himself_o to_o the_o art_n of_o rhetoric_n i_o say_v because_o he_o personate_v a_o jew_n entertain_v our_o saviour_n with_o discourse_n that_o be_v very_o childish_a and_o unbecoming_a the_o gravity_n as_o well_o as_o suppose_a sense_n and_o learning_n of_o a_o old_a philosopher_n let_v i_o examine_v according_a to_o my_o weak_a ability_n what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o suppose_v he_o to_o say_v and_o make_v it_o appear_v as_o i_o think_v i_o can_v easy_o do_v that_o the_o jew_n do_v it_o strict_o or_o even_o tolerable_o observe_v his_o character_n celsus_n introduce_v he_o make_v his_o address_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o pretend_v to_o convince_v he_o of_o several_a point_n and_o the_o first_o thing_n of_o which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v he_o be_v that_o the_o account_n of_o his_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n be_v a_o empty_a and_o ridiculous_a fable_n then_o he_o reproach_n he_o with_o be_v bear_v at_o a_o obscure_a village_n and_o have_v a_o woman_n to_o his_o mother_n that_o get_v her_o livelihood_n by_o go_v out_o to_o service_n who_o he_o say_v be_v convict_v of_o adultery_n be_v divorce_v from_o her_o husband_n who_o be_v a_o carpenter_n by_o trade_n then_o he_o say_v that_o after_o this_o indignity_n wander_v from_o place_n to_o place_n she_o be_v private_o bring_v to_o bed_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o that_o he_o be_v force_v by_o reason_n of_o want_n to_o work_v in_o egypt_n and_o have_v learn_v there_o some_o of_o those_o art_n for_o which_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o country_n be_v so_o famous_a return_v into_o his_o native_a country_n and_o swell_v with_o a_o vain_a conceit_n of_o the_o miracle_n he_o shall_v do_v give_v out_o that_o he_o be_v god_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o must_v confess_v to_o i_o who_o do_v with_o a_o silent_a but_o deep_a regret_n pass_v by_o even_o the_o weak_a argument_n that_o be_v offer_v by_o our_o adversary_n and_o natural_o affect_v to_o trace_v thing_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o last_o consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n till_o i_o come_v by_o slow_a degree_n to_o their_o true_a original_n i_o say_v to_o i_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v a_o unhappy_a shock_n that_o they_o be_v no_o small_a confirmation_n of_o that_o important_a truth_n that_o our_o bless_a lord_n be_v the_o very_a person_n who_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n i_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o common_o a_o man_n descent_n from_o rich_a and_o honourable_a parent_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o liberal_a education_n do_v not_o a_o little_a conduce_v to_o blazon_v his_o name_n and_o command_v reverence_n from_o person_n of_o a_o inferior_a rank_n but_o when_o one_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o great_a degree_n imaginable_a under_o the_o contrary_a external_a inconvenience_n can_v spread_v his_o fame_n to_o the_o most_o distant_a region_n of_o the_o world_n in_o spite_n of_o his_o mean_a extraction_n and_o the_o fond_a opinion_n which_o be_v too_o often_o receive_v by_o aspire_a mortal_n and_o climb_v the_o high_a up_o the_o steep_a ascent_n of_o honour_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o violent_a opposition_n which_o be_v make_v against_o he_o who_o if_o he_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o humane_a nature_n leave_v can_v forbear_v to_o admire_v a_o soul_n of_o the_o same_o rank_n of_o being_n with_o himself_o so_o strange_o elevate_v beyond_o the_o common_a pitch_n and_o so_o near_o approach_v to_o the_o deity_n so_o capable_a of_o form_v well-laid_a deep_a and_o true_o generous_a design_n and_o of_o crown_v all_o by_o a_o happy_a and_o answerable_a execution_n if_o we_o make_v a_o serious_a and_o narrow_a enquiry_n into_o the_o matter_n shall_v we_o not_o be_v ready_a and_o even_o constrain_v to_o think_v thus_o with_o ourselves_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o one_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o poor_a and_o ignoble_a parent_n and_o be_v not_o instruct_v in_o the_o liberal_a art_n and_o science_n whereby_o he_o may_v have_v be_v render_v capable_a of_o insinuate_a himself_o into_o the_o people_n and_o of_o engage_v their_o affection_n and_o their_o purse_n in_o his_o service_n shall_v so_o work_v upon_o