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 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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
upon_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o their_o mouth_n will_v be_v for_o ever_o stop_v shall_v we_o upbraid_v they_o but_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v even_o seem_v to_o insult_v they_o and_o shall_v we_o demand_v of_o they_o as_o we_o very_o well_o may_v whether_o the_o dispensation_n of_o divine_a providence_n towards_o they_o do_v bear_v the_o awful_a mark_n of_o his_o severe_a displeasure_n and_o whether_o almighty_a god_n didn't_fw-mi take_v a_o most_o unaccountable_a method_n if_o his_o design_n be_v to_o show_v the_o world_n that_o the_o jew_n be_v still_o his_o peculiar_a people_n though_o too_o far_o from_o be_v zealous_a of_o good_a work_n when_o he_o suffer_v such_o grievous_a calamity_n to_o befall_v they_o when_o their_o metropolis_n be_v take_v and_o they_o be_v at_o once_o deprive_v of_o their_o magnificent_a temple_n and_o all_o their_o pompous_a worship_n and_o whatever_o they_o can_v offer_v to_o allay_v the_o native_a darkness_n of_o this_o mysterious_a scene_n of_o providence_n it_o may_v be_v large_o insist_v on_o and_o improve_v to_o very_o valuable_a purpose_n by_o the_o christian_n who_o admire_v the_o wise_a and_o deep_a design_n of_o god_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o horrid_a impiety_n of_o those_o very_a person_n who_o be_v once_o his_o peculiar_a people_z as_o a_o bless_a occasion_n of_o call_v they_o who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o glorious_a promise_n relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n kingdom_n this_o be_v foretold_a by_o the_o prophet_n viz._n that_o god_n will_v take_v a_o advantage_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o jew_n not_o mere_o to_o call_v any_o single_a nation_n but_o to_o select_v some_o person_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n he_o may_v give_v a_o ignorant_a people_n very_o clear_a discovery_n of_o important_a truth_n take_v his_o kingdom_n from_o the_o jew_n to_o bestow_v it_o on_o the_o despise_a gentile_n and_o i_o shall_v quote_v one_o prophecy_n concern_v this_o surprise_v turn_v of_o providence_n which_o be_v in_o deuteronomy_n where_o the_o prophetical_a historian_n introduce_v god_n speak_v after_o the_o follow_a manner_n they_o have_v move_v deut._n 32._o v._o 21._o i_o to_o jealousy_n with_o that_o which_o be_v not_o god_n they_o have_v prvoke_v i_o to_o anger_n with_o their_o vanity_n and_o i_o will_v move_v they_o to_o jealousy_n with_o these_o who_o be_v not_o a_o people_n i_o will_v provoke_v they_o to_o anger_n with_o a_o foolish_a nation_n chap._n thirty-nine_o than_o the_o jew_n conclude_v with_o the_o follow_a word_n we_o see_v therefore_o say_v he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n like_o one_o of_o we_o as_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v both_o from_o reason_n and_o experience_n but_o i_o can_v for_o my_o life_n conceive_v how_o our_o saviour_n if_o he_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o man_n can_v ever_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o his_o doctrine_n will_v obtain_v and_o much_o less_o meet_v with_o the_o desire_a success_n that_o he_o shall_v honourable_o surmount_v all_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n and_o prove_v in_o the_o event_n superior_a to_o the_o unite_a force_n of_o the_o people_n senate_n and_o emperor_n of_o rome_n and_o all_o foreign_a potentate_n if_o we_o do_v allow_v that_o he_o have_v a_o divine_a as_o well_o as_o a_o humane_a nature_n how_o can_v we_o account_v for_o his_o make_v so_o many_o and_o so_o remarkable_a convert_v on_o a_o sudden_a when_o the_o disadvantage_n be_v so_o great_a which_o he_o labour_v under_o have_v they_o all_o be_v man_n of_o reason_n that_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o i_o confess_v the_o wonder_n will_v sensible_o abate_v but_o the_o great_a part_n by_o far_o be_v void_a of_o reason_n and_o little_o better_a than_o brute_n in_o a_o humane_a shape_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o be_v slave_n to_o their_o unruly_a passion_n and_o on_o that_o account_n it_o be_v far_o more_o difficult_a to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o exorbitant_a vice_n so_o that_o we_o must_v resolve_v this_o matter_n into_o his_o be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n let_v the_o unbelieve_a jew_n and_o the_o learned_a greek_n gnash_v their_o tooth_n as_o much_o as_o they_o please_v or_o produce_v what_o they_o can_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o i_o may_v say_v that_o instance_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n be_v not_o whole_o want_v even_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n we_o shall_v therefore_o not_o only_o continue_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o eternal_a son_n but_o shall_v also_o be_v excite_v by_o a_o holy_a ambition_n to_o endeavour_v to_o convert_v the_o ignorant_a heathenss_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n while_o they_o by_o all_o mean_n will_v have_v it_o that_o we_o true_o be_v the_o person_n who_o ignorance_n deserve_v high_o to_o be_v pity_v though_o we_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o case_n they_o commiserate_v be_v in_o truth_n their_o own_o and_o they_o give_v it_o out_o that_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o imposture_n whereas_o they_o do_v but_o condemn_v their_o own_o frequent_a and_o most_o apparent_a