frequent_o dispossess_v especial_o when_o the_o person_n who_o pronounce_v that_o sacred_a name_n do_v it_o with_o a_o become_a disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o with_o a_o most_o lively_a faith_n nay_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n have_v have_v such_o power_n over_o daemon_n that_o sometime_o it_o have_v prove_v effectual_a though_o pronounce_v by_o very_o wicked_a person_n to_o this_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o reference_n when_o he_o say_v many_o shall_v say_v to_o i_o in_o that_o day_n in_o thy_o name_n we_o have_v mat._n seven_o v._o 22._o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o celsus_n do_v omit_v this_o passage_n through_o ignorance_n or_o rather_o through_o a_o voluntary_a and_o malicious_a oversight_n chap._n vii_o than_o he_o accuse_v our_o saviour_n himself_o as_o if_o he_o wrought_v miracle_n by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n and_o foresee_v that_o many_o other_o person_n will_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o their_o skill_n in_o that_o hellish_a art_n boast_v that_o a_o divine_a power_n do_v attend_v they_o and_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n do_v exclude_v they_o from_o the_o number_n of_o his_o follower_n and_o favourite_n and_o he_o make_v use_v of_o this_o argument_n against_o he_o if_o say_v he_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n for_o his_o reject_v the_o forementioned_a person_n than_o he_o be_v a_o wicked_a man_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o fault_n which_o he_o charge_v on_o they_o and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o wicked_a man_n than_o neither_o do_v they_o deserve_v a_o mark_n of_o infamy_n who_o according_a to_o his_o own_o confession_n be_v to_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v himself_o but_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v difficult_a for_o we_o to_o determine_v precise_o by_o what_o power_n our_o saviour_n wrought_v his_o miracle_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o christian_n make_v use_v of_o no_o enchantment_n unless_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o some_o passage_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o sacred_a spell_n chap._n viii_o than_o celsus_n frequent_o and_o severe_o reproach_n the_o christian_n with_o keep_v their_o opinion_n secret_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v more_o know_v and_o more_o general_o publish_v than_o the_o admire_a speculation_n of_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o even_o almost_o to_o the_o utmost_a limit_n of_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n for_o who_o in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o saviour_n nativity_n and_o resurrection_n and_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n in_o which_o he_o will_v reward_v the_o righteous_a and_o punish_v the_o wicked_a according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o be_v not_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o infidel_n acquaint_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n who_o turn_v it_o all_o into_o banter_n and_o ridicule_n so_o that_o the_o charge_n be_v altogether_o ungrounded_a and_o by_o consequence_n unjust_a but_o if_o there_o be_v some_o arcana_fw-la imperii_fw-la in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o vulgar_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o in_o philosophy_n for_o even_o the_o philosopher_n hold_v some_o opinion_n which_o they_o keep_v more_o secret_a some_o of_o pythagoras_n pupil_n rely_v on_o his_o bare_a authority_n and_o be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o ipse_fw-la dixit_fw-la other_o be_v more_o private_o teach_v and_o instruct_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v prostitute_v to_o vulgar_a and_o unsanctify_v ear_n and_o many_o rite_n in_o the_o religion_n both_o of_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n be_v conceal_v from_o the_o notice_n of_o the_o vulgar_a chap._n ix_o but_o celsus_n seem_v with_o abundance_n of_o earnestness_n to_o plead_v for_o they_o who_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n when_o he_o say_v i_o will_v not_o persuade_v any_o one_o to_o renounce_v his_o religion_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o danger_n to_o which_o it_o may_v expose_v he_o nor_o will_v i_o have_v he_o even_o seem_v to_o leave_v it_o where_o he_o tacit_o condemn_v all_o they_o who_o be_v christian_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o yet_o public_o disow_v their_o religion_n here_o i_o may_v take_v occasion_n to_o charge_v he_o with_o the_o gross_a inconsistency_n of_o his_o discourse_n for_o in_o some_o place_n of_o his_o book_n he_o talk_v like_o a_o zealous_a follower_n of_o the_o admire_a epicurus_n but_o here_o that_o his_o accusation_n may_v carry_v the_o more_o plausible_a appearance_n he_o dissemble_v his_o opinion_n and_o seem_v to_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v in_o man_n beside_o his_o body_n which_o be_v material_a and_o earthly_a another_o and_o much_o noble_a substance_n that_o have_v a_o affinity_n with_o god_n himself_o and_o say_v that_o they_o who_o have_v soul_n due_o dispose_v do_v as_o far_o as_o the_o frailty_n of_o their_o nature_n will_v admit_v aspire_v to_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o which_o they_o be_v so_o near_o ally_v and_o be_v never_o more_o high_o please_v than_o when_o they_o be_v seasonable_o and_o solid_o entertain_v with_o discourse_n concern_v the_o supreme_a and_o adorable_a majesty_n both_o of_o earth_n and_o heaven_n observe_v a_o little_a before_o he_o say_v he_o will_o persuade_v any_o one_o to_o renounce_v his_o religion_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o danger_n to_o which_o it_o may_v expose_v he_o nor_o will_v he_o have_v he_o even_o seem_v to_o leave_v it_o and_o yet_o he_o be_v gross_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o fault_n himself_o which_o he_o severe_o condemn_v in_o other_o for_o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o if_o he_o have_v open_o profess_v he_o be_v a_o epicurean_a philosopher_n his_o accusation_n will_v be_v little_o regard_v by_o they_o who_o live_v in_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o a_o overrule_a providence_n though_o indeed_o they_o may_v differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o their_o sense_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o principle_n which_o they_o be_v know_v to_o hold_v by_o the_o way_n i_o be_o inform_v there_o have_v be_v two_o person_n who_o go_v by_o the_o name_n of_o celsus_n and_o both_o of_o they_o be_v philosopher_n of_o the_o epicurean_a sect_n one_o who_o live_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o emperor_n nero_n and_o another_o who_o live_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o emperor_n hadrian_n and_o some_o time_n after_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o be_v the_o person_n with_o who_o i_o be_o at_o present_a concern_v chap._n x._o and_o he_o continue_v his_o discourse_n and_o advise_v we_o to_o embrace_v no_o opinion_n but_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o impartial_a reason_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o many_o and_o gross_a error_n to_o which_o the_o contrary_a practice_n will_v shameful_o and_o avoidable_o expose_v we_o and_o he_o compare_v those_o person_n who_o take_v up_o any_o notion_n without_o due_a examination_n to_o the_o design_v priest_n of_o mithras_n bacchus_n cybele_n or_o hecate_n or_o any_o other_o mock-deity_n of_o the_o heathen_n for_o as_o these_o impostor_n have_v once_o get_v the_o ascendant_n over_o the_o common_a people_n who_o be_v gross_o ignorant_a can_v turn_v and_o wind_v these_o harmless_a cattle_n as_o their_o interest_n or_o fancy_n may_v direct_v so_o he_o say_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_n some_o of_o they_o say_v he_o neither_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o believe_v nor_o care_v to_o be_v examine_v will_v use_v this_o expression_n do_v examine_v into_o matter_n but_o believe_v and_o thy_o faith_n will_v infallible_o save_v thou_o and_o will_v frequent_o say_v with_o a_o air_n of_o affect_a gravity_n that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o mischievous_a but_o folly_n be_v a_o most_o admirable_a and_o useful_a thing_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o all_o man_n can_v convenient_o leave_v the_o concern_v of_o life_n and_o have_v leisure_n and_o inclination_n to_o bend_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n i_o shall_v hearty_o wish_v that_o this_o may_v become_v a_o universal_a practice_n though_o to_o speak_v modest_o and_o to_o keep_v within_o due_a compass_n i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o the_o sublime_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o short_a hint_n of_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n our_o saviour_n parable_n and_o abundance_n of_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v simbolical_o deliver_v and_o propose_v with_o the_o sanction_n of_o a_o law_n be_v not_o more_o involve_v and_o attend_v with_o great_a obscurity_n than_o many_o of_o the_o opinion_n which_o be_v advance_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o but_o if_o the_o method_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o before_o
himself_o to_o the_o art_n of_o rhetoric_n i_o say_v because_o he_o personate_v a_o jew_n entertain_v our_o saviour_n with_o discourse_n that_o be_v very_o childish_a and_o unbecoming_a the_o gravity_n as_o well_o as_o suppose_a sense_n and_o learning_n of_o a_o old_a philosopher_n let_v i_o examine_v according_a to_o my_o weak_a ability_n what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o suppose_v he_o to_o say_v and_o make_v it_o appear_v as_o i_o think_v i_o can_v easy_o do_v that_o the_o jew_n do_v it_o strict_o or_o even_o tolerable_o observe_v his_o character_n celsus_n introduce_v he_o make_v his_o address_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o pretend_v to_o convince_v he_o of_o several_a point_n and_o the_o first_o thing_n of_o which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v he_o be_v that_o the_o account_n of_o his_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n be_v a_o empty_a and_o ridiculous_a fable_n then_o he_o reproach_n he_o with_o be_v bear_v at_o a_o obscure_a village_n and_o have_v a_o woman_n to_o his_o mother_n that_o get_v her_o livelihood_n by_o go_v out_o to_o service_n who_o he_o say_v be_v convict_v of_o adultery_n be_v divorce_v from_o her_o husband_n who_o be_v a_o carpenter_n by_o trade_n then_o he_o say_v that_o after_o this_o indignity_n wander_v from_o place_n to_o place_n she_o be_v private_o bring_v to_o bed_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o that_o he_o be_v force_v by_o reason_n of_o want_n to_o work_v in_o egypt_n and_o have_v learn_v there_o some_o of_o those_o art_n for_o which_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o country_n be_v so_o famous_a return_v into_o his_o native_a country_n and_o swell_v with_o a_o vain_a conceit_n of_o the_o miracle_n he_o shall_v do_v give_v out_o that_o he_o be_v god_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o must_v confess_v to_o i_o who_o do_v with_o a_o silent_a but_o deep_a regret_n pass_v by_o even_o the_o weak_a argument_n that_o be_v offer_v by_o our_o adversary_n and_o natural_o affect_v to_o trace_v thing_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o last_o consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n till_o i_o come_v by_o slow_a degree_n to_o their_o true_a original_n i_o say_v to_o i_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v a_o unhappy_a shock_n that_o they_o be_v no_o small_a confirmation_n of_o that_o important_a truth_n that_o our_o bless_a lord_n be_v the_o very_a person_n who_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n i_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o common_o a_o man_n descent_n from_o rich_a and_o honourable_a parent_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o liberal_a education_n do_v not_o a_o little_a conduce_v to_o blazon_v his_o name_n and_o command_v reverence_n from_o person_n of_o a_o inferior_a rank_n but_o when_o one_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o great_a degree_n imaginable_a under_o the_o contrary_a external_a inconvenience_n can_v spread_v his_o fame_n to_o the_o most_o distant_a region_n of_o the_o world_n in_o spite_n of_o his_o mean_a extraction_n and_o the_o fond_a opinion_n which_o be_v too_o often_o receive_v by_o aspire_a mortal_n and_o climb_v the_o high_a up_o the_o steep_a ascent_n of_o honour_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o violent_a opposition_n which_o be_v make_v against_o he_o who_o if_o he_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o humane_a nature_n leave_v