that_o arch-fiend_n of_o hell_n must_v be_v diffect_v as_o it_o be_v and_o lay_v open_a to_o view_n which_o though_o they_o be_v the_o rank_a poison_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o infect_v we_o if_o we_o have_v but_o the_o blessing_n of_o almighty_n god_n on_o so_o excellent_a a_o antidote_n at_o hand_n as_o the_o indefatigable_a and_o almost_o inimitable_a labour_n of_o that_o pious_a rational_a and_o learned_a father_n who_o oppose_v he_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o in_o defence_n of_o a_o translation_n of_o origen_n but_o humble_o submit_v my_o mean_a performance_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o this_o judicious_a and_o learned_a age_n and_o publish_v it_o as_o a_o public_a though_o unworthy_a tribute_n of_o praise_n to_o the_o great_a author_n of_o my_o be_v and_o fountain_n of_o all_o my_o happiness_n and_o as_o some_o though_o but_o a_o small_a recompense_n to_o my_o dear_a and_o honour_a father_n for_o the_o prudent_a method_n he_o have_v take_v the_o pain_n and_o charge_v he_o have_v be_v at_o and_o the_o great_a readiness_n and_o unusual_a joy_n which_o he_o have_v always_o express_v in_o procure_v and_o continue_v to_o i_o so_o far_o as_o it_o lie_v in_o his_o power_n under_o god_n the_o extraordinary_a but_o not_o due_o improve_v advantage_n of_o a_o liberal_a education_n i_o have_v frequent_o read_v the_o eight_o book_n of_o origen_n against_o celsus_n as_o they_o offer_v themselves_o to_o my_o consideration_n in_o the_o greek_a original_a the_o french_a translation_n of_o the_o learned_a mounseur_fw-fr bouhereau_n and_o the_o latin_a version_n and_o be_o not_o conscious_a to_o myself_o of_o any_o wilful_a and_o gross_a defect_n and_o after_o many_o solemn_a supplication_n for_o divine_a assistance_n many_o tedious_a and_o yet_o pleasant_a hour_n which_o i_o have_v employ_v about_o it_o many_o kind_a direction_n and_o encouragement_n from_o person_n of_o no_o mean_a rank_n for_o piety_n sense_n learning_n and_o extraction_n and_o many_o earnest_a desire_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n may_v be_v my_o principal_a aim_n and_o in_o a_o word_n after_o have_v perform_v what_o lie_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o my_o small_a ability_n to_o clothe_v it_o in_o such_o a_o dress_n as_o may_v recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n i_o say_v such_o as_o it_o be_v i_o humble_o expose_v it_o to_o all_o learned_a judicious_a and_o candid_a person_n and_o submit_v it_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o critic_n and_o if_o this_o first_o essay_n shall_v meet_v even_o with_o a_o tolerable_a acceptation_n from_o the_o world_n i_o design_n god_n willing_a to_o take_v the_o first_o opportunity_n to_o translate_v the_o two_o follow_a book_n that_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o reader_n may_v reap_v from_o origen_n may_v be_v equal_a or_o superior_a to_o the_o painful_a pleasure_n which_o i_o take_v in_o translate_n he_o that_o his_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v daily_o confirm_v and_o that_o he_o may_v at_o length_n enjoy_v that_o inconceivable_a happiness_n in_o the_o future_a world_n of_o which_o many_o of_o the_o primitive_a father_n be_v now_o partake_v and_o of_o which_o i_o firm_o believe_v that_o the_o pious_a and_o incomparable_a origen_n have_v no_o small_a share_n be_v the_o sincere_a desire_n of_o the_o unworthy_a servant_n of_o our_o common_a lord_n james_n bellamy_n origen_n against_o celsus_n translate_v from_o the_o original_a into_o english_a book_n the_o first_o origen_n epistle_n dedicatory_a to_o ambrose_n when_o false_a witness_n be_v bring_v against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n he_o hold_v his_o peace_n and_o when_o he_o be_v accuse_v return_v no_o answer_n be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o best_a apology_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v make_v in_o his_o behalf_n but_o you_o virtuous_a ambrose_n be_v please_v to_o desire_v i_o for_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o yourself_o to_o vindicate_v
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 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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