practice_n i_o be_o sure_a if_o we_o lead_v person_n aside_o it_o be_v a_o very_a happy_a seducement_n since_o the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o their_o better_a part_n be_v honest_o aim_v at_o and_o effectual_o consult_v by_o we_o who_o be_v honour_v sometime_o with_o be_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o almighty_n god_n to_o reclaim_v they_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o which_o our_o sincere_a and_o earnest_n though_o weak_a endeavour_n do_v concur_v they_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o leave_v their_o former_a intemperance_n or_o at_o least_o make_v some_o slow_a and_o imperfect_a advances_n towards_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n they_o leave_v their_o unjust_a deal_v or_o at_o least_o approach_n to_o the_o confine_n of_o justice_n they_o renounce_v their_o superstition_n and_o folly_n or_o at_o least_o be_v conduct_v into_o the_o highway_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v that_o lead_v to_o the_o most_o sublime_a and_o most_o useful_a wisdom_n they_o leave_v their_o cowardly_a and_o sordid_a temper_n and_o be_v inspire_v with_o the_o noble_a kind_a of_o courage_n which_o appear_v on_o all_o just_a occasion_n but_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o most_o holy_a religion_n with_o their_o warm_a blood_n to_o conclude_v without_o doubt_n our_o saviour_n be_v already_o come_v who_o be_v express_o foretell_v even_o by_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n my_o antagonist_n therefore_o do_v not_o a_o little_a discover_v his_o ignorance_n in_o make_v his_o jew_n say_v that_o a_o certain_a prophet_n foretell_v the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n but_o because_o celsus_n who_o bring_v in_o his_o jew_n speaking_z as_o he_o imagine_v agreable_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o judaisme_n think_v fit_a that_o he_o shall_v break_v off_o here_o though_o indeed_o he_o add_v a_o sew_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v mention_v i_o shall_v here_o put_v a_o period_n to_o my_o second_o book_n and_o if_o i_o may_v but_o have_v seasonable_a and_o suitable_a assistance_n from_o above_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v in_o my_o three_o book_n to_o answer_v some_o remain_a argument_n if_o they_o may_v be_v so_o call_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o celsus_n think_v fit_a to_o use_v and_o endeavour_n with_o all_o his_o may_v to_o maintain_v finis_fw-la
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 only_a assent_n to_o those_o truth_n and_o useful_a rule_n which_o it_o recommend_v to_o his_o consideration_n and_o choice_n but_o the_o more_o he_o be_v verse_v in_o the_o forementioned_a sort_n of_o learning_n the_o more_o he_o be_v confirm_v in_o his_o judgement_n and_o borrow_v from_o the_o christian_n wherever_o he_o perceive_v that_o the_o greek_n themselves_o be_v defective_a to_o this_o i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v just_o boast_v of_o a_o peculiar_a demonstration_n such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v true_o divine_a and_o vast_o exceed_v all_o the_o logic_n of_o the_o greek_n the_o apostle_n call_v it_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v in_o a_o secret_a but_o powerful_a way_n convince_v the_o reader_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture-prophecy_n efpeal_o of_o those_o which_o have_v a_o evident_a and_o near_a relation_n to_o the_o 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
by_o what_o i_o shall_v seasonable_o produce_v in_o its_o defence_n provide_v i_o be_o able_a to_o confute_v his_o error_n i_o resolve_v to_o obey_v your_o most_o just_a command_n and_o to_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o book_n you_o be_v please_v to_o send_v i_o the_o very_a title_n of_o which_o viz._n a_o true_a relation_n will_v hardly_o pass_v for_o such_o with_o they_o who_o be_v no_o great_a proficient_n even_o in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n st._n paul_n know_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o greek_a philosophy_n that_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o contemptible_a but_o have_v by_o accident_n a_o malignant_a influence_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o common_a people_n represent_v error_n under_o the_o plausible_a appearance_n of_o solid_a and_o most_o important_a truth_n have_v these_o very_a word_n beware_v colos_n 2._o u._n 8._o lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ_n but_o this_o be_v more_o than_o i_o think_v any_o judicious_a person_n will_v allow_v the_o book_n which_o i_o be_o just_a go_v to_o answer_v for_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o forementioned_n thing_n by_o the_o name_n of_o vain_a deceit_n perhaps_o in_o contra-distinction_n to_o a_o certain_a kind_a of_o deceit_n which_o be_v not_o vain_a but_o innocent_a and_o useful_a which_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n consider_v make_v bold_a to_o apply_v the_o follow_a word_n to_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o oh_o lord_n thou_o have_v deceive_v i_o and_o jer._n 20._o u._n 7._o i_o be_v deceive_v thou_o be_v strong_a than_o i_o and_o have_v prevail_v but_o in_o my_o opinion_n what_o celsus_n publish_v do_v want_v even_o that_o plausible_a appearance_n to_o render_v it_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v deceitful_a which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o those_o eminently-learned_n person_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o