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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 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cheat_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 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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
ii_o than_o celsus_n go_v on_o and_o assert_n that_o judaisme_n with_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v a_o very_a close_a connection_n have_v all_o along_o be_v a_o barbarous_a sect_n though_o he_o prudent_o forbear_v to_o reproach_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v of_o a_o mean_a and_o unpolished_a original_a since_o he_o have_v commend_v the_o barbarian_n as_o be_v the_o inventor_n of_o several_a excellent_a and_o very_a important_a maxim_n and_o he_o add_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v indeed_o invent_v by_o the_o barbarian_n have_v be_v improve_v and_o more_o accommodate_v to_o moral_a virtue_n by_o the_o greek_n now_o i_o think_v i_o may_v just_o take_v this_o advantage_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o the_o very_a concession_n which_o celsus_n make_v to_o observe_v that_o one_o who_o leave_v the_o opinion_n and_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n dont_fw-fr only_a assent_n to_o those_o truth_n and_o useful_a rule_n which_o it_o recommend_v to_o his_o consideration_n and_o choice_n but_o the_o more_o he_o be_v verse_v in_o the_o forementioned_a sort_n of_o learning_n the_o more_o he_o be_v confirm_v in_o his_o judgement_n and_o borrow_v from_o the_o christian_n wherever_o he_o perceive_v that_o the_o greek_n themselves_o be_v defective_a to_o this_o i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v just_o boast_v of_o a_o peculiar_a demonstration_n such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v true_o divine_a and_o vast_o exceed_v all_o the_o logic_n of_o the_o greek_n the_o apostle_n call_v it_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v in_o a_o secret_a but_o powerful_a way_n convince_v the_o reader_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture-prophecy_n efpeal_o of_o those_o which_o have_v a_o evident_a and_o near_a relation_n to_o the_o expect_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o power_n in_o as_o much_o as_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n some_o remarkable_a footstep_n of_o which_o do_v remain_v at_o this_o very_a day_n among_o those_o who_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n under_o the_o guidance_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o live_v up_o to_o its_o holy_a precept_n chap._n iii_o than_o celsus_n have_v speak_v of_o the_o private_a meeting_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o which_o they_o exercise_v themselves_o and_o instruct_v one_o another_o in_o their_o particular_a way_n and_o have_v confess_v that_o one_o very_o politic_a reason_n may_v be_v assign_v for_o what_o they_o do_v viz._n the_o prevent_v of_o that_o severe_a penalty_n to_o which_o their_o practice_n render_v they_o extreme_o liable_a compare_v the_o danger_n that_o threaten_v they_o with_o the_o difficulty_n and_o calamity_n to_o which_o socrates_n and_o pythagoras_n and_o other_o heathen_a philosopher_n expose_v themselves_o by_o maintain_v the_o reputation_n and_o promote_a the_o interest_n of_o that_o comparatively-vain_a philosophy_n of_o which_o they_o be_v the_o admire_v and_o truly-learned_n professor_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o athenian_n soon_o repent_v of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v to_o socrates_n nor_o do_v they_o long_o retain_v their_o spite_n against_o pythagoras_n for_o the_o pythagorean_n have_v school_n for_o a_o considerable_a time_n in_o that_o part_n of_o italy_n which_o go_v by_o the_o name_n of_o greece_n the_o great_a but_o the_o whole_a roman_a senate_n the_o emperor_n during_o the_o several_a persecution_n the_o soldier_n the_o common_a people_n and_o even_o they_o who_o be_v near_o relate_v to_o the_o christian_n wage_v open_a war_n as_o it_o be_v against_o the_o religion_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n introduce_v and_o will_v easy_o and_o quite_o have_v stop_v its_o happy_a progress_n if_o a_o divine_a and_o miraculous_a power_n have_v not_o seasonable_o interpose_v and_o make_v it_o overcome_v the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n who_o exert_v all_o their_o malice_n and_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n towards_o its_o sudden_a and_o entire_a extirpation_n chap._n iu._n now_o let_v we_o see_v how_o celsus_n reproach_n the_o practic_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v in_o common_a with_o the_o heathen_n nothing_o that_o be_v new_a or_o truly-great_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o they_o who_o bring_v down_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o head_n by_o their_o notorious_a crime_n will_v never_o suffer_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o divine_a and_o inflexible_a justice_n if_o all_o mankind_n have_v not_o some_o tolerable_a notion_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil._n therefore_o we_o needned_a wonder_n that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o common_a father_n of_o his_o creature_n shall_v plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n those_o natural_a principle_n which_o the_o prophet_n and_o especial_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v so_o frequent_o impress_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o so_o every_o one_o may_v be_v leave_v without_o excuse_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n have_v have_v the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o law_n engrave_v upon_o his_o heart_n in_o very_o legible_a character_n this_o be_v obscure_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o the_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o god_n write_v the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law_n as_o it_o be_v with_o his_o finger_n and_o his_o give_v they_o to_o moses_n and_o acquaint_v we_o that_o they_o be_v afterward_o break_v by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o they_o who_o make_v the_o golden_a calf_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v break_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o that_o when_o the_o law_n be_v write_v the_o second_o time_n on_o table_n of_o stone_n he_o deliver_v they_o to_o moses_n to_o signify_v that_o the_o law_n which_o be_v deface_v by_o the_o original_a apostasy_n shall_v be_v re_fw-mi impress_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n chap._n v._n than_o celsus_n speak_v of_o idolatry_n do_v himself_o advance_v a_o argument_n that_o tend_v to_o justify_v and_o commend_v our_o practice_n when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o christian_n can_v think_v those_o to_o be_v god_n which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n and_o very_o often_o of_o such_o as_o be_v wicked_a and_o unjust_a and_o wallow_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o debauchery_n therefore_o