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to_o any_o other_o
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find_v he_o upon_o all_o occasion_n dispute_v with_o the_o doctor_n and_o rabbi_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o he_o shall_v disperse_v all_o that_o heap_n and_o accumulation_n of_o argument_n that_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o they_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n with_o any_o pitiful_a repartee_n that_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v void_a of_o all_o reason_n have_v scarce_o wit_n enough_o to_o tempt_v any_o man_n to_o laugh_v beside_o himself_o now_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o convince_v such_o man_n by_o downright_a dint_n of_o argument_n and_o therefore_o see_v they_o have_v not_o wit_n or_o learning_n enough_o to_o be_v reason_v into_o truth_n and_o sobriety_n i_o shall_v take_v another_o course_n with_o they_o by_o shame_v they_o into_o it_o let_v we_o then_o turn_v the_o table_n and_o consider_v a_o little_a how_o many_o strange_a and_o incredible_a thing_n those_o man_n be_v force_v to_o believe_v that_o be_v resolve_v to_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n and_o here_o immediate_o appear_v such_o vast_a number_n of_o horrid_a and_o ghastly_a incongruity_n as_o be_v enough_o to_o scare_v any_o ingenuous_a man_n into_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o be_v trouble_v with_o such_o a_o monstrous_a and_o unreasonable_a infidelity_n they_o must_v force_v their_o understanding_n to_o believe_v numberless_a contradiction_n to_o the_o common_a reason_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o they_o swallow_v not_o single_a absurdity_n but_o every_o article_n of_o their_o unbelief_n be_v pregnant_a with_o swarm_n of_o extravagant_a and_o incredible_a conceit_n §_o iii_o and_o for_o the_o proof_n hereof_o i_o fhall_v represent_v no_o more_o than_o the_o incredibility_n of_o one_o viz._n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o herein_o i_o follow_v his_o own_o wise_a and_o admirable_a advice_n to_o begin_v the_o demonstration_n of_o
so_o near_o and_o yet_o so_o prodigious_a and_o when_o they_o have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n assure_v themselves_o of_o its_o truth_n and_o reality_n this_o can_v not_o but_o provoke_v they_o to_o a_o eager_a enquiry_n after_o the_o meaning_n of_o so_o strange_a a_o thing_n and_o when_o they_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o follower_n of_o that_o jesus_n who_o be_v late_o crucify_v and_o that_o they_o declare_v themselves_o eye_n witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o withal_o profess_v that_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o this_o power_n of_o miracle_n from_o heaven_n only_o for_o a_o undoubted_a evidence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o withstand_v the_o force_n of_o such_o a_o mighty_a and_o astonish_a demonstration_n and_o it_o be_v this_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n as_o saint_n paul_n style_v it_o rather_o than_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o argument_n as_o cogent_a as_o they_o be_v that_o first_o baffle_v the_o unbelieving_a world_n into_o christianity_n and_o force_v in_o the_o assent_v of_o man_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o its_o doctrine_n they_o do_v not_o put_v their_o auditor_n to_o the_o trouble_n of_o examine_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o testimony_n but_o prevent_v all_o inquiry_n by_o this_o infallible_a confirmation_n the_o evidence_n of_o their_o miracle_n be_v such_o a_o irrefragable_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n as_o surmount_v the_o power_n of_o all_o other_o demonstration_n and_o what_o rational_a man_n will_v stay_v to_o expect_v any_o other_o proof_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n that_o have_v see_v it_o unquestionable_o attest_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n or_o who_o can_v doubt_v and_o dispute_v after_o he_o have_v see_v devil_n dispossess_v the_o sick_a heal_v and_o the_o dead_a raise_v this_o be_v such_o a_o almighty_a attestation_n to_o their_o preach_n that_o it_o upbraid_v away_o their_o scruple_n and_o bear_v away_o their_o understanding_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o be_v that_o the_o gospel_n prevail_v so_o easy_o and_o so_o speedy_o over_o all_o the_o world_n its_o first_o preacher_n convert_v whole_a city_n and_o nation_n in_o a_o moment_n and_o found_v new_a church_n upon_o one_o undeniable_a miracle_n and_o nothing_o less_o consider_v all_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n and_o all_o the_o disadvantage_n under_o which_o it_o labour_v can_v so_o soon_o have_v propagate_v the_o gospel_n over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o if_o we_o trace_v the_o apostolical_a history_n we_o scarce_o find_v any_o thing_n transact_v without_o a_o miracle_n insomuch_o that_o the_o people_n at_o length_n familiar_o resort_v to_o they_o for_o the_o cure_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o disease_n act_n 5._o 12._o and_o this_o power_n be_v so_o vulgar_o know_v at_o that_o time_n that_o saint_n paul_n insist_o upon_o it_o as_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o true_a apostleship_n rom._n 15._o 18_o 18_o 2_o cor._n 12._o 12._o which_o have_v be_v too_o absurd_a a_o thing_n to_o allege_v to_o his_o follower_n in_o confutation_n of_o his_o enemy_n if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o mere_a fiction_n for_o if_o it_o be_v they_o know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o when_o he_o appeal_v to_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n he_o have_v already_o wrought_v among_o they_o and_o if_o he_o have_v wrought_v none_o they_o can_v not_o but_o convict_v he_o of_o falsehood_n but_o though_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o record_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o so_o may_v from_o thence_o rational_o enough_o make_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o apostolical_a miracle_n and_o though_o i_o have_v in_o part_n prove_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n to_o attest_v both_o they_o and_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o shall_v anon_o more_o distinct_o show_v the_o undoubted_a and_o uninterrupted_a conveyance_n of_o it_o from_o the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o so_o that_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v true_a they_o can_v never_o have_v gain_v belief_n yet_o in_o this_o present_a argument_n i_o will_v not_o build_v upon_o these_o or_o any_o other_o supposition_n and_o indeed_o if_o i_o suppose_v they_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v needless_a for_o once_o grant_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v true_a and_o authentic_a record_n of_o the_o apostle_n action_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n when_o the_o record_n alone_o be_v a_o undoubted_a proof_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o only_o argue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o christian_a faith_n lie_v under_o all_o those_o disadvantage_n above_o represent_v can_v ever_o have_v be_v propagate_v with_o that_o speed_n and_o facility_n that_o it_o be_v all_o the_o world_n over_o any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o this_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o suppose_v this_o evidence_n that_o they_o give_v the_o world_n by_o their_o miracle_n that_o then_o it_o be_v natural_a and_o almost_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o the_o success_n they_o do_v here_o then_o lie_v the_o force_n of_o my_o present_a argument_n that_o when_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v compass_v their_o design_n any_o other_o way_n and_o when_o it_o be_v natural_a if_o they_o take_v this_o course_n to_o succeed_v in_o it_o and_o when_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o have_v such_o wonderful_a success_n that_o be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n that_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n as_o be_v report_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o produce_v those_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n but_o now_o allege_v as_o proof_n to_o justify_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o argument_n but_o only_o as_o instance_n to_o exemplify_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o v_o g._n how_o incredible_a it_o be_v that_o 3000_o people_n when_o they_o hear_v the_o apostle_n affirm_v at_o whitsuntide_n that_o the_o same_o jesus_n who_o they_o have_v see_v so_o shameful_o execute_v at_o easter_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o grave_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o immediate_o believe_v they_o upon_o their_o bare_a report_n but_o when_o they_o behold_v that_o miraculous_a effect_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o they_o whereby_o such_o illiterate_a person_n be_v enable_v to_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o language_n that_o alone_o can_v not_o but_o satisfy_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n so_o that_o i_o argue_v not_o from_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o record_n but_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v do_v any_o other_o way_n than_o as_o it_o be_v record_v to_o have_v be_v do_v i_o may_v here_o also_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o miracle_n by_o the_o confession_n of_o their_o great_a enemy_n in_o that_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o ever_o any_o of_o they_o deny_v they_o to_o have_v be_v do_v but_o instead_o of_o that_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n though_o how_o foolish_a that_o evasion_n be_v i_o shall_v show_v when_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v their_o evasion_n to_o this_o argument_n at_o present_a this_o very_a surmise_n be_v a_o plain_a confession_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o that_o go_v a_o great_a way_n as_o to_o evidence_n when_o come_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o adversary_n but_o this_o have_v suggest_v i_o shall_v not_o far_o insist_v upon_o it_o §_o xxiv_o only_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n remain_v that_o add_v great_a force_n to_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o argument_n viz._n that_o this_o power_n be_v not_o mere_o confine_v to_o the_o apostolical_a age_n but_o be_v continue_v down_o to_o the_o next_o age_n of_o the_o church_n which_o if_o true_a it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o apostolical_a miracle_n in_o particular_a and_o of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n and_o yet_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o we_o have_v no_o one_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o have_v better_a record_n it_o be_v unanimous_o attest_v by_o all_o writer_n of_o those_o time_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o public_a and_o extraordinary_a way_n as_o raises_z their_o testimony_n up_o to_o certain_a demonstration_n for_o they_o do_v not_o bare_o report_v it_o but_o they_o upbraid_v it_o to_o all_o their_o adversary_n as_o a_o thing_n undeniable_a they_o challenge_v emperor_n proconsul_n the_o whole_a senate_n in_o their_o apology_n and_o public_a write_n to_o convince_v they_o by_o experiment_n they_o urge_v it_o in_o their_o dispute_n with_o learned_a man_n and_o dare_v they_o to_o contradict_v it_o
same_o time_n and_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n out_o of_o that_o undoubted_a assurance_n they_o have_v of_o its_o truth_n and_o certainty_n we_o may_v now_o with_o much_o more_o reason_n doubt_n of_o what_o be_v do_v to_o his_o late_a majesty_n in_o january_n 1648._o than_o they_o can_v at_o that_o time_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o passion_n and_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n neither_o do_v the_o current_n of_o this_o tradition_n stop_v here_o in_o the_o corinthian_a church_n but_o as_o it_o come_v down_o from_o the_o first_o witness_n so_o it_o descend_v in_o the_o same_o channel_n to_o aftertime_n for_o as_o the_o apostolical_a write_n be_v own_a by_o this_o epistle_n so_o be_v this_o epistle_n by_o those_o who_o can_v not_o but_o be_v certain_a of_o its_o authority_n especial_o dionysius_n bishop_n of_o that_o church_n to_o who_o it_o be_v write_v for_o as_o saint_n clement_n epistle_n be_v write_v not_o long_o after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n probable_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o domitian_n so_o be_v that_o of_o dionysius_n write_v not_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o saint_n clemens_n for_o he_o flourish_v in_o the_o time_n of_o m._n aurelius_n and_o have_v full_a assurance_n of_o its_o be_v authentic_a from_o its_o have_v be_v constant_o read_v in_o the_o corinthian_a church_n so_o that_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n be_v as_o certain_a in_o that_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o that_o emperor_n who_o begin_v his_o reign_n about_o the_o year_n 161._o as_o it_o be_v in_o their_o own_o time_n so_o that_o if_o the_o corinthian_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o dionysius_n have_v be_v contemporary_a to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o they_o can_v not_o have_v have_v a_o more_o satisfactory_a and_o unquestionable_a information_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o they_o preach_v than_o be_v give_v they_o from_o so_o clear_a and_o uninterrupted_a a_o tradition_n for_o that_o be_v so_o entire_o free_a from_o all_o manner_n of_o doubt_n and_o suspicion_n the_o distance_n of_o time_n make_v no_o alteration_n as_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n §_o xxx_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o apostolical_a man_n we_o may_v join_v that_o of_o ignatius_n policarp_n papias_n and_o quadratus_n as_o have_v all_o converse_v with_o the_o follower_n and_o familiar_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o first_o as_o for_o ignatius_n he_o be_v educate_v under_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o by_o they_o constitute_v bishop_n of_o the_o great_a city_n of_o antioch_n where_o he_o sit_v many_o year_n and_o govern_v his_o charge_n with_o extraordinary_a zeal_n and_o prudence_n and_o at_o last_o with_o infinite_a courage_n and_o alacrity_n suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o faith_n there_o have_v be_v great_a controversy_n of_o late_a in_o the_o christian_a world_n concern_v his_o epistle_n though_o with_o how_o little_a reason_n on_o their_o side_n that_o oppose_v they_o i_o have_v account_v elsewhere_o and_o though_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o make_v use_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o make_v it_o good_a too_o yet_o our_o present_a argument_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o that_o dispute_n for_o whether_o these_o epistle_n that_o at_o this_o time_n pass_v under_o his_o name_n be_v genuine_a or_o counterfeit_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n and_o that_o he_o write_v such_o epistle_n and_o if_o so_o than_o he_o be_v another_o competent_a witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o apostolical_a testimony_n and_o his_o great_a sense_n of_o immortality_n and_o earnest_a desire_n of_o martyrdom_n show_v his_o great_a assurance_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v found_v so_o that_o he_o be_v another_o undoubted_a witness_n of_o the_o apostolical_a tradition_n viz._n that_o the_o christian_a faith_n descend_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o they_o give_v that_o proof_n of_o their_o testimony_n that_o be_v record_v of_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o by_o his_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o that_o christianity_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n connect_v with_o the_o certain_a history_n of_o aftertime_n so_o as_o to_o leave_v no_o dark_a and_o unknown_a interval_n wherein_o the_o story_n pretend_v to_o have_v be_v former_o act_v by_o the_o apostle_n may_v have_v be_v first_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o world_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o make_v it_o undeniable_o evident_a that_o there_o can_v never_o have_v be_v any_o such_o story_n have_v it_o not_o first_o descend_v from_o the_o apostle_n but_o though_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o my_o purpose_n for_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o apostolical_a history_n by_o such_o a_o near_a and_o immediate_a witness_n to_o make_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n certain_a and_o uninterrupted_a yet_o i_o will_v not_o wave_v that_o advantage_n that_o i_o have_v from_o this_o glorious_a martyr_n epistle_n because_o they_o breathe_v so_o much_o the_o genuine_a spirit_n of_o the_o ancient_a christianity_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o a_o future_a immortality_n which_o show_v what_o mighty_a satisfaction_n they_o have_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o they_o so_o firm_o believe_v and_o so_o vehement_o desire_v and_o as_o for_o the_o epistle_n themselves_o they_o be_v so_o strong_o and_o unanimous_o attest_v by_o the_o record_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o they_o have_v never_o be_v so_o much_o as_o question_v but_o for_o their_o resolute_a opposition_n to_o some_o mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la for_o they_o be_v resolve_v in_o their_o own_o innovation_n of_o church-government_n contrary_n to_o that_o of_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a constitution_n which_o these_o epistle_n so_o zealous_o assert_v and_o that_o as_o establish_v by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o make_v necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n they_o have_v no_o way_n leave_v but_o stubborn_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v say_v impudent_o to_o reject_v their_o authority_n but_o alas_o that_o be_v so_o admirable_o vouch_v as_o if_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v purposely_o design_v to_o secure_v their_o credit_n for_o ever_o and_o particular_o in_o the_o first_o place_n by_o his_o friend_n policarp_n who_o send_v a_o copy_n of_o they_o to_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n with_o a_o letter_n of_o his_o own_o now_o policarp'_v epistle_n be_v never_o question_v nay_o it_o be_v for_o some_o hundred_o year_n after_o public_o read_v in_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o avoid_v so_o clear_a and_o certain_a a_o testimony_n as_o this_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n but_o only_o by_o say_v that_o this_o particular_a passage_n be_v foist_v in_o without_o any_o shadow_n of_o ground_n for_o the_o surmise_n nay_o contrary_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n that_o a_o epistle_n so_o universal_o know_v to_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o unlearned_a shall_v be_v so_o easy_o corrupt_v and_o the_o corruption_n never_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o when_o this_o counterfeit_a passage_n be_v thrust_v into_o it_o contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o the_o public_a book_n it_o shall_v pass_v down_o uncontrolled_a and_o unquestioned_a to_o all_o after-age_n nay_o far_o if_o it_o be_v forge_v it_o must_v have_v be_v before_o the_o time_n of_o eusebius_n who_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o and_o believe_v it_o genuine_a and_o yet_o himself_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v at_o his_o time_n public_o read_v in_o church_n as_o saint_n jerome_n afterward_o that_o it_o be_v in_o he_o now_o it_o be_v a_o very_a probable_a thing_n that_o eusebius_n will_v be_v impose_v upon_o by_o one_o private_a copy_n contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o the_o public_a book_n or_o that_o he_o shall_v impose_v the_o mistake_n upon_o all_o that_o follow_v he_o 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it_o so_o that_o in_o the_o true_a account_n of_o thing_n when_o man_n betake_v themselves_o to_o this_o weapon_n against_o any_o cause_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a confession_n that_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o no_o real_a exception_n and_o if_o the_o heathen_n have_v think_v that_o they_o be_v furnish_v with_o matter_n of_o sufficient_a argument_n against_o christianity_n itself_o they_o will_v never_o have_v load_v it_o with_o the_o pretend_a bad_a practice_n of_o its_o professor_n but_o for_o want_v of_o more_o material_a objection_n they_o be_v force_v upon_o these_o indirect_a course_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o the_o religion_n itself_o whether_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o it_o live_v not_o up_o to_o its_o principle_n if_o indeed_o the_o principle_n themselves_o be_v bad_a than_o the_o practice_n that_o follow_v from_o they_o be_v a_o pertinent_a objection_n against_o their_o entertainment_n but_o otherwise_o if_o man_n that_o own_o good_a 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supposition_n be_v their_o only_a crime_n but_o beside_o this_o they_o charge_v the_o christian_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o brutishness_n and_o immorality_n thyestaean_a feast_n or_o eat_v their_o own_o child_n at_o their_o private_a meeting_n promiscuous_a lust_n incest_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v beastly_a and_o immodest_a thing_n so_o incredible_a in_o themselves_o that_o they_o can_v never_o gain_v any_o serious_a belief_n with_o wise_a man_n but_o any_o thing_n will_v serve_v turn_n to_o abuse_v the_o rabble_n for_o great_a be_v the_o power_n of_o lie_v as_o we_o of_o this_o age_n know_v by_o too_o sad_a experience_n that_o have_v not_o long_o since_o see_v a_o establish_a church_n and_o state_n mere_o belie_v into_o confusion_n but_o though_o the_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n be_v ashamed_a to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o calumny_n in_o their_o public_a write_n yet_o they_o easy_o serve_v to_o transport_v the_o people_n into_o tumult_n against_o the_o christian_n and_o so_o justify_v any_o illegal_a and_o barbarous_a proceed_n against_o they_o thus_o when_o justin_n martyr_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o conference_n challenge_v trypho_n the_o jew_n whether_o he_o real_o believe_v that_o the_o christian_n eat_v man_n flesh_n and_o put_v out_o the_o candle_n at_o their_o meeting_n to_o run_v together_o into_o promiscuous_a lust_n the_o jew_n be_v a_o pretend_a philosopher_n scorn_v the_o mention_n of_o such_o wild_a story_n as_o unworthy_a any_o wise_a man_n regard_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o these_o very_a story_n do_v the_o business_n with_o the_o people_n upon_o all_o occasion_n thus_o in_o that_o famous_a french_a persecution_n in_o which_o the_o people_n exceed_v their_o own_o usual_a bound_n of_o barbarity_n they_o first_o raise_v these_o report_n against_o the_o christian_n and_o then_o rack_v some_o of_o 1._o their_o heathen_a servant_n till_o they_o vouch_v they_o viz._n that_o they_o use_v the_o feast_n of_o thyestes_n and_o the_o incest_n of_o oedipus_n with_o divers_a other_o enormity_n that_o can_v neither_o be_v think_v of_o nor_o express_v with_o modesty_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o be_v believe_v to_o have_v be_v ever_o practise_v among_o mankind_n and_o yet_o when_o these_o very_a thing_n be_v bruit_v abroad_o among_o the_o the_o people_n they_o be_v with_o one_o consent_n so_o enrage_v and_o incense_v against_o the_o christian_n that_o those_o who_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o neighbourhood_n or_o kindred_n have_v before_o behave_v themselves_o with_o some_o civility_n be_v hereby_o transport_v into_o the_o great_a excess_n of_o violence_n and_o outrage_n neither_o do_v they_o design_n by_o these_o calumny_n to_o cheat_v the_o people_n only_o but_o as_o athenagoras_n complain_v in_o his_o embassy_n to_o the_o emperor_n by_o the_o greatness_n and_o horror_n of_o those_o crime_n that_o be_v so_o vulgar_o report_v of_o they_o they_o kindle_v the_o hatred_n and_o displeasure_n of_o great_a man_n prince_n and_o governor_n and_o that_o be_v the_o main_a design_n of_o that_o excellent_a apology_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o christian_n be_v mere_o slander_v into_o accusation_n and_o that_o the_o slander_n wherewith_o they_o be_v so_o confident_o load_v be_v as_o false_a as_o wicked_a and_o this_o be_v the_o unanimous_a petition_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a apologist_n that_o the_o crime_n object_v against_o they_o may_v be_v examine_v and_o if_o any_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o christian_a be_v find_v guilty_a that_o he_o may_v be_v punish_v with_o the_o utmost_a severity_n of_o law_n but_o if_o they_o prove_v mere_a malicious_a tale_n without_o any_o evidence_n of_o proof_n that_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v the_o government_n will_v be_v please_v to_o secure_v they_o from_o such_o barbarous_a wrong_n and_o injury_n we_o only_o beseech_v you_o say_v justin_n martyr_n that_o those_o thing_n charge_v 2._o upon_o the_o christian_n shall_v be_v inquire_v into_o and_o if_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v so_o let_v they_o have_v their_o due_a punishment_n nay_o let_v they_o be_v more_o severe_o punish_v than_o other_o man_n but_o if_o not_o guilty_a than_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o innocent_a person_n shall_v suffer_v mere_o upon_o report_n and_o clamour_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n do_v we_o find_v athenagoras_n theophilus_n tatianus_n arnobius_n lactantius_n and_o tertullian_n frequent_o complain_v of_o such_o proceed_n and_o only_o request_v so_o much_o humanity_n from_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o favour_n that_o be_v allow_v all_o other_o malefactor_n to_o have_v their_o crime_n examine_v and_o be_v proceed_v against_o according_a to_o evidence_n of_o fact_n nay_o tertullian_n proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v himself_o merry_a with_o the_o folly_n of_o their_o tale_n and_o tell_v they_o it_o will_v be_v a_o work_n worthy_a the_o zeal_n of_o some_o officious_a precedent_n to_o find_v out_o such_o a_o lundsford_n christian_n that_o have_v already_o devour_v at_o least_o a_o hundred_o fat_a boy_n for_o his_o own_o share_n o_o quanta_fw-la illius_fw-la proesidis_n gloria_fw-la si_fw-la eruisset_fw-la aliquem_fw-la qui_fw-la centum_fw-la jam_fw-la infant_n comedisset_fw-la i_o know_v that_o the_o father_n plead_v many_o other_o thingsin_n vindication_n of_o their_o innocence_n but_o i_o will_v not_o stuff_v my_o discourse_n with_o more_o quotation_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o my_o argument_n and_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v represent_v be_v a_o manifest_a demonstration_n of_o the_o injustice_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o their_o enemy_n in_o their_o proceed_n against_o they_o and_o that_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o i_o be_o here_o oblige_v to_o make_v good_a viz._n that_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o be_v make_v to_o christianity_n be_v make_v upon_o unreasonable_a ground_n and_o by_o unreasonable_a men._n §_o xlii_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o public_a persecution_n that_o be_v