various_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n among_o the_o pagan_n and_o as_o in_o geometry_n tisn_v sufficient_a that_o what_o be_v offor_v for_o a_o demonstration_n be_v in_o itself_o false_a and_o dangerous_a but_o it_o must_v have_v some_o colour_n of_o truth_n or_o it_o can_v never_o deceive_v and_o engage_v even_o the_o most_o faint_a endeavour_n of_o one_o who_o will_v improve_v in_o that_o entertain_n and_o useful_a science_n so_o those_o discourse_n which_o deserve_v the_o character_n of_o vain_a deceit_n must_v have_v some_o affinity_n with_o those_o rational_a argument_n that_o be_v frequent_o make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o head_n of_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n when_o i_o have_v proceed_v in_o my_o answer_n to_o celsus_n as_o far_o as_o the_o place_n where_o he_o personate_v the_o jew_n discourse_v with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v proper_a to_o put_v this_o preface_n before_o my_o book_n that_o so_o any_o one_o into_o who_o hand_n it_o may_v accidental_o fall_v may_v plain_o see_v that_o i_o didn't_fw-mi principal_o intend_v it_o for_o those_o christian_n who_o be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o their_o judgement_n but_o either_o for_o they_o who_o be_v entire_a stranger_n to_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o for_o they_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n rom._n 14._o u._n 1._o receive_v i_o must_v add_v one_o thing_n here_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o i_o have_v a_o different_a design_n in_o answer_v celsus_n in_o the_o gross_a from_o what_o i_o have_v in_o answer_v the_o beginning_n of_o his_o book_n for_o at_o first_o i_o design_v no_o more_o than_o to_o mention_v some_o of_o the_o principal_a head_n and_o content_v myself_o with_o a_o mere_a compendium_n but_o after_o mature_a deliberation_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o proper_a to_o gather_v my_o discourse_n as_o it_o be_v into_o a_o perfect_a system_fw-la or_o body_n then_o i_o be_v satisfy_v from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v at_o a_o needless_a expense_n both_o of_o time_n and_o pain_n and_o content_v myself_o with_o what_o i_o have_v write_v against_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o book_n which_o celsus_n publish_v but_o in_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o my_o apology_n which_o if_o i_o may_v modest_o say_v it_o of_o my_o own_o performance_n be_v much_o more_o elaborate_a i_o determine_v to_o bend_v all_o my_o force_n against_o he_o and_o to_o return_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v material_a and_o even_o to_o some_o of_o his_o most_o trifle_a objection_n i_o must_v therefore_o desire_v my_o reader_n to_o discover_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a candour_n in_o pass_v his_o judgement_n on_o what_o i_o have_v do_v especial_o on_o that_o part_n of_o my_o apology_n which_o immediate_o follow_v this_o epistle_n and_o if_o the_o other_o part_n shall_v have_v no_o better_a effect_n upon_o he_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v there_o also_o be_v extreme_o favourable_a in_o the_o sentence_n which_o he_o may_v pass_v upon_o i_o and_o if_o you_o virtuous_a ambrose_n desire_v a_o more_o complete_a answer_n to_o celsus_n than_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v he_o at_o present_a i_o must_v refer_v you_o to_o they_o who_o have_v a_o far_o great_a share_n of_o judgement_n than_o that_o to_o which_o i_o lay_v my_o most_o humble_a claim_n and_o be_v better_o qualify_v for_o the_o due_a and_o honourable_a management_n of_o so_o difficult_a a_o province_n however_o that_o person_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a and_o much_o more_o desirable_a condition_n who_o have_v meet_v with_o celsus_n performance_n and_o be_v furnish_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n with_o a_o warm_a and_o effectual_a apology_n for_o that_o excellent_a religion_n which_o he_o profess_v and_o endeavour_n to_o practice_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o power_n be_v so_o well-guarded_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o sincere_a follower_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n that_o he_o can_v look_v with_o a_o holy_a contempt_n on_o the_o false_a representation_n and_o most_o plausible_a argument_n of_o the_o most_o celebrate_a heretic_n that_o do_v ever_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n origen_n against_o celsus_n chap._n i._n the_o first_o charge_n which_o celsus_n bring_v against_o the_o christian_n be_v their_o hold_a cabal_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o to_o which_o as_o he_o think_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v entire_o subject_a he_o distinguish_v meeting_n into_o public_a and_o private_a the_o public_a meeting_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o the_o private_a and_o separate_a meeting_n which_o be_v keep_v up_o by_o schismatic_n and_o his_o design_n herein_o be_v to_o cast_v reproach_n on_o the_o love_n feast_n of_o the_o christian_n which_o be_v appoint_v to_o prevent_v a_o common_a and_o threaten_a danger_n and_o be_v far_o more_o bind_v than_o the_o sacred_a tie_n of_o mutual_a oath_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v i_o say_v he_o reproach_n they_o as_o if_o they_o manifest_o and_o gross_o interfere_v with_o that_o due_a and_o indispensible_a loyalty_n which_o as_o they_o be_v subject_n they_o owe_v and_o aught_o as_o he_o imagine_v to_o pay_v the_o