can_v forbear_v to_o admire_v a_o soul_n of_o the_o same_o rank_n of_o being_n with_o himself_o so_o strange_o elevate_v beyond_o the_o common_a pitch_n and_o so_o near_o approach_v to_o the_o deity_n so_o capable_a of_o form_v well-laid_a deep_a and_o true_o generous_a design_n and_o of_o crown_v all_o by_o a_o happy_a and_o answerable_a execution_n if_o we_o make_v a_o serious_a and_o narrow_a enquiry_n into_o the_o matter_n shall_v we_o not_o be_v ready_a and_o even_o constrain_v to_o think_v thus_o with_o ourselves_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o one_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o poor_a and_o ignoble_a parent_n and_o be_v not_o instruct_v in_o the_o liberal_a art_n and_o science_n whereby_o he_o may_v have_v be_v render_v capable_a of_o insinuate_a himself_o into_o the_o people_n and_o of_o engage_v their_o affection_n and_o their_o purse_n in_o his_o service_n shall_v so_o work_v upon_o the_o passion_n of_o man_n by_o a_o invisible_a power_n and_o the_o naked_a evidence_n of_o truth_n as_o almost_o universal_o to_o gain_v their_o credit_n and_o esteem_v though_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o introduce_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n new_a a_o doctrine_n which_o without_o derogate_a in_o the_o least_o from_o any_o of_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n do_v abolish_v the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n and_o make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o the_o greek_n especial_o those_o which_o have_v a_o immediate_a relation_n to_o religious_a worship_n in_o which_o they_o be_v so_o gross_o ignorant_a be_v it_o not_o strange_a and_o even_o prodigious_a to_o a_o miracle_n that_o one_o who_o even_o according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o his_o enemy_n be_v so_o mean_o bear_v and_o breed_v and_o by_o consequence_n be_v very_o unfit_a to_o manage_v a_o intriegue_n which_o require_v a_o chain_n of_o thought_n and_o continue_a thread_n of_o artifice_n shall_v so_o move_v the_o secret_a spring_n of_o humane_a soul_n and_o so_o powerful_o incline_v they_o against_o their_o strong_a inclination_n by_o encourage_v the_o righteous_a with_o a_o please_a prospect_n of_o a_o glorious_a and_o eternal_a reward_n in_o the_o world_n of_o pure_a and_o perfect_a spirit_n and_o by_o represent_v to_o the_o wicked_a as_o in_o a_o glass_n those_o dreadful_a torment_n which_o they_o must_v expect_v to_o suffer_v when_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n i_o say_v be_v it_o not_o strange_a and_o even_o prodigious_a to_o a_o miracle_n that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v not_o only_o engage_v ignorant_a and_o illiterate_a person_n to_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n but_o also_o a_o great_a number_n of_o the_o rational_a and_o learned_a world_n who_o under_o the_o sacred_a veil_n of_o naked_a truth_n can_v discern_v unfathomable_a depth_n of_o supernatural_a wisdom_n display_v with_o all_o the_o art_n that_o a_o god_n can_v show_v i_o remember_v plato_n relate_v a_o story_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v at_o seriphos_n who_o upbraid_v themistocles_n a_o famous_a general_n say_v that_o the_o reputation_n he_o have_v happy_o establish_v be_v not_o owe_v to_o his_o merit_n but_o his_o happen_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o a_o famous_a city_n of_o greece_n whereupon_o themistocles_n who_o be_v sensible_a and_o grateful_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o place_n of_o his_o nativity_n have_v no_o small_a tendency_n to_o render_v his_o name_n immortal_a return_v he_o this_o judicious_a and_o divert_v answer_n if_o i_o have_v be_v bear_v say_v he_o at_o seriphos_n i_o shall_o have_v be_v so_o famous_a as_o i_o be_o but_o if_o you_o have_v be_v bear_v at_o athens_n you_o will_v never_o have_v become_v themistocles_n now_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v upbraid_v with_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o village_n and_o that_o not_o of_o greece_n or_o any_o celebrate_a country_n and_o have_v a_o poor_a woman_n to_o his_o mother_n that_o get_v her_o livelihood_n by_o her_o labour_n and_o leave_v his_o country_n by_o reason_n of_o want_n be_v force_v to_o work_v in_o egypt_n i_o say_v our_o saviour_n who_o if_o i_o may_v accommodate_v the_o forego_n instance_n to_o our_o present_a case_n be_v of_o a_o mean_a extraction_n than_o the_o forementioned_a person_n that_o be_v bear_v at_o seriphos_n do_v as_o it_o be_v give_v a_o happy_a shock_n to_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n and_o make_v a_o great_a impression_n upon_o the_o savage_a disposition_n of_o man_n i_o scorn_v to_o say_v than_o themistocles_n the_o athenian_a but_o a_o great_a than_o even_o pythagoras_n or_o plato_n or_o any_o of_o the_o wiseman_n prince_n or_o emperor_n be_v ever_o know_v or_o report_v to_o have_v make_v what_o person_n then_o unless_o he_o love_v to_o dwell_v upon_o the_o superficies_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o stand_v astonish_v when_o he_o consider_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n surmount_v all_o the_o difficulty_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n to_o his_o grow_a reputation_n and_o seem_v to_o threaten_v that_o his_o name_n shall_v as_o it_o be_v sleep_v in_o everlasting_a silence_n chap._n xxvii_o it_o seldom_o happen_v that_o any_o one_o person_n be_v famous_a for_o many_o thing_n at_o once_o for_o one_o be_v famous_a for_o wisdom_n another_o for_o military_a discipline_n and_o somâ—_n of_o the_o barbarian_n for_o their_o skill_n in_o magic_n and_o several_a other_o for_o some_o few_o suppose_a perfection_n which_o perhaps_o do_v scarce_o deserve_v our_o notice_n but_o our_o saviour_n be_v very_o remarkable_a for_o the_o best_a sort_n of_o wisdom_n for_o authority_n and_o for_o work_a miracle_n not_o to_o mention_v those_o
more_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o necessity_n of_o translation_n in_o general_a but_o offer_v something_o concern_v that_o author_n who_o i_o have_v in_o part_n translate_v with_o a_o due_a regard_n i_o hope_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o public_a good_a though_o whether_o i_o have_v perform_v well_o or_o not_o i_o must_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a at_o who_o bar_n i_o shall_v think_v it_o a_o honour_n to_o be_v arraign_v if_o i_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o gross_a defect_n and_o who_o friendly_a censure_n i_o shall_v willing_o and_o even_o thankful_o undergo_v that_o origen_n flourish_v in_o the_o three_o century_n and_o in_o the_o infancy_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v so_o general_o know_v that_o it_o seem_v almost_o needless_a to_o mention_v it_o and_o since_o we_o deserve_o and_o cheerful_o pay_v a_o deference_n to_o the_o live_a monument_n of_o antiquity_n and_o especial_o to_o those_o pious_a and_o learned_a writer_n who_o live_v in_o the_o early_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n partly_o through_o a_o natural_a curiosity_n to_o know_v the_o name_n character_n and_o work_v of_o the_o most_o eminent_a person_n who_o flourish_v in_o such_o distant_a period_n of_o time_n partly_o through_o a_o sense_n of_o those_o miraculous_a method_n which_o the_o great_a god_n be_v as_o it_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v for_o the_o support_n and_o encouragement_n of_o the_o church_n during_o its_o minority_n and_o partly_o from_o a_o just_a and_o deep_a conviction_n of_o the_o eminent_a piety_n profound_a judgement_n and_o universal_a learning_n of_o many_o of_o the_o primitive_a father_n i_o think_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a veneration_n shall_v be_v pay_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o decease_a origen_n and_o especial_o to_o his_o book_n against_o the_o ingenious_a and_o learned_a celsus_n which_o be_v a_o lively_a picture_n of_o his_o capacious_a and_o exalt_v genius_n need_v i_o say_v any_o thing_n in_o commendation_n of_o his_o piety_n or_o rather_o will_v not_o every_o thing_n that_o i_o can_v say_v fall_v vast_o short_a of_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o awful_a subject_n will_v it_o not_o in_o some_o sense_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n lose_v its_o native_a and_o almost_o unsullied_a lustre_n by_o the_o faint_a encomium_n of_o the_o most_o elevate_a mortal_n who_o be_v inspire_v with_o a_o tremendous_a sense_n of_o his_o majestic_a simplicity_n and_o irresistible_a and_o almost_o inimitable_a charm_n a_o piety_n which_o be_v so_o sincere_a and_o so_o impatient_a of_o restraint_n that_o it_o be_v report_v of_o he_o that_o when_o his_o honour_a father_n be_v suffer_v under_o the_o emperor_n decius_n he_o will_v even_o in_o his_o tender_a year_n have_v salute_v the_o flame_n of_o martyrdom_n with_o the_o great_a readiness_n and_o even_o triumphant_a joy_n have_v not_o his_o dear_a and_o honour_a mother_n by_o her_o maternal_a authority_n art_n of_o persuasion_n and_o innocent_a method_n of_o female_a policy_n clip_v the_o flutter_v wing_n of_o his_o humbly-aspiring_a soul_n a_o piety_n discover_v by_o deny_v even_o the_o lawful_a appetite_n of_o his_o sordid_a flesh_n and_o look_v with_o a_o generous_a disdain_n on_o the_o outward_a grandeur_n and_o perish_a vanity_n of_o this_o low_a world_n a_o piety_n which_o be_v see_v by_o his_o leave_v or_o in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n despise_v the_o school_n of_o plato_n that_o celebrate_v heathen_a philosopher_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o meek_a and_o persecute_a jesus_n in_o a_o word_n a_o piety_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o strictness_n of_o his_o moral_a virtue_n and_o christian_a grace_n in_o the_o flame_a but_o just_a zeal_n he_o show_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n the_o exact_a care_n and_o extraordinary_a vigour_n which_o run_v through_o the_o body_n of_o his_o most_o excellent_a applogy_n and_o the_o prudent_a measure_n which_o he_o take_v to_o win_v other_o to_o the_o sincere_a belief_n and_o regular_a practice_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n which_o be_v so_o constant_o so_o cheerful_o and_o so_o bright_o exemplify_v in_o himself_o need_v i_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o sense_n who_o can_v not_o content_v himself_o without_o the_o severe_a study_n of_o philosophy_n and_o the_o sublime_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a plato_n in_o particular_a and_o familiar_o converse_v with_o the_o most_o judicious_a philosopher_n among_o the_o pagan_n and_o great_o improve_v the_o refine_a and_o useful_a knowledge_n which_o he_o eager_o imbibe_v from_o those_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o learning_n by_o light_v his_o torch_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v at_o the_o dazzle_a ray_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n need_v i_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o learning_n who_o on_o that_o account_n be_v just_o the_o wonder_n and_o have_v too_o often_o be_v the_o envy_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o christian_a world_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o solid_a sense_n and_o uncommon_a acquire_v ability_n be_v incline_v and_o qualify_v to_o take_v a_o unconfined_a range_v through_o the_o immense_a space_n of_o the_o intellectual_a aether_n who_o by_o the_o number_n and_o choice_n of_o the_o book_n he_o publish_v of_o which_o eusebius_n give_v we_o a_o account_n in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n discover_v at_o once_o the_o regularity_n and_o almost_o infinite_a compass_n of_o his_o study_n and_o by_o his_o travel_n into_o foreign_a country_n be_v full_o acquaint_v with_o the_o posture_n of_o affair_n both_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o in_o the_o learned_a world_n i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n by_o the_o way_n that_o if_o origen_n have_v be_v so_o mean_a a_o man_n or_o his_o work_n so_o dangerous_a as_o cardinal_n baronius_n cardinal_n noris_n gretzerus_n the_o jesuit_n and_o some_o other_o represent_v he_o i_o wonder_v that_o pope_n anastasius_n a_o whole_a council_n the_o forementioned_a person_n and_o the_o whole_a justinian_n age_n shall_v so_o violent_o oppose_v he_o i_o confess_v after_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v which_o be_v little_a if_o compare_v with_o what_o i_o can_v easy_o offer_v in_o the_o praise_n of_o origen_n i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o st._n hierom_n that_o very_o learned_a father_n and_o afterward_o the_o justinian_n age_n and_o many_o other_o since_o have_v no_o colour_n of_o reason_n for_o what_o they_o allege_v against_o he_o indeed_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n do_v very_o plain_o appear_v in_o so_o order_v matter_n that_o even_o some_o of_o