return_v he_o a_o proper_a and_o sufficient_a answer_n i_o have_v resolve_v to_o examine_v every_o material_a article_n though_o i_o can_v observe_v so_o strict_a a_o method_n as_o i_o will_v but_o be_o force_v so_o far_o to_o comply_v even_o with_o the_o folly_n of_o my_o adversary_n as_o to_o trace_v he_o through_o the_o labyrinth_n of_o his_o confuse_a discourse_n let_v we_o see_v then_o what_o he_o have_v to_o offer_v against_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n chap._n xxxvii_o the_o jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v direct_v his_o discourse_n to_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n you_o pretend_v say_v he_o that_o a_o bird_n appear_v to_o you_o at_o your_o baptism_n but_o can_v you_o produce_v any_o credible_a person_n that_o be_v present_a to_o see_v it_o or_o hear_v the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n by_o which_o you_o say_v you_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n beside_o yourself_o 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person_n of_o a_o jew_n who_o we_o must_v suppose_v to_o yield_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o many_o passage_n in_o the_o prophet_n that_o will_v soon_o be_v liable_a to_o shock_v our_o reason_n than_o any_o thing_n relate_v in_o the_o history_n of_o which_o i_o be_o now_o discourse_v for_o one_o may_v ask_v this_o pretend_a jew_n who_o wo'n_v believe_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n appear_v to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n pray_v sir_n how_o will_v you_o be_v ever_o capable_a of_o give_v evident_a and_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o god_n speak_v to_o adam_n eve_n cain_n noah_n abraham_n isaac_n or_o jacob_n as_o your_o scripture_n do_v plain_o assert_v he_o do_v and_o to_o set_v history_n against_o history_n i_o will_v address_v this_o jew_n after_o the_o follow_a manner_n dear_a sir_n you_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o ezekiel_n who_o be_v one_o of_o your_o own_o celebrate_a prophet_n have_v these_o very_a word_n the_o heaven_n be_v open_v and_o i_o see_v vision_n of_o ezek._n i._n v._o 1._o god_n and_o he_o add_v this_o be_v the_o appearance_n ezek._n i._n v._o 28_o of_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o say_v to_o i_o now_o if_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v relate_v of_o our_o saviour_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v false_a because_o as_o you_o think_v they_o have_v not_o sufficient_a extrinsic_a evidence_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o world_n since_o you_o affirm_v they_o be_v see_v and_o hear_v by_o no_o person_n but_o himself_o and_o another_o of_o the_o same_o pityful_a class_n have_v we_o not_o more_o reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o ezekiel_n impose_v upon_o we_o when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o heaven_n be_v open_a to_o his_o view_n and_o though_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n say_v i_o see_v the_o lord_n sit_v upon_o a_o throne_n high_a and_o lift_v up_o above_o it_o stand_v isa_n vi_fw-la v._o 1._o the_o seraphim_n each_o one_o have_v six_o wing_n pray_v sir_n what_o rational_a assurance_n have_v you_o that_o he_o real_o see_v this_o entertain_v and_o amaze_a sight_n you_o believe_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o neither_o can_v be_v deceive_v nor_o will_v deceive_v we_o and_o be_v persuade_v not_o only_o that_o the_o prophet_n see_v they_o but_o also_o that_o he_o be_v divinely-inspired_a when_o he_o commit_v these_o thing_n to_o write_v but_o i_o ask_v which_o of_o these_o three_o be_v it_o most_o fit_a we_o shall_v believe_v ezekiel_n isaiah_n or_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o two_o former_a do_v nothing_o that_o deserve_v to_o be_v compare_v or_o even_o mention_v with_o what_o the_o latter_a have_v do_v who_o power_n be_v not_o only_o most_o glorious_o display_v when_o he_o appear_v and_o dwell_v on_o earth_n but_o shine_v with_o a_o happy_a and_o remarkable_a lustre_n at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n in_o the_o conversion_n and_o exemplary_a reformation_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o god_n through_o he_o and_o that_o all_o those_o wonderful_a effect_n which_o we_o frequent_o see_v be_v owe_v to_o his_o infinite_a power_n i_o infer_v from_o hence_o that_o as_o he_o say_v and_o as_o constant_a experience_n may_v convince_v we_o the_o sincere_a labourer_n be_v few_o in_o a_o mat._n ix_o v._o 37._o comparative_a sense_n and_o yet_o the_o harvest_n of_o soul_n be_v great_a that_o be_v vast_a number_n ibid._n five_o 38_o be_v every_o where_o almost_o continual_o bring_v into_o god_n threshing-floor_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v i_o mean_v the_o visible_a church_n this_o i_o say_v to_o a_o jew_n not_o as_o if_o i_o have_v the_o least_o design_n to_o derogate_v from_o the_o honour_n which_o i_o be_o sensible_a be_v due_a to_o ezekiel_n and_o isaiah_n for_o that_o will_v be_v very_o inconsistent_a with_o
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
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 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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
follower_n of_o aristotle_n and_o epicurus_n think_v it_o be_v but_o have_v certain_a state_v rule_n as_o they_o that_o be_v skilled_a in_o it_o do_v know_v and_o can_v easy_o demonstrate_v i_o say_v if_o i_o can_v make_v this_o appear_v i_o think_v i_o may_v then_o safe_o affirm_v that_o the_o name_n sabaoth_v adonai_n and_o other_o name_n for_o which_o the_o jew_n have_v so_o profound_a a_o veneration_n be_v not_o design_v to_o denominate_v any_o create_a being_n much_o less_o those_o of_o a_o inferior_a order_n but_o do_v contain_v some_o sacred_a mystery_n which_o have_v a_o immediate_a reference_n to_o the_o great_a and_o adorable_a creator_n of_o the_o universe_n these_o name_n therefore_o have_v a_o efficacy_n when_o they_o be_v due_o pronounce_v by_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v other_o name_n which_o be_v pronounce_v in_o the_o egyptian_a language_n be_v prevalent_a with_o certain_a daemon_n who_o power_n be_v limit_v to_o such_o or_o such_o a_o sphere_n and_o 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or_o run_v into_o the_o error_n of_o those_o unhappy_a person_n who_o great_o derogate_v from_o the_o infinite_a honour_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o supreme_a and_o original_a cause_n and_o disparage_v true_a virtue_n and_o piety_n by_o mis-applying_a the_o sacred_a name_n of_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la to_o a_o little_a glitter_a but_o perish_v dust_n or_o a_o happy_a constitution_n of_o body_n or_o that_o which_o be_v false_o but_o too_o common_o call_v a_o honourable_a descent_n noble_a princely_a or_o royal_a blood_n and_o sure_o the_o danger_n of_o mis-applying_a the_o name_n of_o the_o awful_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n or_o the_o chief_a good_a be_v at_o least_o equal_a to_o that_o of_o change_v the_o state_v name_n which_o be_v use_v in_o magic_n and_o have_v a_o mystical_a sense_n and_o give_v the_o name_n of_o superior_a power_n to_o infernal_a spirit_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o of_o infernal_a spirit_n to_o superior_a power_n i_o need_v not_o say_v that_o at_o the_o very_a mention_n of_o jupiter_n be_v understand_v the_o son_n of_o saturn_n and_o rhea_n the_o husband_n of_o juno_n the_o brother_n of_o neptune_n the_o father_n of_o minerva_n and_o diana_n and_o the_o person_n that_o commit_v incest_n with_o his_o daughter_n nor_o need_v i_o say_v that_o at_o the_o mention_n of_o apollo_n be_v understand_v the_o son_n of_o jupiter_n and_o latona_n the_o brother_n of_o diana_n and_o brother_n to_o mercury_n by_o the_o father_n side_n or_o need_v i_o speak_v of_o many_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v relate_v by_o the_o ancient_a hero_n who_o celsus_n have_v with_o so_o much_o honour_n enumerate_v or_o contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o admire_v theology_n of_o the_o learned_a greek_n pray_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o jupiter_n be_v call_v as_o he_o be_v and_o that_o the_o son_n of_o saturn_n and_o rhea_n be_v not_o the_o name_n that_o be_v give_v he_o the_o same_o question_n may_v proper_o enough_o be_v ask_v concern_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o riff-raff_a of_o the_o heathen_a go_n this_o consideration_n i_o think_v have_v a_o manifest_a tendency_n to_o favour_n and_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o person_n who_o have_v some_o mystical_a but_o solid_a reason_n for_o use_v the_o name_n sabaoth_v or_o adonai_n and_o some_o other_o name_n when_o they_o speak_v of_o god_n since_o they_o who_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o name_n will_v easy_o find_v that_o some_o sacred_a mystery_n be_v veil_v under_o the_o name_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o angel_n one_o of_o who_o be_v call_v michael_n another_o gabriel_n and_o another_o raphael_n each_o have_v a_o name_n affix_v to_o he_o by_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o that_o honourable_a work_n in_o which_o his_o great_a creator_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o employ_v he_o and_o the_o virtue_n which_o accompany_v the_o pronunciation_n of_o our_o saviour_n name_n and_o by_o which_o cruel_a and_o obstinate_a daemon_n be_v frequent_o and_o public_o dispossess_v both_o of_o the_o mind_n and_o body_n of_o man_n must_v i_o think_v be_v resolve_v at_o least_o in_o some_o measure_n into_o the_o natural_a efficacy_n of_o name_n i_o may_v add_v one_o thing_n here_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o they_o who_o be_v skilled_a in_o enchantment_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o they_o make_v use_v of_o such_o and_o such_o word_n in_o the_o original_a language_n the_o end_v propose_v will_v certain_o be_v obtain_v but_o if_o the_o very_a same_o word_n be_v change_v and_o other_o be_v make_v use_n of_o which_o convey_v the_o very_a same_o idea_n they_o will_v immediate_o and_o strange_o lose_v their_o extraordinary_a virtue_n so_o that_o the_o power_n which_o they_o have_v be_v not_o owe_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o be_v the_o external_a sign_n but_o to_o certain_a unknown_a property_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o