raise_v against_o christianity_n but_o as_o for_o that_o private_a opposition_n that_o it_o meet_v with_o from_o philosopher_n and_o pretend_o learn_v man_n it_o be_v so_o very_o contemptible_a that_o it_o scarce_o deserve_v consideration_n for_o though_o one_o will_v expect_v to_o have_v find_v all_o the_o learned_a world_n engage_v in_o a_o controversy_n that_o concern_v the_o whole_a world_n yet_o they_o be_v very_o few_o that_o concern_v themselves_o against_o the_o christian_a cause_n and_o those_o that_o do_v so_o only_o pelt_v at_o it_o with_o remote_a and_o far-fetched_a cavil_n but_o never_o come_v up_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v the_o only_a pertinent_a subject_n in_o this_o enquiry_n and_o if_o that_o stand_v firm_a all_o other_o opposition_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o argument_n and_o break_v its_o own_o force_n upon_o itself_o by_o endeavour_v to_o disparage_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o it_o can_v deny_v or_o to_o prove_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v false_a that_o it_o can_v but_o confess_v to_o be_v true_a nay_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o put_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o the_o question_n that_o they_o be_v all_o force_a to_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v porphyry_n and_o celsus_n impute_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n to_o magic_n hierole_n and_o trypho_n say_v only_o that_o the_o christian_n make_v too_o much_o of_o they_o by_o make_v a_o god_n of_o a_o divine_a man_n julian_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o do_v no_o such_o great_a matter_n but_o only_o cure_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o blind_a so_o that_o it_o seem_v none_o of_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n hardy_a enough_o so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v of_o control_a the_o reality_n of_o our_o saviour_n action_n for_o fear_n of_o too_o much_o disadvantage_n in_o the_o controversy_n now_o after_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o foretell_v with_o what_o trifle_a pretence_n they_o must_v satisfy_v themselves_o and_o they_o be_v so_o very_a trifle_a that_o itwill_a require_v but_o very_o little_a pain_n to_o show_v their_o vanity_n all_o the_o opposition_n then_o that_o be_v make_v to_o it_o this_o way_n proceed_v mere_o either_o from_o gross_a superstition_n or_o avow_a atheism_n the_o first_o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o former_a account_n of_o the_o public_a persecution_n and_o be_v nothing_o else_o than_o a_o mere_a fanatic_a zeal_n for_o the_o old_a pagan_a idolatry_n and_o this_o be_v chief_o manage_v by_o the_o pythagorean_n the_o only_a superstitious_a sect_n among_o all_o the_o philosopher_n who_o be_v all_o along_o so_o zealous_a of_o the_o grecian_a rite_n that_o they_o may_v proper_o be_v style_v the_o monk_n and_o friar_n of_o that_o religion_n this_o humour_n they_o derive_v from_o their_o first_o founder_n pythagoras_n himself_o who_o have_v learn_v that_o part_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n from_o thales_n and_o anaximander_n that_o explain_v the_o mechanical_a contrivance_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n to_o which_o alone_o those_o philosopher_n pretend_v he_o quick_o perceive_v either_o by_o the_o sagacity_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n or_o the_o instruction_n of_o pherecides_n that_o there_o be_v some_o intelligent_a be_v in_o nature_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o order_n and_o harmony_n of_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o so_o strong_o possess_v he_o with_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n who_o he_o define_v to_o be_v a_o mind_n diffuse_v through_o all_o nature_n from_o who_o all_o thing_n receive_v their_o life_n and_o activity_n as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v how_o the_o natural_a effect_n that_o be_v constant_o and_o every_o where_o visible_a in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v but_o by_o the_o present_a and_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o such_o a_o power_n and_o now_o have_v his_o mind_n thus_o thorough_o touch_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o find_v the_o orphean_a rite_n and_o constitution_n at_o that_o time_n the_o most_o sacred_a solemnity_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n he_o grow_v very_o zealous_a of_o they_o as_o the_o most_o religious_a symbol_n of_o divine_a worship_n neither_o be_v his_o zeal_n satisfy_v with_o the_o superstition_n of_o his_o own_o country_n but_o he_o travel_v into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o inform_v himself_o of_o their_o several_a way_n of_o worship_v their_o go_n and_o then_o compose_v a_o service_n of_o his_o own_o partly_o out_o of_o the_o orphean_a partly_o out_o of_o the_o egyptian_a partly_o out_o of_o the_o chaldean_a partly_o out_o of_o the_o eleusinian_n and_o partly_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o out_o of_o the_o samothracian_a rite_n which_o together_o with_o his_o own_o theurgic_a ceremony_n must_v make_v up_o a_o complete_a rhapsody_n of_o all_o the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o though_o some_o of_o his_o follower_n leucippus_n democritus_n and_o epicurus_n apostatise_v so_o far_o from_o his_o institution_n as_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o rank_a and_o most_o audacious_a atheism_n yet_o all_o that_o persevere_v in_o their_o master_n discipline_n be_v sure_o no_o doubt_n to_o be_v most_o of_o all_o strict_a in_o his_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v only_o this_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n who_o be_v man_n rather_o devout_a than_o learned_a that_o all_o along_o give_v authority_n and_o reputation_n to_o the_o old_a heathen_a idolatry_n and_o therefore_o when_o christianity_n begin_v to_o bear_v it_o away_o it_o can_v not_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v appear_v the_o most_o forward_a champion_n to_o defend_v their_o fane_n and_o their_o temple_n their_o altar_n and_o their_o oracle_n against_o the_o new_a and_o prevail_a religion_n the_o first_o and_o the_o able_a champion_n be_v porphyry_n a_o man_n at_o that_o time_n eminent_a for_o wit_n and_o learning_n but_o so_o entire_o eat_v up_o with_o fanatic_a zeal_n for_o his_o religion_n that_o he_o have_v not_o patience_n so_o much_o as_o to_o hear_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o oppose_v it_o and_o this_o set_v he_o all_o on_o fire_n against_o christianity_n for_o be_v by_o nature_n of_o a_o fierce_a and_o angry_a temper_n insomuch_o as_o he_o attempt_v to_o cut_v his_o own_o throat_n as_o he_o describe_v himself_o in_o the_o life_n of_o plotinus_n and_o withal_o very_o much_o incline_v to_o austerity_n and_o devotion_n for_o he_o be_v a_o very_a strict_a observer_n of_o the_o pythagorean_n rule_n this_o fix_v he_o in_o his_o fanatic_a and_o superstitious_a zeal_n than_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o insuperable_a though_o when_o this_o happen_v to_o be_v join_v with_o a_o natural_a eagerness_n of_o temper_n it_o grow_v into_o mere_a fury_n and_o outrage_n and_o so_o transport_v man_n out_o of_o the_o use_n of_o their_o natural_a understanding_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o case_n of_o porphyry_n not_o only_o from_o that_o description_n that_o he_o give_v of_o himself_o and_o that_o account_n that_o his_o friend_n give_v of_o his_o life_n but_o also_o by_o that_o character_n that_o be_v give_v of_o his_o write_n against_o the_o christian_n which_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o most_o impartial_a writer_n as_o full_a of_o rage_n and_o bitterness_n though_o how_o he_o perform_v what_o he_o undertake_v be_v not_o so_o certain_o determinable_a in_o that_o not_o only_o his_o own_o book_n but_o all_o those_o that_o be_v write_v against_o it_o be_v utter_o perish_v but_o by_o those_o fragment_n that_o remain_v of_o it_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o appear_v that_o he_o ever_o venture_v to_o deny_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n but_o grant_v they_o so_o far_o as_o to_o impute_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n but_o how_o vain_a that_o pretence_n be_v we_o have_v already_o show_v at_o least_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o controversy_n depend_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v record_v of_o our_o saviour_n none_o of_o which_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o ever_o undertake_v to_o control_v and_o as_o long_o as_o that_o stand_v firm_a all_o other_o opposition_n be_v but_o trifle_v however_o he_o be_v a_o person_n so_o infinite_o superstitious_a that_o his_o opinion_n can_v be_v no_o prejudice_n against_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n because_o he_o be_v at_o no_o liberty_n to_o make_v any_o enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o pretence_n and_o of_o the_o same_o kidney_n be_v hierocles_n especial_o if_o he_o be_v of_o which_o there_o be_v little_a doubt_n the_o same_o zealous_a person_n that_o be_v first_o judge_n at_o nicomedia_n and_o afterward_o perfect_a of_o egypt_n under_o dioclesian_n and_o a_o great_a agent_n in_o his_o bloody_a persecution_n however_o he_o be_v a_o zealous_a orphean_a and_o extreme_o addict_v to_o the_o old_a pythagorick_a superstition_n but_o whatever_o he_o be_v otherwise_o his_o work_n
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learning_n above_o other_o nation_n of_o which_o they_o so_o much_o boast_v among_o themselves_o i_o need_v here_o say_v nothing_o though_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o find_v nothing_o so_o valuable_a among_o their_o choice_a philosopher_n but_o when_o i_o look_v for_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n i_o can_v find_v little_o better_o in_o any_o of_o they_o than_o childish_a trick_n and_o sport_n of_o sophistry_n but_o however_o to_o pass_v that_o by_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o equal_v the_o greek_n in_o the_o barbarity_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o though_o with_o this_o celsus_n and_o his_o companion_n be_v at_o that_o time_n sufficient_o upbraid_v yet_o it_o be_v too_o well_o know_v that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v prevail_v with_o so_o much_o as_o to_o undertake_v its_o defence_n but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n christianity_n he_o say_v give_v no_o law_n of_o morality_n but_o such_o as_o the_o philosopher_n teach_v and_o be_v common_a to_o mankind_n before_o 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contempt_n of_o humane_a learning_n but_o the_o charge_n of_o credulity_n be_v already_o answer_v by_o those_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o be_v produce_v for_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o as_o for_o the_o humane_a learning_n that_o they_o despise_v it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o pedantry_n of_o the_o grecian_a philosopher_n who_o whilst_o they_o pretend_v to_o the_o height_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o wisdom_n fall_v into_o the_o extreme_a ignorance_n and_o folly_n and_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o what_o think_v he_o of_o the_o celebrate_a founder_n of_o his_o own_o séct_n who_o with_o abundance_n of_o pride_n and_o arrogance_n boast_v that_o he_o have_v rid_v the_o world_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n but_o with_o such_o trifle_a reason_v as_o be_v below_o the_o babble_n and_o folly_n of_o child_n let_v they_o therefore_o cease_v to_o upbraid_v the_o christian_n with_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o learning_n when_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o true_a wisdom_n and_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o thing_n than_o to_o see_v through_o its_o folly_n and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o for_o the_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n he_o have_v as_o good_a have_v let_v that_o alone_o too_o when_o porphyry_n or_o any_o other_o learned_a man_n conversant_a in_o history_n of_o ancient_a time_n can_v have_v tell_v he_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a or_o undeniable_a than_o that_o moses_n live_v many_o age_n before_o linus_n or_o orpheus_n or_o any_o other_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n among_o the_o grecian_n but_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o epicurean_o to_o be_v confident_a upon_o the_o slight_a inquiry_n otherwise_o if_o he_o have_v take_v never_o so_o little_a pain_n in_o search_v and_o compare_v ancient_a record_n he_o can_v never_o have_v put_v such_o a_o
trick_n upon_o himself_o as_o to_o think_v of_o bring_v down_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n below_o the_o know_a time_n of_o greece_n as_o for_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n which_o follow_v next_o i_o shall_v not_o answer_v he_o here_o because_o if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o prove_v it_o false_a it_o run_v too_o far_o from_o the_o present_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n history_n and_o as_o for_o moses_n his_o command_v the_o jew_n to_o worship_n angel_n i_o scorn_v to_o answer_v it_o because_o it_o be_v so_o impudent_o false_a when_o the_o great_a commandment_n of_o his_o law_n be_v to_o worship_n one_o god_n alone_o and_o when_o himself_o have_v but_o a_o very_a little_a before_o object_v this_o as_o a_o singularity_n in_o the_o jew_n against_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o then_o as_o for_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o magician_n i_o hope_v i_o may_v now_o let_v that_o pass_v too_o without_o be_v suspect_v as_o guilty_a of_o any_o omission_n and_o as_o for_o his_o meanness_n and_o poverty_n i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o account_v for_o that_o too_o already_o in_o that_o it_o be_v but_o suitable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n strip_v of_o all_o worldly_a advantage_n that_o he_o may_v subdue_v it_o pure_o by_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o that_o alone_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o enquiry_n whether_o he_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n or_o not_o if_o he_o do_v the_o meanness_n of_o his_o condition_n be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o miracle_n if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v for_o a_o much_o worse_a objection_n nay_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o bring_v any_o real_a disadvantage_n upon_o the_o christian_a cause_n that_o it_o bring_v a_o considerable_a accession_n to_o its_o demonstrative_a proof_n and_o evidence_n in_o so_o much_o that_o without_o it_o it_o must_v have_v ever_o be_v liable_a to_o suspicion_n for_o if_o he_o have_v appear_v with_o kingly_a splendour_n and_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o earthly_a power_n the_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a entertainment_n of_o his_o doctrine_n may_v have_v be_v impute_v to_o worldly_a interest_n and_o not_o to_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n and_o man_n will_v have_v follow_v he_o for_o politic_a end_n and_o not_o for_o any_o conscience_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v secure_a of_o the_o integrity_n of_o his_o disciple_n he_o give_v they_o no_o secular_a encouragement_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a ensure_n to_o they_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o humane_a life_n in_o their_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n his_o institution_n be_v pure_a religion_n and_o conscience_n towards_o god_n be_v its_o only_a obligation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o agreeable_a to_o its_o own_o intention_n that_o it_o shall_v carry_v along_o with_o it_o no_o other_o recommendation_n and_o thus_o i_o remember_v when_o julian_n object_n the_o meanness_n of_o our_o saviour_n condition_n 6._o in_o that_o he_o be_v bear_v a_o subject_a of_o the_o empire_n which_o as_o he_o fancy_n be_v below_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n st._n cyril_n answer_v that_o if_o he_o have_v appear_v with_o imperial_a power_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o command_v the_o obedience_n of_o mankind_n man_n must_v have_v submit_v to_o he_o for_o worldly_a interest_n and_o not_o out_o of_o any_o sense_n of_o duty_n or_o religion_n and_o he_o have_v be_v just_o such_o another_o deity_n as_o caligula_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o emperor_n be_v who_o force_v man_n in_o spite_n of_o themselves_o to_o give_v they_o the_o show_n of_o divine_a honour_n by_o their_o own_o law_n and_o whereas_o you_o object_v say_v he_o that_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o caesar_n what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o purpose_n when_o he_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o neither_o caesar_n nor_o any_o other_o man_n ever_o do_v he_o raise_v man_n from_o the_o dead_a do_v any_o of_o your_o caesar_n ever_o do_v so_o what_o then_o if_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o caesar_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o his_o work_n that_o he_o be_v great_a and_o they_o alone_o demonstrate_v he_o to_o have_v be_v the_o same_o person_n that_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o that_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o scorn_v all_o your_o outward_a pomp_n and_o show_n of_o majesty_n and_o will_v receive_v no_o honour_n but_o what_o reflect_v upon_o he_o from_o the_o glory_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o own_o work_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v origen_n reply_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n for_o man_n that_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o birth_n and_o fortune_n to_o make_v themselves_o considerable_a in_o the_o world_n but_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o wonderful_a in_o jesus_n that_o a_o person_n so_o obscure_a upon_o all_o worldly_a account_n shall_v raise_v himself_o to_o so_o great_a 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as_o little_a as_o he_o gain_v by_o object_v the_o meanness_n of_o our_o saviour_n condition_n he_o gain_v just_a as_o much_o by_o insult_v over_o their_o ignorance_n that_o be_v but_o another_o enhance_a circumstance_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n for_o so_o obscure_a a_o person_n to_o make_v such_o a_o alteration_n in_o the_o world_n so_o be_v it_o much_o more_o so_o to_o effect_v it_o by_o such_o contemptible_a instrument_n for_o no_o man_n that_o ingenuous_o consider_v the_o prodigious_a success_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v ever_o impute_v it_o to_o any_o other_o cause_n than_o either_o some_o divine_a and_o extraordinary_a power_n or_o the_o great_a and_o irresistible_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o in_o that_o by_o the_o objection_n itself_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o the_o art_n of_o eloquence_n and_o learning_n by_o which_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o they_o may_v persuade_v or_o deceive_v 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celsus_n he_o have_v a_o far_a design_n to_o demonstrate_v not_o only_o his_o own_o divinity_n but_o man_n immortality_n if_o he_o have_v only_o disappear_v you_o may_v have_v impute_v that_o to_o a_o trick_n of_o magic_n but_o when_o he_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a after_o he_o have_v be_v so_o public_o execute_v this_o be_v both_o a_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n and_o a_o full_a assurance_n to_o mankind_n of_o their_o capacity_n to_o subsist_v after_o death_n and_o though_o there_o be_v other_o indispensable_a reason_n why_o he_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v sacrifice_v upon_o the_o cross_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v for_o these_o alone_a he_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o suffer_v what_o he_o do_v especial_o when_o himself_n have_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n refer_v the_o proof_n of_o his_o authority_n to_o his_o resurrection_n so_o that_o if_o he_o have_v according_a to_o celsus_n his_o advice_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o cross_n he_o have_v apparent_o defeat_v his_o own_o design_n that_o he_o have_v lay_v through_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o beside_o this_o by_o his_o death_n passion_n and_o resurrection_n he_o have_v demonstrate_v to_o mankind_n that_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v reserve_v the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o another_o life_n and_o clear_v up_o the_o future_a existence_n of_o soul_n by_o a_o undeniable_a experiment_n and_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o so_o much_o fret_v the_o epicurean_o that_o he_o have_v put_v so_o clear_a a_o basfle_n upon_o their_o impiety_n but_o as_o for_o his_o next_o cavil_v he_o be_v real_o to_o be_v pity_v when_o he_o ask_v why_o we_o do_v not_o worship_v all_o other_o crucify_a malefactor_n it_o be_v a_o objection_n worthy_a the_o wisdom_n and_o gravity_n of_o a_o learned_a philosopher_n but_o yet_o for_o his_o satisfaction_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o let_v he_o know_v that_o we_o worship_v all_o such_o malefactor_n as_o our_o saviour_n be_v who_o own_a himself_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o then_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v murder_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o his_o resurrection_n but_o he_o say_v his_o disciple_n forsake_v he_o and_o will_v die_v neither_o with_o nor_o for_o he_o they_o do_v so_o by_o sudden_a surprise_n but_o what_o do_v the_o same_o disciple_n immediate_o after_o upon_o his_o resurrection_n they_o that_o be_v but_o a_o little_a before_o seize_v with_o so_o much_o cowardice_n fear_v then_o no_o danger_n to_o attest_v it_o to_o the_o world_n and_o most_o of_o they_o die_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n so_o that_o this_o objection_n of_o cowardice_n in_o the_o apostle_n be_v just_a such_o another_o advantageous_a circumstance_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n as_o that_o of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o want_n of_o learning_n for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o their_o cause_n when_o man_n neither_o learned_a nor_o 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it_o be_v aggravate_v with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n that_o can_v heighten_v its_o baseness_n it_o be_v without_o all_o plea_n of_o excuse_n or_o palliation_n and_o this_o certain_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o unexemplified_a severity_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n against_o christendom_n for_o never_o be_v any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n harass_v with_o such_o remarkable_a plague_n and_o judgement_n as_o this_o have_v be_v in_o that_o their_o big_a impiety_n be_v but_o ordinary_a thing_n if_o compare_v to_o the_o vileness_n of_o our_o apostasy_n the_o time_n of_o their_o ignorance_n as_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n god_n wink_v at_o but_o now_o that_o his_o wrath_n be_v so_o clear_o reveal_v against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n if_o they_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n persevere_v in_o hardness_n and_o impenitence_n they_o can_v but_o treasure_n up_o to_o themselves_o anguish_n and_o tribulation_n and_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o be_v still_o heap_v up_o store_n of_o vengeance_n till_o some_o time_n or_o other_o the_o floodgate_n shall_v be_v open_v upon_o they_o and_o overwhelm_v they_o in_o irrecoverable_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n at_o least_o to_o conclude_v with_o my_o believe_a reader_n for_o if_o he_o be_v a_o infidel_n i_o turn_v he_o back_o to_o the_o premise_n of_o this_o discourse_n our_o saviour_n have_v a_o second_o come_v when_o he_o shall_v as_o he_o have_v say_v he_o will_v once_o more_o rise_v up_o from_o his_o throne_n of_o majesty_n shall_v put_v on_o the_o robe_n of_o justice_n and_o return_v accompany_v with_o a_o innumerable_a army_n of_o bless_a spirit_n to_o destroy_v the_o wicked_a and_o disobedient_a and_o take_v vengeance_n of_o his_o open_a enemy_n but_o much_o more_o of_o his_o disloyal_a and_o treacherous_a friend_n and_o if_o so_o i_o shall_v only_o desire_v he_o to_o consider_v what_o horror_n and_o anguish_n must_v then_o seize_v all_o guilty_a soul_n with_o what_o tremble_a and_o infinite_a amazement_n must_v every_o careless_a and_o disobedient_a christian_a appear_v before_o all_o this_o dreadful_a glory_n and_o how_o will_v even_o their_o spirit_n die_v away_o under_o a_o intolerable_a fear_n and_o confusion_n of_o conscience_n who_o can_v conceive_v the_o bitterness_n and_o the_o agony_n of_o guilty_a mind_n whilst_o they_o receive_v their_o last_o sentence_n what_o a_o wild_a and_o stupid_a thing_n be_v man_n that_o can_v believe_v and_o yet_o forget_v these_o thing_n and_o sleep_v careless_a under_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o day_n of_o doom_n for_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o our_o saviour_n will_v once_o come_v to_o condemn_v the_o world_n as_o he_o once_o come_v to_o redeem_v it_o and_o if_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n it_o be_v then_o past_a question_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v our_o judge_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o how_o do_v man_n who_o serious_o think_v that_o they_o serious_o believe_v these_o thing_n live_v as_o if_o they_o be_v secure_a that_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v call_v to_o any_o future_a account_n careless_a and_o forgetful_a of_o all_o thing_n but_o a_o few_o vanish_v pleasure_n and_o trifle_n here_o below_o with_o slender_a regard_n or_o total_a neglect_n of_o their_o eternal_a condition_n in_o brief_a the_o terror_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o the_o different_a portion_n of_o woe_n or_o bliss_n hereafter_o be_v so_o evident_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o for_o any_o man_n who_o believe_v it_o to_o live_v careless_a of_o they_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o sottishness_n that_o i_o can_v neither_o conceive_v nor_o express_v much_o less_o load_n or_o upbraid_v with_o any_o high_a aggravation_n than_o bare_o its_o own_o folly_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o leave_v this_o great_a meditation_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o my_o christian_a reader_n and_o conjure_v they_o all_o to_o a_o serious_a and_o habitual_a practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n as_o they_o hope_v for_o any_o benefit_n from_o our_o saviour_n first_o come_n and_o desire_v to_o escape_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o second_o the_o end_n errata_fw-la page_n 1._o line_n 4._o from_o the_o end_n in_o the_o preface_n for_o vice_n 1._o in_o vice_n p._n 127._o l._n 1._o for_o sextus_n r._n saint_n pag._n 130._o l._n 3._o for_o fearless_a r._n fearful_a book_n late_o print_v for_o r._n royston_n bookseller_n to_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o pourtraicture_n of_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n king_n charles_n the_o first_o of_o ever_o bless_a memory_n in_o his_o solitude_n and_o suffering_n new_o reprint_v by_o his_o majesty_n special_a command_n in_o octavo_fw-la dr._n hammond_n annotation_n on_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o folio_n the_o five_o edition_n correct_v the_o book_n of_o psalm_n paraphrase_a with_o argument_n to_o each_o psalm_n in_o two_o volume_n by_o s._n patrick_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o peterburgh_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o 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6_o d._n quarto_fw-la the_o magistrate_n authority_n assert_v in_o
if_o one_o be_v true_a all_o be_v true_a if_o one_o false_a all_o be_v false_a so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o deity_n there_o must_v be_v a_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o a_o law_n of_o nature_n a_o future_a state_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o no_o future_a state_n than_o no_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o no_o law_n of_o nature_n no_o deity_n so_o that_o the_o proof_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n ultimate_o resolve_v into_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o that_o be_v the_o most_o evident_a thing_n in_o nature_n it_o give_v the_o same_o evidence_n to_o all_o other_o principle_n that_o be_v so_o inseparable_o connect_v with_o it_o and_o have_v bring_v our_o argument_n to_o that_o head_n there_o we_o may_v safe_o leave_v it_o and_o challenge_v the_o assent_n of_o mankind_n to_o both_o the_o other_o till_o they_o can_v rational_o quit_v themselves_o of_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n chief_o that_o i_o have_v wave_v all_o physical_a argument_n 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party_n of_o man_n so_o that_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v as_o full_a a_o testimony_n as_o any_o the_o most_o undoubted_a record_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o in_o this_o i_o be_o since_o the_o write_n of_o it_o very_o much_o confirm_v by_o a_o excellent_a discourse_n that_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o upon_o that_o argument_n in_o dr._n beveridge_n his_o learned_a and_o judicious_a defence_n of_o the_o apostolical_a canon_n against_o all_o the_o dalleans_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 5._o and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n as_o for_o the_o edessean_a story_n i_o will_v because_o i_o will_v not_o be_v too_o retentive_a grant_v that_o it_o may_v be_v more_o qucstionable_a than_o any_o of_o the_o other_o for_o though_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o suspect_v the_o integrity_n of_o eusebius_n when_o he_o protest_v that_o he_o translate_v it_o out_o of_o the_o public_a record_n of_o the_o city_n upon_o which_o alone_o i_o ground_n my_o proof_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a 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not_o willing_a to_o lay_v too_o great_a a_o stress_n upon_o it_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o its_o solitude_n and_o privacy_n for_o otherwise_o the_o weighty_a objection_n that_o be_v make_v against_o it_o be_v too_o light_a to_o weigh_v any_o thing_n in_o my_o opinion_n these_o be_v the_o two_o chief_a first_o a_o passage_n in_o our_o saviour_n letter_n take_v out_o of_o the_o gospel_n of_o saint_n john_n when_o the_o gospel_n itself_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o write_v second_o such_o a_o mistake_n in_o chronology_n as_o antedate_v our_o saviour_n passion_n three_o year_n but_o as_o for_o the_o first_o viz._n bless_v be_v thou_o o_o agbarus_n who_o though_o thou_o have_v not_o see_v yet_o believe_v on_o i_o for_o it_o be_v write_v of_o i_o that_o they_o who_o see_v shall_v not_o believe_v and_o they_o who_o see_v not_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v save_v this_o passage_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a sense_n from_o our_o saviour_n word_n in_o saint_n john_n chap._n 20._o v._n 29._o jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o thomas_z because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o thou_o have_v believe_v bless_v be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v where_o see_v and_o believe_v be_v not_o oppose_v as_o in_o the_o former_a word_n to_o agbarus_n but_o believe_v upon_o that_o rational_a evidence_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v the_o world_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n without_o that_o certainty_n of_o sight_n that_o thomas_n have_v be_v prefer_v as_o more_o ingenuous_a and_o commendable_a but_o second_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o word_n themselves_o that_o our_o saviour_n quote_v they_o not_o as_o a_o historical_a record_n but_o as_o a_o prophetic_a prediction_n and_o therefore_o use_v the_o same_o form_n of_o speech_n that_o he_o do_v in_o the_o evangelist_n as_o often_o as_o he_o apply_v the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v write_v of_o i_o i._n e._n it_o be_v foretell_v but_o then_o the_o difficulty_n will_v be_v where_o to_o find_v out_o this_o prophecy_n valesius_fw-la have_v spy_v out_o a_o passage_n as_o he_o think_v somewhat_o like_o it_o in_o the_o six_o of_o isaiah_n but_o as_o the_o passage_n itself_o be_v very_o obscure_a and_o can_v without_o too_o unnatural_a a_o force_n be_v bring_v to_o parallel_v this_o say_n so_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o accommodate_v the_o say_n itself_o to_o any_o particular_a prophecy_n when_o it_o agree_v so_o full_o with_o all_o those_o innumerable_a prediction_n concern_v the_o stubbornness_n and_o infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n among_o who_o our_o saviour_n converse_v and_o the_o wonderful_a conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n to_o his_o faith_n who_o be_v stranger_n to_o his_o person_n and_o conversation_n infinite_a be_v the_o passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o strange_a unbelief_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v every_o where_o represent_v as_o a_o thing_n so_o monstrous_o stupid_a as_o if_o no_o other_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o than_o by_o the_o utter_a loss_n of_o the_o use_n of_o their_o eye_n and_o ear_n as_o if_o they_o neither_o see_v nor_o hear_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v daily_o say_v and_o do_v in_o their_o presence_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o our_o saviour_n use_v this_o say_n of_o himself_o without_o allude_v to_o any_o particular_a text_n when_o it_o be_v so_o exact_o suit_v to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v his_o entertainment_n in_o the_o world_n as_o for_o the_o other_o objection_n if_o it_o can_v be_v certain_a it_o may_v be_v of_o some_o moment_n but_o chronological_a mistake_n be_v so_o very_o easy_a and_o indeed_o in_o length_n of_o time_n unavoidable_a that_o all_o history_n will_v be_v overrun_v with_o they_o be_v we_o not_o direct_v either_o by_o some_o other_o passage_n in_o the_o history_n itself_o or_o by_o some_o other_o contemporary_a writer_n to_o find_v out_o the_o fault_n and_o mistake_v creep_v into_o the_o copy_n so_o that_o in_o such_o a_o singular_a story_n as_o this_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o mistake_n of_o a_o transcriber_n we_o have_v no_o mean_n to_o correct_v it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v actual_o so_o in_o this_o case_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o copy_n that_o be_v so_o strange_o different_a that_o learned_a man_n can_v never_o make_v any_o probable_a conjecture_n of_o the_o certain_a time_n of_o their_o date_n till_o valesius_fw-la refer_v it_o to_o the_o edessean_a account_n but_o then_o say_v they_o according_a to_o that_o it_o must_v have_v happen_v in_o the_o 15_o the_o year_n of_o tiberius_n whereas_o learned_a man_n be_v now_o agree_v that_o our_o saviour_n suffer_v not_o till_o the_o 18_o the_o after_o which_o time_n thaddaeus_n must_v have_v come_v to_o edessa_n but_o be_v it_o so_o yet_o the_o difficulty_n be_v very_o easy_o solvable_a for_o if_o the_o date_n in_o eusebius_n refer_v as_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a it_o shall_v to_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n writing_n it_o fall_v in_o exact_o enough_o with_o the_o 15_o the_o of_o tiberius_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n first_o public_o enter_v upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o office_n and_o go_v to_o the_o passover_n at_o jerusalem_n where_o proselyte_n of_o all_o nation_n be_v then_o assemble_v and_o whither_o some_o might_n as_o well_o repair_v from_o edessa_n and_o the_o part_n about_o it_o as_o the_o eunuch_n from_o ethiopia_n from_o who_o king_n agbarus_n may_v receive_v his_o information_n concern_v jesus_n the_o same_o year_n especial_o when_o the_o account_n of_o the_o edessean_a year_n commence_v from_o the_o autumnal_a equinox_n which_o be_v a_o considerable_a time_n from_o the_o passover_n and_o may_v take_v in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o year_n follow_v and_o so_o include_v the_o second_o passover_n so_o that_o if_o this_o account_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o main_a transaction_n between_o our_o saviour_n and_o agbarus_n and_o not_o to_o the_o come_n of_o thaddaeus_n as_o valesius_fw-la have_v do_v to_o edessa_n which_o be_v but_o a_o appendix_n to_o it_o the_o chronology_n be_v very_o punctual_a and_o therefore_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o can_v as_o yet_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v the_o record_n of_o forgery_n and_o that_o be_v all_o that_o i_o undertake_v viz._n to_o vindicate_v it_o from_o the_o confident_a but_o groundless_a exception_n of_o learned_a man_n and_o desire_v they_o till_o they_o can_v produce_v some_o more_o material_a demur_n against_o it_o that_o its_o plea_n may_v be_v admit_v though_o otherwise_o because_o it_o be_v a_o single_a and_o unassisted_a testimony_n i_o shall_v be_v wary_a of_o lay_v any_o more_o stress_n upon_o it_o than_o as_o it_o
