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so_o very_o ignorant_a as_o to_o agree_v with_o he_o in_o those_o opinion_n or_o practice_n which_o be_v evident_o and_o great_o liable_a to_o censure_v as_o for_o his_o notion_n that_o the_o devil_n may_v be_v recover_v i_o must_v confess_v it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v both_o a_o false_a and_o dangerous_a position_n false_a because_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n for_o it_o that_o i_o can_v see_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o dangerous_a because_o it_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o encourage_v person_n to_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n in_o hope_n that_o even_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n will_v be_v at_o last_o extinguish_v and_o be_v but_o a_o second_o purgatory_n we_o know_v that_o no_o less_o a_o person_n than_o the_o late_o most_o reverend_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n have_v public_o appear_v in_o its_o defence_n and_o have_v offer_v such_o plausible_a argument_n that_o perhaps_o it_o may_v seem_v difficult_a
ii_o than_o celsus_n go_v on_o and_o assert_n that_o judaisme_n with_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v a_o very_a close_a connection_n have_v all_o along_o be_v a_o barbarous_a sect_n though_o he_o prudent_o forbear_v to_o reproach_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v of_o a_o mean_a and_o unpolished_a original_a since_o he_o have_v commend_v the_o barbarian_n as_o be_v the_o inventor_n of_o several_a excellent_a and_o very_a important_a maxim_n and_o he_o add_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v indeed_o invent_v by_o the_o barbarian_n have_v be_v improve_v and_o more_o accommodate_v to_o moral_a virtue_n by_o the_o greek_n now_o i_o think_v i_o may_v just_o take_v this_o advantage_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o the_o very_a concession_n which_o celsus_n make_v to_o observe_v that_o one_o who_o leave_v the_o opinion_n and_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n dont_fw-fr 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expect_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o power_n in_o as_o much_o as_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n some_o remarkable_a footstep_n of_o which_o do_v remain_v at_o this_o very_a day_n among_o those_o who_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n under_o the_o guidance_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o live_v up_o to_o its_o holy_a precept_n chap._n iii_o than_o celsus_n have_v speak_v of_o the_o private_a meeting_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o which_o they_o exercise_v themselves_o and_o instruct_v one_o another_o in_o their_o particular_a way_n and_o have_v confess_v that_o one_o very_o politic_a reason_n may_v be_v assign_v for_o what_o they_o do_v viz._n the_o prevent_v of_o that_o severe_a penalty_n to_o which_o their_o practice_n render_v they_o extreme_o liable_a compare_v the_o danger_n that_o threaten_v they_o with_o the_o difficulty_n and_o calamity_n to_o which_o socrates_n and_o pythagoras_n and_o other_o heathen_a philosopher_n expose_v themselves_o by_o maintain_v the_o reputation_n and_o promote_a the_o interest_n of_o that_o comparatively-vain_a philosophy_n of_o which_o they_o be_v the_o admire_v and_o truly-learned_n professor_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o athenian_n soon_o repent_v of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v to_o socrates_n nor_o do_v they_o long_o retain_v their_o spite_n against_o pythagoras_n for_o the_o pythagorean_n have_v school_n for_o a_o considerable_a time_n in_o that_o part_n of_o italy_n which_o go_v by_o the_o name_n of_o greece_n the_o great_a but_o the_o whole_a roman_a senate_n the_o emperor_n during_o the_o several_a persecution_n the_o soldier_n the_o common_a people_n and_o even_o they_o who_o be_v near_o relate_v to_o the_o christian_n wage_v open_a war_n as_o it_o be_v against_o the_o religion_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n introduce_v and_o will_v easy_o and_o quite_o have_v stop_v its_o happy_a progress_n if_o a_o divine_a and_o miraculous_a power_n have_v not_o seasonable_o interpose_v and_o make_v it_o overcome_v the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n who_o exert_v all_o their_o malice_n and_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n towards_o its_o sudden_a and_o entire_a extirpation_n chap._n iu._n now_o let_v we_o see_v how_o celsus_n reproach_n the_o practic_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v in_o common_a with_o the_o heathen_n nothing_o that_o be_v new_a or_o truly-great_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o they_o who_o bring_v down_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o head_n by_o their_o notorious_a crime_n will_v never_o suffer_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o divine_a and_o inflexible_a justice_n if_o all_o mankind_n have_v not_o some_o tolerable_a notion_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil._n therefore_o we_o needned_a wonder_n that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o common_a father_n of_o his_o creature_n shall_v plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n those_o natural_a principle_n which_o the_o prophet_n and_o