name_n themselves_o chap._n xxi_o this_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o apology_n for_o the_o christian_n who_o willing_o and_o even_o triumphant_o embrace_v death_n itself_o in_o the_o most_o horrid_a shape_v rather_o than_o call_v god_n by_o the_o name_n of_o jupiter_n whatever_o intention_n or_o mental_a reservation_n they_o may_v have_v or_o give_v he_o those_o name_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o language_n and_o adapt_v to_o the_o religion_n of_o other_o country_n for_o either_o they_o call_v he_o by_o the_o general_a name_n of_o god_n or_o they_o bestow_v such_o epithet_n as_o these_o upon_o he_o the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n the_o former_a of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n or_o may_v express_v themselves_o by_o the_o follow_a periphrasis_n he_o who_o have_v send_v some_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a man_n into_o the_o world_n who_o name_n be_v honourable_o blend_v with_o his_o own_o have_v a_o strange_a and_o even_o miraculous_a power_n here_o i_o may_v enter_v into_o a_o long_a discourse_n in_o opposition_n to_o they_o who_o eager_o contend_v for_o the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o the_o most_o sacred_a name_n for_o if_o plato_n be_v so_o much_o and_o not_o undeserved_o commend_v who_o bring_v in_o a_o person_n upon_o philebus_n call_v pleasure_n a_o goddess_n make_v use_n of_o the_o follow_a expression_n for_o my_o part_n protarchus_n i_o have_v a_o profound_a veneration_n even_o for_o the_o name_n of_o the_o god_n which_o like_o themselves_o i_o esteem_v sacred_a and_o inviolable_a how_o much_o more_o ought_v christian_n to_o be_v commend_v who_o make_v conscience_n of_o apply_v those_o name_n to_o god_n which_o be_v unhappy_o but_o too_o common_o borrow_a from_o the_o empty_a and_o ridiculous_a fable_n of_o the_o poet_n but_o so_o much_o of_o this_o matter_n for_o the_o present_a chap._n xxii_o let_v we_o now_o see_v how_o celsus_n load_v the_o jew_n with_o reproach_n which_o dont_fw-fr well_n suit_n with_o his_o horrid_a presumption_n in_o profess_v that_o he_o be_v perfect_o acquaint_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o christian_n they_o give_v themselves_o say_v he_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o angel_n and_o to_o magic_n follow_v therein_o the_o precept_n of_o their_o celebrate_a moses_n let_v he_o therefore_o since_o he_o be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a doctrine_n show_v where_o there_o be_v any_o precept_n in_o all_o the_o pentateuch_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v in_o favour_n of_o angel-worship_n and_o acquaint_v we_o how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o magic_n shall_v be_v in_o vogue_n with_o a_o nation_n that_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n who_o have_v leave_v the_o follow_a word_n upon_o record_n regard_v not_o they_o leu._n nineteeen_o v._n 31_o that_o have_v familiar_a spirit_n neither_o seek_v after_o wizard_n to_o be_v defile_v by_o they_o chap._n xxiii_o than_o celsus_n undertake_v to_o show_v that_o the_o jew_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o monstrous_a ignorance_n tame_o suffer_v themselves_o
as_o be_v derive_v from_o no_o other_o than_o a_o divine_a original_a and_o since_o it_o be_v a_o pretend_a jew_n who_o call_v in_o question_n the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n one_o may_v well_o demand_v who_o be_v it_o that_o say_v thus_o in_o isaiah_n prophecy_n now_o the_o lord_n god_n isa_n xlviii_o v._n 16._o have_v send_v i_o and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o word_n be_v ambiguous_a and_o may_v either_o signify_v that_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n send_v our_o bless_a saviour_n or_o that_o the_o son_n and_o spirit_n be_v both_o send_v by_o the_o father_n the_o latter_a of_o which_o two_o interpretation_n seem_v to_o i_o i_o confess_v to_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a and_o because_o our_o saviour_n be_v send_v first_o and_o then_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o the_o prophecy_n may_v be_v fulfil_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o which_o be_v reserve_v for_o future_a age_n for_o that_o reason_n among_o other_o i_o judge_v it_o be_v that_o thing_n be_v relate_v as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o evangelist_n chap._n xl._n and_o since_o celsus_n jew_n do_v in_o some_o sort_n acknowledge_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n i_o will_v produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o famous_a author_n who_o live_v quick_o after_o i_o mean_v josephus_n who_o in_o the_o 18_o book_n of_o his_o jewish_a antiquity_n say_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v invest_v with_o authority_n to_o baptize_v and_o promise_a remission_n of_o sin_n to_o they_o that_o come_v to_o his_o baptism_n the_o same_o author_n though_o he_o do_v believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o when_o he_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o take_v of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n do_v ascribe_v this_o grievous_a and_o surprise_v calamity_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v to_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n yet_o be_v foree_v to_o make_v some_o slender_a approach_n to_o truth_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o remarkable_a judgement_n which_o god_n send_v upon_o the_o jewish_a nation_n for_o kill_v james_n the_o just_a who_o be_v brother_n to_o jesus_n who_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v without_o doubt_n a_o very_a virtuous_a and_o pious_a man._n this_o james_n be_v the_o same_o person_n st._n paul_n that_o sincere_a follower_n and_o eminent_a apostle_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o go_v to_o visit_v because_o he_o be_v the_o brother_n of_o christ_n which_o title_n be_v proper_a for_o he_o not_o so_o much_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a sense_n of_o the_o same_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o admirable_a and_o manifest_a agreement_n both_o of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o their_o moral_n if_o then_o the_o forementioned_a author_n say_v that_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o barbarous_a death_n of_o james_n the_o just_a how_o much_o more_o reason_n be_v there_o to_o believe_v it_o be_v real_o and_o principal_o owe_v to_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o divinity_n be_v so_o frequent_o attest_v by_o so_o many_o large_a and_o unite_a body_n of_o man_n that_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n as_o have_v leave_v their_o vicious_a practice_n devote_v themselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o their_o great_a creator_n and_o liberal_a benefactor_n and_o in_o all_o their_o action_n have_v a_o most_o serious_a regard_n to_o his_o honour_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n and_o though_o the_o pretend_a jew_n shall_v make_v no_o apology_n for_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n and_o isaiah_n since_o we_o meet_v with_o passage_n in_o their_o write_n and_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v no_o less_o strange_a i_o be_o sure_a than_o those_o which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v our_o bless_a saviour_n viz._n that_o the_o heaven_n be_v open_v and_o that_o he_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o thence_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o all_o who_o believe_v a_o overrule_a providence_n acknowledge_v there_o have_v be_v preternatural_a vision_n and_o such_o wherein_o future_a event_n relate_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n have_v be_v more_o clear_o or_o more_o obscure_o represent_v to_o the_o warm_a imagination_n i_o say_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o assertor_n of_o providence_n acknowledge_v that_o such_o vision_n have_v be_v see_v by_o person_n in_o their_o sleep_n and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o conceive_v upon_o this_o hypothesis_n that_o the_o same_o impression_n may_v be_v make_v on_o the_o imagination_n when_o a_o person_n be_v awake_a whether_o they_o be_v design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o private_a benefit_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n or_o to_o promote_v the_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_n and_o as_o in_o our_o sleep_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o strike_v upon_o our_o sense_n of_o sight_n or_o hear_v yet_o we_o strong_o imagine_v that_o we_o see_v such_o object_n and_o hear_v such_o articulate_a sound_n when_o it_o be_v our_o rational_a faculty_n that_o be_v all_o this_o while_n at_o work_n and_o undergo_v these_o various_a and_o strange_a sensation_n so_o there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n in_o suppose_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v happen_v to_o the_o prophet_n when_o we_o read_v that_o the_o heaven_n be_v open_a to_o they_o that_o they_o see_v strange_a sight_n and_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o for_o my_o part_n i_o do_v suppose_v that_o the_o visible_a heaven_n be_v open_v and_o in_o a_o literal_a sense_n be_v cleaved_a asunder_o to_o give_v the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n a_o occasion_n for_o write_v as_o he_o do_v and_o i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v that_o they_o who_o read_v the_o gospel_n with_o any_o measure_n of_o judgement_n will_v understand_v our_o saviour_n vision_n in_o the_o gross_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n though_o i_o be_o not_o a_o little_a sensible_a that_o the_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o at_o every_o turn_v and_o to_o support_v a_o idle_a whimsy_n of_o their_o own_o will_v allow_v the_o frame_n of_o universal_a nature_n to_o be_v shake_v from_o off_o its_o hinge_n and_o imagine_v that_o so_o vast_a and_o compact_v a_o body_n as_o that_o of_o the_o heaven_n be_v rend_v in_o two_o will_v be_v offend_v with_o any_o discourse_n in_o divinity_n that_o do_v in_o the_o least_o interfere_v with_o the_o literal_a and_o most_o obvious_a sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o one_o who_o dive_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o thing_n will_v find_v that_o according_a to_o the_o