who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o celebrate_a simon_n owe_v their_o knowledge_n entire_o to_o the_o account_n which_o we_o have_v of_o he_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o christian_n his_o very_a name_n will_v before_o this_o time_n have_v be_v bury_v in_o oblivion_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o experience_n that_o he_o bear_v none_o of_o the_o shine_a character_n of_o one_o who_o have_v a_o divine_a commission_n chap._n xlvii_o than_o celsus_n jew_n not_o keep_v to_o the_o sacred_a text_n say_v that_o our_o saviour_n boast_v that_o some_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n be_v move_v by_o a_o secret_a persuasion_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v come_v to_o pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o he_o in_o his_o infancy_n and_o that_o when_o they_o have_v acquaint_v herod_n the_o tetrarch_n with_o it_o he_o order_v his_o officer_n to_o kill_v all_o the_o infant_n that_o be_v about_o that_o age_n imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n will_v inour_v the_o same_o fate_n with_o they_o and_o thereby_o be_v prevent_v from_o ever_o come_v to_o the_o crown_n take_v notice_n how_o gross_o the_o jew_n be_v mistake_v here_o who_o confound_v the_o wise_a man_n and_o the_o chaldaean_n not_o discern_v that_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o may_v be_v of_o different_a country_n and_o profession_n and_o notorious_o falsify_v the_o account_n which_o we_o have_v of_o this_o matter_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o he_o do_v think_v fit_a to_o acquaint_v we_o that_o the_o star_n which_o they_o â—aw_v in_o the_o east_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o secret_a persuasion_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v then_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n let_v we_o see_v therefore_o what_o matter_n of_o discourse_n this_o subject_n will_v afford_v we_o i_o confess_v it_o be_v my_o opinion_n that_o the_o star_n that_o appear_v at_o our_o saviour_n nativity_n be_v entire_o new_a and_o vast_o different_a from_o those_o which_o be_v common_o see_v whether_o in_o the_o superior_a or_o inferior_a orb_n and_o i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v it_o may_v be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o those_o comet_n that_o appear_v for_o a_o time_n and_o have_v different_a name_n assign_v they_o by_o the_o greek_n according_a to_o their_o different_a figure_n and_o i_o build_v my_o opinion_n upon_o the_o follow_a ground_n it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o learned_a author_n that_o when_o any_o considerable_a alteration_n have_v happen_v in_o the_o face_n of_o affair_n such_o star_n have_v expose_v themselves_o to_o view_n as_o do_v presage_v some_o strange_a revolution_n of_o empire_n some_o dreadful_a war_n or_o some_o such_o accident_n as_o these_o which_o put_v the_o whole_a world_n into_o a_o terrible_a and_o unusual_a commotion_n i_o have_v also_o read_v in_o a_o treatise_n concern_v comet_n write_v by_o chaeremon_n the_o stoic_a that_o sometime_o they_o have_v presage_v very_o happy_a event_n and_o he_o produce_v several_a instance_n from_o very_o credible_a historian_n to_o make_v good_a the_o assertion_n which_o he_o there_o lay_v down_o if_o then_o at_o the_o establishment_n of_o some_o new_a monarchy_n or_o before_o some_o remarkable_a scene_n of_o public_a affair_n do_v begin_v to_o open_v these_o comet_n or_o star_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n do_v appear_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o that_o a_o star_n shall_v be_v see_v at_o the_o nativity_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v design_v by_o the_o alwise_a god_n to_o make_v so_o sudden_a so_o great_a and_o so_o happy_a a_o alteration_n in_o the_o world_n to_o publish_v a_o new_a unadorned_a and_o discountenance_a doctrine_n not_o only_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n but_o also_o to_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o the_o most_o distant_a and_o barbarous_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o we_o do_v meet_v with_o any_o or_o at_o least_o with_o no_o scripture-prophecy_n concern_v the_o appearance_n of_o such_o a_o star_n at_o such_o a_o time_n for_o instance_n at_o the_o establishment_n of_o such_o a_o rise_a empire_n but_o the_o star_n that_o grace_v our_o saviour_n nativity_n be_v foretell_v by_o balaam_n as_o moses_n