endeavour_v to_o show_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n that_o our_o notion_n of_o image-worship_n be_v not_o a_o discovery_n that_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o we_o have_v it_o in_o common_a with_o the_o heathen_n he_o quote_v a_o passage_n in_o heraclitus_n to_o this_o effect_n that_o they_o who_o pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o inanimate_a creature_n do_v just_a as_o if_o they_o shall_v address_v and_o invocate_v the_o wall_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o since_o i_o have_v already_o grant_v that_o some_o common_a notion_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a be_v original_o implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n we_o needned_a wonder_n that_o heraclitus_n and_o other_o whether_o greek_n or_o barbarian_n have_v public_o acknowledge_v to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o hold_v the_o very_a same_o notion_n which_o we_o maintain_v and_o celsus_n quote_v a_o passage_n in_o herodotus_n to_o show_v that_o the_o same_o notion_n which_o heraclitus_n hold_v do_v obtain_v among_o the_o persian_n and_o i_o can_v quote_v a_o passage_n in_o zeno_n citiensis_fw-la who_o in_o his_o book_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v that_o the_o building_n of_o stately_a temple_n be_v altogether_o needless_a and_o indeed_o ridiculous_a since_o no_o piece_n of_o humane_a architecture_n how_o pompous_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v be_v true_o sacred_a and_o valuaable_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o this_o practical_a notion_n be_v engrave_v in_o divine_a and_o legible_a character_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n chap._n vi_o than_o celsus_n say_v that_o all_o the_o power_n which_o the_o christian_n have_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o name_n of_o certain_a daemon_n and_o their_o invocation_n of_o they_o though_o i_o can_v well_o conceive_v what_o shall_v induce_v or_o even_o tempt_v he_o to_o talk_v at_o so_o extravagant_a a_o rate_n i_o suppose_v he_o obscure_o hint_n at_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o some_o who_o cast_v out_o devil_n but_o this_o be_v a_o most_o notorious_a calumny_n for_o the_o power_n which_o the_o christian_n have_v be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o owe_v to_o enchantment_n but_o to_o their_o pronounce_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o make_v mention_n of_o some_o remarkable_a occurrence_n of_o his_o life_n for_o by_o these_o and_o no_o unlawful_a mean_n have_v daemon_n be_v
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
other_o innumerable_a excellency_n that_o adorn_v his_o person_n and_o may_v sufficient_o recommend_v he_o to_o the_o world_n he_o did'ned_a act_n like_o a_o tyrant_n who_o by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o prevail_a party_n take_v occasion_n to_o violate_v the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o land_n in_o which_o he_o live_v nor_o like_o a_o robber_n who_o come_v with_o arm_a man_n against_o they_o who_o innocent_o pass_v by_o the_o king_n highway_n about_o their_o necessary_a affair_n or_o like_o a_o wealthy_a man_n who_o by_o the_o help_n of_o bribe_n induce_v person_n to_o come_v over_o to_o his_o interest_n whether_o by_o right_n or_o wrong_n or_o like_o many_o other_o that_o may_v easy_o be_v mention_v who_o proceed_n do_v manifest_o deserve_v our_o censure_n but_o like_o one_o who_o come_v to_o teach_v a_o ignorant_a and_o degenerate_a world_n what_o thought_n they_o shall_v entertain_v of_o god_n and_o how_o they_o may_v so_o regulate_v their_o moral_n as_o to_o maintain_v a_o humble_a and_o familiar_a correspondence_n with_o his_o bless_a majesty_n and_o as_o for_o themistocles_n and_o several_a other_o person_n who_o gain_v a_o more_o than_o common_a reputation_n and_o do_v real_a and_o extraordinary_a service_n to_o their_o native_a country_n this_o must_v be_v say_v to_o draw_v a_o shade_n over_o their_o great_a glory_n that_o every_o thing_n seem_v to_o smile_v on_o their_o just_a and_o honourable_a attempt_n and_o as_o it_o be_v pave_v the_o way_n for_o their_o glorious_a victory_n and_o immortal_a triumph_n but_o as_o for_o our_o bless_a saviour_n beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v which_o upon_o the_o first_o view_n one_o will_v think_v be_v enough_o to_o have_v eternal_o conceal_v or_o shameful_o sully_v the_o name_n of_o the_o great_a hero_n that_o the_o world_n can_v ever_o boast_v of_o the_o ignominious_a death_n which_o he_o suffer_v on_o the_o cross_n if_o he_o have_v have_v the_o fair_a character_n will_v have_v give_v his_o follower_n just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v he_o of_o be_v a_o vile_a impostor_n if_o we_o may_v give_v any_o credit_n to_o our_o adversary_n or_o at_o least_o have_v draw_v a_o most_o dismal_a veil_n over_o the_o few_o bright_a and_o entertain_v scene_n of_o the_o most_o awful_a tragedy_n that_o be_v ever_o act_v chap._n xxviii_o and_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n that_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n who_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o enemy_n be_v not_o eye-witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o triumphant_a resurrection_n and_o see_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v common_a and_o even_o contemptible_a in_o his_o person_n shou'dned_a be_v afraid_a to_o imitate_v he_o in_o his_o suffering_n to_o encounter_v the_o most_o imminent_a and_o threat'ning_n danger_n and_o leave_v their_o native_a country_n to_o publish_v the_o doctrine_n which_o their_o crucified_a but_o bless_a lord_n have_v teach_v they_o for_o i_o believe_v that_o no_o person_n who_o lay_v aside_o his_o prejudice_n examine_v these_o matter_n due_o will_v say_v that_o they_o will_v ever_o have_v undergo_v the_o fatigue_n of_o ttinerant_n preach_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o vast_a obligation_n that_o lay_v upon_o they_o both_o from_o reason_n and_o gratitude_n not_o only_o to_o conform_v their_o manner_n to_o the_o holy_a precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o also_o to_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n to_o bring_v many_o other_o under_o the_o same_o honourable_a and_o happy_a bond_n when_o as_o matter_n go_v at_o that_o critical_a juncture_n they_o be_v sure_a to_o incur_v the_o displeasure_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n who_o be_v zealous_a for_o their_o ancient_a law_n and_o custom_n and_o can_o endure_v the_o least_o seem_a innovation_n especial_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o pompous_a ceremony_n of_o their_o religious_a worship_n but_o all_o these_o difficulty_n be_v light_a and_o trivial_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o those_o who_o have_v courage_n not_o only_o to_o prove_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v frequent_o and_o express_o foretell_v by_o their_o own_o prophetic_a oracle_n but_o also_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o other_o as_o occasion_n offer_v that_o this_o very_a