account_n we_o have_v in_o holy_a writ_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a divine_a knowledge_n which_o none_o but_o a_o few_o happy_a person_n have_v as_o solomon_n say_v thou_o shall_v find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n prou._n two_o v_o 5._o and_o that_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o it_o be_v such_o as_o follow_v viz._n a_o sight_n adapt_v to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o object_n that_o be_v beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o unassisted_a nature_n such_o as_o cherubim_n and_o seraphim_n a_o hear_v suit_v to_o the_o perception_n of_o sound_n vast_o different_a from_o those_o which_o be_v form_v in_o the_o air_n a_o taste_n that_o can_v relish_v the_o live_a bread_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n a_o smell_n that_o can_v distinguish_v that_o heavenly_a perfume_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v we_o be_v unto_o god_n a_o sweet_a savour_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o touch_n of_o which_o 2_o cor._n two_o v._o 15._o st._n john_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o i_o john_n i_o v._n i._n life_n the_o bless_a prophet_n therefore_o be_v partaker_n of_o these_o divine_a sensation_n and_o see_v hear_v taste_v and_o smell_v in_o a_o way_n that_o be_v perfect_o supernatural_a we_o must_v understand_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o which_o we_o must_v take_v that_o place_n in_o ezekiel_n where_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v eat_v the_o book_n that_o be_v deliver_v he_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o isaac_n smell_v the_o sweet_a savour_n of_o the_o divine_a garment_n of_o his_o son_n and_o pronounce_v this_o blessing_n upon_o he_o see_v the_o smell_n of_o my_o son_n be_v as_o the_o smell_n of_o a_o field_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n our_o saviour_n touch_v the_o leper_n which_o i_o think_v must_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o spiritual_a rather_o than_o a_o corporeal_a touch_n that_o he_o may_v not_o only_o cleanse_v he_o as_o some_o think_v from_o his_o bodily_a distemper_n but_o chief_o that_o he_o may_v
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
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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 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which_o how_o great_a satisfaction_n soever_o they_o may_v perhaps_o afford_v to_o these_o eager_a and_o eternal_a hunter_n of_o mere_a word_n and_o phrase_n be_v of_o little_a use_n i_o say_v many_o such_o person_n have_v a_o much_o small_a share_n of_o solid_a reason_n than_o they_o who_o these_o tyrant_n in_o the_o empire_n of_o learning_n will_v have_v to_o lie_v prostrate_a at_o their_o foot_n beside_o i_o can_v for_o my_o life_n conceive_v why_o any_o person_n how_o learned_a so_o ever_o they_o may_v esteem_v themselves_o to_o be_v how_o know_v soever_o they_o may_v be_v account_v by_o other_o who_o have_v go_v in_o the_o same_o tedious_a if_o not_o unprofitable_a track_n of_o study_n and_o what_o skill_n soever_o they_o may_v real_o have_v in_o read_v uncommon_a and_o almost_o obliterated_a character_n or_o compare_v almost_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o worm-eaten_a and_o voluminous_a manuscript_n i_o say_v i_o can_v conceive_v why_o such_o person_n shall_v desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o engross_v all_o the_o learning_n in_o the_o world_n to_o themselves_o make_v it_o serve_v like_o the_o egyptian_a hieroglyphic_n to_o amaze_v but_o not_o instruct_v or_o reform_v mankind_n and_o prevent_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n from_o make_v inquiry_n into_o truth_n which_o these_o fond_a admirer_n of_o themselves_o represent_v as_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v vast_o beyond_o their_o reach_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o know_v which_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v prostitute_v to_o they_o for_o my_o part_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v never_o justify_v nor_o easy_o extenuate_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o popish_a priest_n who_o forbid_v the_o laity_n to_o read_v even_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o if_o they_o be_v not_o render_v a_o mere_a nose_n of_o wax_n by_o their_o humane_a tradition_n and_o wrong_a interpretation_n be_v able_a under_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o make_v the_o injudicious_a and_o illiterate_a so_o wise_a as_o to_o secure_v the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n though_o not_o fit_a to_o dispute_v or_o manage_v a_o intriegue_n with_o subtle_a and_o design_v jesuit_n and_o can_v warm_v their_o heart_n with_o a_o much_o deep_a impression_n of_o the_o near_a relation_n in_o which_o they_o stand_v both_o to_o god_n and_o and_o to_o their_o neighbour_n and_o of_o those_o prudent_a method_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o take_v to_o perform_v their_o duty_n in_o the_o most_o pleasant_a and_o profitable_a manner_n than_o some_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a doctor_n of_o the_o sorbon_n can_v modest_o pretend_v to_o have_v and_o whether_o such_o person_n of_o intriegue_n dont_fw-fr discover_v as_o much_o ignorance_n as_o antichristian_a pride_n in_o take_v these_o irregular_a measure_n to_o gain_v the_o esteem_n and_o command_v the_o purse_n of_o the_o people_n to_o support_v the_o interest_n and_o raise_v the_o reputation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o many_o pious_a cheat_n to_o
celebrate_a author_n which_o you_o have_v reckon_v up_o have_v any_o tolerable_a effect_n especial_o on_o the_o common_a people_n since_z according_a to_o your_o own_o confession_n they_o be_v design_v for_o they_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_a allegory_n whereas_o moses_n act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o skilful_a and_o divine_a orator_n who_o make_v use_v of_o expression_n that_o admit_v of_o different_a sense_n neither_o give_v the_o laity_n among_o the_o jew_n a_o handle_n for_o the_o least_o irregularity_n in_o their_o moral_n nor_o want_v matter_n for_o the_o sublime_a speculation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v more_o judicious_a learned_a and_o inquisitive_a and_o i_o do_v see_v i_o confess_v that_o the_o work_n of_o your_o poet_n with_o all_o their_o wisdom_n be_v preserve_v what_o service_n soever_o they_o may_v do_v the_o public_a but_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n have_v prevail_v with_o they_o who_o opinion_n and_o custom_n be_v vast_o different_a from_o those_o which_o obtain_v among_o the_o jewish_a nation_n to_o believe_v that_o according_a to_o the_o account_n he_o give_v the_o law_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o be_v give_v he_o by_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o the_o glorious_a creator_n of_o the_o spacious_a universe_n for_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o dictares_fw-la of_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o since_o it_o be_v his_o will_n to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v carry_v along_o with_o they_o that_o force_n and_o efficacy_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o so_o ready_o and_o so_o universal_o to_o obtain_v this_o i_o say_v not_o examine_v at_o present_a what_o have_v a_o immediate_a relation_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o content_v myself_o with_o what_o relate_v to_o moses_n who_o though_o he_o come_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o holy_a and_o unspotted_a jesus_n do_v vast_o excel_v your_o most_o celebrate_a hero_n whether_o poet_n historian_n or_o philosopher_n chap._n xvii_o than_o celsus_n be_v desirous_a and_o even_o eager_a to_o cast_v a_o oblique_a reflection_n upon_o the_o account_n which_o moses_n give_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o who_o it_o want_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o the_o duration_n of_o ten_o thousand_o year_n discover_v himself_o though_o he_o do_v what_o he_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o conceal_v or_o dissemble_v his_o opinion_n to_o be_v one_o of_o they_o who_o hold_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o material_a world_n any_o judicious_a person_n may_v just_o and_o easy_o infer_v this_o from_o that_o passage_n of_o he_o there_o have_v be_v say_v he_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n many_o conflagration_n and_o inundation_n the_o last_o of_o which_o be_v deucalion_n be_v flood_n and_o that_o be_v of_o no_o early_a date_n let_v he_o therefore_o especial_o since_o he_o blame_v the_o christian_n for_o not_o build_v their_o faith_n on_o rational_a and_o solid_a ground_n acquaint_v i_o what_o demonstrative_a argument_n do_v of_o necessity_n induce_v he_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o have_v be_v several_a conflagration_n and_o inundation_n and_o that_o deucalion_n be_v be_v the_o late_a flood_n and_o phaeton_n conflagration_n the_o late_a that_o have_v ever_o happen_v and_o if_o he_o refer_v i_o to_o plato_n dialogue_n concern_v those_o matter_n i_o shall_v return_v he_o the_o follow_a answer_n that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o virtuous_a and_o refine_a soul_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v raise_v above_o all_o sensible_a object_n and_o all_o create_a being_n and_o have_v its_o entire_a and_o firm_a dependence_n upon_o god_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o enable_v he_o to_o set_v divine_a truth_n in_o a_o much_o clear_a light_n than_o plato_n or_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a sage_n whether_o greek_n or_o barbarian_n but_o perhaps_o he_o may_v demand_v of_o we_o what_o rational_a ground_n we_o have_v for_o such_o a_o belief_n as_o this_o if_o so_o let_v he_o first_o give_v we_o his_o reason_n for_o the_o opinion_n which_o he_o hold_v and_o advance_v even_o without_o the_o shadow_n of_o a_o demonstration_n and_o then_o i_o will_v undertake_v that_o he_o shall_v soon_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o our_o faith_n in_o this_o affair_n be_v build_v though_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o sore_o against_o his_o will_n he_o confess_v the_o world_n be_v of_o a_o modern_a date_n and_o not_o of_o the_o duration_n