his_o natural_a ability_n and_o no_o man_n will_v ever_o pretend_v in_o his_o behalf_n that_o he_o want_v sufficient_a mean_n for_o make_v the_o discovery_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o be_v so_o legible_a in_o the_o whole_a contrivance_n and_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o nature_n they_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v and_o preservation_n of_o mankind_n their_o equity_n be_v so_o apparent_a and_o their_o convenience_n so_o obvious_a in_o every_o action_n of_o humane_a life_n that_o no_o man_n can_v reflect_v upon_o any_o thing_n either_o within_o or_o without_o he_o but_o it_o must_v make_v he_o sensible_a of_o their_o obligation_n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o perceive_v it_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o unconceivable_a stupidity_n as_o the_o man_n that_o shall_v pass_v through_o the_o world_n without_o ever_o know_v that_o twice_o two_o make_v four_o §_o iii_o for_o there_o be_v but_o two_o rule_n of_o humane_a action_n either_o the_o great_a or_o the_o small_a moral_n as_o the_o platonist_n divide_v they_o the_o first_o take_v in_o all_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o morality_n who_o evidence_n be_v so_o notorious_a that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o upright_a man_n not_o to_o discern_v their_o goodness_n and_o obligation_n and_o who_o usefulness_n be_v so_o common_a and_o diffusive_a and_o so_o necessary_a to_o the_o good_a of_o all_o mankind_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o possible_a for_o any_o society_n to_o subsist_v without_o some_o regard_n to_o their_o authority_n and_o in_o these_o great_a and_o fundamental_a measure_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a all_o man_n and_o all_o nation_n agree_v the_o most_o civil_a and_o the_o most_o barbarous_a people_n consent_n in_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o first_o provision_n of_o natural_a justice_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o corner_n in_o the_o world_n void_a of_o all_o notice_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o all_o sense_n of_o humanity_n and_o though_o some_o man_n that_o may_v tell_v we_o any_o thing_n what_o they_o please_v be_v please_v to_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v yet_o they_o give_v we_o very_o little_a ground_n to_o credit_v their_o report_n because_o their_o converse_n in_o those_o place_n be_v so_o very_o short_a and_o their_o intercourse_n with_o those_o people_n so_o very_o imperfect_a and_o withal_o their_o language_n so_o utter_o unintelligible_a to_o one_o another_o it_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o suppose_v the_o inhabitant_n may_v have_v divers_a notion_n of_o which_o stranger_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o make_v the_o least_o observation_n no_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o any_o enquiry_n at_o least_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o destroy_v the_o credit_n of_o their_o testimony_n concern_v their_o manner_n and_o custom_n when_o the_o best_a information_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v so_o imperfect_a and_o so_o incompetent_a but_o however_o suppose_v there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o mankind_n so_o desperate_o debauch_v as_o to_o live_v without_o all_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o good_a manner_n yet_o there_o be_v none_o so_o much_o as_o suspect_v of_o so_o great_a a_o degeneracy_n but_o such_o as_o give_v we_o too_o manifest_a token_n of_o extreme_a sottishness_n and_o stupidity_n as_o to_o all_o the_o other_o necessity_n and_o conveniency_n of_o life_n and_o that_o live_v altogether_o like_o the_o brute-beast_n heedless_a and_o regardless_o of_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o nature_n without_o make_v any_o reflection_n upon_o their_o own_o mind_n or_o emprove_n any_o observation_n from_o their_o own_o experience_n now_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o creature_n so_o utter_o supine_n and_o negligent_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o most_o common_a and_o most_o obvious_a notion_n of_o thing_n for_o all_o knowledge_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o attention_n and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o attend_v they_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o all_o mean_n of_o information_n if_o they_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o their_o faculty_n it_o be_v not_o the_o certainty_n nor_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n that_o can_v force_v or_o obtrude_v a_o impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o though_o perchance_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n may_v overcome_v their_o dulness_n yet_o this_o be_v violent_a and_o preternatural_a and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n only_o to_o repair_v our_o wilful_a sottishness_n for_o that_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o morality_n and_o to_o make_v we_o uncapable_a of_o all_o practice_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a by_o force_v i._n e._n destroy_v our_o wi_n and_o therefore_o humane_a kind_a must_v be_v govern_v in_o a_o humane_a way_n and_o not_o be_v overpowr_v by_o any_o such_o forcible_a and_o vehement_a mean_n as_o may_v offer_v violence_n to_o its_o liberty_n so_o that_o when_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v fit_a or_o necessary_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n it_o must_v after_o all_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o power_n and_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_n that_o he_o have_v leave_v they_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o as_o to_o this_o it_o matter_n not_o whether_o the_o natural_a law_n be_v write_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n for_o wheresoever_o it_o may_v be_v record_v or_o howsoever_o collect_v it_o can_v be_v draw_v forth_o into_o use_n and_o practice_n without_o the_o help_n of_o reflection_n and_o though_o it_o be_v proper_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o certain_a number_n of_o proposition_n imprint_v upon_o the_o heart_n or_o conscience_n of_o man_n yet_o he_o may_v as_o easy_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o what_o be_v legible_a within_o he_o as_o not_o observe_v what_o be_v plain_o deducible_a from_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n without_o he_o in_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o both_o depend_v entire_o upon_o his_o own_o animadversion_n so_o that_o if_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n have_v make_v any_o sufficient_a discovery_n of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n either_o by_o instinct_n or_o by_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a provision_n for_o the_o due_a government_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o common_a welfare_n of_o the_o world_n and_o though_o there_o be_v some_o few_o in_o it_o so_o monstrous_o dull_a and_o sottish_a as_o not_o to_o take_v the_o least_o notice_n of_o the_o most_o obvious_a truth_n yet_o that_o be_v mere_o the_o defect_n of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o not_o any_o default_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o secure_v the_o common_a good_a that_o their_o usefulness_n be_v so_o great_a and_o notorious_a that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o that_o make_v any_o use_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o thus_o be_v the_o consent_n of_o nation_n a_o great_a proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o though_o their_o difference_n be_v numberless_a as_o to_o casual_a and_o arbitrary_a custom_n and_o as_o to_o their_o municipal_a law_n and_o their_o more_o remote_a and_o less_o useful_a rule_n of_o morality_n yet_o as_o for_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o justice_n and_o religion_n they_o be_v vouch_v by_o the_o catholic_n consent_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o know_a nation_n both_o civil_a and_o savage_a the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n the_o obligation_n of_o oath_n love_v to_o parent_n and_o gratitude_n to_o benefactor_n and_o to_o do_v to_o all_o man_n as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v to_o ourselves_o be_v catholic_a and_o obligatory_a all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o nature_n or_o as_o aristotle_n express_v it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o force_n in_o all_o place_n as_o fire_n burn_v every_o where_o alike_o and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o use_n in_o greece_n and_o in_o persia._n and_o these_o if_o attend_v to_o will_v provide_v competent_o for_o the_o great_a necessity_n and_o the_o main_a duty_n of_o mankind_n and_o from_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v derive_v all_o other_o emergent_a and_o subordinate_a rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a though_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v they_o shall_v be_v ratify_v with_o the_o same_o consent_n of_o nation_n and_o require_v a_o equal_a obligation_n in_o all_o time_n and_o all_o place_n because_o their_o usefulness_n be_v neither_o so_o great_a nor_o so_o certain_a and_o by_o consequence_n not_o so_o likely_a to_o be_v attest_v with_o the_o same_o agreement_n of_o voice_n for_o where_o the_o evidence_n be_v not_o
may_v suffice_v at_o this_o present_a upon_o this_o argument_n as_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o preacher_n of_o christianity_n that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_a fool_n they_o have_v never_o undertake_v it_o if_o false_a and_o if_o they_o be_v they_o can_v never_o have_v proceed_v with_o any_o success_n in_o it_o §_o vi_o but_o last_o we_o must_v either_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o witness_n of_o christianity_n to_o have_v be_v in_o good_a earnest_n or_o not_o if_o they_o be_v than_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n be_v unquestionable_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n be_v no_o magic_a story_n or_o any_o thing_n capable_a of_o juggle_a trick_n and_o illusion_n but_o a_o plain_a and_o common_a object_n of_o sense_n of_o which_o they_o have_v the_o same_o assurance_n as_o we_o have_v or_o can_v have_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o see_v or_o hear_v and_o they_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v of_o one_o another_o conversation_n and_o what_o be_v more_o they_o be_v jealous_a and_o incredulous_a and_o suspect_v some_o mistake_n or_o illusion_n and_o force_v he_o to_o appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o convince_v they_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o their_o sense_n and_o now_o it_o be_v likely_a when_o it_o be_v so_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v deceive_v themselves_o that_o they_o will_v take_v so_o much_o pain_n and_o endure_v so_o many_o misery_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v a_o impudent_a and_o a_o unprofitable_a fable_n which_o if_o they_o do_v than_o we_o must_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o good_a earnest_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o then_o beside_o all_o the_o forementioned_a abfurdity_n this_o supposition_n labour_v under_o one_o very_o enormous_a difficulty_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o viz._n that_o such_o profligate_v cheat_n and_o impostor_n shall_v concern_v themselves_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n as_o they_o do_v for_o the_o credit_n and_o propagation_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o world_n for_o that_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o christianity_n to_o promote_v and_o advance_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o true_a morality_n no_o man_n that_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v can_v question_v and_o if_o it_o be_v than_o they_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o good_a man_n that_o labour_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o promote_a of_o christianity_n but_o that_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v be_v a_o frequent_a artifice_n for_o man_n of_o the_o worst_a design_n to_o make_v the_o best_a pretence_n it_o be_v so_o but_o then_o they_o must_v have_v some_o design_n to_o carry_v on_o under_o their_o pretence_n whereas_o if_o the_o apostle_n very_a pretence_n be_v not_o their_o real_a design_n they_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o that_o be_v the_o difficulty_n proper_a to_o this_o supposition_n that_o wicked_a 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the_o same_o person_n who_o report_n that_o he_o do_v such_o mighty_a work_n record_v also_o that_o he_o teach_v such_o excellent_a law_n and_o that_o he_o wrought_v those_o work_n of_o god_n for_o a_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n what_o can_v be_v more_o probable_a than_o that_o the_o same_o person_n shall_v in_o the_o same_o design_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o great_a virtue_n and_o great_a villainy_n in_o the_o world_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n sacrifice_v their_o life_n and_o fortune_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o imposture_n for_o if_o those_o thing_n that_o they_o report_v concern_v the_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o true_a then_o be_v he_o as_o lewd_a and_o wretched_a a_o impostor_n as_o ever_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n in_o bear_v out_o as_o if_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o as_o bold_a atheistical_a and_o ungodly_a wretch_n know_o to_o abuse_v mankind_n with_o such_o a_o palpable_a and_o blasphemous_a cheat._n be_v it_o not_o then_o likely_a that_o man_n shall_v do_v and_o suffer_v after_o their_o rate_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o a_o accurse_a imposture_n that_o be_v so_o infinite_o zealous_a for_o the_o concernment_n of_o truth_n and_o integrity_n how_o awkerd_o do_v these_o thing_n piece_n together_o what_o strange_a contradiction_n be_v reconcile_v in_o this_o odd_a supposition_n the_o same_o man_n die_v martyr_n to_o the_o worst_a imposture_n and_o best_a institution_n in_o the_o world_n to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o gain_v credit_n to_o what_o themselves_o know_v to_o be_v a_o notorious_a lie_n and_o yet_o die_v to_o advance_v the_o credit_n of_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o most_o conceivable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o so_o many_o plain_a and_o simple_a people_n shall_v conspire_v together_o in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o so_o lewd_a a_o forgery_n and_o then_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fable_n with_o their_o blood_n but_o how_o do_v the_o prodigy_n heighten_v that_o such_o profligate_v wretch_n shall_v so_o easy_o forego_v their_o life_n rather_o than_o their_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o their_o zeal_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n be_v a_o most_o undeniable_a demonstration_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o the_o more_o man_n tumble_v and_o toss_v their_o thought_n about_o to_o raise_v jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n upon_o the_o report_n the_o more_o do_v they_o entangle_v themselves_o in_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n but_o i_o shall_v prosecute_v this_o argument_n no_o far_o because_o in_o truth_n to_o say_v no_o more_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_o odd_o conceit_a man_n that_o can_v but_o persuade_v himself_o so_o much_o as_o to_o suspect_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o in_o good_a earnest_n and_o now_o if_o we_o review_v these_o circumstance_n of_o our_o saviour_n story_n as_o it_o be_v tell_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v favour_v with_o all_o the_o utmost_a advantage_n of_o credibility_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o suppose_v it_o a_o imposture_n yet_o have_v it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v how_o it_o can_v have_v be_v vouch_v with_o strong_a and_o more_o enforce_v motive_n of_o belief_n there_o be_v no_o satisfaction_n that_o mankind_n can_v reasonable_o desire_v which_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n have_v not_o give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n all_o scruple_n and_o exception_n be_v so_o fortunate_o prevent_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o possible_a escape_n or_o pretence_n leave_v for_o insidelity_n for_o first_o we_o have_v all_o the_o assurance_n in_o
the_o world_n both_o of_o the_o sufficiency_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o their_o sufficiency_n in_o that_o they_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o companion_n of_o his_o conversation_n and_o be_v themselves_o sufficient_o suspicious_a and_o incredulous_a and_o refuse_v to_o be_v convince_v till_o their_o distrustful_a mind_n be_v overbear_v by_o evidence_n of_o fact_n of_o their_o sincerity_n not_o only_o from_o the_o agreement_n of_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o honest_a and_o upright_a man_n in_o the_o same_o report_n but_o from_o their_o readiness_n to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n with_o their_o blood_n and_o what_o great_a assurance_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n than_o to_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o what_o they_o report_v and_o what_o great_a evidence_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o desire_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o report_n than_o they_o have_v give_v we_o of_o their_o fidelity_n so_o that_o here_o to_o withhold_v or_o deny_v our_o assent_n be_v first_o a_o direct_a affront_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v to_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o suppose_v none_o worthy_a of_o any_o belief_n beside_o ourselves_o for_o unless_o we_o will_v distrust_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o testimony_n and_o believe_v nothing_o but_o by_o the_o immediate_a information_n of_o our_o own_o sense_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n quit_v all_o degree_n of_o diffidence_n and_o suspicion_n in_o this_o affair_n second_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n love_v of_o life_n shall_v conspire_v to_o throw_v away_o their_o life_n only_o to_o gain_v credit_n to_o a_o impudent_a lye_n three_o we_o must_v either_o believe_v that_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n will_v lose_v their_o life_n for_o a_o ridiculous_a fable_n or_o that_o a_o company_n of_o fool_n and_o madman_n can_v so_o easy_o persuade_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v such_o a_o wild_a story_n mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o report_n last_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o man_n who_o make_v it_o their_o only_a employment_n to_o advance_v truth_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v yet_o die_v martyr_n to_o falsehood_n and_o villainy_n and_o that_o when_o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n they_o be_v not_o in_o good_a earnest_n now_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o only_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n in_o the_o world_n i_o will_v appeal_v to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o history_n or_o report_n to_o come_v attest_v with_o more_o various_a more_o pregnant_a more_o unquestionable_a motive_n of_o credibility_n than_o his_o action_n particular_o his_o resurrection_n as_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o apostle_n and_o thus_o have_v consider_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o testimony_n as_o give_v in_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v their_o testimony_n as_o record_v in_o their_o write_n and_o to_o show_v into_o what_o wild_a absurdity_n we_o must_v again_o run_v ourselves_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture-history_n §_o vii_o first_o then_o we_o must_v believe_v either_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v or_o that_o they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v than_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o the_o thing_n that_o they_o relate_v of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a if_o true_a than_o we_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n if_o false_a then_o either_o for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a knowledge_n or_o sincerity_n not_o for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n for_o two_o of_o the_o evangelist_n saint_n matthew_n and_o saint_n john_n be_v immediate_a disciple_n and_o constant_a companion_n of_o the_o person_n who_o history_n they_o write_v and_o so_o be_v present_a at_o his_o work_n and_o miracle_n and_o eye-witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n saint_n mark_n and_o saint_n luke_n if_o they_o be_v not_o disciple_n during_o our_o saviour_n abode_n upon_o the_o earth_n they_o be_v intimate_a associate_n with_o the_o chief_a apostle_n that_o be_v so_o that_o if_o they_o write_v not_o from_o their_o own_o immediate_a knowledge_n yet_o however_o they_o write_v from_o the_o information_n of_o eye-witness_n and_o as_o for_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v by_o saint_n luke_n saint_n luke_n himself_o be_v interest_v in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o if_o not_o all_o the_o history_n and_o so_o for_o the_o epistle_n pretend_v to_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n either_o they_o be_v or_o they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v than_o their_o case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o have_v sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o write_v of_o so_o plain_o be_v it_o that_o if_o those_o person_n write_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o go_v for_o their_o author_n that_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o suspect_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o their_o report_n for_o want_n of_o sufficient_a knowledge_n and_o information_n and_o then_o as_o for_o their_o sincerity_n the_o case_n of_o their_o writing_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o their_o preach_n and_o so_o labour_v under_o all_o the_o forementioned_a difficulty_n and_o one_o more_o peculiar_a to_o itself_o viz._n that_o when_o they_o have_v be_v so_o wicked_a as_o to_o contrive_v a_o wilful_a lie_n and_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o publish_v it_o to_o all_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v meet_v with_o no_o contradiction_n in_o so_o gross_a and_o manifest_a a_o forgery_n these_o thing_n be_v write_v in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n after_o they_o be_v do_v and_o therefore_o if_o they_o be_v false_a it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o they_o shall_v escape_v discovery_n or_o obtain_v any_o the_o least_o belief_n for_o example_n when_o saint_n luke_n report_v that_o a_o person_n bear_v lame_a and_o know_v to_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o his_o have_v beg_v daily_o for_o many_o year_n at_o the_o chief_a gate_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v cure_v by_o saint_n peter_n only_o with_o invocate_a the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o that_o this_o miracle_n be_v so_o very_o well_o know_v at_o jerusalem_n that_o it_o immediate_o convert_v no_o less_o than_o five_o thousand_o person_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n if_o all_o this_o have_v be_v a_o fable_n the_o mere_a publication_n of_o it_o have_v provoke_v thousand_o of_o people_n nay_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o especial_o the_o citizen_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o discover_v the_o falsehood_n and_o it_o can_v not_o but_o have_v meet_v with_o so_o much_o opposition_n as_o utter_o and_o for_o ever_o to_o disgrace_v and_o destroy_v itself_o and_o so_o again_o when_o saint_n paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n that_o our_o saviour_n after_o his_o resurrection_n be_v see_v not_o only_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o himself_o but_o by_o above_o five_o hundred_o person_n at_o once_o most_o of_o who_o be_v then_o survive_v if_o this_o have_v be_v a_o lie_n it_o have_v be_v a_o very_a foolish_a and_o impudent_a one_o and_o too_o bold_a for_o any_o man_n to_o vent_v that_o be_v not_o lose_v not_o only_o to_o all_o modesty_n but_o all_o discretion_n and_o if_o any_o man_n can_v have_v be_v so_o rash_a as_o to_o venture_v upon_o so_o lewd_a a_o falsehood_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o can_v ever_o have_v escape_v the_o shame_n of_o discovery_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v write_v to_o baffle_v some_o fanatic_a person_n who_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o resurrection_n for_o as_o all_o other_o will_v be_v eager_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o curiosity_n so_o will_v those_o man_n especial_o be_v concern_v to_o examine_v it_o more_o strict_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o confute_v their_o adversary_n so_o that_o it_o be_v equal_o incredible_a that_o saint_n paul_n shall_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o vent_v so_o great_a a_o lie_n that_o may_v be_v so_o easy_o contradict_v and_o that_o when_o he_o have_v vent_v it_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o lucky_a as_o to_o escape_v all_o manner_n of_o contradiction_n from_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v to_o oppose_v he_o for_o if_o he_o have_v be_v convict_v of_o falsehood_n in_o it_o all_o the_o corinthian_n must_v immediate_o have_v turn_v back_o to_o their_o infidelity_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o find_v the_o christian_a faith_n prevail_v every_o where_o