the_o sacred_a penman_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o bright_a light_n that_o ever_o shine_v in_o the_o glorious_a orb_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v some_o defect_n to_o allay_v their_o intrinsic_a and_o apparent_a worth_n and_o prevent_v that_o excessive_a veneration_n which_o will_v otherwise_o have_v be_v pay_v they_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o natural_a and_o acquire_v accomplishment_n the_o honour_n they_o reflect_v on_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o flourish_v and_o the_o extraordinary_a service_n they_o do_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o learning_n but_o as_o the_o translator_n of_o the_o bible_n will_v have_v be_v unjust_o treat_v have_v they_o be_v reproach_v with_o even_o seem_v to_o countenance_n the_o false_a notion_n of_o thing_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o many_o of_o the_o leader_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v know_v to_o have_v entertain_v or_o have_v they_o be_v upbraid_v as_o if_o they_o approve_v of_o david_n murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o st._n peter_n most_o shameful_a denial_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n so_o i_o may_v rational_o expect_v that_o the_o reader_n will_v be_v so_o just_a and_o candid_a as_o not_o to_o imagine_v as_o great_a a_o man_n as_o origen_n himself_o be_v and_o as_o great_a a_o hero_n of_o antiquity_n and_o christianity_n as_o i_o know_v he_o be_v that_o i_o be_o so_o very_o ignorant_a as_o to_o agree_v with_o he_o in_o those_o opinion_n or_o practice_n which_o be_v evident_o and_o great_o liable_a to_o censure_v as_o for_o his_o notion_n that_o the_o devil_n may_v be_v recover_v i_o must_v confess_v it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v both_o a_o false_a and_o dangerous_a position_n false_a because_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n for_o it_o that_o i_o can_v see_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o dangerous_a because_o it_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o encourage_v person_n to_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n in_o hope_n that_o even_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n will_v be_v at_o last_o extinguish_v and_o be_v but_o a_o second_o purgatory_n we_o know_v that_o no_o less_o a_o person_n than_o the_o late_o most_o reverend_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n have_v public_o appear_v in_o its_o defence_n and_o have_v offer_v such_o plausible_a argument_n that_o perhaps_o it_o may_v seem_v difficult_a
the_o christian_n from_o those_o foul_a aspersion_n which_o celsus_n have_v public_o cast_v upon_o they_o as_o if_o a_o confutation_n of_o he_o be_v not_o legible_a in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o what_o he_o offer_v may_v not_o be_v deserve_o reject_v as_o want_v even_o the_o appearance_n of_o truth_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n to_o show_v that_o our_o saviour_n hold_v his_o peace_n when_o false_a witness_n be_v bring_v against_o he_o i_o need_v only_o at_o present_a produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o st._n matthew_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o what_o saint_n mark_v the_o evangelist_n relate_v st._n matthew_n have_v these_o word_n now_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n mat._n 26._o u._n 59_o and_o all_o the_o council_n seek_v false_a witness_n against_o jesus_n to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n but_o find_v none_o yea_o though_o many_o false_a witness_n come_v yet_o find_v they_o none_o at_o last_o come_v two_o false_a witness_n and_o say_v this_o fellow_n say_v i_o be_o able_a to_o destroy_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o to_o build_v it_o in_o three_o day_n and_o the_o highpriest_n arise_v and_o say_v to_o he_o answer_v thou_o nothing_o what_o be_v it_o which_o these_o witness_n against_o thou_o but_o jesus_n hold_v his_o peace_n we_o read_v in_o another_o place_n of_o the_o same_o evangelist_n that_o our_o saviour_n return_v no_o answer_n to_o the_o person_n who_o accuse_v he_o and_o jesus_n mat._n 27._o u._n 11._o stand_v before_o the_o governor_n and_o the_o governor_n ask_v he_o say_v be_v thou_o the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o thou_o say_v and_o when_o he_o be_v accuse_v of_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n he_o answer_v nothing_o then_o say_v pilate_n unto_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o how_o many_o thing_n these_o witness_n against_o thou_o and_o he_o answer_v he_o never_o a_o word_n insomuch_o that_o the_o governor_n marvel_v great_o and_o indeed_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v admire_v by_o person_n who_o be_v least_o capable_a of_o reflection_n that_o when_o he_o have_v so_o fair_a a_o opportunity_n to_o free_v himself_o from_o the_o heavy_a charge_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o he_o to_o enumerate_v or_o at_o least_o modest_o insinuate_v his_o shine_a character_n and_o to_o commend_v the_o high_a power_n as_o be_v ordame_v of_o god_n and_o by_o these_o innocent_a and_o politic_a method_n to_o procure_v the_o judge_n favour_n i_o say_v that_o when_o he_o have_v so_o fair_a a_o opportunity_n to_o do_v all_o this_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o embrace_v it_o as_o to_o look_v upon_o his_o most_o violent_a accuser_n with_o a_o truly-generous_a disdain_n that_o the_o judge_n seem_v willing_a to_o acquit_v he_o have_v he_o make_v his_o apology_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o follow_a word_n who_o mat._n 27._o u._n 17._o will_v you_o that_o i_o release_v unto_o you_o barrabas_n or_o jesus_n who_o be_v call_v christ_n and_o those_o word_n he_o know_v that_o for_o envy_n ibid._n 18._o he_o have_v deliver_v he_o so_o that_o the_o holy_a and_o spotless_a jesus_n be_v scarce_o ever_o free_a from_o unjust_a and_o severe_a accusation_n as_o long_o as_o the_o perverse_a disposition_n of_o man_n who_o mind_n be_v corrupt_a and_o who_o life_n be_v often_o stain_v with_o the_o most_o gross_a enormity_n do_v remain_v the_o same_o as_o they_o have_v be_v in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o even_o now_o he_o hold_v his_o peace_n and_o make_v no_o verbal_a answer_n but_o the_o unblemished_a life_n of_o his_o sincere_a follower_n be_v his_o most_o cheerful_a and_o most_o successful_a advocate_n and_o have_v so_o loud_a a_o voice_n that_o they_o drown_v the_o clamour_n of_o his_o most_o bigoted_a and_o most_o zealous_a adversary_n i_o will_v therefore_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v that_o by_o publish_v this_o apology_n i_o shall_v seem_v to_o lessen_v the_o force_n of_o those_o powerful_a argument_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o holy_a life_n of_o its_o pious_a votary_n and_o be_v plain_a appeal_n even_o to_o sense_n and_o common_a observation_n but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o seem_v backward_o in_o obey_v the_o command_v you_o have_v lay_v upon_o i_o i_o have_v endeavour_v according_a to_o my_o present_a ability_n to_o give_v a_o full_a or_o at_o least_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o material_a objection_n which_o celsus_n have_v bring_v against_o we_o which_o in_o your_o opinion_n my_o dear_a and_o respect_a ambrose_n do_v strike_v at_o the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o i_o very_o believe_v will_v never_o shock_v the_o faith_n of_o one_o who_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v live_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o with_o some_o measure_n of_o sincerity_n and_o god_n forbid_v that_o any_o of_o we_o shall_v have_v so_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v so_o lively_a a_o declaration_n of_o his_o love_n to_o perish_a sinner_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o bless_a and_o all-sufficient_a redeemer_n as_o to_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o receive_v any_o bad_a impression_n from_o celsus_n discourse_n or_o the_o write_n of_o any_o other_o ingenious_a and_o learned_a person_n who_o hold_v the_o same_o wicked_a principle_n for_o st._n paul_n reckon_v up_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o separate_v mankind_n from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n all_o which_o his_o love_n to_o they_o do_v and_o will_v at_o last_o effectual_o and_o most_o glorious_o overcome_v do_v it_o say_v that_o erroneous_a discourse_n shall_v be_v any_o much_o less_o a_o principal_a cause_n of_o this_o unhappy_a separation_n observe_v first_o he_o say_v who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n rom._n 8._o u._n 25._o of_o god_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n as_o it_o be_v write_v for_o thy_o sake_n we_o be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o we_o be_v account_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v we_o then_o reckon_v up_o another_o set_a of_o thing_n which_o usual_o shock_v man_n faith_n and_o virtue_n he_o say_v i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o ibid_fw-la 38._o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n even_o for_o we_o who_o fall_v vast_o short_a of_o the_o extraordinary_a attainment_n of_o that_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o say_v who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n but_o the_o apostle_n who_o think_v this_o too_o mean_v a_o boast_n for_o those_o who_o have_v arrive_v to_o so_o remarkable_a a_o pitch_n of_o virtue_n as_o that_o to_o which_o he_o have_v attain_v profess_v that_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v more_o than_o a_o conqueror_n which_o word_n have_v a_o peculiar_a weight_n and_o emphasis_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o noble_a class_n come_v to_o make_v their_o boast_n they_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o set_a of_o thing_n which_o be_v here_o enumerate_v and_o can_v say_v with_o a_o holy_a triumph_n that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n so_o that_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v no_o great_a opinion_n of_o that_o man_n christianity_n who_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o least_o liable_a to_o be_v shocked_a either_o by_o this_o book_n of_o celsus_n or_o the_o write_n of_o any_o other_o person_n of_o the_o same_o unhappy_a stamp_n for_o real_o i_o be_o at_o a_o loss_n to_o know_v in_o what_o class_n of_o christian_n i_o shall_v rank_v that_o man_n who_o be_v not_o proof_n against_o all_o the_o bitter_a but_o unjust_a reproach_n with_o which_o celsus_n have_v load_v the_o follower_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n but_o because_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o people_n be_v in_o no_o small_a danger_n as_o you_o imagine_v my_o dear_a ambrose_n of_o turn_v apostate_n from_o the_o faith_n since_o perhaps_o they_o may_v be_v shocked_a by_o what_o celsus_n have_v offer_v against_o the_o wellgrounded_n principle_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v no_o less_o confirm_v in_o their_o judgement_n
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