of_o ten_o thousand_o year_n when_o he_o say_v that_o these_o remarkable_a event_n be_v esteem_v ancient_a by_o the_o greek_n because_o the_o conflagration_n and_o inundation_n have_v be_v mean_n to_o bury_v in_o oblivion_n many_o considerable_a event_n of_o much_o great_a antiquity_n but_o let_v he_o if_o he_o please_v support_v his_o fabulous_a account_n of_o conflagration_n and_o inundation_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o egyptian_a doctor_n who_o in_o his_o opinion_n be_v the_o wise_a man_n that_o be_v ever_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n some_o footstep_n of_o who_o profound_a wisdom_n may_v be_v see_v in_o their_o pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o the_o brutus_n beast_n themselves_o and_o in_o those_o very_a argument_n which_o they_o bring_v to_o justify_v and_o recommend_v the_o symbolical_a rite_n that_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n the_o egyptian_n forsooth_o who_o endeavour_v to_o give_v some_o colour_n of_o reason_n for_o their_o mystical_a ceremony_n by_o their_o theological_a speculation_n must_v pass_v for_o man_n of_o most_o admirable_a wisdom_n but_o one_o who_o in_o observance_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n refer_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o bless_a god_n of_o who_o and_o through_o who_o and_o to_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n be_v more_o ignorant_a if_o we_o may_v give_v any_o heed_n to_o celsus_n and_o man_n of_o his_o unhappy_a principle_n than_o they_o who_o do_v it_o only_o dishonour_v the_o deity_n by_o pay_v divine_a adoration_n to_o creature_n endue_v with_o reason_n but_o even_o by_o pay_v it_o to_o those_o which_o be_v inanimate_a under_o a_o pretence_n of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o imaginary_a transmigration_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o they_o make_v to_o descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o pass_v into_o the_o bruit_n even_o into_o those_o of_o they_o which_o be_v of_o the_o most_o savage_a and_o cruel_a disposition_n and_o it_o seem_v the_o egyptian_n who_o hide_v their_o religion_n under_o the_o sacred_a veil_n of_o significant_a but_o obscure_a figure_n do_v challenge_n from_o we_o the_o profound_a reverence_n but_o moses_n forsooth_o who_o have_v write_v a_o faithful_a and_o useful_a history_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o leave_v they_o wholesome_a law_n for_o the_o regulation_n of_o their_o conduct_n both_o in_o a_o private_a and_o public_a capacity_n have_v only_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o celsus_n and_o the_o epicurean_o amuse_v they_o with_o empty_a and_o ridiculous_a fable_n that_o will_v not_o admit_v even_o of_o a_o allegorical_a interpretation_n chap._n xviii_o than_o he_o say_v that_o moses_n have_v borrow_a his_o opinion_n from_o this_o wise_a and_o eloquent_a people_n mean_v the_o egyptian_n get_v himself_o a_o prodigious_a and_o unaccountable_a name_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o if_o moses_n borrow_a some_o notion_n from_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o live_v in_o egypt_n before_o he_o and_o introduce_v they_o with_o some_o little_a difference_n or_o great_a improvement_n among_o his_o countryman_n the_o jew_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n he_o deserve_v to_o be_v blame_v severe_o if_o he_o have_v advance_v such_o notion_n as_o bear_v neither_o the_o character_n of_o truth_n nor_o wisdom_n but_o if_o he_o have_v embrace_v and_o teach_v those_o opinion_n which_o according_a to_o celsus_n own_o confession_n be_v both_o true_a and_o wise_a i_o can_v conceive_v that_o he_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n whereby_o he_o may_v just_o incur_v his_o censure_n i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o epicurus_n and_o aristotle_n who_o do_v not_o so_o direct_o and_o so_o gross_o deny_v a_o overrule_a providence_n as_o the_o other_o do_v i_o say_v i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o they_o and_o the_o stoic_n who_o hold_v that_o god_n be_v corporeal_a have_v be_v instruct_v in_o that_o heavenly_a doctrine_n that_o be_v deliver_v by_o moses_n that_o the_o world_n may_v not_o so_o much_o abound_v as_o it_o do_v with_o author_n that_o absolute_o deny_v a_o providence_n or_o confine_v it_o within_o very_o narrow_a bound_n or_o introduce_v a_o corporeal_a and_o corruptible_a principle_n insomuch_o that_o the_o stoic_n hold_v god_n himself_o to_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o matter_n and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o undergo_v the_o various_a change_n to_o which_o body_n be_v subject_a or_o that_o if_o he_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o be_v incorruptible_a it_o be_v
a_o divine_a original_a since_o they_o think_v it_o be_v fit_a that_o the_o body_n of_o those_o person_n who_o be_v not_o on_o a_o level_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n shall_v have_v some_o honourable_a mark_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o vulgar_a mortal_n and_o because_o celsus_n jew_n continue_v his_o discourse_n with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o ridicules_a the_o fiction_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o of_o his_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n and_o rank_n it_o among_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o greek_n concern_v danae_n menalippe_n auge_n and_o antiope_n i_o answer_v that_o such_o pityful_a drollery_n as_o this_o will_v look_v with_o a_o agreeable_a air_n in_o a_o merry_a andrew_n who_o gather_v a_o mob_n about_o he_o and_o play_v his_o monkey-trick_n on_o a_o stage_n but_o do_v at_o all_o become_v one_o who_o will_v treat_v of_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n with_o that_o gravity_n and_o seriousness_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n may_v just_o challenge_v from_o we_o chap._n xxxiii_o than_o celsus_n make_v mention_n of_o some_o thing_n relate_v to_o our_o saviour_n go_v into_o egypt_n refuse_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o those_o part_n of_o the_o history_n which_o contain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v supernatural_a as_o the_o angel_n warning_n joseph_n the_o repute_a father_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o do_v it_o examine_v whether_o his_o leave_v judaea_n and_o go_v into_o egypt_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o a_o allegorical_a sense_n but_o invent_v a_o occasion_n for_o his_o literal_a go_v thither_o and_o believe_v and_o acknowledge_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n which_o cause_v abundance_n of_o people_n to_o flock_v to_o he_o esteem_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n but_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n and_o be_v far_o from_o be_v proof_n of_o a_o divine_a commission_n he_o say_v that_o have_v be_v private_o educate_v he_o be_v force_v to_o work_v in_o egypt_n and_o have_v learn_v those_o art_n for_o which_o that_o nation_n be_v so_o famous_a he_o return_v into_o his_o own_o country_n and_o give_v out_o that_o he_o be_v god_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v conceive_v that_o a_o magician_n will_v so_o industrious_o promote_v a_o religion_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o have_v a_o strict_a eye_n to_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n especial_o when_o we_o take_v any_o serious_a affair_n in_o hand_n nor_o can_v we_o think_v that_o he_o will_v take_v such_o care_n to_o inculcate_v that_o awful_a solemnity_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o apostle_n who_o he_o design_v to_o employ_v in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v he_o a_o person_n of_o so_o infamous_a a_o character_n for_o either_o they_o wrought_v miracle_n or_o they_o do_v not_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v they_o do_v no_o miracle_n at_o all_o but_o bare_o rely_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o doctrine_n which_o do_v not_o like_o the_o logic_n of_o the_o school_n recommend_v itself_o to_o carnal_a reason_n have_v the_o courage_n to_o promote_v a_o new_a discountenance_a religion_n and_o if_o they_o wrought_v miracle_n do_v it_o stand_v to_o reason_n that_o a_o company_n of_o magician_n shall_v agree_v to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o imminent_a danger_n and_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n imaginable_a to_o promote_v a_o doctrine_n that_o condemn_v the_o use_n of_o the_o very_a art_n they_o practise_v but_o it_o will_v be_v loss_n of_o time_n to_o confute_v this_o discourse_n of_o celsus_n which_o have_v nothing_o but_o perhaps_o a_o little_a witty_a drollery_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o palate_n of_o the_o unwary_a and_o less_o judicious_a reader_n chap._n xxxiv_o he_o go_v on_o in_o the_o same_o comical_a and_o bantering_a strain_n if_o the_o mother_n of_o jesus_n say_v he_o be_v a_o celebrate_a beauty_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n the_o great_a god_n be_v please_v to_o admit_v she_o to_o his_o passionate_a embrace_n one_o will_v think_v that_o so_o excellent_a a_o be_v be_v of_o too_o pure_a a_o nature_n to_o be_v captivate_v by_o the_o charm_n of_o a_o frail_a and_o humane_a body_n however_o he_o can_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o a_o more_o improper_a person_n viz._n one_o who_o have_v neither_o a_o great_a fortune_n nor_o noble_a birth_n to_o recommend_v she_o but_o lead_v so_o obscure_a a_o life_n that_o she_o be_v scarce_o know_v by_o those_o who_o be_v her_o near_a neighbour_n chap._n xxxv_o he_o continue_v his_o raillery_n and_o say_v that_o when_o her_o husband_n the_o carpenter_n come_v to_o hate_v she_o and_o sue_v for_o a_o divorce_n all_o that_o she_o have_v to_o plead_v in_o she_o own_o behalf_n be_v ineffectual_a to_o redress_v her_o grievance_n nor_o do_v the_o great_a god_n see_v fit_a as_o much_o as_o you_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v he_o love_v she_o to_o engage_v his_o power_n to_o protect_v she_o from_o threat'ning_n danger_n even_o in_o her_o native_a country_n therefore_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o have_v the_o least_o reference_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n but_o this_o language_n be_v just_a like_o that_o of_o a_o company_n of_o person_n scold_v in_o the_o open_a