celebrate_a author_n which_o you_o have_v reckon_v up_o have_v any_o tolerable_a effect_n especial_o on_o the_o common_a people_n since_z according_a to_o your_o own_o confession_n they_o be_v design_v for_o they_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_a allegory_n whereas_o moses_n act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o skilful_a and_o divine_a orator_n who_o make_v use_v of_o expression_n that_o admit_v of_o different_a sense_n neither_o give_v the_o laity_n among_o the_o jew_n a_o handle_n for_o the_o least_o irregularity_n in_o their_o moral_n nor_o want_v matter_n for_o the_o sublime_a speculation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v more_o judicious_a learned_a and_o inquisitive_a and_o i_o do_v see_v i_o confess_v that_o the_o work_n of_o your_o poet_n with_o all_o their_o wisdom_n be_v preserve_v what_o service_n soever_o they_o may_v do_v the_o public_a but_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n have_v prevail_v with_o they_o who_o opinion_n and_o custom_n be_v vast_o different_a from_o those_o which_o obtain_v among_o the_o jewish_a nation_n to_o believe_v that_o according_a to_o the_o account_n he_o give_v the_o law_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o be_v give_v he_o by_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o the_o glorious_a creator_n of_o the_o spacious_a universe_n for_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o dictares_fw-la of_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o since_o it_o be_v his_o will_n to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v carry_v along_o with_o they_o that_o force_n and_o efficacy_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o so_o ready_o and_o so_o universal_o to_o obtain_v this_o i_o say_v not_o examine_v at_o present_a what_o have_v a_o immediate_a relation_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o content_v myself_o with_o what_o relate_v to_o moses_n who_o though_o he_o come_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o holy_a and_o unspotted_a jesus_n do_v vast_o excel_v your_o most_o celebrate_a hero_n whether_o poet_n historian_n or_o philosopher_n chap._n xvii_o than_o celsus_n be_v desirous_a and_o even_o eager_a to_o cast_v a_o oblique_a reflection_n upon_o the_o account_n which_o moses_n give_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o who_o it_o want_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o the_o duration_n of_o ten_o thousand_o year_n discover_v himself_o though_o he_o do_v what_o he_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o conceal_v or_o dissemble_v his_o opinion_n to_o be_v one_o of_o they_o who_o hold_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o material_a world_n any_o judicious_a person_n may_v just_o and_o easy_o infer_v this_o from_o that_o passage_n of_o he_o there_o have_v be_v say_v he_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n many_o conflagration_n and_o inundation_n the_o last_o of_o which_o be_v deucalion_n be_v flood_n and_o that_o be_v of_o no_o early_a date_n let_v he_o therefore_o especial_o since_o he_o blame_v the_o christian_n for_o not_o build_v their_o faith_n on_o rational_a and_o solid_a ground_n acquaint_v i_o what_o demonstrative_a argument_n do_v of_o necessity_n induce_v he_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o have_v be_v several_a conflagration_n and_o inundation_n and_o that_o deucalion_n be_v be_v the_o late_a flood_n and_o phaeton_n conflagration_n the_o late_a that_o have_v ever_o happen_v and_o if_o he_o refer_v i_o to_o plato_n dialogue_n concern_v those_o matter_n i_o shall_v return_v he_o the_o follow_a answer_n that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o virtuous_a and_o refine_a soul_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v raise_v above_o all_o sensible_a object_n and_o all_o create_a being_n and_o have_v its_o entire_a and_o firm_a dependence_n upon_o god_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o enable_v he_o to_o set_v divine_a truth_n in_o a_o much_o clear_a light_n than_o plato_n or_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a sage_n whether_o greek_n or_o barbarian_n but_o perhaps_o he_o may_v demand_v of_o we_o what_o rational_a ground_n we_o have_v for_o such_o a_o belief_n as_o this_o if_o so_o let_v he_o first_o give_v we_o his_o reason_n for_o the_o opinion_n which_o he_o hold_v and_o advance_v even_o without_o the_o shadow_n of_o a_o demonstration_n and_o then_o i_o will_v undertake_v that_o he_o shall_v soon_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o our_o faith_n in_o this_o affair_n be_v build_v though_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o sore_o against_o his_o will_n he_o confess_v the_o world_n be_v of_o a_o modern_a date_n and_o not_o of_o the_o duration_n of_o ten_o thousand_o year_n when_o he_o say_v that_o these_o remarkable_a event_n be_v esteem_v ancient_a by_o the_o greek_n because_o the_o conflagration_n and_o inundation_n have_v be_v mean_n to_o bury_v in_o oblivion_n many_o considerable_a event_n of_o much_o great_a antiquity_n but_o let_v he_o if_o he_o please_v support_v his_o fabulous_a account_n of_o conflagration_n and_o inundation_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o egyptian_a doctor_n who_o in_o his_o opinion_n be_v the_o wise_a man_n that_o be_v ever_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n some_o footstep_n of_o who_o profound_a wisdom_n may_v be_v see_v in_o their_o pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o the_o brutus_n beast_n themselves_o and_o in_o those_o very_a argument_n which_o they_o bring_v to_o justify_v and_o recommend_v the_o symbolical_a rite_n that_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n the_o egyptian_n forsooth_o who_o endeavour_v to_o give_v some_o colour_n of_o reason_n for_o their_o mystical_a ceremony_n by_o their_o theological_a speculation_n must_v pass_v for_o man_n of_o most_o admirable_a wisdom_n but_o one_o who_o in_o observance_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n refer_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o bless_a god_n of_o who_o and_o through_o who_o and_o to_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n be_v more_o ignorant_a if_o we_o may_v give_v any_o heed_n to_o celsus_n and_o man_n of_o his_o unhappy_a principle_n than_o they_o who_o do_v it_o only_o dishonour_v the_o deity_n by_o pay_v divine_a adoration_n to_o creature_n endue_v with_o reason_n but_o even_o by_o pay_v it_o to_o those_o which_o be_v inanimate_a under_o a_o pretence_n of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o imaginary_a transmigration_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o they_o make_v to_o descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o pass_v into_o the_o bruit_n even_o into_o those_o of_o they_o which_o be_v of_o the_o most_o savage_a and_o cruel_a disposition_n and_o it_o seem_v the_o egyptian_n who_o hide_v their_o religion_n under_o the_o sacred_a veil_n of_o significant_a but_o obscure_a figure_n do_v challenge_n from_o we_o the_o profound_a reverence_n but_o moses_n forsooth_o who_o have_v write_v a_o faithful_a and_o useful_a history_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o leave_v they_o wholesome_a law_n for_o the_o regulation_n of_o their_o conduct_n both_o in_o a_o private_a and_o public_a capacity_n have_v only_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o celsus_n and_o the_o epicurean_o amuse_v they_o with_o empty_a and_o ridiculous_a fable_n that_o will_v not_o admit_v even_o of_o a_o allegorical_a interpretation_n chap._n xviii_o than_o he_o say_v that_o moses_n have_v borrow_a his_o opinion_n from_o this_o wise_a and_o eloquent_a people_n mean_v the_o egyptian_n get_v himself_o a_o prodigious_a and_o unaccountable_a name_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o if_o moses_n borrow_a some_o notion_n from_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o live_v in_o egypt_n before_o he_o and_o introduce_v they_o with_o some_o little_a difference_n or_o great_a improvement_n among_o his_o countryman_n the_o jew_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n he_o deserve_v to_o be_v blame_v severe_o if_o he_o have_v advance_v such_o notion_n as_o