the_o passion_n of_o man_n by_o a_o invisible_a power_n and_o the_o naked_a evidence_n of_o truth_n as_o almost_o universal_o to_o gain_v their_o credit_n and_o esteem_v though_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o introduce_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n new_a a_o doctrine_n which_o without_o derogate_a in_o the_o least_o from_o any_o of_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n do_v abolish_v the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n and_o make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o the_o greek_n especial_o those_o which_o have_v a_o immediate_a relation_n to_o religious_a worship_n in_o which_o they_o be_v so_o gross_o ignorant_a be_v it_o not_o strange_a and_o even_o prodigious_a to_o a_o miracle_n that_o one_o who_o even_o according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o his_o enemy_n be_v so_o mean_o bear_v and_o breed_v and_o by_o consequence_n be_v very_o unfit_a to_o manage_v a_o intriegue_n which_o require_v a_o chain_n of_o thought_n and_o continue_a thread_n of_o artifice_n shall_v so_o move_v the_o secret_a spring_n of_o humane_a soul_n and_o so_o powerful_o incline_v they_o against_o their_o strong_a inclination_n by_o encourage_v the_o righteous_a with_o a_o please_a prospect_n of_o a_o glorious_a and_o eternal_a reward_n in_o the_o world_n of_o pure_a and_o perfect_a spirit_n and_o by_o represent_v to_o the_o wicked_a as_o in_o a_o glass_n those_o dreadful_a torment_n which_o they_o must_v expect_v to_o suffer_v when_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n i_o say_v be_v it_o not_o strange_a and_o even_o prodigious_a to_o a_o miracle_n that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v not_o only_o engage_v ignorant_a and_o illiterate_a person_n to_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n but_o also_o a_o great_a number_n of_o the_o rational_a and_o learned_a world_n who_o under_o the_o sacred_a veil_n of_o naked_a truth_n can_v discern_v unfathomable_a depth_n of_o supernatural_a wisdom_n display_v with_o all_o the_o art_n that_o a_o god_n can_v show_v i_o remember_v plato_n relate_v a_o story_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v at_o seriphos_n who_o upbraid_v themistocles_n a_o famous_a general_n say_v that_o the_o reputation_n he_o have_v happy_o establish_v be_v not_o owe_v to_o his_o merit_n but_o his_o happen_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o a_o famous_a city_n of_o greece_n whereupon_o themistocles_n who_o be_v sensible_a and_o grateful_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o place_n of_o his_o nativity_n have_v no_o small_a tendency_n to_o render_v his_o name_n immortal_a return_v he_o this_o judicious_a and_o divert_v answer_n if_o i_o have_v be_v bear_v say_v he_o at_o seriphos_n i_o shall_o have_v be_v so_o famous_a as_o i_o be_o but_o if_o you_o have_v be_v bear_v at_o athens_n you_o will_v never_o have_v become_v themistocles_n now_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v upbraid_v with_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o village_n and_o that_o not_o of_o greece_n or_o any_o celebrate_a country_n and_o have_v a_o poor_a woman_n to_o his_o mother_n that_o get_v her_o livelihood_n by_o her_o labour_n and_o leave_v his_o country_n by_o reason_n of_o want_n be_v force_v to_o work_v in_o egypt_n i_o say_v our_o saviour_n who_o if_o i_o may_v accommodate_v the_o forego_n instance_n to_o our_o present_a case_n be_v of_o a_o mean_a extraction_n than_o the_o forementioned_a person_n that_o be_v bear_v at_o seriphos_n do_v as_o it_o be_v give_v a_o happy_a shock_n to_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n and_o make_v a_o great_a impression_n upon_o the_o savage_a disposition_n of_o man_n i_o scorn_v to_o say_v than_o themistocles_n the_o athenian_a but_o a_o great_a than_o even_o pythagoras_n or_o plato_n or_o any_o of_o the_o wiseman_n prince_n or_o emperor_n be_v ever_o know_v or_o report_v to_o have_v make_v what_o person_n then_o unless_o he_o love_v to_o dwell_v upon_o the_o superficies_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o stand_v astonish_v when_o he_o consider_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n surmount_v all_o the_o difficulty_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n to_o his_o grow_a reputation_n and_o seem_v to_o threaten_v that_o his_o name_n shall_v as_o it_o be_v sleep_v in_o everlasting_a silence_n chap._n xxvii_o it_o seldom_o happen_v that_o any_o one_o person_n be_v famous_a for_o many_o thing_n at_o once_o for_o one_o be_v famous_a for_o wisdom_n another_o for_o military_a discipline_n and_o somâ—_n of_o the_o barbarian_n for_o their_o skill_n in_o magic_n and_o several_a other_o for_o some_o few_o suppose_a perfection_n which_o perhaps_o do_v scarce_o deserve_v our_o notice_n but_o our_o saviour_n be_v very_o remarkable_a for_o the_o best_a sort_n of_o wisdom_n for_o authority_n and_o for_o work_a miracle_n not_o to_o mention_v those_o
