of_o so_o ridiculous_a a_o surmise_n and_o he_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o bear_v he_o out_o in_o it_o but_o only_o his_o epicurean_a conceit_n that_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a but_o as_o for_o that_o we_o will_v not_o dispute_v it_o with_o he_o at_o present_a though_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n both_o of_o their_o own_o and_o all_o philosophy_n it_o be_v altogether_o as_o easy_a and_o conceivable_a as_o the_o generation_n of_o a_o man._n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n what_o have_v be_v be_v the_o only_a argument_n of_o our_o debate_n and_o we_o will_v not_o go_v so_o far_o about_o as_o to_o dispute_v its_o possibility_n when_o we_o have_v demonstrate_v its_o actual_a certainty_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o celsus_n after_o he_o have_v take_v so_o much_o pain_n and_o that_o in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o jew_n to_o prove_v the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o resurrection_n be_v so_o wretched_o sottish_a as_o to_o declare_v his_o own_o belief_n of_o the_o resurrection_n even_o of_o the_o body_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o the_o first_o proof_n and_o specimen_fw-la of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o messiah_n in_o the_o three_o book_n he_o begin_v to_o dispute_v in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o first_o object_n that_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o christian_n and_o jew_n be_v of_o no_o moment_n in_o that_o both_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o only_o differ_v in_o this_o whether_o he_o be_v already_o come_v or_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v and_o yet_o this_o beside_o the_o gross_a absurdity_n of_o the_o objection_n itself_o be_v a_o mere_a contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o former_a discourse_n by_o the_o personate_a jew_n for_o if_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o small_a as_o he_o pretend_v than_o all_o the_o sad_a out-cry_n and_o invective_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o the_o christian_n be_v only_o clamorous_a nothing_o but_o this_o be_v object_v like_o a_o atheist_n that_o look_v upon_o these_o and_o all_o other_o difference_n about_o religion_n as_o trifle_a foolery_n and_o therefore_o origen_n in_o answer_n to_o it_o show_v he_o the_o excellency_n of_o both_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o supreme_a deity_n as_o oppose_v to_o the_o folly_n and_o impiety_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o beside_o that_o as_o for_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o christian_n concern_v our_o saviour_n nothing_o but_o extreme_a ignorance_n can_v have_v object_v its_o vanity_n for_o be_v it_o nothing_o whether_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n the_o judge_n of_o mankind_n as_o the_o christian_n believe_v or_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o bold_a impostor_n that_o pretend_v to_o these_o great_a title_n only_o by_o virtue_n of_o magic_a art_n as_o the_o jew_n believe_v if_o the_o first_o be_v true_a that_o command_v the_o obedience_n of_o all_o mankind_n to_o his_o law_n as_o the_o only_a term_n of_o salvation_n and_o if_o so_o then_o nothing_o can_v more_o concern_v they_o than_o to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o its_o truth_n and_o reality_n so_o that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o trifle_a controversy_n as_o celsus_n foolish_o object_n that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o controversy_n start_v in_o the_o world_n of_o great_a concernment_n to_o mankind_n but_o the_o epicurean_n real_a meaning_n be_v that_o all_o controversy_n about_o religion_n be_v trifle_v because_o all_o religion_n be_v a_o cheat_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o a_o childish_a thing_n to_o contend_v about_o it_o but_o otherwise_o if_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n that_o govern_v the_o world_n then_o certain_o if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n do_v it_o high_o concern_v all_o man_n to_o inform_v themselves_o of_o those_o certain_a rule_n of_o duty_n that_o he_o have_v prescribe_v to_o their_o practice_n but_o against_o both_o religion_n the_o epicurean_a object_n that_o they_o begin_v in_o sedition_n the_o jewish_a against_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o christian_a against_o the_o jew_n but_o in_o the_o first_o he_o suppose_v the_o jew_n to_o have_v be_v original_o egyptian_n which_o because_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o proofless_a presumption_n can_v prove_v nothing_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o more_o vain_a to_o charge_n christianity_n with_o sedition_n because_o all_o sedition_n either_o design_n or_o act_v some_o violence_n against_o the_o government_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o saviour_n allow_v no_o weapon_n to_o his_o follower_n but_o suffering_n and_o have_v threaten_v no_o one_o offence_n with_o great_a severity_n than_o endeavour_n of_o disturbance_n to_o the_o civil_a state_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o if_o his_o religion_n be_v true_a it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v bring_v in_o more_o inoffensive_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v with_o any_o ingenuity_n be_v charge_v with_o sedition_n till_o its_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n be_v first_o determine_v for_o that_o be_v the_o only_a controversy_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o if_o celsus_n and_o his_o partisan_n have_v but_o the_o courage_n to_o undertake_v they_o will_v have_v have_v no_o need_n of_o these_o petty_a and_o remote_a reflection_n the_o next_o cavil_v be_v that_o the_o christian_n affect_v nothing_o but_o singularity_n very_o likely_a this_o when_o so_o many_o of_o they_o travel_v into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n with_o the_o extreme_a hazard_n of_o their_o life_n to_o convert_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a all_o mankind_n to_o christianity_n but_o though_o they_o seem_v to_o agree_v at_o first_o they_o afterward_o divide_v into_o faction_n but_o this_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o the_o levity_n of_o humane_a nature_n not_o the_o truth_n or_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n for_o beside_o what_o origen_n answer_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o thing_n of_o great_a reputation_n in_o itself_o or_o usefulness_n to_o the_o world_n about_o which_o man_n do_v not_o raise_v dispute_n and_o make_v party_n i_o will_v only_o ask_v he_o whether_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o raise_v controversy_n about_o it_o if_o it_o be_v than_o their_o do_v so_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o that_o be_v to_o say_v no_o religion_n can_v be_v true_a unless_o it_o bring_v a_o fatal_a necessity_n upon_o all_o that_o pretend_v to_o it_o to_o be_v both_o wise_a and_o honest_a which_o be_v such_o a_o awkerd_fw-mi condition_n of_o thing_n as_o destroy_v not_o only_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n but_o of_o humane_a nature_n itself_o but_o say_v he_o they_o scare_v the_o people_n with_o fable_n and_o bugbear_n tell_v what_o say_v origen_n beside_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n we_o indeed_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sovereign_a governor_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o hereafter_o he_o will_v sit_v in_o judgement_n upon_o all_o our_o action_n and_o in_o this_o belief_n we_o instruct_v the_o people_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o live_v as_o they_o ought_v that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o themselves_o to_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n these_o indeed_o be_v fable_n to_o a_o atheist_n and_o a_o epicurean_a but_o not_o to_o any_o man_n that_o believe_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n or_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o celsus_n write_v against_o not_o mere_o christianity_n only_o he_o be_v fierce_a in_o his_o opposition_n to_o that_o because_o it_o be_v so_o full_a a_o check_n to_o his_o impiety_n though_o otherwise_o the_o main_a of_o his_o objection_n that_o he_o level_v against_o that_o aim_v as_o direct_o against_o all_o religion_n and_o thus_o the_o bugbears_a of_o a_o future_a state_n with_o which_o he_o here_o upbraid_v christianity_n be_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n but_o only_a his_o own_o sect._n and_o though_o he_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n take_v away_o the_o opinion_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o next_o life_n this_o vizor_n be_v too_o ridiculous_o put_v upon_o a_o epicurean_a it_o be_v too_o gross_a a_o contradiction_n to_o himself_o and_o he_o renounce_v his_o first_o principle_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n but_o though_o they_o indeed_o may_v easy_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o any_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v by_o his_o master_n epicurus_n who_o frequent_v their_o public_a sacrifice_n to_o make_v himself_o sport_n at_o home_n with_o the_o folly_n of_o their_o superstition_n yet_o he_o shall_v never_o
to_o give_v way_n to_o a_o upstart_n sect_n but_o to_o renounce_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o ancestor_n confirm_v as_o well_o by_o their_o own_o law_n as_o ancient_a custom_n and_o submit_v themselves_o and_o their_o power_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o few_o galilaean_a fisherman_n and_o this_o the_o author_n of_o that_o age_n say_v be_v the_o main_a reason_n why_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v at_o all_o adventure_n reject_v by_o the_o roman_a senate_n because_o it_o will_v allow_v none_o other_o beside_o itself_o and_o first_o as_o for_o the_o jewish_a religion_n beside_o its_o very_a great_a antiquity_n it_o be_v establish_v by_o divine_a authority_n and_o therefore_o with_o plausible_a appearance_n of_o reason_n believe_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v of_o eternal_a obligation_n at_o least_o not_o otherways_o reversible_a but_o with_o the_o same_o dreadful_a sign_n and_o appearance_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n wherewith_o it_o be_v at_o first_o enact_v and_o therefore_o when_o a_o young_a man_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o cancel_v the_o only_a true_a way_n of_o worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n that_o design_n seem_v so_o like_a to_o blasphemy_n and_o idolatry_n that_o his_o very_a pretend_v to_o it_o without_o any_o far_a enquiry_n be_v whatever_o he_o can_v say_v or_o do_v a_o invincible_a prejudice_n and_o a_o unpardonable_a crime_n this_o be_v evident_a through_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o his_o life_n that_o the_o jew_n every_o where_o conclude_v he_o a_o impostor_n because_o he_o set_v up_o against_o moses_n and_o then_o let_v he_o work_v what_o miracle_n he_o will_v they_o will_v regard_v neither_o he_o nor_o they_o and_o particular_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o controversy_n when_o he_o cure_v the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o parent_n and_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o the_o neighbour_n who_o know_v he_o to_o have_v sit_v and_o beg_v in_o a_o certain_a place_n for_o many_o year_n yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o pharisee_n conclude_v against_o his_o do_v any_o miracle_n because_o he_o be_v a_o sinner_n that_o be_v as_o they_o think_v a_o blasphemer_n of_o moses_n law_n and_o when_o the_o blind_a man_n argue_v with_o they_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o miracle_n as_o have_v never_o be_v do_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n before_o it_o be_v all_o one_o for_o that_o they_o answer_v all_o with_o this_o peremptory_a assertion_n we_o know_v that_o god_n 29._o speak_v unto_o moses_n as_o for_o this_o fellow_n we_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v so_o that_o whatever_o miracle_n he_o work_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v because_o he_o derogate_a from_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n and_o therefore_o origen_n very_o well_o observe_v that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o saviour_n work_n 92._o be_v much_o great_a than_o that_o of_o moses_n from_o the_o great_a prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o people_n against_o his_o undertake_n for_o moses_n have_v to_o do_v with_o the_o off_o spring_v of_o abraham_n who_o have_v all_o along_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o circumcision_n and_o those_o other_o rite_n and_o custom_n that_o he_o have_v deliver_v down_o to_o his_o posterity_n and_o only_o undertake_v to_o deliver_v they_o from_o a_o grievous_a bondage_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o that_o happy_a land_n that_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o their_o forefather_n but_o our_o saviour_n be_v send_v to_o a_o people_n to_o command_v they_o to_o forsake_v that_o way_n of_o worship_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v educate_v and_o to_o prescribe_v a_o new_a model_n of_o religion_n against_o a_o old_a one_o that_o have_v be_v settle_v by_o divine_a authority_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o be_v comply_v with_o as_o moses_n be_v he_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o all_o the_o fierce_a contradiction_n both_o of_o zeal_n and_o malice_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n say_v he_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v so_o requisite_a that_o he_o shall_v do_v great_a miracle_n than_o moses_n or_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n be_v record_v to_o have_v do_v to_o convince_v they_o that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o great_a authority_n and_o so_o thereby_o oblige_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o his_o discipline_n as_o they_o have_v hitherto_o do_v to_o that_o of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o as_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o insuperable_a prejudice_n against_o christianity_n so_o be_v it_o to_o this_o very_a day_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n who_o always_o lie_v this_o supposition_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o dispute_n against_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n but_o of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o jew_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o far_a account_n when_o i_o come_v to_o show_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o infidelity_n notwithstanding_o the_o gospel_n bring_v all_o that_o evidence_n along_o with_o it_o that_o we_o pretend_v it_o do_v and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o gentile_n beside_o its_o proud_a pretence_n to_o the_o great_a antiquity_n it_o now_o value_v itself_o upon_o a_o much_o proud_a title_n of_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o vast_a extent_n of_o that_o it_o be_v root_v in_o all_o part_n of_o it_o with_o more_o strength_n and_o unity_n than_o it_o can_v have_v be_v under_o several_a government_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v make_v people_n more_o fond_a of_o their_o religion_n than_o to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o belief_n of_o its_o universality_n now_o when_o a_o religion_n so_o catholic_n be_v settle_v by_o the_o law_n be_v own_a by_o the_o emperor_n and_o be_v make_v the_o only_a religion_n of_o power_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n its_o votary_n can_v not_o endure_v to_o see_v it_o treat_v with_o scorn_n and_o dishonour_n by_o a_o upstart_n sect_n of_o man_n destitute_a of_o all_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n be_v it_o that_o pliny_n tacitus_n and_o suetonius_n inveigh_v against_o christianity_n with_o so_o much_o scorn_n and_o indignation_n not_o that_o they_o have_v any_o concern_v for_o religion_n themselves_o be_v profess_v epicurean_o and_o so_o inward_o as_o great_a despiser_n of_o paganism_n as_o the_o christian_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v but_o they_o be_v angry_a that_o a_o religion_n abet_v by_o the_o emperor_n and_o the_o great_a statesman_n such_o as_o themselves_o be_v or_o pretend_v to_o be_v shall_v be_v so_o dishonourable_o bear_v down_o by_o a_o company_n of_o superstitious_a and_o despicable_a jew_n and_o that_o prove_v another_o very_a great_a disadvantage_n to_o christianity_n the_o force_n of_o law_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o government_n against_o its_o reception_n in_o that_o statesman_n be_v ever_o jealous_a of_o all_o innovation_n in_o religion_n as_o dangerous_a to_o the_o present_a government_n so_o that_o though_o themselves_o look_v upon_o all_o religion_n as_o a_o mere_a design_n of_o state-craft_n yet_o they_o be_v very_o zealous_a for_o that_o which_o they_o find_v already_o establish_v as_o that_o by_o which_o they_o enjoy_v their_o present_a security_n and_o therefore_o vigilant_a against_o all_o alteration_n as_o natural_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n so_o that_o it_o be_v none_o of_o their_o business_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o plea_n of_o a_o new_a religion_n but_o its_o be_v new_a be_v with_o they_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n of_o proceed_v against_o it_o as_o be_v sedition_n ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la against_o the_o establish_a law_n and_o this_o be_v the_o main_a reason_n of_o most_o of_o those_o many_o severe_a edict_n and_o rescript_n of_o several_a emperor_n against_o the_o christian_n who_o look_v upon_o their_o numerous_a assembly_n upon_o pretence_n of_o religion_n as_o dangerous_a association_n against_o the_o state_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o particular_o trajan_n a_o wise_a and_o politic_a prince_n who_o either_o because_o he_o will_v not_o give_v the_o christian_n the_o advantage_n of_o plead_v religion_n or_o suffering_n for_o it_o or_o rather_o out_o of_o his_o particular_a jealousy_n and_o fear_n of_o tumult_n put_v in_o execution_n against_o they_o the_o law_n against_o the_o heteriae_n which_o forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o numerous_a meeting_n upon_o what_o account_n soever_o though_o only_o of_o friendship_n or_o good-fellowship_n for_o which_o those_o heteriae_n be_v first_o institute_v so_o that_o upon_o pretence_n of_o this_o law_n he_o seem_v not_o to_o proceed_v against_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o unlawful_a riot_n and_o tumult_n against_o the_o state_n §_o xxii_o now_o from_o the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o these_o mighty_a prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n it_o meet_v