especial_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v so_o frequent_o impress_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o so_o every_o one_o may_v be_v leave_v without_o excuse_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n have_v have_v the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o law_n engrave_v upon_o his_o heart_n in_o very_o legible_a character_n this_o be_v obscure_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o the_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o god_n write_v the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law_n as_o it_o be_v with_o his_o finger_n and_o his_o give_v they_o to_o moses_n and_o acquaint_v we_o that_o they_o be_v afterward_o break_v by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o they_o who_o make_v the_o golden_a calf_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v break_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o that_o when_o the_o law_n be_v write_v the_o second_o time_n on_o table_n of_o stone_n he_o deliver_v they_o to_o moses_n to_o signify_v that_o the_o law_n which_o be_v deface_v by_o the_o original_a apostasy_n shall_v be_v re_fw-mi impress_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n chap._n v._n than_o celsus_n speak_v of_o idolatry_n do_v himself_o advance_v a_o argument_n that_o tend_v to_o justify_v and_o commend_v our_o practice_n when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o christian_n can_v think_v those_o to_o be_v god_n which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n and_o very_o often_o of_o such_o as_o be_v wicked_a and_o unjust_a and_o wallow_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o debauchery_n therefore_o endeavour_v to_o show_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n that_o our_o notion_n of_o image-worship_n be_v not_o a_o discovery_n that_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o we_o have_v it_o in_o common_a with_o the_o heathen_n he_o quote_v a_o passage_n in_o heraclitus_n to_o this_o effect_n that_o they_o who_o pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o inanimate_a creature_n do_v just_a as_o if_o they_o shall_v address_v and_o invocate_v the_o wall_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o since_o i_o have_v already_o grant_v that_o some_o common_a notion_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a be_v original_o implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n we_o needned_a wonder_n that_o heraclitus_n and_o other_o whether_o greek_n or_o barbarian_n have_v public_o acknowledge_v to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o hold_v the_o very_a same_o notion_n which_o we_o maintain_v and_o celsus_n quote_v a_o passage_n in_o herodotus_n to_o show_v that_o the_o same_o notion_n which_o heraclitus_n hold_v do_v obtain_v among_o the_o persian_n and_o i_o can_v quote_v a_o passage_n in_o zeno_n citiensis_fw-la who_o in_o his_o book_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v that_o the_o building_n of_o stately_a temple_n be_v altogether_o needless_a and_o indeed_o ridiculous_a since_o no_o piece_n of_o humane_a architecture_n how_o pompous_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v be_v true_o sacred_a and_o valuaable_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o this_o practical_a notion_n be_v engrave_v in_o divine_a and_o legible_a character_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n chap._n vi_o than_o celsus_n say_v that_o all_o the_o power_n which_o the_o christian_n have_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o name_n of_o certain_a daemon_n and_o their_o invocation_n of_o they_o though_o i_o can_v well_o conceive_v what_o shall_v induce_v or_o even_o tempt_v he_o to_o talk_v at_o so_o extravagant_a a_o rate_n i_o suppose_v he_o obscure_o hint_n at_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o some_o who_o cast_v out_o devil_n but_o this_o be_v a_o most_o notorious_a calumny_n for_o the_o power_n which_o the_o christian_n have_v be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o owe_v to_o enchantment_n but_o to_o their_o pronounce_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o make_v mention_n of_o some_o remarkable_a occurrence_n of_o his_o life_n for_o by_o these_o and_o no_o unlawful_a mean_n have_v daemon_n be_v
return_v he_o a_o proper_a and_o sufficient_a answer_n i_o have_v resolve_v to_o examine_v every_o material_a article_n though_o i_o can_v observe_v so_o strict_a a_o method_n as_o i_o will_v but_o be_o force_v so_o far_o to_o comply_v even_o with_o the_o folly_n of_o my_o adversary_n as_o to_o trace_v he_o through_o the_o labyrinth_n of_o his_o confuse_a discourse_n let_v we_o see_v then_o what_o he_o have_v to_o offer_v against_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n chap._n xxxvii_o the_o jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v direct_v his_o discourse_n to_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n you_o pretend_v say_v he_o that_o a_o bird_n appear_v to_o you_o at_o your_o baptism_n but_o can_v you_o produce_v any_o credible_a person_n that_o be_v present_a to_o see_v it_o or_o hear_v the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n by_o which_o you_o say_v you_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n beside_o yourself_o and_o if_o we_o may_v take_v your_o word_n another_o person_n of_o the_o same_o pityful_a class_n but_o before_o i_o