very_o easy_a and_o though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o hundred_o other_o way_n of_o solve_v it_o that_o we_o can_v know_v at_o this_o distance_n yet_o i_o can_v not_o light_o pass_v it_o over_o because_o it_o be_v the_o only_a material_a difference_n between_o josephus_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o though_o he_o pass_v by_o some_o remarkable_a thing_n that_o be_v there_o record_v yet_o in_o all_o other_o case_n where_o he_o happen_v upon_o the_o same_o thing_n he_o make_v the_o same_o narration_n for_o the_o only_a place_n beside_o in_o which_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o differ_v be_v in_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n agrippa_n which_o he_o say_v happen_v at_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o owl_n but_o saint_n luke_n by_o the_o invisible_a stroke_n of_o a_o angel_n and_o that_o a_o owl_n may_v then_o by_o chance_n appear_v be_v possible_a but_o that_o the_o mere_a sight_n of_o it_o shall_v affect_v he_o after_o such_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n be_v not_o credible_a notwithstanding_o a_o german_a soothsayer_n have_v foretell_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o certain_a omen_n of_o his_o death_n that_o indeed_o may_v not_o a_o little_a disturb_v his_o fancy_n but_o it_o can_v not_o natural_o in_o a_o moment_n putrify_v his_o bowel_n into_o worm_n and_o rottenness_n but_o it_o be_v too_o manifest_a that_o josephus_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o history_n too_o much_o endeavour_v to_o imitate_v the_o greek_a and_o roman_a historian_n who_o constant_a custom_n it_o be_v to_o ascribe_v all_o extraordinary_a calamity_n to_o some_o portentous_a omen_n otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a that_o so_o strange_a and_o unheard_a of_o a_o misery_n shall_v all_o on_o a_o sudden_a seize_v upon_o a_o man_n in_o the_o height_n of_o all_o his_o glory_n and_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o so_o great_a a_o blasphemy_n without_o some_o miraculous_a and_o invisible_a power_n so_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o great_a instance_n upon_o record_n of_o a_o immediate_a 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to_o and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v that_o expression_n of_o josephus_n when_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v the_o christ_n that_o be_v this_o be_v he_o that_o be_v call_v the_o christ_n a_o title_n so_o appropriate_v to_o he_o in_o common_a speech_n that_o it_o be_v familiar_o give_v to_o he_o by_o his_o great_a enemy_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o testimony_n of_o josephus_n as_o if_o we_o design_v to_o gain_v any_o credit_n or_o authority_n from_o his_o opinion_n but_o only_o to_o prove_v from_o it_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o transaction_n then_o on_o foot_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o party_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n who_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o
concern_v he_o that_o he_o will_v if_o possible_a have_v rescue_v our_o saviour_n from_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o tumult_n of_o the_o people_n that_o he_o be_v satisfy_v of_o his_o innocence_n as_o he_o declare_v upon_o the_o bench_n that_o he_o give_v sentence_n upon_o he_o i_o will_v not_o say_v against_o his_o conscience_n for_o be_v a_o atheist_n he_o have_v none_o but_o against_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n i_o say_v setting_z aside_o all_o this_o that_o happen_v before_o the_o passion_n the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n prove_v itself_o upon_o he_o by_o so_o many_o lucky_a circumstance_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o it_o can_v not_o but_o perplex_v his_o mind_n which_o way_n to_o avoid_v its_o evidence_n for_o he_o be_v certain_a that_o jesus_n be_v crucify_a dead_a and_o bury_v that_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v seal_v with_o a_o great_a stone_n and_o guard_v with_o a_o watch_n and_o yet_o in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n after_o 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attempt_n what_o wretched_a cowardice_n they_o betray_v from_o the_o time_n that_o their_o master_n be_v apprehend_v he_o very_o well_o know_v and_o therefore_o can_v not_o but_o think_v it_o very_o improbable_a such_o faint_a spirit_n shall_v so_o soon_o undertake_v such_o bold_a and_o difficult_a enterprise_n but_o suppose_v they_o shall_v it_o be_v strange_o lucky_a that_o all_o the_o guard_n shall_v fall_v fast_o asleep_a at_o the_o same_o instant_n of_o time_n and_o more_o so_o that_o the_o disciple_n shall_v have_v the_o strange_a fortune_n as_o to_o come_v at_o that_o very_a moment_n and_o most_o of_o all_o so_o that_o with_o all_o that_o noise_n that_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n make_v by_o remove_v the_o stone_n that_o be_v roll_v upon_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o grave_a they_o shall_v not_o awake_v so_o much_o as_o one_o of_o the_o soldier_n but_o beside_o all_o these_o difficulty_n that_o he_o can_v not_o but_o observe_v in_o the_o action_n itself_o it_o be_v obvious_a for_o he_o to_o reflect_v that_o if_o they_o who_o affirm_v that_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a know_v that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o what_o purpose_n they_o shall_v take_v all_o this_o pain_n and_o run_v all_o these_o hazard_n for_o a_o impostor_n that_o have_v abuse_v they_o with_o romantic_a tale_n and_o promise_n this_o be_v pass_v my_o comprehension_n for_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o simple_a man_n to_o throw_v away_o their_o life_n for_o a_o false_a or_o mistake_a opinion_n yet_o that_o a_o number_n of_o man_n shall_v do_v it_o to_o ratify_v a_o testimony_n that_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a without_o any_o prospect_n of_o advantage_n either_o to_o themselves_o or_o other_o as_o it_o have_v no_o precedent_n in_o all_o former_a age_n so_o it_o be_v incredible_a to_o any_o man_n that_o in_o the_o least_o understand_v the_o constitution_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o therefore_o from_o these_o and_o the_o like_a premise_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o he_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a in_o this_o business_n or_o as_o tertullian_n express_v it_o ea_fw-la omne_fw-la super_fw-la christo_fw-la 21._o pilatus_n &_o ipse_fw-la jam_fw-la pro_fw-la suâ_fw-la conscientiâ_fw-la christianus_n caesari_n tunc_fw-la tiberio_fw-la nunciavit_fw-la §_o xvi_o the_o last_o instance_n i_o shall_v give_v of_o this_o kind_n of_o witness_n be_v the_o story_n of_o agbarus_n king_n of_o edessa_n lie_v beyond_o euphrates_n who_o be_v afflict_v with_o some_o chronical_a distemper_n not_o curable_a by_o humane_a art_n and_o hear_v such_o prodigious_a report_n concern_v the_o miracle_n of_o one_o jesus_n in_o judaea_n that_o he_o make_v the_o blind_a to_o see_v the_o lame_a to_o go_v cleanse_v the_o leper_n restore_v the_o long_a disease_a to_o health_n and_o raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n he_o therefore_o dispatch_v a_o letter_n to_o he_o by_o a_o special_a messenger_n request_v he_o to_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o come_v to_o edessa_n and_o cure_v his_o malady_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o he_o hear_v the_o jew_n design_v to_o do_v he_o mischief_n to_o take_v up_o his_o residence_n there_o in_o safety_n where_o he_o may_v live_v with_o all_o accommodation_n of_o life_n and_o if_o he_o please_v share_n with_o the_o prince_n himself_o in_o the_o government_n to_o this_o courteous_a letter_n our_o saviour_n immediate_o return_v a_o brief_a and_o pithy_a answer_n and_o that_o probable_o by_o the_o same_o messenger_n in_o which_o he_o inform_v he_o that_o all_o thing_n touch_v his_o message_n be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o judaea_n and_o then_o he_o be_v to_o return_v to_o his_o father_n but_o after_o my_o assumption_n i_o will_v send_v one_o of_o my_o disciple_n who_o shall_v cure_v thy_o malady_n and_o restore_v life_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o all_o they_o that_o be_v with_o thou_o which_o be_v according_o do_v by_o thaddaeus_n the_o manner_n of_o who_o address_n and_o procedure_v be_v particular_o and_o large_o describe_v by_o eusebius_n 13._o in_o all_o which_o i_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v in_o the_o least_o shake_v or_o impair_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o story_n nay_o the_o content_n of_o our_o saviour_n letter_n agree_v so_o exact_o with_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o his_o life_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o by_o that_o alone_a to_o give_v itself_o considerable_a authority_n viz._n to_o put_v off_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n and_o obscure_v the_o reputation_n of_o his_o glory_n as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n now_o if_o this_o epistle_n be_v forge_v either_o this_o passage_n be_v put_v into_o it_o by_o chance_n or_o by_o design_n if_o by_o chance_n it_o be_v a_o very_a lucky_a chance_n that_o so_o odd_a and_o yet_o so_o apt_a a_o passage_n shall_v be_v drop_v into_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o can_v not_o well_o be_v out_o of_o design_n for_o though_o this_o observation_n be_v obvious_a enough_o in_o itself_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o there_o be_v any_o footstep_n of_o it_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_n neither_o be_v it_o at_o all_o strange_a that_o all_o the_o evangelist_n shall_v be_v utter_o silent_a concern_v it_o when_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o be_v their_o design_n to_o confine_v their_o whole_a history_n to_o palestine_n and_o probable_a too_o that_o they_o be_v altogether_o unacquainted_a with_o this_o particular_a transaction_n in_o that_o our_o saviour_n may_v with_o privacy_n as_o his_o custom_n be_v dispatch_v his_o reply_n by_o the_o same_o messenger_n that_o bring_v the_o king_n letter_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v the_o business_n may_v pass_v whole_o unobserved_a and_o it_o be_v much_o less_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o none_o of_o the_o ancient_n before_o eusebius_n shall_v make_v any_o mention_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v lock_v
vigorous_a in_o their_o resolution_n can_v you_o think_v all_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v slight_o and_o by_o chance_n that_o man_n do_v not_o consider_v what_o they_o be_v about_o when_o they_o die_v for_o their_o religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o conspiracy_n of_o sot_n and_o madman_n all_o the_o world_n over_o to_o undo_v themselves_o and_o throw_v away_o their_o life_n without_o so_o much_o as_o think_v what_o they_o be_v do_v it_o be_v endless_a to_o heap_v up_o all_o the_o testimony_n that_o may_v be_v collect_v out_o of_o the_o primitive_a writer_n upon_o this_o argument_n when_o it_o be_v so_o know_v and_o confess_v a_o thing_n even_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o religion_n so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o pliny_n letter_n to_o the_o emperor_n concern_v the_o christian_n the_o multitude_n of_o person_n of_o all_o condition_n which_o he_o say_v be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o temple_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v almost_o utter_o forsake_v and_o tacitus_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o ingens_fw-la multitudo_fw-la that_o be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o nero_n in_o rome_n alone_o for_o fire_v the_o city_n which_o be_v not_o much_o above_o thirty_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n passion_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n some_o of_o who_o suffer_v in_o the_o persecution_n in_o short_a the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o observable_a among_o the_o heathen_n that_o it_o be_v vulgar_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o christian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o prevail_a doctrine_n and_o they_o the_o prevail_a sect_n several_a instance_n whereof_o be_v collect_v by_o valesius_fw-la out_o of_o damascius_n 62._o porphyry_n and_o julian_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v add_v no_o more_o testimony_n to_o prove_v a_o thing_n so_o unquestionable_a but_o shall_v only_o rescue_v one_o that_o be_v more_o ancient_a than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n from_o that_o violence_n that_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o it_o by_o some_o learned_a man_n and_o that_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o philo_n the_o jew_n for_o whereas_o in_o his_o little_a treatise_n concern_v a_o contemplative_a lise_n he_o give_v a_o large_a description_n of_o a_o certain_a sect_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v at_o that_o time_n very_o famous_a and_o numerous_a in_o the_o world_n especial_o in_o egypt_n and_o about_o alexandria_n where_o he_o chief_o reside_v but_o most_o of_o all_o in_o the_o mareotick_a prefecture_n this_o eusebius_n will_v have_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o that_o for_o this_o one_o very_o good_a reason_n because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o exact_a description_n of_o their_o way_n of_o life_n worship_n and_o discipline_n that_o if_o philo_n have_v design_v to_o have_v do_v that_o he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v it_o more_o accurate_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v scarce_o in_o all_o the_o record_n of_o antiquity_n a_o full_a account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o to_o their_o renounce_v the_o world_n for_o the_o love_n of_o heaven_n their_o part_n with_o their_o estate_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o poor_a their_o great_a temperance_n and_o chastity_n their_o meeting_n every_o seventh-day_n for_o religious_a worship_n their_o love-feast_n their_o great_a festival_n of_o easter_n and_o pentecost_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o as_o they_o agree_v in_o every_o circumstance_n to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n so_o to_o no_o other_o sect_n of_o which_o we_o find_v any_o other_o memory_n or_o mention_n in_o all_o the_o record_n of_o antiquity_n and_o that_o one_o will_v think_v be_v argument_n sufficient_a to_o conclude_v that_o philo_n description_n appertain_v to_o they_o and_o none_o else_o but_o scaliger_n according_a to_o his_o usual_a custom_n of_o quarrel_v with_o eusebius_n will_v not_o 6._o have_v it_o apply_v to_o the_o christian_n but_o to_o the_o jewish_a essenes_n of_o which_o he_o affirm_v there_o be_v two_o sort_n the_o practical_a and_o the_o speculative_a and_o that_o in_o the_o former_a book_n philo_n treat_v of_o those_o of_o these_o in_o this_o and_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o mistake_n be_v philo_n transition_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o second_o book_n viz._n that_o have_v in_o the_o former_a give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o essenes_n who_o live_v a_o practical_a life_n and_o converse_v in_o city_n he_o now_o come_v to_o treat_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o those_o that_o live_v a_o contemplative_a life_n i._n e._n say_v scaliger_n of_o those_o essenes_n but_o that_o without_o any_o ground_n from_o the_o word_n themselves_o which_o be_v only_o general_a of_o those_o man_n that_o live_v a_o contemplative_a life_n may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n be_v understand_v of_o any_o other_o sect_n as_o appropriate_v to_o the_o essenes_n but_o what_o if_o philo_n have_v call_v they_o essenes_n and_o think_v they_o so_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n they_o shall_v hà ve_v be_v so_o for_o see_v the_o essenes_n be_v account_v man_n of_o the_o strict_a life_n among_o the_o jew_n when_o philo_n see_v this_o society_n of_o christian_n then_o new_o found_v by_o saint_n mark_v in_o those_o part_n that_o so_o much_o resemble_v the_o essenes_n in_o their_o manner_n and_o discipline_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o suppose_v they_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o same_o sect_n and_o pass_v they_o under_o the_o same_o name_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o be_v a_o distinction_n mere_o of_o scaliger_n own_o frame_v to_o salve_v his_o own_o groundless_a conjecture_n for_o philo_n no_o where_o call_v they_o essenes_n which_o he_o will_v have_v do_v if_o essenes_n they_o have_v be_v of_o what_o sort_n soever_o and_o therefore_o constant_o give_v those_o in_o the_o former_a book_n the_o title_n of_o essenes_n and_o never_o give_v it_o to_o these_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o different_a sect_n from_o all_o essenes_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o the_o least_o footstep_n of_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o essenes_n in_o all_o antiquity_n and_o josephus_n though_o he_o do_v more_o than_o once_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o sect_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o these_o speculative_a essenes_n which_o so_o diligent_a a_o writer_n can_v never_o have_v omit_v if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o famous_a and_o so_o numerous_a in_o the_o world_n as_o philo_n say_v these_o therapeutae_n be_v beside_o that_o there_o be_v no_o essenes_n out_n of_o judaea_n as_o philo_z himself_z more_o than_o once_o inform_v we_o and_o express_o in_o the_o former_a book_n whereas_o this_o sect_n be_v spread_v as_o he_o affirm_v in_o this_o through_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o woman_n admit_v among_o the_o essenes_n whereas_o both_o sex_n be_v indifferent_o enter_v into_o this_o sect_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o must_v have_v be_v of_o a_o different_a constitution_n and_o for_o these_o reason_n valesius_fw-la disagree_v with_o scaliger_n for_o understand_v the_o essenes_n 34._o here_o yet_o agree_v with_o he_o for_o not_o understand_v the_o christian_n but_o upon_o argument_n so_o weak_a and_o unconcluding_a that_o he_o have_v as_o good_a go_v through_o with_o he_o in_o the_o whole_a matter_n as_o leave_v he_o half_a way_n to_o so_o little_a purpose_n as_o first_o that_o these_o therapeutae_n read_v the_o ancient_a write_n of_o the_o author_n of_o their_o sect_n which_o can_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o old_a prophet_n because_o they_o be_v express_o distinguish_v by_o philo_n from_o they_o nor_o of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n because_o himself_o live_v in_o their_o time_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o term_v their_o write_n ancient_a but_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o philo_n be_v not_o thorough_o acquaint_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o sect_n but_o have_v only_o be_v present_a sometime_o at_o their_o assembly_n and_o from_o what_o he_o have_v there_o observe_v have_v draw_v up_o this_o description_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o find_v that_o they_o have_v peculiar_a book_n to_o themselves_o and_o distinct_a from_o those_o of_o the_o old_a prophet_n he_o may_v easy_o think_v they_o more_o ancient_a than_o real_o they_o be_v especial_o when_o they_o be_v value_v by_o the_o christian_n or_o the_o man_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o as_o the_o most_o authentic_a commentary_n and_o exposition_n of_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o but_o however_o antiquity_n be_v a_o relative_a term_n and_o therefore_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n be_v the_o first_o record_n of_o the_o church_n might_n nay_o must_v be_v term_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o so_o philo_n seem_v to_o expound_v himself_o when_o he_o add_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o
and_o transaction_n of_o his_o life_n be_v open_a and_o conspicuous_a to_o the_o world_n he_o lay_v not_o the_o scene_n of_o his_o action_n in_o a_o dark_a unknown_a or_o undiscovered_a corner_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o he_o appear_v in_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a place_n of_o all_o asia_n all_o his_o work_n be_v perform_v amid_o his_o enemy_n and_o he_o choose_v the_o jew_n the_o most_o jealous_a and_o the_o most_o prejudice_v people_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o eye-witness_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o the_o companion_n of_o his_o conversation_n but_o above_o all_o jerusalem_n itself_o the_o most_o famous_a city_n at_o that_o time_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o scene_n of_o his_o most_o public_a action_n there_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o the_o presence_n not_o only_o of_o that_o city_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a nation_n there_o it_o be_v that_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a there_o it_o be_v that_o his_o disciple_n first_o publish_v his_o resurrection_n and_o there_o it_o be_v that_o some_o of_o they_o wrought_v undeniable_a miracle_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o power_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o own_o testimony_n and_o origen_n have_v observe_v very_o well_o that_o the_o public_a death_n of_o jesus_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o 2._o people_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v design_v by_o the_o divine_a providence_n as_o a_o advantageous_a circumstance_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v private_a and_o not_o notorious_a to_o all_o the_o nation_n though_o he_o have_v afterward_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o he_o do_v the_o obscurity_n of_o his_o death_n may_v have_v be_v plead_v against_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o resurrection_n but_o beside_o the_o notoriety_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o strange_a story_n that_o be_v report_v of_o he_o in_o a_o little_a time_n fill_v the_o world_n with_o noise_n and_o wonder_n no_o affair_n in_o that_o age_n be_v more_o talk_v of_o than_o the_o story_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n every_o body_n make_v enquiry_n into_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o action_n and_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o curiosity_n of_o the_o philosopher_n there_o be_v never_o man_n bear_v as_o eusebius_n 3._o observe_v upon_o who_o account_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v as_o upon_o that_o of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n mankind_n be_v as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o divide_v concern_v he_o so_o that_o the_o controversy_n be_v not_o improper_o style_v by_o nicephorus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o struggle_a and_o concussion_n of_o the_o world_n now_o it_o be_v a_o likely_a matter_n and_o worthy_a our_o belief_n that_o a_o few_o simple_a and_o illiterate_a person_n shall_v have_v the_o confidence_n but_o much_o more_o the_o ability_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n into_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o legend_n so_o palpable_a and_o so_o obnoxious_a to_o contradiction_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o begin_v to_o publish_v the_o strange_a story_n of_o his_o life_n and_o stranger_n one_o of_o his_o resurrection_n even_o in_o jerusalem_n itself_o and_o amid_o his_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n where_o though_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o discover_v the_o bold_a and_o manifest_a cheat_n if_o a_o cheat_n at_o all_o that_o yet_o it_o shall_v pass_v without_o any_o contradiction_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o meet_v with_o such_o prodigious_a and_o unparalleled_a entertainment_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o its_o inhabitant_n certain_o they_o must_v have_v be_v puissant_a and_o irresistible_a argument_n wherewith_o they_o can_v so_o brisk_o bear_v down_o and_o vanquish_v jewish_a stubbornness_n their_o prejudices_fw-la be_v too_o strong_a to_o be_v overcome_v by_o any_o weak_a proof_n than_o evident_a and_o undeniable_a demonstration_n and_o have_v they_o not_o bring_v some_o such_o thing_n along_o with_o they_o they_o may_v to_o as_o much_o purpose_n have_v preach_v to_o the_o stone_n of_o the_o temple_n as_o to_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o i_o say_v be_v the_o wonder_n that_o they_o shall_v first_o publish_v this_o strange_a story_n in_o the_o very_a place_n where_o it_o be_v act_v and_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v false_a not_o only_o escape_v be_v convict_v of_o forgery_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v upon_o supposition_n of_o its_o be_v false_a but_o force_v great_a number_n of_o person_n against_o their_o most_o stubborn_a prejudices_fw-la to_o own_o and_o submit_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o relation_n and_o from_o that_o very_a place_n in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o propagate_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o all_o the_o world_n over_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o i_o affirm_v not_o to_o be_v at_o all_o possible_a in_o the_o course_n of_o humane_a affair_n that_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n and_o under_o these_o circumstance_n if_o real_o and_o indeed_o false_a shall_v ever_o gain_v so_o great_a a_o belief_n of_o its_o be_v true_a i_o will_v grant_v that_o mankind_n may_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o matter_n of_o mere_a opinion_n as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n can_v require_v but_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n that_o depend_v not_o so_o much_o upon_o man_n understanding_n as_o their_o sense_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n be_v alike_o here_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o unlearned_a and_o though_o a_o false_a story_n may_v for_o a_o while_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o common_a people_n yet_o unless_o it_o appear_v to_o prove_v itself_o true_a with_o a_o evidence_n proportionable_a to_o its_o weight_n it_o either_o die_v and_o vanish_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n or_o be_v convict_v of_o forgery_n by_o the_o more_o wise_a and_o judicious_a when_o they_o come_v to_o inquire_v into_o its_o ground_n and_o pretence_n and_o yet_o this_o story_n the_o more_o it_o be_v inquire_v into_o the_o more_o firm_o it_o be_v believe_v and_o learned_a man_n every_o where_o and_o of_o all_o persuasion_n when_o they_o come_v to_o examine_v into_o it_o can_v not_o bring_v their_o mind_n to_o any_o issue_n concern_v it_o till_o at_o length_n they_o be_v force_v to_o resign_v up_o themselves_o to_o its_o full_a belief_n i_o have_v indeed_o hear_v some_o witty_a gentleman_n as_o our_o fantastic_a age_n very_o much_o abound_v with_o such_o shrewd_a person_n compare_v the_o first_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n in_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n with_o that_o of_o the_o late_a growth_n and_o spread_v of_o the_o folly_n of_o quakerism_n in_o england_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o enormous_o surmise_v for_o set_v aside_o a_o thousand_o other_o defect_n in_o the_o comparison_n it_o be_v notorious_a that_o that_o wild_a and_o enthusiastic_a sect_n do_v not_o set_v up_o upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o new_a revelation_n but_o only_o pretend_v to_o raise_v some_o foolish_a and_o fanatique_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o old_a one_o but_o if_o the_o leader_n of_o that_o rabble_n when_o they_o first_o appear_v about_o thirty_o year_n since_o at_o york_n and_o bristol_n have_v pretend_v to_o have_v wrought_v in_o those_o great_a city_n such_o kind_n of_o miracle_n as_o be_v record_v of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o have_v be_v long_o since_o bury_v in_o contempt_n and_o oblivion_n and_o yet_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christianity_n that_o such_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o that_o be_v gain_v such_o a_o firm_a belief_n in_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v first_o publish_v and_o act_v too_o and_o from_o thence_o all_o the_o world_n over_o only_o by_o the_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o its_o own_o proof_n and_o miracle_n for_o the_o man_n of_o that_o age_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o cautious_a and_o incredulous_a as_o the_o wit_n of_o we_o and_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v anon_o their_o mind_n be_v prepossess_v with_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n how_o then_o can_v this_o story_n of_o jesus_n prevail_v so_o effectual_o upon_o they_o but_o by_o the_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o certainty_n and_o when_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n whereby_o it_o may_v bribe_v their_o belief_n nay_o when_o it_o labour_v under_o all_o other_o objection_n but_o only_a evidence_n of_o truth_n i_o will_v challenge_v any_o sober_a man_n to_o frame_v any_o the_o least_o tolerable_a hypothesis_n how_o it_o be_v so_o much_o as_o possible_a that_o it_o shall_v prevail_v have_v not_o its_o truth_n be_v vouch_v by_o the_o most_o undoubted_a and_o