national_a establishment_n since_o therefore_o he_o make_v his_o boast_n that_o he_o have_v the_o law_n on_o his_o side_n and_o will_v intimate_v that_o the_o separate_a meeting_n of_o the_o christian_n do_v countenance_n and_o promote_v schism_n and_o sedition_n i_o answer_v that_o as_o a_o stranger_n who_o have_v his_o lot_n providential_o cast_v among_o the_o scythian_n who_o be_v govern_v by_o most_o wicked_a law_n and_o have_v not_o a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o make_v a_o safe_a escape_n will_v be_v esteem_v by_o that_o ignorant_a and_o uncivilise_v people_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o their_o constitution_n and_o a_o favourer_n of_o the_o sectary_n if_o he_o didn't_fw-mi comply_v with_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n but_o may_v still_o urge_v weighty_a and_o unanswerable_a argument_n to_o justify_v his_o separation_n so_o the_o christian_n may_v lawful_o dissent_v from_o the_o establish_v religion_n which_o introduce_v image-worship_n and_o a_o whole_a rifraff_n of_o the_o mock-deity_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o abound_v with_o more_o horrid_a impiety_n than_o be_v ever_o practise_v by_o the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o as_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o a_o city_n may_v lawful_o defend_v themselves_o against_o a_o prince_n who_o have_v make_v a_o unjust_a descent_n upon_o their_o native_a country_n so_o the_o christian_n may_v warrantable_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o satan_n that_o great_a usurper_n to_o free_v themselves_o and_o other_o from_o his_o worse_a than_o scythian_a tyranny_n chap._n
purge_v he_o from_o the_o vile_a and_o more_o dangerous_a leprosy_n of_o sin_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n john_n the_o baptist_n bear_v witness_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n i_o see_v the_o spirit_n descend_v from_o john_n i._n v._o 32._o heaven_n like_o a_o dove_n and_o it_o abide_v upon_o he_o and_o i_o know_v he_o not_o but_o he_o that_o send_v i_o to_o baptize_v with_o water_n the_o same_o say_v to_o i_o upon_o who_o thou_o shall_v see_v the_o spirit_n descend_v and_o remain_v the_o same_o be_v he_o who_o baptise_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o i_o see_v and_o bare_a record_n that_o this_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o heaven_n be_v open_a to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o there_o be_v no_o person_n present_a as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v gather_v from_o the_o account_n which_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o eye_n and_o ear._n witness_v of_o what_o happen_v to_o he_o except_z john_n the_o baptist_n but_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o also_o shall_v see_v the_o heaven_n open_v say_v very_o very_o john_n i._n v._o 51._o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o hereafter_o you_o shall_v see_v heaven_n open_a and_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n ascend_v and_o descend_v upon_o the_o son_n of_o man._n and_o in_o the_o forego_n sense_n we_o must_v understand_v that_o place_n of_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v carry_v up_o to_o the_o three_o or_o high_a heaven_n which_o before_o be_v open_v to_o he_o since_o we_o be_v well-assured_a he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sincere_a follower_n and_o most_o eminent_a apostle_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n but_o as_o for_o those_o word_n whether_o in_o the_o body_n 2_o cor._n twelve_o v._o 3_o or_o out_o of_o the_o body_n i_o can_v tell_v god_n know_v it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n at_o present_a to_o insist_v upon_o they_o chap._n xli_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o add_v one_o thing_n here_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o celsus_n without_o any_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v acquaint_v his_o disciple_n with_o the_o strange_a thing_n that_o have_v happen_v to_o he_o that_o the_o heaven_n have_v be_v open_v and_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v descend_v upon_o he_o at_o the_o river_n jordan_n but_o this_o mighty_a man_n with_o all_o his_o wisdom_n seem_v not_o at_o all_o to_o have_v consider_v the_o incongruity_n of_o such_o a_o supposition_n with_o the_o general_n practice_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o forbid_v his_o disciple_n to_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o vision_n which_o he_o see_v upon_o the_o mountain_n till_o he_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a as_o appear_v from_o the_o gospel_n than_o for_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o his_o power_n to_o avoid_v all_o talk_n that_o be_v in_o favour_n of_o himself_o therefore_o he_o say_v if_o i_o bear_v john_n u._n v._n 31._o witness_n of_o myself_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a and_o because_o he_o industrious_o avoid_v every_o thing_n that_o savour_v of_o self-applause_n and_o have_v rather_o that_o his_o work_n shall_v praise_v he_o and_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n the_o jew_n say_v to_o he_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o christ_n do_v thou_o tell_v we_o plain_o and_o because_o the_o jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v speak_v of_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n say_v there_o be_v no_o body_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o happen_v to_o you_o beside_o yourself_o and_o another_o