conquest_n and_o i_o scarce_o know_v whether_o the_o greek_n can_v produce_v any_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n in_o any_o other_o person_n beside_o phaedon_n and_o polemon_n or_o at_o best_o they_o can_v name_v but_o very_o few_o person_n who_o ever_o leave_v their_o intemperance_n and_o debauchery_n to_o apply_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o entertain_v and_o useful_a study_n of_o philosophy_n but_o in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n who_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v contemporary_a with_o he_o we_o see_v daily_o a_o far_o great_a number_n of_o person_n that_o become_v virtuous_a and_o pious_a and_o join_v in_o a_o bless_a chorus_n acknowledge_v with_o the_o deep_a shame_n and_o sorrow_n the_o many_o false_a and_o almost_o fatal_a step_n which_o former_o they_o take_v we_o ourselves_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v sometime_o tit._n iii._o v._o 3_o 4._o foolish_a and_o disobedient_a deceive_v serve_v diverse_a lust_n and_o pleasure_n live_v in_o malice_n and_o envy_n hateful_a and_o hate_v one_o another_o but_o after_o that_o the_o kindness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n towards_o man_n appear_v not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o by_o the_o wash_v of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o he_o shed_v on_o we_o abundant_o for_o as_o the_o prophetical_a psalmist_n speak_v he_o send_v his_o word_n and_o heal_v they_o and_o deliver_v they_o psal_n cvii_o v._n 20._o from_o their_o destruction_n i_o may_v add_v that_o chrysippus_n in_o a_o book_n which_o he_o have_v write_v entitle_v the_o art_n of_o cure_v the_o disorder_n of_o the_o humane_a passion_n endeavour_n to_o lay_v down_o proper_a and_o effectual_a rule_n for_o the_o management_n of_o those_o which_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o that_o end_n he_o argue_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o several_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n not_o examine_v which_o of_o they_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o truth_n and_o have_v the_o follow_a word_n if_o say_v he_o pleasure_n be_v esteem_v the_o chief_a good_a the_o passion_n may_v and_o aught_o thus_o to_o be_v cure_v and_o if_o there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o good_a they_o be_v to_o be_v cure_v after_o this_o different_a manner_n now_o they_o who_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v wilful_o neglect_v to_o consider_v how_o many_o unruly_a passion_n be_v successful_o govern_v by_o it_o what_o a_o stop_v it_o put_v to_o that_o rapid_a torrent_n of_o vice_n and_o immorality_n which_o be_v too_o visible_a in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o extravagant_a savage_a and_o even_o diabolical_a temper_n it_o have_v frequent_o happy_o and_o very_o sudden_o conquer_v certain_o it_o ought_v to_o raise_v their_o admiration_n and_o constrain_v they_o to_o make_v the_o most_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n to_o almighty_a god_n to_o consider_v what_o vast_a and_o apparent_a advantage_n the_o public_a reap_v from_o those_o proper_a and_o most_o excellent_a method_n which_o our_o saviour_n take_v for_o the_o reformation_n of_o manner_n and_o one_o will_v think_v that_o if_o they_o will_v allow_v christianity_n to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n yet_o they_o must_v confess_v that_o it_o conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o mank_v and_o which_o be_v more_o have_v a_o immediate_a and_o principal_a regard_n to_o their_o better_a and_o immortal_a part._n chap._n liu._n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v so_o effectual_o consult_v even_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o his_o follower_n that_o he_o will_o have_v they_o to_o be_v rash_a and_o precipitate_v but_o give_v they_o this_o necessary_a lesson_n when_o they_o persecute_v