person_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n who_o be_v crucify_v but_o other_o day_n and_o willing_o and_o even_o cheerful_o lay_v down_o his_o precious_a life_n for_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o man_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n though_o with_o unspeakable_a advantage_n in_o which_o some_o other_o have_v sacrifice_v all_o that_o be_v near_a and_o dear_a to_o they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o native_a country_n to_o free_v it_o from_o a_o rage_a pestilence_n a_o threat'ning_n famine_n or_o some_o violent_a impend_a tempest_n that_o great_o endanger_v ship_n and_o put_v a_o stop_v even_o to_o navigation_n which_o be_v so_o convenient_z and_o necessary_a for_o promote_a a_o advantageous_a trade_n into_o foreign_n and_o very_o distant_a part_n for_o there_o be_v some_o secret_a reason_n in_o nature_n which_o very_o few_o understand_v why_o the_o death_n of_o one_o virtuous_a man_n who_o ready_o suffer_v the_o great_a evil_n that_o can_v possible_o befall_v he_o for_o the_o real_a and_o perhaps_o last_a welfare_n of_o the_o place_n of_o his_o nativity_n shall_v destroy_v or_o at_o least_o severe_o check_v the_o usurp_a power_n of_o those_o infernal_a daemon_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o plague_n famine_n storm_n and_o the_o like_a evident_a and_o great_a disorder_n which_o frequent_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o they_o who_o dont_fw-fr believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n die_v for_o the_o general_a benefit_n of_o the_o humane_a race_n whether_o they_o will_v give_v easy_a credit_n to_o many_o history_n that_o be_v extant_a both_o of_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n which_o furnish_v we_o with_o frequent_a and_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o person_n who_o have_v free_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o who_o death_n have_v be_v happy_o instrumental_a to_o purge_v away_o those_o threat'ning_n and_o grievous_a calamity_n that_o infect_v city_n and_o perhaps_o whole_a nation_n or_o whither_o on_o the_o supposition_n that_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v in_o the_o least_o improbable_a that_o one_o clothe_v with_o humane_a nature_n shall_v be_v nail_v to_o a_o cross_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o before_o do_v often_o and_o too_o successful_o exercise_v a_o tyrannical_a power_n over_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o men._n our_o saviour_n disciple_n observe_v these_o thing_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n with_o which_o in_o all_o probability_n their_o prudent_a and_o indulgent_a master_n think_v fit_a to_o acquaint_v they_o and_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v not_o inspire_v with_o their_o unusual_a courage_n by_o the_o virgin_n which_o the_o poet_n speak_v of_o but_o by_o the_o true_a wisdom_n of_o god_n they_o make_v haste_n through_o the_o wide_a world_n their_o fame_n to_o spread_v hom._n il._n lib._n 5._o u._n 2_o chap._n xxix_o but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o return_v to_o the_o jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v who_o say_v that_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v big_a with_o child_n be_v divorce_v by_o her_o husband_n the_o carpenter_n for_o commit_v adultery_n with_o one_o panthera_n a_o soldier_n and_o be_v get_v with_o child_n by_o that_o scandalous_a wretch_n let_v we_o see_v therefore_o whether_o the_o inventor_n of_o this_o story_n do_v give_v a_o false_a and_o obscure_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o whether_o by_o all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o say_v they_o be_v able_a to_o overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n miraculous_a conception_n by_o the_o over-shadowing_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o so_o surprise_v a_o passage_n as_o this_o be_v may_v very_o easy_o be_v falsify_v and_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o though_o they_o be_v inward_o convince_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o conceive_v in_o the_o common_a way_n of_o humane_a generation_n and_o methinks_v it_o will_o have_v be_v incongruous_a at_o all_o that_o they_o who_o didn't_fw-mi believe_v or_o rather_o will_o acknowledge_v the_o miracle_n shall_v invent_v a_o fiction_n to_o serve_v their_o malicious_a and_o base_a design_n but_o to_o invent_v one_o that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v a_o plausible_a appearance_n that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o notorious_a untruth_n be_v to_o discover_v their_o weakness_n to_o they_o who_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n for_o do_v it_o stand_v to_o reason_n that_o one_o who_o be_v so_o useful_a to_o the_o world_n in_o general_n and_o express_v a_o most_o tender_a concern_v both_o for_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n that_o they_o may_v reform_v their_o manner_n from_o a_o sense_n
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
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
purge_v he_o from_o the_o vile_a and_o more_o dangerous_a leprosy_n of_o sin_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n john_n the_o baptist_n bear_v witness_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n i_o see_v the_o spirit_n descend_v from_o john_n i._n v._o 32._o heaven_n like_o a_o dove_n and_o it_o abide_v upon_o he_o and_o i_o know_v he_o not_o but_o he_o that_o send_v i_o to_o baptize_v with_o water_n the_o same_o say_v to_o i_o upon_o who_o thou_o shall_v see_v the_o spirit_n descend_v and_o remain_v the_o same_o be_v he_o who_o baptise_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o i_o see_v and_o bare_a record_n that_o this_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o heaven_n be_v open_a to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o there_o be_v no_o person_n present_a as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v gather_v from_o the_o account_n which_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o eye_n and_o ear._n witness_v of_o what_o happen_v to_o he_o except_z john_n the_o baptist_n but_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o also_o shall_v see_v the_o heaven_n open_v say_v very_o very_o john_n i._n v._o 51._o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o hereafter_o you_o shall_v see_v heaven_n open_a and_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n ascend_v and_o descend_v upon_o the_o son_n of_o man._n and_o in_o the_o forego_n sense_n we_o must_v understand_v that_o place_n of_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v carry_v up_o to_o the_o three_o or_o high_a heaven_n which_o before_o be_v open_v to_o he_o since_o we_o be_v well-assured_a he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sincere_a follower_n and_o most_o eminent_a apostle_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n but_o as_o for_o those_o word_n whether_o in_o the_o body_n 2_o cor._n twelve_o v._o 3_o or_o out_o of_o the_o body_n i_o can_v tell_v god_n know_v it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n