person_n of_o the_o same_o pityful_a class_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v seasonable_a and_o high_o necessary_a to_o show_v that_o he_o talk_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v very_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o character_n he_o bear_v and_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o different_a regard_n which_o the_o jew_n pay_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o john_n the_o baptist_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o person_n and_o their_o suffering_n which_o to_o i_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o after_o all_o the_o pretension_n which_o he_o make_v to_o knowledge_n he_o can_o personate_v a_o jew_n discourse_v consistent_o with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n chap._n xlii_o than_o celsus_n i_o do_v it_o well_o know_v how_o but_o i_o suppose_v purposely_o overlook_v one_o of_o the_o most_o cogent_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v in_o favour_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n viz._n his_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n by_o moses_n and_o those_o who_o succeed_v he_o and_o even_o by_o some_o who_o live_v long_o before_o he_o i_o presume_v it_o be_v for_o this_o politic_a reason_n because_o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o he_o can_o return_v any_o tolerable_a answer_n to_o a_o proposition_n to_o which_o both_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o great_a heretic_n do_v assent_v who_o all_o agree_v that_o many_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o person_n of_o he_o who_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o perhaps_o he_o have_v never_o read_v the_o prophecy_n but_o have_v hear_v a_o general_a and_o loose_a report_n concern_v they_o for_o if_o he_o have_v know_v that_o there_o have_v be_v several_a prophet_n who_o have_v foretell_v our_o saviour_n appearance_n in_o the_o world_n certain_o he_o will_v never_o have_v put_v these_o word_n into_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o jew_n which_o i_o think_v will_v much_o better_o have_v become_v a_o samaritan_n or_o a_o sadducee_n viz._n my_o prophet_n say_v former_o in_o jerusalem_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n will_v come_v to_o reward_v the_o righteous_a and_o to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a for_o sure_o there_o have_v be_v more_o than_o one_o prophet_n that_o have_v prophesy_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n since_o even_o the_o sadducee_n and_o the_o samaritan_n who_o own_v no_o more_o than_o the_o pentateuch_n can_v but_o see_v if_o they_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a that_o moses_n himself_o have_v prophesy_v concern_v he_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v publish_v at_o jerusalem_n since_o the_o name_n of_o no_o such_o place_n be_v know_v for_o many_o age_n after_o moses_n by_o the_o way_n i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o all_o our_o implacable_a adversary_n unless_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o convert_v they_o be_v as_o ignorant_a as_o celsus_n not_o only_o of_o the_o true_a and_o full_a sense_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n treat_v but_o also_o of_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o it_o that_o so_o their_o discourse_n not_o have_v that_o colour_n of_o reason_n which_o sometime_o they_o have_v the_o common_a people_n may_v not_o so_o much_o as_o for_o a_o short_a space_n of_o time_n yield_v even_o the_o weak_a assent_n to_o any_o thing_n they_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v against_o we_o beside_o no_o jew_n but_o one_o who_o be_v bring_v over_o to_o the_o religion_n which_o we_o embrace_v will_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n what_o the_o jew_n say_v be_v this_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o come_v and_o in_o their_o disputation_n with_o we_o the_o first_o question_n almost_o which_o they_o ask_v be_v who_o be_v this_o son_n of_o god_n of_o who_o you_o talk_v so_o much_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o any_o such_o person_n be_v ever_o intend_v by_o the_o prophet_n for_o my_o part_n i_o firm_o believe_v that_o the_o person_n of_o who_o there_o be_v so_o many_o prediction_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o i_o can_v for_o my_o life_n conceive_v how_o a_o jew_n who_o deny_v this_o plain_a assertion_n can_v consistent_o with_o his_o character_n make_v use_n of_o the_o follow_a word_n my_o prophet_n say_v former_o in_o jerusalem_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n then_o celsus_n add_v the_o follow_a word_n to_o reward_v the_o righteous_a and_o to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o as_o if_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v foretold_a and_o there_o be_v no_o prediction_n concern_v the_o place_n of_o our_o saviour_n nativity_n or_o the_o unjust_a and_o barbarous_a treatment_n which_o he_o meet_v with_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o own_o countryman_n the_o jew_n or_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a or_o the_o miracle_n he_o perform_v he_o say_v why_o shall_v this_o prophecy_n be_v appropriate_v to_o you_o when_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v of_o many_o person_n that_o live_v before_o and_o after_o you_o with_o more_o