street_n who_o vent_v their_o passion_n without_o the_o least_o regard_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n or_o civility_n chap._n xxxvi_o than_o take_v some_o thing_n out_o of_o st._n mathew_n gospel_n or_o perhaps_o out_o of_o some_o of_o the_o other_o evangelist_n concern_v the_o dove_n that_o descend_v upon_o our_o saviour_n at_o his_o baptism_n he_o will_v fain_o have_v the_o whole_a account_n to_o pass_v for_o a_o false_a and_o trifle_a story_n and_o have_v say_v enough_o as_o he_o imagine_v to_o prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n wa_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n he_o continue_v his_o discourse_n but_o do_v treat_v of_o thing_n in_o the_o order_n of_o time_n in_o which_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o inveterate_a malice_n can_v never_o endure_v to_o be_v confine_v to_o a_o regular_a method_n and_o talk_v like_o those_o shatter-brained_a fellow_n who_o heat_n and_o undue_a passion_n do_v so_o transport_v they_o beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o reason_n that_o they_o do_v stick_n to_o say_v whatever_o come_v into_o their_o mind_n and_o so_o be_v hinder_v from_o manage_v in_o a_o become_a way_n the_o several_a head_n of_o severe_a but_o unjust_a accusation_n which_o they_o bring_v against_o their_o adversary_n with_o a_o air_n of_o vanity_n and_o insolence_n for_o had'ned_a he_o be_v great_o want_v in_o the_o pretend_a method_n he_o observe_v he_o will_v have_v trace_v the_o history_n from_o its_o very_a original_a since_o his_o intention_n be_v to_o expose_v it_o to_o contempt_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o mighty_a celsus_n who_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o his_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n after_o he_o have_v finish_v his_o discourse_n concern_v our_o saviour_n birth_n immediate_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n at_o his_o baptism_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n then_o he_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v his_o incarnation_n after_o that_o he_o return_v to_o what_o immediate_o follow_v his_o nativity_n viz._n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o star_n that_o appear_v and_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o come_v from_o the_o east_n to_o worship_v he_o but_o any_o diligent_a reader_n may_v save_v i_o the_o labour_n of_o show_v how_o confuse_a celsus_n be_v throughout_o the_o whole_a of_o his_o book_n and_o this_o one_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o person_n who_o love_v exactness_n of_o method_n that_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o arrogance_n in_o he_o to_o give_v his_o book_n the_o title_n of_o a_o true_a relation_n and_o be_v a_o strain_n of_o vanity_n perhaps_o beyond_o most_o philosopher_n that_o ever_o go_v before_o he_o plato_n say_v that_o it_o do_v become_v the_o character_n of_o a_o man_n famous_a for_o wisdom_n to_o be_v positive_a in_o matter_n which_o be_v involve_v in_o very_o great_a obscurity_n and_o chrysippus_n after_o he_o have_v give_v the_o reason_n that_o induce_v he_o to_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o opinion_n do_v modest_o refer_v we_o to_o those_o person_n who_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o exact_a account_n but_o this_o mighty_a man_n be_v much_o wise_a i_o suppose_v than_o plato_n chrysippus_n and_o all_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n give_v his_o book_n the_o engage_v title_n of_o a_o true_a relation_n which_o suit_v well_o enough_o i_o confess_v with_o his_o boast_v that_o he_o didn't_fw-mi want_n to_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o opinion_n which_o the_o christian_n hold_v but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o i_o pass_v by_o what_o he_o say_v for_o want_v of_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o
the_o profession_n which_o i_o make_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v build_v on_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n as_o well_o as_o on_o our_o saviour_n apostle_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n but_o i_o will_v eph._n two_o v._o 20._o convince_v he_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a upon_o the_o principle_n in_o which_o we_o both_o agree_v that_o we_o have_v far_o more_o reason_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o report_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o be_v report_v to_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v such_o thing_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v do_v acquaint_v his_o disciple_n with_o the_o vision_n which_o he_o see_v and_o the_o voice_n which_o he_o hear_v from_o heaven_n perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v object_v against_o we_o that_o even_o they_o who_o have_v give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v appear_v in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n and_o of_o the_o voice_n that_o come_v from_o heaven_n hadn_v these_o thing_n so_o much_o as_o from_o our_o saviour_n mouth_n since_o even_o according_a to_o our_o own_o notion_n the_o same_o spirit_n which_o inspire_v moses_n to_o write_v a_o history_n of_o what_o pass_v for_o many_o age_n before_o ever_o he_o be_v bear_v even_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o time_n of_o abraham_n who_o in_o some_o sense_n be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o jewish_a race_n may_v also_o immediate_o reveal_v the_o strange_a passage_n which_o happen_v at_o our_o saviour_n baptism_n to_o the_o four_o evangelist_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o one_o who_o be_v favour_v with_o what_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n can_v easy_o account_v for_o the_o open_v of_o heaven_n and_o assign_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o holy_a spirit_n appear_v to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o shape_n of_o any_o other_o animal_n however_o these_o be_v nicety_n that_o be_v foreign_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n all_o therefore_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v at_o present_a shall_v be_v to_o show_v that_o celsus_n do_v not_o only_o want_v the_o innocence_n of_o the_o dove_n but_o even_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o serpent_n when_o he_o put_v such_o discourse_n as_o this_o into_o the_o mouth_n of_o one_o who_o he_o call_v a_o jew_n who_o if_o he_o be_v not_o false_a to_o his_o pretension_n must_v believe_v several_a thing_n that_o be_v much_o more_o improbable_a than_o any_o thing_n relate_v in_o the_o history_n of_o which_o i_o be_o now_o discourse_v chap._n thirty-nine_o i_o remember_v in_o a_o disputation_n i_o have_v with_o some_o celebrate_a jewish_a doctor_n and_o before_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o learned_a company_n who_o be_v at_o once_o witness_n and_o judge_n of_o what_o i_o say_v i_o use_v this_o argument_n against_o they_o pray_v gentleman_n let_v i_o know_v say_v i_o since_o two_o person_n have_v appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v confident_o report_v to_o have_v do_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v vast_o beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o nature_n viz._n moses_n the_o lawgiver_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v write_v the_o history_n of_o what_o he_o do_v and_o jesus_n our_o master_n who_o have_v not_o leave_v behind_o he_o in_o write_v a_o account_n of_o any_o of_o the_o action_n which_o he_o do_v but_o have_v the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n i_o say_v let_v i_o know_v on_o what_o ground_n you_o can_v justify_v the_o vast_a difference_n which_o you_o make_v between_o they_o that_o we_o must_v believe_v forsooth_o that_o moses_n deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v true_a though_o the_o egyptian_n reproach_n he_o as_o one_o that_o deal_v with_o the_o devil_n but_o must_v look_v upon_o our_o saviour_n as_o a_o vile_a impostor_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o severe_a accusation_n which_o you_o bring_v against_o he_o we_o see_v that_o both_o these_o person_n have_v their_o authority_n support_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o great_a body_n of_o people_n moses_n have_v his_o support_v by_o the_o ready_a and_o joint_a testimony_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o our_o saviour_n his_o by_o the_o general_n suffrage_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o dont_fw-fr deny_v moses_n to_o be_v a_o prophet_n send_v from_o god_n but_o confirm_v the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n even_o by_o the_o sacred_a and_o undisputed_a authority_n of_o your_o celebrate_a moses_n if_o therefore_o you_o desire_v we_o to_o justify_v our_o conduct_n in_o pay_v so_o awful_a a_o regard_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v you_o first_o assign_v some_o reason_n why_o you_o believe_v in_o moses_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n many_o age_n before_o the_o incarnate_a jesus_n and_o then_o it_o may_v be_v time_n to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o rational_a ground_n on_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v build_v but_o if_o you_o refuse_v to_o give_v we_o any_o reason_n why_o you_o believe_v in_o moses_n neither_o shall_v we_o think_v fit_a to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o those_o we_o have_v for_o believe_v in_o our_o saviour_n or_o if_o you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o offer_v any_o demonstrative_a argument_n in_o favour_n of_o your_o just_o celebrate_a moses_n be_v please_v to_o hear_v what_o argument_n we_o can_v bring_v even_o from_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o jesus_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o which_o be_v something_o strange_a those_o very_a argument_n which_o we_o bring_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n write_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v a_o divine_a commission_n do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n prove_v that_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v person_n who_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v but_o to_o return_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n abound_v with_o as_o strange_a story_n as_o that_o of_o the_o dove_n that_o appear_v to_o our_o saviour_n