hope_n of_o immortality_n the_o vanity_n of_o epicurus_n his_o great_a antidote_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n viz._n that_o death_n can_v hurt_v we_o because_o when_o that_o be_v we_o be_v not_o p._n 106._o §_o xxii_o all_o the_o other_o receipt_n prescribe_v by_o the_o philosopher_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n represent_v and_o explode_v p._n 113._o §_o xxiii_o without_o a_o future_a state_n no_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o virtue_n first_o not_o for_o temperance_n p._n 120._o §_o xxiv_o second_o not_o for_o justice_n nor_o magnanimity_n p._n 124._o §_o xxv_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o stoical_a philosophy_n represent_v upon_o its_o principle_n neither_o happiness_n nor_o virtue_n without_o a_o future_a state_n p._n 131._o §_o xxvi_o a_o account_n of_o the_o platonic_a and_o peripatetic_a morality_n out_o of_o tully_n and_o first_o his_o consolatory_a discourse_n in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o tusculane_n question_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n prove_v vain_a and_o ineffectual_a p._n 139._o §_o xxvii_o the_o same_o show_v of_o the_o remedy_n prescribe_v in_o his_o second_o book_n for_o the_o alleviate_a of_o pain_n p._n 147._o §_o xxviii_o the_o same_o show_v of_o the_o prescription_n of_o the_o three_o and_o four_o book_n against_o grief_n and_o trouble_v under_o the_o calamity_n of_o life_n and_o all_o other_o perturbation_n of_o the_o mind_n p._n 151._o §_o xxix_o a_o account_n of_o the_o five_o book_n where_o he_o forsake_v the_o peripatetic_a philosophy_n as_o insufficient_a to_o his_o purpose_n and_o what_o good_a reason_n he_o have_v so_o to_o do_v p._n 157._o §_o xxx_o the_o defect_n of_o his_o own_o new_a way_n of_o philosophise_v prove_v in_o general_n p._n 162._o §_o xxxi_o that_o great_a and_o glorious_a maxim_n of_o his_o friend_n brutus_n that_o virtue_n be_v sufficient_a to_o its_o own_o happiness_n prove_v to_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o empty_a say_n without_o immortality_n the_o argument_n conclude_v p._n 167._o part_n ii_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n §_o i._o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n pag._n 175._o §_o ii_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n demonstrate_v from_o the_o infinite_a and_o intolerable_a absurdity_n of_o unbelief_n p._n 179._o §_o iii_o this_o particular_o prove_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n own_o advice_n in_o the_o article_n of_o his_o resurrection_n p._n 182._o §_o iv._o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v false_a in_o their_o testimony_n of_o it_o demonstrate_v from_o the_o first_o instinct_n of_o humane_a nature_n love_v of_o life_n and_o desire_v of_o self-preservation_n p._n 184._o §_o v._o the_o same_o prove_v from_o its_o contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o prudence_n and_o common_a understanding_n p._n 190._o §_o vi_o the_o same_o prove_v from_o its_o inconsistency_n with_o and_o contrariety_n to_o their_o own_o design_n in_o publish_v christianity_n to_o the_o world_n p._n 193._o §_o vii_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n history_n if_o write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o name_n it_o bear_v p._n 199._o §_o viii_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v write_v by_o any_o other_o demonstrative_o prove_v p._n 204._o §_o ix_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o authority_n be_v sometime_o dispute_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o apostolical_a antiquity_n p._n 207._o §_o x._o mr._n hobbs_n witticism_n against_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o canon_n be_v first_o compile_v by_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n confute_v p._n 210._o §_o xi_o the_o concurrence_n of_o jew_n and_o heathen_n with_o the_o testimony_n of_o christian_a writer_n p._n 112._o §_o xii_o josephus_n and_o saint_n luke_n reconcile_v about_o the_o tax_n of_o cyrenius_n and_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n agrippa_n p._n 215._o §_o xiii_o the_o famous_a testimony_n of_o josephus_n concern_v our_o saviour_n vindicate_v from_o the_o exception_n of_o tanaquil_n faber_n and_o other_o critic_n p._n 222._o §_o fourteen_o the_o testimony_n of_o phlegon_n concern_v the_o eclipse_n at_o the_o passion_n assert_v p._n 229._o §_o xv._n pontius_n pilate_n his_o narrative_a concern_v our_o saviour_n to_o tiberius_n and_o tiberius_n his_o opinion_n of_o it_o clear_v p._n 230._o §_o xvi_o the_o story_n of_o agbarus_n prove_v genuine_a p._n 235._o §_o xvii_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o apostle_n prevail_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o mankind_n if_o their_o story_n have_v be_v false_a p._n 239._o §_o xviii_o the_o speedy_a propagation_n of_o christianity_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n describe_v philo_n therapeutae_n prove_v to_o have_v be_v christian_n p._n 241._o §_o xix_o the_o first_o disadvantage_n of_o christianity_n if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a its_o be_v a_o late_a matter_n of_o fact_n p._n 251._o §_o xx._n the_o second_o disadvantage_n of_o christianity_n be_v its_o contrariety_n to_o the_o atheism_n and_o the_o luxury_n of_o the_o age_n in_o which_o it_o be_v publish_v p._n 256._o §_o xxi_o the_o three_o disadvantage_n of_o christianity_n be_v its_o defiance_n to_o the_o establish_a and_o inveterate_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n both_o jewish_a and_o heathen_a p._n 259._o §_o xxii_o the_o wonderful_a success_n of_o christianity_n notwithstanding_o all_o other_o disadvantage_n not_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o rational_a evidence_n that_o it_o give_v of_o its_o truth_n p._n 263._o §_o xxiii_o that_o the_o apostle_n plant_v the_o christian_a faith_n with_o so_o much_o speed_n by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o have_v do_v it_o any_o other_o way_n p._n 266._o §_o xxiv_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o same_o power_n to_o the_o next_o follow_v age_n assert_v and_o with_o the_o great_a assurance_n appeal_v to_o by_o all_o the_o advocate_n of_o christianity_n in_o their_o public_a write_n p._n 275._o §_o xxv_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o ancient_n against_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o be_v wrought_v by_o magic_n p._n 283._o §_o xxvi_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o miracle_n oppose_v by_o the_o heathen_n to_o our_o saviour_n particular_o that_o of_o vespasian_n in_o cure_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o blind_a p._n 287._o §_o xxvii_o a_o account_n of_o the_o evident_a imposture_n of_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n from_o his_o own_o historian_n philostratus_n p._n 293._o §_o xxviii_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n from_o mere_a humane_a tradition_n and_o that_o first_o public_a by_o the_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o chief_a church_n from_o the_o apostle_n p._n 300._o §_o xxix_o the_o same_o prove_v by_o private_a tradition_n and_o first_o of_o saint_n clement_n bishop_n of_o rome_n p._n 308._o §_o xxx_o second_o of_o saint_n ignatius_n with_o a_o account_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o epistle_n p._n 311._o §_o xxxi_o three_o of_o saint_n policarp_n pothinus_n and_o papias_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o ancient_n vindicate_v as_o to_o the_o paschal_n controversy_n p._n 320._o §_o xxxii_o of_o hegesippus_n the_o purity_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n vindicate_v against_o all_o innovator_n and_o hegesippus_n his_o history_n against_o the_o cavil_n of_o scaliger_n p._n 328._o §_o xxxiii_o of_o justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n and_o a_o great_a number_n more_o p._n 338._o §_o xxxiv_o the_o objection_n from_o the_o infidelity_n of_o great_a number_n of_o man_n in_o that_o age_n answer_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v their_o invincible_a prejudice_n in_o honour_n of_o moses_n p._n 343._o §_o xxxv_o their_o second_o great_a prejudice_n be_v their_o expectation_n of_o a_o great_a temporal_a prince_n for_o their_o messiah_n and_o how_o they_o be_v cross_v in_o it_o by_o our_o saviour_n p._n 349._o §_o xxxvi_o atheism_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o sadducee_n oppose_v christianity_n and_o fanatic_a pride_n and_o arrogance_n of_o the_o pharisee_n p._n 357._o §_o xxxvii_o the_o heathen_n oppose_v christianity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o idolatry_n the_o neronian_a persecution_n only_o a_o trick_n of_o state_n to_o secure_v himself_o from_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o multitude_n by_o deliver_v up_o the_o christian_n to_o it_o p._n 363._o §_o xxxviii_o domitian_n persecution_n found_v upon_o jealousy_n of_o state_n against_o the_o line_n of_o david_n hegesippus_n vindicate_v in_o his_o account_n of_o it_o against_o scaliger_n the_o jealousy_n both_o of_o the_o emperor_n and_o the_o senate_n about_o the_o messiah_n p._n 370._o §_o thirty-nine_o a_o account_n of_o the_o follow_a persecution_n and_o of_o the_o injustice_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o their_o several_a proceed_n against_o
and_o malignity_n derive_v from_o a_o much_o worse_a principle_n viz._n it_o be_v unworthy_a conception_n of_o the_o mean_a and_o narrow_a capacity_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o which_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o reduce_v the_o proportion_n of_o humane_a happiness_n and_o therefore_o the_o epicurean_o allow_v no_o other_o principle_n of_o be_v to_o man_n than_o the_o engine_n of_o their_o body_n and_o by_o consequence_n no_o other_o sensation_n than_o what_o result_v from_o the_o contrivance_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n from_o hence_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o they_o resolve_v our_o sovereign_a delight_n pure_o into_o sensual_a enjoyment_n because_o upon_o their_o principle_n we_o be_v from_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o nature_n utter_o uncapable_a of_o any_o other_o gratification_n and_o therefore_o we_o dispute_v not_o with_o epicurus_n whether_o pleasure_n be_v the_o end_n of_o virtue_n but_o what_o pleasure_n if_o he_o have_v take_v in_o the_o full_a capacity_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o it_o consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n he_o have_v say_v nothing_o less_o than_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a philosopher_n do_v or_o aught_o to_o say_v but_o when_o he_o intend_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n alone_o he_o destroy_v the_o very_a be_v of_o virtue_n and_o humane_a happiness_n and_o resolve_v all_o our_o enjoyment_n into_o mere_a brutishness_n and_o sensuality_n and_o that_o he_o intend_v nothing_o more_o be_v past_o all_o dispute_n to_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o abuse_v himself_o in_o that_o he_o never_o teach_v any_o thing_n more_o constant_o concern'd_o and_o express_o than_o this_o that_o man_n be_v nothing_o else_o beside_o the_o fabric_n of_o his_o body_n in_o this_o one_o desperate_a principle_n lie_v all_o the_o poison_n of_o his_o philosophy_n of_o old_a and_o so_o do_v that_o of_o another_o of_o late_a that_o make_v self-interest_n which_o be_v but_o another_o word_n for_o pleasure_n the_o only_a end_n and_o reason_n of_o all_o humane_a action_n for_o if_o he_o have_v mean_v the_o self-interest_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n as_o it_o comprehend_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n that_o be_v his_o present_a and_o his_o future_a state_n it_o have_v be_v a_o honest_a and_o a_o pious_a assertion_n but_o when_o he_o intend_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o narrow_a interest_n of_o our_o present_a advantage_n and_o take_v off_o all_o regard_n to_o the_o future_a this_o defeat_v all_o the_o obligation_n of_o virtue_n religion_n and_o honesty_n and_o leave_v all_o man_n at_o liberty_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n indifferent_o as_o they_o shall_v apprehend_v most_o convenient_a to_o their_o own_o private_a end_n and_o interest_n ease_n and_o pleasure_n §_o xviii_o great_a number_n of_o apology_n have_v indeed_o be_v make_v by_o learned_a man_n to_o abate_v or_o rather_o altogether_o excuse_v the_o meanness_n of_o epicurus_n his_o opinion_n but_o all_o in_o vain_a for_o what_o though_o as_o they_o plead_v he_o distinguish_v between_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o mind_n and_o give_v the_o latter_a the_o pre-eminence_n yet_o it_o be_v notorious_a not_o only_o that_o by_o the_o mind_n he_o never_o intend_v any_o be_v distinct_a from_o the_o body_n but_o only_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n which_o in_o his_o philosophy_n be_v suppose_v the_o high_a instrument_n of_o sensual_a perception_n but_o what_o be_v more_o palpable_a as_o i_o shall_v show_v more_o at_o large_a anon_o that_o he_o place_v our_o supreme_a felicity_n only_o in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n though_o here_o their_o opinion_n be_v so_o very_o foul_a that_o they_o be_v force_v upon_o all_o turn_v to_o talk_v ambiguous_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n inconsistent_o with_o themselves_o sometime_o they_o will_v have_v their_o sovereign_a pleasure_n to_o signify_v the_o actual_a enjoyment_n and_o gratification_n of_o sensuality_n sometime_o nothing_o more_o than_o indolency_n or_o mere_a freedom_n from_o pain_n sometime_o both_o together_o with_o the_o reflection_n of_o the_o mind_n upon_o they_o thus_o epicurus_n speak_v out_o plain_o that_o he_o understand_v not_o what_o happiness_n be_v nor_o where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o palate_n and_o some_o other_o that_o modesty_n forbid_v to_o name_n so_o the_o wise_a metrodorus_n for_o that_o title_n epicurus_n be_v please_v to_o bestow_v upon_o his_o friend_n as_o well_o as_o himself_o express_o teach_v that_o the_o belly_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a seat_n of_o happiness_n and_o that_o no_o art_n or_o science_n be_v any_o way_n useful_a or_o valuable_a than_o as_o they_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o its_o delight_n but_o because_o this_o account_n of_o the_o utmost_a improvement_n of_o humane_a happiness_n and_o wisdom_n too_o seem_v too_o mean_a and_o brutish_a for_o those_o lofty_a expression_n wherewith_o they_o have_v set_v off_o their_o own_o happiness_n make_v it_o equal_a with_o that_o of_o the_o god_n themselves_o they_o sometime_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o