give_v we_o a_o account_n there_o shall_v come_v say_v number_n xxiv_o v._o 17_o he_o a_o star_n out_o of_o jacob_n and_o a_o sceptre_n shall_v rise_v out_o of_o israel_n but_o here_o i_o must_v argue_v with_o the_o greek_n and_o jew_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o dispute_v against_o each_o sort_n of_o person_n from_o very_o different_a topic_n to_o the_o greek_n i_o have_v this_o to_o offer_v that_o the_o magician_n who_o converse_v with_o daemon_n and_o do_v with_o a_o most_o horrid_a solemnity_n invoke_v their_o seasonable_a assistance_n for_o the_o most_o part_n attain_v the_o end_n which_o they_o propose_v to_o themselves_o unless_o a_o divine_a power_n interfere_v that_o be_v superior_a to_o the_o daemon_n or_o some_o name_n be_v mention_v that_o have_v a_o great_a force_n than_o those_o name_n which_o be_v appropriate_v by_o they_o to_o the_o be_v they_o practice_n but_o if_o that_o shall_v happen_v than_o all_o their_o magical_a operation_n be_v avoidable_o lose_v and_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v dazzle_v and_o confound_v with_o the_o bright_a ray_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o therefore_o to_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o when_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v and_o a_o multitude_n of_o the_o heavenly_a host_n as_o st._n luke_n do_v credible_o relate_v the_o passage_n praise_v god_n say_v glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a peace_n on_o earth_n and_o good_a will_n towards_o man_n luke_n two_o v._o 14._o the_o daemon_n be_v shocked_a and_o all_o their_o hellish_a measure_n most_o strange_o disconcert_v not_o only_o by_o good_a angel_n who_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o celebrate_v the_o nativity_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o also_o by_o the_o humane_a soul_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o spotless_a jesus_n as_o be_v a_o happy_a instrument_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o dwell_v in_o so_o glorious_a but_o inconceivable_a a_o manner_n even_o in_o his_o humane_a nature_n the_o wise_a man_n therefore_o be_v desirous_a to_o perform_v their_o usual_a operation_n and_o fail_v in_o what_o they_o endeavour_v to_o effect_v we_o may_v natural_o suppose_v inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o bad_a success_n and_o be_v sensible_a that_o something_o extraordinary_a must_v occur_v to_o defeat_v their_o raise_a expectation_n and_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o the_o daemon_n and_o when_o they_o see_v a_o sign_n in_o the_o heaven_n they_o have_v a_o natural_a curiosity_n to_o know_v its_o mean_v and_o have_v perhaps_o consult_v the_o prophecy_n of_o balaam_n and_o this_o prophecy_n of_o the_o star_n of_o which_o moses_n give_v we_o a_o account_n and_o particular_o those_o word_n i_o shall_v see_v he_o but_o not_o now_o i_o shall_v behold_v number_n xxiv_o v._o 17_o he_o but_o not_o nigh_o from_o hence_o they_o may_v frame_v this_o rational_a conjecture_n that_o the_o very_a person_n at_o who_o birth_n it_o be_v prophesy_v that_o a_o star_n shall_v appear_v be_v then_o actual_o bear_v and_o have_v a_o just_a notion_n that_o he_o be_v far_o superior_a to_o all_o their_o daemon_n they_o come_v to_o pay_v he_o the_o just_a tribute_n of_o divine_a adoration_n they_o steer_v their_o course_n therefore_o to_o judaea_n be_v persuade_v that_o some_o great_a prince_n be_v bear_v but_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o place_n of_o his_o nativity_n and_o when_o they_o be_v happy_o come_v to_o the_o place_n where_o the_o young_a child_n be_v they_o offer_v present_n to_o he_o that_o be_v lively_a representation_n of_o his_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n viz._n gold_n a_o emblem_n of_o his_o royal_a power_n frankincense_n to_o note_v to_o we_o his_o divinity_n and_o myrrh_n to_o signify_v his_o bitter_a passion_n chap._n xlviii_o since_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n that_o be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n who_o be_v god_n and_o by_o consequence_n above_o the_o angel_n though_o they_o be_v frequent_o employ_v as_o minister_a spirit_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o man_n the_o worship_n which_o the_o wiseman_n pay_v he_o be_v abundant_o recompense_v by_o the_o warn_v which_o the_o angel_n give_v they_o that_o they_o shall_o return_v to_o herod_n but_o depart_v into_o their_o own_o country_n another_o way_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o that_o herod_n shall_v seek_v to_o destroy_v the_o infant-saviour_n though_o celsus_n jew_n seem_v to_o doubt_v very_o much_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o think_v be_v plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n for_o malice_n be_v so_o