recommend_v be_v impracticable_a partly_o by_o reason_n of_o man_n natural_a incapacity_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v very_o unfit_a to_o apply_v their_o mind_n to_o learning_n and_o partly_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a care_n which_o attend_v humane_a life_n what_o better_a way_n can_v any_o one_o have_v contrive_v and_o take_v more_o suit_v to_o the_o genius_n and_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o the_o common_a people_n than_o that_o which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n take_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o degenerate_a world_n and_o as_o for_o the_o vast_a number_n of_o person_n who_o have_v leave_v those_o horrid_a debauchery_n in_o which_o they_o former_o wallow_v and_o have_v profess_v to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n i_o ask_v which_o of_o the_o two_o method_n conduce_v most_o to_o their_o advantage_n and_o have_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o remarkable_a tendency_n to_o the_o general_a benefit_n of_o the_o humane_a race_n to_o reform_v their_o manner_n from_o a_o sense_n of_o those_o most_o grievous_a torment_n which_o the_o just_a god_n will_v be_v as_o it_o be_v constrain_v to_o inflict_v upon_o the_o wicked_a and_o of_o that_o bright_a and_o massy_a crown_n which_o wait_v for_o the_o righteous_a and_o which_o they_o will_v receive_v when_o this_o frail_a and_o short_a life_n be_v end_v though_o they_o do_v stand_v to_o examine_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v build_v according_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o art_n or_o to_o defer_v their_o conversion_n till_o they_o have_v a_o fair_a opportunity_n and_o capacity_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o rational_a and_o learned_a study_n for_o experience_n may_v convince_v we_o that_o very_o few_o in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n will_v advance_v even_o so_o far_o as_o this_o and_o reap_v the_o benefit_n of_o yield_v a_o naked_a but_o wellgrounded_n assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o instead_o of_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v full_o bend_v upon_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n chap._n xi_o the_o love_n of_o god_n therefore_o in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n do_v very_o plain_o appear_v in_o accommodate_v matter_n to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o humane_a life_n that_o so_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v of_o more_o general_a advantage_n to_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o powerful_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v a_o divine_a commission_n for_o if_o a_o man_n who_o have_v any_o manner_n of_o religion_n will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o physician_n who_o recover_v sick_a person_n be_v send_v from_o god_n though_o the_o cure_n do_v extend_v no_o far_a than_o the_o body_n of_o his_o patient_n much_o more_o must_v we_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v indeed_o send_v by_o the_o father_n who_o have_v recover_v so_o many_o thousand_o of_o person_n from_o spiritual_a and_o more_o dangerous_a distemper_n have_v improve_v the_o faculty_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o refer_v all_o their_o action_n to_o the_o please_a of_o he_o and_o to_o use_v their_o utmost_a care_n lest_o they_o incur_v his_o just_a and_o severe_a displeasure_n by_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n and_o since_o our_o adversary_n be_v continual_o make_v such_o a_o stir_n about_o our_o take_a thing_n on_o trust_n i_o answer_v that_o we_o who_o see_v plain_o and_o have_v find_v the_o vast_a advantage_n that_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o people_n do_v manifest_o and_o frequent_o reap_v thereby_o who_o make_v up_o by_o far_o the_o great_a number_n i_o say_v we_o who_o be_v so_o well_o advise_v of_o these_o thing_n do_v profess_o teach_v they_o to_o believe_v without_o a_o severe_a examination_n who_o can_v neglect_v their_o worldly_a business_n and_o spare_a time_n enough_o to_o make_v long_o and_o exact_a inquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o our_o enemy_n themselves_o though_o they_o wo'n_v confess_v it_o do_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n by_o which_o we_o incur_v their_o censure_n for_o when_o any_o one_o of_o they_o do_v first_o devote_v his_o time_n and_o strength_n to_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n and_o either_o by_o some_o unexpected_a accident_n or_o the_o tutor_n who_o be_v first_o recommend_v to_o his_o choice_n be_v determine_v to_o fall_v in_o with_o a_o particular_a sect_n do_v he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o he_o have_v pitch_v on_o the_o most_o happy_a method_n for_o he_o do'sn_v stay_v till_o he_o have_v hear_v and_o weigh_v the_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v bring_v for_o one_o sect_n and_o against_o another_o and_o so_o at_o last_o choose_v to_o be_v a_o stoic_a platonic_a peripatetic_a or_o epicurean_a philosopher_n or_o the_o like_a for_o it_o be_v by_o a_o certain_a impulse_n in_o which_o reason_n be_v little_a or_o not_o at_o all_o concern_v that_o the_o preference_n be_v frequent_o give_v to_o the_o stoic_a philosophy_n for_o instance_n and_o the_o platonic_a be_v despise_v as_o be_v less_o sublime_a than_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o peripatetic_a as_o give_v too_o great_a a_o indulgence_n to_o humane_a frailty_n and_o represent_v more_o than_o any_o other_o sect_n those_o thing_n to_o be_v true_o good_a which_o be_v general_o but_o very_o unjust_o repute_v to_o be_v so_o and_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v thunderstruck_a at_o the_o very_a mention_n of_o a_o overrule_a providence_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o unequal_a distribution_n of_o its_o favour_n as_o they_o imagine_v do_v rash_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o fond_o embrace_v the_o corrupt_a and_o wild_a notion_n of_o epicurus_n if_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n we_o must_v join_v ourselves_o to_o some_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n or_o other_o either_o among_o the_o greek_n or_o barbarian_n without_o weigh_v all_o the_o argument_n which_o may_v be_v bring_v on_o either_o side_n how_o much_o more_o just_a and_o reasonable_a be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v he_o who_o be_v god_n over_o all_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o teach_v that_o this_o god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v raise_v our_o mind_n above_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o true_a existence_n or_o at_o best_o be_v very_o improper_a object_n of_o divine_a adoration_n it_o be_v true_a that_o only_o one_o who_o make_v use_v of_o reason_n and_o severe_a study_n in_o examine_v the_o principle_n he_o hold_v be_v capable_a of_o build_v his_o faith_n on_o rational_a demonstration_n but_o since_o we_o be_v force_v to_o take_v many_o thing_n on_o trust_n even_o in_o the_o most_o common_a and_o necessary_a affair_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v it_o not_o high_o agreeable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o solid_a reason_n that_o we_o shall_v immediate_o and_o firm_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o in_o he_o alone_o who_o be_v there_o that_o go_v by_o sea_n marry_v perform_v the_o conjugal_a act_n or_o sow_v his_o ground_n that_o will_v not_o hope_v the_o best_a though_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o to_o meet_v with_o frequent_a and_o great_a disappointment_n and_o if_o in_o our_o ordinary_a and_o daily_o concern_v we_o overlook_v the_o uncertain_a event_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v encourage_v by_o the_o please_a prospect_n which_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n do_v already_o give_v we_o how_o much_o more_o reason_n be_v there_o for_o one_o who_o put_v his_o trust_n in_o god_n to_o expect_v the_o desire_a success_n of_o any_o important_a action_n than_o there_o be_v for_o one_o who_o go_v by_o sea_n or_o be_v employ_v in_o any_o worldly_a affair_n i_o say_v how_o much_o more_o reason_n be_v there_o for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o place_v his_o entire_a confidence_n in_o god_n the_o glorious_a creator_n of_o the_o spacious_a universe_n and_o in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n think_v it_o fit_a to_o recommend_v his_o excellent_a doctrine_n to_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n by_o suffer_v for_o mankind_n not_o only_o cruel_a persecution_n but_o also_o a_o death_n which_o in_o some_o sense_n be_v high_o ignominious_a and_o by_o his_o own_o most_o heroic_a example_n at_o once_o teach_v and_o encourage_v the_o first_o publisher_n of_o the_o gospel_n bold_o to_o encounter_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o the_o most_o apparent_a danger_n if_o they_o may_v but_o be_v honourable_o and_o happy_o instrumental_a to_o save_v precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n chap._n xii_o than_o celsus_n say_v if_o they_o will_v return_v a_o solid_a answer_n to_o some_o pertinent_a question_n which_o i_o shall_v fair_o propose_v to_o they_o not_o as_o if_o i_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o opinion_n which_o they_o hold_v but_o
because_o i_o love_v to_o cherish_v the_o tender_a concern_v which_o i_o natural_o have_v for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o general_n it_o will_v be_v very_o well_o but_o if_o they_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o this_o most_o reasonable_a and_o high_o necessary_a request_n which_o i_o make_v to_o they_o and_o run_v into_o their_o common_a cant_n and_o say_v do_v examine_v into_o matter_n but_o believe_v sure_o it_o be_v fit_a at_o least_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o tell_v i_o what_o notion_n they_o advance_v and_o whence_o their_o original_a be_v derive_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o those_o word_n not_o as_o if_o i_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o opinion_n which_o they_o hold_v do_v not_o a_o little_a savour_n of_o his_o usual_a presumption_n for_o if_o he_o have_v read_v the_o prophet_n which_o be_v full_a of_o very_o obscure_a hint_n mystical_a representation_n and_o expression_n that_o every_o one_o do_v it_o easy_o or_o perhaps_o tolerable_o understand_v and_o if_o he_o have_v careful_o and_o candid_o read_v the_o parable_n that_o be_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o those_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o jewish_a law_n and_o history_n and_o if_o have_v read_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n without_o a_o tincture_n of_o prejudice_n he_o have_v put_v himself_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o understand_v their_o genuine_a mean_v and_o full_a design_n he_o will_o with_o such_o a_o air_n of_o confidence_n have_v boast_v that_o he_o be_v perfect_o acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o opinion_n which_o the_o christian_n hold_v for_o no_o divine_a even_o among_o ourselves_o who_o constant_a laborious_a and_o almost_o entire_a employment_n it_o be_v to_o be_v conversant_a with_o those_o sacred_a write_n do_v dare_v to_o talk_v with_o such_o a_o air_n of_o vanity_n nor_o do_v any_o of_o we_o pretend_v to_o a_o perfect_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o opinion_n of_o plato_n aristotle_n epicurus_n or_o the_o stoic_n when_o even_o they_o who_o have_v undertake_v to_o interpret_v the_o write_n of_o these_o famous_a philosopher_n be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o differ_v among_o themselves_o and_o quarrel_n with_o each_o other_o but_o perhaps_o celsus_n may_v borrow_v this_o bold_a expression_n from_o some_o ignorant_a people_n who_o be_v not_o sensible_a that_o indeed_o they_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o and_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o these_o be_v the_o profound_a doctor_n if_o the_o truth_n be_v know_v to_o who_o he_o be_v indebt_v for_o that_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o which_o he_o make_v his_o boast_n and_o to_o i_o he_o seem_v to_o do_v just_a like_o one_o who_o travel_v into_o egypt_n where_o the_o learned_a clergy_n talk_v very_o philosophical_o concern_v their_o sacred_a rite_n but_o the_o common_a people_n be_v wonderful_o please_v with_o hear_v some_o dark_a fable_n relate_v to_o they_o the_o rational_a account_n of_o which_o they_o do_v it_o in_o the_o least_o understand_v do_v immediate_o hereupon_o imagine_v that_o he_o be_v perfect_o acquaint_v with_o the_o learning_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o egyptian_n though_o he_o never_o converse_v in_o a_o familiar_a manner_n with_o any_o of_o their_o priest_n or_o with_o any_o person_n that_o explain_v to_o he_o what_o be_v signify_v by_o their_o mysterious_a hieroglyphic_n and_o what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o the_o egyptian_n may_v as_o well_o be_v say_v of_o the_o persian_n syrian_n indian_n and_o all_o other_o nation_n that_o veil_v their_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v with_o significant_a but_o very_o mysterious_a ceremony_n chap._n xiii_o but_o since_o celsus_n have_v lay_v this_o down_o as_o one_o of_o the_o maxim_n of_o the_o christian_n that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o mischievous_a but_o folly_n be_v a_o most_o admirable_a and_o useful_a thing_n i_o answer_v he_o do_v fair_o represent_v the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n which_o run_v after_o the_o follow_a manner_n if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v wise_a in_o this_o world_n let_v 1_o cor._n three_o v._o 28_n he_o become_v a_o fool_n that_o he_o may_v be_v wise_a for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n he_o dont_fw-fr simple_o say_v that_o wisdom_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n but_o prudent_o confine_v his_o discourse_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o dont_fw-fr simple_o say_v if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v wise_a let_v he_o immediate_o become_v a_o fool_n but_o if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v wise_a in_o this_o world_n let_v he_o become_v a_o fool_n that_o he_o may_v be_v wise_a by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n i_o understand_v that_o vain_a philosophy_n in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v so_o just_o so_o frequent_o and_o so_o severe_o condemn_v and_o so_o folly_n be_v a_o most_o admirable_a