return_v he_o a_o direct_a and_o full_a answer_n i_o must_v beg_v leave_v to_o make_v one_o remark_n that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o in_o some_o case_n impossible_a to_o give_v evident_a and_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o undoubted_a matter_n of_o fact_n suppose_v any_o one_o shall_v say_v there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o scene_n of_o action_n as_o the_o trojan_a war_n ground_v his_o bold_a affirmation_n on_o the_o seem_a impossibility_n of_o some_o of_o the_o material_a circumstance_n which_o attend_v it_o and_o not_o conceive_v how_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la such_o a_o person_n as_o achilles_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o the_o son_n of_o peleus_n and_o thetis_n the_o goddess_n of_o the_o sea_n or_o sarpedon_n the_o son_n of_o jupiter_n or_o ascalaphus_n and_o jalmenus_n the_o son_n of_o mars_n or_o aeneas_n the_o son_n of_o venus_n how_o can_v we_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o gross_a mistake_n when_o so_o many_o fable_n be_v interweave_v with_o the_o body_n of_o the_o history_n be_v so_o ready_o and_o so_o universal_o believe_v or_o suppose_v any_o person_n shall_v call_v into_o question_n the_o story_n of_o oedipus_n and_o jocasta_n and_o eteocles_n and_o polynices_n their_o son_n by_o reason_n of_o what_o be_v confident_o relate_v concern_v the_o sphinx_n a_o certain_a monster_n that_o be_v half_o a_o virgin_n how_o can_v we_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o whole_a account_n be_v true_a i_o may_v say_v the_o same_o concern_v the_o second_o theban_a war_n which_o be_v continue_v by_o the_o posterity_n of_o they_o who_o have_v lose_v their_o life_n in_o the_o first_o though_o that_o be_v more_o free_a from_o the_o appearance_n of_o fiction_n than_o the_o former_a story_n and_o concern_v the_o return_n of_o the_o heraclidae_fw-la to_o peloponnesus_n and_o i_o may_v instance_n in_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o greek_n but_o he_o who_o read_v they_o without_o a_o tincture_n of_o prejudice_n and_o with_o a_o sincere_a desire_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v deceive_v will_v judge_v how_o far_o he_o be_v require_v to_o yield_v his_o ready_a and_o firm_a assent_n what_o passage_n he_o must_v take_v in_o a_o allegorical_a sense_n and_o what_o he_o must_v reject_v as_o be_v write_v in_o favour_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n and_o will_v endeavour_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a and_o full_a mean_v of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o original_a author_n of_o these_o story_n which_o the_o greek_n who_o be_v a_o learned_a nation_n do_v so_o general_o believe_v i_o will_v lay_v down_o this_o praeliminary_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o entire_a and_o amaze_a history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n as_o it_o be_v impartial_o relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o i_o do_v mention_v this_o as_o if_o i_o will_v have_v the_o more_o intelligent_a and_o learned_a sort_n of_o people_n to_o take_v thing_n on_o trust_n but_o to_o show_v that_o the_o reader_n have_v great_a need_n of_o candour_n join_v with_o a_o severe_a application_n and_o must_v penetrate_v if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v into_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o the_o author_n if_o he_o will_v take_v their_o write_n in_o their_o true_a sense_n and_o utmost_a latitude_n i_o answer_v then_o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o if_o the_o person_n who_o reject_v the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v appear_v to_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n be_v a_o follower_n of_o epicurus_n democritus_n or_o aristotle_n there_o will_v be_v some_o plausible_a ground_n for_o his_o incredulity_n because_o then_o i_o confess_v he_o will_v observe_v his_o character_n chap._n xxxviii_o but_o celsus_n with_o all_o his_o wisdom_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v quite_o forget_v that_o all_o this_o while_n he_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o jew_n who_o we_o must_v suppose_v to_o yield_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o many_o passage_n in_o the_o prophet_n that_o will_v soon_o be_v liable_a to_o shock_v our_o reason_n than_o any_o thing_n relate_v in_o the_o history_n of_o which_o i_o be_o now_o discourse_v for_o one_o may_v ask_v this_o pretend_a jew_n who_o wo'n_v believe_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n appear_v to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n pray_v sir_n how_o will_v you_o be_v ever_o capable_a of_o give_v evident_a and_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o god_n speak_v to_o adam_n eve_n cain_n noah_n abraham_n isaac_n or_o jacob_n as_o your_o scripture_n do_v plain_o assert_v he_o do_v and_o to_o set_v history_n against_o history_n i_o will_v address_v this_o jew_n after_o the_o follow_a manner_n dear_a sir_n you_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o ezekiel_n who_o be_v one_o of_o your_o own_o celebrate_a prophet_n have_v these_o very_a word_n the_o heaven_n be_v open_v and_o i_o see_v vision_n of_o ezek._n i._n v._o 1._o god_n and_o he_o add_v this_o be_v the_o appearance_n ezek._n i._n v._o 28_o of_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o