bear_v neither_o the_o character_n of_o truth_n nor_o wisdom_n but_o if_o he_o have_v embrace_v and_o teach_v those_o opinion_n which_o according_a to_o celsus_n own_o confession_n be_v both_o true_a and_o wise_a i_o can_v conceive_v that_o he_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n whereby_o he_o may_v just_o incur_v his_o censure_n i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o epicurus_n and_o aristotle_n who_o do_v not_o so_o direct_o and_o so_o gross_o deny_v a_o overrule_a providence_n as_o the_o other_o do_v i_o say_v i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o they_o and_o the_o stoic_n who_o hold_v that_o god_n be_v corporeal_a have_v be_v instruct_v in_o that_o heavenly_a doctrine_n that_o be_v deliver_v by_o moses_n that_o the_o world_n may_v not_o so_o much_o abound_v as_o it_o do_v with_o author_n that_o absolute_o deny_v a_o providence_n or_o confine_v it_o within_o very_o narrow_a bound_n or_o introduce_v a_o corporeal_a and_o corruptible_a principle_n insomuch_o that_o the_o stoic_n hold_v god_n himself_o to_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o matter_n and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o undergo_v the_o various_a change_n to_o which_o body_n be_v subject_a or_o that_o if_o he_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o be_v incorruptible_a it_o be_v
curse_a hand_n in_o the_o bloody_a death_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n celsus_n therefore_o may_v every_o jot_n as_o well_o have_v grant_v that_o our_o saviour_n know_v what_o accident_n will_v befall_v he_o and_o yet_o have_v talk_v with_o the_o high_a contempt_n of_o his_o divine_a prescience_n as_o grant_v that_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o work_v such_o miracle_n as_o he_o wrought_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n affirm_v that_o he_o be_v a_o notorious_a and_o vile_a impostor_n and_o he_o may_v with_o all_o his_o learning_n have_v show_v that_o the_o augur_n and_o auspex_n foretell_v future_a event_n by_o the_o fly_a of_o bird_n and_o by_o the_o entrail_n of_o beast_n but_o he_o be_v loath_a it_o seem_v to_o make_v this_o concession_n whereas_o he_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n acknowledge_v that_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v many_o miracle_n and_o yet_o assert_n he_o do_v they_o by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n phlegon_n be_v much_o more_o ingenuous_a who_o in_o the_o 13_o and_o 14_o book_n of_o his_o chronicon_fw-la acknowledge_v that_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v future_a event_n and_o say_v they_o exact_o answer_v his_o prediction_n though_o i_o observe_v that_o he_o seem_v sometime_o to_o confound_v our_o bless_a lord_n with_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o spite_n of_o prejudice_n he_o draw_v this_o natural_a conclusion_n that_o since_o the_o founder_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o many_o of_o his_o follower_n be_v able_a to_o foretell_v many_o future_a and_o remarkable_a event_n at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n of_o time_n which_o exact_o answer_v their_o prediction_n we_o must_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v act_v by_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a power_n then_o celsus_n say_v that_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n not_o be_v able_a to_o conceal_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v expose_v to_o public_a view_n think_v that_o the_o best_a game_n they_o have_v to_o play_v be_v to_o give_v out_o that_o their_o master_n foresee_v a_o long_a time_n before_o all_o the_o accident_n that_o do_v afterward_o befall_v he_o but_o either_o he_o didn't_fw-mi know_v or_o at_o least_o seem_v to_o be_v ignorant_a that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n use_v the_o follow_a word_n to_o his_o disciple_n all_o you_o shall_v be_v offend_v because_o of_o i_o this_o night_n which_o mat._n 26._o v._o 31._o we_o know_v happen_v according_o and_o be_v no_o false_a prophet_n when_o he_o say_v to_o peter_n before_o the_o cock_n crow_v thou_o shall_v deny_v i_o thrice_o ibid._n v._o 34._o now_o if_o they_o have_v be_v man_n of_o undoubted_a integrity_n but_o have_v design_v to_o impose_v on_o our_o credulity_n by_o false_a narration_n they_o will_v certain_o have_v discover_v so_o much_o of_o worldly_a policy_n as_o to_o have_v say_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o peter_n deny_v his_o bless_a lord_n who_o cause_n he_o have_v so_o resolute_o promise_v to_o maintain_v and_o never_o to_o have_v mention_v the_o offence_n which_o even_o some_o of_o the_o disciple_n take_v at_o the_o mean_a condition_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n condescend_v and_o think_v fit_a to_o appear_v and_o if_o these_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o represent_v the_o follower_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n to_o a_o great_a disadvantage_n be_v not_o relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n how_o can_v celsus_n or_o any_o other_o person_n have_v take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o cast_v a_o reproach_n on_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n but_o they_o be_v not_o unwilling_a that_o late_a posterity_n shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o failing_n since_o they_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o this_o wou'dned_a in_o the_o least_o hinder_v the_o happy_a progress_n of_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n or_o give_v the_o reader_n any_o just_a occasion_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o like_a irregular_a practice_n what_o celsus_n add_v be_v ridiculous_a to_o the_o last_o degree_n the_o disciple_n get_v this_o publish_v say_v he_o to_o secure_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o master_n and_o it_o be_v as_o if_o to_o prove_v that_o a_o man_n be_v just_a i_o shall_v instance_n in_o several_a act_n of_o injustice_n that_o he_o have_v do_v or_o to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v free_a from_o passion_n i_o shall_v show_v that_o he_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o murder_n or_o to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v immortal_a shall_v expose_v his_o dead_a body_n to_o view_n and_o after_o all_o put_z people_z off_o with_o this_o frivolous_a pretence_n that_o he_o foresee_v whatsoever_o shall_v befall_v he_o but_o here_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o he_o gross_o misapply_v the_o instance_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o produce_v for_o there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n at_o all_o in_o suppose_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n shall_v propose_v himself_o to_o we_o as_o a_o bright_a example_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o yet_o teach_v we_o to_o sacrifice_v our_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o religion_n we_o embrace_v consider_v also_o that_o the_o death_n which_o he_o suffer_v be_v of_o general_n and_o universal_a advantage_n as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v already_o and_o though_o celsus_n do_v fond_o imagine_v that_o it_o make_v very_o much_o for_o the_o cause_n which_o he_o espouse_n that_o we_o do_v deny_v that_o our_o saviour_n suffer_v in_o the_o most_o notorious_a and_o shameful_a manner_n yet_o this_o be_v for_o want_n of_o know_v the_o sacred_a mystery_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o passion_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n as_o st._n paul_n observe_v and_o the_o several_a prediction_n which_o be_v leave_v upon_o record_n by_o the_o inspire_a prophet_n concern_v this_o difficult_a and_o important_a affair_n beside_o he_o seem_v not_o to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o celebrate_a heretic_n who_o deny_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v real_a this_o make_v he_o say_v you_o do_v pretend_v that_o his_o bitter_a passion_n be_v only_o in_o appearance_n but_o without_o mince_v the_o matter_n you_o hold_v that_o he_o suffer_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n for_o our_o part_n we_o think_v it_o be_v a_o notorious_a