and_o useful_a thing_n not_o strict_o consider_v but_o in_o this_o limit_a sense_n when_o a_o person_n become_v a_o fool_n in_o the_o esteem_n of_o this_o vain_a and_o degenerate_a world_n it_o be_v just_a the_o same_o thing_n as_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o platonic_n who_o believe_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o its_o transmigration_n have_v embrace_v ridiculous_a opinion_n that_o be_v they_o be_v such_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o stoic_n who_o endeavour_n to_o overthrow_v it_o and_o of_o the_o peripatetic_n who_o insult_v over_o plato_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o madman_n and_o of_o the_o epicurean_o who_o reproach_n they_o that_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o a_o overrule_a providence_n as_o be_v the_o unhappy_a author_n of_o all_o the_o wild_a superstition_n that_o be_v ever_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n and_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n i_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o though_o it_o be_v much_o better_a for_o they_o who_o have_v opportunity_n and_o capacity_n to_o build_v their_o faith_n on_o rational_a and_o convince_a argument_n than_o to_o take_v thing_n on_o trust_n yet_o our_o bless_a saviour_n will_v have_v person_n of_o mean_a capacity_n and_o under_o some_o peculiar_a circumstance_n to_o believe_v without_o a_o severe_a examination_n since_o otherwise_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v of_o any_o advantage_n to_o they_o so_o much_o be_v intimate_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n after_o that_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n i_o v._o 21._o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v hence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n ought_v to_o have_v know_v he_o and_o because_o they_o so_o gross_o fail_v herein_o it_o please_v god_n to_o save_v they_o who_o believe_v in_o the_o forementioned_a way_n viz._n by_o the_o preach_a of_o a_o doctrine_n which_o be_v foolishness_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o thousand_o even_o of_o judicious_a and_o learned_a person_n st._n paul_n himself_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o this_o when_o he_o use_v these_o word_n we_o preach_v christ_n 1_o cor._n i_o v._o 25._o crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n but_o to_o they_o who_o believe_v both_o jew_n and_o greek_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n chap._n fourteen_o and_o since_o celsus_n have_v reckon_v up_o several_a nation_n who_o agree_v in_o their_o opinion_n and_o i_o know_v not_o for_o what_o reason_n leave_v out_o the_o jew_n as_o if_o they_o hold_v none_o that_o do_v bear_v the_o least_o resemblance_n with_o those_o which_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n maintain_v i_o will_v ask_v he_o why_o he_o believe_v the_o account_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o historian_n both_o among_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n and_o disbelieve_v what_o be_v frequent_o and_o credible_o relate_v in_o the_o jewish_a history_n for_o if_o all_o other_o historian_n have_v give_v a_o faithful_a account_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o several_a nation_n from_o which_o they_o spring_v why_o shall_v the_o jewish_a writer_n be_v the_o only_a person_n in_o the_o world_n suspect_v of_o gross_a deceit_n and_o if_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v say_v many_o thing_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n may_v not_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n be_v charge_v upon_o all_o or_o far_o the_o great_a part_n of_o profane_a historian_n must_v we_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o annal_n of_o the_o egyptian_n which_o represent_v the_o jew_n as_o a_o strange_a sort_n of_o people_n and_o believe_v that_o all_o that_o the_o jew_n say_v against_o the_o egyptian_n viz._n that_o they_o treat_v they_o in_o a_o most_o barbarous_a manner_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v just_o and_o severe_o
celebrate_a author_n which_o you_o have_v reckon_v up_o have_v any_o tolerable_a effect_n especial_o on_o the_o common_a people_n since_z according_a to_o your_o own_o confession_n they_o be_v design_v for_o they_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_a allegory_n whereas_o moses_n act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o skilful_a and_o divine_a orator_n who_o make_v use_v of_o expression_n that_o admit_v of_o different_a sense_n neither_o give_v the_o laity_n among_o the_o jew_n a_o handle_n for_o the_o least_o irregularity_n in_o their_o moral_n nor_o want_v matter_n for_o the_o sublime_a speculation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v more_o judicious_a learned_a and_o inquisitive_a and_o i_o do_v see_v i_o confess_v that_o the_o work_n of_o your_o poet_n with_o all_o their_o wisdom_n be_v preserve_v what_o service_n soever_o they_o may_v do_v the_o public_a but_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n have_v prevail_v with_o they_o who_o opinion_n and_o custom_n be_v vast_o different_a from_o those_o which_o obtain_v among_o the_o jewish_a nation_n to_o believe_v that_o according_a to_o the_o account_n he_o give_v the_o law_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o be_v give_v he_o by_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o the_o glorious_a creator_n of_o the_o spacious_a universe_n for_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o dictares_fw-la of_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o since_o it_o be_v his_o will_n to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v carry_v along_o with_o they_o that_o force_n and_o efficacy_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o so_o ready_o and_o so_o universal_o to_o obtain_v this_o i_o say_v not_o examine_v at_o present_a what_o have_v a_o immediate_a relation_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o content_v myself_o with_o what_o relate_v to_o moses_n who_o though_o he_o come_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o holy_a and_o unspotted_a jesus_n do_v vast_o excel_v your_o most_o celebrate_a hero_n whether_o poet_n historian_n or_o philosopher_n chap._n xvii_o than_o celsus_n be_v desirous_a and_o even_o eager_a to_o cast_v a_o oblique_a reflection_n upon_o the_o account_n which_o moses_n give_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o who_o it_o want_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o the_o duration_n of_o ten_o thousand_o year_n discover_v himself_o though_o he_o do_v what_o he_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o conceal_v or_o dissemble_v his_o opinion_n to_o be_v one_o of_o they_o who_o hold_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o material_a world_n any_o judicious_a person_n may_v just_o and_o easy_o infer_v this_o from_o that_o passage_n of_o he_o there_o have_v be_v say_v he_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n many_o conflagration_n and_o inundation_n the_o last_o of_o which_o be_v deucalion_n be_v flood_n and_o that_o be_v of_o no_o early_a date_n let_v he_o therefore_o especial_o since_o he_o blame_v the_o christian_n for_o not_o build_v their_o faith_n on_o rational_a and_o solid_a ground_n acquaint_v i_o what_o demonstrative_a argument_n do_v of_o necessity_n induce_v he_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o have_v be_v several_a conflagration_n and_o inundation_n and_o that_o deucalion_n be_v be_v the_o late_a flood_n and_o phaeton_n conflagration_n the_o late_a that_o have_v ever_o happen_v and_o if_o he_o refer_v i_o to_o plato_n dialogue_n concern_v those_o matter_n i_o shall_v return_v he_o the_o follow_a answer_n that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o virtuous_a and_o refine_a soul_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v raise_v above_o all_o sensible_a object_n and_o all_o create_a being_n and_o have_v its_o entire_a and_o firm_a dependence_n upon_o god_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o enable_v he_o to_o set_v divine_a truth_n in_o a_o much_o clear_a light_n than_o plato_n or_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a sage_n whether_o greek_n or_o barbarian_n but_o perhaps_o he_o may_v demand_v of_o we_o what_o rational_a ground_n we_o have_v for_o such_o a_o belief_n as_o this_o if_o so_o let_v he_o first_o give_v we_o his_o reason_n for_o the_o opinion_n which_o he_o hold_v and_o advance_v even_o without_o the_o shadow_n of_o a_o demonstration_n and_o then_o i_o will_v undertake_v that_o he_o shall_v soon_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o our_o faith_n in_o this_o affair_n be_v build_v though_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o sore_o against_o his_o will_n he_o confess_v the_o world_n be_v of_o a_o modern_a date_n and_o not_o of_o the_o duration_n of_o ten_o thousand_o year_n when_o he_o say_v that_o these_o remarkable_a event_n be_v esteem_v ancient_a by_o the_o greek_n because_o the_o conflagration_n and_o inundation_n have_v be_v mean_n to_o bury_v in_o oblivion_n many_o considerable_a event_n of_o much_o great_a antiquity_n but_o let_v he_o if_o he_o please_v support_v his_o fabulous_a account_n of_o conflagration_n and_o inundation_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o egyptian_a doctor_n who_o in_o his_o opinion_n be_v the_o wise_a man_n that_o be_v ever_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n some_o footstep_n of_o who_o profound_a wisdom_n may_v be_v see_v in_o their_o pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o the_o brutus_n beast_n themselves_o and_o in_o those_o very_a argument_n which_o they_o bring_v to_o justify_v and_o recommend_v the_o symbolical_a rite_n that_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n the_o egyptian_n forsooth_o who_o endeavour_v to_o give_v some_o colour_n of_o reason_n for_o their_o mystical_a ceremony_n by_o their_o theological_a speculation_n must_v pass_v for_o man_n of_o most_o admirable_a wisdom_n but_o one_o who_o in_o observance_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n refer_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o bless_a god_n of_o who_o and_o through_o who_o and_o to_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n be_v more_o ignorant_a if_o we_o may_v give_v any_o heed_n to_o celsus_n and_o man_n of_o his_o unhappy_a principle_n than_o they_o who_o do_v it_o only_o dishonour_v the_o deity_n by_o pay_v divine_a adoration_n to_o creature_n endue_v with_o reason_n but_o even_o by_o pay_v it_o to_o those_o which_o be_v inanimate_a under_o a_o pretence_n of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o imaginary_a transmigration_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o they_o make_v to_o descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o pass_v into_o the_o bruit_n even_o into_o those_o of_o they_o which_o be_v of_o the_o most_o savage_a and_o cruel_a disposition_n and_o it_o seem_v the_o egyptian_n who_o hide_v their_o religion_n under_o the_o sacred_a veil_n of_o significant_a but_o obscure_a figure_n do_v challenge_n from_o we_o the_o profound_a reverence_n but_o moses_n forsooth_o who_o have_v write_v a_o faithful_a and_o useful_a history_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o leave_v they_o wholesome_a law_n for_o the_o regulation_n of_o their_o conduct_n both_o in_o a_o private_a and_o public_a capacity_n have_v only_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o celsus_n and_o the_o epicurean_o amuse_v they_o with_o empty_a and_o ridiculous_a fable_n that_o will_v not_o admit_v even_o of_o a_o allegorical_a interpretation_n chap._n xviii_o than_o he_o say_v that_o moses_n have_v borrow_a his_o opinion_n from_o this_o wise_a and_o eloquent_a people_n mean_v the_o egyptian_n get_v himself_o a_o prodigious_a and_o unaccountable_a name_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o if_o moses_n borrow_a some_o notion_n from_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o live_v in_o egypt_n before_o he_o and_o introduce_v they_o with_o some_o little_a difference_n or_o great_a improvement_n among_o his_o countryman_n the_o jew_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n he_o deserve_v to_o be_v blame_v severe_o if_o he_o have_v advance_v such_o notion_n as_o bear_v neither_o the_o character_n of_o truth_n nor_o wisdom_n but_o if_o he_o have_v embrace_v and_o teach_v those_o opinion_n which_o according_a to_o celsus_n own_o confession_n be_v both_o true_a and_o wise_a i_o can_v conceive_v that_o he_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n whereby_o he_o may_v just_o incur_v his_o censure_n i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o epicurus_n and_o aristotle_n who_o do_v not_o so_o direct_o and_o so_o gross_o deny_v a_o overrule_a providence_n as_o the_o other_o do_v i_o say_v i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o they_o and_o the_o stoic_n who_o hold_v that_o god_n be_v corporeal_a have_v be_v instruct_v in_o that_o heavenly_a doctrine_n that_o be_v deliver_v by_o moses_n that_o the_o world_n may_v not_o so_o much_o abound_v as_o it_o do_v with_o author_n that_o absolute_o deny_v a_o providence_n or_o confine_v it_o within_o very_o narrow_a bound_n or_o introduce_v a_o corporeal_a and_o corruptible_a principle_n insomuch_o that_o the_o stoic_n hold_v god_n himself_o to_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o matter_n and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o undergo_v the_o various_a change_n to_o which_o body_n be_v subject_a or_o that_o if_o he_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o be_v incorruptible_a it_o be_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 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