pleasure_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v the_o mere_a actual_a delight_n and_o gratification_n of_o the_o body_n but_o partly_o a_o freedom_n from_o the_o pain_n and_o trouble_v that_o be_v remove_v thereby_o and_o chief_o those_o delightful_a reflection_n that_o we_o natural_o enjoy_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o they_o intend_v not_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sensuality_n but_o that_o innocent_a satisfaction_n of_o mind_n that_o natural_o ensue_v upon_o their_o enjoyment_n in_o that_o when_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o appetite_n be_v quiet_v and_o its_o want_n supply_v the_o pure_a consideration_n of_o this_o affect_v the_o mind_n of_o every_o wise_a man_n with_o great_a joy_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o thought_n and_o this_o poor_a slender_a subtlety_n they_o fancy_v to_o be_v of_o mighty_a use_n to_o palliate_v the_o foulness_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o to_o enhance_v their_o grave_n and_o philosophical_a account_n of_o the_o divine_a felicity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o herein_o do_v all_o the_o epicurean_a apologist_n with_o a_o singular_a confidence_n triumph_n as_o if_o their_o great_a master_n have_v undoubted_o place_v our_o sovereign_a happiness_n pure_o in_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v that_o epicurus_n speak_v out_o too_o blunt_o to_o find_v any_o subterfuge_n in_o this_o apology_n it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o mend_v the_o matter_n that_o they_o will_v excuse_v for_o if_o to_o resolve_v all_o our_o happiness_n into_o the_o actual_a delight_n of_o sensuality_n be_v think_v somewhat_o too_o shameful_a to_o own_o it_o be_v very_o little_o more_o honourable_a to_o place_v it_o in_o entertain_v the_o fancy_n with_o reflection_n upon_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v below_o the_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o do_v nothing_o better_a than_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v it_o be_v altogether_o as_o unworthy_a of_o it_o to_o think_v of_o nothing_o great_a this_o be_v only_o to_o remove_v its_o happiness_n from_o the_o table_n to_o the_o couch_n all_o their_o boasting_n concern_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o mind_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o and_o therefore_o plutarch_n when_o the_o apology_n be_v make_v take_v they_o up_o quick_a for_o it_o yes_o yes_o say_v he_o this_o plea_n be_v to_o some_o purpose_n if_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v any_o pleasure_n wherewith_o the_o mind_n may_v entertain_v itself_o distinct_a from_o those_o of_o the_o body_n but_o when_o they_o open_o declare_v and_o protest_v that_o it_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o other_o satisfaction_n than_o what_o it_o enjoy_v in_o provide_v for_o or_o reflect_v upon_o its_o sensual_a delight_n do_v they_o not_o avowed_o resolve_v all_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o mind_n into_o pure_a sensuality_n when_o they_o only_o make_v use_v of_o it_o as_o a_o instrument_n to_o repeat_v or_o emprove_v that_o sort_n of_o pleasure_n as_o it_o be_v by_o preserve_v the_o fume_n of_o they_o in_o the_o fancy_n and_o when_o the_o sensual_a delight_n itself_o be_v go_v feed_v upon_o its_o mere_a imagination_n so_o that_o all_o that_o this_o pretence_n amount_v to_o be_v that_o the_o mind_n continual_o please_v itself_o with_o the_o memory_n of_o past_a pleasure_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o pleasure_n to_o come_v and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o brave_a account_n of_o all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o cook_n to_o cater_n for_o the_o body_n that_o it_o be_v ingenious_a to_o provide_v for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o it_o have_v a_o quick_a and_o a_o strong_a fancy_n that_o make_v it_o as_o happy_a as_o god_n himself_o by_o be_v perpetual_o fix_v upon_o they_o at_o least_o this_o great_a satisfaction_n that_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v the_o only_a privilege_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n be_v the_o very_a height_n of_o
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saint_n matthew_n gospel_n §_o ix_o it_o be_v true_a that_o some_o few_o book_n be_v for_o a_o good_a time_n doubt_v of_o as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o second_o of_o saint_n peter_n the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o saint_n john_n and_o the_o apocalypse_n but_o then_o first_o suppose_v their_o authority_n be_v still_o questionable_a the_o christian_a faith_n can_v subsist_v very_o well_o without_o they_o by_o the_o remain_a authority_n of_o those_o that_o be_v never_o question_v and_o though_o they_o be_v very_o useful_a and_o excellent_a discourse_n yet_o have_v they_o little_a peculiar_a in_o they_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o other_o apostolical_a write_n and_o if_o we_o understand_v the_o matter_n aright_o though_o they_o be_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o only_o pious_a discourse_n proceed_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o it_o be_v write_v occasional_o 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primary_o necessary_a to_o christianity_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v dictate_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o historical_a book_n be_v good_a and_o authentic_a record_n of_o the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o design_n of_o his_o errand_n into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v pious_a discourse_n consonant_n with_o and_o conduce_v to_o the_o end_n of_o christianity_n the_o foundation_n whereof_o seem_v to_o lie_v in_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n for_o the_o work_n he_o pretend_v to_o come_v about_o by_o divine_a commission_n for_o god_n have_v set_v several_a hypothesis_n of_o providence_n on_o work_n in_o the_o world_n to_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o their_o end_n and_o perfection_n at_o last_o design_v this_o as_o the_o most_o complete_a model_n of_o all_o virtue_n goodness_n and_o morality_n so_o that_o 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the_o church_n in_o its_o belief_n in_o that_o it_o will_v not_o light_o receive_v any_o book_n till_o it_o be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o its_o be_v authentic_a and_o therefore_o its_o long_a doubtfulness_n and_o disputation_n about_o these_o book_n clear_v it_o from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o rashness_n and_o credulity_n as_o to_o those_o that_o she_o always_o own_a with_o a_o full_a and_o unanimous_a approbation_n three_o the_o controversy_n concern_v the_o dispute_v book_n relate_v not_o so_o much_o to_o their_o antiquity_n as_o their_o author_n and_o they_o be_v not_o bring_v in_o question_n because_o they_o be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o apostolical_a age_n but_o because_o it_o seem_v uncertain_a by_o who_o they_o be_v then_o write_v thus_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n some_o attribute_n to_o saint_n paul_n some_o to_o saint_n luke_n some_o to_o barnabas_n some_o to_o clemens_n but_o if_o it_o
very_o easy_a and_o though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o hundred_o other_o way_n of_o solve_v it_o that_o we_o can_v know_v at_o this_o distance_n yet_o i_o can_v not_o light_o pass_v it_o over_o because_o it_o be_v the_o only_a material_a difference_n between_o josephus_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o though_o he_o pass_v by_o some_o remarkable_a thing_n that_o be_v there_o record_v yet_o in_o all_o other_o case_n where_o he_o happen_v upon_o the_o same_o thing_n he_o make_v the_o same_o narration_n for_o the_o only_a place_n beside_o in_o which_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o differ_v be_v in_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n agrippa_n which_o he_o say_v happen_v at_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o owl_n but_o saint_n luke_n by_o the_o invisible_a stroke_n of_o a_o angel_n and_o that_o a_o owl_n may_v then_o by_o chance_n appear_v be_v possible_a but_o that_o the_o mere_a sight_n of_o it_o shall_v affect_v he_o after_o such_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n be_v not_o credible_a notwithstanding_o a_o german_a soothsayer_n have_v foretell_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o certain_a omen_n of_o his_o death_n that_o indeed_o may_v not_o a_o little_a disturb_v his_o fancy_n but_o it_o can_v not_o natural_o in_o a_o moment_n putrify_v his_o bowel_n into_o worm_n and_o rottenness_n but_o it_o be_v too_o manifest_a that_o josephus_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o history_n too_o much_o endeavour_v to_o imitate_v the_o greek_a and_o roman_a historian_n who_o constant_a custom_n it_o be_v to_o ascribe_v all_o extraordinary_a calamity_n to_o some_o portentous_a omen_n otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a that_o so_o strange_a and_o unheard_a of_o a_o misery_n shall_v all_o on_o a_o sudden_a seize_v upon_o a_o man_n in_o the_o height_n of_o all_o his_o glory_n and_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o so_o great_a a_o blasphemy_n without_o some_o miraculous_a and_o invisible_a power_n so_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o great_a instance_n upon_o record_n of_o a_o immediate_a divine_a infliction_n than_o in_o the_o miserable_a death_n of_o this_o profane_a man._n and_o thus_o have_v clear_v the_o parallelism_n between_o josephus_n and_o the_o evangelist_n as_o to_o the_o most_o material_a passage_n of_o the_o history_n of_o their_o own_o time_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o that_o particular_a passage_n of_o his_o concern_v our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v so_o full_a a_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n that_o our_o learned_a critic_n think_v it_o too_o great_a for_o a_o jew_n to_o give_v and_o for_o that_o reason_n principal_o suppose_v it_o to_o have_v be_v soi_v into_o he_o in_o after_o time_n §_o xiii_o but_o upon_o what_o just_a ground_n this_o surmise_n be_v build_v let_v we_o now_o consider_v and_o first_o let_v we_o set_v down_o the_o passage_n itself_o which_o be_v to_o this_o purport_n at_o this_o time_n live_v jesus_n a_o wise_a man_n if_o yet_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o call_v he_o a_o man_n for_o he_o wrought_v many_o 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person_n as_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o do_v it_o here_o he_o have_v do_v it_o no_o where_o and_o yet_o whatever_o he_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o under_o the_o government_n of_o pontius_n pilate_n there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n that_o draw_v great_a number_n of_o disciple_n after_o he_o that_o institute_v a_o new_a sect_n of_o religion_n that_o occasion_v great_a commotion_n in_o judaea_n that_o be_v report_v to_o have_v teach_v such_o peculiar_a doctrine_n and_o to_o have_v do_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a miracle_n and_o now_o after_o all_o this_o how_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o josephus_n shall_v never_o hear_v of_o so_o remarkable_a a_o person_n or_o not_o think_v he_o worthy_a so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o his_o history_n for_o whatever_o opinion_n he_o have_v of_o he_o whether_o good_a or_o bad_a it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o he_o can_v whole_o omit_v to_o mention_v he_o in_o the_o history_n of_o that_o time_n especial_o when_o he_o have_v not_o omit_v any_o of_o the_o false_a pretender_n to_o the_o messiahship_n so_o that_o though_o he_o have_v think_v he_o a_o impostor_n he_o can_v not_o have_v whole_o baulk_v some_o mention_n of_o his_o history_n nay_o when_o he_o give_v so_o exact_a a_o description_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o of_o saint_n james_n who_o to_o make_v the_o better_o know_v he_o describe_v by_o be_v the_o brother_n of_o jesus_n who_o be_v call_v the_o christ_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v never_o give_v any_o account_n of_o christ_n himself_o so_o that_o how_o much_o soever_o it_o may_v appear_v incredible_a that_o josephus_n shall_v make_v any_o honourable_a mention_n of_o he_o it_o be_v much_o more_o so_o that_o he_o shall_v make_v none_o at_o all_o and_o now_o when_o after_o this_o we_o come_v to_o weigh_v the_o objection_n against_o this_o testimony_n that_o have_v make_v so_o much_o noise_n and_o talk_v of_o late_a in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v so_o very_o trifle_v as_o scarce_o to_o deserve_v i_o be_o sure_a not_o to_o need_v any_o answer_n for_o beside_o some_o grammatical_a observation_n in_o which_o the_o critic_n exercise_v a_o arbitrary_a power_n and_o from_o which_o they_o make_v what_o determination_n they_o please_v some_o for_o the_o affirmative_a and_o some_o for_o the_o negative_a the_o whole_a force_n of_o the_o objection_n be_v resolve_v into_o this_o one_o principle_n that_o josephus_n in_o this_o paragraph_n speak_v his_o own_o sense_n and_o write_v not_o as_o a_o historian_n but_o as_o a_o confessor_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o his_o own_o story_n that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o no_o very_a settle_a principle_n according_a to_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o age_n and_o of_o the_o place_n that_o he_o live_v in_o and_o so_o be_v no_o otherway_v concern_v in_o any_o controversy_n than_o bare_o to_o deliver_v matter_n of_o fact_n so_o that_o whereas_o he_o seem_v to_o assert_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n they_o may_v as_o rational_o conclude_v that_o pontius_n pilate_n believe_v he_o to_o be_v so_o too_o when_o he_o crucify_v he_o because_o he_o put_v this_o title_n upon_o his_o cross_n jesus_n of_o nazareth_n the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o when_o he_o be_v solicit_v by_o the_o chief_a priest_n not_o to_o write_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o that_o he_o say_v i_o be_o the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o their_o importunity_n but_o answer_v they_o peremptory_o what_o i_o have_v write_v i_o have_v write_v from_o hence_o i_o say_v our_o learned_a critic_n may_v after_o their_o rate_n of_o draw_v conclusion_n infer_v that_o pontius_n pilate_n serious_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v the_o messiah_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o itself_o that_o he_o only_o use_v the_o common_a form_n of_o speech_n when_o he_o give_v he_o that_o title_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v that_o expression_n of_o josephus_n when_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v the_o christ_n that_o be_v this_o be_v he_o that_o be_v call_v the_o christ_n a_o title_n so_o appropriate_v to_o he_o in_o common_a speech_n that_o it_o be_v familiar_o give_v to_o he_o by_o his_o great_a enemy_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o testimony_n of_o josephus_n as_o if_o we_o design_v to_o gain_v any_o credit_n or_o authority_n from_o his_o opinion_n but_o only_o to_o prove_v from_o it_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o transaction_n then_o on_o foot_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o party_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n who_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o