heresy_n to_o maintain_v that_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n be_v only_o in_o appearance_n since_o we_o must_v then_o affirm_v as_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o forementioned_a false_a and_o dangerous_a position_n that_o his_o resurrection_n as_o glorious_a as_o we_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v be_v a_o mere_a deceptio_fw-la visus_fw-la for_o he_o that_o real_o die_v if_o he_o rise_v again_o must_v be_v real_o rise_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o that_o die_v but_o in_o appearance_n can_v only_o seem_o rise_v but_o because_o infidel_n endeavour_n to_o expose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o last_o degree_n of_o profane_a contempt_n i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o mention_v here_o what_o plato_n relate_v of_o er_o the_o son_n of_o armenius_n plato_n common_a wealth_n l._n 10._o who_o at_o the_o end_n of_o twelve_o day_n rise_v out_o of_o his_o tomb_n and_o tell_v several_a remarkable_a transaction_n that_o to_o his_o certain_a knowledge_n have_v pass_v in_o the_o world_n of_o spirit_n and_o i_o may_v mention_v the_o story_n which_o heraclitus_n tell_v of_o a_o woman_n who_o continue_v a_o considerable_a time_n without_o any_o sign_n of_o life_n which_o i_o think_v do_v evident_o and_o not_o a_o little_a serve_v my_o present_a purpose_n since_o it_o be_v with_o infidel_n i_o be_o now_o engage_v and_o many_o pregnant_a instance_n may_v easy_o be_v produce_v from_o history_n of_o person_n who_o have_v appear_v the_o day_n after_o their_o decease_n be_v it_o then_o any_o wonder_n at_o all_o that_o one_o who_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n do_v so_o many_o action_n which_o nothing_o short_v of_o a_o divine_a power_n can_v possible_o enable_v he_o to_o perform_v who_o wrought_v miracle_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o surprise_v and_o so_o open_a to_o the_o view_n of_o his_o most_o implacable_a adversary_n that_o celsus_n himself_o have_v not_o the_o face_n to_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v true_a in_o fact_n though_o indeed_o he_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o infernal_a daemon_n i_o say_v be_v it_o any_o wonder_n at_o all_o that_o so_o divine_a a_o person_n as_o our_o saviour_n be_v shall_v have_v something_o that_o be_v remarkable_a in_o his_o death_n and_o that_o his_o holy_a soul_n have_v free_o and_o even_o cheerful_o leave_v his_o body_n for_o a_o time_n shall_v return_v to_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o it_o have_v perform_v the_o entire_a duty_n of_o a_o disunit_a spirit_n our_o saviour_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n no_o man_n take_v it_o from_o i_o speak_v of_o his_o life_n but_o i_o lay_v it_o down_o of_o john_n 10._o v._o 18._o myself_o i_o have_v power_n
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 otherwise_o when_o the_o manifest_a design_n of_o the_o glorious_a prophecy_n under_o the_o old-testament-dispensation_n be_v obscure_o to_o reveal_v he_o under_o the_o character_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n and_o what_o celsus_n jew_n object_n against_o the_o christian_n may_v every_o whit_n as_o well_o be_v urge_v by_o he_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n viz._n that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o notorious_a and_o vile_a imposture_n the_o jew_n break_v out_o into_o the_o follow_a exclamation_n oh_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n he_o himself_o acquaint_v we_o as_o your_o own_o write_n inform_v we_o that_o many_o shall_v come_v who_o will_v perform_v the_o same_o miracle_n that_o he_o wrought_v himself_o and_o on_o that_o very_a score_n oh_o horrid_a impudence_n he_o have_v the_o face_n to_o charge_v they_o with_o
be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o two_o child_n beforementioned_a a_o great_a and_o diffusive_a blessing_n to_o mankind_n as_o we_o know_v the_o resnrrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v when_o the_o power_n of_o god_n do_v so_o eminent_o accompany_v the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o make_v so_o deep_a and_o last_v a_o impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o so_o many_o of_o his_o hearer_n who_o at_o first_o be_v strange_o prejudice_v against_o he_o chap._n xxxi_o the_o pretend_a jew_n go_v on_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o split_v his_o side_n with_o laugh_a at_o the_o earthquake_n and_o ridicules_a the_o more_o than_o ordinary_a darkness_n that_o be_v the_o awful_a concomitant_n of_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n but_o this_o i_o have_v already_o answer_v according_a to_o my_o weak_a ability_n and_o produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o phlegon_n who_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o wonderful_a event_n do_v real_o happen_v at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n then_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n you_o say_v that_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a though_o he_o be_v far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o secure_v his_o person_n while_o he_o remain_v on_o earth_n and_o show_v upon_o his_o body_n all_o the_o mark_n of_o his_o crucifixion_n and_o the_o very_a print_n of_o the_o nail_n with_o which_o his_o hand_n and_o foot_n be_v pierce_v but_o what_o do_v this_o gentleman_n mean_v by_o say_v he_o wa'_v able_a to_o secure_v his_o person_n if_o he_o mean_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n wa'nt_v able_a to_o secure_a himself_o from_o the_o common_a contagion_n of_o vice_n and_o immorality_n what_o he_o say_v be_v absolute_o and_o manifest_o false_a for_o he_o never_o speak_v a_o word_n or_o do_v a_o action_n that_o be_v in_o the_o least_o indecent_a or_o unworthy_a of_o a_o incarnate_a god._n he_o be_v lead_v as_o a_o sheep_n to_o the_o mat._n 27_o v._n 2_o slaughter_n and_o as_o a_o laneb_n before_o her_o shearer_n be_v dumb_a so_o he_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n viz._n by_o way_n of_o complaint_n or_o uneasiness_n as_o st._n matthew_n acquaint_v we_o but_o if_o celsus_n mean_v that_o he_o didn't_fw-mi exert_v his_o power_n to_o secure_v himself_o from_o the_o outward_a calamity_n to_o which_o he_o be_v expose_v which_o moral_o consider_v be_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a i_o have_v prove_v already_o from_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o submit_v to_o they_o with_o the_o great_a readiness_n imaginable_a and_o show_v the_o reason_n which_o justify_v his_o conduct_n then_o the_o pretend_a jew_n have_v speak_v of_o our_o saviour_n show_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o his_o crucifixion_n and_o the_o very_a print_n of_o his_o nail_n say_v there_o be_v no_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o strange_a account_n but_o one_o fanatical_a woman_n design_v to_o ridicule_n mary_n magdalen_n who_o see_v he_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o because_o we_o be_v inform_v that_o he_o be_v see_v by_o other_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o add_v the_o follow_a word_n and_o perhaps_o some_o body_n else_o of_o the_o same_o wretched_a cabal_n then_o he_o plain_o discover_v that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o those_o who_o admire_v the_o epicurean_a hypothesis_n when_o he_o endeavour_n to_o show_v how_o a_o lively_a idea_n of_o a_o decease_a person_n may_v be_v form_v in_o the_o warm_a imagination_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n who_o be_v delude_v by_o she_o own_o idle_a whimsy_n or_o too_o easy_o believe_v what_o she_o will_v have_v to_o be_v true_a as_o we_o know_v it_o frequent_o happen_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o force_n if_o we_o must_v give_v any_o heed_n to_o his_o idle_a whimsy_n in_o this_o scurrilous_a language_n but_o even_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v be_v furnish_v with_o a_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o immortal_a subsistence_n of_o humane_a soul_n when_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o their_o body_n and_o the_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o