with_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o mankind_n can_v make_v it_o it_o be_v force_v to_o encounter_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o multitude_n the_o zeal_n of_o superstition_n the_o hatred_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o contempt_n of_o the_o greek_n the_o power_n of_o the_o roman_n the_o pride_n of_o philosopher_n and_o the_o policy_n of_o statesman_n and_o by_o all_o these_o together_o that_o be_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a be_v it_o everywhere_o harrass_v with_o all_o the_o outrage_n and_o cruelty_n of_o persecution_n no_o other_o party_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v ever_o hunt_v with_o that_o keenness_n of_o malice_n or_o sacrifice_v with_o that_o cheapness_n and_o contempt_n of_o humane_a blood_n and_o as_o the_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o new_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o resolve_v its_o punishment_n shall_v be_v so_o too_o invent_v new_a method_n of_o torment_n study_v all_o the_o art_n of_o pain_n and_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o death_n of_o christian_n unless_o they_o may_v tire_v they_o out_o of_o their_o life_n with_o length_n and_o variety_n of_o torture_n in_o short_a it_o want_v not_o the_o utmost_a opposition_n that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o it_o by_o man_n or_o devil_n if_o we_o suppose_v as_o we_o may_v for_o argument_n sake_n that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o malignant_a being_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o disadvantage_n it_o grow_v and_o flourish_v after_o such_o a_o rate_n all_o the_o world_n over_o as_o if_o it_o have_v meet_v with_o all_o the_o contrary_a way_n and_o method_n of_o encouragement_n now_o what_o can_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o other_o imaginable_a account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o it_o but_o that_o irresistible_a force_n of_o evidence_n that_o it_o give_v of_o its_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n for_o when_o every_o thing_n else_o be_v against_o it_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o prevail_v so_o wonderful_o by_o the_o power_n of_o its_o own_o 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overrule_a the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o thing_n be_v so_o prodigious_a that_o it_o be_v scarce_o accountable_a how_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o miracle_n but_o though_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v of_o the_o secret_a and_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n yet_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v the_o reason_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v resolve_v into_o that_o alone_a for_o if_o that_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n of_o any_o man_n assent_n than_o his_o assent_n be_v unreasonable_a and_o all_o the_o account_n he_o can_v give_v of_o his_o faith_n be_v that_o he_o find_v himself_o vehement_o incline_v to_o believe_v he_o know_v not_o why_o but_o that_o be_v not_o a_o proper_a way_n of_o determine_v rational_a creature_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o god_n will_v force_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o a_o strong_a assent_n than_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n assent_v to_o require_v for_o that_o instead_o of_o help_v the_o understanding_n of_o man_n will_v utter_o destroy_v they_o and_o therefore_o how_o strong_a soever_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o no_o doubt_n they_o be_v very_o extraordinary_a yet_o the_o outward_a and_o rational_a evidence_n that_o he_o give_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v still_o proportionable_a to_o that_o inward_a confidence_n that_o he_o wrought_v upon_o their_o mind_n otherwise_o they_o have_v more_o confidence_n than_o they_o have_v reason_n for_o and_o then_o all_o that_o they_o have_v over_o and_o above_o be_v unreasonable_a see_v therefore_o their_o faith_n be_v so_o infinite_o confident_a i_o shall_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o ground_n and_o motive_n that_o they_o have_v for_o it_o be_v equal_a to_o their_o great_a assurance_n and_o they_o be_v chief_o these_o two_o undeniable_a miracle_n and_o undoubted_a tradition_n from_o both_o which_o they_o have_v so_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o if_o they_o have_v so_o much_o they_o have_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v desire_v because_o no_o man_n can_v have_v more_o §_o xxiii_o i_o have_v already_o show_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n the_o great_a and_o unparalleled_a credibility_n of_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n take_v by_o itself_o as_o it_o stand_v upon_o their_o own_o naked_a reputation_n in_o that_o we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v sincere_a and_o serious_a in_o their_o design_n so_o that_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o authority_n they_o may_v just_o challenge_v the_o faith_n of_o mankind_n but_o to_o the_o undoubted_a integrity_n of_o the_o witness_n god_n be_v please_v to_o add_v a_o more_o forcible_a testimony_n of_o his_o own_o by_o indue_a they_o with_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o thereby_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o world_n that_o as_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o ambassador_n be_v serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o their_o design_n so_o be_v he_o too_o and_o in_o truth_n unless_o he_o have_v endue_v they_o with_o this_o power_n from_o above_o they_o can_v never_o have_v have_v the_o courage_n so_o much_o as_o to_o have_v undertake_v the_o work_n but_o instead_o of_o travel_v into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o tell_v a_o story_n to_o the_o people_n of_o which_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v one_o word_n as_o be_v utter_a stranger_n to_o the_o language_n in_o which_o they_o speak_v they_o must_v have_v conclude_v it_o a_o wise_a course_n to_o resolve_v upon_o mend_v their_o old_a net_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o old_a trade_n but_o this_o eusebius_n have_v excellent_o represent_v to_o we_o in_o their_o own_o person_n in_o that_o when_o our_o saviour_n command_v they_o 6._o to_o go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v reply_v upon_o he_o how_o be_v this_o possible_a that_o we_o who_o be_v unlearned_a person_n and_o understand_v only_o our_o mother_n tongue_n shall_v discourse_v in_o their_o several_a language_n to_o the_o roman_n grecian_n egyptian_n persian_n armenian_n chaldean_n scythian_n indian_n and_o all_o the_o other_o numberless_a nation_n of_o the_o barbarous_a world_n and_o if_o we_o can_v as_o without_o a_o miracle_n we_o can_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o travel_v from_o pole_n to_o pole_n and_o tell_v a_o unintelligible_a story_n to_o the_o people_n nay_o how_o can_v we_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o renounce_v their_o country_n god_n and_o to_o worship_v a_o new_a and_o unknown_a deity_n what_o eloquence_n what_o unheard_a of_o power_n of_o word_n must_v we_o be_v inspire_v with_o to_o encourage_v we_o
diligence_n of_o eusebius_n so_o that_o though_o scaliger_n have_v prove_v the_o letter_n now_o extant_a at_o the_o end_n of_o justin_n martyr_n to_o be_v spurious_a as_o be_v too_o evident_a from_o its_o unskilful_a inscription_n yet_o that_o there_o be_v such_o letter_n then_o write_v be_v as_o evident_a from_o this_o appeal_n of_o tertullian_n to_o the_o senate_n itself_o not_o long_o after_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v however_o as_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o story_n that_o be_v so_o well_o know_v as_o to_o be_v paint_v upon_o table_n some_o whereof_o themistius_n say_v he_o see_v in_o his_o time_n the_o emperor_n himself_o be_v draw_v with_o his_o hand_n and_o eye_n lift_v up_o and_o the_o soldier_n receive_v the_o rain_n in_o their_o headpiece_n neither_o be_v it_o less_o vouch_v by_o heathen_a than_o by_o christian_a writer_n as_o dion_n julius_n capitolinus_n claudian_n lampridius_n who_o attribute_v it_o partly_o to_o the_o emperor_n be_v own_o prayer_n to_o jupiter_n but_o chief_o to_o the_o enchantment_n of_o chaldean_a or_o jewish_a magician_n i._n e._n christian_n who_o by_o the_o heathen_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o no_o other_o than_o jew_n and_o be_v at_o that_o time_n general_o esteem_v magician_n for_o those_o strange_a thing_n that_o be_v report_v to_o be_v do_v by_o they_o so_o that_o these_o very_a writer_n have_v unwitting_o cast_v the_o honour_n of_o this_o miracle_n upon_o the_o christian_n alone_o in_o that_o only_o they_o at_o least_o no_o other_o jew_n be_v at_o that_o time_n famous_a for_o magic_n by_o which_o these_o writer_n suppose_v it_o to_o have_v be_v effect_v however_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v put_v past_o question_n by_o so_o unanimous_a a_o attestation_n of_o it_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n whether_o it_o be_v do_v by_o magic_n or_o by_o miracle_n but_o with_o as_o much_o assurance_n as_o tertullian_n insist_o upon_o the_o miracle_n of_o christian_n origen_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a outdo_v he_o send_v numberless_a challenge_n upon_o this_o point_n here_o he_o begin_v both_o his_o 5._o dispute_n and_o his_o triumph_n over_o celsus_n we_o have_v such_o a_o proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o discipline_n as_o your_o greekish_a way_n of_o demonstration_n can_v afford_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o demonstration_n of_o spirit_n and_o power_n i._n e._n prophecy_n and_o miracle_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o latter_a beside_o many_o other_o proof_n we_o have_v this_o assure_a evidence_n that_o we_o see_v instance_n of_o it_o even_o at_o this_o day_n and_o when_o celsus_n 7._o set_v it_o at_o the_o front_n of_o his_o calumny_n that_o the_o christian_n cast_v out_o devil_n by_o diabolical_a enchantment_n and_o invocation_n origen_n insult_v over_o the_o calumny_n because_o say_v he_o whatever_o they_o do_v all_o the_o world_n know_v it_o be_v do_v by_o invocate_a christ_n not_o the_o devil_n name_n though_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a confession_n from_o a_o epicurean_a who_o real_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o devil_n that_o the_o christian_n do_v something_o so_o extraordinary_a that_o no_o probable_a account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v do_v by_o some_o power_n more_o than_o humane_a and_o so_o again_o origen_n have_v assert_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o apostolical_a 35._o miracle_n both_o from_o the_o wonderful_a success_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o undoubted_a record_n of_o they_o he_o far_o prove_v it_o by_o those_o many_o instance_n and_o example_n of_o it_o that_o be_v to_o be_v see_v at_o that_o time_n of_o many_o whereof_o himself_o have_v be_v a_o eye-witness_n and_o though_o celsus_n and_o other_o such_o sceptical_a and_o atheistical_a person_n that_o be_v beforehand_o resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n may_v make_v themselves_o merry_a with_o it_o yet_o god_n bear_v witness_n with_o my_o own_o conscience_n that_o i_o do_v not_o endeavour_v by_o any_o falsehood_n but_o by_o various_a miraculous_a example_n to_o recommend_v the_o divine_a religion_n of_o jesus_n so_o that_o here_o he_o do_v not_o bare_o vouch_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o assertion_n but_o burden_n his_o conscience_n with_o it_o which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o attest_v it_o upon_o oath_n and_o in_o another_o place_n when_o celsus_n seoff_o ask_v what_o wonderful_a thing_n 80._o our_o saviour_n do_v at_o his_o passion_n origen_n answer_v that_o he_o can_v tell_v he_o of_o a_o great_a many_o both_o out_o of_o the_o christian_a and_o heathen_a record_n but_o yet_o quit_v they_o all_o it_o be_v more_o than_o enough_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o that_o be_v ingenuous_a that_o at_o this_o day_n disease_n be_v cure_v only_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o name_n and_o again_o that_o himself_o have_v see_v many_o who_o by_o 124._o have_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n call_v over_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o great_a evil_n frenzy_n and_o madness_n and_o infinite_a other_o distemper_n which_o neither_o man_n nor_o devil_n have_v be_v able_a to_o cure_v and_o speak_v elsewhere_o of_o the_o christian_n 7._o power_n over_o devil_n this_o say_v he_o be_v familiar_o put_v in_o practice_n by_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n of_o christian_n the_o grace_n of_o christ_n thereby_o discover_v the_o contemptibleness_n and_o infirmity_n of_o the_o devil_n when_o there_o be_v no_o need_n as_o your_o philosopher_n dream_n of_o learning_n or_o any_o thing_n extaordinary_a in_o order_n to_o their_o ejection_n i_o may_v add_v divers_a other_o passage_n out_o of_o his_o write_n but_o these_o be_v enough_o if_o not_o too_o many_o after_o he_o follow_v minatius_n felix_n a_o famous_a advocate_n at_o rome_n who_o with_o the_o same_o assurance_n appeal_v to_o the_o very_a sense_n of_o his_o adversary_n every_o man_n know_v say_v he_o and_o you_o yourselves_o that_o the_o devil_n whenever_o they_o be_v torture_v and_o vex_v out_o of_o the_o body_n that_o they_o possess_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o christian_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v but_o devil_n even_o saturn_n serapis_n and_o jupiter_n and_o whatsoever_o other_o daemon_n you_o worship_v be_v force_v to_o confess_v what_o they_o be_v and_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o they_o will_v not_o belie_v themselves_o especial_o in_o your_o presence_n and_o therefore_o we_o only_o desire_v you_o to_o take_v their_o own_o testimony_n and_o their_o own_o confession_n for_o when_o they_o be_v adjure_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n it_o put_v they_o into_o tremble_n and_o convulsion_n fit_v and_o force_v they_o to_o quit_v their_o possession_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v saint_n cyprian_n challenge_v demetrian_n a_o stubborn_a and_o a_o prejudice_v enemy_n to_o come_v and_o see_v the_o demon_n who_o he_o worship_v how_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v whip_v by_o christian_n out_o of_o the_o body_n that_o they_o possess_v when_o weep_v and_o howl_v they_o confess_v that_o the_o time_n of_o their_o judgement_n be_v come_v come_v you_o and_o satisfy_v yourself_o that_o what_o i_o affirm_v be_v true_a but_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o these_o challenge_n in_o the_o primitive_a writer_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o i_o be_o tire_v with_o so_o often_o tranfcribe_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o man_n desire_v it_o he_o may_v read_v it_o repeat_v in_o eusebius_n contra_fw-la hieroclem_fw-la c._n 1._o in_o lactantius_n de_fw-la justitiâ_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 15._o l._n 4._o c._n 27._o l._n 5._o c._n 21_o 22._o in_o firmicus_n de_fw-la errore_fw-la profanae_fw-la religionis_fw-la in_o prudentius_n apotheof_n in_o theodoret_n de_fw-fr curand_n graec._n affect_v serm._n 3_o and_o now_o after_o all_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n very_o credible_a that_o such_o a_o number_n of_o learned_a and_o sober_a man_n that_o live_v in_o such_o remote_a and_o distant_a place_n shall_v be_v such_o impudent_a sot_n and_o fool_n as_o to_o publish_v the_o truth_n of_o such_o thing_n upon_o their_o own_o certain_a knowledge_n to_o appeal_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o great_a adversary_n to_o challenge_v they_o to_o convince_v they_o by_o trial_n and_o experiment_n and_o to_o devolve_v the_o issue_n of_o the_o whole_a cause_n upon_o the_o event_n and_o that_o with_o the_o pawn_n of_o their_o life_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o sun_n in_o their_o public_a dispute_n with_o philosopher_n and_o apology_n to_o emperor_n and_o proconsul_n it_o be_v likely_a i_o say_v that_o they_o shall_v do_v all_o this_o have_v it_o all_o be_v a_o manifest_a and_o palpable_a fiction_n §_o xxv_o this_o be_v that_o mighty_a demonstration_n of_o power_n to_o which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n constant_o appeal_v with_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o mind_n to_o the_o very_a face_n of_o their_o
of_o he_o upon_o his_o 9_o knee_n to_o make_v he_o emperor_n to_o who_o apollonius_n with_o the_o state_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o god_n answer_v i_o have_v make_v thou_o so_o viz._n by_o my_o interest_n with_o the_o god_n and_o he_o so_o far_o gratify_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o man_n as_o to_o seem_v to_o receive_v the_o empire_n at_o his_o hand_n and_o thus_o be_v he_o assure_v of_o his_o empire_n by_o man_n of_o great_a reputation_n for_o both_o religion_n for_o as_o there_o be_v no_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n to_o be_v compare_v to_o josephus_n for_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n in_o the_o antiquity_n of_o his_o own_o nation_n so_o apollonius_n be_v then_o the_o most_o famous_a and_o renown_a saint_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o heathen_a religion_n now_o whilst_o he_o stay_v at_o alexandria_n a_o blind_a and_o a_o lame_a man_n be_v warn_v so_o to_o do_v by_o the_o god_n serapis_n address_v themselves_o to_o he_o for_o a_o cure_n and_o obtain_v it_o so_o that_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n by_o itself_o it_o look_v so_o like_a fraud_n and_o flattery_n as_o to_o betray_v itself_o for_o the_o report_n of_o his_o have_v be_v abuse_v into_o the_o conceit_n of_o be_v the_o messiah_n in_o judaea_n be_v probable_o come_v to_o alexandria_n where_o great_a number_n of_o jew_n reside_v it_o be_v likely_a that_o they_o will_v not_o come_v short_a of_o their_o countryman_n in_o do_v honour_n to_o the_o emperor_n and_o so_o put_v these_o two_o counterfeit_n upon_o the_o design_n and_o there_o be_v enough_o of_o such_o dissemble_a cripple_n to_o be_v have_v in_o great_a city_n for_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o the_o messiah_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v among_o other_o miracle_n cure_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o blind_a they_o think_v it_o a_o acceptable_a piece_n of_o flattery_n thus_o to_o waylay_v his_o ambition_n or_o rather_o this_o design_n be_v set_v on_o foot_n by_o the_o egyptian_n a_o fawn_a crafty_a and_o flatter_a sort_n of_o people_n but_o chief_o by_o apollonius_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o that_o religion_n for_o which_o he_o be_v so_o zealous_a and_o therefore_o by_o this_o artifice_n confirm_v his_o own_o predicton_n of_o the_o empire_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o god_n for_o they_o be_v send_v on_o their_o errand_n by_o serapis_n but_o whoever_o contrive_v it_o and_o however_o it_o please_v the_o emperor_n humour_n it_o at_o first_o surprise_v he_o so_o as_o to_o move_v his_o laughter_n and_o scorn_n and_o to_o refuse_v the_o attempt_n with_o a_o very_a great_a deal_n either_o of_o seem_v or_o real_a reluctancy_n though_o at_o last_o he_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o great_a importunity_n of_o the_o bystander_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o physician_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v possible_a and_o then_o perform_v it_o in_o public_a with_o all_o imaginable_a pomp_n and_o solemnity_n either_o as_o if_o himself_o have_v be_v beforehand_o privy_a to_o the_o plot_n or_o have_v now_o smell_v out_o the_o design_n of_o the_o compliment_n now_o what_o wise_a man_n can_v compare_v this_o one_o theatrical_a piece_n of_o court-flattery_n with_o all_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o mere_a suspicion_n of_o these_o pretend_a cripple_n be_v counterfeit_v at_o least_o the_o absolute_a uncertainty_n of_o it_o destroy_v its_o credit_n whereas_o the_o impossibility_n of_o suspect_v any_o fraud_n or_o flattery_n in_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v a_o undoubted_a demonstration_n of_o their_o reality_n beside_o that_o the_o emperor_n be_v assure_v by_o the_o physician_n that_o the_o man_n be_v not_o pass_v a_o natural_a cure_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n most_o whereof_o be_v do_v upon_o person_n natural_o incurable_a but_o to_o wave_v this_o i_o can_v give_v so_o much_o credit_n to_o a_o story_n that_o smell_v so_o rank_o of_o imposture_n as_o to_o suppose_v the_o possibility_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o compare_v it_o as_o he_o find_v it_o under_o so_o many_o disadvantage_n of_o suspicion_n with_o the_o credibility_n of_o all_o those_o motive_n of_o belief_n that_o we_o have_v produce_v for_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o then_o leave_v it_o to_o his_o own_o ingenuity_n to_o judge_v whether_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o oppose_v one_o story_n so_o miserable_o suspicious_a to_o a_o thousand_o other_o guard_v with_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o proof_n against_o all_o possible_a cavil_n and_o exception_n §_o xxvii_o but_o the_o man_n of_o wonder_n be_v apollonius_n tyanaeus_n of_o who_o they_o boast_v and_o insult_v as_o the_o true_a heathen_a messiah_n in_o that_o he_o wrought_v not_o as_o vespasian_n do_v one_o or_o two_o chance_n miracle_n but_o his_o whole_a life_n be_v all_o prodigy_n and_o equal_a to_o our_o saviour_n both_o for_o the_o number_n and_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o work_n but_o here_o first_o we_o have_v in_o part_n already_o show_v what_o undoubted_a record_n we_o have_v of_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n whereas_o all_o the_o credit_n of_o apollonius_n his_o history_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o one_o single_a man_n who_o beside_o that_o he_o live_v a_o hundred_o year_n after_o he_o venture_v nothing_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o confirmation_n of_o its_o truth_n but_o only_o compose_v it_o in_o his_o study_n thereby_o as_o appear_v from_o his_o frequent_a digression_n to_o take_v occasion_n of_o communicate_v all_o the_o learning_n he_o have_v rake_v together_o to_o the_o world_n nay_o so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o incur_v any_o loss_n by_o the_o work_n that_o he_o be_v set_v upon_o it_o by_o a_o great_a empress_n who_o religious_a zeal_n in_o the_o cause_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o see_v he_o well_o reward_v and_o though_o he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o commentary_n of_o damis_n the_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o apollonius_n yet_o he_o confess_v that_o damis_n himself_o never_o publish_v his_o own_o commentary_n but_o that_o a_o friend_n of_o damis_n communicate_v they_o to_o the_o empress_n which_o himself_o may_v probable_o have_v forge_v as_o be_v common_a in_o court_n to_o pick_v her_o pocket_n however_o as_o for_o damis_n himself_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o philostratus_n his_o whole_a story_n that_o he_o be_v a_o very_a simple_a man_n and_o that_o apollonius_n only_o pick_v he_o up_o as_o a_o fit_a sancho_n panche_n to_o exercise_v his_o wit_n upon_o so_o that_o upon_o all_o occasion_n we_o find_v he_o not_o only_o baffle_v the_o esquire_n in_o dispute_n but_o break_v jest_n upon_o he_o which_o he_o always_o take_v with_o much_o thankfulness_n and_o more_o humility_n still_o admire_v his_o master_n wisdom_n but_o much_o more_o his_o wit._n but_o after_o all_o what_o the_o story_n of_o damis_n be_v or_o whether_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o such_o story_n we_o have_v no_o account_n unless_o from_o philostratus_n himself_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v resolve_v it_o all_o into_o his_o authority_n alone_o and_o there_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o be_v neither_o a_o god_n nor_o a_o divine_a man_n as_o his_o friend_n boast_v nor_o a_o magician_n or_o conjurer_n as_o his_o enemy_n imagine_v but_o a_o mere_a fanatic_a and_o pedantic_a pythagorean_n that_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o sect_n travel_v as_o many_o other_o have_v do_v into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o when_o he_o return_v home_o tell_v his_o countryman_n that_o all_o man_n renown_v for_o wisdom_n all_o the_o world_n over_o be_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pythagorean_n and_o then_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o their_o authority_n tell_v strange_a and_o prodigious_a tale_n of_o their_o wonder-working_a power_n though_o here_o either_o he_o or_o his_o historian_n have_v acquit_v himself_o so_o awkardly_a as_o utter_o to_o spoil_v the_o tale_n and_o defeat_v the_o design_n this_o eusebius_n have_v show_v at_o large_a in_o his_o book_n against_o hierocles_n by_o take_v apiece_o all_o part_n of_o the_o story_n and_o discover_v all_o its_o flaw_n and_o incoherence_n but_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o prove_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o whole_a from_o the_o notorious_a falsehood_n of_o one_o particular_a narration_n upon_o which_o depend_v all_o that_o extraordinary_a power_n that_o he_o pretend_v to_o and_o that_o be_v his_o conversation_n with_o the_o indian_a brahmin_n from_o who_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v his_o account_n of_o himself_o he_o learn_v all_o that_o he_o can_v do_v more_o than_o the_o common_a philosopher_n of_o greece_n and_o if_o this_o prove_v a_o romance_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o history_n must_v unavoidable_o follow_v its_o fortune_n and_o for_o this_o little_a proof_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n when_o most_o of_o the_o story_n be_v so_o
affirm_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o quite_o vanish_v away_o at_o last_o he_o only_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o go_v away_o and_o this_o though_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v after_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n and_o no_o body_n know_v how_o be_v a_o pitiful_a abatement_n to_o the_o bigness_n of_o his_o former_a expression_n vanish_v away_o though_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o he_o have_v stand_v to_o it_o it_o must_v unavoidable_o have_v prove_v itself_o a_o lie_n for_o it_o be_v utter_o incredible_a that_o so_o strange_a a_o thing_n as_o that_o shall_v have_v be_v do_v in_o so_o great_a a_o presence_n as_o that_o and_o yet_o never_o any_o notice_n be_v take_v of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o historian_n will_v fain_o bid_v at_o something_o of_o his_o hero_n appear_v after_o death_n yet_o he_o do_v it_o so_o faint_o that_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o it_o come_v to_o nothing_o especial_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n be_v altogether_o unknown_a and_o that_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o it_o take_v in_o no_o less_o than_o the_o compass_n of_o thirty_o year_n and_o then_o they_o that_o be_v so_o utter_o at_o a_o loss_n as_o to_o the_o time_n of_o his_o decease_n and_o that_o for_o so_o long_a a_o space_n be_v likely_a to_o give_v a_o very_a wise_a account_n of_o the_o certain_a time_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v after_o it_o but_o how_o or_o to_o who_o do_v he_o appear_v 13._o why_o to_o a_o young_a man_n one_o of_o his_o follower_n that_o doubt_v of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o ten_o month_n together_o after_o his_o death_n but_o how_o or_o where_o why_o the_o young_a man_n be_v tire_v with_o watch_v and_o pray_v to_o apollonius_n that_o he_o will_v appear_v to_o he_o only_o to_o satisfy_v he_o in_o this_o point_n one_o day_n fall_v into_o a_o dead_a sleep_n in_o the_o school_n where_o the_o young_a man_n be_v perform_v their_o several_a exercise_n and_o on_o the_o sudden_a start_n up_o in_o a_o great_a fright_n and_o a_o great_a sweat_n cry_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o believe_v thou_o o_o tyanaeus_n and_o be_v ask_v by_o his_o companion_n the_o meaning_n of_o his_o transport_n why_o say_v he_o do_v you_o not_o see_v apollonius_n they_o answer_v he_o no_o but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o give_v all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o can_v it_o be_v true_a say_v he_o for_o he_o only_o appear_v to_o i_o and_o for_o my_o satisfaction_n and_o be_v invisible_a to_o all_o other_o and_o so_o tell_v they_o what_o he_o have_v say_v to_o he_o in_o his_o sleep_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o soul_n this_o poor_a account_n of_o a_o dream_n and_o a_o vision_n of_o a_o over-watched_n boy_n be_v all_o that_o this_o great_a story_n afford_v to_o vie_v with_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n and_o now_o upon_o review_n of_o this_o whole_a history_n it_o seem_v evident_a to_o i_o that_o this_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v endue_v with_o any_o extraordinary_a or_o divine_a power_n that_o he_o do_v not_o deserve_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o ordinary_a conjurer_n for_o though_o huetius_n have_v take_v some_o pain_n to_o prove_v he_o so_o yet_o he_o give_v no_o evidence_n of_o it_o beside_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o common_a people_n and_o if_o that_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o conjurer_n there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o a_o odd_a and_o a_o singular_a humour_n as_o apollonius_n affect_v to_o be_v who_o be_v not_o so_o think_v of_o by_o the_o common_a people_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o be_v accuse_v for_o it_o before_o domitian_n the_o emperor_n when_o he_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o cause_n slight_v both_o he_o and_o his_o accuser_n and_o dismiss_v he_o the_o court_n for_o a_o idle_a and_o fantastic_a fellow_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o his_o history_n that_o he_o be_v a_o very_a vain_a man_n and_o affect_v to_o be_v think_v something_o extraordinary_a and_o so_o wander_v all_o the_o world_n over_o in_o a_o odd_a garb_n to_o be_v gaze_v at_o and_o admire_v and_o make_v himself_o considerable_a in_o that_o age_n by_o wit_n impudence_n and_o flattery_n of_o all_o which_o he_o have_v a_o very_a competent_a share_n but_o for_o his_o wonder-working_a faculty_n which_o he_o will_v needs_o pretend_v to_o he_o fetch_v that_o as_o far_o off_o as_o the_o east_n indies_n that_o be_v the_o far_a off_o as_o he_o think_v from_o confutation_n and_o yet_o the_o account_n that_o he_o have_v give_v of_o those_o part_n be_v so_o gross_o fabulous_a that_o that_o alone_o convict_v his_o whole_a life_n of_o imposture_n and_o impudence_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o make_v good_a this_o part_n of_o the_o demonstration_n of_o our_o saviour_n divine_a authority_n from_o the_o certain_a evidence_n both_o of_o his_o own_o and_o his_o apostle_n miracle_n and_o to_o set_v it_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o manner_n either_o of_o objection_n or_o competition_n §_o xxviii_o but_o though_o the_o history_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n have_v this_o advantage_n of_o all_o other_o in_o that_o the_o tradition_n whereby_o it_o have_v be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o have_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o its_o own_o testimony_n by_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a miracle_n yet_o if_o we_o set_v aside_o this_o peculiar_a divine_a attestation_n and_o consider_v the_o tradition_n by_o itself_o as_o mere_o humane_a and_o deliver_v down_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n it_o have_v be_v so_o constant_a so_o catholic_a and_o so_o uninterrupted_a as_o to_o be_v its_o own_o demonstration_n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o story_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n in_o that_o age_n there_o can_v never_o have_v be_v any_o such_o tradition_n or_o if_o there_o be_v it_o be_v so_o early_o that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a it_o must_v immediate_o have_v perish_v as_o a_o manifest_a lie_n in_o that_o when_o it_o come_v so_o near_o the_o very_a time_n in_o which_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v act_v nothing_o but_o undoubted_a truth_n can_v ever_o have_v maintain_v its_o authority_n for_o though_o it_o be_v easy_a at_o a_o distance_n to_o tell_v strange_a story_n of_o the_o time_n of_o old_a as_o we_o find_v by_o those_o many_o idle_a and_o incredible_a legend_n add_v to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o after-age_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n yet_o to_o raise_v a_o story_n so_o strange_a and_o remarkable_a as_o that_o of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o his_o apostle_n without_o any_o ground_n or_o foundation_n for_o it_o nay_o against_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v first_o broach_v and_o to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o such_o a_o notorious_a fiction_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o possible_a in_o the_o course_n of_o humane_a affair_n for_o to_o pass_v by_o all_o the_o other_o disadvantage_n that_o i_o have_v already_o represent_v that_o this_o tradition_n must_v labour_v under_o if_o it_o rise_v not_o up_o to_o the_o very_a time_n that_o it_o pretend_v to_o especial_o that_o of_o its_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o must_v unavoidable_o have_v destroy_v it_o if_o false_a that_o which_o i_o have_v already_o propose_v and_o come_v now_o to_o prosecute_v seem_v as_o insuperable_a as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n viz._n that_o great_a number_n of_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o age_n next_o and_o immediate_o after_o it_o shall_v after_o the_o strict_a enquiry_n concern_v its_o truth_n not_o only_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o so_o late_a and_o palpable_a a_o fiction_n but_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o defence_n of_o it_o this_o be_v not_o credible_a unless_o they_o be_v full_o assure_v of_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o their_o assurance_n alone_o be_v to_o we_o a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n of_o it_o but_o though_o that_o be_v enough_o yet_o i_o will_v undertake_v more_o viz._n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o assurance_n by_o trace_v up_o the_o certain_a tradition_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o to_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o from_o they_o derive_v it_o down_o to_o after-age_n through_o the_o hand_n of_o wise_a learned_a and_o judicious_a man_n and_o that_o as_o i_o take_v it_o will_v make_v a_o new_a and_o distinct_a demonstration_n of_o the_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n now_o this_o tradition_n be_v convey_v two_o manner_n of_o way_n either_o by_o a_o succession_n of_o church_n or_o of_o single_a person_n first_o by_o a_o succession_n of_o church_n and_o