you_o in_o one_o city_n flee_v unto_o another_o and_o teach_v they_o by_o his_o own_o example_n not_o to_o run_v into_o needless_a danger_n celsus_n take_v occasion_n even_o from_o hence_o to_o form_v a_o accusation_n against_o he_o in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o jew_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n you_o run_v up_o and_o down_o with_o your_o disciple_n but_o as_o for_o the_o charge_n which_o be_v here_o bring_v against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n we_o meet_v with_o a_o parallel_n case_n even_o in_o the_o history_n which_o the_o greek_n have_v publish_v for_o aristotle_n that_o famous_a philosopher_n when_o he_o see_v he_o shall_v be_v condemn_v as_o a_o wicked_a person_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o peculiar_a and_o in_o some_o sense_n dangerous_a notion_n he_o advance_v which_o as_o the_o athenian_n think_v do_v give_v too_o great_a encouragement_n to_o licentiousness_n take_v a_o opportunity_n to_o go_v from_o athens_n and_o remove_v his_o school_n to_o chalcis_n make_v the_o follow_a apology_n to_o some_o of_o his_o acquaintance_n let_v we_o leave_v athens_n say_v he_o that_o we_o may_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o athenian_n to_o re-act_n that_o horrid_a impiety_n which_o they_o plain_o discover_v by_o their_o ill_a treatment_n of_o so_o great_a a_o genius_n as_o the_o world_n know_v socrates_n to_o have_v be_v and_o to_o commit_v a_o most_o grievous_a offence_n against_o so_o sacred_a a_o thing_n as_o philosophy_n chap._n lu._n celsus_n add_v that_o our_o saviour_n run_v up_o and_o down_o with_o his_o disciple_n be_v force_v to_o beg_v his_o bread_n like_o a_o sordid_a wretch_n but_o pray_v let_v he_o inform_v we_o where_o he_o have_v rake_v up_o all_o these_o scurrilous_a expression_n i_o confess_v we_o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o certain_a woman_n that_o be_v cure_v of_o their_o infirmity_n among_o which_o be_v susannah_n do_v ready_o distribute_v some_o part_n of_o their_o substance_n to_o furnish_v the_o disciple_n with_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o life_n but_o pray_v what_o philosopher_n who_o employ_v his_o time_n and_o strength_n with_o some_o regard_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o relation_n and_o friend_n and_o indeed_o of_o mankind_n in_o general_n will_v refuse_v to_o have_v his_o want_n supply_v or_o do_v it_o become_v the_o philosopher_n to_o accept_v the_o seasonable_a and_o generous_a assistance_n of_o their_o friend_n and_o other_o but_o argue_v a_o base_a and_o sordid_a spirit_n in_o our_o bless_a lord_n or_o those_o who_o become_v his_o follower_n chap._n lvi_o than_o the_o jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v continue_v his_o discourse_n with_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n what_o necessity_n be_v there_o that_o when_o you_o be_v a_o infant_n you_o shall_v be_v carry_v into_o egypt_n to_o avoid_v be_v kill_v for_o sure_o it_o didn't_fw-mi become_v a_o god_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n a_o angel_n it_o seem_v be_v dispatch_v from_o heaven_n to_o bid_v you_o and_o some_o of_o your_o near_a relation_n betake_v yourselves_o to_o flight_n lest_o you_o shall_v be_v find_v and_o be_v put_v to_o death_n but_o can_o almighty_a god_n who_o as_o we_o be_v tell_v do_v employ_v his_o angel_n for_o your_o direction_n and_o assistance_n preserve_v his_o son_n as_o easy_o in_o judea_n as_o in_o egypt_n celsus_n think_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o extraordinary_a in_o the_o humane_a body_n and_o soul_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o ridicul_v his_o precious_a blood_n that_o be_v shed_v upon_o the_o cross_n he_o say_v it_o be_v not_o such_o blood_n as_o from_o the_o immortal_a god_n do_v hom_o il._n lib._n 5._o v._o 34â—_n flow_v but_o we_o who_o give_v credit_n to_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o give_v a_o testimony_n of_o his_o divinity_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n john_n fourteen_o v._o 6._o and_o in_o other_o parallel_n place_n and_o when_o he_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o humanity_n in_o the_o follow_a expression_n now_o you_o seek_v to_o kill_v i_o a_o man_n who_o have_v tell_v you_o the_o truth_n i_o say_v we_o who_o believe_v john_n viij_o v._o 40._o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o speak_v thus_o of_o himself_o do_v assert_v