what_o he_o here_o assert_n amount_n to_o this_o at_o least_o that_o it_o survive_v the_o body_n for_o if_o as_o plato_n observe_v in_o his_o dialogue_n about_o the_o humane_a soul_n there_o be_v certain_a image_n of_o dead_a person_n that_o be_v see_v near_o their_o tomb_n than_o they_o must_v be_v owe_v to_o some_o cause_n or_o other_o and_o no_o cause_n can_v be_v so_o rational_o assign_v as_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o decease_a person_n that_o assume_v a_o body_n which_o be_v adapt_v to_o it_o but_o celsus_n who_o advance_v the_o forementioned_a notion_n will_v make_v people_n dream_n while_o they_o be_v thorough_o awake_a and_o have_v their_o sense_n about_o they_o and_o say_v they_o too_o easy_o believe_v what_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v true_a such_o dream_n indeed_o as_o he_o talk_v of_o be_v common_a when_o the_o bodily_a sense_n be_v lock_v up_o by_o sleep_n but_o i_o think_v we_o can_v easy_o account_v for_o they_o when_o person_n be_v awake_a unless_o they_o be_v trouble_v with_o melancholy_a or_o fall_v into_o a_o fit_a of_o the_o frenzy_n celsus_n it_o seem_v wa'_v ignorant_a of_o this_o and_o that_o make_v he_o call_v mary_n magdalen_n a_o fanatic_a though_o the_o scripture-history_n say_v nothing_o like_o it_o and_o our_o saviour_n appear_v after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o show_v all_o the_o mark_n that_o be_v make_v in_o his_o crucified_a body_n must_v according_a to_o celsus_n be_v solve_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o image_n of_o decease_a person_n but_o according_a to_o the_o scripture-account_a which_o he_o be_v so_o cunning_a as_o to_o use_v when_o he_o think_v that_o it_o serve_v his_o purpose_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n stand_v thus_o our_o saviour_n call_v one_o of_o his_o disciple_n to_o he_o who_o cou'dn_v for_o his_o life_n believe_v that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a with_o the_o same_o body_n i_o say_v with_o the_o same_o body_n for_o the_o appearance_n of_o humane_a soul_n after_o death_n do_v seem_v to_o be_v the_o least_o matter_n of_o his_o doubt_n therefore_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o he_o dos'ned_a say_n except_o i_o see_v he_o but_o except_o john_n 20._o v._o 25_o i_o shall_v see_v in_o his_o hand_n the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o put_v my_o finger_n into_o the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o thrust_v my_o hand_n into_o his_o side_n i_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o didn't_fw-mi question_n but_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o decease_a person_n may_v animate_v a_o body_n which_o will_v be_v visible_a to_o the_o corporeal_a eye_n and_z bear_v a_o resemblance_n to_o that_o from_o which_o it_o be_v separate_v by_o death_n not_o only_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o eye_n and_o voice_n and_o mien_n but_o also_o sometime_o appear_v in_o a_o like_a habit_n clothe_v hom._n il._n book_n 23_o v._o 67._o therefore_o our_o saviour_n call_v thomas_n to_o he_o and_o say_v reach_v hither_o thy_o finger_n and_o behold_v my_o hand_n and_o reach_v john_n 20_o v._o 27._o hither_o thy_o hand_n and_o thrust_v it_o into_o my_o side_n and_o be_v not_o faithless_a but_o believe_v and_o by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o many_o prophecy_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o concern_v he_o the_o many_o evident_a miracle_n he_o wrought_v and_o unusual_a accident_n that_o befall_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o this_o considerable_a circumstance_n shall_v as_o it_o be_v crown_z and_o complete_a the_o rest_n the_o prophetical_a psalmist_n speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v this_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o he_o my_o flesh_n also_o shall_v rest_v in_o hope_n for_o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n nor_o psalm_n 16_o v._o 9_o suffer_v thy_o holy_a one_o to_o see_v corruption_n and_o the_o body_n with_o which_o our_o saviour_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a do_v neither_o consist_v of_o such_o gross_a matter_n as_o it_o consist_v of_o before_o nor_o of_o such_o subtle_a matter_n as_o that_o with_o which_o separate_a soul_n be_v clothe_v when_o a_o apparition_n appear_v therefore_o st._n john_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n his_o disciple_n be_v within_o and_o thomas_n with_o they_o then_o come_v jesus_n the_o door_n be_v shut_v and_o stand_v in_o the_o midst_n and_o say_v peace_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o he_o add_v these_o word_n then_o say_v he_o to_o thomas_n reach_v hither_o thy_o finger_n st._n luke_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o simon_n and_o cleopas_n be_v talk_v of_o the_o thing_n luke_n 24_o v._o 14._o that_o have_v happen_v to_o he_o jesus_n himself_o draw_v near_o and_o go_v with_o they_o but_o their_o eye_n be_v hold_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o know_v he_o and_o he_o say_v to_o they_o what_o manner_n of_o communication_n be_v these_o that_o you_o
because_o i_o love_v to_o cherish_v the_o tender_a concern_v which_o i_o natural_o have_v for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o general_n it_o will_v be_v very_o well_o but_o if_o they_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o this_o most_o reasonable_a and_o high_o necessary_a request_n which_o i_o make_v to_o they_o and_o run_v into_o their_o common_a cant_n and_o say_v do_v examine_v into_o matter_n but_o believe_v sure_o it_o be_v fit_a at_o least_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o tell_v i_o what_o notion_n they_o advance_v and_o whence_o their_o original_a be_v derive_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o those_o word_n not_o as_o if_o i_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o opinion_n which_o they_o hold_v do_v not_o a_o little_a savour_n of_o his_o usual_a presumption_n for_o if_o he_o have_v read_v the_o prophet_n which_o be_v full_a of_o very_o obscure_a hint_n mystical_a representation_n and_o expression_n that_o every_o one_o do_v it_o easy_o or_o perhaps_o tolerable_o understand_v and_o if_o he_o have_v careful_o and_o candid_o read_v the_o parable_n that_o be_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o those_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o jewish_a law_n and_o history_n and_o if_o have_v read_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n without_o a_o tincture_n of_o prejudice_n he_o have_v put_v himself_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o understand_v their_o genuine_a mean_v and_o full_a design_n he_o will_o with_o such_o a_o air_n of_o confidence_n have_v boast_v that_o he_o be_v perfect_o acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o opinion_n which_o the_o christian_n hold_v for_o no_o divine_a even_o among_o ourselves_o who_o constant_a laborious_a and_o almost_o entire_a employment_n it_o be_v to_o be_v conversant_a with_o those_o sacred_a write_n do_v dare_v to_o talk_v with_o such_o a_o air_n of_o vanity_n nor_o do_v any_o of_o we_o pretend_v to_o a_o perfect_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o opinion_n of_o plato_n aristotle_n epicurus_n or_o the_o stoic_n when_o even_o they_o who_o have_v undertake_v to_o interpret_v the_o write_n of_o these_o famous_a philosopher_n be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o differ_v among_o themselves_o and_o quarrel_n with_o each_o other_o but_o perhaps_o celsus_n may_v borrow_v this_o bold_a expression_n from_o some_o ignorant_a people_n who_o be_v not_o sensible_a that_o indeed_o they_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o and_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o these_o be_v the_o profound_a doctor_n if_o the_o truth_n be_v know_v to_o who_o he_o be_v indebt_v for_o that_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o which_o he_o make_v his_o boast_n and_o to_o i_o he_o seem_v to_o do_v just_a like_o one_o who_o travel_v into_o egypt_n where_o the_o learned_a clergy_n talk_v very_o philosophical_o concern_v their_o sacred_a rite_n but_o the_o common_a people_n be_v wonderful_o please_v with_o hear_v some_o dark_a fable_n