say_v to_o i_o now_o if_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v relate_v of_o our_o saviour_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v false_a because_o as_o you_o think_v they_o have_v not_o sufficient_a extrinsic_a evidence_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o world_n since_o you_o affirm_v they_o be_v see_v and_o hear_v by_o no_o person_n but_o himself_o and_o another_o of_o the_o same_o pityful_a class_n have_v we_o not_o more_o reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o ezekiel_n impose_v upon_o we_o when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o heaven_n be_v open_a to_o his_o view_n and_o though_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n say_v i_o see_v the_o lord_n sit_v upon_o a_o throne_n high_a and_o lift_v up_o above_o it_o stand_v isa_n vi_fw-la v._o 1._o the_o seraphim_n each_o one_o have_v six_o wing_n pray_v sir_n what_o rational_a assurance_n have_v you_o that_o he_o real_o see_v this_o entertain_v and_o amaze_a sight_n you_o believe_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o neither_o can_v be_v deceive_v nor_o will_v deceive_v we_o and_o be_v persuade_v not_o only_o that_o the_o prophet_n see_v they_o but_o also_o that_o he_o be_v divinely-inspired_a when_o he_o commit_v these_o thing_n to_o write_v but_o i_o ask_v which_o of_o these_o three_o be_v it_o most_o fit_a we_o shall_v believe_v ezekiel_n isaiah_n or_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o two_o former_a do_v nothing_o that_o deserve_v to_o be_v compare_v or_o even_o mention_v with_o what_o the_o latter_a have_v do_v who_o power_n be_v not_o only_o most_o glorious_o display_v when_o he_o appear_v and_o dwell_v on_o earth_n but_o shine_v with_o a_o happy_a and_o remarkable_a lustre_n at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n in_o the_o conversion_n and_o exemplary_a reformation_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o god_n through_o he_o and_o that_o all_o those_o wonderful_a effect_n which_o we_o frequent_o see_v be_v owe_v to_o his_o infinite_a power_n i_o infer_v from_o hence_o that_o as_o he_o say_v and_o as_o constant_a experience_n may_v convince_v we_o the_o sincere_a labourer_n be_v few_o in_o a_o mat._n ix_o v._o 37._o comparative_a sense_n and_o yet_o the_o harvest_n of_o soul_n be_v great_a that_o be_v vast_a number_n ibid._n five_o 38_o be_v every_o where_o almost_o continual_o bring_v into_o god_n threshing-floor_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v i_o mean_v the_o visible_a church_n this_o i_o say_v to_o a_o jew_n not_o as_o if_o i_o have_v the_o least_o design_n to_o derogate_v from_o the_o honour_n which_o i_o be_o sensible_a be_v due_a to_o ezekiel_n and_o isaiah_n for_o that_o will_v be_v very_o inconsistent_a with_o
as_o be_v derive_v from_o no_o other_o than_o a_o divine_a original_a and_o since_o it_o be_v a_o pretend_a jew_n who_o call_v in_o question_n the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n one_o may_v well_o demand_v who_o be_v it_o that_o say_v thus_o in_o isaiah_n prophecy_n now_o the_o lord_n god_n isa_n xlviii_o v._n 16._o have_v send_v i_o and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o word_n be_v ambiguous_a and_o may_v either_o signify_v that_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n send_v our_o bless_a saviour_n or_o that_o the_o son_n and_o spirit_n be_v both_o send_v by_o the_o father_n the_o latter_a of_o which_o two_o interpretation_n seem_v to_o i_o i_o confess_v to_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a and_o because_o our_o saviour_n be_v send_v first_o and_o then_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o the_o prophecy_n may_v be_v fulfil_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o which_o be_v reserve_v for_o future_a age_n for_o that_o reason_n among_o other_o i_o judge_v it_o be_v that_o thing_n be_v relate_v as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o evangelist_n chap._n xl._n and_o since_o celsus_n jew_n do_v in_o some_o sort_n acknowledge_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n i_o will_v produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o famous_a author_n who_o live_v quick_o after_o i_o mean_v josephus_n who_o in_o the_o 18_o book_n of_o his_o jewish_a antiquity_n say_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v invest_v with_o authority_n to_o baptize_v and_o promise_a remission_n of_o sin_n to_o they_o that_o come_v to_o his_o baptism_n the_o same_o author_n though_o he_o do_v believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o when_o he_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o take_v of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n do_v ascribe_v this_o grievous_a and_o surprise_v calamity_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v to_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n yet_o be_v foree_v to_o make_v some_o slender_a approach_n to_o truth_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o remarkable_a judgement_n which_o god_n send_v upon_o the_o jewish_a nation_n for_o kill_v james_n the_o just_a who_o be_v brother_n to_o jesus_n who_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v without_o doubt_n a_o very_a virtuous_a and_o pious_a man._n this_o james_n be_v the_o same_o person_n st._n paul_n that_o sincere_a follower_n and_o eminent_a apostle_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o