at_o present_a to_o insist_v upon_o they_o chap._n xli_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o add_v one_o thing_n here_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o celsus_n without_o any_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v acquaint_v his_o disciple_n with_o the_o strange_a thing_n that_o have_v happen_v to_o he_o that_o the_o heaven_n have_v be_v open_v and_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v descend_v upon_o he_o at_o the_o river_n jordan_n but_o this_o mighty_a man_n with_o all_o his_o wisdom_n seem_v not_o at_o all_o to_o have_v consider_v the_o incongruity_n of_o such_o a_o supposition_n with_o the_o general_n practice_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o forbid_v his_o disciple_n to_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o vision_n which_o he_o see_v upon_o the_o mountain_n till_o he_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a as_o appear_v from_o the_o gospel_n than_o for_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o his_o power_n to_o avoid_v all_o talk_n that_o be_v in_o favour_n of_o himself_o therefore_o he_o say_v if_o i_o bear_v john_n u._n v._n 31._o witness_n of_o myself_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a and_o because_o he_o industrious_o avoid_v every_o thing_n that_o savour_v of_o self-applause_n and_o have_v rather_o that_o his_o work_n shall_v praise_v he_o and_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n the_o jew_n say_v to_o he_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o christ_n do_v thou_o tell_v we_o plain_o and_o because_o the_o jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v speak_v of_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n say_v there_o be_v no_o body_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o happen_v to_o you_o beside_o yourself_o and_o another_o person_n of_o the_o same_o pityful_a class_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v seasonable_a and_o high_o necessary_a to_o show_v that_o he_o talk_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v very_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o character_n he_o bear_v and_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o different_a regard_n which_o the_o jew_n pay_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o john_n the_o baptist_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o person_n and_o their_o suffering_n which_o to_o i_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o after_o all_o the_o pretension_n which_o he_o make_v to_o knowledge_n he_o can_o personate_v a_o jew_n discourse_v consistent_o with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n chap._n xlii_o than_o celsus_n i_o do_v it_o well_o know_v how_o but_o i_o suppose_v purposely_o overlook_v one_o of_o the_o most_o cogent_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v in_o favour_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n viz._n his_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n by_o moses_n and_o those_o who_o succeed_v he_o and_o even_o by_o some_o who_o live_v long_o before_o he_o i_o presume_v it_o be_v for_o this_o politic_a reason_n because_o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o he_o can_o return_v any_o tolerable_a answer_n to_o a_o proposition_n to_o which_o both_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o great_a heretic_n do_v assent_v who_o all_o agree_v that_o many_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o person_n of_o he_o who_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o perhaps_o he_o have_v never_o read_v the_o prophecy_n but_o have_v hear_v a_o general_a and_o loose_a report_n concern_v they_o for_o if_o he_o have_v know_v that_o there_o have_v be_v several_a prophet_n who_o have_v foretell_v our_o saviour_n appearance_n in_o the_o world_n certain_o he_o will_v never_o have_v put_v these_o word_n into_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o jew_n which_o i_o think_v will_v much_o better_o have_v become_v a_o samaritan_n or_o a_o sadducee_n viz._n my_o prophet_n say_v former_o in_o jerusalem_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n will_v come_v to_o reward_v the_o righteous_a and_o to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a for_o sure_o there_o have_v be_v more_o than_o one_o prophet_n that_o have_v prophesy_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n since_o even_o the_o sadducee_n and_o the_o samaritan_n who_o own_v no_o more_o than_o the_o pentateuch_n can_v but_o see_v if_o they_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a that_o moses_n himself_o have_v prophesy_v concern_v he_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v publish_v at_o jerusalem_n since_o the_o name_n of_o no_o such_o place_n be_v know_v for_o many_o age_n after_o moses_n by_o the_o way_n i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o all_o our_o implacable_a adversary_n unless_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o convert_v they_o be_v as_o ignorant_a as_o celsus_n not_o only_o of_o the_o true_a and_o full_a sense_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n treat_v but_o also_o of_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o it_o that_o so_o their_o discourse_n not_o have_v that_o colour_n of_o reason_n which_o sometime_o they_o have_v the_o common_a people_n may_v not_o so_o much_o as_o for_o a_o short_a space_n of_o time_n yield_v even_o the_o weak_a assent_n to_o any_o thing_n they_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v against_o we_o beside_o no_o jew_n but_o one_o who_o be_v bring_v over_o to_o the_o religion_n which_o we_o embrace_v will_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n what_o the_o jew_n say_v be_v this_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o come_v and_o in_o their_o disputation_n with_o we_o the_o first_o question_n almost_o which_o they_o ask_v be_v who_o be_v this_o son_n of_o god_n of_o who_o you_o talk_v so_o much_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o any_o such_o person_n be_v ever_o intend_v by_o the_o prophet_n for_o my_o part_n i_o firm_o believe_v that_o the_o person_n of_o who_o there_o be_v so_o many_o prediction_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o i_o can_v for_o my_o life_n conceive_v how_o a_o jew_n who_o deny_v this_o plain_a assertion_n can_v consistent_o with_o his_o character_n make_v use_n of_o the_o follow_a word_n my_o prophet_n say_v former_o in_o jerusalem_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n then_o celsus_n add_v the_o follow_a word_n to_o reward_v the_o righteous_a and_o to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o as_o if_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v foretold_a and_o there_o be_v no_o prediction_n concern_v the_o place_n of_o our_o saviour_n nativity_n or_o the_o unjust_a and_o barbarous_a treatment_n which_o he_o meet_v with_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o own_o countryman_n the_o jew_n or_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a or_o the_o miracle_n he_o perform_v he_o say_v why_o shall_v this_o prophecy_n be_v appropriate_v to_o you_o when_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v of_o many_o person_n that_o live_v before_o and_o after_o you_o with_o more_o