and_o maintain_v that_o he_o have_v two_o nature_n the_o one_o divine_a and_o the_o other_o humane_a and_o that_o since_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o a_o intention_n to_o live_v in_o some_o respect_n like_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n it_o be_v high_o incongruous_a that_o he_o shall_v run_v upon_o a_o precipice_n and_o be_v fond_a of_o misery_n and_o death_n it_o be_v fit_a he_o shall_v be_v direct_v and_o govern_v by_o they_o to_o who_o the_o care_n of_o his_o education_n do_v belong_v and_o that_o the_o angel_n order_n shall_v be_v strict_o and_o religious_o observe_v and_o the_o same_o angel_n which_o say_v at_o first_o joseph_n thou_o son_n of_o david_n fear_v not_o to_o mat._n i._n v._o 20._o take_v unto_o thou_o marry_o thy_o wife_n for_o that_o which_o be_v conceive_v in_o she_o be_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v
afterward_o arise_v and_o take_v the_o young_a child_n and_o his_o mother_n and_o flee_v into_o egypt_n and_o be_v thou_o there_o until_o i_o bring_v thou_o word_n for_o herod_n will_v seek_v the_o young_a child_n to_o destroy_v he_o and_o i_o see_v nothing_o in_o this_o whole_a account_n that_o even_o seem_v to_o shock_v our_o reason_n and_o destroy_v our_o faith_n for_o we_o read_v elsewhere_o that_o joseph_n be_v warn_v by_o god_n in_o a_o dream_n and_o that_o such_o apparition_n as_o these_o have_v be_v be_v a_o truth_n in_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o which_o experience_v itself_o may_v i_o think_v sufficient_o confirm_v we_o what_o absurdity_n be_v there_o then_o upon_o the_o whole_a in_o suppose_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o assume_v the_o humane_a nature_n shall_v act_v with_o the_o prudence_n of_o a_o man_n in_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o impend_a calamity_n not_o as_o if_o he_o can_o have_v avoid_v they_o by_o his_o infinite_a power_n without_o take_v such_o measure_n as_o he_o do_v but_o because_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o his_o life_n shall_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o not_o by_o a_o continue_v course_n of_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a event_n it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v be_v carry_v by_o his_o parent_n into_o egypt_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v tarry_v there_o till_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v stay_v in_o his_o native_a country_n and_o yet_o be_v preserve_v from_o the_o evil_n to_o which_o he_o be_v expose_v be_v better_o arm_v than_o with_o pluto_n helmet_n and_o secure_v from_o the_o rage_n of_o his_o malicious_a enemy_n by_o their_o be_v strike_v like_o the_o sodomite_n of_o old_a with_o sudden_a blindness_n for_o such_o a_o series_n of_o miraculous_a appearance_n have_v be_v very_o unsuitable_a to_o his_o great_a design_n of_o acquaint_v the_o world_n as_o a_o man_n authorise_a by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o that_o the_o true_a son_n of_o god_n the_o eternal_a word_n the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n do_v glorious_o though_o wonderful_o reside_v in_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o the_o incarnate_a jesus_n but_o it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n at_o present_a to_o speak_v full_o of_o the_o two_o nature_n that_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n since_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a and_o if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v a_o domestic_a dispute_n between_o we_o concern_v that_o difficult_a and_o important_a point_n chap._n lvii_o than_o celsus_n jew_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o instruct_v in_o their_o learning_n say_v that_o the_o ancient_a fable_n that_o attribute_v a_o divine_a original_a to_o perseus_n amphion_n aeacus_n and_o minos_n though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o strictness_n true_a yet_o do_v display_v the_o action_n of_o these_o person_n as_o be_v great_a and_o wonderful_a and_o above_o the_o sphere_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o for_o your_o part_n what_o do_v you_o ever_o say_v or_o do_v that_o be_v worthy_a of_o admiration_n though_o you_o be_v open_o challenge_v to_o give_v convince_a proof_n that_o you_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o need_v only_o ask_v the_o greek_n whether_o they_o can_v show_v that_o any_o of_o the_o forementioned_a