go_v to_o visit_v because_o he_o be_v the_o brother_n of_o christ_n which_o title_n be_v proper_a for_o he_o not_o so_o much_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a sense_n of_o the_o same_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o admirable_a and_o manifest_a agreement_n both_o of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o their_o moral_n if_o then_o the_o forementioned_a author_n say_v that_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o barbarous_a death_n of_o james_n the_o just_a how_o much_o more_o reason_n be_v there_o to_o believe_v it_o be_v real_o and_o principal_o owe_v to_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o divinity_n be_v so_o frequent_o attest_v by_o so_o many_o large_a and_o unite_a body_n of_o man_n that_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n as_o have_v leave_v their_o vicious_a practice_n devote_v themselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o their_o great_a creator_n and_o liberal_a benefactor_n and_o in_o all_o their_o action_n have_v a_o most_o serious_a regard_n to_o his_o honour_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n and_o though_o the_o pretend_a jew_n shall_v make_v no_o apology_n for_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n and_o isaiah_n since_o we_o meet_v with_o passage_n in_o their_o write_n and_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v no_o less_o strange_a i_o be_o sure_a than_o those_o which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v our_o bless_a saviour_n viz._n that_o the_o heaven_n be_v open_v and_o that_o he_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o thence_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o all_o who_o believe_v a_o overrule_a providence_n acknowledge_v there_o have_v be_v preternatural_a vision_n and_o such_o wherein_o future_a event_n relate_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n have_v be_v more_o clear_o or_o more_o obscure_o represent_v to_o the_o warm_a imagination_n i_o say_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o assertor_n of_o providence_n acknowledge_v that_o such_o vision_n have_v be_v see_v by_o person_n in_o their_o sleep_n and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o conceive_v upon_o this_o hypothesis_n that_o the_o same_o impression_n may_v be_v make_v on_o the_o imagination_n when_o a_o person_n be_v awake_a whether_o they_o be_v design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o private_a benefit_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n or_o to_o promote_v the_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_n and_o as_o in_o our_o sleep_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o strike_v upon_o our_o sense_n of_o sight_n or_o hear_v yet_o we_o strong_o imagine_v that_o we_o see_v such_o object_n and_o hear_v such_o articulate_a sound_n when_o it_o be_v our_o rational_a faculty_n that_o be_v all_o this_o while_n at_o work_n and_o undergo_v these_o various_a and_o strange_a sensation_n so_o there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n in_o suppose_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v happen_v to_o the_o prophet_n when_o we_o read_v that_o the_o heaven_n be_v open_a to_o they_o that_o they_o see_v strange_a sight_n and_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o for_o my_o part_n i_o do_v suppose_v that_o the_o visible_a heaven_n be_v open_v and_o in_o a_o literal_a sense_n be_v cleaved_a asunder_o to_o give_v the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n a_o occasion_n for_o write_v as_o he_o do_v and_o i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v that_o they_o who_o read_v the_o gospel_n with_o any_o measure_n of_o judgement_n will_v understand_v our_o saviour_n vision_n in_o the_o gross_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n though_o i_o be_o not_o a_o little_a sensible_a that_o the_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o at_o every_o turn_v and_o to_o support_v a_o idle_a whimsy_n of_o their_o own_o will_v allow_v the_o frame_n of_o universal_a nature_n to_o be_v shake_v from_o off_o its_o hinge_n and_o imagine_v that_o so_o vast_a and_o compact_v a_o body_n as_o that_o of_o the_o heaven_n be_v rend_v in_o two_o will_v be_v offend_v with_o any_o discourse_n in_o divinity_n that_o do_v in_o the_o least_o interfere_v with_o the_o literal_a and_o most_o obvious_a sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o one_o who_o dive_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o thing_n will_v find_v that_o according_a to_o the_o account_n we_o have_v in_o holy_a writ_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a divine_a knowledge_n which_o none_o but_o a_o few_o happy_a person_n have_v as_o solomon_n say_v thou_o shall_v find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n prou._n two_o v_o 5._o and_o that_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o it_o be_v such_o as_o follow_v viz._n a_o sight_n adapt_v to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o object_n that_o be_v beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o unassisted_a nature_n such_o as_o cherubim_n and_o seraphim_n a_o hear_v suit_v to_o the_o perception_n of_o sound_n vast_o different_a from_o those_o which_o be_v form_v in_o the_o air_n a_o taste_n that_o can_v relish_v the_o live_a bread_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n