a_o divine_a original_a since_o they_o think_v it_o be_v fit_a that_o the_o body_n of_o those_o person_n who_o be_v not_o on_o a_o level_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n shall_v have_v some_o honourable_a mark_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o vulgar_a mortal_n and_o because_o celsus_n jew_n continue_v his_o discourse_n with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o ridicules_a the_o fiction_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o of_o his_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n and_o rank_n it_o among_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o greek_n concern_v danae_n menalippe_n auge_n and_o antiope_n i_o answer_v that_o such_o pityful_a drollery_n as_o this_o will_v look_v with_o a_o agreeable_a air_n in_o a_o merry_a andrew_n who_o gather_v a_o mob_n about_o he_o and_o play_v his_o monkey-trick_n on_o a_o stage_n but_o do_v at_o all_o become_v one_o who_o will_v treat_v of_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n with_o that_o gravity_n and_o seriousness_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n may_v just_o challenge_v from_o we_o chap._n xxxiii_o than_o celsus_n make_v mention_n of_o some_o thing_n relate_v to_o our_o saviour_n go_v into_o egypt_n refuse_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o those_o part_n of_o the_o history_n which_o contain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v supernatural_a as_o the_o angel_n warning_n joseph_n the_o repute_a father_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o do_v it_o examine_v whether_o his_o leave_v judaea_n and_o go_v into_o egypt_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o a_o allegorical_a sense_n but_o invent_v a_o occasion_n for_o his_o literal_a go_v thither_o and_o believe_v and_o acknowledge_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n which_o cause_v abundance_n of_o people_n to_o flock_v to_o he_o esteem_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n but_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n and_o be_v far_o from_o be_v proof_n of_o a_o divine_a commission_n he_o say_v that_o have_v be_v private_o educate_v he_o be_v force_v to_o work_v in_o egypt_n and_o have_v learn_v those_o art_n for_o which_o that_o nation_n be_v so_o famous_a he_o return_v into_o his_o own_o country_n and_o give_v out_o that_o he_o be_v god_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v conceive_v that_o a_o magician_n will_v so_o industrious_o promote_v a_o religion_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o have_v a_o strict_a eye_n to_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n especial_o when_o we_o take_v any_o serious_a affair_n in_o hand_n nor_o can_v we_o think_v that_o he_o will_v take_v such_o care_n to_o inculcate_v that_o awful_a solemnity_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o apostle_n who_o he_o design_v to_o employ_v in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v he_o a_o person_n of_o so_o infamous_a a_o character_n for_o either_o they_o wrought_v miracle_n or_o they_o do_v not_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v they_o do_v no_o miracle_n at_o all_o but_o bare_o rely_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o doctrine_n which_o do_v not_o like_o the_o logic_n of_o the_o school_n recommend_v itself_o to_o carnal_a reason_n have_v the_o courage_n to_o promote_v a_o new_a discountenance_a religion_n and_o if_o they_o wrought_v miracle_n do_v it_o stand_v to_o reason_n that_o a_o company_n of_o magician_n shall_v agree_v to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o imminent_a danger_n and_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n imaginable_a to_o promote_v a_o doctrine_n that_o condemn_v the_o use_n of_o the_o very_a art_n they_o practise_v but_o it_o will_v be_v loss_n of_o time_n to_o confute_v this_o discourse_n of_o celsus_n which_o have_v nothing_o but_o perhaps_o a_o little_a witty_a drollery_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o palate_n of_o the_o unwary_a and_o less_o judicious_a reader_n chap._n xxxiv_o he_o go_v on_o in_o the_o same_o comical_a and_o bantering_a strain_n if_o the_o mother_n of_o jesus_n say_v he_o be_v a_o celebrate_a beauty_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n the_o great_a god_n be_v please_v to_o admit_v she_o to_o his_o passionate_a embrace_n one_o will_v think_v that_o so_o excellent_a a_o be_v be_v of_o too_o pure_a a_o nature_n to_o be_v captivate_v by_o the_o charm_n of_o a_o frail_a and_o humane_a body_n however_o he_o can_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o a_o more_o improper_a person_n viz._n one_o who_o have_v neither_o a_o great_a fortune_n nor_o noble_a birth_n to_o recommend_v she_o but_o lead_v so_o obscure_a a_o life_n that_o she_o be_v scarce_o know_v by_o those_o who_o be_v her_o near_a neighbour_n chap._n xxxv_o he_o continue_v his_o raillery_n and_o say_v that_o when_o her_o husband_n the_o carpenter_n come_v to_o hate_v she_o and_o sue_v for_o a_o divorce_n all_o that_o she_o have_v to_o plead_v in_o she_o own_o behalf_n be_v ineffectual_a to_o redress_v her_o grievance_n nor_o do_v the_o great_a god_n see_v fit_a as_o much_o as_o you_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v he_o love_v she_o to_o engage_v his_o power_n to_o protect_v she_o from_o threat'ning_n danger_n even_o in_o her_o native_a country_n therefore_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o have_v the_o least_o reference_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n but_o this_o language_n be_v just_a like_o that_o of_o a_o company_n of_o person_n scold_v in_o the_o open_a street_n who_o vent_v their_o passion_n without_o the_o least_o regard_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n or_o civility_n chap._n xxxvi_o than_o take_v some_o thing_n out_o of_o st._n mathew_n gospel_n or_o perhaps_o out_o of_o some_o of_o the_o other_o evangelist_n concern_v the_o dove_n that_o descend_v upon_o our_o saviour_n at_o his_o baptism_n he_o will_v fain_o have_v the_o whole_a account_n to_o pass_v for_o a_o false_a and_o trifle_a story_n and_o have_v say_v enough_o as_o he_o imagine_v to_o prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n wa_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n he_o continue_v his_o discourse_n but_o do_v treat_v of_o thing_n in_o the_o order_n of_o time_n in_o which_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o inveterate_a malice_n can_v never_o endure_v to_o be_v confine_v to_o a_o regular_a method_n and_o talk_v like_o those_o shatter-brained_a fellow_n who_o heat_n and_o undue_a passion_n do_v so_o transport_v they_o beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o reason_n that_o they_o do_v stick_n to_o say_v whatever_o come_v into_o their_o mind_n and_o so_o be_v hinder_v from_o manage_v in_o a_o become_a way_n the_o several_a head_n of_o severe_a but_o unjust_a accusation_n which_o they_o bring_v against_o their_o adversary_n with_o a_o air_n of_o vanity_n and_o insolence_n for_o had'ned_a he_o be_v great_o want_v in_o the_o pretend_a method_n he_o observe_v he_o will_v have_v trace_v the_o history_n from_o its_o very_a original_a since_o his_o intention_n be_v to_o expose_v it_o to_o contempt_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o mighty_a celsus_n who_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o his_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n after_o he_o have_v finish_v his_o discourse_n concern_v our_o saviour_n birth_n immediate_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n at_o his_o baptism_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n then_o he_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v his_o incarnation_n after_o that_o he_o return_v to_o what_o immediate_o follow_v his_o nativity_n viz._n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o star_n that_o appear_v and_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o come_v from_o the_o east_n to_o worship_v he_o but_o any_o diligent_a reader_n may_v save_v i_o the_o labour_n of_o show_v how_o confuse_a celsus_n be_v throughout_o the_o whole_a of_o his_o book_n and_o this_o one_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o person_n who_o love_v exactness_n of_o method_n that_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o arrogance_n in_o he_o to_o give_v his_o book_n the_o title_n of_o a_o true_a relation_n and_o be_v a_o strain_n of_o vanity_n perhaps_o beyond_o most_o philosopher_n that_o ever_o go_v before_o he_o plato_n say_v that_o it_o do_v become_v the_o character_n of_o a_o man_n famous_a for_o wisdom_n to_o be_v positive_a in_o matter_n which_o be_v involve_v in_o very_o great_a obscurity_n and_o chrysippus_n after_o he_o have_v give_v the_o reason_n that_o induce_v he_o to_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o opinion_n do_v modest_o refer_v we_o to_o those_o person_n who_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o exact_a account_n but_o this_o mighty_a man_n be_v much_o wise_a i_o suppose_v than_o plato_n chrysippus_n and_o all_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n give_v his_o book_n the_o engage_v title_n of_o a_o true_a relation_n which_o suit_v well_o enough_o i_o confess_v with_o his_o boast_v that_o he_o didn't_fw-mi want_n to_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o opinion_n which_o the_o christian_n hold_v but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o i_o pass_v by_o what_o he_o say_v for_o want_v of_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o
reason_n than_o you_o can_v say_v it_o of_o yourself_o and_o seem_v to_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o person_n to_o who_o this_o prophecy_n may_v fit_o be_v apply_v as_o well_o in_o all_o respect_n as_o to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n he_o say_v several_a enthusiast_n and_o impostor_n have_v claim_v the_o venerable_a title_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o have_v say_v that_o they_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n though_o i_o know_v not_o what_o ground_n he_o can_v have_v for_o use_v this_o expression_n since_o the_o jew_n do_v strong_o deny_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o several_a prophet_n have_v prophesy_v in_o a_o different_a manner_n concern_v the_o messiah_n some_o by_o obscure_a and_o almost_o unintelligible_a hint_n other_o by_o allegory_n and_o some_o in_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o express_a term_n imaginable_a and_o because_o celsus_n discover_v his_o malice_n and_o excessive_a heat_n in_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n where_o the_o jew_n speak_v to_o those_o of_o his_o own_o nation_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n have_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v that_o the_o prophecy_n which_o be_v apply_v to_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v otherwise_o and_o much_o better_o accommodate_v i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a at_o present_a to_o instance_n in_o some_o few_o of_o they_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a and_o here_o let_v any_o person_n employ_v his_o utmost_a skill_n i_o defy_v he_o to_o shock_v the_o faith_n of_o any_o judicious_a and_o establish_v christian_n as_o for_o the_o place_n of_o our_o saviour_n nativity_n it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o ruler_n shall_v come_v forth_o from_o bethlehem_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n but_o thou_o bethlehem_n mica_n v._o v._n 2._o ephratah_n though_o thou_o be_v little_a among_o the_o thousand_o of_o judah_n yet_o out_o of_o thou_o shall_v he_o come_v forth_o unto_o i_o who_o be_v to_o be_v ruler_n in_o israel_n who_o go_n forth_o have_v be_v from_o of_o old_a from_o everlasting_a this_o prophecy_n can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v apply_v to_o those_o enthusiast_n and_o impostor_n as_o celsus_n call_v they_o who_o say_v they_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n unless_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v