at_o his_o baptism_n and_o the_o voice_n that_o come_v to_o he_o out_o of_o heaven_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o appear_v to_o he_o in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n do_v i_o think_v at_o least_o seem_v high_o probable_a from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v which_o celsus_n say_v he_o do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n which_o he_o have_v learn_v in_o egypt_n here_o i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a to_o mention_v not_o only_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o also_o those_o which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v every_o way_n qualify_v for_o that_o great_a work_n in_o which_o their_o master_n do_v engage_v they_o for_o if_o their_o ministry_n have_v be_v accompany_v with_o miracle_n they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v able_a so_o happy_o to_o prevail_v with_o their_o hearer_n to_o renounce_v the_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v bear_v and_o breed_v and_o to_o embrace_v a_o new_a discountenance_a doctrine_n the_o profession_n of_o which_o will_v expose_v they_o to_o the_o great_a danger_n even_o to_o a_o ignominious_a and_o painful_a death_n and_o some_o remarkable_a footstep_n of_o that_o holy_a spirit_n who_o appear_v to_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n do_v remain_v among_o christian_n to_o this_o very_a day_n they_o dispossess_v daemon_n perform_v many_o wonderful_a cure_n and_o sometime_o when_o god_n see_v fit_a they_o foresee_v and_o foretell_v future_a distant_a and_o very_o contingent_a event_n and_o therefore_o let_v celsus_n and_o his_o jew_n ridicule_fw-la we_o as_o much_o as_o ever_o they_o please_v yet_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o i_o think_v undeniable_a that_o many_o person_n have_v embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o force_n of_o prejudice_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v so_o sudden_a and_o so_o powerful_a a_o impression_n on_o their_o mind_n whether_o in_o a_o dream_n or_o vision_n or_o some_o other_o way_n that_o instead_o of_o be_v implacable_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n as_o once_o they_o be_v they_o have_v cheerful_o and_o even_o triumphant_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o seal_v the_o truth_n with_o their_o warm_a blood_n if_o i_o shall_v only_o relate_v those_o thing_n that_o have_v fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o my_o own_o personal_a knowledge_n and_o frequent_a observation_n i_o shall_v furnish_v infidel_n with_o abundant_a matter_n of_o laughter_n who_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o suspect_v we_o christian_n as_o we_o do_v they_o of_o invent_v fiction_n to_o support_v a_o bad_a and_o sink_a cause_n though_o the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n can_v bear_v i_o witness_n that_o my_o design_n and_o endeavour_v be_v not_o to_o maintain_v our_o religion_n by_o fabulous_a and_o ridiculous_a narration_n but_o by_o a_o variety_n of_o proper_a evidence_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n
critical_a and_o full_a examination_n of_o this_o prophecy_n i_o shall_v reserve_v to_o a_o more_o proper_a place_n though_o i_o think_v it_o be_v necessary_a for_o i_o to_o dwell_v a_o little_a upon_o it_o on_o the_o account_n of_o what_o celsus_n jew_n think_v fit_a to_o object_v against_o we_o chap._n xlv_o one_o remarkable_a thing_n that_o have_v lead_v celsus_n and_o other_o infidel_n into_o gross_a mistake_v in_o this_o important_a affair_n be_v their_o not_o know_v or_o at_o least_o their_z not_o consider_v that_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o a_o twofold_a come_v of_o the_o messiah_n his_o first_o come_v at_o which_o he_o be_v to_o appear_v clothe_v with_o all_o the_o innocent_a infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o strâ—â—ling_v with_o the_o press_a inconvenience_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o despise_a condition_n that_o so_o live_v among_o man_n he_o may_v the_o more_o feel_o instruct_v they_o in_o those_o moral_a and_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v important_a and_o high_o necessary_a and_o inculcate_v upon_o they_o that_o awful_a account_n which_o they_o must_v short_o give_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v summon_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o bar_n of_o god_n and_o his_o second_o come_v at_o which_o he_o will_v appear_v free_a from_o the_o least_o alloy_n even_o of_o natural_a imperfection_n and_o shine_v with_o the_o unite_a and_o unfullyed_a ray_n of_o his_o original_a and_o in_o some_o sense_n naked_a divinity_n twoved_a be_v tedious_a to_o relate_v all_o the_o prophecy_n that_o have_v a_o immediate_a and_o manifest_a reference_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n i_o shall_v therefore_o at_o present_a confine_v myself_o to_o that_o which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o forty_o five_o psalm_n which_o be_v entitle_v a_o song_n of_o love_n and_o where_o our_o saviour_n be_v express_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god._n the_o word_n be_v these_o grace_n be_v pour_v into_o thy_o lip_n therefore_o psal_n xlv_o v._o 2_o 3._o god_n have_v blessed_v thou_o for_o ever_o gird_v thy_o sword_n upon_o thy_o thigh_n oh_o most_o mighty_a with_o thy_o glory_n and_o thy_o majesty_n and_o in_o thy_o majesty_n ride_v prosperous_o because_o of_o truth_n and_o meekness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o thy_o right_a hand_n shall_v teach_v thou_o verrible_a thing_n thy_o arrow_n be_v sharp_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o king_n enemy_n whereby_o the_o people_n fall_v under_o thou_o thy_o throne_n oh_o god_n be_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o the_o sceptre_n of_o thy_o kingdom_n be_v a_o right_a sceptre_n thou_o love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v wickedness_n therefore_o god_n thy_o god_n have_v anoint_v thou_o with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o thy_o fellow_n where_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o prophetical_a psalmist_n make_v his_o address_n to_o god_n who_o throne_n be_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o the_o sceptre_n of_o who_o kingdom_n be_v a_o right_a sceptre_n say_v that_o this_o person_n be_v anoint_v by_o god_n who_o be_v his_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v anoint_v above_o his_o fellow_n with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n because_o he_o love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_a wickedness_n i_o remember_v that_o once_o i_o horrible_o baffle_v a_o jewish_a doctor_n with_o this_o very_a prophecy_n who_o be_v at_o a_o grievous_a loss_n to_o know_v what_o answer_n he_o shall_v give_v i_o have_v seasonable_a recourse_n to_o a_o pityful_a evasion_n which_o be_v suitable_a enough_o to_o the_o false_a principle_n he_o endeavour_v to_o maintain_v viz._n that_o those_o word_n thy_o throne_n oh_o god_n be_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o the_o sceptre_n of_o thy_o kingdom_n be_v a_o right_a sceptre_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o and_o those_o word_n thou_o love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v wickedness_n therefore_o god_n even_o thy_o god_n have_v anoint_v thou_o with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o thy_o fellow_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o messiah_n chap._n xlvi_o celsvs_n jew_n continue_v his_o discourse_n with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o say_v if_o as_o you_o yourself_o acknowledge_v every_o person_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o general_a concourse_n of_o providence_n be_v a_o son_n of_o god_n what_o special_a prerogative_n be_v there_o which_o you_o can_v just_o claim_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o they_o who_o be_v no_o long_o act_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n as_o st._n paul_n express_v it_o but_o choose_v virtue_n for_o its_o intrinsic_a worth_n may_v in_o a_o less_o noble_a sense_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a disproportion_n between_o those_o who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v imperfect_o endue_v with_o moral_a and_o christian_a virtue_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o be_v the_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n from_o which_o their_o borrow_a good_a do_v entire_o and_o will_v for_o ever_o flow_v the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n which_o i_o just_a now_o refer_v to_o be_v these_o you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o rom._n viij_o v._o 15._o to_o fear_v but_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n the_o jew_n continue_v his_o discourse_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n abundance_n of_o person_n will_v find_v fault_n with_o your_o pretend_a saviour_n for_o apply_v those_o prophecy_n to_o himself_o which_o they_o think_v may_v at_o least_o as_o just_o be_v apply_v to_o they_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o celsus_n didn't_fw-mi know_v of_o any_o person_n who_o rival_v our_o saviour_n in_o his_o miracle_n and_o just_o claim_v the_o title_n of_o son_n of_o god_n or_o the_o power_n of_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n but_o because_o the_o sincere_a and_o strong_a affection_n which_o i_o have_v for_o truth_n will_v suffer_v i_o to_o pass_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o even_o seem_v to_o oppose_v the_o christian_a cause_n i_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o before_o our_o saviour_n incarnation_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a person_n who_o name_n be_v theudas_n who_o appear_v among_o the_o jew_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o mighty_a man_n after_o who_o decease_n his_o delude_a follower_n be_v soon_o disperse_v some_o time_n after_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o tax_v during_o which_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v gather_v from_o scripture_n our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v bear_v one_o judas_n of_o galilee_n draw_v after_o he_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o weak_a and_o credulous_a jew_n who_o affect_v novelty_n cry_v he_o up_o as_o a_o man_n endue_v with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a