relate_v to_o they_o the_o rational_a account_n of_o which_o they_o do_v it_o in_o the_o least_o understand_v do_v immediate_o hereupon_o imagine_v that_o he_o be_v perfect_o acquaint_v with_o the_o learning_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o egyptian_n though_o he_o never_o converse_v in_o a_o familiar_a manner_n with_o any_o of_o their_o priest_n or_o with_o any_o person_n that_o explain_v to_o he_o what_o be_v signify_v by_o their_o mysterious_a hieroglyphic_n and_o what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o the_o egyptian_n may_v as_o well_o be_v say_v of_o the_o persian_n syrian_n indian_n and_o all_o other_o nation_n that_o veil_v their_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v with_o significant_a but_o very_o mysterious_a ceremony_n chap._n xiii_o but_o since_o celsus_n have_v lay_v this_o down_o as_o one_o of_o the_o maxim_n of_o the_o christian_n that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o mischievous_a but_o folly_n be_v a_o most_o admirable_a and_o useful_a thing_n i_o answer_v he_o do_v fair_o represent_v the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n which_o run_v after_o the_o follow_a manner_n if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v wise_a in_o this_o world_n let_v 1_o cor._n three_o v._o 28_n he_o become_v a_o fool_n that_o he_o may_v be_v wise_a for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n he_o dont_fw-fr simple_o say_v that_o wisdom_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n but_o prudent_o confine_v his_o discourse_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o dont_fw-fr simple_o say_v if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v wise_a let_v he_o immediate_o become_v a_o fool_n but_o if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v wise_a in_o this_o world_n let_v he_o become_v a_o fool_n that_o he_o may_v be_v wise_a by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n i_o understand_v that_o vain_a philosophy_n in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v so_o just_o so_o frequent_o and_o so_o severe_o condemn_v and_o so_o folly_n be_v a_o most_o admirable_a and_o useful_a thing_n not_o strict_o consider_v but_o in_o this_o limit_a sense_n when_o a_o person_n become_v a_o fool_n in_o the_o esteem_n of_o this_o vain_a and_o degenerate_a world_n it_o be_v just_a the_o same_o thing_n as_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o platonic_n who_o believe_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o its_o transmigration_n have_v embrace_v ridiculous_a opinion_n that_o be_v they_o be_v such_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o stoic_n who_o endeavour_n to_o overthrow_v it_o and_o of_o the_o peripatetic_n who_o insult_v over_o plato_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o madman_n and_o of_o the_o epicurean_o who_o reproach_n they_o that_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o a_o overrule_a providence_n as_o be_v the_o unhappy_a author_n of_o all_o the_o wild_a superstition_n that_o be_v ever_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n and_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n i_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o though_o it_o be_v much_o better_a for_o they_o who_o have_v opportunity_n and_o capacity_n to_o build_v their_o faith_n on_o rational_a and_o convince_a argument_n than_o to_o take_v thing_n on_o trust_n yet_o our_o bless_a saviour_n will_v have_v person_n of_o mean_a capacity_n and_o under_o some_o peculiar_a circumstance_n to_o believe_v without_o a_o severe_a examination_n since_o otherwise_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v of_o any_o advantage_n to_o they_o so_o much_o be_v intimate_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n after_o that_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n i_o v._o 21._o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v hence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n ought_v to_o have_v know_v he_o and_o because_o they_o so_o gross_o fail_v herein_o it_o please_v god_n to_o save_v they_o who_o believe_v in_o the_o forementioned_a way_n viz._n by_o the_o preach_a of_o a_o doctrine_n which_o be_v foolishness_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o thousand_o even_o of_o judicious_a and_o learned_a person_n st._n paul_n himself_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o this_o when_o he_o use_v these_o word_n we_o preach_v christ_n 1_o cor._n i_o v._o 25._o crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n but_o to_o they_o who_o believe_v both_o jew_n and_o greek_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n chap._n fourteen_o and_o since_o celsus_n have_v reckon_v up_o several_a nation_n who_o agree_v in_o their_o opinion_n and_o i_o know_v not_o for_o what_o reason_n leave_v out_o the_o jew_n as_o if_o they_o hold_v none_o that_o do_v bear_v the_o least_o resemblance_n with_o those_o which_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n maintain_v i_o will_v ask_v he_o why_o he_o believe_v the_o account_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o historian_n both_o among_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n and_o disbelieve_v what_o be_v frequent_o and_o credible_o relate_v in_o the_o jewish_a history_n for_o if_o all_o other_o historian_n have_v give_v a_o faithful_a account_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o several_a nation_n from_o which_o they_o spring_v why_o shall_v the_o jewish_a writer_n be_v the_o only_a person_n in_o the_o world_n suspect_v of_o gross_a deceit_n and_o if_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v say_v many_o thing_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n may_v not_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n be_v charge_v upon_o all_o or_o far_o the_o great_a part_n of_o profane_a historian_n must_v we_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o annal_n of_o the_o egyptian_n which_o represent_v the_o jew_n as_o a_o strange_a sort_n of_o people_n and_o believe_v that_o all_o that_o the_o jew_n say_v against_o the_o egyptian_n viz._n that_o they_o treat_v they_o in_o a_o most_o barbarous_a manner_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v just_o and_o severe_o
himself_o to_o the_o art_n of_o rhetoric_n i_o say_v because_o he_o personate_v a_o jew_n entertain_v our_o saviour_n with_o discourse_n that_o be_v very_o childish_a and_o unbecoming_a the_o gravity_n as_o well_o as_o suppose_a sense_n and_o learning_n of_o a_o old_a philosopher_n let_v i_o examine_v according_a to_o my_o weak_a ability_n what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o suppose_v he_o to_o say_v and_o make_v it_o appear_v as_o i_o think_v i_o can_v easy_o do_v that_o the_o jew_n do_v it_o strict_o or_o even_o tolerable_o observe_v his_o character_n celsus_n introduce_v he_o make_v his_o address_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o pretend_v to_o convince_v he_o of_o several_a point_n and_o the_o first_o thing_n of_o which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v he_o be_v that_o the_o account_n of_o his_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n be_v a_o empty_a and_o ridiculous_a fable_n then_o he_o reproach_n he_o with_o be_v bear_v at_o a_o obscure_a village_n and_o have_v a_o woman_n to_o his_o mother_n that_o get_v her_o livelihood_n by_o go_v out_o to_o service_n who_o he_o say_v be_v convict_v of_o adultery_n be_v divorce_v from_o her_o husband_n who_o be_v a_o carpenter_n by_o trade_n then_o he_o say_v that_o after_o this_o indignity_n wander_v from_o place_n to_o place_n she_o be_v private_o bring_v to_o bed_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o that_o he_o be_v force_v by_o reason_n of_o want_n to_o work_v in_o egypt_n and_o have_v learn_v there_o some_o of_o those_o art_n for_o which_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o country_n be_v so_o famous_a return_v into_o his_o native_a country_n and_o swell_v with_o a_o vain_a conceit_n of_o the_o miracle_n he_o shall_v do_v give_v out_o that_o he_o be_v god_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o must_v confess_v to_o i_o who_o do_v with_o a_o silent_a but_o deep_a regret_n pass_v by_o even_o the_o weak_a