foolish_a and_o so_o dare_v a_o thing_n that_o it_o will_v contend_v for_o the_o victory_n with_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n itself_o this_o passion_n have_v so_o far_o the_o ascendant_n over_o herod_n that_o he_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v bear_v and_o act_v unaccountable_o whether_o his_o notion_n be_v true_a or_o false_a and_o be_v so_o weak_a that_o he_o didn't_fw-mi discern_v that_o either_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o very_a person_n who_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o so_o will_v infallible_o possess_v the_o throne_n or_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v a_o mere_a impostor_n and_o by_o consequence_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o he_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o mind_n by_o any_o jealous_a surmise_n he_o resolve_v to_o destroy_v he_o be_v hurry_v by_o his_o unruly_a passion_n into_o the_o gross_a inconsistency_n and_o stir_v up_o without_o doubt_n by_o the_o devil_n who_o apprehend_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n and_o a_o most_o formidable_a enemy_n to_o his_o usurp_a dominion_n employ_v all_o his_o wit_n malice_n and_o industry_n against_o he_o but_o the_o angel_n warn_v joseph_n to_o go_v with_o the_o young_a child_n and_o his_o mother_n into_o egypt_n and_o how_o improbable_a soever_o this_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v on_o the_o first_o view_n yet_o the_o due_a series_n of_o event_n be_v very_o critical_o observe_v by_o providence_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n herod_n issue_v out_o order_n that_o all_o the_o infant_n that_o be_v in_o bethlehem_n from_o two_o year_n old_a and_z under_z shall_v immediate_o be_v put_v to_o death_n expect_v that_o he_o who_o be_v bear_v king_n of_o the_o jew_n will_v share_v in_o the_o same_o common_a and_o approach_a calamity_n for_o he_o didn't_fw-mi discern_v that_o invisible_a and_o kind_a hand_n of_o providence_n that_o take_v care_n of_o they_o who_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o its_o most_o watchful_a protection_n and_o upon_o who_o safety_n the_o good_a of_o mankind_n do_v so_o evident_o and_o so_o great_o depend_v and_o among_o which_o honourable_a number_n our_o bless_a saviour_n deserve_v to_o be_v esteem_v the_o chief_a as_o be_v one_o who_o vast_o and_o indeed_o infinite_o surpass_v all_o other_o man_n in_o real_a and_o intrinsic_a dignity_n for_o he_o be_v not_o send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o earthly_a king_n as_o herod_n false_o imagine_v but_o to_o enter_v on_o the_o possession_n of_o such_o a_o glorious_a kingdom_n as_o it_o become_v the_o great_a god_n to_o bestow_v on_o one_o who_o be_v to_o procure_v a_o happiness_n for_o his_o subject_n that_o consist_v not_o entire_o or_o chief_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o frequent_o prove_v pernicious_a to_o the_o owner_n and_o be_v to_o govern_v they_o by_o such_o law_n as_o be_v true_o divine_a and_o so_o to_o take_v the_o most_o proper_a method_n to_o render_v they_o complete_o and_o for_o ever_o happy_a therefore_o deny_v that_o he_o be_v a_o earthly_a king_n and_o show_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n he_o say_v if_o my_o kingdom_n be_v of_o this_o joh._n xviii_o v_o 36._o world_n then_o will_v my_o servant_n fight_v that_o i_o shall_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o jew_n but_o now_o be_v my_o kingdom_n not_o from_o hence_o chap._n xlix_o if_o celsus_n have_v be_v aware_a of_o this_o he_o will_v never_o have_v talk_v so_o weak_o and_o so_o impertinent_o as_o he_o do_v if_o say_v he_o herod_n be_v afraid_a that_o when_o you_o come_v to_o a_o fit_a age_n to_o reign_v you_o will_v dispossess_v he_o of_o his_o kingdom_n why_o didn't_fw-mi you_o reign_n when_o you_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o maturity_n on_o the_o contrary_a though_o