person_n do_v any_o extraordinary_a service_n to_o the_o world_n or_o perform_v any_o great_a exploit_n to_o induce_v future_a age_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o fable_n which_o represent_v they_o to_o we_o as_o be_v derive_v from_o a_o divine_a original_a but_o i_o defy_v they_o to_o instance_n in_o any_o of_o the_o action_n of_o these_o fabulous_a hero_n that_o deserve_v to_o be_v name_v much_o less_o compare_v with_o what_o our_o saviour_n do_v unless_o they_o will_v refer_v we_o to_o their_o own_o fable_n and_o history_n and_o have_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o without_o any_o more_o ado_n and_o disbelieve_v our_o history_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o importance_n of_o which_o we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o we_o can_v reasonable_o desire_v we_o say_v and_o know_v that_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v be_v sufficient_o see_v and_o happy_o feel_v through_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n where_o any_o church_n be_v found_v that_o consist_v of_o person_n reclaim_v from_o many_o exorbitant_a vice_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n at_o this_o very_a day_n compose_v the_o ruffle_a mind_n of_o man_n dispossess_v daemon_n cure_n disease_n and_o work_v a_o meek_a gentle_a and_o amicable_a temper_n in_o all_o those_o person_n who_o make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n from_o a_o high_a end_n than_o their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o sincere_o believe_v what_o it_o teach_v we_o concern_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o a_o future_a judgement_n chap._n lviii_o than_o celsus_n foresee_v how_o many_o remarkable_a action_n that_o be_v perform_v by_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v mention_v by_o we_o to_o his_o honour_n a_o few_o of_o which_o i_o have_v relate_v make_v as_o if_o he_o grant_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v write_v concern_v the_o disease_n that_o be_v cure_v the_o dead_a that_o be_v raise_v to_o life_n and_o the_o few_o loaf_n with_o which_o a_o great_a multitude_n be_v feed_v and_o of_o which_o many_o fragment_n do_v remain_v and_o those_o strange_a account_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o gospel-history_n and_o immediate_o add_v the_o follow_a word_n well_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o you_o real_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o talk_v of_o but_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n he_o quite_o unravel_v what_o he_o have_v say_v before_o and_o set_v they_o on_o a_o level_n with_o the_o operation_n that_o be_v perform_v by_o magician_n who_o pretend_v to_o do_v mighty_a thing_n and_o have_v study_v magic_a in_o egypt_n get_v a_o little_a money_n out_o of_o people_n pocket_n by_o practise_v their_o art_n in_o the_o open_a forum_n dispossess_v daemon_n cure_v distemper_n call_v back_o depart_v soul_n and_o represent_v to_o the_o delude_a sight_n a_o table_n spread_v with_o imaginary_a dainty_n and_o animal_n that_o seem_v to_o move_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n but_o have_v no_o inward_a spring_n of_o life_n and_o motion_n his_o word_n be_v these_o pray_v must_v we_o esteem_v the_o person_n who_o perform_v these_o wonderful_a operation_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o must_v we_o not_o rather_o esteem_v they_o to_o be_v vile_a wretch_n that_o be_v well-versed_a it_o seem_v in_o a_o diabolical_a art_n you_o see_v here_o that_o he_o allow_v a_o extraordinary_a power_n in_o magic_n though_o by_o the_o way_n i_o be_o much_o mistake_v if_o he_o i_v the_o very_a person_n who_o write_v several_a book_n in_o which_o he_o direct_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a and_o yet_o because_o he_o think_v it_o may_v serve_v his_o cause_n he_o compare_v the_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o the_o operation_n of_o magician_n indeed_o there_o have_v be_v some_o ground_n for_o make_v this_o invidious_a comparison_n if_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v such_o a_o vain_a show_n of_o miracle_n as_o the_o magician_n do_v their_o design_n also_o whatever_o wonder_v they_o may_v effect_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v not_o to_o reform_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n nor_o have_v such_o vain_a amusement_n the_o least_o tendency_n to_o beget_v in_o person_n