this_o way_n of_o conveyance_n be_v insist_v upon_o by_o the_o ancient_n themselves_o in_o justification_n of_o the_o catholic_n truth_n both_o against_o heretic_n and_o insidel_n thus_o the_o apostolical_a tradition_n say_v irenaeus_n be_v spread_v 3._o all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o this_o every_o man_n that_o please_v may_v find_v in_o every_o church_n and_o we_o be_v able_a to_o reckon_v up_o all_o those_o that_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v their_o successor_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n down_o to_o our_o own_o time_n but_o because_o it_o will_v be_v too_o tedious_a in_o such_o a_o discourse_n as_o this_o to_o enumerate_v the_o succession_n of_o all_o church_n i_o shall_v only_o instance_n in_o those_o great_a ancient_a and_o famous_a church_n that_o be_v found_v at_o rome_n by_o those_o two_o glorious_a apostle_n saint_n peter_n and_o saint_n paul_n hereby_o to_o show_v the_o tradition_n of_o that_o faith_n that_o be_v preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o have_v be_v safe_o convey_v by_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n down_o to_o our_o own_o time_n and_o i_o choose_v to_o exemplify_v this_o thing_n in_o this_o church_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o because_o of_o its_o great_a pre-eminence_n and_o resort_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o which_o account_n its_o tradition_n must_v needs_o be_v more_o public_a and_o better_o know_v the_o bless_a apostle_n therefore_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n deliver_v the_o oversight_n of_o it_o to_o linus_n of_o who_o saint_n paul_n make_v mention_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n to_o he_o succeed_v anacletus_fw-la then_o clemens_n who_o familiar_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v their_o preach_v still_o sound_v in_o his_o ear_n and_o their_o tradition_n before_o his_o eye_n in_o who_o time_n there_o happen_v a_o great_a schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o allay_v which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n direct_v a_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o they_o in_o which_o she_o exhort_v they_o to_o peace_n and_o unity_n rub_v up_o their_o memory_n of_o the_o primitive_a faith_n and_o set_v before_o they_o the_o fresh_a tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o to_o he_o succeed_v evaristus_n to_o evaristus_n alexander_n and_o then_o sixtus_n telesphorus_n higinus_n pius_n anicetus_n soter_n and_o now_o eleutherius_fw-la in_o the_o twelve_o place_n from_o the_o apostle_n this_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o a_o accurate_a account_n of_o the_o apostolical_a succession_n of_o that_o church_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o understand_v how_o there_o shall_v ever_o have_v be_v a_o bishop_n in_o it_o unless_o we_o begin_v the_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o then_o this_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o tradition_n as_o in_o all_o other_o place_n so_o particular_o in_o that_o great_a and_o populous_a city_n and_o this_o very_a argument_n epiphanius_n insist_o upon_o against_o 27._o the_o carpocratian_o and_o let_v no_o man_n wonder_v say_v he_o that_o i_o so_o accurate_o and_o careful_o set_v down_o every_o single_a person_n in_o the_o succession_n because_o hereby_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n will_v evident_o appear_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v grant_v the_o succession_n it_o will_v be_v a_o pretty_a hard_a task_n to_o avoid_v the_o tradition_n and_o yet_o against_o that_o there_o lie_v only_o one_o poor_a exception_n viz._n that_o some_o ancient_a writer_n place_n clement_n in_o the_o first_o place_n who_o here_o stand_v in_o the_o three_o but_o that_o to_o pass_v by_o many_o other_o conjecture_n and_o especial_o a_o very_a probable_a one_o of_o epiphanius_n be_v clear_v by_o one_o that_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a and_o found_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ancient_n themselves_o that_o there_o be_v at_o first_o two_o church_n at_o rome_n one_o of_o the_o circumcision_n over_o which_o saint_n peter_n preside_v another_o of_o the_o uncircumcision_n found_v and_o govern_v by_o saint_n paul_n who_o as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o obstinate_a jew_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n neither_o be_v this_o conjecture_n a_o little_a confirm_v by_o this_o very_a passage_n of_o irenaeus_n who_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o a_o single_a church_n but_o as_o two_o distinct_a and_o those_o eminent_a church_n from_o the_o beginning_n so_o that_o though_o clement_n be_v immediate_a successor_n in_o one_o of_o they_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v the_o three_o in_o the_o other_o in_o that_o survive_v linus_n and_o cletus_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n wear_v away_o both_o church_n may_v natural_o unite_v into_o one_o body_n under_o his_o jurisdiction_n other_o object_n to_o mud_n the_o succession_n that_o some_o writer_n place_v both_o cletus_n and_o anacletus_fw-la before_o clemens_n as_o if_o they_o be_v distinct_a person_n but_o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n of_o late_a writer_n who_o sometime_o find_v these_o different_a name_n in_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o ancient_a book_n conclude_v they_o different_a person_n but_o herein_o they_o go_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a writer_n themselves_o and_o particular_o of_o eusebius_n who_o account_n ought_v to_o be_v value_v beyond_o all_o other_o because_o he_o collect_v the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n out_o of_o the_o archive_v and_o diptych_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o to_o which_o he_o particular_o refer_v in_o the_o 12._o succession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o here_o be_v no_o real_a difficulty_n or_o labyrinth_n as_o to_o the_o succession_n and_o all_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v be_v only_o occasion_v by_o a_o easy_a and_o obvious_a mistake_n of_o some_o late_a writer_n against_o the_o more_o ancient_a and_o unquestionable_a authority_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v tertullian_n triumph_v over_o the_o heretic_n by_o challenge_v 32._o they_o to_o prescribe_v for_o their_o opinion_n from_o the_o beginning_n as_o the_o catholic_n be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o they_o the_o truth_n say_v he_o will_v appear_v from_o its_o antiquity_n that_o be_v true_a and_o deliver_v by_o the_o lord_n himself_o that_o we_o find_v most_o ancient_a but_o that_o be_v foreign_a and_o false_a that_o be_v bring_v in_o afterward_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v dare_v to_o pretend_v to_o the_o apostolical_a age_n let_v they_o produce_v the_o original_n of_o the_o church_n let_v they_o describe_v the_o succession_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o so_o derive_v it_o from_o the_o beginning_n as_o that_o the_o first_o bishop_n shall_v have_v succeed_v to_o some_o apostle_n or_o some_o apostolical_a man_n that_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n for_o in_o this_o way_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostolical_a church_n prove_v their_o original_a as_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n will_v produce_v policarp_n place_v there_o by_o saint_n john_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n clement_n ordain_v by_o saint_n peter_n and_o so_o for_o all_o other_o church_n they_o show_v you_o the_o man_n that_o be_v settle_v in_o their_o episcopal_a office_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o convey_v down_o their_o doctrine_n to_o posterity_n and_o again_o this_o be_v the_o only_a testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n 36._o its_o possession_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o for_o this_o you_o that_o be_v concern_v to_o inquire_v more_o diligent_o after_o your_o salvation_n may_v travel_v over_o the_o apostolical_a church_n where_o the_o very_a seat_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n preside_v be_v still_o remain_v where_o their_o own_o authentic_a letter_n be_v still_o extant_a do_v you_o live_v in_o or_o near_a to_o achaia_n go_v to_o corinth_n in_o macedonia_n to_o philippi_n or_o thessalonica_n in_o asia_n to_o ephesus_z in_o italy_n to_o rome_n and_o this_o certain_o as_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prescribe_v to_o all_o the_o innovation_n of_o the_o heretic_n so_o be_v it_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o it_o be_v so_o clear_o and_o so_o uninterrupted_o deliver_v down_o from_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o it_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o principal_a church_n be_v so_o accurate_o record_v by_o the_o ancient_n that_o it_o have_v never_o be_v so_o much_o as_o call_v in_o question_n have_v not_o some_o man_n be_v force_v to_o it_o only_o to_o justify_v themselves_o in_o their_o depart_n from_o it_o it_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o all_o but_o especial_o the_o most_o famous_a church_n to_o keep_v a_o exact_a register_n of_o the_o name_n and_o the_o death_n of_o their_o bishop_n which_o they_o call_v diptych_n and_o though_o it_o be_v object_v that_o these_o record_n be_v now_o lose_v and_o so_o be_v
very_a point_n of_o his_o dissolution_n as_o his_o legacy_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n communicate_v to_o several_a church_n public_o and_o vulgar_o know_v attest_v by_o saint_n policarp_n irenaeus_n clemens_n of_o alexandria_n and_o not_o long_o since_o by_o origen_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o all_o the_o copy_n of_o such_o a_o write_n as_o this_o shall_v be_v lose_v about_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n and_o that_o a_o false_a one_o shall_v immediate_o rise_v up_o in_o their_o stead_n and_o that_o eusebius_n a_o man_n so_o familiar_o acquaint_v with_o the_o choice_a library_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v embrace_v so_o late_a and_o so_o gross_a a_o forgery_n and_o put_v the_o mistake_n upon_o all_o learned_a man_n that_o follow_v after_o he_o the_o man_n that_o can_v satisfy_v himself_o with_o such_o wild_a surmise_n and_o supposition_n as_o these_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o absurd_a but_o he_o may_v easy_o swallow_v its_o belief_n nor_o so_o demonstrative_o prove_v but_o he_o may_v withstand_v its_o evidence_n now_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o epistle_n be_v vindicate_v and_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o they_o will_v never_o more_o be_v call_v in_o question_n they_o be_v a_o brave_a and_o generous_a assertion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v write_v with_o that_o mighty_a assurance_n of_o mind_n that_o show_v the_o author_n of_o they_o to_o have_v have_v a_o absolute_a certainty_n or_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o infallible_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o believe_v in_o every_o epistle_n his_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o that_o undoubted_a evidence_n that_o he_o have_v of_o our_o saviour_n death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o particular_o in_o that_o to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n he_o protest_v that_o he_o can_v no_o more_o doubt_n of_o its_o reality_n than_o of_o his_o own_o chain_n and_o again_o positive_o affirm_v that_o he_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o yet_o not_o withstand_v that_o all_o the_o ancient_a copy_n and_o all_o the_o quotation_n of_o the_o ancient_n out_o of_o he_o agree_v in_o this_o sense_n that_o he_o know_v jesus_n to_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n after_o his_o death_n because_o in_o saint_n jerom_n translation_n who_o excuse_v himself_o for_o the_o haste_n and_o carelessness_n of_o the_o work_n it_o be_v render_v that_o he_o see_v jesus_n in_o the_o flesh_n this_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o new_a church_n of_o geneva_n as_o a_o sufficient_a objection_n to_o overthrow_v the_o authority_n of_o all_o these_o epistle_n it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o he_o may_v have_v see_v jesus_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a neither_o be_v it_o his_o design_n to_o affirm_v it_o in_o this_o place_n see_v he_o prove_v its_o truth_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o eye-witness_n and_o not_o from_o his_o own_o immediate_a knowledge_n but_o when_o he_o only_o say_v that_o from_o they_o he_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a to_o put_v this_o assertion_n upon_o he_o that_o he_o see_v it_o with_o his_o own_o eye_n against_o the_o read_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a book_n from_o a_o careless_a translation_n prove_v nothing_o but_o the_o invincible_a stubbornness_n of_o prejudice_n and_o partiality_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v these_o man_n have_v be_v so_o zealous_a for_o their_o faction_n as_o not_o to_o care_v how_o in_o pursuit_n of_o it_o they_o endanger_v nay_o destroy_v their_o religion_n for_o whereas_o one_o of_o the_o great_a pillar_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_n in_o the_o age_n next_o to_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o it_o be_v hereby_o particular_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v no_o figment_n of_o a_o unknown_a time_n and_o that_o the_o record_n of_o it_o be_v of_o that_o antiquity_n that_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o because_o they_o do_v as_o positive_o assert_v the_o original_a constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o this_o faction_n of_o man_n have_v happen_v to_o renounce_v they_o have_v labour_v with_o indefatigable_a industry_n utter_o to_o overthrow_v all_o their_o authority_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n with_o that_o ill_a success_n that_o by_o their_o endeavour_n to_o shake_v our_o faith_n they_o have_v only_o make_v it_o to_o take_v the_o better_a root_n for_o by_o this_o occasion_n the_o most_o ancient_a tradition_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v be_v much_o more_o inquire_v into_o and_o better_v clear_v than_o if_o it_o have_v pass_v without_o any_o dispute_n or_o contradictition_n but_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o our_o ignatius_n what_o have_v be_v the_o bottom_n of_o all_o the_o zeal_n and_o fury_n against_o his_o epistle_n but_o his_o earnest_n press_v all_o good_a christian_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n or_o rather_o because_o he_o describe_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o primitive_a platform_n so_o accurate_o as_o to_o condemn_v their_o discipline_n of_o folly_n and_o rashness_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o prescription_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o yet_o all_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n lay_v as_o great_a a_o stress_n as_o he_o have_v do_v upon_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o their_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n as_o set_v over_o they_o by_o divine_a institution_n for_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o which_o they_o be_v then_o more_o tender_a than_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o think_v it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o way_n preserve_v than_o by_o submission_n to_o those_o guide_n and_o governor_n that_o christ_n have_v set_v over_o it_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v evident_a out_o of_o their_o write_n especial_o saint_a cyprian_n who_o as_o he_o be_v a_o person_n of_o very_a great_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n so_o be_v he_o full_a as_o peremptory_a in_o this_o point_n as_o ignatius_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o instance_n in_o the_o epistle_n of_o saint_n clement_n because_o of_o its_o great_a antiquity_n for_o if_o that_o assert_v a_o certain_a form_n of_o church_n government_n establish_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o observe_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o prevent_v and_o confute_v the_o groundless_a conjecture_n of_o a_o unknown_a time_n immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n in_o which_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o church_n devolve_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n because_o they_o have_v appoint_v no_o one_o particular_a and_o perpetual_a form_n of_o government_n and_o this_o saint_n clement_n assert_n in_o these_o positive_a word_n the_o apostle_n be_v appoint_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o we_o from_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o jesus_n christ_n from_o god_n himself_o christ_n be_v send_v by_o god_n and_o the_o apostle_n by_o he_o the_o send_v of_o both_o be_v in_o a_o orderly_a manner_n after_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o the_o apostle_n receive_v their_o command_n and_o have_v a_o full_a confidence_n through_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o a_o assurance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n go_v forth_o publish_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v erect_v they_o therefore_o preach_v the_o word_n through_o divers_a country_n and_o city_n ordain_v every_o where_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v have_v make_v proof_n and_o trial_n of_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v overfeer_n and_o deacon_n to_o minister_v unto_o they_o that_o shall_v afterward_o believe_v so_o that_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o neglect_v to_o provide_v governor_n for_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v careful_a beforehand_o to_o provide_v governor_n for_o future_a church_n and_o this_o he_o affirm_v the_o apostle_n do_v because_o they_o understand_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o strife_n and_o contention_n will_v arise_v about_o the_o title_n of_o episcopacy_n for_o this_o cause_n therefore_o have_v absolute_a knowledge_n beforehand_o thereof_o they_o ordain_v the_o forename_a officer_n and_o for_o the_o future_a give_v they_o moreover_o in_o command_n that_o whensoever_o they_o shall_v die_v other_o well_o approve_v of_o shall_v succeed_v into_o their_o office_n and_o ministry_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o saviour_n order_n observe_v and_o prescribe_v a_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n to_o be_v continue_v down_o to_o future_a age_n and_o though_o our_o author_n do_v not_o express_v the_o several_a distinct_a order_n by_o the_o common_a name_n of_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n yet_o he_o describe_v they_o as_o express_o by_o allusion_n to_o the_o jewish_a hierarchy_n under_o the_o name_n of_o highpriest_n priest_n and_o levite_n
into_o which_o number_n grant_v i_o may_v be_v receive_v this_o day_n be_v find_v in_o thy_o sight_n as_o a_o fair_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n such_o a_o one_o as_o thou_o thyself_o have_v prepare_v that_o so_o thou_o may_v accomplish_v what_o thou_o o_o true_a and_o faithful_a god_n have_v foreshew_v wherefore_o i_o praise_v thou_o for_o all_o thy_o mercy_n i_o bless_v thou_o i_o glorify_v thou_o through_o the_o eternal_a high_a priest_n thy_o belove_a son_n jesus_n christ_n with_o who_o to_o thyself_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n to_o this_o eminent_a martyrdom_n of_o saint_n policarp_n and_o the_o asiatic_n i_o can_v but_o subjoin_v that_o of_o pothinus_n bishop_n of_o lion_n and_o his_o companion_n in_o that_o they_o suffer_v under_o the_o same_o prince_n with_o the_o same_o christian_a courage_n and_o resolution_n especial_o because_o pothinus_n also_o be_v of_o a_o very_a great_a age_n and_o almost_o as_o near_o the_o apostolical_a time_n as_o policarp_n and_o probable_o send_v by_o he_o into_o these_o western_a part_n and_o last_o because_o it_o be_v attest_v by_o public_a and_o undoubted_a epistle_n send_v from_o the_o church_n of_o lion_n by_o irenaeus_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n of_o both_o which_o epistle_n scaliger_n himself_o have_v 221._o give_v this_o just_a and_o deserve_a encomium_n that_o as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o most_o ancient_a martyrdom_n in_o the_o church_n so_o the_o read_n of_o they_o can_v but_o so_o affect_v every_o pious_a and_o devout_a mind_n as_o never_o to_o be_v satiate_v with_o it_o and_o as_o for_o my_o own_o part_n say_v he_o i_o do_v protest_v that_o i_o never_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n in_o all_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o read_n whereof_o i_o have_v be_v so_o much_o transport_v as_o scarce_o to_o be_v myself_o and_o particular_o of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o lion_n what_o can_v be_v read_v more_o brave_a or_o more_o venerable_a in_o all_o the_o monument_n of_o christian_a antiquity_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v a_o very_a amaze_a story_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a example_n both_o of_o the_o modesty_n and_o the_o courage_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n for_o as_o they_o be_v treat_v with_o new_a and_o unheard_a of_o cruelty_n so_o their_o behaviour_n under_o all_o their_o torment_n be_v decent_a and_o free_a from_o all_o appearance_n either_o of_o vanity_n or_o passion_n now_o what_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o such_o man_n as_o policarp_n and_o pothinus_n to_o who_o i_o shall_v have_v add_v pionius_n that_o suffer_v gallant_o about_o the_o same_o time_n who_o live_v so_o near_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o have_v such_o opportunity_n to_o search_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v report_v of_o he_o shall_v thus_o frank_o resign_v their_o life_n upon_o any_o less_o account_n than_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o they_o believe_v but_o though_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v good_a the_o evidence_n of_o the_o first_o and_o apostolical_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o these_o two_o eminent_a martyr_n yet_o before_o i_o quit_v it_o it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o clear_v off_o one_o objection_n in_o which_o as_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o general_n so_o policarp_n in_o particular_a be_v concern_v and_o that_o be_v the_o contradictory_n tradition_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n both_o party_n pretend_v to_o derive_v their_o different_a custom_n from_o the_o apostle_n policarp_n and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o lesser_a asia_n from_o saint_n john_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n from_o saint_n peter_n now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o destroy_v the_o credit_n of_o their_o tradition_n when_o they_o make_v so_o little_a conscience_n as_o to_o fasten_v contradiction_n upon_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o great_a use_n have_v of_o late_o be_v make_v of_o this_o objection_n by_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n mr._n hales_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o peevishness_n and_o before_o he_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v with_o great_a scorn_n upbraid_v its_o grossness_n and_o folly_n and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o daille_n topic_n against_o the_o use_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n and_o how_o often_o it_o have_v be_v since_o object_v by_o other_o it_o be_v needless_a here_o to_o repeat_v and_o yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v it_o prove_v nothing_o but_o that_o some_o man_n have_v a_o very_a great_a itch_n to_o be_v find_v fault_n for_o otherwise_o this_o grossness_n and_o folly_n this_o fantastic_a hurry_n in_o which_o all_o the_o world_n be_v schismatic_n as_o mr._n hales_n be_v please_v to_o speak_v of_o it_o with_o a_o great_a many_o other_o good_a word_n be_v a_o very_a remarkable_a instance_n both_o of_o the_o faithfulness_n the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n for_o that_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n in_o this_o thing_n be_v different_a from_o the_o beginning_n be_v evident_a from_o their_o different_a practice_n and_o so_o must_v have_v descend_v from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o may_v in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o thing_n casual_o and_o without_o design_n prescribe_v different_a usage_n saint_n john_n in_o those_o part_n of_o asia_n where_o he_o reside_v continue_v easter_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o jewish_a passover_n saint_n peter_n and_o saint_n paul_n in_o other_o place_n to_o prevent_v too_o much_o judaise_v in_o its_o observation_n make_v the_o same_o little_a alteration_n in_o its_o time_n as_o be_v make_v in_o the_o sabbath_n and_o in_o this_o matter_n of_o comply_v with_o or_o change_a jewish_a custom_n the_o apostle_n vary_v their_o order_n according_a to_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n sometime_o come_v up_o close_o to_o they_o sometime_o keep_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o own_o discretion_n now_o these_o different_a custom_n about_o easter_n be_v once_o casual_o settle_v in_o the_o church_n in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o begin_v to_o be_v matter_n of_o contention_n among_o the_o people_n as_o we_o know_v the_o common_a people_n be_v always_o zealous_a for_o their_o own_o custom_n whatever_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o to_o stifle_v this_o fire_n that_o be_v break_v out_o among_o they_o policarp_n a_o man_n of_o the_o great_a authority_n in_o asia_n undertake_v a_o journey_n to_o rome_n if_o possible_a to_o allay_v and_o compose_v the_o controversy_n where_o upon_o debate_n between_o he_o and_o anicetus_n they_o conclude_v it_o the_o most_o proper_a course_n that_o can_v be_v take_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n that_o both_o party_n shall_v retain_v their_o own_o custom_n without_o any_o breach_n of_o charity_n or_o communion_n and_o to_o declare_v this_o to_o the_o world_n they_o communicate_v together_o at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n policarp_n consecrate_v the_o eucharist_n in_o the_o church_n of_o anicetus_n and_o so_o they_o part_v love_o and_o continue_v ever_o after_o good_a friend_n this_o be_v all_o the_o grossness_n and_o folly_n that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o these_o good_a man_n be_v guilty_a of_o in_o their_o management_n of_o this_o controversy_n though_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v afterward_o revive_v by_o the_o indiscretion_n of_o one_o man_n victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o will_v needs_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o command_v the_o asiatic_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o he_o and_o all_o other_o church_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o excommunication_n to_o this_o they_o return_v he_o a_o sober_a answer_n represent_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o change_v so_o ancient_a a_o custom_n disclaim_v his_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o they_o and_o advise_v he_o rather_o to_o consult_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n than_o to_o impose_v upon_o they_o particular_a custom_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o ancestor_n neither_o be_v this_o do_v by_o they_o alone_o but_o by_o almost_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n though_o they_o be_v of_o his_o own_o way_n unanimous_o condemn_v his_o heat_n and_o rashness_n in_o so_o trivial_a a_o thing_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n irenaeus_n have_v convene_v a_o synod_n in_o france_n write_v he_o a_o synodical_a epistle_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o he_o agree_v with_o he_o in_o his_o observation_n of_o easter_n but_o not_o in_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a unadvised_a thing_n to_o think_v of_o excommunicate_v whole_a church_n for_o observe_v the_o ancient_a custom_n derive_v down_o to_o they_o from_o their_o ancestor_n that_o there_o be_v as_o