the_o opinion_n of_o the_o philosopher_n among_o the_o pagan_n and_o will_v manifest_o have_v have_v its_o foundation_n lay_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n rather_o than_o the_o irresistible_a power_n of_o god_n now_o what_o person_n who_o look_v on_o these_o fisherman_n and_o publican_n who_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o teach_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n of_o humane_a literature_n as_o the_o gospel_n acquaint_v we_o and_o as_o celsus_n be_v ready_a enough_o to_o believe_v and_o yet_o have_v such_o a_o presence_n of_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o discourse_v to_o their_o countryman_n the_o jew_n concern_v faith_n in_o christ_n but_o also_o to_o preach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n to_o other_o nation_n and_o be_v favour_v with_o most_o wonderful_a success_n i_o say_v what_o person_n who_o look_v on_o these_o fisherman_n and_o publican_n will_v not_o present_o inquire_v whence_o they_o derive_v this_o uncommon_a power_n of_o persuasion_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o saviour_n promise_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n come_v after_o i_o and_o i_o will_v make_v you_o fisher_n of_o man_n be_v evident_o mat._n four_o v._o 19_o and_o remarkable_o accomplish_v in_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o accompany_v the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v this_o to_o which_o st._n paul_n have_v so_o plain_a a_o reference_n when_o he_o say_v my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_v be_v not_o 1_o cor._n two_o v._o 4._o with_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n that_o your_o faith_n shall_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o prophetical_a psalmist_n speak_v who_o foretold_a the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o lord_n give_v the_o word_n great_a be_v the_o company_n of_o those_o that_o publish_v it_o ps_n lxviii_o v._o 11._o and_o as_o it_o be_v foretold_a in_o another_o place_n his_o word_n run_v very_o swift_o ps_n cxlvii_o v._n 15._o we_o see_v that_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v hear_v through_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o doctrine_n and_o fame_n too_o be_v spread_v to_o the_o most_o distant_a region_n they_o also_o who_o hear_v this_o doctrine_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o accompany_v the_o preach_a of_o it_o as_o abundant_o appear_v by_o the_o disposition_n of_o their_o mind_n the_o tenor_n of_o their_o conversation_n and_o their_o vigorous_a defence_n of_o the_o naked_a truth_n even_o to_o the_o apparent_a hazard_n of_o their_o fortune_n their_o reputation_n and_o their_o life_n though_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o aught_o to_o be_v deep_o lament_v that_o too_o many_o who_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o ministerial_a function_n after_o all_o the_o profession_n which_o they_o make_v of_o believe_v in_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o after_o have_v seem_v to_o be_v wonderful_o attract_v by_o the_o bright_a and_o almost_o irresistible_a charm_n of_o gospel-grace_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v do_v never_o feel_v the_o save_a impression_n of_o it_o on_o their_o heart_n attend_v with_o a_o suitable_a influence_n on_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o though_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v that_o expression_n in_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n matthew_n the_o harvest_n be_v great_a but_o the_o labourer_n be_v few_o pray_v you_o therefore_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n that_o he_o will_v send_v forth_o more_o labourer_n into_o mat._n ix_o v._o 37._o the_o harvest_n i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v improper_a to_o repeat_v it_o to_o show_v that_o our_o saviour_n foreknowledge_n of_o the_o entertainment_n which_o his_o doctrine_n will_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o divine_a proof_n of_o its_o future_a happy_a and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a effect_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n a_o doctrine_n the_o good_a success_n of_o which_o be_v far_o from_o depend_v on_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a doctor_n but_o be_v owe_v to_o that_o divine_a and_o miraculous_a power_n that_o accompany_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o sacred_a ministration_n chap._n lii_o and_o because_o celsus_n represent_v they_o not_o only_o as_o a_o parcel_n of_o ignorant_a fellow_n but_o also_o as_o a_o club_n of_o most_o scandalous_a creature_n vile_a publican_n and_o mariner_n i_o answer_v it_o seem_v he_o assent_v to_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o gospel_n whereby_o he_o think_v he_o can_v support_v his_o cause_n but_o reject_v when_o he_o think_v fit_a the_o authority_n of_o the_o evangelist_n themselves_o that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o reverence_v thâ—se_a character_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v so_o legible_a in_o their_o write_n but_o when_o he_o see_v with_o what_o faithfulness_n they_o relate_v even_o those_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o lessen_v their_o esteem_n and_o manifest_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o great_a danger_n he_o ought_v certain_o to_o believe_v the_o rest_n as_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o by_o consequence_n infallible_o true_a and_o of_o the_o high_a importance_n to_o we_o barnabas_n i_o confess_v in_o his_o catholic_n epistle_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o celsus_n have_v borrow_a his_o disadvantageous_a remark_n upon_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n say_v that_o jesus_n choose_v such_o person_n to_o the_o apostolical_a function_n as_o be_v wicked_a to_o the_o last_o degree_n and_o in_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n luke_n st._n peter_n say_v to_o jesus_n lord_n depart_v from_o i_o for_o luke_n u._n five_o 8._o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man._n and_o st._n paul_n in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n say_v this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_v and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o christ_n jesus_n come_v 1_o tim._n 1._o v._o 15._o into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n of_o who_o i_o be_o chief_a though_o at_o last_o he_o become_v a_o most_o eminent_a apostle_n and_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o celsus_n memory_n or_o his_o judgement_n be_v most_o defective_a when_o he_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o next_o to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v the_o most_o remarkable_a founder_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o it_o be_v probable_a he_o think_v it_o will_v not_o serve_v his_o cause_n and_o that_o if_o