a_o smell_n that_o can_v distinguish_v that_o heavenly_a perfume_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v we_o be_v unto_o god_n a_o sweet_a savour_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o touch_n of_o which_o 2_o cor._n two_o v._o 15._o st._n john_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o i_o john_n i_o v._n i._n life_n the_o bless_a prophet_n therefore_o be_v partaker_n of_o these_o divine_a sensation_n and_o see_v hear_v taste_v and_o smell_v in_o a_o way_n that_o be_v perfect_o supernatural_a we_o must_v understand_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o which_o we_o must_v take_v that_o place_n in_o ezekiel_n where_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v eat_v the_o book_n that_o be_v deliver_v he_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o isaac_n smell_v the_o sweet_a savour_n of_o the_o divine_a garment_n of_o his_o son_n and_o pronounce_v this_o blessing_n upon_o he_o see_v the_o smell_n of_o my_o son_n be_v as_o the_o smell_n of_o a_o field_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n our_o saviour_n touch_v the_o leper_n which_o i_o think_v must_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o spiritual_a rather_o than_o a_o corporeal_a touch_n that_o he_o may_v not_o only_o cleanse_v he_o as_o some_o think_v from_o his_o bodily_a distemper_n but_o chief_o that_o he_o may_v
the_o same_o kind_n with_o what_o be_v perform_v by_o a_o power_n that_o be_v truly-supernatural_a and_o divine_a and_o if_o such_o wonderful_a thing_n even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o celsus_n be_v do_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o infernal_a spirit_n may_v we_o not_o rational_o suppose_v that_o thing_n that_o be_v much_o more_o unaccountable_a may_v be_v easy_o do_v by_o the_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o the_o everblessed_n god_n shall_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a be_v find_v among_o man_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v truly-good_a be_v banish_v from_o the_o world_n i_o think_v there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o general_n and_o most_o excellent_a maxim_n that_o wherever_o there_o be_v any_o real_a evil_n under_o the_o disguise_n of_o some_o real_a good_a the_o opposite_a good_a must_v at_o least_o be_v equal_a to_o it_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o degree_n and_o thus_o we_o may_v strong_o argue_v from_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n to_o such_o as_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o special_a assistance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o we_o must_v either_o deny_v that_o any_o good_a or_o evil_a be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n or_o on_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o latter_a must_v allow_v the_o former_a and_o perhaps_o if_o we_o grant_v the_o former_a we_o must_v affirm_v the_o latter_a or_o at_o least_o on_o the_o supposition_n of_o any_o real_a evil_n must_v allow_v a_o equal_a proportion_n of_o that_o real_a good_a to_o which_o the_o real_a evil_n be_v direct_o opposite_a he_o that_o will_v assert_v the_o one_o without_o grant_v the_o other_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o talk_v at_o the_o same_o mad_a rate_n with_o one_o who_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o sophism_n or_o false_a show_n of_o reason_n shall_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o true_a logic_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v wide_o different_a from_o they_o so_o that_o i_o say_v if_o we_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o magic_n which_o have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o wicked_a daemon_n as_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o lend_v their_o ready_a and_o joint_a assistance_n to_o those_o who_o profess_v that_o art_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o almighty_a god_n be_v oblige_v in_o some_o sense_n to_o exert_v his_o power_n in_o perform_v such_o miracle_n as_o carry_v with_o they_o a_o convince_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o be_v design_v to_o attest_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o take_v it_o that_o we_o have_v to_o do_v under_o this_o important_a head_n be_v to_o examine_v into_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v they_o have_v a_o power_n to_o produce_v supernatural_a effect_n and_o to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o wonderful_a operation_n they_o perform_v do_v any_o way_n tend_v to_o the_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a advantage_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o we_o must_v careful_o distinguish_v between_o magician_n who_o hold_v a_o correspondence_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o those_o happy_a person_n who_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o divine_a impression_n they_o experience_v both_o on_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n who_o consult_v the_o true_a and_o best_a interest_n of_o mankind_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v man_n proselyte_n to_o the_o most_o excellent_a religion_n that_o be_v ever_o reveal_v by_o a_o god_n now_o if_o a_o enquiry_n of_o this_o kind_a be_v necessary_a to_o distinguish_v true_a miracle_n from_o those_o which_o