a_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o so_o to_o regulate_v their_o action_n that_o they_o may_v be_v honourable_o acquit_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v summon_v to_o appear_v before_o his_o awful_a bar._n the_o forementioned_a person_n do_v it_o so_o much_o as_o aim_v at_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_a and_o if_o they_o do_v of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n they_o will_v be_v most_o unfit_a for_o so_o great_a a_o undertake_n since_o they_o themselves_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o moâ—t_o notorious_a crime_n whereas_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o design_v by_o his_o miracle_n to_o reform_v the_o manner_n of_o they_o who_o be_v eye_n witness_n of_o what_o he_o do_v give_v not_o only_o his_o follower_n but_o all_o mankind_n a_o bright_a example_n of_o unaffected_a virtue_n and_o piety_n that_o they_o who_o be_v to_o publish_v his_o excellent_a doctrine_n may_v at_o once_o be_v direct_v and_o encourage_v to_o acquaint_v their_o hearer_n with_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o forementioned_a person_n be_v more_o convince_v by_o the_o native_a beauty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o holy_a life_n of_o their_o teacher_n than_o by_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v may_v in_o all_o their_o action_n have_v a_o sincere_a
recommend_v be_v impracticable_a partly_o by_o reason_n of_o man_n natural_a incapacity_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v very_o unfit_a to_o apply_v their_o mind_n to_o learning_n and_o partly_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a care_n which_o attend_v humane_a life_n what_o better_a way_n can_v any_o one_o have_v contrive_v and_o take_v more_o suit_v to_o the_o genius_n and_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o the_o common_a people_n than_o that_o which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n take_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o degenerate_a world_n and_o as_o for_o the_o vast_a number_n of_o person_n who_o have_v leave_v those_o horrid_a debauchery_n in_o which_o they_o former_o wallow_v and_o have_v profess_v to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n i_o ask_v which_o of_o the_o two_o method_n conduce_v most_o to_o their_o advantage_n and_o have_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o remarkable_a tendency_n to_o the_o general_a benefit_n of_o the_o humane_a race_n to_o reform_v their_o manner_n from_o a_o sense_n of_o those_o most_o grievous_a torment_n which_o the_o just_a god_n will_v be_v as_o it_o be_v constrain_v to_o inflict_v upon_o the_o wicked_a and_o of_o that_o bright_a and_o massy_a crown_n which_o wait_v for_o the_o righteous_a and_o which_o they_o will_v receive_v when_o this_o frail_a and_o short_a life_n be_v end_v though_o they_o do_v stand_v to_o examine_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v build_v according_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o art_n or_o to_o defer_v their_o conversion_n till_o they_o have_v a_o fair_a opportunity_n and_o capacity_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o rational_a and_o learned_a study_n for_o experience_n may_v convince_v we_o that_o very_o few_o in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n will_v advance_v even_o so_o far_o as_o this_o and_o reap_v the_o benefit_n of_o yield_v a_o naked_a but_o wellgrounded_n assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o instead_o of_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v full_o bend_v upon_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n chap._n xi_o the_o love_n of_o god_n therefore_o in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n do_v very_o plain_o appear_v in_o accommodate_v matter_n to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o humane_a life_n that_o so_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v of_o more_o general_a advantage_n to_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o powerful_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v a_o divine_a commission_n for_o if_o a_o man_n who_o have_v any_o manner_n of_o religion_n will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o physician_n who_o recover_v sick_a person_n be_v send_v from_o god_n though_o the_o cure_n do_v extend_v no_o far_a than_o the_o body_n of_o his_o patient_n much_o more_o must_v