argument_n that_o be_v offer_v by_o our_o adversary_n and_o natural_o affect_v to_o trace_v thing_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o last_o consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n till_o i_o come_v by_o slow_a degree_n to_o their_o true_a original_n i_o say_v to_o i_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v a_o unhappy_a shock_n that_o they_o be_v no_o small_a confirmation_n of_o that_o important_a truth_n that_o our_o bless_a lord_n be_v the_o very_a person_n who_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n i_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o common_o a_o man_n descent_n from_o rich_a and_o honourable_a parent_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o liberal_a education_n do_v not_o a_o little_a conduce_v to_o blazon_v his_o name_n and_o command_v reverence_n from_o person_n of_o a_o inferior_a rank_n but_o when_o one_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o great_a degree_n imaginable_a under_o the_o contrary_a external_a inconvenience_n can_v spread_v his_o fame_n to_o the_o most_o distant_a region_n of_o the_o world_n in_o spite_n of_o his_o mean_a extraction_n and_o the_o fond_a opinion_n which_o be_v too_o often_o receive_v by_o aspire_a mortal_n and_o climb_v the_o high_a up_o the_o steep_a ascent_n of_o honour_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o violent_a opposition_n which_o be_v make_v against_o he_o who_o if_o he_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o humane_a nature_n leave_v can_v forbear_v to_o admire_v a_o soul_n of_o the_o same_o rank_n of_o being_n with_o himself_o so_o strange_o elevate_v beyond_o the_o common_a pitch_n and_o so_o near_o approach_v to_o the_o deity_n so_o capable_a of_o form_v well-laid_a deep_a and_o true_o generous_a design_n and_o of_o crown_v all_o by_o a_o happy_a and_o answerable_a execution_n if_o we_o make_v a_o serious_a and_o narrow_a enquiry_n into_o the_o matter_n shall_v we_o not_o be_v ready_a and_o even_o constrain_v to_o think_v thus_o with_o ourselves_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o one_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o poor_a and_o ignoble_a parent_n and_o be_v not_o instruct_v in_o the_o liberal_a art_n and_o science_n whereby_o he_o may_v have_v be_v render_v capable_a of_o insinuate_a himself_o into_o the_o people_n and_o of_o engage_v their_o affection_n and_o their_o purse_n in_o his_o service_n shall_v so_o work_v upon_o the_o passion_n of_o man_n by_o a_o invisible_a power_n and_o the_o naked_a evidence_n of_o truth_n as_o almost_o universal_o to_o gain_v their_o credit_n and_o esteem_v though_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o introduce_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n new_a a_o doctrine_n which_o without_o derogate_a in_o the_o least_o from_o any_o of_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n do_v abolish_v the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n and_o make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o the_o greek_n especial_o those_o which_o have_v a_o immediate_a relation_n to_o religious_a worship_n in_o which_o they_o be_v so_o gross_o ignorant_a be_v it_o not_o strange_a and_o even_o prodigious_a to_o a_o miracle_n that_o one_o who_o even_o according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o his_o enemy_n be_v so_o mean_o bear_v and_o breed_v and_o by_o consequence_n be_v very_o unfit_a to_o manage_v a_o intriegue_n which_o require_v a_o chain_n of_o thought_n and_o continue_a thread_n of_o artifice_n shall_v so_o move_v the_o secret_a spring_n of_o humane_a soul_n and_o so_o powerful_o incline_v they_o against_o their_o strong_a inclination_n by_o encourage_v the_o righteous_a with_o a_o please_a prospect_n of_o a_o glorious_a and_o eternal_a reward_n in_o the_o world_n of_o pure_a and_o perfect_a spirit_n and_o by_o represent_v to_o the_o wicked_a as_o in_o a_o glass_n those_o dreadful_a torment_n which_o they_o must_v expect_v to_o suffer_v when_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n i_o say_v be_v it_o not_o strange_a and_o even_o prodigious_a to_o a_o miracle_n that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v not_o only_o engage_v ignorant_a and_o illiterate_a person_n to_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n but_o also_o a_o great_a number_n of_o the_o rational_a and_o learned_a world_n who_o under_o the_o sacred_a veil_n of_o naked_a truth_n can_v discern_v unfathomable_a depth_n of_o supernatural_a wisdom_n display_v with_o all_o the_o art_n that_o a_o god_n can_v show_v i_o remember_v plato_n relate_v a_o story_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v at_o seriphos_n who_o upbraid_v themistocles_n a_o famous_a general_n say_v that_o the_o reputation_n he_o have_v happy_o establish_v be_v not_o owe_v to_o his_o merit_n but_o his_o happen_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o a_o famous_a city_n of_o greece_n whereupon_o themistocles_n who_o be_v sensible_a and_o grateful_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o place_n of_o his_o nativity_n have_v no_o small_a tendency_n to_o render_v his_o name_n immortal_a return_v he_o this_o judicious_a and_o divert_v answer_n if_o i_o have_v be_v bear_v say_v he_o at_o seriphos_n i_o shall_o have_v be_v so_o famous_a as_o i_o be_o but_o if_o you_o have_v be_v bear_v at_o athens_n you_o will_v never_o have_v become_v themistocles_n now_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v upbraid_v with_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o village_n and_o that_o not_o of_o greece_n or_o any_o celebrate_a country_n and_o have_v a_o poor_a woman_n to_o his_o mother_n that_o get_v her_o livelihood_n by_o her_o labour_n and_o leave_v his_o country_n by_o reason_n of_o want_n be_v force_v to_o work_v in_o egypt_n i_o say_v our_o saviour_n who_o if_o i_o may_v accommodate_v the_o forego_n instance_n to_o our_o present_a case_n be_v of_o a_o mean_a extraction_n than_o the_o forementioned_a person_n that_o be_v bear_v at_o seriphos_n do_v as_o it_o be_v give_v a_o happy_a shock_n to_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n and_o make_v a_o great_a impression_n upon_o the_o savage_a disposition_n of_o man_n i_o scorn_v to_o say_v than_o themistocles_n the_o athenian_a but_o a_o great_a than_o even_o pythagoras_n or_o plato_n or_o any_o of_o the_o wiseman_n prince_n or_o emperor_n be_v ever_o know_v or_o report_v to_o have_v make_v what_o person_n then_o unless_o he_o love_v to_o dwell_v upon_o the_o superficies_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o stand_v astonish_v when_o he_o consider_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n surmount_v all_o the_o difficulty_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n to_o his_o grow_a reputation_n and_o seem_v to_o threaten_v that_o his_o name_n shall_v as_o it_o be_v sleep_v in_o everlasting_a silence_n chap._n xxvii_o it_o seldom_o happen_v that_o any_o one_o person_n be_v famous_a for_o many_o thing_n at_o once_o for_o one_o be_v famous_a for_o wisdom_n another_o for_o military_a discipline_n and_o somâ—_n of_o the_o barbarian_n for_o their_o skill_n in_o magic_n and_o several_a other_o for_o some_o few_o suppose_a perfection_n which_o perhaps_o do_v scarce_o deserve_v our_o notice_n but_o our_o saviour_n be_v very_o remarkable_a for_o the_o best_a sort_n of_o wisdom_n for_o authority_n and_o for_o work_a miracle_n not_o to_o mention_v those_o