he_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o he_o he_o have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o have_v give_v a_o rational_a and_o distinct_a account_n how_o a_o person_n who_o once_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n spit_v his_o venom_n and_o employ_v his_o most_o vigorous_a endeavour_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o christian_n insomuch_o that_o he_o thirst_v for_o their_o blood_n be_v so_o strange_o alter_v on_o a_o sudden_a that_o he_o spread_v the_o gospel_n from_o jerusalem_n to_o illyricum_n endeavour_v to_o avoid_v building_n on_o the_o foundation_n which_o another_o have_v lay_v and_o make_v it_o his_o choice_n and_o business_n to_o preach_v to_o they_o who_o have_v never_o hear_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n by_o a_o crucified_a redeemer_n chap._n liii_o what_o absurdity_n be_v there_o then_o in_o suppose_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v desirous_a to_o show_v mankind_n what_o sovereign_a remedy_n he_o have_v and_o be_v willing_a to_o apply_v to_o the_o distemper_a soul_n of_o man_n shall_v make_v choice_n of_o person_n that_o be_v notorious_o wicked_a and_o work_v such_o a_o sudden_a and_o surprise_v change_n upon_o they_o that_o by_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o life_n they_o become_v very_o honourable_a example_n to_o they_o who_o be_v afterward_o convert_v by_o their_o ministry_n if_o they_o who_o have_v reform_v their_o manner_n must_v be_v upbraid_v with_o the_o crime_n which_o they_o former_o commit_v than_o we_o may_v as_o well_o bring_v in_o a_o most_o heavy_a charge_n against_o phaedon_n himself_o even_o after_o he_o have_v devote_v his_o time_n and_o strength_n to_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n because_o history_n acquaint_v we_o that_o socrates_n take_v he_o from_o a_o place_n where_o debauchery_n be_v practise_v without_o fear_n or_o regret_n and_o put_v he_o upon_o rational_a and_o learned_a study_n in_o which_o in_o process_n of_o time_n he_o be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o mean_a proficient_a we_o may_v also_o condemn_v philosophy_n itself_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o extravagant_a course_n which_o polemon_n the_o successor_n of_o zenocrates_n have_v former_o take_v but_o in_o truth_n this_o consideration_n do_v great_o brighten_v and_o recommend_v their_o character_n that_o by_o the_o help_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o thing_n as_o philosophy_n they_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o resolve_v on_o a_o virtuous_a and_o severe_a course_n of_o life_n in_o spite_n of_o those_o bad_a impression_n with_o which_o they_o be_v force_v to_o struggle_v and_o over_o which_o they_o do_v with_o no_o small_a difficulty_n obtain_v a_o honourable_a and_o happy_a
inward_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v but_o wonder_n that_o since_o celsus_n be_v so_o fond_a of_o speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o jew_n he_o did_o make_v he_o direct_v his_o discourse_n to_o the_o gentile_n rather_o than_o to_o his_o own_o countryman_n for_o it_o will_v have_v carry_v with_o it_o a_o far_o more_o plausible_a appearance_n if_o it_o have_v be_v direct_v by_o he_o to_o those_o who_o embrace_v the_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o be_v gentile_n like_o ourselves_o but_o it_o seem_v this_o mighty_a man_n with_o all_o his_o knowledge_n to_o which_o he_o make_v such_o great_a pretence_n do_v not_o know_v or_o at_o least_o do_v seem_v to_o i_o not_o due_o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o figure_n of_o speech_n which_o we_o make_v use_v of_o when_o we_o speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o another_o let_v we_o see_v therefore_o what_o he_o say_v to_o those_o jew_n who_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n he_o say_v that_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v most_o shameful_o delude_v by_o our_o saviour_n they_o leave_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o ancestor_n and_o alter_v both_o their_o name_n and_o their_o course_n of_o life_n but_o he_o do_v consider_v that_o the_o jew_n who_o believe_v in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v not_o total_o renounce_v the_o law_n of_o their_o justly-admired_a progenitor_n and_o forefather_n but_o live_v in_o the_o observance_n of_o it_o derive_v their_o appellation_n from_o a_o word_n that_o denote_v the_o poverty_n of_o the_o mere_a letter_n of_o the_o law_n for_o ebion_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n signify_v poor_a and_o the_o convert_a jew_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o ebionites_n and_o st._n peter_n himself_o for_o a_o considerabe_n time_n observe_v the_o jewish_a rite_n that_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o not_o have_v yet_o learn_v even_o from_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o ascend_v as_o it_o be_v from_o their_o literal_a to_o their_o spiritual_a mean_v as_o we_o have_v the_o matter_n relate_v to_o we_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o morrow_n as_o they_o go_v on_o their_o journey_n and_o draw_v act_n 1._o v._o 9_o etc._n etc._n nigh_o unto_o the_o city_n peter_n go_v up_o upon_o the_o housetop_n to_o pray_v about_o the_o six_o hour_n and_o he_o become_v very_o hungry_a and_o will_v have_v eat_v but_o while_o they_o make_v ready_a he_o fall_v into_o a_o trance_n and_o see_v heaven_n open_v and_o a_o certain_a vessel_n descend_v unto_o he_o as_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a sheet_n knit_v at_o the_o four_o corner_n and_o let_v down_o to_o the_o earth_n wherein_o be_v all_o manner_n of_o fourfooted_n beast_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o wild_a beast_n and_o creep_v thing_n and_o fowl_n of_o the_o air._n and_o there_o come_v a_o voice_n to_o he_o rise_z peter_z kill_z and_o eat_v but_o peter_n say_v not_o so_o lord_n for_o i_o have_v never_o eat_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v common_a or_o unclean_a and_o the_o voice_n speak_v to_o he_o again_o the_o second_o time_n what_o god_n have_v cleanse_v that_o call_v thou_o not_o common_a you_o see_v here_o that_o st._n peter_n himself_o that_o eminent_a apostle_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o as_o retain_v the_o jewish_a distinction_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o what_o follow_v in_o the_o history_n that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o vision_n can_v engage_v he_o to_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o cornelius_n who_o be_v not_o descend_v from_o the_o israelite_n and_o to_o his_o friend_n that_o attend_v he_o for_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n and_o observe_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v a_o contemptible_a notion_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n acquaint_v we_o that_o st._n peter_n for_o fear_n of_o displease_v the_o jew_n refuse_v to_o eat_v with_o the_o gentile_n for_o before_o that_o certain_a come_v from_o james_n he_o do_v eat_v with_o the_o gentile_n but_o when_o