you_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n yet_o you_o be_v force_v to_o go_v about_o like_o a_o slave_n and_o a_o vagabond_n and_o to_o sneak_v like_o a_o malefactor_n not_o have_v a_o place_n whereon_o you_o may_v comfortable_o lay_v your_o head_n but_o it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o sordid_a spirit_n for_o a_o person_n to_o use_v innocent_a and_o common_a prudence_n that_o he_o may_v happy_o avoid_v the_o danger_n with_o which_o he_o be_v surround_v not_o from_o a_o slavish_a fear_n of_o death_n but_o a_o sincere_a and_o vehement_a desire_n with_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o prolong_v his_o life_n that_o he_o may_v be_v far_a serviceable_a to_o the_o public_a till_o a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o true_a and_o best_a interest_n of_o mankind_n do_v happy_o present_v itself_o that_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n case_n be_v plain_a to_o one_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o design_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n in_o those_o grievous_a suffering_n which_o he_o undergo_v of_o which_o according_a to_o my_o weak_a ability_n i_o have_v already_o and_o i_o hope_v sufficient_o discourse_v chap._n l._n than_o that_o celsus_n with_o all_o his_o knowledge_n didn't_fw-mi so_o much_o as_o hit_v upon_o the_o exact_a number_n of_o the_o apostle_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o follow_a word_n be_v attend_v say_v he_o with_o ten_o or_o eleven_o wicked_a publican_n and_o mariner_n he_o go_v up_o and_o down_o with_o they_o beg_v his_o bread_n from_o door_n to_o door_n like_o a_o base_a and_o most_o miserable_a creature_n let_v i_o therefore_o examine_v what_o he_o say_v and_o return_v he_o such_o a_o answer_n as_o i_o judge_v convenient_a it_o be_v plain_a then_o to_o those_o who_o read_v the_o gospel_n with_o any_o tolerable_a care_n which_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v my_o bold_a but_o blunder_a antagonist_n never_o do_v that_o our_o saviour_n choose_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o publican_n among_o they_o i_o mean_v st._n matthew_n and_o by_o mariner_n as_o he_o promiscuous_o call_v they_o i_o suppose_v he_o may_v mean_v james_n and_o john_n because_o they_o leave_v their_o father_n zebedee_n to_o follow_v their_o bless_a lord_n for_o as_o for_o peter_n and_o andrew_n that_o get_v their_o livelihood_n by_o their_o net_n they_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o mariner_n as_o fishermen_z as_o the_o scripture_n call_v they_o we_o will_v also_o suppose_v that_o levi_n the_o publican_n be_v another_o to_o who_o he_o may_v have_v a_o reference_n though_o according_a to_o some_o copy_n that_o we_o have_v of_o st._n mark_n be_v gospel_n he_o be_v no_o apostle_n as_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o honourable_a fraternity_n we_o know_v not_o what_o employment_n they_o be_v by_o which_o they_o get_v their_o maintenance_n before_o they_o espouse_v the_o interest_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n chap._n li._n so_o that_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o they_o who_o examine_v into_o these_o matter_n with_o that_o judgement_n care_n and_o impartiality_n which_o be_v high_o requisite_a that_o the_o apostle_n be_v act_v 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authority_n so_o far_o as_o they_o imagine_v that_o they_o serve_v their_o turn_n and_o think_v that_o all_o be_v mere_a fiction_n and_o jargon_n that_o make_v in_o the_o least_o against_o they_o st._n luke_n tell_v we_o that_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o take_v bread_n and_o bless_v it_o and_o break_v it_o and_o give_v to_o simon_n and_o cleopas_n and_o when_o they_o luke_n 24_o v._o 31._o have_v take_v it_o their_o eye_n be_v open_v and_o they_o know_v he_o and_o he_o vanish_v out_o of_o their_o sight_n but_o i_o can_v easy_o show_v that_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o design_n which_o he_o have_v in_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o vanish_v as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o be_v crucify_v and_o when_o we_o read_v the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o must_v not_o rest_v in_o the_o bare_a literal_a sense_n as_o if_o that_o be_v all_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n design_v for_o every_o considerable_a circumstance_n that_o occur_v in_o it_o contain_v or_o natural_o lead_v 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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