other_o innumerable_a excellency_n that_o adorn_v his_o person_n and_o may_v sufficient_o recommend_v he_o to_o the_o world_n he_o did'ned_a act_n like_o a_o tyrant_n who_o by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o prevail_a party_n take_v occasion_n to_o violate_v the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o land_n in_o which_o he_o live_v nor_o like_o a_o robber_n who_o come_v with_o arm_a man_n against_o they_o who_o innocent_o pass_v by_o the_o king_n highway_n about_o their_o necessary_a affair_n or_o like_o a_o wealthy_a man_n who_o by_o the_o help_n of_o bribe_n induce_v person_n to_o come_v over_o to_o his_o interest_n whether_o by_o right_n or_o wrong_n or_o like_o many_o other_o that_o may_v easy_o be_v mention_v who_o proceed_n do_v manifest_o deserve_v our_o censure_n but_o like_o one_o who_o come_v to_o teach_v a_o ignorant_a and_o degenerate_a world_n what_o thought_n they_o shall_v entertain_v of_o god_n and_o how_o they_o may_v so_o regulate_v their_o moral_n as_o to_o maintain_v a_o humble_a and_o familiar_a correspondence_n with_o his_o bless_a majesty_n and_o as_o for_o themistocles_n and_o several_a other_o person_n who_o gain_v a_o more_o than_o common_a reputation_n and_o do_v real_a and_o extraordinary_a service_n to_o their_o native_a country_n this_o must_v be_v say_v to_o draw_v a_o shade_n over_o their_o great_a glory_n that_o every_o thing_n seem_v to_o smile_v on_o their_o just_a and_o honourable_a attempt_n and_o as_o it_o be_v pave_v the_o way_n for_o their_o glorious_a victory_n and_o immortal_a triumph_n but_o as_o for_o our_o bless_a saviour_n beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v which_o upon_o the_o first_o view_n one_o will_v think_v be_v enough_o to_o have_v eternal_o conceal_v or_o shameful_o sully_v the_o name_n of_o the_o great_a hero_n that_o the_o world_n can_v ever_o boast_v of_o the_o ignominious_a death_n which_o he_o suffer_v on_o the_o cross_n if_o he_o have_v have_v the_o fair_a character_n will_v have_v give_v his_o follower_n just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v he_o of_o be_v a_o vile_a impostor_n if_o we_o may_v give_v any_o credit_n to_o our_o adversary_n or_o at_o least_o have_v draw_v a_o most_o dismal_a veil_n over_o the_o few_o bright_a and_o entertain_v scene_n of_o the_o most_o awful_a tragedy_n that_o be_v ever_o act_v chap._n xxviii_o and_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n that_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n who_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o enemy_n be_v not_o eye-witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o triumphant_a resurrection_n and_o see_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v common_a and_o even_o contemptible_a in_o his_o person_n shou'dned_a be_v afraid_a to_o imitate_v he_o in_o his_o suffering_n to_o encounter_v the_o most_o imminent_a and_o threat'ning_n danger_n and_o leave_v their_o native_a country_n to_o publish_v the_o doctrine_n which_o their_o crucified_a but_o bless_a lord_n have_v teach_v they_o for_o i_o believe_v that_o no_o person_n who_o lay_v aside_o his_o prejudice_n examine_v these_o matter_n due_o will_v say_v that_o they_o will_v ever_o have_v undergo_v the_o fatigue_n of_o ttinerant_n preach_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o vast_a obligation_n that_o lay_v upon_o they_o both_o from_o reason_n and_o gratitude_n not_o only_o to_o conform_v their_o manner_n to_o the_o holy_a precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o also_o to_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n to_o bring_v many_o other_o under_o the_o same_o honourable_a and_o happy_a bond_n when_o as_o matter_n go_v at_o that_o critical_a juncture_n they_o be_v sure_a to_o incur_v the_o displeasure_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n who_o be_v zealous_a for_o their_o ancient_a law_n and_o custom_n and_o can_o endure_v the_o least_o seem_a innovation_n especial_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o pompous_a ceremony_n of_o their_o religious_a worship_n but_o all_o these_o difficulty_n be_v light_a and_o trivial_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o those_o who_o have_v courage_n not_o only_o to_o prove_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v frequent_o and_o express_o foretell_v by_o their_o own_o prophetic_a oracle_n but_o also_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o other_o as_o occasion_n offer_v that_o this_o very_a person_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n who_o be_v crucify_v but_o other_o day_n and_o willing_o and_o even_o cheerful_o lay_v down_o his_o precious_a life_n for_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o man_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n though_o with_o unspeakable_a advantage_n in_o which_o some_o other_o have_v sacrifice_v all_o that_o be_v near_a and_o dear_a to_o they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o native_a country_n to_o free_v it_o from_o a_o rage_a pestilence_n a_o threat'ning_n famine_n or_o some_o violent_a impend_a tempest_n that_o great_o endanger_v ship_n and_o put_v a_o stop_v even_o to_o navigation_n which_o be_v so_o convenient_z and_o necessary_a for_o promote_a a_o advantageous_a trade_n into_o foreign_n and_o very_o distant_a part_n for_o there_o be_v some_o secret_a reason_n in_o nature_n which_o very_o few_o understand_v why_o the_o death_n of_o one_o virtuous_a man_n who_o ready_o suffer_v the_o great_a evil_n that_o can_v possible_o befall_v he_o for_o the_o real_a and_o perhaps_o last_a welfare_n of_o the_o place_n of_o his_o nativity_n shall_v destroy_v or_o at_o least_o severe_o check_v the_o usurp_a power_n of_o those_o infernal_a daemon_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o plague_n famine_n storm_n and_o the_o like_a evident_a and_o great_a disorder_n which_o frequent_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o they_o who_o dont_fw-fr believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n die_v for_o the_o general_a benefit_n of_o the_o humane_a race_n whether_o they_o will_v give_v easy_a credit_n to_o many_o history_n that_o be_v extant_a both_o of_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n which_o furnish_v we_o with_o frequent_a and_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o person_n who_o have_v free_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o who_o death_n have_v be_v happy_o instrumental_a to_o purge_v away_o those_o threat'ning_n and_o grievous_a calamity_n that_o infect_v city_n and_o perhaps_o whole_a nation_n or_o whither_o on_o the_o supposition_n that_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v in_o the_o least_o improbable_a that_o one_o clothe_v with_o humane_a nature_n shall_v be_v nail_v to_o a_o cross_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o before_o do_v often_o and_o too_o successful_o exercise_v a_o tyrannical_a power_n over_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o men._n our_o saviour_n disciple_n observe_v these_o thing_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n with_o which_o in_o all_o probability_n their_o prudent_a and_o indulgent_a master_n think_v fit_a to_o acquaint_v they_o and_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v not_o inspire_v with_o their_o unusual_a courage_n by_o the_o virgin_n which_o the_o poet_n speak_v of_o but_o by_o the_o true_a wisdom_n of_o god_n they_o make_v haste_n through_o the_o wide_a world_n their_o fame_n to_o spread_v hom._n il._n lib._n 5._o u._n 2_o chap._n xxix_o but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o return_v to_o the_o jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v who_o say_v that_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v big_a with_o child_n be_v divorce_v by_o her_o husband_n the_o carpenter_n for_o commit_v adultery_n with_o one_o panthera_n a_o soldier_n and_o be_v get_v with_o child_n by_o that_o scandalous_a wretch_n let_v we_o see_v therefore_o whether_o the_o inventor_n of_o this_o story_n do_v give_v a_o false_a and_o obscure_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o whether_o by_o all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o say_v they_o be_v able_a to_o overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n miraculous_a conception_n by_o the_o over-shadowing_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o so_o surprise_v a_o passage_n as_o this_o be_v may_v very_o easy_o be_v falsify_v and_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o though_o they_o be_v inward_o convince_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o conceive_v in_o the_o common_a way_n of_o humane_a generation_n and_o methinks_v it_o will_o have_v be_v incongruous_a at_o all_o that_o they_o who_o didn't_fw-mi believe_v or_o rather_o will_o acknowledge_v the_o miracle_n shall_v invent_v a_o fiction_n to_o serve_v their_o malicious_a and_o base_a design_n but_o to_o invent_v one_o that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v a_o plausible_a appearance_n that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o notorious_a untruth_n be_v to_o discover_v their_o weakness_n to_o they_o who_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n for_o do_v it_o stand_v to_o reason_n that_o one_o who_o be_v so_o useful_a to_o the_o world_n in_o general_n and_o express_v a_o most_o tender_a concern_v both_o for_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n that_o they_o may_v reform_v their_o manner_n from_o a_o sense_n