but_o beside_o this_o grand_a absurdity_n of_o wilful_o deceive_v themselves_o to_o no_o purpose_n nay_o against_o all_o the_o forementioned_a inconvenience_n they_o must_v be_v so_o far_o beside_o themselves_o that_o when_o they_o have_v abuse_v themselves_o with_o a_o proofless_a tale_n they_o shall_v join_v their_o zcal_n to_o the_o first_o impostor_n for_o propagate_a the_o cheat_n to_o the_o manifest_a ruin_n of_o their_o fortune_n and_o hazard_n of_o their_o life_n and_o that_o such_o vast_a number_n of_o they_o shall_v with_o such_o unheard_a of_o courage_n and_o constancy_n endure_v the_o most_o exquisite_a pain_n and_o suffer_v all_o kind_n of_o death_n either_o without_o ever_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o which_o they_o suffer_v or_o suffer_v for_o it_o after_o that_o rate_n without_o any_o satisfactory_a evidence_n of_o it_o here_o in_o short_a we_o must_v believe_v that_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o christianity_n publish_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v shall_v find_v such_o a_o universal_a entertainment_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n without_o any_o the_o least_o rational_a proof_n or_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n a_o doctrine_n the_o truth_n whereof_o depend_v entire_o upon_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v false_a it_o can_v not_o then_o have_v escape_v confutation_n and_o unless_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a can_v never_o have_v obtain_v any_o belief_n a_o doctrine_n so_o unkind_a to_o the_o vicious_a custom_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o age_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n and_o the_o establish_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n so_o unpleasing_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n so_o hate_v and_o so_o full_a of_o danger_n that_o when_o this_o doctrine_n be_v publish_v by_o such_o person_n man_n of_o mean_a education_n void_a of_o graft_n or_o learning_n or_o eloquence_n they_o shall_v without_o any_o other_o help_n than_o bare_o tell_v a_o false_a story_n persuade_v such_o vast_a number_n of_o man_n to_o forsake_v the_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o be_v educate_v and_o without_o any_o hope_n of_o profit_n nay_o with_o a_o certain_a prospect_n of_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o life_n yes_o and_o death_n itself_o to_o embrace_v this_o new_a this_o despise_a this_o hate_a this_o persecute_a forgery_n last_o that_o great_a number_n both_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n that_o live_v in_o the_o age_n next_o and_o immediate_o after_o it_o shall_v after_o the_o strict_a enquiry_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n not_o only_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o so_o late_a and_o palpable_a a_o fiction_n but_o hazard_n nay_o lose_v their_o life_n and_o fortune_n in_o its_o defence_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o primitive_a convert_v as_o i_o come_v now_o to_o demonstrate_v by_o a_o review_n of_o particular_n §_o xviii_o now_o as_o for_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o speedy_a entertainment_n of_o christianity_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o unanimous_o attest_v by_o all_o writer_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v suppose_v than_o prove_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3._o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n like_o the_o sun_n enlighten_v all_o the_o world_n at_o once_o and_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o people_n both_o from_o city_n and_o village_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n preach_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n like_o corn_n crowd_v into_o a_o granary_n and_o they_o who_o have_v be_v long_o enslave_v to_o the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o their_o ancestor_n be_v set_v at_o liberty_n by_o the_o preach_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o renounce_v that_o rout_n of_o false_a god_n that_o the_o merciless_a daemon_n have_v introduce_v into_o the_o heathen_a world_n return_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a one_o true_a god_n the_o great_a creator_n of_o all_o thing_n so_o when_o celsus_n object_n the_o novelty_n of_o christianity_n origen_n answer_v that_o there_o 68_o lie_v the_o wonder_n that_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n a_o new_a doctrine_n shall_v so_o strange_o prevail_v over_o all_o the_o world_n conquer_v both_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n the_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a all_o rank_n and_o profession_n of_o man_n and_o possess_v they_o with_o so_o firm_a a_o belief_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n as_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o seal_v their_o faith_n with_o their_o blood_n a_o thing_n that_o be_v never_o do_v for_o any_o opinion_n in_o the_o world_n before_o and_o so_o justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o conference_n with_o trypho_n the_o jew_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o 345._o part_n of_o mankind_n greek_n or_o barbarian_n nay_o not_o those_o wild_a and_o uncivilized_a people_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o live_v without_o house_n and_o city_n among_o who_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n be_v not_o make_v to_o the_o father_n and_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o crucify_a jesus_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a passage_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o 502._o six_o book_n of_o collection_n the_o philosopher_n say_v he_o please_v the_o greek_n alone_o neither_o do_v every_o one_o please_v all_o plato_n follow_v socrates_n xenocrates_n plato_n theophrastus_n aristotle_n cleanthes_n zeno_n every_o master_n have_v his_o own_o particular_a school_n and_o scholar_n but_o our_o great_a master_n philosophy_n be_v not_o confine_v as_o they_o be_v to_o their_o own_o country_n within_o judaea_n alone_o but_o spread_v itself_o over_o all_o part_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n and_o be_v entertain_v by_o whole_a city_n and_o nation_n both_o of_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n it_o bear_v away_o whole_a family_n and_o village_n and_o no_o single_a person_n can_v resist_v its_o force_n that_o will_v but_o give_v himself_o leave_v to_o hear_v its_o wisdom_n insomuch_o that_o it_o gain_v over_o many_o of_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o and_o if_o any_o magistrate_n do_v any_o where_o suppress_v the_o grecian_a philosophy_n it_o soon_o vanish_v whereas_o our_o institution_n from_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o it_o have_v be_v every_o where_o persecute_v by_o king_n and_o emperor_n and_o tyrant_n by_o presect_v of_o province_n by_o commander_n of_o army_n and_o which_o be_v more_o furious_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n by_o the_o multitude_n these_o have_v join_v all_o their_o power_n and_o their_o malice_n utter_o to_o extirpate_v our_o religion_n but_o still_o it_o flourish_v more_o and_o more_o and_o do_v not_o wither_v away_o as_o it_o must_v have_v do_v have_v it_o be_v a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n but_o it_o stand_v invincible_a as_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o nothing_o can_v restrain_v or_o alter_v and_o this_o notwithstanding_o that_o it_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o that_o all_o its_o follower_n must_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o tertullian_n assure_v the_o senate_n of_o rome_n that_o the_o christian_n have_v fill_v all_o place_n and_o 37._o all_o office_n that_o they_o be_v of_o strength_n enough_o to_o master_v the_o roman_a empire_n nay_o that_o so_o great_a be_v their_o number_n that_o if_o they_o will_v but_o agree_v to_o retire_v out_o of_o it_o the_o world_n will_v stand_v amaze_v at_o its_o own_o solitude_n and_o in_o his_o book_n against_o the_o jew_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o enlarge_v 7._o its_o conquest_n beyond_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a empire_n that_o it_o subdue_v those_o place_n that_o be_v inaccessible_a to_o their_o army_n and_o reckon_v up_o multitude_n of_o people_n from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n to_o the_o other_o that_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o crucify_a jesus_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v arnobius_n challenge_v the_o unbelieving_a world_n methinks_v 2._o say_v he_o this_o shall_v not_o a_o little_a shock_n your_o unbelief_n to_o see_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o despise_a name_n to_o prevail_v in_o all_o place_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n that_o no_o nation_n be_v so_o utter_o barbarous_a and_o lose_v to_o all_o civility_n who_o manner_n have_v not_o be_v reform_v and_o polish_a by_o this_o gentle_a institution_n nay_o more_o than_o this_o it_o have_v master_v the_o great_a wit_n the_o orator_n critic_n lawyer_n physician_n and_o philosopher_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o all_o its_o disciple_n be_v so_o serious_a and_o sincere_a in_o their_o profession_n that_o they_o will_v forgo_v all_o advantage_n of_o life_n even_o life_n itself_o rather_o than_o forsake_v the_o cross_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o your_o law_n and_o interdict_v your_o threaten_n and_o execution_n your_o hangman_n and_o drag_v hook_n and_o all_o your_o innumerable_a way_n of_o torture_n they_o grow_v not_o only_o more_o numerous_a but_o more_o
vigorous_a in_o their_o resolution_n can_v you_o think_v all_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v slight_o and_o by_o chance_n that_o man_n do_v not_o consider_v what_o they_o be_v about_o when_o they_o die_v for_o their_o religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o conspiracy_n of_o sot_n and_o madman_n all_o the_o world_n over_o to_o undo_v themselves_o and_o throw_v away_o their_o life_n without_o so_o much_o as_o think_v what_o they_o be_v do_v it_o be_v endless_a to_o heap_v up_o all_o the_o testimony_n that_o may_v be_v collect_v out_o of_o the_o primitive_a writer_n upon_o this_o argument_n when_o it_o be_v so_o know_v and_o confess_v a_o thing_n even_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o religion_n so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o pliny_n letter_n to_o the_o emperor_n concern_v the_o christian_n the_o multitude_n of_o person_n of_o all_o condition_n which_o he_o say_v be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o temple_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v almost_o utter_o forsake_v and_o tacitus_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o ingens_fw-la multitudo_fw-la that_o be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o nero_n in_o rome_n alone_o for_o fire_v the_o city_n which_o be_v not_o much_o above_o thirty_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n passion_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n some_o of_o who_o suffer_v in_o the_o persecution_n in_o short_a the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o observable_a among_o the_o heathen_n that_o it_o be_v vulgar_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o christian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o prevail_a doctrine_n and_o they_o the_o prevail_a sect_n several_a instance_n whereof_o be_v collect_v by_o valesius_fw-la out_o of_o damascius_n 62._o porphyry_n and_o julian_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v add_v no_o more_o testimony_n to_o prove_v a_o thing_n so_o unquestionable_a but_o shall_v only_o rescue_v one_o that_o be_v more_o ancient_a than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n from_o that_o violence_n that_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o it_o by_o some_o learned_a man_n and_o that_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o philo_n the_o jew_n for_o whereas_o in_o his_o little_a treatise_n concern_v a_o contemplative_a lise_n he_o give_v a_o large_a description_n of_o a_o certain_a sect_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v at_o that_o time_n very_o famous_a and_o numerous_a in_o the_o world_n especial_o in_o egypt_n and_o about_o alexandria_n where_o he_o chief_o reside_v but_o most_o of_o all_o in_o the_o mareotick_a prefecture_n this_o eusebius_n will_v have_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o that_o for_o this_o one_o very_o good_a reason_n because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o exact_a description_n of_o their_o way_n of_o life_n worship_n and_o discipline_n that_o if_o philo_n have_v design_v to_o have_v do_v that_o he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v it_o more_o accurate_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v scarce_o in_o all_o the_o record_n of_o antiquity_n a_o full_a account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o to_o their_o renounce_v the_o world_n for_o the_o love_n of_o heaven_n their_o part_n with_o their_o estate_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o poor_a their_o great_a temperance_n and_o chastity_n their_o meeting_n every_o seventh-day_n for_o religious_a worship_n their_o love-feast_n their_o great_a festival_n of_o easter_n and_o pentecost_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o as_o they_o agree_v in_o every_o circumstance_n to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n so_o to_o no_o other_o sect_n of_o which_o we_o find_v any_o other_o memory_n or_o mention_n in_o all_o the_o record_n of_o antiquity_n and_o that_o one_o will_v think_v be_v argument_n sufficient_a to_o conclude_v that_o philo_n description_n appertain_v to_o they_o and_o none_o else_o but_o scaliger_n according_a to_o his_o usual_a custom_n of_o quarrel_v with_o eusebius_n will_v not_o 6._o have_v it_o apply_v to_o the_o christian_n but_o to_o the_o jewish_a essenes_n of_o which_o he_o affirm_v there_o be_v two_o sort_n the_o practical_a and_o the_o speculative_a and_o that_o in_o the_o former_a book_n philo_n treat_v of_o those_o of_o these_o in_o this_o and_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o mistake_n be_v philo_n transition_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o second_o book_n viz._n that_o have_v in_o the_o former_a give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o essenes_n who_o live_v a_o practical_a life_n and_o converse_v in_o city_n he_o now_o come_v to_o treat_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o those_o that_o live_v a_o contemplative_a life_n i._n e._n say_v scaliger_n of_o those_o essenes_n but_o that_o without_o any_o ground_n from_o the_o word_n themselves_o which_o be_v only_o general_a of_o those_o man_n that_o live_v a_o contemplative_a life_n may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n be_v understand_v of_o any_o other_o sect_n as_o appropriate_v to_o the_o essenes_n but_o what_o if_o philo_n have_v call_v they_o essenes_n and_o think_v they_o so_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n they_o shall_v hà ve_v be_v so_o for_o see_v the_o essenes_n be_v account_v man_n of_o the_o strict_a life_n among_o the_o jew_n when_o philo_n see_v this_o society_n of_o christian_n then_o new_o found_v by_o saint_n mark_v in_o those_o part_n that_o so_o much_o resemble_v the_o essenes_n in_o their_o manner_n and_o discipline_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o suppose_v they_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o same_o sect_n and_o pass_v they_o under_o the_o same_o name_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o be_v a_o distinction_n mere_o of_o scaliger_n own_o frame_v to_o salve_v his_o own_o groundless_a conjecture_n for_o philo_n no_o where_o call_v they_o essenes_n which_o he_o will_v have_v do_v if_o essenes_n they_o have_v be_v of_o what_o sort_n soever_o and_o therefore_o constant_o give_v those_o in_o the_o former_a book_n the_o title_n of_o essenes_n and_o never_o give_v it_o to_o these_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o different_a sect_n from_o all_o essenes_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o the_o least_o footstep_n of_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o essenes_n in_o all_o antiquity_n and_o josephus_n though_o he_o do_v more_o than_o once_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o sect_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o these_o speculative_a essenes_n which_o so_o diligent_a a_o writer_n can_v never_o have_v omit_v if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o famous_a and_o so_o numerous_a in_o the_o world_n as_o philo_n say_v these_o therapeutae_n be_v beside_o that_o there_o be_v no_o essenes_n out_n of_o judaea_n as_o philo_z himself_z more_o than_o once_o inform_v we_o and_o express_o in_o the_o former_a book_n whereas_o this_o sect_n be_v spread_v as_o he_o affirm_v in_o this_o through_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o woman_n admit_v among_o the_o essenes_n whereas_o both_o sex_n be_v indifferent_o enter_v into_o this_o sect_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o must_v have_v be_v of_o a_o different_a constitution_n and_o for_o these_o reason_n valesius_fw-la disagree_v with_o scaliger_n for_o understand_v the_o essenes_n 34._o here_o yet_o agree_v with_o he_o for_o not_o understand_v the_o christian_n but_o upon_o argument_n so_o weak_a and_o unconcluding_a that_o he_o have_v as_o good_a go_v through_o with_o he_o in_o the_o whole_a matter_n as_o leave_v he_o half_a way_n to_o so_o little_a purpose_n as_o first_o that_o these_o therapeutae_n read_v the_o ancient_a write_n of_o the_o author_n of_o their_o sect_n which_o can_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o old_a prophet_n because_o they_o be_v express_o distinguish_v by_o philo_n from_o they_o nor_o of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n because_o himself_o live_v in_o their_o time_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o term_v their_o write_n ancient_a but_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o philo_n be_v not_o thorough_o acquaint_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o sect_n but_o have_v only_o be_v present_a sometime_o at_o their_o assembly_n and_o from_o what_o he_o have_v there_o observe_v have_v draw_v up_o this_o description_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o find_v that_o they_o have_v peculiar_a book_n to_o themselves_o and_o distinct_a from_o those_o of_o the_o old_a prophet_n he_o may_v easy_o think_v they_o more_o ancient_a than_o real_o they_o be_v especial_o when_o they_o be_v value_v by_o the_o christian_n or_o the_o man_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o as_o the_o most_o authentic_a commentary_n and_o exposition_n of_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o but_o however_o antiquity_n be_v a_o relative_a term_n and_o therefore_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n be_v the_o first_o record_n of_o the_o church_n might_n nay_o must_v be_v term_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o so_o philo_n seem_v to_o expound_v himself_o when_o he_o add_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o