upon_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o their_o mouth_n will_v be_v for_o ever_o stop_v shall_v we_o upbraid_v they_o but_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v even_o seem_v to_o insult_v they_o and_o shall_v we_o demand_v of_o they_o as_o we_o very_o well_o may_v whether_o the_o dispensation_n of_o divine_a providence_n towards_o they_o do_v bear_v the_o awful_a mark_n of_o his_o severe_a displeasure_n and_o whether_o almighty_a god_n didn't_fw-mi take_v a_o most_o unaccountable_a method_n if_o his_o design_n be_v to_o show_v the_o world_n that_o the_o jew_n be_v still_o his_o peculiar_a people_n though_o too_o far_o from_o be_v zealous_a of_o good_a work_n when_o he_o suffer_v such_o grievous_a calamity_n to_o befall_v they_o when_o their_o metropolis_n be_v take_v and_o they_o be_v at_o once_o deprive_v of_o their_o magnificent_a temple_n and_o all_o their_o pompous_a worship_n and_o whatever_o they_o can_v offer_v to_o allay_v the_o native_a darkness_n of_o this_o mysterious_a scene_n of_o providence_n it_o may_v be_v large_o insist_v on_o and_o improve_v to_o very_o valuable_a purpose_n by_o the_o christian_n who_o admire_v the_o wise_a and_o deep_a design_n of_o god_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o horrid_a impiety_n of_o those_o very_a person_n who_o be_v once_o his_o peculiar_a people_z as_o a_o bless_a occasion_n of_o call_v they_o who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o glorious_a promise_n relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n kingdom_n this_o be_v foretold_a by_o the_o prophet_n viz._n that_o god_n will_v take_v a_o advantage_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o jew_n not_o mere_o to_o call_v any_o single_a nation_n but_o to_o select_v some_o person_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n he_o may_v give_v a_o ignorant_a people_n very_o clear_a discovery_n of_o important_a truth_n take_v his_o kingdom_n from_o the_o jew_n to_o bestow_v it_o on_o the_o despise_a gentile_n 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obtain_v and_o much_o less_o meet_v with_o the_o desire_a success_n that_o he_o shall_v honourable_o surmount_v all_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n and_o prove_v in_o the_o event_n superior_a to_o the_o unite_a force_n of_o the_o people_n senate_n and_o emperor_n of_o rome_n and_o all_o foreign_a potentate_n if_o we_o do_v allow_v that_o he_o have_v a_o divine_a as_o well_o as_o a_o humane_a nature_n how_o can_v we_o account_v for_o his_o make_v so_o many_o and_o so_o remarkable_a convert_v on_o a_o sudden_a when_o the_o disadvantage_n be_v so_o great_a which_o he_o labour_v under_o have_v they_o all_o be_v man_n of_o reason_n that_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o i_o confess_v the_o wonder_n will_v sensible_o abate_v but_o the_o great_a part_n by_o far_o be_v void_a of_o reason_n and_o little_o better_a than_o brute_n in_o a_o humane_a shape_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o be_v slave_n to_o their_o unruly_a passion_n and_o on_o that_o account_n it_o be_v far_o more_o difficult_a to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o exorbitant_a vice_n so_o that_o we_o must_v resolve_v this_o matter_n into_o his_o be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n let_v the_o unbelieve_a jew_n and_o the_o learned_a greek_n gnash_v their_o tooth_n as_o much_o as_o they_o please_v or_o produce_v what_o they_o can_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o i_o may_v say_v that_o instance_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n be_v not_o whole_o want_v even_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n we_o shall_v therefore_o not_o only_o continue_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o eternal_a son_n but_o shall_v also_o be_v excite_v by_o a_o holy_a ambition_n to_o endeavour_v to_o convert_v the_o ignorant_a heathenss_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n while_o they_o by_o all_o mean_n will_v have_v it_o that_o we_o true_o be_v the_o person_n who_o ignorance_n deserve_v high_o to_o be_v pity_v though_o we_o know_v 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