come_v forth_o from_o bethlehem_n to_o be_v ruler_n of_o the_o people_n as_o for_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n if_o any_o person_n be_v dissatisfy_v with_o the_o prophecy_n of_o micah_n and_o the_o account_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o evangelist_n let_v he_o only_o consider_v that_o the_o cave_n in_o which_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o the_o manger_n in_o which_o he_o lay_v be_v to_o be_v see_v at_o the_o fore_n mention_v place_n to_o this_o very_a day_n and_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o well_o know_v and_o so_o credible_o attest_v that_o even_o they_o who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v frequent_o hear_v to_o say_v here_o be_v the_o cave_n in_o which_o that_o jesus_n who_o be_v worship_v by_o the_o christian_n be_v bear_v and_o it_o be_v my_o opinion_n that_o before_o our_o saviour_n do_v make_v his_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n the_o chief_a priest_n and_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o people_n open_o confess_v and_o teach_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n and_o that_o even_o the_o common_a people_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v acquaint_v with_o this_o prophecy_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o express_a and_o very_o familiar_a term_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o herod_n inquire_v of_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_z scribes_z where_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v bear_v receive_v this_o answer_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n in_o the_o land_n of_o judaea_n which_o be_v honour_v by_o be_v the_o place_n from_o which_o no_o less_o a_o person_n than_o king_n david_n himself_o do_v spring_v beside_o we_o read_v in_o st._n john_n gospel_n that_o the_o jew_n say_v that_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n which_o be_v in_o the_o native_a country_n of_o the_o forementioned_a king_n but_o when_o our_o saviour_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n those_o person_n who_o leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a to_o oppose_v the_o religion_n which_o he_o introduce_v do_v no_o long_o teach_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n plain_o show_v they_o belong_v to_o the_o fame_n wretched_a fraternity_n with_o they_o who_o prevail_v with_o the_o soldier_n who_o be_v appoint_v to_o guard_v the_o sepulchre_n and_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o triumphant_a resurrection_n to_o say_v his_o disciple_n come_v by_o night_n and_o steal_v matthew_n â—xv_v i._n v._n 13._o v._o 14._o he_o away_o while_o we_o sleep_v and_o say_v to_o they_o if_o this_o come_v to_o the_o governor_n ear_n we_o will_v persuade_v he_o and_o secure_v you_o such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o prejudice_n and_o the_o love_n of_o opposition_n that_o it_o often_o happen_v that_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o most_o apparent_a truth_n and_o be_v loath_a to_o endure_v the_o shame_n which_o attend_v a_o recantation_n of_o those_o false_a and_o dangerous_a principle_n which_o we_o have_v once_o embrace_v and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v every_o jot_n as_o easy_a to_o leave_v any_o bad_a habit_n that_o we_o have_v unhappy_o contract_v though_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v root_v in_o our_o very_a nature_n as_o to_o leave_v the_o opinion_n which_o we_o former_o hold_v and_o which_o be_v very_o dear_a and_o extreme_o familiar_a to_o we_o it_o be_v well_o know_v we_o do_v with_o a_o kind_a of_o secret_a reluctancy_n forsake_v those_o house_n city_n and_o village_n which_o by_o our_o long_a and_o delightful_a continuance_n in_o they_o have_v render_v themselves_o familiar_a and_o even_o natural_a to_o we_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o unaccountable_a prejudice_n even_o the_o common_a people_n among_o the_o jew_n will_o shut_v their_o eve_n as_o they_o manifest_o do_v against_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o scripture-prophecy_n nor_o deny_v the_o extraordinary_a and_o often_o miraculous_a circumstance_n which_o attend_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o that_o prejudice_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a infirmity_n which_o our_o mind_n can_v possible_o labour_v under_o be_v plain_a to_o they_o who_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v with_o no_o small_a difficulty_n and_o regret_n that_o we_o leave_v the_o opinion_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o our_o parent_n though_o perhaps_o they_o may_v be_v such_o as_o on_o mature_a deliberation_n do_v cover_v we_o with_o the_o deep_a shame_n and_o fill_v we_o with_o vexation_n and_o confusion_n so_o talk_v to_o a_o egyptian_a till_o your_o heart_n do_v ache_v and_o your_o breath_n fail_v you_o yet_o he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o renounce_v his_o religion_n that_o he_o will_v persist_v in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a with_o great_a obstinacy_n than_o before_o and_o rather_o die_v than_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o horrid_a a_o profanation_n as_o he_o account_v it_o to_o eat_v and_o pollute_v the_o sacred_a flesh_n of_o animal_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o dwell_v the_o long_o on_o this_o subject_a that_o so_o we_o may_v return_v a_o solid_a answer_n to_o they_o who_o perhaps_o may_v not_o stick_v to_o say_v if_o the_o prophecy_n have_v so_o plain_a a_o reference_n to_o your_o saviour_n as_o you_o say_v they_o have_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o jew_n who_o wisdom_n you_o so_o high_o value_v do_v embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o well_o and_o as_o ready_o as_o you_o and_o regulate_v their_o practice_n by_o those_o precept_n which_o christ_n in_o some_o sense_n have_v leave_v behind_o he_o but_o let_v none_o reproach_v we_o as_o if_o we_o be_v so_o wretched_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o discern_v the_o sophistry_n of_o so_o weak_a a_o argument_n since_o some_o and_o i_o hope_v many_o of_o we_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v upon_o occasion_n that_o christianity_n be_v build_v on_o the_o most_o rational_a and_o solid_a ground_n or_o reflect_v upon_o we_o as_o if_o we_o be_v accountable_a for_o the_o monstrous_a blindness_n and_o extravagant_a practice_n of_o the_o jew_n chap._n xliii_o i_o may_v if_o it_o be_v necessary_a instance_n in_o another_o prophecy_n that_o be_v write_v many_o age_n before_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o which_o jacob_n prophecy_v concern_v all_o his_o child_n and_o speak_v concern_v judah_n have_v these_o remarkable_a word_n the_o sceptre_n gen._n xlix_o v._o 10._o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n nor_o a_o lawgiver_n from_o between_o his_o foot_n till_o shiloh_n come_v and_o unto_o he_o shall_v the_o gather_v of_o the_o people_n be_v
and_o sacred_a regard_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o dear_a and_o ever_o bless_a redeemer_n now_o if_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n be_v such_o as_o i_o have_v represent_v it_o without_o use_v any_o artificial_a colour_n and_o bold_a figure_n to_o emblazon_v it_o as_o we_o know_v be_v too_o frequent_o the_o case_n of_o many_o of_o the_o feign_a hero_n of_o antiquity_n how_o absurd_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o curse_a operation_n of_o magician_n and_o be_v it_o not_o high_o agreeable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o impartial_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v god_n as_o he_o himself_o assure_v we_o and_o condescend_v to_o assume_v the_o hamane_a nature_n for_o our_o common_a and_o everlasting_a benefit_n chap._n lix_n than_o celsus_n confound_v thing_n at_o a_o most_o miserable_a rate_n and_o borrow_v what_o be_v peculiar_a to_o one_o sect_n of_o christian_n that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o successful_o reproach_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o they_o say_v certain_o a_o god_n will_v never_o have_v such_o a_o body_n as_o you_o that_o be_v so_o contemptible_a as_o be_v liable_a to_o so_o many_o and_o so_o considerable_a imperfection_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o we_o say_v he_o assume_v a_o humane_a body_n be_v conceive_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n which_o render_v he_o capable_a of_o suffer_v and_o die_v in_o some_o respect_n like_o the_o rest_n of_o men._n in_o this_o sense_n we_o may_v true_o say_v he_o be_v a_o miserable_a person_n be_v tempt_v in_o all_o heb._n four_o v._o 15._o thing_n as_o we_o be_v yet_o without_o sin_n for_o with_o we_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o he_o commit_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n and_o that_o god_n do_v 1_o pet._n two_o v_o 22._o deliver_v he_o up_o as_o a_o spotless_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o apostate_n world_n then_o celsus_n say_v the_o body_n of_o a_o god_n will_v never_o have_v be_v form_v like_o you_o but_o he_o can_v deny_v that_o if_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v as_o we_o say_v he_o be_v then_o even_o his_o body_n have_v in_o some_o sense_n a_o stamp_n of_o divinity_n upon_o it_o and_o may_v be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o disbelieve_v and_o ridicules_a the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o our_o saviour_n conception_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o think_v he_o be_v beget_v in_o adultery_n by_o one_o panthera_n a_o soldier_n on_o the_o body_n of_o she_o who_o we_o call_v the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o that_o make_v he_o say_v the_o body_n of_o a_o god_n will_v never_o have_v be_v form_v like_o you_o but_o i_o think_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o on_o that_o head_n already_o to_o satisfy_v any_o impartial_a and_o candid_a reader_n chap._n lx._n celsus_n go_v on_o neither_o say_v he_o do_v the_o body_n of_o god_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o food_n for_o its_o nourishment_n and_o support_v as_o that_o with_o which_o you_o be_v supply_v as_o if_o he_o can_v show_v out_o of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n not_o only_o that_o he_o eat_v but_o also_o by_o what_o food_n his_o frail_a nature_n be_v maintain_v but_o be_v it_o so_o i_o grant_v he_o eat_v the_o passover_n with_o his_o disciple_n and_o not_o only_o make_v use_n of_o the_o follow_a word_n with_o desire_n luk._n xxii_o v._n 15._o i_o have_v desire_v to_o eat_v this_o passover_n with_o you_o but_o do_v actual_o partake_v of_o what_o be_v provide_v for_o he_o i_o grant_v also_o that_o be_v thirsty_a he_o drink_v at_o jacob_n well_o but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v say_v express_o he_o eat_v fish_n even_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o this_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o what_o we_o say_v viz._n that_o he_o assume_v a_o real_a and_o not_o a_o fantastical_a body_n and_o be_v conceive_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n then_o celsus_n say_v a_o god_n have_v no_o need_n of_o such_o a_o voice_n nor_o such_o method_n of_o persuasion_n but_o this_o i_o think_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o frivolous_a objection_n that_o he_o can_v possible_o have_v raise_v against_o we_o for_o i_o may_v tell_v he_o that_o apollo_n one_o of_o the_o god_n of_o the_o greek_n who_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o pythian_n and_o didymaeâ—n_o make_v use_v of_o such_o a_o voice_n when_o the_o oracle_n be_v give_v by_o the_o pythian_a priestess_n or_o the_o priestess_n of_o miletum_n and_o yet_o the_o greek_n do_v take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o call_v in_o question_n much_o less_o to_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o apollo_n or_o any_o other_o god_n who_o give_v out_o oracle_n at_o some_o convenient_a place_n now_o how_o much_o more_o do_v it_o conduce_v to_o the_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o the_o world_n in_o general_n that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v his_o will_n in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o speak_v with_o such_o authority_n and_o power_n that_o he_o make_v a_o secret_a but_o irresistible_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n chap._n lxi_o than_o celsus_n who_o wicked_a opinion_n and_o practice_n render_v he_o hateful_a to_o that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o lover_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o unaffected_a virtue_n reproach_n our_o saviour_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n all_o his_o miracle_n discover_v he_o to_o be_v a_o person_n hateful_a to_o god_n and_o a_o notorious_a and_o vile_a impostor_n