unquestionable_a proof_n in_o the_o world_n §_o xx._n this_o be_v the_o first_o invincible_a impediment_n of_o christianity_n suppose_v it_o have_v be_v false_a but_o whether_o true_a or_o false_a it_o labour_v under_o many_o other_o great_a disadvantage_n that_o it_o can_v never_o have_v surmount_v but_o by_o the_o irresistible_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o the_o first_o be_v its_o contrariety_n to_o the_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n of_o that_o age_n in_o which_o it_o be_v first_o divulge_v the_o world_n be_v at_o that_o time_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o record_n that_o be_v leave_v of_o it_o extreme_o debauch_v both_o in_o its_o manner_n and_o principle_n for_o julius_n caesar_n have_v violate_v all_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n and_o overthrow_v the_o old_a government_n that_o have_v always_o keep_v up_o a_o generous_a sense_n of_o virtue_n and_o integrity_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v chief_o raise_v itself_o to_o that_o vast_a greatness_n that_o afterward_o so_o much_o expose_v it_o to_o the_o attempt_n of_o ambitious_a men._n for_o though_o that_o spirit_n begin_v to_o work_v in_o the_o time_n of_o marius_n and_o pass_v down_o through_o all_o the_o great_a man_n cinna_z silvius_n and_o pompey_n all_o of_o they_o struggle_v for_o the_o sole_a sovereignty_n of_o so_o vast_a a_o empire_n the_o design_n be_v never_o complete_o compass_v but_o by_o the_o boldness_n and_o activity_n of_o julius_n caesar._n now_o the_o success_n of_o the_o caesarean_a faction_n that_o be_v general_o atheist_n and_o epicurean_o against_o the_o patriot_n of_o the_o old_a state_n that_o be_v as_o general_o eminent_a for_o worth_n and_o honour_n virtue_n and_o integrity_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o public_a good_a make_v the_o thrive_a principle_n and_o practice_n quick_o come_v into_o fashion_n and_o reputation_n with_o the_o world_n and_o after_o the_o death_n of_o brutus_n we_o find_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o ancient_a roman_a but_o what_o he_o say_v in_o passion_n be_v serious_o and_o universal_o embrace_v as_o a_o great_a truth_n that_o virtue_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o empty_a name_n so_o that_o if_o we_o survey_v the_o roman_a history_n before_o and_o after_o the_o usurpation_n of_o caesar_n it_o do_v not_o look_v like_o the_o history_n of_o the_o same_o nation_n the_o former_a abound_v with_o the_o brave_a example_n of_o gallantry_n and_o magnanimity_n whereas_o in_o the_o latter_a we_o be_v general_o entertain_v with_o no_o other_o politic_n than_o fraud_n and_o treachery_n even_o the_o admire_a wisdom_n of_o the_o great_a augustus_n himself_o be_v no_o better_a than_o craft_n and_o dissimulation_n and_o though_o his_o successor_n tiberius_n be_v particular_o remarque_v for_o that_o vice_n it_o be_v only_o because_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o act_v his_o part_n so_o artificial_o as_o his_o predecessor_n have_v do_v who_o die_v with_o that_o particular_a comfort_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v so_o skilful_o play_v the_o comedy_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o certain_o of_o all_o prince_n upon_o record_n he_o have_v the_o most_o subtle_a faculty_n of_o appear_v high_o honest_a without_o any_o design_n of_o ever_o be_v so_o in_o short_a under_o his_o reign_n all_o the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o impiety_n be_v prevalent_a in_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n that_o then_o prescribe_a manner_n to_o the_o best_a part_n of_o the_o then_o know_a world_n neither_o be_v their_o practice_n disagree_v to_o their_o principle_n for_o as_o they_o cast_v off_o all_o restraint_n of_o virtue_n and_o modesty_n so_o they_o entire_o devote_v themselves_o to_o luxury_n and_o sensuality_n and_o study_v nothing_o else_o than_o to_o emprove_v their_o brutish_a pleasure_n to_o the_o utmost_a extravagance_n of_o enjoyment_n and_o as_o be_v the_o great_a court_n of_o rome_n so_o be_v all_o the_o other_o lesser_a court_n of_o their_o several_a prefect_n and_o governor_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o imitation_n but_o by_o the_o natural_a baseness_n of_o the_o man_n themselves_o scarce_o any_o but_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n that_o be_v epicurean_o and_o vilain_n by_o principle_n be_v prefer_v by_o j._n caesar_n to_o authority_n in_o the_o empire_n though_o thing_n grow_v much_o worse_o under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o mark_n anthony_n a_o man_n knead_v up_o of_o lust_n and_o malice_n and_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o he_o be_v not_o more_o of_o each_o be_v because_o he_o be_v all_o both_o for_o he_o will_v never_o unless_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o lust_n quit_v his_o cruelty_n nor_o ever_o unless_o to_o satisfy_v his_o cruelty_n forsake_v his_o lust_n and_o as_o himself_o be_v make_v up_o of_o all_o manner_n of_o baseness_n so_o he_o will_v advance_v none_o to_o preferment_n but_o such_o as_o have_v recommend_v themselves_o to_o his_o good_a like_n by_o their_o more_o than_o ordinary_a wickedness_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o judaea_n and_o the_o part_n about_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n more_o overrun_v with_o vice_n and_o debauchery_n than_o in_o any_o former_a age_n in_o that_o herod_n one_o of_o the_o vile_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v have_v by_o the_o patronage_n of_o mark_n anthony_n obtain_v their_o government_n and_o by_o a_o long_a reign_n over_o they_o after_o his_o patron_n be_v death_n under_o augustus_n have_v familiarise_v all_o manner_n of_o the_o most_o licentious_a wickedness_n to_o the_o people_n even_o so_o much_o that_o one_o half_a of_o the_o lead_a man_n even_o among_o the_o jew_n themselves_o that_o have_v be_v so_o famous_a through_o all_o age_n for_o their_o reverence_n to_o their_o religion_n be_v no_o better_a than_o open_a and_o avow_v atheist_n now_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o christianity_n that_o consist_v of_o precept_n of_o chastity_n and_o sobriety_n of_o truth_n and_o honesty_n of_o kindness_n and_o charity_n and_o of_o renounce_v the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n for_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o to_o make_v its_o way_n into_o such_o a_o wicked_a world_n as_o this_o man_n of_o atheistical_a principle_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o stubborn_a and_o inflexible_a they_o scorn_v all_o manner_n of_o better_a information_n and_o will_v not_o endure_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v possible_o undeceive_v they_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o overcome_v person_n so_o prejudice_v and_o so_o conceit_v unless_o we_o can_v by_o the_o mere_a evidence_n of_o thing_n force_v they_o into_o conviction_n and_o as_o for_o man_n of_o luxurious_a life_n they_o have_v neither_o mind_n nor_o leisure_n to_o attend_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v reclaim_v they_o it_o be_v pain_n to_o they_o to_o think_v of_o part_v with_o their_o pleasure_n they_o will_v labour_v to_o preserve_v they_o upon_o any_o term_n and_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v no_o information_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o fasten_v on_o they_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o sudden_o reform_v infinite_a number_n from_o all_o sort_n of_o vice_n it_o must_v have_v bring_v along_o with_o it_o a_o real_a evidence_n equal_a to_o its_o pretend_a authority_n for_o as_o it_o pretend_v to_o a_o divine_a commission_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o it_o require_v strict_a obedience_n to_o all_o its_o command_n so_o it_o must_v have_v prove_v the_o reality_n of_o its_o commission_n by_o such_o certain_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o the_o most_o refractory_a person_n to_o withstand_v its_o force_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o find_v such_o multitude_n so_o wonderful_o prevail_v upon_o to_o quit_v their_o most_o belove_a lust_n and_o vice_n we_o have_v reason_n from_o thence_o only_o to_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v more_o than_o convince_v of_o the_o undeniable_a truth_n of_o its_o pretence_n §_o xxi_o the_o next_o disadvantage_n of_o christianity_n be_v its_o bold_a and_o open_a defiance_n to_o the_o establish_a and_o inveterate_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n for_o of_o all_o prejudices_fw-la those_o of_o religion_n be_v the_o strong_a and_o the_o old_a they_o be_v the_o deep_a root_n they_o take_v and_o therefore_o when_o its_o enemy_n can_v plead_v the_o antiquity_n of_o many_o hundred_o year_n against_o it_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a task_n to_o persuade_v they_o out_o of_o such_o a_o ancient_a prescription_n it_o be_v mere_a novelty_n be_v a_o objection_n of_o no_o small_a force_n but_o when_o a_o new_a and_o upstart_a religion_n will_v not_o be_v content_a with_o its_o own_o authority_n but_o must_v disgrace_v all_o the_o settle_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o refuse_v its_o own_o settlement_n unless_o they_o may_v be_v utter_o extirpate_v this_o can_v not_o but_o seem_v too_o saucy_a a_o demand_n especial_o to_o prince_n and_o great_a man_n to_o require_v of_o they_o not_o only_o
very_a point_n of_o his_o dissolution_n as_o his_o legacy_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n communicate_v to_o several_a church_n public_o and_o vulgar_o know_v attest_v by_o saint_n policarp_n irenaeus_n clemens_n of_o alexandria_n and_o not_o long_o since_o by_o origen_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o all_o the_o copy_n of_o such_o a_o write_n as_o this_o shall_v be_v lose_v about_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n and_o that_o a_o false_a one_o shall_v immediate_o rise_v up_o in_o their_o stead_n and_o that_o eusebius_n a_o man_n so_o familiar_o acquaint_v with_o the_o choice_a library_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v embrace_v so_o late_a and_o so_o gross_a a_o forgery_n and_o put_v the_o mistake_n upon_o all_o learned_a man_n that_o follow_v after_o he_o the_o man_n that_o can_v satisfy_v himself_o with_o such_o wild_a surmise_n and_o supposition_n as_o these_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o absurd_a but_o he_o may_v easy_o swallow_v its_o belief_n nor_o so_o demonstrative_o prove_v but_o he_o may_v withstand_v its_o evidence_n now_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o epistle_n be_v vindicate_v and_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o they_o will_v never_o more_o be_v call_v in_o question_n they_o be_v a_o brave_a and_o generous_a assertion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v write_v with_o that_o mighty_a assurance_n of_o mind_n that_o show_v the_o author_n of_o they_o to_o have_v have_v a_o absolute_a certainty_n or_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o infallible_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o believe_v in_o every_o epistle_n his_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o that_o undoubted_a evidence_n that_o he_o have_v of_o our_o saviour_n death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o particular_o in_o that_o to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n he_o protest_v that_o he_o can_v no_o more_o doubt_n of_o its_o reality_n than_o of_o his_o own_o chain_n and_o again_o positive_o affirm_v that_o he_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o yet_o not_o withstand_v that_o all_o the_o ancient_a copy_n and_o all_o the_o quotation_n of_o the_o ancient_n out_o of_o he_o agree_v in_o this_o sense_n that_o he_o know_v jesus_n to_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n after_o his_o death_n because_o in_o saint_n jerom_n translation_n who_o excuse_v himself_o for_o the_o haste_n and_o carelessness_n of_o the_o work_n it_o be_v render_v that_o he_o see_v jesus_n in_o the_o flesh_n this_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o new_a church_n of_o geneva_n as_o a_o sufficient_a objection_n to_o overthrow_v the_o authority_n of_o all_o these_o epistle_n it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o he_o may_v have_v see_v jesus_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a neither_o be_v it_o his_o design_n to_o affirm_v it_o in_o this_o place_n see_v he_o prove_v its_o truth_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o eye-witness_n and_o not_o from_o his_o own_o immediate_a knowledge_n but_o when_o he_o only_o say_v that_o from_o they_o he_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a to_o put_v this_o assertion_n upon_o he_o that_o he_o see_v it_o with_o his_o own_o eye_n against_o the_o read_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a book_n from_o a_o careless_a translation_n prove_v nothing_o but_o the_o invincible_a stubbornness_n of_o prejudice_n and_o partiality_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v these_o man_n have_v be_v so_o zealous_a for_o their_o faction_n as_o not_o to_o care_v how_o in_o pursuit_n of_o it_o they_o endanger_v nay_o destroy_v their_o religion_n for_o whereas_o one_o of_o the_o great_a pillar_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_n in_o the_o age_n next_o to_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o it_o be_v hereby_o particular_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v no_o figment_n of_o a_o unknown_a time_n and_o that_o the_o record_n of_o it_o be_v of_o that_o antiquity_n that_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o because_o they_o do_v as_o positive_o assert_v the_o original_a constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o this_o faction_n of_o man_n have_v happen_v to_o renounce_v they_o have_v labour_v with_o indefatigable_a industry_n utter_o to_o overthrow_v all_o their_o authority_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n with_o that_o ill_a success_n that_o by_o their_o endeavour_n to_o shake_v our_o faith_n they_o have_v only_o make_v it_o to_o take_v the_o better_a root_n for_o by_o this_o occasion_n the_o most_o ancient_a tradition_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v be_v much_o more_o inquire_v into_o and_o better_v clear_v than_o if_o it_o have_v pass_v without_o any_o dispute_n or_o contradictition_n but_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o our_o ignatius_n what_o have_v be_v the_o bottom_n of_o all_o the_o zeal_n and_o fury_n against_o his_o epistle_n but_o his_o earnest_n press_v all_o good_a christian_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n or_o rather_o because_o he_o describe_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o primitive_a platform_n so_o accurate_o as_o to_o condemn_v their_o discipline_n of_o folly_n and_o rashness_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o prescription_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o yet_o all_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n lay_v as_o great_a a_o stress_n as_o he_o have_v do_v upon_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o their_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n as_o set_v over_o they_o by_o divine_a institution_n for_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o which_o they_o be_v then_o more_o tender_a than_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o think_v it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o way_n preserve_v than_o by_o submission_n to_o those_o guide_n and_o governor_n that_o christ_n