meet_v with_o many_o bishop_n and_o find_v they_o all_o 22._o of_o one_o mind_n and_o teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o have_v give_v some_o account_n of_o clement_n epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n he_o add_v that_o the_o church_n remain_v after_o that_o in_o the_o pure_a and_o right_a doctrine_n until_o the_o time_n of_o primus_fw-la bishop_n there_o with_o who_o sail_v to_o rome_n i_o confer_v and_o abide_v many_o day_n be_v come_v to_o rome_n i_o stay_v there_o till_o the_o time_n of_o anicetus_n who_o deacon_n be_v eleutherius_fw-la who_o soter_n succeed_v and_o after_o he_o eleutherius_fw-la in_o all_o their_o succession_n and_o in_o every_o one_o of_o their_o city_n it_o be_v no_o otherways_o teach_v than_o as_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o lord_n himself_o preach_v this_o be_v a_o singular_a testimony_n of_o the_o sincere_a tradition_n not_o only_o of_o one_o or_o two_o or_o a_o few_o church_n but_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o as_o he_o describe_v the_o ecclesiastical_a succession_n every_o where_o so_o have_v he_o the_o rise_v and_o birth_n of_o heresy_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o that_o james_n surname_v the_o just_a have_v suffer_v martyrdom_n his_o uncle_n simeon_n the_o son_n of_o cleophas_n be_v choose_v bishop_n be_v prefer_v by_o the_o unanimous_a vote_n of_o all_o because_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n kinsman_n and_o hitherto_o that_o church_n be_v call_v a_o pure_a virgin_n because_o as_o yet_o it_o have_v not_o be_v deflower_v with_o any_o false_a doctrine_n but_o thebalis_fw-la be_v displease_v that_o he_o be_v not_o choose_v bishop_n secret_o endeavour_v to_o debauch_v it_o from_o who_o spring_v those_o many_o heresy_n that_o he_o afterward_o reckon_v up_o and_o so_o have_v elsewhere_o describe_v the_o martyrdom_n 29._o of_o saint_n simeon_n he_o add_v until_o those_o time_n the_o church_n of_o god_n remain_v a_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a virgin_n for_o such_o as_o endeavour_v to_o corrupt_v the_o perfect_a rule_n and_o the_o sincere_a delivery_n of_o the_o faith_n hide_v themselves_o till_o that_o time_n in_o secret_a and_o obscure_a place_n but_o after_o that_o the_o sacred_a company_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v wear_v out_o and_o that_o generation_n be_v whole_o spend_v that_o by_o special_a favour_n have_v hear_v with_o their_o ear_n the_o heavenly_a wisdom_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n than_o the_o conspiracy_n of_o wicked_a and_o detestable_a heresy_n through_o the_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n of_o such_o as_o affect_v to_o be_v master_n of_o new_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n take_v root_a and_o because_o none_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v then_o survive_v they_o publish_v with_o all_o imaginable_a confidence_n and_o boldness_n their_o false_a conceit_n and_o impugn_a the_o old_a plain_a certain_a and_o know_a truth_n at_o these_o passage_n i_o must_v stop_v a_o little_a because_o though_o they_o be_v a_o great_a testimony_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n yet_o i_o find_v they_o very_o confident_o make_v use_n of_o by_o innovatour_n as_o unanswerable_a argument_n for_o reject_v its_o authority_n thus_o gittichius_n a_o eager_a socinian_n contend_v with_o 93._o ruarus_n both_o concern_v grotius_n his_o way_n of_o writing_n in_o make_v so_o much_o use_v of_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n in_o his_o commentary_n and_o withal_o concern_v the_o primitive_a fast_n of_o the_o church_n which_o schliclingius_fw-la and_o some_o of_o that_o party_n begin_v to_o imitate_v condemn_v it_o not_o only_o as_o altogether_o useless_a but_o dangerous_a de_fw-fr antiquitate_fw-la in_o religionis_fw-la negotio_fw-la statuo_fw-la extra_fw-la ipsas_fw-la sacras_fw-la novi_fw-la foederis_fw-la literas_fw-la &_o in_o iis_fw-la exempla_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la nullius_fw-la omnino_fw-la antiquitatis_fw-la habendam_fw-la cviquam_fw-la christiano_n ullam_fw-la rationem_fw-la and_o then_o prove_v his_o assertion_n from_o this_o passage_n of_o hegesippus_n and_o the_o more_o ancient_a he_o say_v the_o tradition_n be_v after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o much_o the_o worse_o it_o be_v because_o from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o their_o dissolution_n the_o church_n be_v overrun_v with_o heresy_n and_o superstition_n so_o peevish_a be_v man_n against_o the_o honour_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n when_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o own_o apostasy_n from_o it_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v all_o our_o innovatour_n agree_v in_o this_o one_o principle_n and_o that_o for_o this_o one_o very_o good_a reason_n because_o the_o ancient_a church_n if_o it_o be_v permit_v to_o give_v judgement_n upon_o they_o condemn_v they_o all_o for_o these_o man_n find_v error_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n instead_o of_o reform_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n they_o fall_v to_o contrive_v new_a model_n and_o body_n of_o divinity_n out_o of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o among_o other_o socinus_n dislike_a the_o calvinian_a theology_n as_o contrary_a not_o only_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o to_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n set_v up_o a_o new_a divinity_n of_o his_o own_o contrivance_n without_o ever_o inquire_v into_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o be_v advise_v of_o his_o fly_v so_o wide_o of_o it_o he_o together_o with_o his_o follower_n rather_o than_o part_v with_o their_o own_o fine_a new_a notion_n of_o which_o they_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v the_o first_o author_n and_o abettor_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o true_a and_o uncorrupted_a church_n ever_o since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o with_o what_o vanity_n and_o arrogance_n it_o be_v none_o of_o my_o present_a task_n to_o inquire_v only_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n i_o must_v reply_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a wide_a and_o i_o be_o sure_a very_o far_o from_o a_o civil_a inference_n to_o conclude_v that_o because_o there_o be_v heresy_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v nothing_o else_o and_o they_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n have_v apply_v the_o objection_n against_o the_o apostolical_a church_n itself_o because_o then_o as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o complain_v the_o tare_n be_v sow_v though_o it_o seem_v not_o so_o open_o and_o so_o impudent_o as_o afterward_o nay_o upon_o these_o term_n it_o be_v impossible_a their_o shall_v ever_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o pride_n and_o vanity_n among_o mankind_n there_o will_v be_v such_o man_n in_o all_o society_n as_o will_v be_v taint_v with_o their_o own_o idle_a dream_n and_o conceit_n and_o then_o rub_v their_o itch_n upon_o the_o common_a people_n but_o though_o there_o be_v heresy_n in_o 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as_o well_o as_o disingenuous_a objection_n against_o its_o authority_n that_o there_o be_v some_o man_n in_o it_o that_o will_v have_v be_v corrupt_v the_o purity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n but_o be_v never_o able_a to_o compass_v their_o design_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o pass_v undiscovered_a or_o uncontrolled_a that_o we_o have_v as_o certain_a a_o account_n both_o of_o the_o man_n and_o of_o their_o opinion_n and_o their_o inconsistency_n with_o the_o apostolical_a tradition_n as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o new_a fangle_a conceit_n of_o our_o own_o present_a innovatour_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o more_o danger_n of_o our_o swallow_v down_o old_a heresy_n together_o with_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n than_o there_o be_v of_o suck_v in_o their_o new_a one_o whilst_o we_o adhere_v faithful_o to_o that_o and_o thus_o have_v upon_o occasion_n of_o this_o particular_a passage_n of_o this_o ancient_a author_n clear_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o
his_o power_n and_o his_o doctrine_n recite_v his_o commandment_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n out_o of_o their_o very_a mouth_n i_o say_v who_o have_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n the_o word_n of_o life_n incarnate_a these_o thing_n at_o that_o time_n through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o wrought_v in_o i_o i_o diligent_o mark_v and_o print_v not_o in_o paper_n but_o my_o heart_n upon_o which_o continual_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o ponder_v and_o meditate_v and_o i_o be_o able_a to_o testify_v before_o god_n that_o if_o that_o holy_a and_o apostolic_a elder_n have_v hear_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o you_o teach_v he_o will_v immediate_o have_v disavow_v it_o and_o after_o his_o manner_n stop_v his_o ear_n cry_v out_o good_a god_n into_o what_o time_n have_v thou_o reserve_v i_o that_o i_o shall_v hear_v and_o suffer_v such_o discourse_n yea_o and_o will_v straight_o have_v quit_v the_o place_n where_o he_o have_v hear_v they_o 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athenagoras_n the_o christian_a philosopher_n of_o athens_n theophilus_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n melito_n bishop_n of_o sardis_n apollinaris_n bishop_n of_o hierapolis_n tatian_n the_o assyrian_a and_o scholar_n to_o justin_n martyr_n who_o all_o write_v in_o the_o time_n of_o m._n aurelius_n and_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o commodus_n pantoenus_fw-la clemens_n alexandrinus_n miltiades_n tertullian_n who_o be_v close_o follow_v by_o origen_n minutius_n felix_n arnobius_n st._n cyprian_n all_o man_n of_o learning_n who_o diligent_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n of_o thing_n and_o have_v give_v their_o reason_n of_o renounce_v heathenism_n and_o embrace_a christianity_n in_o short_a they_o have_v all_o maintain_v it_o with_o their_o pen_n and_o most_o of_o they_o with_o their_o blood_n and_o most_o of_o their_o work_n be_v still_o remain_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a task_n be_v it_o not_o too_o tedious_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o every_o man_n performance_n but_o there_o be_v enough_o of_o that_o say_v already_o and_o to_o say_v more_o be_v only_o so_o much_o needless_a repetition_n of_o the_o same_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o the_o same_o argument_n and_o the_o most_o material_a passage_n of_o record_n extant_a in_o these_o author_n i_o have_v either_o allege_v already_o or_o shall_v have_v occasion_n so_o to_o do_v hereafter_o therefore_o all_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v do_v at_o present_a be_v only_o to_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v such_o write_n of_o such_o man_n and_o that_o i_o may_v easy_o do_v because_o they_o be_v so_o very_o common_a and_o so_o very_o well_o know_v at_o this_o day_n and_o then_o upon_o that_o supposition_n to_o argue_v the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o the_o christian_a tradition_n through_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o complete_v the_o demonstration_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n for_o when_o i_o have_v prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o its_o original_a from_o the_o undoubted_a testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o testimony_n by_o the_o complicate_v attestation_n of_o other_o that_o live_v either_o with_o or_o immediate_o after_o they_o and_o so_o downward_o from_o age_n to_o age_n and_o that_o by_o very_o short_a period_n of_o time_n into_o the_o three_o century_n for_o beyond_o that_o it_o be_v very_o impertinent_a to_o pursue_v the_o argument_n if_o i_o say_v this_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o premise_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o any_o man_n can_v in_o reason_n or_o modesty_n demand_v a_o great_a evidence_n and_o more_o satisfactory_a demonstration_n of_o his_o faith_n §_o xxxiv_o but_o if_o christianity_n come_v into_o the_o world_n attend_v with_o all_o this_o variety_n and_o train_n of_o proof_n that_o i_o have_v represent_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o such_o great_a number_n of_o the_o man_n of_o that_o age_n live_v and_o die_v in_o infidelity_n if_o the_o evidence_n be_v so_o full_a and_o free_a from_o all_o exception_n as_o be_v pretend_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n that_o have_v eyesight_n enough_o to_o discern_v the_o midday_n sun_n not_o to_o submit_v to_o its_o conviction_n much_o less_o how_o can_v such_o creature_n as_o man_n endue_v with_o rational_a faculty_n be_v so_o utter_o blind_a or_o extravagant_o mad_a that_o when_o almighty_a god_n have_v give_v such_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o his_o own_o divine_a authority_n they_o shall_v hate_v oppose_v and_o persecute_v this_o religion_n mear_n stupidity_n or_o want_n of_o enquiry_n may_v have_v leave_v man_n in_o infidelity_n though_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n have_v be_v as_o evident_a as_o we_o say_v it_o be_v but_o when_o man_n concern_v themselves_o with_o all_o their_o zeal_n and_o power_n to_o root_v it_o up_o they_o must_v understand_v what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o so_o eager_o oppose_v neither_o be_v this_o do_v by_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o mankind_n alone_o but_o by_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o learned_a who_o do_v not_o only_o reject_v it_o as_o a_o idle_a fable_n but_o bestir_v themselves_o with_o all_o their_o might_n to_o suppress_v it_o as_o pernicious_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o objection_n in_o appearance_n very_o great_a for_o it_o can_v but_o look_v very_o strange_a that_o man_n learned_a and_o wise_a shall_v be_v so_o foolish_a and_o so_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o perceive_v such_o evidence_n of_o demonstration_n nay_o to_o scorn_n and_o to_o despise_v it_o and_o yet_o as_o big_a as_o this_o objection_n be_v in_o show_n it_o be_v in_o reality_n none_o at_o all_o and_o if_o it_o be_v any_o be_v abundant_o answer_v by_o the_o premise_n for_o it_o be_v plain_o impossible_a that_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n especial_o the_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a shall_v ever_o have_v be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o embrace_v such_o a_o story_n in_o all_o those_o circumstance_n and_o
thing_n and_o after_o that_o when_o man_n report_v that_o to_o have_v be_v do_v which_o they_o know_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v what_o follow_v but_o away_o with_o they_o for_o idle_a cheat_n and_o liar_n and_o therefore_o without_o ever_o examine_v they_o they_o thrust_v they_o into_o prison_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o scorn_n and_o indignation_n act_v 5._o 17_o 18._o second_o as_o for_o the_o pharisee_n who_o be_v of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o reputation_n with_o the_o people_n they_o be_v a_o strange_a sort_n of_o ignorant_a supercilious_a and_o conceit_a fanatic_n and_o there_o be_v no_o temper_n of_o mind_n so_o fix_v and_o stubborn_a as_o religious_a pride_n and_o self-conceitedness_a it_o be_v of_o all_o illusion_n the_o most_o delightful_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o when_o they_o be_v once_o thorough_o possess_v with_o it_o it_o bar_n up_o their_o understanding_n against_o all_o argument_n it_o take_v away_o the_o use_n of_o their_o natural_a faculty_n and_o to_o go_v about_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n be_v only_o to_o provoke_v their_o rage_n and_o choler_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n between_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o pharisee_n they_o pretend_v to_o the_o strict_a piety_n and_o value_v themselves_o at_o a_o mighty_a rate_n beyond_o all_o other_o man_n for_o the_o singularity_n and_o exactness_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o yet_o this_o they_o place_v not_o in_o any_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n but_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o some_o vain_a custom_n and_o tradition_n derive_v from_o their_o forefather_n now_o this_o be_v so_o gross_a and_o so_o foolish_a a_o imposture_n our_o saviour_n set_v himself_o particular_o to_o represent_v its_o vanity_n and_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o convince_v they_o that_o they_o have_v utter_o forsake_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n for_o which_o they_o pretend_v so_o much_o reverence_n and_o that_o the_o custom_n they_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o religion_n because_o no_o where_o enjoin_v in_o his_o law_n but_o mere_a arbitrary_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v and_o this_o it_o be_v that_o raise_v their_o displeasure_n against_o he_o to_o so_o great_a a_o height_n of_o hatred_n and_o indignation_n that_o a_o person_n who_o pretend_v to_o so_o great_a a_o office_n and_o authority_n as_o that_o of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v represent_v they_o so_o contemptible_o in_o his_o public_a and_o constant_a discourse_n to_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n they_o all_o along_o set_v themselves_o to_o trapan_n he_o in_o his_o discourse_n and_o mind_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o pursue_v their_o revenge_n against_o he_o and_o never_o rest_v till_o they_o have_v wreck_v all_o their_o malice_n upon_o he_o as_o the_o mortal_a enemy_n of_o their_o sect._n now_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o person_n of_o this_o complexion_n be_v so_o 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sanhedrin_n not_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o man_n for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v but_o very_o foolish_a counsel_n that_o if_o this_o work_n be_v of_o man_n it_o will_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n come_v to_o nought_o for_o by_o that_o principle_n they_o must_v give_v liberty_n to_o all_o the_o impostor_n in_o the_o world_n to_o disturb_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o mankind_n but_o when_o it_o be_v doubtful_a as_o it_o then_o seem_v to_o he_o lest_o haply_o by_o punish_v 39_o the_o apostle_n they_o may_v be_v find_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o be_v not_o only_o wise_a but_o pious_a advice_n to_o stay_v for_o a_o little_o far_a trial_n of_o the_o cause_n before_o they_o undertake_v its_o utter_a extirpation_n and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a observable_a that_o though_o some_o of_o the_o pharisee_n be_v shockt_v out_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la the_o sadducee_n be_v all_o impregnable_a for_o we_o no_o where_o read_v that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v ever_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o their_o first_o principle_n suppose_v its_o truth_n utter_o impossible_a and_o then_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o inquire_v after_o it_o or_o hear_v any_o thing_n concern_v it_o but_o the_o pharisee_n not_o lie_v under_o this_o invincible_a prejudice_n be_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o other_o great_a hindrance_n in_o some_o capacity_n of_o conviction_n so_o that_o though_o we_o find_v that_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v at_o first_o the_o fierce_a enemy_n to_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n yet_o afterward_o they_o be_v outstrip_v by_o the_o sadducee_n in_o their_o zeal_n and_o fury_n against_o it_o for_o as_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o pharisee_n be_v every_o where_o note_v as_o his_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n so_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n the_o sadducee_n be_v remark_v as_o their_o most_o bitter_a and_o vehement_a prosecutor_n and_o now_o this_o i_o think_v may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a account_n of_o the_o incredulity_n of_o the_o jew_n notwithstanding_o our_o saviour_n give_v all_o that_o evidence_n of_o his_o authority_n that_o we_o pretend_v he_o do_v and_o it_o be_v obvious_a enough_o to_o any_o man_n that_o understand_v humane_a nature_n to_o apprehend_v how_o easy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o man_n not_o only_o bias_v but_o press_v down_o by_o all_o these_o prejudices_fw-la to_o avoid_v or_o neglect_v the_o force_n of_o all_o the_o argument_n and_o demonstration_n in_o the_o world_n §_o xxxvii_o and_o thus_o have_v describe_v the_o several_a unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la that_o withhold_v so_o many_o of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n from_o embrace_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o the_o ground_n that_o the_o heathen_n go_v upon_o in_o their_o opposition_n to_o it_o and_o these_o be_v as_o much_o more_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a than_o those_o of_o the_o jew_n as_o be_v their_o religion_n for_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v some_o appearance_n of_o pretence_n against_o our_o saviour_n alteration_n in_o religion_n we_o have_v already_o show_v in_o that_o it_o be_v own_a by_o himself_o to_o have_v be_v establish_v by_o divine_a authority_n but_o as_o for_o the_o war_n that_o the_o heathen_a world_n raise_v against_o it_o they_o ground_v it_o upon_o such_o false_a principle_n as_o though_o christianity_n itself_o have_v be_v false_a betray_v their_o own_o folly_n and_o absurdity_n atheism_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o all_o religion_n be_v their_o master-objection_n against_o the_o christian_n and_o the_o only_a thing_n they_o set_v up_o and_o contend_v for_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o be_v their_o own_o wretched_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n both_o which_o be_v too_o great_a demonstration_n of_o a_o invincible_a prejudice_n and_o inflexible_a partiality_n and_o they_o be_v both_o so_o very_o absurd_a that_o which_o be_v most_o so_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o determine_v for_o whatever_o the_o christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o atheism_n of_o any_o party_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o for_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o gentile_n it_o be_v so_o gross_o wicked_a and_o foolish_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o wise_a man_n to_o embrace_v it_o without_o affront_a both_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o they_o they_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o debate_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o so_o much_o as_o once_o inquire_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n but_o for_o this_o reason_n alone_o they_o repute_v all_o christian_n as_o vile_a and_o profligate_v person_n because_o they_o will_v not_o join_v
of_o so_o ridiculous_a a_o surmise_n and_o he_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o bear_v he_o out_o in_o it_o but_o only_o his_o epicurean_a conceit_n that_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a but_o as_o for_o that_o we_o will_v not_o dispute_v it_o with_o he_o at_o present_a though_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n both_o of_o their_o own_o and_o all_o philosophy_n it_o be_v altogether_o as_o easy_a and_o conceivable_a as_o the_o generation_n of_o a_o man._n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n what_o have_v be_v be_v the_o only_a argument_n of_o our_o debate_n and_o we_o will_v not_o go_v so_o far_o about_o as_o to_o dispute_v its_o possibility_n when_o we_o have_v demonstrate_v its_o actual_a certainty_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o celsus_n after_o he_o have_v take_v so_o much_o pain_n and_o that_o in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o jew_n to_o prove_v the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o resurrection_n be_v so_o wretched_o sottish_a as_o to_o declare_v his_o own_o belief_n of_o the_o resurrection_n even_o of_o the_o body_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o the_o first_o proof_n and_o specimen_fw-la of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o messiah_n in_o the_o three_o book_n he_o begin_v to_o dispute_v in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o first_o object_n that_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o christian_n and_o jew_n be_v of_o no_o moment_n in_o that_o both_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o only_o differ_v in_o this_o whether_o he_o be_v already_o come_v or_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v and_o yet_o this_o beside_o the_o gross_a absurdity_n of_o the_o objection_n itself_o be_v a_o mere_a contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o former_a discourse_n by_o the_o personate_a jew_n for_o if_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o small_a as_o he_o pretend_v than_o all_o the_o sad_a out-cry_n and_o invective_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o the_o christian_n be_v only_o clamorous_a nothing_o but_o this_o be_v object_v like_o a_o atheist_n that_o look_v upon_o these_o and_o all_o other_o difference_n about_o religion_n as_o trifle_a foolery_n and_o therefore_o origen_n in_o answer_n to_o it_o show_v he_o the_o excellency_n of_o both_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o supreme_a deity_n as_o oppose_v to_o the_o folly_n and_o impiety_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o beside_o that_o as_o for_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o christian_n concern_v our_o saviour_n nothing_o but_o extreme_a ignorance_n can_v have_v object_v its_o vanity_n for_o be_v it_o nothing_o whether_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n the_o judge_n of_o mankind_n as_o the_o christian_n believe_v or_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o bold_a impostor_n that_o pretend_v to_o these_o great_a title_n only_o by_o virtue_n of_o magic_a art_n as_o the_o jew_n believe_v if_o the_o first_o be_v true_a that_o command_v the_o obedience_n of_o all_o mankind_n to_o his_o law_n as_o the_o only_a term_n of_o salvation_n and_o if_o so_o then_o nothing_o can_v more_o concern_v they_o than_o to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o its_o truth_n and_o reality_n so_o that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o trifle_a controversy_n as_o celsus_n foolish_o object_n that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o controversy_n start_v in_o the_o world_n of_o great_a concernment_n to_o mankind_n but_o the_o epicurean_n real_a meaning_n be_v that_o all_o controversy_n about_o religion_n be_v trifle_v because_o all_o religion_n be_v a_o cheat_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o a_o childish_a thing_n to_o contend_v about_o it_o but_o otherwise_o if_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n that_o govern_v the_o world_n then_o certain_o if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n do_v it_o high_o concern_v all_o man_n to_o inform_v themselves_o of_o those_o certain_a rule_n of_o duty_n that_o he_o have_v prescribe_v to_o their_o practice_n but_o against_o both_o religion_n the_o epicurean_a object_n that_o they_o begin_v in_o sedition_n the_o jewish_a against_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o christian_a against_o the_o jew_n but_o in_o the_o first_o he_o suppose_v the_o jew_n to_o have_v be_v original_o egyptian_n which_o because_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o proofless_a presumption_n can_v prove_v nothing_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o more_o vain_a to_o charge_n christianity_n with_o sedition_n because_o all_o sedition_n either_o design_n or_o act_v some_o violence_n against_o the_o government_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o saviour_n allow_v no_o weapon_n to_o his_o follower_n but_o suffering_n and_o have_v threaten_v no_o one_o offence_n with_o great_a severity_n than_o endeavour_n of_o disturbance_n to_o the_o civil_a state_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o if_o his_o religion_n be_v true_a it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v bring_v in_o more_o inoffensive_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v with_o any_o ingenuity_n be_v charge_v with_o sedition_n till_o its_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n be_v first_o determine_v for_o that_o be_v the_o only_a controversy_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o if_o celsus_n and_o his_o partisan_n have_v but_o the_o courage_n to_o undertake_v they_o will_v have_v have_v no_o need_n of_o these_o petty_a and_o remote_a reflection_n the_o next_o cavil_v be_v that_o the_o christian_n affect_v nothing_o but_o singularity_n very_o likely_a this_o when_o so_o many_o of_o they_o travel_v into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n with_o the_o extreme_a hazard_n of_o their_o life_n to_o convert_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a all_o mankind_n to_o christianity_n but_o though_o they_o seem_v to_o agree_v at_o first_o they_o afterward_o divide_v into_o faction_n but_o this_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o the_o levity_n of_o humane_a nature_n not_o the_o truth_n or_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n for_o beside_o what_o origen_n answer_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o thing_n of_o great_a reputation_n in_o itself_o or_o usefulness_n to_o the_o world_n about_o which_o man_n do_v not_o raise_v dispute_n and_o make_v party_n i_o will_v only_o ask_v he_o whether_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o raise_v controversy_n about_o it_o if_o it_o be_v than_o their_o do_v so_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o that_o be_v to_o say_v no_o religion_n can_v be_v true_a unless_o it_o bring_v a_o fatal_a necessity_n upon_o all_o that_o pretend_v to_o it_o to_o be_v both_o wise_a and_o honest_a which_o be_v such_o a_o awkerd_fw-mi condition_n of_o thing_n as_o destroy_v not_o only_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n but_o of_o humane_a nature_n itself_o but_o say_v he_o they_o scare_v the_o people_n with_o fable_n and_o bugbear_n tell_v what_o say_v origen_n beside_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n we_o indeed_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sovereign_a governor_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o hereafter_o he_o will_v sit_v in_o judgement_n upon_o all_o our_o action_n and_o in_o this_o belief_n we_o instruct_v the_o people_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o live_v as_o they_o ought_v that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o themselves_o to_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n these_o indeed_o be_v fable_n to_o a_o atheist_n and_o a_o epicurean_a but_o not_o to_o any_o man_n that_o believe_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n or_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o celsus_n write_v against_o not_o mere_o christianity_n only_o he_o be_v fierce_a in_o his_o opposition_n to_o that_o because_o it_o be_v so_o full_a a_o check_n to_o his_o impiety_n though_o otherwise_o the_o main_a of_o his_o objection_n that_o he_o level_v against_o that_o aim_v as_o direct_o against_o all_o religion_n and_o thus_o the_o bugbears_a of_o a_o future_a state_n with_o which_o he_o here_o upbraid_v christianity_n be_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n but_o only_a his_o own_o sect._n and_o though_o he_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n take_v away_o the_o opinion_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o next_o life_n this_o vizor_n be_v too_o ridiculous_o put_v upon_o a_o epicurean_a it_o be_v too_o gross_a a_o contradiction_n to_o himself_o and_o he_o renounce_v his_o first_o principle_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n but_o though_o they_o indeed_o may_v easy_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o any_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v by_o his_o master_n epicurus_n who_o frequent_v their_o public_a sacrifice_n to_o make_v himself_o sport_n at_o home_n with_o the_o folly_n of_o their_o superstition_n yet_o he_o shall_v never_o