be_v false_a to_o prevent_v we_o from_o make_v miracle_n where_o there_o be_v real_o none_o and_o engage_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o when_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n may_v very_o plain_o be_v discover_v than_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o moses_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v owe_v to_o a_o extraordinary_a appearance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n since_o they_o be_v solemn_a seal_n by_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a religion_n be_v confirm_v each_o of_o which_o we_o know_v be_v embrace_v by_o a_o considerable_a body_n of_o very_a wife_n and_o virtuous_a men._n beside_o how_o can_v moses_n law_n which_o forbid_v the_o jew_n to_o worship_n image_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o raise_v their_o mind_n above_o all_o create_a being_n and_o fix_v they_o on_o the_o eternal_a god_n the_o great_a creator_n and_o sovereign_a disposer_n of_o the_o universe_n i_o say_v how_o can_v such_o a_o law_n derive_v its_o original_a from_o the_o horrid_a practice_n of_o magician_n and_o since_o it_o be_v a_o jew_n that_o celsus_n personate_v i_o will_v humble_o desire_v he_o to_o resolve_v the_o follow_a question_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o you_o who_o firm_o believe_v that_o the_o miracle_n which_o moses_n wrought_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o endeavour_v to_o defend_v they_o against_o those_o who_o say_v that_o the_o wife_n man_n of_o egypt_n do_v strange_a thing_n by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n can_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n perform_v his_o miracle_n by_o a_o immediate_a assistance_n from_o above_o but_o be_v so_o strange_o fond_a of_o imitate_v the_o egyptian_n who_o you_o know_v to_o be_v your_o swear_a and_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n for_o if_o we_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o judge_v of_o miracle_n by_o the_o event_n and_o argue_v in_o favour_n of_o your_o justly-celebrated_n moses_n from_o his_o be_v raise_v up_o by_o almighty_a god_n to_o be_v the_o honourable_a founder_n of_o the_o jewish_a polity_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o may_v say_v far_o more_o in_o commendation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n since_o the_o imperfect_a moses_n i_v worthy_a to_o be_v name_v with_o the_o holy_a and_o spotless_a jesus_n for_o as_o for_o moses_n it_o be_v obvious_a to_o remark_n that_o he_o find_v ready_a to_o his_o hand_n such_o person_n among_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n as_o live_v in_o a_o religious_a observance_n of_o circumcision_n that_o initiate_a rite_n and_o many_o approve_a custom_n which_o be_v hand_v down_o by_o tradition_n from_o father_n to_o son_n and_o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n dispose_v to_o receive_v his_o useful_a instruction_n and_o practice_v his_o wholesome_a precept_n when_o it_o be_v he_o under_o god_n who_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n and_o the_o law_n he_o give_v they_o have_v the_o stamp_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n as_o you_o yourself_o acknowledge_v but_o our_o saviour_n make_v in_o some_o sense_n a_o much_o great_a attempt_n introduce_v a_o religion_n that_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n new_a and_o cause_v it_o to_o gain_v ground_n continual_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o root_v prejudices_fw-la of_o a_o different_a education_n and_o if_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o moses_n shall_v convince_v not_o only_o the_o sanhedrim_n but_o also_o the_o common_a people_n among_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o confirm_v it_o with_o those_o miracle_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o there_o be_v at_o least_o equal_a reason_n why_o our_o bless_a saviour_n shall_v take_v the_o same_o method_n to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o mission_n since_o the_o people_n do_v natural_o eager_o and_o very_o just_o expect_v sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o such_o extraordinary_a case_n nay_o it_o be_v evident_o necessary_a he_o shall_v work_v far_o great_a miracle_n than_o moses_n to_o wean_v the_o bigoted_a jew_n from_o their_o humane_a tradition_n and_o prove_v by_o dint_n of_o argument_n and_o plain_a appeal_n to_o sense_n and_o common_a observation_n he_o be_v a_o person_n who_o be_v truly-divine_a and_o in_o a_o far_o more_o noble_a sense_n than_o any_o of_o their_o ancient_n and_o just_o celebrate_v prophet_n and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v 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judgement_n in_o my_o comment_n on_o the_o forego_n epistle_n now_o we_o needned_a wonder_n that_o our_o saviour_n after_o his_o resurrection_n wa'_v see_v by_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o since_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n as_o person_n of_o mean_a attainment_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n i_o determine_v 1_o cor._n 4._o v._o 4._o to_o know_v nothing_o among_o you_o save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v and_o say_v in_o another_o place_n hitherto_o you_o 1_o cor._n 3._o v._o 2._o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v it_o neither_o yet_o