have_v set_v over_o it_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v evident_a out_o of_o their_o write_n especial_o saint_a cyprian_n who_o as_o he_o be_v a_o person_n of_o very_a great_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n so_o be_v he_o full_a as_o peremptory_a in_o this_o point_n as_o ignatius_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o instance_n in_o the_o epistle_n of_o saint_n clement_n because_o of_o its_o great_a antiquity_n for_o if_o that_o assert_v a_o certain_a form_n of_o church_n government_n establish_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o observe_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o prevent_v and_o confute_v the_o groundless_a conjecture_n of_o a_o unknown_a time_n immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n in_o which_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o church_n devolve_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n because_o they_o have_v appoint_v no_o one_o particular_a and_o perpetual_a form_n of_o government_n and_o this_o saint_n clement_n assert_n in_o these_o positive_a word_n the_o apostle_n be_v appoint_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o we_o from_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o jesus_n christ_n from_o god_n himself_o christ_n be_v send_v by_o god_n and_o the_o apostle_n by_o he_o the_o send_v of_o both_o be_v in_o a_o orderly_a manner_n after_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o the_o apostle_n receive_v their_o command_n and_o have_v a_o full_a confidence_n through_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o a_o assurance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n go_v forth_o publish_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v erect_v they_o therefore_o preach_v the_o word_n through_o divers_a country_n and_o city_n ordain_v every_o where_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v have_v make_v proof_n and_o trial_n of_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v overfeer_n and_o deacon_n to_o minister_v unto_o they_o that_o shall_v afterward_o believe_v so_o that_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o neglect_v to_o provide_v governor_n for_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v careful_a beforehand_o to_o provide_v governor_n for_o future_a church_n and_o this_o he_o affirm_v the_o apostle_n do_v because_o they_o understand_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o strife_n and_o contention_n will_v arise_v about_o the_o title_n of_o episcopacy_n for_o this_o cause_n therefore_o have_v absolute_a knowledge_n beforehand_o thereof_o they_o ordain_v the_o forename_a officer_n and_o for_o the_o future_a give_v they_o moreover_o in_o command_n that_o whensoever_o they_o shall_v die_v other_o well_o approve_v of_o shall_v succeed_v into_o their_o office_n and_o ministry_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o saviour_n order_n observe_v and_o prescribe_v a_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n to_o be_v continue_v down_o to_o future_a age_n and_o though_o our_o author_n do_v not_o express_v the_o several_a distinct_a order_n by_o the_o common_a name_n of_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n yet_o he_o describe_v they_o as_o express_o by_o allusion_n to_o the_o jewish_a hierarchy_n under_o the_o name_n of_o highpriest_n priest_n and_o levite_n
will_v have_v all_o their_o mighty_a expectation_n fulfil_v in_o himself_o alone_o and_o yet_o disclaim_v all_o temporal_a power_n and_o teach_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v not_o a_o kingdom_n of_o this_o but_o another_o world_n so_o strange_a a_o disappointment_n as_o this_o can_v not_o but_o work_v in_o they_o a_o fierce_a and_o angry_a aversation_n both_o to_o his_o person_n and_o to_o his_o doctrine_n for_o by_o this_o very_a thing_n all_o their_o hope_n of_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o roman_a yoke_n be_v utter_o defeat_v and_o yet_o that_o be_v the_o only_a benefit_n that_o they_o expect_v from_o their_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o entertain_v he_o with_o so_o little_a kindness_n when_o by_o his_o pretence_n of_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o not_o only_o fail_v their_o expectation_n of_o himself_o but_o destroy_v all_o their_o hope_n for_o ever_o to_o all_o which_o may_v be_v add_v the_o extreme_a wickedness_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n their_o manner_n be_v universal_o debauch_v under_o the_o reign_n of_o herod_n and_o their_o chief_a man_n taint_v with_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n but_o of_o that_o i_o have_v partly_o discourse_v already_o and_o shall_v do_v so_o again_o under_o the_o next_o head_n when_o i_o come_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o sadducee_n and_o therefore_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o refer_v to_o josephus_n his_o history_n of_o that_o time_n from_o whence_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v fall_v from_o all_o sense_n of_o common_a humanity_n that_o they_o be_v more_o barbarous_a than_o cannibal_n or_o banditi_n and_o that_o no_o history_n in_o the_o world_n can_v equal_v those_o instance_n of_o cruelty_n that_o be_v commit_v by_o the_o jew_n among_o themselves_o at_o the_o siege_n of_o jerusalem_n now_o such_o degenerate_a brute_n as_o these_o who_o delight_n and_o trade_v it_o be_v to_o be_v cut_v throat_n be_v very_o likely_a to_o give_v audience_n to_o the_o merciful_a institution_n of_o jesus_n and_o leave_v off_o their_o former_a highway_n practise_v to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o §_o xxxvi_o these_o be_v the_o most_o general_a and_o obvious_a prejudices_fw-la that_o might_n bar_v up_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o the_o entertainment_n of_o christianity_n notwithstanding_o all_o that_o evidence_n that_o it_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o the_o more_o particular_a prejudices_fw-la be_v those_o that_o relate_v to_o the_o chief_a faction_n and_o lead_a sect_n among_o they_o that_o be_v the_o sadducee_n and_o the_o pharisee_n who_o beside_o the_o prejudices_fw-la common_a to_o they_o with_o all_o other_o jew_n be_v blind_v by_o some_o other_o peculiar_a to_o themselves_o and_o in_o truth_n these_o be_v the_o only_a enemy_n that_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n for_o it_o be_v they_o that_o make_v use_v of_o the_o foremention_v prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o people_n thereby_o to_o raise_v their_o rage_n and_o fury_n against_o he_o so_o that_o whatever_o opposition_n be_v make_v by_o they_o proceed_v not_o direct_o from_o themselves_o but_o be_v set_v a_o work_n and_o manage_v by_o these_o man_n instigation_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v find_v out_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o the_o opposition_n that_o be_v make_v to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o the_o jewish_a nation_n we_o must_v discover_v the_o reason_n motive_n and_o design_n upon_o which_o these_o lead_a man_n proceed_v and_o they_o will_v appear_v so_o unjust_a and_o so_o unreasonable_a as_o that_o instead_o of_o reflect_v any_o disparagement_n upon_o the_o cause_n they_o oppose_v its_o be_v oppose_v upon_o such_o account_n will_v itself_o be_v no_o small_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o first_o as_o for_o the_o sadducee_n the_o case_n be_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o rank_n and_o avow_a atheist_n for_o though_o they_o pretend_v to_o own_o some_o part_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n yet_o that_o be_v only_o to_o pass_v a_o compliment_n upon_o the_o common_a people_n that_o will_v not_o in_o former_a time_n endure_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o open_v and_o downright_a atheism_n but_o otherwise_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o talk_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o religion_n whilst_o they_o deny_v the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n without_o which_o all_o pretence_n to_o virtue_n and_o piety_n be_v mere_a contradiction_n to_o themselves_o false_a brag_v and_o empty_a talk_n and_o though_o grotius_n 23._o will_v by_o no_o mean_n suffer_v they_o to_o be_v reckon_v with_o the_o herd_n of_o epicurus_n in_o that_o they_o deny_v not_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o humane_a affair_n but_o only_o confine_v its_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o this_o present_a life_n which_o be_v the_o same_o doctrine_n with_o the_o epicurean_o in_o other_o word_n for_o they_o too_o allow_v of_o the_o present_a reward_n and_o punishment_n ordinary_o annex_v to_o virtue_n and_o vice_n as_o well_o as_o these_o so_o that_o as_o to_o that_o point_n they_o stand_v upon_o equal_a term_n but_o when_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v part_v as_o they_o often_o be_v what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v but_o that_o whatever_o become_v of_o virtue_n or_o duty_n both_o of_o they_o be_v alike_o concern_v to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o present_a welfare_n so_o that_o immortality_n be_v once_o cashier_v it_o be_v after_o that_o vanity_n and_o nonsense_n to_o talk_v of_o any_o obligation_n to_o justice_n or_o religion_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o opinion_n entertain_v by_o the_o sadducee_n but_o it_o be_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o their_o sect._n upon_o this_o alone_a they_o esteem_v themselves_o wise_a than_o all_o other_o man_n and_o this_o be_v their_o great_a point_n of_o controversy_n with_o the_o pharisee_n so_o that_o when_o our_o saviour_n so_o avowed_o side_v against_o they_o in_o it_o he_o be_v for_o that_o reason_n their_o enemy_n and_o they_o oblige_v by_o it_o to_o endeavour_v his_o ruin_n now_o at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o appearance_n they_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a faction_n in_o the_o sanhedrin_n as_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o the_o scripture_n but_o josephus_n the_o highpriest_n himself_o and_o his_o kindred_n be_v of_o that_o sect._n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o they_o be_v much_o fierce_a than_o the_o pharisee_n in_o prosecute_a the_o apostle_n for_o attest_v our_o saviour_n resurrection_n and_o be_v therefore_o more_o particular_o mention_v than_o the_o other_o act_v 4._o 1._o 5._o 17._o and_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o fierceness_n be_v because_o all_o their_o hope_n be_v in_o this_o life_n only_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v more_o careful_a to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o world_n and_o therein_o their_o own_o and_o that_o make_v they_o the_o more_o zealous_a against_o all_o innovation_n or_o alteration_n in_o religion_n for_o fear_v of_o public_a disturbance_n and_o then_o beside_o if_o jesus_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o their_o sect_n and_o they_o must_v yield_v the_o victory_n to_o the_o pharisee_n in_o the_o great_a point_n of_o controversy_n between_o they_o so_o that_o for_o the_o very_a honour_n of_o their_o sect_n they_o will_v not_o endure_v to_o hear_v of_o it_o and_o its_o very_a mention_n put_v they_o into_o choler_n and_o passion_n and_o by_o that_o alone_o do_v saint_n paul_n raise_v so_o great_a a_o dissension_n between_o the_o two_o faction_n as_o to_o endanger_v a_o public_a tumult_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n act_v 23._o 6_o 7._o now_o this_o sect_n of_o man_n be_v thus_o detain_v by_o this_o principle_n they_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o may_v overthrow_v it_o but_o their_o custom_n be_v to_o jeer_v and_o flout_v at_o it_o as_o a_o ridiculous_a story_n and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o argue_v with_o our_o saviour_n about_o it_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v design_v rather_o to_o make_v themselves_o merry_a than_o to_o enter_v into_o any_o serious_a discourse_n with_o he_o atheist_n be_v always_o proud_a and_o conceit_a people_n and_o scorn_v to_o make_v any_o enquiry_n after_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v convince_v they_o they_o confute_v all_o with_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o when_o man_n once_o think_v themselves_o secure_a of_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o tell_v they_o any_o story_n against_o it_o for_o without_o ever_o inquire_v into_o its_o truth_n or_o credibility_n they_o be_v aforehand_o undoubted_o assure_v of_o its_o forgery_n and_o this_o be_v the_o particular_a case_n of_o the_o sadducee_n their_o main_a argument_n against_o a_o future_a state_n be_v the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o
thing_n and_o after_o that_o when_o man_n report_v that_o to_o have_v be_v do_v which_o they_o know_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v what_o follow_v but_o away_o with_o they_o for_o idle_a cheat_n and_o liar_n and_o therefore_o without_o ever_o examine_v they_o they_o thrust_v they_o into_o prison_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o scorn_n and_o indignation_n act_v 5._o 17_o 18._o second_o as_o for_o the_o pharisee_n who_o be_v of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o reputation_n with_o the_o people_n they_o be_v a_o strange_a sort_n of_o ignorant_a supercilious_a and_o conceit_a fanatic_n and_o there_o be_v no_o temper_n of_o mind_n so_o fix_v and_o stubborn_a as_o religious_a pride_n and_o self-conceitedness_a it_o be_v of_o all_o illusion_n the_o most_o delightful_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o when_o they_o be_v once_o thorough_o possess_v with_o it_o it_o bar_n up_o their_o understanding_n against_o all_o argument_n it_o take_v away_o the_o use_n of_o their_o natural_a faculty_n and_o to_o go_v about_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n be_v only_o to_o provoke_v their_o rage_n and_o choler_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n between_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o pharisee_n they_o pretend_v to_o the_o strict_a piety_n and_o value_v themselves_o at_o a_o mighty_a rate_n beyond_o all_o other_o man_n for_o the_o singularity_n and_o exactness_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o yet_o this_o they_o place_v not_o in_o any_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n but_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o some_o vain_a custom_n and_o tradition_n derive_v from_o their_o forefather_n now_o this_o be_v so_o gross_a and_o so_o foolish_a a_o imposture_n our_o saviour_n set_v himself_o particular_o to_o represent_v its_o vanity_n and_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o convince_v they_o that_o they_o have_v utter_o forsake_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n for_o which_o they_o pretend_v so_o much_o reverence_n and_o that_o the_o custom_n they_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o religion_n because_o no_o where_o enjoin_v in_o his_o law_n but_o mere_a arbitrary_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v and_o this_o it_o be_v that_o raise_v their_o displeasure_n against_o he_o to_o so_o great_a a_o height_n of_o hatred_n and_o indignation_n that_o a_o person_n who_o pretend_v to_o so_o great_a a_o office_n and_o authority_n as_o that_o of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v represent_v they_o so_o contemptible_o in_o his_o public_a and_o constant_a discourse_n to_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n they_o all_o along_o set_v themselves_o to_o trapan_n he_o in_o his_o discourse_n and_o mind_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o pursue_v their_o revenge_n against_o he_o and_o never_o rest_v till_o they_o have_v wreck_v all_o their_o malice_n upon_o he_o as_o the_o mortal_a enemy_n of_o their_o sect._n now_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o person_n of_o this_o complexion_n be_v so_o strange_o blind_v against_o all_o that_o evidence_n that_o our_o saviour_n give_v of_o his_o divine_a commission_n for_o none_o so_o blind_a as_o those_o that_o will_v not_o see_v and_o none_o so_o wilful_a as_o those_o that_o be_v in_o love_n with_o themselves_o and_o no_o self-love_n so_o dote_v as_o that_o which_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o false_a conceit_n of_o sanctity_n and_o religion_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o some_o of_o the_o more_o ingenuous_a among_o they_o as_o nicodemus_n and_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n be_v overcome_v by_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o work_n and_o afterward_o even_o gamaliel_n himself_o be_v startle_v at_o they_o for_o the_o advice_n he_o give_v to_o let_v the_o apostle_n alone_o seem_v to_o have_v