they_o be_v come_v he_o withdraw_v and_o separate_v himself_o gal._n two_o v._o 12._o fear_v they_o which_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n and_o the_o other_o jew_n dissemble_v likewise_o with_o he_o insomuch_o that_o barnabas_n also_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o their_o dissimulation_n and_o it_o be_v not_o i_o think_v whole_o incongruous_a that_o they_o shall_v comply_v in_o some_o measure_n with_o the_o jewish_a rite_n who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o apostleship_n of_o the_o circumcision_n for_o they_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v pillar_n give_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n the_o former_a person_n direct_v their_o course_n to_o the_o circumcision_n but_o need_v i_o say_v that_o they_o who_o preach_v to_o the_o jew_n withdraw_v and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o gentile_n when_o the_o apostle_n paul_n himself_o become_v a_o jew_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o may_v win_v upon_o they_o we_o read_v therefore_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o offer_v a_o oblation_n upon_o the_o altar_n to_o show_v that_o he_o have_v altogether_o renounce_v the_o jewish_a law_n in_o which_o he_o have_v be_v educate_v and_o of_o which_o he_o be_v once_o so_o passionate_a a_o admirer_n have_v celsus_n know_v all_o this_o he_o will_v never_o have_v introduce_v a_o jew_n addressing_z himself_o to_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o judaisme_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o follow_a manner_n what_o be_v the_o matter_n say_v he_o my_o dear_o belove_a countryman_n that_o you_o have_v on_o a_o sudden_a renounce_v the_o religion_n of_o your_o father_n and_o ancestor_n and_o suffer_v yourselves_o to_o be_v so_o shameful_o delude_v by_o your_o pretend_a saviour_n as_o to_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o alter_v your_o name_n and_o course_n of_o life_n chap._n ii_o but_o because_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v st._n peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o who_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o the_o circumcision_n i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a to_o quote_v a_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o st._n john_n gospel_n and_o a_o little_a to_o explain_v it_o i_o have_v say_v he_o many_o thing_n yet_o john_n xuj_o v._o 12_o 13._o to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o but_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v hear_v that_o shall_v he_o speak_v now_o i_o ask_v celsus_n jew_n what_o be_v these_o thing_n that_o our_o saviour_n have_v to_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n which_o under_o their_o present_a circumstance_n they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o relish_v be_v not_o this_o his_o desire_n viz._n to_o instruct_v they_o since_o they_o be_v jew_n and_o by_o consequence_n acquaint_v with_o the_o 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present_n and_o narrow_a capacity_n he_o may_v have_v shocked_a their_o faith_n in_o he_o as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o live_n god._n and_o i_o leave_v any_o one_o to_o judge_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o the_o most_o natural_a sense_n of_o the_o follow_a word_n i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o john_n xuj_o v._o 12._o can_v bear_v they_o now_o for_o there_o be_v several_a explication_n to_o be_v give_v of_o the_o law_n with_o respect_n to_o its_o spiritual_a mean_v which_o even_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n at_o that_o time_n be_v not_o due_o dispose_v to_o hear_v because_o they_o have_v be_v bear_v and_o breed_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o since_o their_o religion_n consist_v very_o much_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v type_n and_o shadow_n of_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v upon_o that_o account_n that_o our_o saviour_n make_v use_v of_o the_o follow_a word_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v 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common_a or_o unclean_a but_o at_o length_n his_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v as_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a word_n what_o god_n have_v cleanse_v call_v not_o thou_o common_a and_o after_o that_o instructive_a vision_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n lead_v peter_n into_o all_o truth_n acquaint_v he_o with_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o can_o bear_v while_o our_o saviour_n be_v present_a with_o he_o in_o the_o flesh_n but_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n hereafter_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o adhere_v to_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n chap._n iii_o my_o business_n at_o present_a be_v to_o show_v that_o celsus_n betray_v his_o wretched_a ignorance_n in_o represent_v a_o jew_n addressing_z himself_o to_o those_o of_o his_o native_a country_n who_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n what_o be_v the_o matter_n my_o dear_o belove_a countryman_n that_o you_o have_v renounce_v the_o law_n of_o your_o father_n for_o how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o renounce_v the_o law_n of_o their_o father_n who_o severe_o blame_v person_n for_o not_o adhere_v to_o it_o tell_v i_o say_v the_o apostle_n you_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v under_o the_o law_n do_v you_o gal._n four_o v._o 21._o not_o hear_v the_o law_n for_o it_o be_v write_v that_o abraham_n have_v two_o son_n and_o so_o on_o to_o those_o word_n which_o thing_n be_v a_o allegory_n and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o renounce_v the_o law_n of_o their_o father_n who_o be_v continual_o make_v mention_n of_o it_o as_o if_o they_o be_v proud_a of_o show_v the_o honourable_a regard_n which_o they_o still_o pay_v to_o it_o and_o argue_v after_o the_o follow_a manner_n say_v i_o these_o thing_n as_o a_o man_n 1._o cor._n ix_o v._o 8._o or_o say_v not_o the_o law_n the_o same_o also_o for_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n thou_o shall_v not_o muzzle_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o ox_n that_o tread_v out_o the_o corn._n do_v god_n take_v care_n for_o ox_n or_o say_v he_o it_o altogether_o for_o our_o sake_n for_o our_o sake_n no_o doubt_n this_o be_v write_v and_o how_o confuse_v be_v celsus_n discourse_n and_o how_o do_v it_o want_v even_o a_o plausible_a appearance_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n when_o he_o talk_v after_o the_o follow_a manner_n some_o of_o you_o say_v he_o have_v forsake_v our_o excellent_a religion_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o give_v allegorical_a and_o mystical_a explication_n of_o the_o law_n other_o of_o you_o be_v great_a admirer_n of_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n as_o you_o be_v please_v to_o term_v it_o and_o yet_o be_v diligent_a observer_n of_o those_o outward_a ceremony_n which_o make_v so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o