now_o be_v you_o able_a for_o you_o be_v yet_o carnal_a i_o confess_v the_o scripture_n in_o which_o the_o character_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n be_v so_o legible_a do_v acquaint_v we_o that_o our_o saviour_n before_o his_o death_n expose_v himself_o to_o public_a view_n though_o even_o here_o some_o exception_n must_v be_v make_v but_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v no_o long_o promiscuous_o see_v by_o all_o but_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o heaven_n consult_v the_o capacity_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o appear_v as_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o god_n appear_v to_o abraham_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n though_o there_o be_v considerable_a interval_n and_o we_o know_v very_o well_o that_o he_o didn't_fw-mi appear_v to_o all_o so_o we_o may_v rational_o suppose_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n when_o he_o make_v his_o appearance_n to_o person_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a take_v a_o prudent_a method_n not_o unlike_o that_o which_o god_n have_v before_o observe_v in_o make_v discovery_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n so_o that_o i_o have_v return_v a_o answer_n according_a to_o my_o weak_a ability_n and_o as_o far_o as_o i_o think_v consistent_a with_o the_o design_n of_o the_o present_a treatise_n to_o the_o objection_n which_o celsus_n make_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n if_o christ_n say_v he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o exert_v his_o divine_a power_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v appear_v to_o his_o enemy_n to_o the_o judge_n who_o pass_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n who_o as_o it_o be_v take_v up_o arm_n against_o he_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o he_o act_v wise_o in_o not_o appear_v to_o his_o enemy_n or_o the_o judge_n who_o condemn_v he_o for_o he_o happy_o prevent_v they_o from_o be_v strike_v blind_a like_o the_o sodomite_n of_o old_a who_o lie_v in_o wait_n for_o the_o angel_n who_o as_o the_o scripture_n acquaint_v we_o be_v kind_o entertain_v by_o lot_n gen._n 19_o 9_o 10._o the_o man_n it_o be_v say_v put_v forth_o their_o hand_n and_o pull_v lot_n into_o the_o house_n to_o they_o and_o shut_v the_o door_n and_o they_o sinote_v the_o man_n that_o be_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o house_n with_o blindness_n both_o small_a and_o great_a so_o that_o they_o weary_v themselves_o to_o find_v the_o door_n the_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v to_o show_v his_o divine_a power_n in_o a_o way_n suit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n and_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o he_o refuse_v to_o appear_v so_o public_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o before_z be_v this_o because_o he_o be_v then_o too_o bright_a a_o object_n to_o be_v behold_v by_o common_a eye_n therefore_o celsus_n as_o if_o he_o have_v wrack_v his_o brain_n to_o the_o utmost_a can_v hardly_o have_v think_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v less_o argument_n in_o it_o than_o the_o follow_a word_n what!_o be_v he_o afraid_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n again_o when_o if_o we_o may_v give_v any_o heed_n to_o you_o he_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o god_n beside_o i_o suppose_v you_o will_v hardly_o say_v that_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n on_o purpose_n to_o abscond_v but_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v see_v by_o few_o comparitive_o and_o many_o of_o those_o who_o see_v he_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n stranger_n to_o the_o bright_a ray_n of_o his_o divinity_n nay_o he_o be_v altogether_o unknown_a to_o many_o in_o as_o much_o as_o he_o come_v to_o discover_v his_o glory_n to_o those_o who_o be_v child_n of_o the_o light_n and_o so_o be_v free_v from_o that_o worse_a than_o egyptian_a darkness_n which_o natural_o draw_v a_o veil_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n and_o he_o come_v with_o this_o generous_a design_n to_o display_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o those_o who_o be_v unrighteous_a and_o lay_v wallow_v in_o their_o filth_n and_o gore_n and_o to_o act_v the_o part_n of_o the_o best_a physician_n that_o the_o world_n can_v ever_o boast_v of_o in_o cure_v those_o who_o mind_n be_v attend_v with_o innumerable_a and_o great_a disorder_n chap._n xxxiii_o let_v we_o see_v what_o celsus_n add_v have_v he_o have_v a_o mind_n say_v he_o to_o have_v give_v a_o proof_n of_o his_o pretend_a divinity_n one_o will_v think_v he_o shall_v have_v vanish_v the_o very_a moment_n he_o be_v nail_v to_o the_o cross_n but_o this_o be_v just_a for_o all_o the_o world_n like_o the_o idle_a and_o profane_a talk_n of_o those_o who_o deny_v a_o overruling_a providence_n and_o be_v erect_v new_a scheme_n in_o their_o warm_a and_o fruitful_a imagination_n for_o the_o more_o regular_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v the_o horrid_a impudence_n to_o say_v that_o have_v the_o affair_n of_o it_o be_v leave_v entire_o to_o their_o prudent_a management_n the_o benefit_n of_o the_o universe_n have_v be_v more_o effectual_o consult_v than_o now_o it_o be_v though_o many_o thing_n in_o their_o hypothesis_n be_v