proceed_v mere_o from_o the_o unsettledness_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o be_v not_o then_o thorough_o satisfy_v concern_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o their_o pretence_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v his_o advice_n take_v with_o the_o sanhedrin_n not_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o man_n for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v but_o very_o foolish_a counsel_n that_o if_o this_o work_n be_v of_o man_n it_o will_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n come_v to_o nought_o for_o by_o that_o principle_n they_o must_v give_v liberty_n to_o all_o the_o impostor_n in_o the_o world_n to_o disturb_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o mankind_n but_o when_o it_o be_v doubtful_a as_o it_o then_o seem_v to_o he_o lest_o haply_o by_o punish_v 39_o the_o apostle_n they_o may_v be_v find_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o be_v not_o only_o wise_a but_o pious_a advice_n to_o stay_v for_o a_o little_o far_a trial_n of_o the_o cause_n before_o they_o undertake_v its_o utter_a extirpation_n and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a observable_a that_o though_o some_o of_o the_o pharisee_n be_v shockt_v out_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la the_o sadducee_n be_v all_o impregnable_a for_o we_o no_o where_o read_v that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v ever_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o their_o first_o principle_n suppose_v its_o truth_n utter_o impossible_a and_o then_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o inquire_v after_o it_o or_o hear_v any_o thing_n concern_v it_o but_o the_o pharisee_n not_o lie_v under_o this_o invincible_a prejudice_n be_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o other_o great_a hindrance_n in_o some_o capacity_n of_o conviction_n so_o that_o though_o we_o find_v that_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v at_o first_o the_o fierce_a enemy_n to_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n yet_o afterward_o they_o be_v outstrip_v by_o the_o sadducee_n in_o their_o zeal_n and_o fury_n against_o it_o for_o as_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o pharisee_n be_v every_o where_o note_v as_o his_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n so_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n the_o sadducee_n be_v remark_v as_o their_o most_o bitter_a and_o vehement_a prosecutor_n and_o now_o this_o i_o think_v may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a account_n of_o the_o incredulity_n of_o the_o jew_n notwithstanding_o our_o saviour_n give_v all_o that_o evidence_n of_o his_o authority_n that_o we_o pretend_v he_o do_v and_o it_o be_v obvious_a enough_o to_o any_o man_n that_o understand_v humane_a nature_n to_o apprehend_v how_o easy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o man_n not_o only_o bias_v but_o press_v down_o by_o all_o these_o prejudices_fw-la to_o avoid_v or_o neglect_v the_o force_n of_o all_o the_o argument_n and_o demonstration_n in_o the_o world_n §_o xxxvii_o and_o thus_o have_v describe_v the_o several_a unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la that_o withhold_v so_o many_o of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n from_o embrace_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o the_o ground_n that_o the_o heathen_n go_v upon_o in_o their_o opposition_n to_o it_o and_o these_o be_v as_o much_o more_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a than_o those_o of_o the_o jew_n as_o be_v their_o religion_n for_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v some_o appearance_n of_o pretence_n against_o our_o saviour_n alteration_n in_o religion_n we_o have_v already_o show_v in_o that_o it_o be_v own_a by_o himself_o to_o have_v be_v establish_v by_o divine_a authority_n but_o as_o for_o the_o war_n that_o the_o heathen_a world_n raise_v against_o it_o they_o ground_v it_o upon_o such_o false_a principle_n as_o though_o christianity_n itself_o have_v be_v false_a betray_v their_o own_o folly_n and_o absurdity_n atheism_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o all_o religion_n be_v their_o master-objection_n against_o the_o christian_n and_o the_o only_a thing_n they_o set_v up_o and_o contend_v for_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o be_v their_o own_o wretched_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n both_o which_o be_v too_o great_a demonstration_n of_o a_o invincible_a prejudice_n and_o inflexible_a partiality_n and_o they_o be_v both_o so_o very_o absurd_a that_o which_o be_v most_o so_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o determine_v for_o whatever_o the_o christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o atheism_n of_o any_o party_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o for_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o gentile_n it_o be_v so_o gross_o wicked_a and_o foolish_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o wise_a man_n to_o embrace_v it_o without_o affront_a both_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o they_o they_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o debate_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o so_o much_o as_o once_o inquire_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n but_o for_o this_o reason_n alone_o they_o repute_v all_o christian_n as_o vile_a and_o profligate_v person_n because_o they_o will_v not_o join_v
altogether_o false_a and_o frivolous_a what_o be_v that_o to_o what_o happen_v at_o rome_n so_o that_o have_v there_o be_v never_o so_o many_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o david_n at_o babylon_n there_o may_v have_v be_v no_o more_o than_o two_o find_v at_o rome_n and_o therefore_o if_o hegesippus_n have_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v onlytwo_o all_o scaliger_n story_n of_o babylon_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n but_o when_o he_o have_v affirm_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n give_v we_o a_o distinct_a account_n of_o simeon_n the_o son_n of_o cleopas_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o live_v there_o after_o the_o time_n of_o domitian_n scaliger_n can_v have_v no_o motive_n to_o make_v the_o objection_n but_o only_o to_o empty_v his_o common-place-book_n of_o two_o or_o three_o rabinical_a quotation_n but_o yet_o his_o next_o exception_n be_v much_o worse_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o person_n as_o judas_n of_o the_o kindred_n of_o our_o lord_n mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o such_o upon_o record_n it_o seem_v very_o hard_a deal_n with_o a_o ancient_a writer_n that_o live_v so_o near_o the_o time_n that_o he_o write_v of_o and_o have_v opportunity_n of_o inquire_v into_o the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o family_n when_o he_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o branch_n of_o it_o to_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n only_o because_o it_o happen_v not_o to_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n whereas_o nothing_o be_v better_a know_v than_o that_o divers_a more_o material_a passage_n relate_v to_o our_o saviour_n family_n be_v there_o omit_v their_o design_n be_v to_o describe_v his_o own_o descent_n from_o david_n and_o not_o to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o the_o several_a present_a branch_n of_o the_o family_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o scaliger_n confidence_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o man_n upon_o record_n do_v we_o find_v he_o express_o reckon_v among_o our_o saviour_n near_a kindred_n mat._n 13._o 15._o be_v not_o this_o the_o carpenter_n son_n be_v not_o his_o mother_n call_v mary_n and_o his_o brethren_n james_n and_o jose_n and_o simon_n and_o judas_n so_o blind_a be_v the_o humour_n of_o criticise_v as_o to_o overlook_v the_o most_o obvious_a passage_n rather_o than_o loose_v the_o glory_n of_o one_o new_a discovery_n this_o passage_n i_o have_v vindicate_v not_o because_o that_o itself_o be_v at_o all_o needful_a to_o my_o purpose_n but_o only_o to_o maintain_v the_o credit_n of_o hegesippus_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o story_n that_o save_v our_o labour_n of_o give_v any_o account_n of_o it_o if_o there_o be_v than_o we_o must_v take_v it_o as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o hegesippus_n according_a to_o who_o account_n it_o be_v no_o persecution_n for_o religion_n but_o only_o a_o jealousy_n of_o state_n neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o domitian_n though_o of_o all_o man_n most_o suspicious_a shall_v be_v so_o strong_o taint_v with_o it_o when_o the_o same_o conceit_n have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n be_v of_o so_o great_a force_n among_o his_o predecessor_n for_o it_o be_v very_o obvious_a from_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n that_o the_o jewish_a notion_n of_o their_o messiah_n have_v get_v deep_a foot_n in_o the_o gentile_a world_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sybilline_a oracle_n in_o that_o the_o old_a book_n of_o the_o sibyl_n that_o have_v be_v for_o many_o age_n religious_o preserve_v in_o the_o capitol_n be_v together_o with_o the_o capitol_n itself_o burn_v about_o eighty_o year_n before_o our_o saviour_n birth_n and_o to_o retreive_v their_o loss_n three_o ambassador_n be_v about_o seven_o year_n after_o when_o the_o capitol_n be_v rebuilt_a dispatch_v into_o asia_n to_o gather_v together_o what_o record_v they_o can_v there_o find_v of_o those_o prophecy_n and_o bring_v back_o with_o they_o about_o a_o thousand_o verse_n by_o who_o they_o be_v first_o compose_v i_o be_o not_o concern_v to_o inquire_v though_o it_o be_v probable_a as_o the_o learned_a isaac_n vossius_fw-la conjecture_n that_o they_o be_v collect_v by_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n as_o appear_v from_o their_o agreement_n with_o the_o holy_a write_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o great_a prediction_n of_o a_o messiah_n or_o universal_a monarch_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v so_o plain_o foretell_v by_o they_o that_o in_o a_o little_a time_n it_o alarm_v the_o senate_n itself_o to_o forbid_v the_o read_n of_o they_o and_o that_o for_o very_o good_a reason_n too_o when_o they_o find_v every_o aspire_a spirit_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n to_o apply_v they_o to_o himself_o for_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o foundation_n of_o catiline_n conspiracy_n as_o tully_n inform_v we_o concern_v leutulus_n in_o his_o three_o oration_n against_o catiline_n and_o when_o caesar_n have_v make_v himself_o master_n of_o all_o it_o be_v vulgar_o believe_v to_o have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o prophecy_n as_o the_o same_o author_n triumphant_o tell_v we_o in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o divination_n which_o be_v write_v immediate_o after_o caesar_n fall_n cum_fw-la antistitibus_fw-la agamus_fw-la &_o quidvis_fw-la potius_fw-la ex_fw-la illis_fw-la libris_fw-la quam_fw-la regem_fw-la proferant_fw-la quem_fw-la romae_fw-la posthaec_fw-la nec_fw-la dii_fw-la nec_fw-la homines_fw-la esse_fw-la patientur_fw-la the_o great_a thing_n that_o offend_v the_o zealous_a commonwealth_n man_n in_o they_o be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o great_a king_n and_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v suetonius_n or_o his_o author_n julius_n marathus_n the_o same_o year_n 94._o that_o augustus_n caesar_n be_v bear_v the_o senate_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o this_o prediction_n regem_fw-la populo_fw-la romano_n naturam_fw-la parturire_fw-la that_o nature_n be_v then_o in_o labour_n with_o a_o king_n of_o the_o roman_n decree_v nequis_fw-la illo_fw-la anno_fw-la genitus_fw-la educaretur_fw-la not_o unlike_o the_o practice_n of_o herod_n when_o he_o murder_v the_o child_n of_o bethlehem_n to_o secure_v the_o title_n of_o shiloh_n to_o himself_o which_o some_o of_o the_o atheistical_a jew_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o sadducee_n have_v flatter_o apply_v to_o he_o and_o be_v for_o that_o reason_n style_v herodian_o and_o this_o conceit_n himself_o cherish_v with_o very_o great_a care_n among_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o fulfil_n of_o jacob_n prophecy_n upon_o the_o departure_n of_o the_o sceptre_n from_o judah_n to_o himself_o thereby_o to_o conciliate_v the_o great_a reverence_n and_o authority_n to_o his_o government_n and_o this_o probable_o be_v the_o reason_n as_o very_o a_o atheist_n as_o he_o be_v of_o his_o build_n so_o magnificent_a a_o temple_n because_o the_o jew_n expect_v such_o a_o glorious_a work_n from_o their_o messiah_n now_o this_o conceit_n be_v so_o familiar_o entertain_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o that_o age_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o all_o that_o be_v in_o actual_a possession_n of_o authority_n whether_o themselves_o believe_v it_o or_o not_o be_v so_o watchful_a against_o all_o pretender_n to_o it_o but_o much_o less_o in_o such_o a_o suspicious_a prince_n as_o domitian_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o family_n of_o david_n who_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v the_o great_a master_n of_o these_o prophecy_n have_v the_o first_o title_n to_o this_o great_a prerogative_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o but_o only_o as_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o story_n they_o be_v present_v by_o some_o flatter_a and_o officious_a informer_n to_o the_o emperor_n which_o occasion_v some_o trouble_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o the_o follower_n of_o jesus_n but_o when_o the_o jealous_a emperor_n come_v to_o inquire_v into_o their_o claim_n he_o be_v so_o satisfy_v of_o the_o innocence_n of_o the_o man_n that_o he_o immediate_o dismiss_v the_o indictment_n as_o frivolous_a and_o revoke_v all_o edict_n against_o the_o christian_n as_o partisan_n in_o the_o same_o cause_n this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o all_o his_o proceed_n against_o they_o though_o if_o he_o have_v proceed_v upon_o other_o reason_n all_o his_o reason_n can_v be_v nothing_o but_o reason_n of_o state_n and_o all_o his_o execution_n nothing_o but_o act_n of_o savageness_n and_o cruelty_n but_o whatever_o they_o be_v there_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o his_o enter_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o his_o brutal_a tyranny_n can_v be_v no_o objection_n nay_o if_o he_o do_v all_o that_o can_v be_v infer_v be_v that_o christianity_n be_v not_o please_v to_o one_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o prince_n and_o that_o be_v the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o his_o persecution_n and_o there_o we_o leave_v it_o that_o as_o nero_n be_v the_o first_o so_o domitian_n be_v the_o second_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n and_o conclude_v with_o tertullian_n consulite_fw-la commentarios_fw-la vestros_fw-la