the_o opinion_n of_o the_o philosopher_n among_o the_o pagan_n and_o will_v manifest_o have_v have_v its_o foundation_n lay_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n rather_o than_o the_o irresistible_a power_n of_o god_n now_o what_o person_n who_o look_v on_o these_o fisherman_n and_o publican_n who_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o teach_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n of_o humane_a literature_n as_o the_o gospel_n acquaint_v we_o and_o as_o celsus_n be_v ready_a enough_o to_o believe_v and_o yet_o have_v such_o a_o presence_n of_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o discourse_v to_o their_o countryman_n the_o jew_n concern_v faith_n in_o christ_n but_o also_o to_o preach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n to_o other_o nation_n and_o be_v favour_v with_o most_o wonderful_a success_n i_o say_v what_o person_n who_o look_v on_o these_o fisherman_n and_o publican_n will_v not_o present_o inquire_v whence_o they_o derive_v this_o uncommon_a power_n of_o persuasion_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o saviour_n promise_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n come_v after_o i_o and_o i_o will_v make_v you_o fisher_n of_o man_n be_v evident_o mat._n four_o v._o 19_o and_o remarkable_o accomplish_v in_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o accompany_v the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v this_o to_o which_o st._n paul_n have_v so_o plain_a a_o reference_n when_o he_o say_v my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_v be_v not_o 1_o cor._n two_o v._o 4._o with_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n that_o your_o faith_n shall_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o prophetical_a psalmist_n speak_v who_o foretold_a the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o lord_n give_v the_o word_n great_a be_v the_o company_n of_o those_o that_o publish_v it_o ps_n lxviii_o v._o 11._o and_o as_o it_o be_v foretold_a in_o another_o place_n his_o word_n run_v very_o swift_o ps_n cxlvii_o v._n 15._o we_o see_v that_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v hear_v through_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o doctrine_n and_o fame_n too_o be_v spread_v to_o the_o most_o distant_a region_n they_o also_o who_o hear_v this_o doctrine_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o accompany_v the_o preach_a of_o it_o as_o abundant_o appear_v by_o the_o disposition_n of_o their_o mind_n the_o tenor_n of_o their_o conversation_n and_o their_o vigorous_a defence_n of_o the_o naked_a truth_n even_o to_o the_o apparent_a hazard_n of_o their_o fortune_n their_o reputation_n and_o their_o life_n though_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o aught_o to_o be_v deep_o lament_v that_o too_o many_o who_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o ministerial_a function_n after_o all_o the_o profession_n which_o they_o make_v of_o believe_v in_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o after_o have_v seem_v to_o be_v wonderful_o attract_v by_o the_o bright_a and_o almost_o irresistible_a charm_n of_o gospel-grace_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v do_v never_o feel_v the_o save_a impression_n of_o it_o on_o their_o heart_n attend_v with_o a_o suitable_a influence_n on_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o though_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v that_o expression_n in_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n matthew_n the_o harvest_n be_v great_a but_o the_o labourer_n be_v few_o pray_v you_o therefore_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n that_o he_o will_v send_v forth_o more_o labourer_n into_o mat._n ix_o v._o 37._o the_o harvest_n i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v improper_a to_o repeat_v it_o to_o show_v that_o our_o saviour_n foreknowledge_n of_o the_o entertainment_n which_o his_o doctrine_n will_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o divine_a proof_n of_o its_o future_a happy_a and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a effect_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n a_o doctrine_n the_o good_a success_n of_o which_o be_v far_o from_o depend_v on_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a doctor_n but_o be_v owe_v to_o that_o divine_a and_o miraculous_a power_n that_o accompany_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o sacred_a ministration_n chap._n lii_o and_o because_o celsus_n represent_v they_o not_o only_o as_o a_o parcel_n of_o ignorant_a fellow_n but_o also_o as_o a_o club_n of_o most_o scandalous_a creature_n vile_a publican_n and_o mariner_n i_o answer_v it_o seem_v he_o assent_v to_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o gospel_n whereby_o he_o think_v he_o can_v support_v his_o cause_n but_o reject_v when_o he_o think_v fit_a the_o authority_n of_o the_o evangelist_n themselves_o that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o reverence_v thâ—se_a character_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v so_o legible_a in_o their_o write_n but_o when_o he_o see_v with_o what_o faithfulness_n they_o relate_v even_o those_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o lessen_v their_o esteem_n and_o manifest_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o great_a danger_n he_o ought_v certain_o to_o believe_v the_o rest_n as_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o by_o consequence_n infallible_o true_a and_o of_o the_o high_a importance_n to_o we_o barnabas_n i_o confess_v in_o his_o catholic_n epistle_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o celsus_n have_v borrow_a his_o disadvantageous_a