but_o if_o we_o critical_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o forego_n word_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o in_o propriety_n and_o strictness_n of_o speech_n no_o person_n how_o wicked_a soever_o he_o may_v be_v can_v have_v this_o character_n give_v he_o that_o he_o be_v hate_v of_o god_n for_o the_o follow_a expression_n carry_v abundance_n of_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o weight_n in_o it_o viz._n thou_o love_v all_o thing_n that_o wis_v xi_o v._o 24._o be_v and_o hate_v nothing_o which_o thou_o have_v make_v for_o never_o will_v thou_o have_v make_v any_o thing_n if_o thou_o have_v hate_v it_o if_o we_o meet_v with_o any_o expression_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o god_n hate_v his_o creature_n we_o must_v interpret_v they_o by_o this_o general_a and_o necessary_a rule_n that_o the_o scripture_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o god_n do_v often_o clothe_v he_o as_o it_o be_v with_o those_o very_a passion_n which_o be_v frequent_o work_v in_o humane_a breast_n but_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o a_o person_n who_o even_o in_o a_o discourse_n entitle_v a_o true_a relation_n take_v the_o liberty_n to_o give_v vent_n to_o his_o passion_n in_o most_o unjust_a and_o severe_a invective_n and_o to_o treat_v our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o if_o he_o be_v like_v he_o a_o notorious_a and_o vile_a impostor_n for_o such_o language_n as_o he_o give_v he_o do_v become_v a_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n though_o he_o discover_v at_o once_o his_o want_n both_o of_o sense_n and_o breed_n on_o the_o contrary_a he_o ought_v to_o have_v fair_o state_v the_o controversy_n which_o there_o be_v between_o we_o to_o have_v examine_v matter_n with_o the_o great_a impartiality_n and_o exactness_n and_o shall_v have_v avoid_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v all_o needless_a and_o ridiculous_a digression_n and_o tautology_n but_o because_o celsus_n jew_n do_v no_o long_o continue_v his_o discourse_n with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n i_o shall_v draw_v my_o first_o book_n to_o a_o conclusion_n and_o if_o god_n will_v grant_v i_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n which_o be_v able_a to_o overthrow_v though_o not_o whole_o to_o extirpate_v error_n according_a to_o that_o expression_n destroy_v they_o by_o thy_o truth_n i_o shall_v return_v a_o answer_n to_o what_o celsus_n offer_v as_o personate_n a_o jew_n direct_v his_o discourse_n to_o those_o of_o his_o native_a country_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v unhappy_o as_o he_o imagine_v bring_v off_o from_o judaisme_n to_o a_o open_a profession_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o we_o embrace_v origen_n against_o celsus_n translate_v from_o the_o original_a into_o english_a book_n the_o second_o origen_n against_o celsus_n chap._n i._n my_o first_o book_n in_o answer_n to_o celsus_n discourse_n entitle_v a_o true_a relation_n end_v where_o he_o cease_v to_o personate_v a_o jew_n discourse_v with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o be_v swell_v to_o a_o convenient_a bulk_n i_o resolve_v to_o compose_v a_o second_o and_o therein_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o confute_v what_o the_o same_o pretend_a jew_n have_v to_o offer_v to_o those_o of_o his_o own_o country_n who_o be_v
unto_o you_o and_o i_o foretell_v you_o for_o what_o the_o jew_n say_v may_v be_v retort_v on_o himself_o since_o the_o great_a god_n do_v often_o speak_v exact_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o thereby_o without_o doubt_n do_v sufficient_o and_o as_o it_o be_v de_fw-fr novo_fw-la authorize_v our_o saviour_n to_o use_v that_o turn_v of_o expression_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o force_n in_o what_o he_o far_o object_n viz._n that_o our_o saviour_n want_v power_n to_o prevail_v with_o his_o hearer_n it_o make_v as_o much_o against_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v frequent_o bring_v in_o by_o the_o prophet_n speak_v with_o the_o same_o air_n of_o severity_n and_o any_o one_o who_o think_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v cause_n to_o blame_v our_o saviour_n for_o use_v the_o forementioned_a expression_n will_v do_v well_o i_o think_v to_o consider_v that_o we_o meet_v with_o abundance_n of_o very_o dreadful_a exprobration_n in_o leviticus_n and_o deuteronomy_n and_o if_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v oblige_v to_o defend_v the_o write_n which_o moses_n publish_v can_v offer_v any_o thing_n to_o justify_v the_o expression_n i_o refer_v to_o we_o may_v bring_v the_o same_o or_o much_o strong_a argument_n in_o defence_n of_o that_o seemingly-rigid_a practice_n of_o our_o saviour_n nay_o we_o can_v offer_v more_o in_o defence_n of_o moses_n than_o the_o most_o bigoted_a jew_n since_o our_o saviour_n have_v acquaint_v we_o with_o its_o spiritual_a and_o mystic_a sense_n though_o one_o who_o have_v any_o tolerable_a knowledge_n of_o the_o prophet_n may_v discern_v that_o the_o great_a god_n can_v be_v say_v to_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o reason_n when_o he_o use_v such_o threaten_a and_o upbraid_v expression_n as_o these_o woe_n unto_o you_o or_o i_o foretell_v you_o and_o it_o will_v be_v horrid_a blasphemy_n to_o say_v that_o the_o alwise_a be_v take_v such_o improper_a method_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n as_o argue_v that_o he_o want_v the_o common_a prudence_n of_o a_o man_n as_o celsus_n make_v our_o saviour_n to_o do_v the_o christian_n who_o hold_v that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o god_n that_o speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n can_v give_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o those_o threaten_n and_o direful_a exprobration_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o because_o celsus_n pretend_v to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o philosopher_n as_o well_o as_o so_o nice_o verse_v in_o the_o opinion_n which_o the_o christian_n hold_v i_o shall_v just_o touch_v upon_o a_o few_o thing_n that_o i_o think_v very_o natural_o occur_v i_o will_v ask_v he_o whether_o mercury_n in_o homer_n dont_fw-fr take_v such_o method_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o bring_v ulysses_n to_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o duty_n when_o he_o say_v wretch_n that_o thou_o be_v what_o make_v thou_o hom._n od._n lib._n 12._o u._n 281._o rove_v alone_o for_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o siren_n to_o fawn_v and_o flatter_v who_o sit_v and_o chant_v among_o dead_a man_n hom._n od._n lib._n 12._o u._n 145._o bone_n and_o speak_v after_o the_o follow_a soft_a and_o soothe_a manner_n ulysses_n glory_n of_o the_o greek_n draw_v near_o hom._n od._n lib._n 12._o u._n 184._o how_o then_o can_v he_o have_v the_o face_n to_o say_v that_o when_o the_o prophet_n and_o our_o saviour_n say_v woe_n unto_o you_o to_o wean_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o their_o belove_a lust_n they_o have_v a_o serious_a and_o compassionate_a regard_n to_o their_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n which_o they_o will_v fain_o rescue_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a with_o a_o kind_a cruelty_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v from_o the_o ever-burning_a and_o intolerably-scorching_a flame_n of_o the_o infernal_a lake_n but_o perhaps_o he_o dream_v it_o be_v requisite_a that_o the_o great_a god_n or_o any_o other_o person_n who_o bear_v the_o character_n of_o divinity_n shall_v mere_o consult_v the_o dignity_n of_o his_o own_o excellent_a nature_n and_o act_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o will_v not_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n nor_o proper_a to_o persuade_v their_o will_n and_o engage_v their_o best_a affection_n and_o how_o ridiculous_a do_v he_o render_v himself_o when_o he_o say_v that_o our_o saviour_n want_v power_n to_o persuade_v i_o can_v produce_v many_o parallel_n instance_n from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n and_o of_o the_o greek_n themselves_o and_o know_v very_o well_o that_o some_o of_o the_o most_o famous_a of_o they_o all_o be_v unable_a to_o prevail_v with_o their_o enemy_n their_o judge_n and_o accuser_n to_o leave_v their_o vice_n and_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n as_o a_o happy_a introduction_n to_o a_o regular_a course_n of_o virtue_n chap._n xxxvii_o than_o the_o jew_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o judaisme_n say_v we_o hope_v for_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o shall_v be_v abundant_o convince_v of_o the_o possibility_n of_o it_o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o expect_a messiah_n who_o will_v be_v the_o glorious_a pattern_n according_a to_o which_o we_o also_o shall_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o jew_n will_v hardly_o grant_v that_o their_o messiah_n will_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o their_o future_a resurrection_n however_o if_o they_o real_o think_v so_o and_o dont_fw-fr scruple_n to_o talk_v like_o celsus_n jew_n i_o shall_v ask_v one_o question_n that_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o answer_n since_o he_o undertake_v to_o confute_v we_o by_o our_o own_o author_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o he_o have_v read_v those_o passage_n which_o he_o think_v make_v for_o he_o but_o seem_v to_o have_v never_o read_v any_o thing_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n at_o least_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o be_v the_o first-born_a from_o colos_n 1_o v._n 18_o the_o dead_a or_o can_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o he_o be_v willing_a shall_v be_v there_o but_o since_o the_o jew_n acknowledge_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o bring_v argument_n to_o prove_v it_o whether_o he_o do_v in_o earnest_n believe_v it_o and_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v it_o or_o no_o and_o therefore_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v return_v he_o no_o far_o answer_n chap._n xxxviii_o than_o say_v celsus_n jew_n where_o for_o god_n sake_n be_v this_o pretend_a messiah_n that_o you_o make_v such_o a_o stir_v about_o for_o we_o want_v sad_o to_o see_v he_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n but_o we_o may_v ask_v he_o every_o whit_n as_o well_o where_o be_v that_o glorious_a person_n who_o speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o wrought_v so_o many_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o law_n of_o their_o celebrate_a moses_n i_o say_v where_o be_v he_o that_o we_o may_v see_v he_o and_o may_v believe_v that_o you_o be_v god_n peculiar_a heritage_n you_o wo'n_v say_v i_o suppose_v that_o almighty_a god_n appear_v always_o to_o the_o jew_n themselves_o and_o why_o may_v not_o we_o be_v allow_v to_o take_v the_o same_o method_n in_o defence_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o once_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o do_v so_o powerful_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o disciple_n that_o their_o lively_a hope_n of_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n to_o a_o immortal_a life_n of_o inconceivable_a happiness_n and_o spotless_a purity_n do_v revive_v their_o faint_a spirit_n and_o support_v and_o comfort_v they_o under_o the_o most_o grievous_a torment_n then_o he_o say_v do_v this_o pretender_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n on_o purpose_n that_o we_o may_v reject_v he_o as_o if_o he_o be_v fond_a of_o the_o base_a affront_v that_o can_v possible_o be_v offer_v he_o i_o answer_v no_o but_o he_o foresee_v what_o treatment_n he_o shall_v have_v and_o foretell_v the_o unbelief_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o make_v use_v of_o it_o as_o a_o happy_a occasion_n of_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n unhappy_a unhappy_a indeed_o for_o they_o but_o very_o happy_a for_o we_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n for_o their_o fall_n as_o divine_a providence_n be_v please_v to_o order_v the_o matter_n be_v the_o rise_n of_o the_o gentile_n as_o the_o prophetical_a psalmist_n speak_v a_o psal_n 18._o v._o 43_o people_n who_o i_o have_v not_o know_v shall_v serve_v serve_v i_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o hear_v of_o i_o they_o shall_v obey_v i_o and_o as_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n say_v i_o be_v seek_v of_o they_o isa_n 65._o v._o 1._o that_o ask_v not_o for_o i_o i_o be_o find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v i_o not_o we_o know_v what_o a_o series_n of_o temporal_a and_o dreadful_a calamity_n the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v entail_v if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v