we_o embrace_v there_o remain_v some_o other_o who_o adhere_v to_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o scripture_n think_v that_o abundance_n of_o spiritual_a matter_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o profess_v that_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n be_v the_o person_n who_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n observe_v the_o precept_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o ancestor_n but_o how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o celsus_n jew_n shall_v give_v we_o a_o true_a and_o clear_a account_n of_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n since_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n he_o mention_n several_a very_o great_a and_o notorious_a heresy_n and_o there_o be_v some_o jew_n who_o turn_v their_o back_n as_o he_o say_v upon_o the_o creator_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o didn't_fw-mi know_v that_o the_o believe_a israelite_n do_v live_v in_o the_o strict_a observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o their_o father_n for_o his_o design_n be_v not_o to_o act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o impartial_a enquirer_n into_o truth_n who_o ready_o submit_v to_o the_o evidence_n which_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o but_o to_o vent_v his_o malice_n and_o right_a or_o wrong_v to_o make_v a_o vigorous_a opposition_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o as_o he_o vain_o think_v to_o expose_v it_o to_o the_o high_a contempt_n imaginable_a chap._n iu._n the_o jew_n continue_v his_o discourse_n it_o be_v but_o other_o day_n say_v he_o that_o we_o severe_o punish_v the_o person_n who_o lead_v you_o aside_o like_o a_o company_n of_o silly_a sheep_n and_o by_o consequence_n it_o be_v very_o late_o and_o on_o a_o sudden_a that_o you_o renounce_v the_o law_n of_o your_o father_n but_o to_o this_o i_o have_v already_o return_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n what_o he_o add_v i_o confess_v carry_v with_o it_o a_o much_o great_a force_n with_o what_o face_n say_v he_o or_o colour_n of_o reason_n can_v you_o despise_v those_o sacred_a rite_n which_o not_o long_o ago_o you_o hold_v in_o very_o great_a esteem_n and_o especial_o when_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o foundation_n on_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o your_o jesus_n be_v build_v as_o you_o yourselves_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v found_v on_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o prophet_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v what_o i_o ready_o confess_v but_o we_o must_v also_o consider_v that_o they_o natural_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o mystery_n which_o be_v hide_v from_o age_n but_o be_v now_o make_v manifest_a eph._n iii._o v._o 9_o by_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o we_o do_v despise_v the_o law_n because_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a revelation_n but_o instead_o of_o that_o have_v the_o great_a veneration_n for_o it_o and_o endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o depth_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n there_o be_v even_o in_o the_o legal_a dispensation_n which_o the_o jew_n themselves_o know_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v found_v on_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n when_o our_o saviour_n speak_v to_o those_o that_o refuse_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o have_v the_o follow_a word_n 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the_o same_o kind_n with_o what_o be_v perform_v by_o a_o power_n that_o be_v truly-supernatural_a and_o divine_a and_o if_o such_o wonderful_a thing_n even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o celsus_n be_v do_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o infernal_a spirit_n may_v we_o not_o rational_o suppose_v that_o thing_n that_o be_v much_o more_o unaccountable_a may_v be_v easy_o do_v by_o the_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o the_o everblessed_n god_n shall_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a be_v find_v among_o man_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v truly-good_a be_v banish_v from_o the_o world_n i_o think_v there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o general_n and_o most_o excellent_a maxim_n that_o wherever_o there_o be_v any_o real_a evil_n under_o the_o disguise_n of_o some_o real_a good_a the_o opposite_a good_a must_v at_o least_o be_v equal_a to_o it_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o degree_n and_o thus_o we_o may_v strong_o argue_v from_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o 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grant_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o magic_n which_o have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o wicked_a daemon_n as_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o lend_v their_o ready_a and_o joint_a assistance_n to_o those_o who_o profess_v that_o art_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o almighty_a god_n be_v oblige_v in_o some_o sense_n to_o exert_v his_o power_n in_o perform_v such_o miracle_n as_o carry_v with_o they_o a_o convince_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o be_v design_v to_o attest_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o take_v it_o that_o we_o have_v to_o do_v under_o this_o important_a head_n be_v to_o examine_v into_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v they_o have_v a_o power_n to_o produce_v supernatural_a effect_n and_o to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o wonderful_a operation_n they_o perform_v do_v any_o way_n tend_v to_o the_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a advantage_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o we_o must_v careful_o distinguish_v between_o magician_n 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obtain_v and_o much_o less_o meet_v with_o the_o desire_a success_n that_o he_o shall_v honourable_o surmount_v all_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n and_o prove_v in_o the_o event_n superior_a to_o the_o unite_a force_n of_o the_o people_n senate_n and_o emperor_n of_o rome_n and_o all_o foreign_a potentate_n if_o we_o do_v allow_v that_o he_o have_v a_o divine_a as_o well_o as_o a_o humane_a nature_n how_o can_v we_o account_v for_o his_o make_v so_o many_o and_o so_o remarkable_a convert_v on_o a_o sudden_a when_o the_o disadvantage_n be_v so_o great_a which_o he_o labour_v under_o have_v they_o all_o be_v man_n of_o reason_n that_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o i_o confess_v the_o wonder_n will_v sensible_o abate_v but_o the_o great_a part_n by_o far_o be_v void_a of_o reason_n and_o little_o better_a than_o brute_n in_o a_o humane_a shape_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o be_v slave_n to_o their_o unruly_a passion_n and_o on_o that_o account_n it_o be_v far_o more_o difficult_a to_o 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