calumny_n of_o their_o enemy_n viz._n that_o those_o wicked_a practice_n that_o be_v charge_v upon_o they_o be_v too_o gross_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o so_o athenagor_n as_o tell_v the_o emperor_n plain_o that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o impossible_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v a_o bad_a man_n unless_o he_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n and_o a_o mere_a dissembler_n and_o for_o a_o far_a proof_n they_o still_o appeal_v to_o the_o undeniable_a innocence_n of_o their_o own_o life_n and_o conversation_n they_o challenge_v the_o strict_a trial_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o even_o force_v from_o they_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o virtue_n and_o integrity_n and_o though_o they_o be_v strict_o religious_a towards_o god_n yet_o they_o account_v that_o no_o worship_n be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o but_o what_o be_v recommend_v by_o a_o just_a a_o honest_a and_o a_o useful_a life_n he_o that_o be_v careful_a to_o preserve_v his_o innocence_n say_v minutius_n felix_n honour_v his_o lord_n he_o that_o observe_v justice_n in_o his_o deal_n offer_n sacrifice_v to_o god_n he_o that_o abstein_v from_o fraud_n present_v a_o peace-offering_a he_o that_o relieve_v his_o neighbour_n bring_v a_o ample_a expiation_n these_o be_v our_o sacrifice_n and_o these_o the_o solemnity_n of_o our_o devotion_n and_o with_o we_o he_o pass_v for_o the_o most_o religious_a man_n that_o be_v the_o most_o honest_a and_o thus_o they_o rate_v their_o piety_n chief_o by_o the_o usefulness_n of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o first_o thing_n they_o sacrifice_v to_o heaven_n be_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o passion_n they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o in_o those_o day_n to_o say_v their_o prayer_n unless_o they_o live_v they_o too_o that_o be_v unless_o their_o action_n be_v conformable_a to_o their_o devotion_n in_o a_o constant_a and_o uniform_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o short_a they_o know_v no_o other_o term_n of_o salvation_n but_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n of_o humility_n and_o meekness_n of_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n of_o continence_n and_o chastity_n of_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o government_n of_o unity_n and_o a_o peaceable_a disposition_n among_o themselves_o but_o above_o all_o of_o heavenly_a mindedness_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o courage_n and_o constancy_n in_o suffer_v for_o their_o religion_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o man_n be_v serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o that_o may_v be_v add_v to_o all_o that_o accumulation_n of_o argument_n that_o i_o have_v lay_v together_o in_o this_o discourse_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o infinite_a truth_n of_o christianity_n that_o person_n who_o by_o their_o nearness_n of_o age_n to_o its_o beginning_n have_v so_o much_o advantage_n of_o inquire_v into_o it_o be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n when_o it_o make_v such_o a_o prodigious_a and_o otherwise_o unaccountable_a change_n in_o all_o part_n of_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o as_o by_o it_o they_o show_v themselves_o sincere_a christian_n so_o rational_a man_n too_o in_o pursue_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o their_o principle_n for_o upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o certain_a truth_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v infinite_o reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v give_v the_o exact_a and_o most_o punctual_a obedience_n to_o the_o christian_a law_n nay_o they_o then_o think_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o do_v otherwise_o and_o though_o they_o make_v allowance_n for_o the_o lapse_n and_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n yet_o they_o look_v upon_o a_o christian_a that_o be_v habitual_o vicious_a as_o the_o gross_a of_o contradiction_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_o absurd_a and_o enormous_a if_o we_o only_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o those_o reward_n and_o punishment_n wherewith_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n be_v enact_v the_o most_o difficult_a duty_n that_o it_o require_v be_v that_o of_o martyrdom_n yet_o even_o that_o whilst_o it_o be_v undergo_v within_o the_o prospect_n of_o heaven_n and_o immortality_n be_v a_o very_a easy_a not_o to_o say_v a_o eligible_a thing_n and_o so_o the_o learned_a clemens_n of_o alexandria_n discourse_n in_o the_o four_o book_n of_o his_o collection_n the_o man_n that_o true_o love_v our_o lord_n can_v but_o be_v very_o willing_a to_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o this_o life_n so_o as_o to_o account_v himself_o beholden_a to_o his_o accuser_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o escape_n because_o he_o give_v he_o a_o lawful_a occasion_n which_o he_o can_v not_o give_v himself_o to_o show_v his_o love_n to_o his_o lord_n and_o for_o it_o be_v welcome_v by_o he_o into_o the_o place_n of_o happiness_n and_o excellent_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n do_v that_o wise_a that_o pious_a that_o courageous_a prelate_n saint_n cyprian_a discourse_n to_o the_o 15._o confessor_n in_o prison_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o their_o martyrdom_n so_o far_o be_v you_o say_v he_o from_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o fear_v death_n that_o you_o ought_v to_o desire_v it_o as_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v weigh_v against_o the_o recompense_n of_o immortality_n where_o he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v be_v crown_v with_o eternal_a happiness_n what_o vigour_n what_o greatness_n what_o courage_n ought_v to_o lodge_v in_o such_o breast_n that_o be_v fill_v with_o such_o heroic_a thought_n for_o where_o no_o low_a meditation_n be_v entertain_v than_o of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n there_o can_v be_v no_o sense_n of_o any_o other_o design_n but_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o though_o you_o be_v still_o confine_v to_o this_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n yet_o you_o do_v not_o live_v the_o life_n of_o this_o world_n but_o of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o how_o passionate_o do_v that_o brave_a martyr_n ignatius_n rejoice_v in_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o his_o martyrdom_n o_o that_o i_o may_v come_v to_o those_o wild_a beast_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o i_o how_o do_v i_o wish_v that_o i_o may_v instant_o encounter_v they_o i_o can_v even_o invite_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o dispatch_v i_o nay_o i_o can_v even_o provoke_v they_o to_o it_o i_o be_o concern_v for_o nothing_o either_o see_v or_o unseen_a more_o than_o to_o enjoy_v jesus_n let_v fire_n and_o the_o cross_n and_o the_o fury_n of_o wild_a beast_n break_v of_o bone_n distortion_n of_o member_n torment_v the_o whole_a body_n yea_o all_o the_o punishment_n which_o the_o devil_n can_v invent_v befall_v i_o so_o as_o thereby_o i_o may_v come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o my_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n this_o be_v the_o courage_n and_o these_o the_o resolution_n of_o those_o time_n but_o alas_o their_o brave_a example_n rather_o upbraid_v than_o instruct_v our_o degenerate_a age_n and_o the_o height_n of_o their_o courage_n instead_o of_o invite_v scare_n our_o endeavour_n it_o be_v almost_o pain_n to_o we_o to_o conceive_v the_o idea_n of_o their_o virtue_n their_o flame_a spirit_n lie_v rake_v up_o in_o their_o own_o ash_n not_o a_o spark_n of_o their_o heavenly_a fire_n glow_v in_o our_o bosom_n there_o be_v nothing_o heroic_a leave_v all_o that_o be_v brave_a and_o gallant_a have_v flee_v the_o world_n and_o our_o age_n produce_v no_o such_o hero_n who_o action_n may_v convince_v we_o that_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o ancient_a faith_n be_v possible_a thing_n but_o what_o do_v i_o talk_v of_o the_o wonder_n of_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n the_o effect_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n for_o a_o extraordinary_a work_n when_o it_o will_v be_v wonder_n big_a enough_o for_o our_o degenerate_a age_n if_o we_o can_v but_o see_v the_o common_a fruit_n of_o christianity_n but_o alas_o we_o be_v entertain_v with_o a_o great_a at_o least_o a_o more_o unaccountable_a prodigy_n than_o all_o the_o miracle_n that_o have_v be_v represent_v for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n when_o we_o daily_o see_v such_o vast_a number_n of_o man_n that_o be_v serious_o and_o passionate_o concern_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o so_o utter_o unconcern_v to_o obey_v its_o precept_n for_o this_o can_v be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o direct_a and_o barefaced_a affront_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o own_o and_o yet_o disobey_v his_o law_n our_o bless_a saviour_n impute_v it_o as_o a_o unpardonable_a sin_n of_o disingenuity_n to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n that_o when_o they_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o his_o miracle_n they_o yet_o disbelieved_a the_o divine_a authority_n of_o his_o
doctrine_n but_o how_o much_o great_a violence_n do_v these_o man_n offer_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o conscience_n that_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n and_o yet_o despisé_fw-fr the_fw-fr obligation_n of_o his_o law_n this_o be_v more_o palpable_a blasphemy_n and_o the_o man_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o be_v so_o much_o worse_a than_o a_o profess_a infidel_n as_o judas_n be_v worse_o than_o a_o common_a pharisee_fw-mi he_o in_o some_o measure_n believe_v his_o master_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o yet_o betray_v he_o and_o so_o be_v every_o vicious_a christian_a guilty_a of_o the_o same_o traitorous_a wickedness_n he_o believe_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o behave_v himself_o towards_o he_o as_o if_o he_o real_o believe_v he_o a_o cheat_n and_o a_o impostor_n this_o man_n sin_v know_o against_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o his_o conscience_n and_o every_o act_n of_o disobedience_n be_v not_o only_o a_o affront_n to_o his_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o pharisee_n but_o to_o his_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v in_o judas_n what_o a_o strange_a contradiction_n be_v a_o vicious_a christian_a both_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o profession_n it_o be_v so_o great_a that_o to_o i_o i_o must_v confess_v it_o be_v a_o unconceivable_a instance_n of_o sottishness_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v in_o good_a earnest_n believe_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n shall_v after_o such_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n engage_v itself_o for_o the_o contrivance_n and_o procurement_n of_o man_n felicity_n and_o that_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o shall_v come_v into_o this_o low_a world_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o shall_v suffer_v all_o the_o agony_n of_o a_o ignominious_a death_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o when_o he_o have_v recover_v we_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o happiness_n and_o put_v we_o into_o a_o condition_n of_o peaceable_a intercourse_n with_o his_o father_n he_o shall_v prescribe_v to_o we_o some_o law_n of_o life_n to_o keep_v and_o continue_v we_o in_o that_o state_n into_o which_o he_o have_v redeem_v we_o and_o that_o to_o secure_a all_o he_o have_v enforce_v they_o by_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n of_o obedience_n and_o establish_v their_o obligation_n upon_o no_o less_o sanction_n than_o the_o certain_a assurance_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v i_o say_v to_o i_o it_o be_v a_o unconceivable_a brutishness_n that_o any_o person_n who_o serious_o believe_v these_o thing_n shall_v act_v so_o gross_o against_o his_o own_o interest_n against_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o against_o the_o strong_a inducement_n both_o of_o his_o hope_n and_o fear_n as_o to_o live_v in_o a_o dare_a and_o habitual_a disobedience_n to_o any_o of_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n what_o a_o intolerable_a aggravation_n must_v it_o be_v of_o their_o wickedness_n whilst_o it_o be_v commit_v against_o all_o the_o endearment_n of_o love_n and_o goodness_n and_o all_o the_o inducement_n of_o interest_n and_o ingenuity_n i._n e._n against_o all_o the_o obligation_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o lay_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n discourse_v very_o apposite_o heb._n 2._o 3_o 4._o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o be_v publish_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v witness_n to_o they_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o lay_v the_o emphasis_n that_o aggravate_v the_o neglect_n of_o their_o salvation_n that_o god_n have_v send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o preach_v and_o to_o procure_v it_o that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o it_o by_o the_o undoubted_a testimony_n of_o eye-witness_n and_o that_o he_o have_v far_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n by_o the_o wonderful_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o undeniable_a power_n of_o miracle_n after_o all_o these_o motive_n and_o all_o this_o assurance_n if_o any_o man_n can_v be_v so_o wretched_a as_o to_o neglect_v so_o easy_a condition_n of_o so_o great_a salvation_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v escape_v the_o just_a reward_n of_o his_o desperate_a and_o incurable_a stupidity_n for_o what_o shall_v prevail_v upon_o such_o mind_n as_o be_v proof_n against_o such_o motive_n and_o yet_o as_o strange_a as_o this_o appear_v what_o do_v we_o find_v more_o vulgar_a when_o a_o wicked_a believer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v think_v a_o monster_n in_o our_o age_n that_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o great_a prodigy_n in_o it_o than_o a_o entire_a true_a christian._n the_o true_a spirit_n of_o our_o religion_n seem_v to_o be_v flee_v to_o heaven_n with_o its_o primitive_a professor_n and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o real_a christianity_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n i._n e._n a_o serious_a and_o habitual_a conformity_n to_o all_o its_o law_n and_o whatever_o man_n may_v do_v or_o pretend_v without_o this_o it_o may_v be_v humour_n or_o faction_n or_o any_o thing_n but_o religion_n no_o design_n how_o great_a soever_o less_o than_o this_o be_v worthy_a our_o saviour_n embasly_a and_o when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v send_v on_o a_o errand_n into_o the_o world_n it_o can_v not_o be_v of_o any_o less_o concernment_n than_o its_o reformation_n the_o last_o scope_n of_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v only_o to_o oblige_v all_o mankind_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o the_o man_n that_o will_v not_o be_v so_o defeat_v all_o the_o love_n and_o wisdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o send_v the_o holy_a jesus_n into_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o let_v i_o challenge_v my_o reader_n as_o he_o will_v not_o frustrate_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n as_o he_o will_v not_o baffle_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o innocence_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o as_o he_o will_v not_o hereafter_o with_o that_o his_o saviour_n have_v never_o be_v bear_v nor_o himself_o neither_o that_o he_o will_v be_v careful_a for_o his_o own_o part_n to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o his_o incarnation_n and_o let_v he_o see_v by_o the_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v to_o some_o purpose_n and_o that_o he_o die_v not_o in_o vain_a nay_o let_v i_o challenge_v all_o christendom_n not_o to_o give_v he_o occasion_n to_o complain_v have_v i_o desert_v heaven_n and_o all_o its_o glory_n and_o expose_v myself_o to_o all_o the_o shame_n and_o misery_n upon_o earth_n have_v i_o wrestle_v with_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n have_v i_o live_v and_o die_v in_o disgrace_n and_o suffer_v all_o sort_n of_o affront_n and_o ill_a usage_n to_o restore_v the_o practice_n and_o reputation_n of_o virtue_n to_o this_o low_a world_n and_o be_v this_o all_o the_o issue_n of_o the_o travel_n of_o my_o soul_n that_o i_o have_v only_o found_v a_o new_a faction_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n by_o any_o thing_n else_o than_o that_o they_o signalise_v themselves_o by_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n be_v this_o all_o the_o purchase_n of_o my_o blood_n to_o be_v only_o follow_v by_o a_o few_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a proselyte_n i_o have_v as_o good_a have_v suffer_v the_o world_n to_o continue_v in_o its_o degenerate_a state_n of_o heathenism_n as_o do_v and_o suffer_v all_o that_o i_o have_v do_v only_o to_o give_v a_o new_a name_n to_o those_o part_n of_o it_o call_v christendom_n without_o reform_v their_o old_a manner_n i_o neither_o design_n nor_o accept_v any_o other_o separation_n of_o my_o church_n from_o other_o part_n of_o mankind_n than_o what_o be_v make_v by_o the_o virtue_n the_o innocence_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o life_n without_o this_o all_o their_o pretend_a faith_n in_o and_o zeal_n for_o my_o institution_n be_v to_o i_o no_o better_a than_o scandal_n and_o impudent_a hypocrisy_n and_o serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n than_o to_o aggravate_v their_o impiety_n and_o increase_v their_o punishment_n and_o in_o truth_n what_o can_v more_o provoke_v our_o saviour_n displeasure_n than_o christian_a wickedness_n this_o bring_v disgrace_n and_o dishonour_n upon_o his_o religion_n and_o prostitute_n it_o to_o the_o scorn_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n it_o break_v through_o all_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o duty_n and_o strong_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n
unquestionable_a proof_n in_o the_o world_n §_o xx._n this_o be_v the_o first_o invincible_a impediment_n of_o christianity_n suppose_v it_o have_v be_v false_a but_o whether_o true_a or_o false_a it_o labour_v under_o many_o other_o great_a disadvantage_n that_o it_o can_v never_o have_v surmount_v but_o by_o the_o irresistible_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o the_o first_o be_v its_o contrariety_n to_o the_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n of_o that_o age_n in_o which_o it_o be_v first_o divulge_v the_o world_n be_v at_o that_o time_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o record_n that_o be_v leave_v of_o it_o extreme_o debauch_v both_o in_o its_o manner_n and_o principle_n for_o julius_n caesar_n have_v violate_v all_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n and_o overthrow_v the_o old_a government_n that_o have_v always_o keep_v up_o a_o generous_a sense_n of_o virtue_n and_o integrity_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v chief_o raise_v itself_o to_o that_o vast_a greatness_n that_o afterward_o so_o much_o expose_v it_o to_o the_o attempt_n of_o ambitious_a men._n for_o though_o that_o spirit_n begin_v to_o work_v in_o the_o time_n of_o marius_n and_o pass_v down_o through_o all_o the_o great_a man_n cinna_z silvius_n and_o pompey_n all_o of_o they_o struggle_v for_o the_o sole_a sovereignty_n of_o so_o vast_a a_o empire_n the_o design_n be_v never_o complete_o compass_v but_o by_o the_o boldness_n and_o activity_n of_o julius_n caesar._n now_o the_o success_n of_o the_o caesarean_a faction_n that_o be_v general_o atheist_n and_o epicurean_o against_o the_o patriot_n of_o the_o old_a state_n that_o be_v as_o general_o eminent_a for_o worth_n and_o honour_n virtue_n and_o integrity_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o public_a good_a make_v the_o thrive_a principle_n and_o practice_n quick_o come_v into_o fashion_n and_o reputation_n with_o the_o world_n and_o after_o the_o death_n of_o brutus_n we_o find_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o ancient_a roman_a but_o what_o he_o say_v in_o passion_n be_v serious_o and_o universal_o embrace_v as_o a_o great_a truth_n that_o virtue_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o empty_a name_n so_o that_o if_o we_o survey_v the_o roman_a history_n before_o and_o after_o the_o usurpation_n of_o caesar_n it_o do_v not_o look_v like_o the_o history_n of_o the_o same_o nation_n the_o former_a abound_v with_o the_o brave_a example_n of_o gallantry_n and_o magnanimity_n whereas_o in_o the_o latter_a we_o be_v general_o entertain_v with_o no_o other_o politic_n than_o fraud_n and_o treachery_n even_o the_o admire_a wisdom_n of_o the_o great_a augustus_n himself_o be_v no_o better_a than_o craft_n and_o dissimulation_n and_o though_o his_o successor_n tiberius_n be_v particular_o remarque_v for_o that_o vice_n it_o be_v only_o because_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o act_v his_o part_n so_o artificial_o as_o his_o predecessor_n have_v do_v who_o die_v with_o that_o particular_a comfort_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v so_o skilful_o play_v the_o comedy_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o certain_o of_o all_o prince_n upon_o record_n he_o have_v the_o most_o subtle_a faculty_n of_o appear_v high_o honest_a without_o any_o design_n of_o ever_o be_v so_o in_o short_a under_o his_o reign_n all_o the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o impiety_n be_v prevalent_a in_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n that_o then_o prescribe_a manner_n to_o the_o best_a part_n of_o the_o then_o know_a world_n neither_o be_v their_o practice_n disagree_v to_o their_o principle_n for_o as_o they_o cast_v off_o all_o restraint_n of_o virtue_n and_o modesty_n so_o they_o entire_o devote_v themselves_o to_o luxury_n and_o sensuality_n and_o study_v nothing_o else_o than_o to_o emprove_v their_o brutish_a pleasure_n to_o the_o utmost_a extravagance_n of_o enjoyment_n and_o as_o be_v the_o great_a court_n of_o rome_n so_o be_v all_o the_o other_o lesser_a court_n of_o their_o several_a prefect_n and_o governor_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o imitation_n but_o by_o the_o natural_a baseness_n of_o the_o man_n themselves_o scarce_o any_o but_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n that_o be_v epicurean_o and_o vilain_n by_o principle_n be_v prefer_v by_o j._n caesar_n to_o authority_n in_o the_o empire_n though_o thing_n grow_v much_o worse_o under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o mark_n anthony_n a_o man_n knead_v up_o of_o lust_n and_o malice_n and_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o he_o be_v not_o more_o of_o each_o be_v because_o he_o be_v all_o both_o for_o he_o will_v never_o unless_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o lust_n quit_v his_o cruelty_n nor_o ever_o unless_o to_o satisfy_v his_o cruelty_n forsake_v his_o lust_n and_o as_o himself_o be_v make_v up_o of_o all_o manner_n of_o baseness_n so_o he_o will_v advance_v none_o to_o preferment_n but_o such_o as_o have_v recommend_v themselves_o to_o his_o good_a like_n by_o their_o more_o than_o ordinary_a wickedness_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o judaea_n and_o the_o part_n about_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n more_o overrun_v with_o vice_n and_o debauchery_n than_o in_o any_o former_a age_n in_o that_o herod_n one_o of_o the_o vile_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v have_v by_o the_o patronage_n of_o mark_n anthony_n obtain_v their_o government_n and_o by_o a_o long_a reign_n over_o they_o after_o his_o patron_n be_v death_n under_o augustus_n have_v familiarise_v all_o manner_n of_o the_o most_o licentious_a wickedness_n to_o the_o people_n even_o so_o much_o that_o one_o half_a of_o the_o lead_a man_n even_o among_o the_o jew_n themselves_o that_o have_v be_v so_o famous_a through_o all_o age_n for_o their_o reverence_n to_o their_o religion_n be_v no_o better_a than_o open_a and_o avow_v atheist_n now_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o christianity_n that_o consist_v of_o precept_n of_o chastity_n and_o sobriety_n of_o truth_n and_o honesty_n of_o kindness_n and_o charity_n and_o of_o renounce_v the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n for_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o to_o make_v its_o way_n into_o such_o a_o wicked_a world_n as_o this_o man_n of_o atheistical_a principle_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o stubborn_a and_o inflexible_a they_o scorn_v all_o manner_n of_o better_a information_n and_o will_v not_o endure_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v possible_o undeceive_v they_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o overcome_v person_n so_o prejudice_v and_o so_o conceit_v unless_o we_o can_v by_o the_o mere_a evidence_n of_o thing_n force_v they_o into_o conviction_n and_o as_o for_o man_n of_o luxurious_a life_n they_o have_v neither_o mind_n nor_o leisure_n to_o attend_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v reclaim_v they_o it_o be_v pain_n to_o they_o to_o think_v of_o part_v with_o their_o pleasure_n they_o will_v labour_v to_o preserve_v they_o upon_o any_o term_n and_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v no_o information_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o fasten_v on_o they_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o sudden_o reform_v infinite_a number_n from_o all_o sort_n of_o vice_n it_o must_v have_v bring_v along_o with_o it_o a_o real_a evidence_n equal_a to_o its_o pretend_a authority_n for_o as_o it_o pretend_v to_o a_o divine_a commission_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o it_o require_v strict_a obedience_n to_o all_o its_o command_n so_o it_o must_v have_v prove_v the_o reality_n of_o its_o commission_n by_o such_o certain_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o the_o most_o refractory_a person_n to_o withstand_v its_o force_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o find_v such_o multitude_n so_o wonderful_o prevail_v upon_o to_o quit_v their_o most_o belove_a lust_n and_o vice_n we_o have_v reason_n from_o thence_o only_o to_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v more_o than_o convince_v of_o the_o undeniable_a truth_n of_o its_o pretence_n §_o xxi_o the_o next_o disadvantage_n of_o christianity_n be_v its_o bold_a and_o open_a defiance_n to_o the_o establish_a and_o inveterate_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n for_o of_o all_o prejudices_fw-la those_o of_o religion_n be_v the_o strong_a and_o the_o old_a they_o be_v the_o deep_a root_n they_o take_v and_o therefore_o when_o its_o enemy_n can_v plead_v the_o antiquity_n of_o many_o hundred_o year_n against_o it_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a task_n to_o persuade_v they_o out_o of_o such_o a_o ancient_a prescription_n it_o be_v mere_a novelty_n be_v a_o objection_n of_o no_o small_a force_n but_o when_o a_o new_a and_o upstart_a religion_n will_v not_o be_v content_a with_o its_o own_o authority_n but_o must_v disgrace_v all_o the_o settle_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o refuse_v its_o own_o settlement_n unless_o they_o may_v be_v utter_o extirpate_v this_o can_v not_o but_o seem_v too_o saucy_a a_o demand_n especial_o to_o prince_n and_o great_a man_n to_o require_v of_o they_o not_o only_o