crescens_n the_o cynic_n philosopher_n a_o man_n proud_a and_o ignorant_a and_o according_a to_o the_o humour_n of_o his_o sect_n ill-natured_a and_o implacable_a and_o as_o tatian_n who_o be_v very_o intimate_o acquaint_v with_o he_o and_o his_o manner_n describe_v he_o give_v up_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n now_o it_o happen_v that_o justin_n in_o public_a dispute_n have_v expose_v the_o extreme_a childishness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o this_o vainglorious_a pedant_n who_o to_o be_v revenge_v of_o he_o accuse_v he_o before_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o city_n who_o after_o he_o have_v in_o vain_a take_v some_o pain_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o renounce_v his_o saviour_n and_o to_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o god_n pronounce_v this_o sentence_n against_o he_o and_o six_o more_o they_o who_o refuse_v to_o do_v sacrifice_n to_o the_o god_n and_o to_o obey_v the_o imperial_a edict_n let_v they_o be_v first_o scourge_v and_o then_o behead_v according_a to_o the_o law_n the_o persecution_n at_o lion_n begin_v at_o the_o rabble_n as_o it_o be_v plain_o describe_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o that_o church_n to_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n in_o the_o first_o place_n say_v they_o they_o encounter_v with_o admirable_a courage_n and_o patience_n all_o the_o outrage_n and_o indignity_n of_o the_o promiscuous_a rabble_n as_o tumultuous_a outcry_n scourge_n dragging_n spoil_v ston_a and_o fetter_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o the_o heady_a and_o savage_a multitude_n be_v wont_a to_o practice_v against_o their_o most_o hate_a enemy_n and_o by_o they_o be_v they_o hale_v before_o the_o governor_n be_v tribunal_n and_o by_o he_o deliver_v back_o to_o their_o fury_n which_o they_o execute_v upon_o they_o with_o all_o the_o art_n and_o circumstance_n of_o fanatic_a zeal_n and_o barbarous_a cruelty_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o usual_a method_n to_o sacrifice_v the_o christian_n to_o the_o outrage_n of_o the_o superstitious_a rabble_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n any_o prince_n engage_v himself_o in_o the_o opposition_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v because_o that_o oppose_v the_o pagan_a religion_n but_o that_o be_v such_o a_o exorbitant_a contradiction_n to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o all_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o man_n can_v be_v in_o love_n with_o it_o after_o any_o fair_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n about_o it_o so_o that_o what_o such_o man_n act_v against_o christianity_n proceed_v not_o from_o any_o rational_a and_o sober_a counsel_n but_o mere_o from_o vulgar_a custom_n and_o prejudice_n and_o therefore_o if_o m._n aurelius_n or_o any_o other_o emperor_n that_o aught_o to_o have_v have_v more_o wit_n and_o temper_n than_o the_o common_a people_n show_v any_o zeal_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n their_o judgement_n be_v as_o little_a to_o be_v regard_v in_o this_o case_n as_o that_o of_o the_o multitude_n because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v act_v mere_o by_o superstitious_a zeal_n and_o folly_n if_o indeed_o they_o have_v oppose_v christianity_n original_o upon_o its_o own_o account_n the_o reason_n of_o it_o may_v have_v deserve_v some_o consideration_n but_o when_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o their_o displeasure_n against_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o their_o love_n of_o paganism_n the_o mere_a absurdity_n of_o that_o cause_n be_v too_o great_a a_o exception_n against_o their_o understanding_n in_o this_o controversy_n thus_o suppose_v that_o m._n aurelius_n himself_o be_v as_o forward_o as_o the_o people_n in_o his_o zeal_n against_o christianity_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o be_v as_o wise_a too_o for_o whatever_o he_o be_v beside_o he_o be_v a_o great_a superstitionist_n and_o to_o a_o degree_n of_o stupidity_n zealous_a for_o the_o pagan_a folly_n out_o of_o that_o vain_a affectation_n that_o have_v possess_v he_o to_o be_v account_v the_o second_o numa_n of_o rome_n which_o one_o conceit_n transport_v he_o to_o a_o more_o than_o childish_a zeal_n for_o the_o old_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o case_n of_o decius_n and_o dioclesian_n in_o set_v on_o foot_n the_o eight_o and_o ten_o persecution_n to_o which_o they_o be_v hurry_v by_o a_o vehement_a and_o unlearned_a zeal_n for_o the_o pagan_a religion_n this_o in_o short_a be_v the_o true_a account_n that_o i_o can_v find_v of_o all_o the_o persecution_n by_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o christianity_n be_v not_o so_o much_o oppose_v by_o its_o great_a enemy_n for_o any_o thing_n they_o have_v to_o object_v against_o itself_o as_o because_o it_o so_o shameful_o expose_v the_o bruitishness_n of_o their_o idolatry_n and_o yet_o as_o absurd_a as_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o heathen_a god_n be_v the_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o their_o emperor_n be_v much_o worse_o for_o though_o their_o god_n be_v nothing_o better_a than_o dead_a man_n yet_o have_v live_v in_o age_n remote_a and_o almost_o unknown_a and_o thereby_o gain_v the_o advantageous_a reverence_n of_o antiquity_n the_o common_a people_n be_v not_o aware_a of_o their_o original_a but_o find_v they_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o their_o divinity_n they_o give_v they_o the_o worship_n due_a to_o that_o title_n but_o to_o give_v divine_a and_o religious_a worship_n to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o death_n and_o who_o vice_n be_v so_o fresh_a in_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n be_v such_o a_o unmanly_a piece_n of_o flattery_n as_o any_o man_n that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o generosity_n ought_v not_o to_o submit_v to_o but_o every_o man_n that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o god_n or_o religion_n ought_v to_o defy_v and_o yet_o so_o infinite_o be_v those_o man_n besot_v with_o pride_n and_o insolence_n that_o they_o all_o have_v their_o temple_n and_o priest_n dedicate_v to_o their_o own_o divinity_n except_v only_a tiberius_n who_o be_v a_o great_a dissembler_n himself_o choose_v to_o refuse_v so_o gross_a a_o flattery_n and_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o permit_v his_o statue_n to_o be_v place_v among_o the_o image_n of_o the_o god_n but_o only_o among_o the_o ornament_n of_o private_a house_n but_o as_o for_o all_o the_o rest_n they_o either_o take_v to_o themselves_o all_o the_o title_n and_o dignity_n of_o divinity_n or_o have_v they_o confer_v on_o they_o by_o their_o successor_n and_o when_o they_o be_v once_o advance_v among_o the_o god_n all_o man_n be_v require_v under_o pain_n of_o death_n to_o pay_v they_o divine_a honour_n nay_o as_o tertullian_n too_o true_o upbraid_v they_o they_o be_v more_o religious_a towards_o their_o emperor_n than_o their_o supreme_a deity_n majore_fw-la formidine_fw-la &_o callidiore_fw-la timiditate_fw-la caesarem_fw-la observatis_fw-la quam_fw-la ipsum_fw-la de_fw-la olympo_fw-la jupiter_fw-la and_o all_o this_o though_o it_o be_v scarce_o a_o great_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n than_o a_o affront_n to_o mankind_n yet_o so_o base_a and_o degenerate_a be_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n at_o that_o time_n that_o they_o refuse_v not_o to_o submit_v to_o so_o dishonourable_a a_o flattery_n only_o the_o christian_n out_o of_o that_o serious_a regard_n they_o have_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o creator_n unanimous_o scorn_v it_o with_o open_a and_o public_a defiance_n and_o for_o their_o generous_a freedom_n herein_o they_o be_v as_o familiar_o proceed_v against_o as_o for_o the_o contempt_n of_o their_o go_n but_o now_o if_o this_o be_v another_o ground_n of_o the_o heathen_n act_v against_o the_o christian_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o reasonable_a pretence_n that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a shame_n of_o humane_a nature_n so_o that_o set_v aside_o all_o that_o evidence_n that_o be_v to_o be_v produce_v in_o behalf_n of_o christianity_n the_o opposition_n make_v to_o it_o upon_o this_o or_o any_o of_o the_o forementioned_a account_n can_v reflect_v the_o least_o shadow_n of_o disadvantage_n upon_o the_o truth_n or_o the_o goodness_n of_o its_o cause_n §_o xli_o these_o be_v the_o real_a article_n of_o accusation_n in_o their_o charge_n against_o the_o christian_n but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o frivolous_a as_o their_o forge_a and_o counterfeit_a pretence_n be_v malicious_a for_o the_o heathen_a priest_n think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o inflame_v the_o rage_n of_o the_o people_n with_o fanatic_a zeal_n unless_o they_o feed_v their_o malice_n as_o all_o impostor_n do_v with_o lie_n and_o calumny_n but_o when_o man_n be_v once_o reduce_v to_o this_o low_a and_o dirty_a artifice_n in_o defence_n of_o any_o cause_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n they_o be_v draw_v down_o to_o the_o very_a dregs_o of_o malice_n for_o it_o be_v only_o for_o want_v of_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o make_v use_n of_o slander_n which_o the_o natural_a ingenuity_n of_o mankind_n will_v scorn_v if_o they_o can_v support_v themselves_o and_o their_o party_n without_o
doctrine_n but_o how_o much_o great_a violence_n do_v these_o man_n offer_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o conscience_n that_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n and_o yet_o despisé_fw-fr the_fw-fr obligation_n of_o his_o law_n this_o be_v more_o palpable_a blasphemy_n and_o the_o man_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o be_v so_o much_o worse_a than_o a_o profess_a infidel_n as_o judas_n be_v worse_o than_o a_o common_a pharisee_fw-mi he_o in_o some_o measure_n believe_v his_o master_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o yet_o betray_v he_o and_o so_o be_v every_o vicious_a christian_a guilty_a of_o the_o same_o traitorous_a wickedness_n he_o believe_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o behave_v himself_o towards_o he_o as_o if_o he_o real_o believe_v he_o a_o cheat_n and_o a_o impostor_n this_o man_n sin_v know_o against_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o his_o conscience_n and_o every_o act_n of_o disobedience_n be_v not_o only_o a_o affront_n to_o his_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o pharisee_n but_o to_o his_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v in_o judas_n what_o a_o strange_a contradiction_n be_v a_o vicious_a christian_a both_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o profession_n it_o be_v so_o great_a that_o to_o i_o i_o must_v confess_v it_o be_v a_o unconceivable_a instance_n of_o sottishness_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v in_o good_a earnest_n believe_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n shall_v after_o such_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n engage_v itself_o for_o the_o contrivance_n and_o procurement_n of_o man_n felicity_n and_o that_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o shall_v come_v into_o this_o low_a world_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o shall_v suffer_v all_o the_o agony_n of_o a_o ignominious_a death_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o when_o he_o have_v recover_v we_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o happiness_n and_o put_v we_o into_o a_o condition_n of_o peaceable_a intercourse_n with_o his_o father_n he_o shall_v prescribe_v to_o we_o some_o law_n of_o life_n to_o keep_v and_o continue_v we_o in_o that_o state_n into_o which_o he_o have_v redeem_v we_o and_o that_o to_o secure_a all_o he_o have_v enforce_v they_o by_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n of_o obedience_n and_o establish_v their_o obligation_n upon_o no_o less_o sanction_n than_o the_o certain_a assurance_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v i_o say_v to_o i_o it_o be_v a_o unconceivable_a brutishness_n that_o any_o person_n who_o serious_o believe_v these_o thing_n shall_v act_v so_o gross_o against_o his_o own_o interest_n against_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o against_o the_o strong_a inducement_n both_o of_o his_o hope_n and_o fear_n as_o to_o live_v in_o a_o dare_a and_o habitual_a disobedience_n to_o any_o of_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n what_o a_o intolerable_a aggravation_n must_v it_o be_v of_o their_o wickedness_n whilst_o it_o be_v commit_v against_o all_o the_o endearment_n of_o love_n and_o goodness_n and_o all_o the_o inducement_n of_o interest_n and_o ingenuity_n i._n e._n against_o all_o the_o obligation_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o lay_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n discourse_v very_o apposite_o heb._n 2._o 3_o 4._o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o be_v publish_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v witness_n to_o they_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o lay_v the_o emphasis_n that_o aggravate_v the_o neglect_n of_o their_o salvation_n that_o god_n have_v send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o preach_v and_o to_o procure_v it_o that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o it_o by_o the_o undoubted_a testimony_n of_o eye-witness_n and_o that_o he_o have_v far_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n by_o the_o wonderful_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o undeniable_a power_n of_o miracle_n after_o all_o these_o motive_n and_o all_o this_o assurance_n if_o any_o man_n can_v be_v so_o wretched_a as_o to_o neglect_v so_o easy_a condition_n of_o so_o great_a salvation_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v escape_v the_o just_a reward_n of_o his_o desperate_a and_o incurable_a stupidity_n for_o what_o shall_v prevail_v upon_o such_o mind_n as_o be_v proof_n against_o such_o motive_n and_o yet_o as_o strange_a as_o this_o appear_v what_o do_v we_o find_v more_o vulgar_a when_o a_o wicked_a believer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v think_v a_o monster_n in_o our_o age_n that_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o great_a prodigy_n in_o it_o than_o a_o entire_a true_a christian._n the_o true_a spirit_n of_o our_o religion_n seem_v to_o be_v flee_v to_o heaven_n with_o its_o primitive_a professor_n and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o real_a christianity_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n i._n e._n a_o serious_a and_o habitual_a conformity_n to_o all_o its_o law_n and_o whatever_o man_n may_v do_v or_o pretend_v without_o this_o it_o may_v be_v humour_n or_o faction_n or_o any_o thing_n but_o religion_n no_o design_n how_o great_a soever_o less_o than_o this_o be_v worthy_a our_o saviour_n embasly_a and_o when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v send_v on_o a_o errand_n into_o the_o world_n it_o can_v not_o be_v of_o any_o less_o concernment_n than_o its_o reformation_n the_o last_o scope_n of_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v only_o to_o oblige_v all_o mankind_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o the_o man_n that_o will_v not_o be_v so_o defeat_v all_o the_o love_n and_o wisdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o send_v the_o holy_a jesus_n into_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o let_v i_o challenge_v my_o reader_n as_o he_o will_v not_o frustrate_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n as_o he_o will_v not_o baffle_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o innocence_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o as_o he_o will_v not_o hereafter_o with_o that_o his_o saviour_n have_v never_o be_v bear_v nor_o himself_o neither_o that_o he_o will_v be_v careful_a for_o his_o own_o part_n to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o his_o incarnation_n and_o let_v he_o see_v by_o the_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v to_o some_o purpose_n and_o that_o he_o die_v not_o in_o vain_a nay_o let_v i_o challenge_v all_o christendom_n not_o to_o give_v he_o occasion_n to_o complain_v have_v i_o desert_v heaven_n and_o all_o its_o glory_n and_o expose_v myself_o to_o all_o the_o shame_n and_o misery_n upon_o earth_n have_v i_o wrestle_v with_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n have_v i_o live_v and_o die_v in_o disgrace_n and_o suffer_v all_o sort_n of_o affront_n and_o ill_a usage_n to_o restore_v the_o practice_n and_o reputation_n of_o virtue_n to_o this_o low_a world_n and_o be_v this_o all_o the_o issue_n of_o the_o travel_n of_o my_o soul_n that_o i_o have_v only_o found_v a_o new_a faction_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n by_o any_o thing_n else_o than_o that_o they_o signalise_v themselves_o by_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n be_v this_o all_o the_o purchase_n of_o my_o blood_n to_o be_v only_o follow_v by_o a_o few_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a proselyte_n i_o have_v as_o good_a have_v suffer_v the_o world_n to_o continue_v in_o its_o degenerate_a state_n of_o heathenism_n as_o do_v and_o suffer_v all_o that_o i_o have_v do_v only_o to_o give_v a_o new_a name_n to_o those_o part_n of_o it_o call_v christendom_n without_o reform_v their_o old_a manner_n i_o neither_o design_n nor_o accept_v any_o other_o separation_n of_o my_o church_n from_o other_o part_n of_o mankind_n than_o what_o be_v make_v by_o the_o virtue_n the_o innocence_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o life_n without_o this_o all_o their_o pretend_a faith_n in_o and_o zeal_n for_o my_o institution_n be_v to_o i_o no_o better_a than_o scandal_n and_o impudent_a hypocrisy_n and_o serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n than_o to_o aggravate_v their_o impiety_n and_o increase_v their_o punishment_n and_o in_o truth_n what_o can_v more_o provoke_v our_o saviour_n displeasure_n than_o christian_a wickedness_n this_o bring_v disgrace_n and_o dishonour_n upon_o his_o religion_n and_o prostitute_n it_o to_o the_o scorn_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n it_o break_v through_o all_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o duty_n and_o strong_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n