wisdom_n and_o be_v no_o soon_o bring_v to_o condign_a punishment_n but_o his_o doctrine_n come_v immediate_o into_o disrepute_n or_o at_o best_a be_v only_o secret_o maintain_v by_o some_o few_o person_n of_o mean_a rank_n and_o figure_n and_o after_o our_o saviour_n appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n one_o dositheus_n a_o samaritan_n endeavour_v to_o persuade_v his_o countryman_n that_o he_o be_v the_o very_a person_n to_o who_o the_o prophet_n have_v so_o plain_a a_o reference_n when_o they_o foretell_v the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o some_o few_o person_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v who_o seem_v hearty_o to_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n here_o i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v improper_a to_o mention_v that_o wise_a expression_n of_o gamaliel_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o show_v beyond_o all_o contradiction_n that_o the_o forementioned_a person_n be_v not_o intend_v in_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n give_v of_o send_v the_o messiah_n and_o that_o neither_o of_o they_o deserve_v the_o honourable_a title_n of_o the_o son_n or_o power_n of_o god_n but_o that_o of_o all_o the_o man_n who_o ever_o appear_v and_o make_v a_o figure_n in_o the_o world_n our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v the_o only_a person_n who_o can_v just_o claim_v it_o if_o this_o counsel_n say_v he_o or_o this_o work_n be_v acts._n u._n v._n 38._o of_o man_n it_o will_v come_v to_o nought_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n you_o can_v overthrow_v it_o lest_o haply_o you_o be_v find_v even_o to_o fight_v against_o god_n there_o be_v also_o one_o simon_n a_o magician_n of_o samaria_n who_o endeavour_v by_o his_o magic_n to_o draw_v people_n after_o he_o and_o for_o some_o time_n he_o wa_v without_o his_o follower_n but_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v now_o scarce_o thirty_o simonian_o in_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n nay_o perhaps_o i_o have_v exceed_v the_o number_n since_o there_o be_v only_o a_o few_o near_o palestine_n and_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o embrace_v do_v never_o obtain_v in_o any_o other_o part_n though_o its_o author_n do_v fond_o imagine_v that_o it_o will_v soon_o and_o easy_o reach_v and_o happy_o engage_v the_o most_o distant_a and_o barbarous_a nation_n in_o its_o favour_n for_o they_o
may_v suspect_v that_o out_o of_o wicked_a policy_n i_o pass_v by_o his_o objection_n be_v conscious_a to_o myself_o that_o i_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o return_v a_o satisfactory_a or_o even_o tolerable_a answer_n then_o say_v he_o pray_v i_v it_o the_o most_o absurd_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o suppose_v that_o he_o who_o when_o he_o be_v alive_a and_o use_v all_o the_o little_a art_n he_o have_v can_v gain_v no_o follower_n in_o comparison_n or_o at_o lest_o none_o of_o any_o sense_n or_o rank_n shall_v after_o his_o death_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o apostle_n so_o strange_o influence_n a_o considerable_a part_n of_o mankind_n as_o they_o be_v represent_v by_o some_o to_o do_v but_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o strict_a reason_v which_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o master_n of_o he_o shall_v have_v argue_v thus_o if_o after_o his_o death_n he_o furnish_v his_o ambassador_n with_o all_o necessary_a ability_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o do_v actual_o and_o so_o wonderful_o move_v all_o the_o secret_a spring_n of_o the_o humane_a soul_n then_o there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o when_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n in_o person_n he_o make_v deep_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n even_o of_o the_o great_a barbarian_n partly_o by_o his_o powerful_a preach_v and_o partly_o by_o his_o uncontested_a miracle_n chap._n xxviii_o by_o and_o by_o he_o ask_v pray_v what_o reason_n have_v you_o to_o believe_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o personate_n one_o of_o we_o return_v this_o answer_n in_o his_o usual_a way_n of_o banter_n because_o we_o know_v say_v he_o that_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n in_o a_o affair_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o importance_n be_v build_v i_o can_v assure_v he_o on_o no_o single_a argument_n how_o persuasive_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v but_o the_o concur_v and_o clear_a evidence_n of_o several_a motive_n a_o few_o of_o which_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v and_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n perhaps_o to_o make_v mention_n of_o some_o other_o argument_n on_o this_o head_n not_o only_o in_o my_o answer_n to_o celsus_n book_n entitle_v a_o true_a relation_n but_o also_o in_o some_o other_o treatise_n if_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v i_o that_o measure_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o accomplish_v my_o design_n then_o as_o if_o we_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n bare_a suffer_v on_o the_o cross_n be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o say_v what_o if_o he_o do_v real_o suffer_v can_v we_o instance_n in_o many_o other_o that_o suffer_v as_o well_o and_o as_o much_o as_o he_o but_o celsus_n in_o this_o matter_n act_v the_o part_n of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o unfair_a enemy_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v who_o when_o they_o read_v the_o history_n of_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o saviour_n immediate_o imagine_v that_o we_o fond_o canonize_v all_o person_n who_o be_v ever_o so_o unfortunate_a as_o to_o hang_v upon_o a_o cross_n this_o any_o one_o may_v see_v be_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o adversary_n i_o have_v to_o do_v with_o who_o be_v utter_o unable_a to_o resist_v the_o clear_a evidence_n which_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v carry_v in_o they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n have_v the_o face_n to_o misrepresent_v they_o to_o the_o world_n as_o do_v by_o mere_a legerdemain_n or_o rather_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o this_o pityful_a and_o vile_a cavil_v have_v be_v so_o frequent_o answer_v according_a to_o my_o slender_a ability_n that_o real_o it_o quite_o tire_v my_o patience_n to_o repeat_v thing_n so_o often_o as_o i_o see_v i_o must_v then_o celsus_n make_v we_o say_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o he_o cure_v the_o lame_a and_o blind_a and_o raise_v a_o few_o from_o the_o dead_a as_o we_o poor_a creature_n that_o we_o be_v be_v ready_a to_o imagine_v but_o that_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o that_o he_o can_v say_v this_o consideration_n of_o itself_o be_v a_o solid_a argument_n to_o prove_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v plain_a from_o that_o famous_a prophecy_n in_o isaiah_n then_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a shall_v be_v open_v and_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o deaf_a shall_v isa_n 35_o v._o â—_o be_v unstop_v then_o shall_v the_o lame_a man_n leap_v as_o a_o hart._n and_o it_o be_v high_o improbable_a to_o say_v no_o more_o that_o the_o evangelist_n shall_v forge_v the_o account_n they_o give_v we_o of_o some_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a because_o have_v they_o be_v give_v to_o invent_v fiction_n mere_o to_o serve_v a_o turn_n they_o will_v have_v give_v we_o more_o frequent_a instance_n of_o that_o nature_n than_o we_o meet_v with_o and_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v long_o dead_a than_o those_o of_o who_o we_o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o their_o give_v so_o few_o instance_n of_o person_n restore_v to_o life_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o proof_n as_o can_v be_v that_o the_o evangelist_n whatever_o celsus_n may_v say_v be_v man_n of_o honest_a principle_n and_o the_o far_a of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n except_o our_o bless_a saviour_n from_o be_v person_n of_o intriegve_n they_o instance_n only_o in_o the_o daughter_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o case_n seem_v foreign_a to_o the_o purpose_n for_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o she_o she_o be_v not_o dead_a but_o sleep_n in_o the_o only_a son_n of_o a_o widow_n who_o our_o saviour_n recover_v out_o of_o tender_a compassion_n to_o his_o disconsolate_a mother_n order_v the_o coffin_n to_o be_v stop_v and_o last_o in_o lazarus_n who_o have_v continue_v some_o day_n in_o the_o grave_a as_o the_o evangelist_n acquaint_v we_o and_o i_o will_v offer_v the_o follow_a consideration_n to_o the_o most_o judicious_a of_o our_o adversary_n and_o at_o this_o time_n more_o immediate_o to_o the_o jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v viz._n that_o as_o in_o elisha_n time_n there_o be_v many_o leper_n but_o none_o of_o they_o be_v cure_v that_o we_o read_v of_o except_o naaman_n the_o syrian_a and_o many_o widow_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o prophet_n elijah_n but_o he_o be_v only_o send_v to_o the_o widow_n of_o sarepta_n in_o the_o country_n of_o sidon_n for_o she_o alone_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o the_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v so_o many_o person_n die_v when_o our_o saviour_n be_v on_o earth_n but_o he_o only_o raise_v those_o from_o the_o dead_a who_o in_o some_o sense_n have_v qvalify_v themselves_o for_o so_o special_a a_o favour_n and_o this_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v he_o do_v to_o typify_v something_o future_a and_o give_v mankind_n convince_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o he_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n and_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o according_a to_o the_o promise_v he_o have_v make_v his_o disciple_n do_v far_o strange_a thing_n than_o those_o which_o he_o himself_o exhibit_v to_o the_o outward_a sense_n of_o they_o who_o be_v the_o happy_a spectator_n of_o his_o miracle_n for_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o spiritual_o blind_a be_v frequent_o open_v by_o they_o the_o ear_n of_o those_o who_o once_o be_v deaf_a to_o all_o the_o awaken_n precept_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n be_v unstop_v that_o so_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o many_o who_o be_v spiritual_o lame_a be_v cure_v by_o the_o gospel_n insomuch_o that_o they_o do_v only_o leap_v but_o even_o leap_v as_o a_o stag_n which_o animal_n as_o naturalist_n observe_v be_v a_o enemy_n to_o serpent_n and_o happy_o expel_v their_o poison_n they_o derive_v such_o a_o heal_a virtue_n from_o their_o heavenly_a physician_n that_o they_o can_v immediate_o tread_v on_o those_o serpent_n and_o scorpion_n by_o which_o they_o be_v once_o most_o sad_o cripple_a without_o incur_v the_o least_o seem_a danger_n nay_o they_o be_v effectual_o steel_v if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v against_o the_o strong_a and_o too_o often_o fatal_a impression_n which_o vice_n and_o immorality_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n fortify_v against_o the_o malicious_a and_o vigorous_a attempt_n of_o unite_a daemon_n chap._n xxix_o when_o our_o saviour_n admonish_v his_o disciple_n to_o avoid_v those_o design_v wretch_n who_o confident_o affirm_v they_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o endeavour_v by_o their_o curse_a enchantment_n to_o draw_v