now_o any_o one_o who_o read_v this_o prophecy_n which_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n than_o their_o celebrate_a moses_n though_o perhaps_o some_o infidel_n may_v suspect_v it_o can_v but_o wonder_v how_o jacob_n can_v foretell_v that_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n which_o consist_v of_o no_o less_o than_o twelve_o tribe_n shall_v come_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n this_o we_o see_v have_v be_v so_o evident_o and_o so_o remarkable_o verify_v that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v take_v their_o name_n from_o the_o forementioned_a tribe_n which_o hold_v the_o reins_o of_o government_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o manage_v they_o as_o they_o please_v and_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n to_o all_o who_o be_v not_o biased_a by_o prejudice_n that_o the_o forementioned_a patriarch_n shall_v not_o only_o foretell_v that_o the_o govern_v power_n shall_v be_v lodge_v in_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n but_o also_o that_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o a_o period_n at_o a_o prefix_a time_n as_o the_o follow_a word_n import_v the_o sceptre_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o gen._n xlix_o v._o 10._o judah_n nor_o a_o lawgiver_n from_o between_o his_o foot_n till_o shiloh_n come_v etc._n etc._n and_o he_o be_v come_v for_o who_o the_o supreme_a authority_n be_v reserve_v i_o mean_v the_o messiah_n by_o who_o the_o true_a glory_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n be_v advance_v to_o its_o great_a height_n he_o i_o say_v who_o be_v the_o prince_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v who_o may_v have_v lay_v a_o fair_a claim_n to_o that_o title_n the_o desire_n of_o nation_n than_o any_o person_n who_o ever_o go_v before_o and_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v than_o any_o who_o ever_o do_v or_o will_v succeed_v he_o for_o all_o nation_n almost_o have_v believe_v in_o god_n through_o he_o and_o have_v place_v their_o confidence_n in_o his_o name_n according_a to_o that_o prophecy_n in_o isaiah_n in_o his_o name_n shall_v the_o gentile_n trust_v this_o be_v he_o who_o proclaim_v liberty_n to_o they_o who_o be_v hold_v fast_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n as_o all_o man_n natural_o be_v and_o say_v to_o they_o who_o be_v cover_v with_o spiritual_a darkness_n be_v you_o light_v in_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o that_o famous_a prophecy_n i_o will_v preserve_v isa_n xlii_o v._o 6_o 7._o thou_o and_o give_v thou_o for_o a_o covenant_n of_o the_o people_n to_o establish_v the_o earth_n to_o cause_v to_o inherit_v the_o desolate_a heritage_n that_o thou_o may_v say_v to_o the_o prisoner_n go_v forth_o to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o darkness_n show_v yourselves_o and_o the_o vast_a number_n of_o person_n who_o flock_v from_o all_o part_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v abundant_o make_v good_a the_o word_n which_o follow_v they_o shall_v feed_v in_o the_o way_n and_o their_o pasture_n shall_v be_v in_o all_o high_a place_n chap._n xliv_o but_o because_o celsus_n who_o pretend_v he_o do_v want_v to_o be_v inform_v of_o what_o the_o christian_n hold_v reproach_n our_o saviour_n as_o if_o either_o he_o be_v not_o assist_v by_o his_o father_n or_o be_v unable_a to_o help_v himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o suffer_v i_o must_v add_v one_o thing_n here_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v his_o suffering_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o undergo_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v conduce_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_n that_o he_o shall_v even_o sacrifice_v his_o life_n for_o they_o and_o be_v treat_v for_o their_o sake_n as_o a_o condemn_a and_o most_o vile_a malefactor_n they_o also_o foretell_v that_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v no_o true_a prophet_n shall_v acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v send_v from_o god_n and_o that_o he_o himself_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o outward_a appearance_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v a_o mean_a and_o very_o contemptible_a person_n the_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n be_v these_o isa_n lii_o v._o 13._o 14_o 15._o behold_v my_o servant_n shall_v deal_v prudent_o he_o shall_v be_v exalt_v extol_v and_o be_v very_o high_a as_o many_o be_v astony_v at_o thou_o his_o visage_n be_v so_o mar_v more_o than_o any_o man_n and_o his_o form_n more_o than_o the_o son_n of_o man_n so_o shall_v he_o sprinkle_v many_o nation_n the_o king_n shall_v shut_v their_o mouth_n at_o he_o for_o that_o which_o have_v not_o be_v tell_v they_o shall_v they_o see_v and_o that_o which_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v shall_v they_o consider_v who_o isa_n liii_o v._o 1._o 2_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o to_o who_o be_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v for_o he_o shall_v grow_v up_o before_o he_o as_o a_o tender_a plant_n and_o as_o a_o root_n out_o of_o a_o dry_a ground_n he_o have_v no_o form_n nor_o comeliness_n and_o when_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o there_o be_v no_o beauty_n that_o we_o shall_v desire_v he_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n and_o we_o hide_v as_o it_o be_v our_o face_n from_o he_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o we_o esteem_v he_o not_o sure_o he_o have_v bear_v our_o grief_n and_o carry_v our_o sorrow_n yet_o we_o do_v esteem_v he_o strike_v smite_v of_o god_n and_o afflict_a but_o he_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n he_o be_v bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n the_o chastisement_n of_o our_o peace_n be_v upon_o he_o and_o with_o his_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v all_o we_o like_v sheep_n have_v go_v astray_o we_o have_v turn_v every_o one_o to_o his_o own_o way_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v lay_v on_o he_o the_o iniquity_n of_o we_o all_o he_o be_v oppress_v and_o he_o be_v afflict_v yet_o he_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n he_o be_v bring_v as_o a_o lamb_n to_o the_o slaughter_n and_o as_o a_o sheep_n before_o her_o shearer_n be_v dumb_a so_o he_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n he_o be_v take_v from_o prison_n and_o from_o judgement_n and_o who_o shall_v declare_v his_o generation_n for_o he_o be_v cutoff_a out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n for_o the_o trangression_n of_o my_o people_n be_v he_o strike_v i_o remember_v i_o make_v use_v of_o this_o prophecy_n in_o a_o disputation_n which_o i_o former_o have_v with_o some_o jewish_a doctor_n and_o one_o of_o they_o return_v the_o follow_a answer_n that_o we_o must_v understand_v it_o as_o relate_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n who_o dispersion_n and_o many_o other_o calamity_n be_v mean_n to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o their_o religion_n and_o he_o explain_v those_o word_n he_o have_v no_o form_n nor_o comeliness_n and_o those_o word_n that_o which_o have_v not_o be_v tell_v they_o shall_v they_o see_v and_o that_o which_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v shall_v they_o consider_v and_o those_o word_n he_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n he_o be_v bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n i_o say_v he_o explain_v they_o all_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o sense_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o offer_v several_a substantial_a argument_n to_o 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