remark_n upon_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n say_v that_o jesus_n choose_v such_o person_n to_o the_o apostolical_a function_n as_o be_v wicked_a to_o the_o last_o degree_n and_o in_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n luke_n st._n peter_n say_v to_o jesus_n lord_n depart_v from_o i_o for_o luke_n u._n five_o 8._o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man._n and_o st._n paul_n in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n say_v this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_v and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o christ_n jesus_n come_v 1_o tim._n 1._o v._o 15._o into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n of_o who_o i_o be_o chief_a though_o at_o last_o he_o become_v a_o most_o eminent_a apostle_n and_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o celsus_n memory_n or_o his_o judgement_n be_v most_o defective_a when_o he_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o next_o to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v the_o most_o remarkable_a founder_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o it_o be_v probable_a he_o think_v it_o will_v not_o serve_v his_o cause_n and_o that_o if_o he_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o he_o he_o have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o have_v give_v a_o rational_a and_o distinct_a account_n how_o a_o person_n who_o once_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n spit_v his_o venom_n and_o employ_v his_o most_o vigorous_a endeavour_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o christian_n insomuch_o that_o he_o thirst_v for_o their_o blood_n be_v so_o strange_o alter_v on_o a_o sudden_a that_o he_o spread_v the_o gospel_n from_o jerusalem_n to_o illyricum_n endeavour_v to_o avoid_v building_n on_o the_o foundation_n which_o another_o have_v lay_v and_o make_v it_o his_o choice_n and_o business_n to_o preach_v to_o they_o who_o have_v never_o hear_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n by_o a_o crucified_a redeemer_n chap._n liii_o what_o absurdity_n be_v there_o then_o in_o suppose_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v desirous_a to_o show_v mankind_n what_o sovereign_a remedy_n he_o have_v and_o be_v willing_a to_o apply_v to_o the_o distemper_a soul_n of_o man_n shall_v make_v choice_n of_o person_n that_o be_v notorious_o wicked_a and_o work_v such_o a_o sudden_a and_o surprise_v change_n upon_o they_o that_o by_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o life_n they_o become_v very_o honourable_a example_n to_o they_o who_o be_v afterward_o convert_v by_o their_o ministry_n if_o they_o who_o have_v reform_v their_o manner_n must_v be_v upbraid_v with_o the_o crime_n which_o they_o former_o commit_v than_o we_o may_v as_o well_o bring_v in_o a_o most_o heavy_a charge_n against_o phaedon_n himself_o even_o after_o he_o have_v devote_v his_o time_n and_o strength_n to_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n because_o history_n acquaint_v we_o that_o socrates_n take_v he_o from_o a_o place_n where_o debauchery_n be_v practise_v without_o fear_n or_o regret_n and_o put_v he_o upon_o rational_a and_o learned_a study_n in_o which_o in_o process_n of_o time_n he_o be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o mean_a proficient_a we_o may_v also_o condemn_v philosophy_n itself_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o extravagant_a course_n which_o polemon_n the_o successor_n of_o zenocrates_n have_v former_o take_v but_o in_o truth_n this_o consideration_n do_v great_o brighten_v and_o recommend_v their_o character_n that_o by_o the_o help_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o thing_n as_o philosophy_n they_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o resolve_v on_o a_o virtuous_a and_o severe_a course_n of_o life_n in_o spite_n of_o those_o bad_a impression_n with_o which_o they_o be_v force_v to_o struggle_v and_o over_o which_o they_o do_v with_o no_o small_a difficulty_n obtain_v a_o honourable_a and_o happy_a
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say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v to_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_v iniquity_n but_o celsus_n confound_v the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o the-enchantment_n of_o man_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_z dont_fw-fr stick_n to_o acquaint_v we_o as_o even_o your_o own_o write_n inform_v we_o that_o many_o shall_v come_v and_o do_v the_o same_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o he_o and_o on_o that_o very_a score_n oh_o monstrous_a impudence_n he_o charge_v they_o with_o be_v wicked_a man_n and_o notorious_a and_o vile_a impostor_n and_o say_v that_o satan_n will_v be_v the_o original_a author_n of_o their_o curse_a arts._n so_o that_o he_o himself_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v 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be_v obvious_a to_o observe_v celsus_n malicious_a misrepresentation_n of_o matter_n since_o our_o saviour_n language_n be_v vast_o different_a from_o what_o the_o pretend_a jew_n will_v fain_o have_v it_o to_o be_v perhaps_o he_o may_v have_v have_v some_o plausible_a pretence_n sore_o his_o profane_a discourse_n if_o our_o saviour_n have_v admonish_v his_o disciple_n to_o avoid_v all_o those_o who_o shall_v make_v their_o boast_n of_o miracle_n and_o have_v infinuate_v nothing_o of_o the_o unjust_a claim_n they_o lay_v to_o the_o title_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n but_o