woman_n be_v most_o notorious_o false_a for_o st._n matthew_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o sabbath_n as_o it_o begin_v to_o dawn_n towards_o the_o first_o mat._n 28._o v._o 1._o day_n of_o the_o week_n come_v mary_n magdalen_n and_o the_o other_o marry_o to_o see_v the_o sepulchre_n and_o behold_v there_o be_v a_o great_a earthquake_n for_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o come_v and_o roll_v back_o the_o stone_n from_o the_o door_n and_o sit_v upon_o it_o a_o little_a after_o he_o have_v these_o word_n behold_v jesus_n meet_v they_o i._n e._n the_o two_o ave-mary_n say_v all_o hail_n and_o ibid._n 9_o they_o come_v and_o hold_v he_o by_o the_o foot_n and_o worship_v he_o and_o i_o have_v already_o answer_v what_o celsus_n object_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n when_o he_o be_v crucify_v say_v he_o there_o be_v witness_n enough_o but_o when_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a at_o most_o he_o appear_v only_o to_o a_o small_a company_n of_o scoundrel_n i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v that_o our_o saviour_n can_o be_v see_v by_o all_o and_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v at_o present_a that_o all_o person_n be_v capable_a at_o time_n of_o see_v he_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o humane_a nature_n but_o to_o discern_v the_o bright_a ray_n or_o even_o the_o least_o glimmering_n of_o his_o deity_n be_v what_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o men._n i_o speak_v now_o of_o his_o humane_a and_o divine_a nature_n in_o contra-distinction_n to_o each_o other_o and_o not_o as_o have_v a_o mutual_a reference_n and_o close_a connexion_n but_o pray_v observe_v how_o weak_o celsus_n talk_v have_v say_v that_o our_o saviour_n appear_v only_o to_o one_o fanatical_a woman_n or_o perhaps_o a_o few_o other_o of_o the_o same_o wretched_a cabal_n he_o add_v the_o follow_a word_n when_o he_o be_v crucify_v say_v he_o there_o be_v witness_n enough_o but_o when_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o appear_v but_o to_o a_o few_o whereas_o have_v he_o have_v any_o brain_n he_o must_v have_v take_v the_o quite_o contrary_a course_n but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o latter_a word_n according_a to_o his_o weak_a judgement_n our_o saviour_n must_v have_v take_v such_o method_n as_o be_v plain_o impracticable_a and_o gross_o absurd_a viz._n he_o must_v be_v crucify_v forsooth_o in_o the_o sight_n but_o of_o a_o single_a person_n and_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n promiscuous_o when_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a for_o those_o word_n he_o shall_v have_v take_v the_o quite_o contrary_a course_n will_v bear_v no_o other_o tolerable_a sense_n if_o i_o be_o capable_a of_o make_v a_o judgement_n upon_o any_o thing_n our_o saviour_n have_v acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o person_n that_o send_v he_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n no_o man_n know_v the_o father_n save_o the_o son_n and_o in_o these_o word_n no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n but_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n who_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o he_o it_o be_v who_o reveal_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n to_o his_o true_a disciple_n and_o we_o endeavour_v to_o form_v our_o scheme_n of_o divinity_n upon_o his_o most_o excellent_a model_n who_o sometime_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v light_a and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o darkness_n 1_o joâ—n_n 1_n v._o 5_o at_o all_o and_o at_o other_o time_n that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v john_n 4._o v._o 24._o he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o any_o one_o that_o will_v may_v learn_v for_o what_o end_n god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n if_o he_o will_v but_o consult_v the_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o especial_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n he_o come_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o true_a and_o most_o direct_a way_n to_o peace_n here_o and_o complete_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o and_o to_o take_v a_o most_o bless_a advantage_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v of_o the_o horrid_a impiety_n and_o continual_a provocation_n of_o impenitent_a and_o dare_a sinner_n celsus_n be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o have_v the_o follow_a word_n he_o come_v it_o seem_v to_o instruct_v good_a man_n and_o to_o make_v free_a and_o monstrously-large_a offer_v of_o his_o grace_n even_o to_o the_o vile_a rebel_n then_o say_v he_o if_o he_o have_v so_o singular_a a_o fancy_n to_o abscond_v what_o need_n be_v there_o i_o wonder_v of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god._n and_o if_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o abscond_v then_o why_o do_v he_o suffer_v and_o die_v he_o imagine_v i_o perceive_v that_o the_o account_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o themselves_o not_o be_v able_a with_o all_o his_o pretend_a sagacity_n to_o comprehend_v or_o frame_v any_o just_a idea_n of_o the_o design_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v neither_o to_o lie_v hide_v altogether_o and_o so_o be_v entire_o useless_a and_o a_o mere_a cypher_n in_o his_o own_o creation_n nor_o to_o have_v his_o bright_a side_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v i_o mean_v his_o divine_a nature_n know_a to_o many_o of_o those_o very_a person_n who_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o see_v he_o with_o their_o bodily_a eye_n the_o voice_n that_o come_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well-pleased_a i_v say_v to_o be_v hear_v by_o the_o multitude_n as_o celsus_n jew_n imagine_v and_o the_o other_o voice_n which_o be_v say_v to_o come_v from_o the_o cloud_n be_v only_o hear_v by_o those_o who_o go_v up_o with_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o mountain_n for_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n that_o it_o can_v only_o be_v hear_v by_o those_o for_o who_o god_n be_v please_v for_o wise_a reason_n to_o design_n it_o i_o do_v speak_v here_o of_o the_o mere_a vibration_n of_o the_o particle_n of_o the_o air_n or_o any_o philosophical_a account_n that_o may_v be_v give_v of_o a_o voice_n but_o of_o a_o spiritual_a senfation_n whereby_o one_o who_o have_v spiritual_a sense_n exercise_v do_v hear_v god_n speak_v when_o one_o who_o be_v deaf_a to_o all_o the_o awaken_n precept_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n be_v entire_o ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v say_v i_o mean_v as_o to_o any_o valuable_a and_o last_a purpose_n that_o it_o serve_v this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o those_o word_n of_o celsus_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o what_o i_o have_v already_o offer_v concern_v the_o suffering_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n i_o judge_v to_o the_o follow_a word_n if_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o conceal_v his_o power_n and_o obscure_v his_o glory_n then_o sure_o he_o be_v bear_v under_o a_o very_a unhappy_a planet_n or_o else_o he_o have_v never_o suffer_v and_o die_v then_o celsus_n jew_n be_v please_v to_o draw_v a_o consequence_n which_o be_v very_o unnatural_a and_o unjust_a for_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v that_o because_o our_o saviour_n by_o his_o suffering_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o bid_v defiance_n to_o death_n itself_o therefore_o when_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o shall_v have_v order_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o make_v a_o general_n rendezvouz_n and_o have_v public_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o leave_v the_o realm_n of_o light_n and_o glory_n and_o think_v it_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o come_v down_o into_o this_o miserable_a and_o sinful_a world_n for_o this_o he_o have_v already_o do_v when_o he_o say_v come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n mat._n 11._o v._o 28._o and_o be_v heavy-laden_a and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_v this_o he_o have_v also_o do_v in_o the_o long_a sermon_n which_o he_o preach_v upon_o the_o mount_n concern_v the_o beatitude_n and_o his_o discourse_n on_o several_a other_o subject_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o it_o and_o in_o his_o useful_a parable_n and_o frequent_a dispute_n with_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o st._n john_n acquaint_v we_o in_o his_o gospel_n with_o what_o a_o majesty_n our_o saviour_n speak_v which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o artificial_a colour_n of_o humane_a rhetoric_n or_o a_o graceful_a elocution_n and_o happy_a gesture_n as_o of_o those_o divine_a important_a and_o plain_a but_o command_v truth_n that_o be_v the_o subject-matter_n of_o his_o frequent_a discourse_n and_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o other_o gospel_n that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v with_o