since_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o they_o give_v out_o they_o be_v the_o christ_n which_o i_o think_v be_v a_o profession_n that_o magician_n do_v common_o make_v and_o since_o we_o be_v tell_v they_o shall_v be_v person_n of_o very_o loose_a moral_n and_o shall_v work_v such_o miracle_n as_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o those_o which_o be_v wrought_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n in_o this_o very_a affair_n be_v so_o far_o from_o carry_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o least_o imposture_n that_o to_o i_o it_o be_v asleep_o convince_v argument_n that_o both_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n wrought_v their_o miracle_n by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o other_o who_o be_v act_v by_o satan_n do_v only_o counterfeit_v the_o glorious_a action_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o so_o prevail_v with_o some_o delude_a person_n to_o believe_v that_o their_o high_a pretension_n be_v most_o just_a and_o reasonable_a the_o apostle_n paul_n acquaint_v we_o how_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o son_n of_o perdition_n shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o exalt_v himself_o above_o 2_o these_o 2._o v._o 3._o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n or_o worship_v so_o that_o as_o god_n he_o sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n show_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v god._n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o say_v now_o you_o know_v what_o withhold_v that_o he_o may_v ibid._n v._o 6_o be_v reveal_v in_o his_o time_n for_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n do_v already_o work_v only_o he_o who_o now_o let_v will_v let_v until_o he_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o then_o shall_v that_o wicked_a one_o be_v reveal_v who_o the_o lord_n shall_v consume_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o shall_v destroy_v with_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_v even_o he_o who_o come_v be_v after_o the_o work_v of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o vnrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n will_v suffer_v he_o to_o act_v his_o hellish_a part_n upon_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n viz._n because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o vnrighteousness_n now_o let_v any_o one_o show_n with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v do_v by_o such_o wicked_a artifice_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o and_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o read_v the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n concern_v antichrist_n but_o celsus_n represent_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o a_o disadvantage_n when_o he_o make_v he_o say_v that_o many_o shall_v come_v after_o he_o who_o shall_v do_v the_o very_a same_o miracle_n with_o those_o which_o he_o wrought_v himself_o and_o yet_o be_v wicked_a person_n and_o notorious_a impostor_n for_o as_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o diabolical_a power_n by_o which_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o egyptian_n be_v act_v and_o the_o divine_a assistance_n which_o moses_n have_v when_o he_o wrought_v his_o miracle_n the_o event_n sufficient_o prove_v that_o what_o the_o former_a do_v be_v mere_o owe_v to_o the_o force_n of_o their_o curse_a enehantmenss_n and_o what_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o latter_a be_v manifest_o owe_v to_o the_o inflvence_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n so_o there_o be_v the_o same_o between_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o those_o of_o antichrist_n and_o his_o confederate_n who_o counterfeit_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o follower_n which_o have_v a_o most_o wonderful_a and_o happy_a issue_n mankind_n be_v thereby_o induce_v to_o embrace_v the_o best_a religion_n that_o be_v ever_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n celsus_n i_o confess_v discover_v that_o he_o i_v entire_o ignorant_a of_o the_o scripture_n when_o he_o make_v our_o saviour_n say_v that_o satan_n will_v be_v the_o original_a author_n of_o that_o curse_a art_n by_o which_o false_a prophet_n will_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n but_o be_v a_o little_a too_o hasty_a in_o draw_v his_o pretend_a consequence_n viz._n our_o saviour_n miracle_n even_o according_a to_o his_o own_o free_a confession_n do_v bear_v no_o stamp_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n but_o be_v such_o work_n as_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v it_o seem_v by_o some_o of_o the_o vile_a person_n that_o ever_o breathe_v on_o earth_n for_o he_o make_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o between_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v homogeneous_a and_o those_o that_o be_v heterogeneous_a as_o logician_n call_v they_o between_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o and_o thing_n of_o a_o very_a different_a kind_a now_o as_o a_o wolf_n and_o a_o dog_n do_v wide_o differ_v though_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o considerable_a resemblance_n between_o they_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o shape_n and_o tone_n of_o voice_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o a_o stock-dove_n and_o a_o pigeon_n so_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n be_v not_o of_o
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