we_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v indeed_o send_v by_o the_o father_n who_o have_v recover_v so_o many_o thousand_o of_o person_n from_o spiritual_a and_o more_o dangerous_a distemper_n have_v improve_v the_o faculty_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o refer_v all_o their_o action_n to_o the_o please_a of_o he_o and_o to_o use_v their_o utmost_a care_n lest_o they_o incur_v his_o just_a and_o severe_a displeasure_n by_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n and_o since_o our_o adversary_n be_v continual_o make_v such_o a_o stir_n about_o our_o take_a thing_n on_o trust_n i_o answer_v that_o we_o who_o see_v plain_o and_o have_v find_v the_o vast_a advantage_n that_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o people_n do_v manifest_o and_o frequent_o reap_v thereby_o who_o make_v up_o by_o far_o the_o great_a number_n i_o say_v we_o who_o be_v so_o well_o advise_v of_o these_o thing_n do_v profess_o teach_v they_o to_o believe_v without_o a_o severe_a examination_n who_o can_v neglect_v their_o worldly_a business_n and_o spare_a time_n enough_o to_o make_v long_o and_o exact_a inquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o our_o enemy_n themselves_o though_o they_o wo'n_v confess_v it_o do_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n by_o which_o we_o incur_v their_o censure_n for_o when_o any_o one_o of_o they_o do_v first_o devote_v his_o time_n and_o strength_n to_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n and_o either_o by_o some_o unexpected_a accident_n or_o the_o tutor_n who_o be_v first_o recommend_v to_o his_o choice_n be_v determine_v to_o fall_v in_o with_o a_o particular_a sect_n do_v he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o he_o have_v pitch_v on_o the_o most_o happy_a method_n for_o he_o do'sn_v stay_v till_o he_o have_v hear_v and_o weigh_v the_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v bring_v for_o one_o sect_n and_o against_o another_o and_o so_o at_o last_o choose_v to_o be_v a_o stoic_a platonic_a peripatetic_a or_o epicurean_a philosopher_n or_o the_o like_a for_o it_o be_v by_o a_o certain_a impulse_n in_o which_o reason_n be_v little_a or_o not_o at_o all_o concern_v that_o the_o preference_n be_v frequent_o give_v to_o the_o stoic_a philosophy_n for_o instance_n and_o the_o platonic_a be_v despise_v as_o be_v less_o sublime_a than_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o peripatetic_a as_o give_v too_o great_a a_o indulgence_n to_o humane_a frailty_n and_o represent_v more_o than_o any_o other_o sect_n those_o thing_n to_o be_v true_o good_a which_o be_v general_o but_o very_o unjust_o repute_v to_o be_v so_o and_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v thunderstruck_a at_o the_o very_a mention_n of_o a_o overrule_a providence_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o unequal_a distribution_n of_o its_o favour_n as_o they_o imagine_v do_v rash_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o fond_o embrace_v the_o corrupt_a and_o wild_a notion_n of_o epicurus_n if_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n we_o must_v join_v ourselves_o to_o some_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n or_o other_o either_o among_o the_o greek_n or_o barbarian_n without_o weigh_v all_o the_o argument_n which_o may_v be_v bring_v on_o either_o side_n how_o much_o more_o just_a and_o reasonable_a be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v he_o who_o be_v god_n over_o all_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o teach_v that_o this_o god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v raise_v our_o mind_n above_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o true_a existence_n or_o at_o best_o be_v very_o improper_a object_n of_o divine_a adoration_n it_o be_v true_a that_o only_o one_o who_o make_v use_v of_o reason_n and_o severe_a study_n in_o examine_v the_o principle_n he_o hold_v be_v capable_a of_o build_v his_o faith_n on_o rational_a demonstration_n but_o since_o we_o be_v force_v to_o take_v many_o thing_n on_o trust_n even_o in_o the_o most_o common_a and_o necessary_a affair_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v it_o not_o high_o agreeable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o solid_a reason_n that_o we_o shall_v immediate_o and_o firm_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o in_o he_o alone_o who_o be_v there_o that_o go_v by_o sea_n marry_v perform_v the_o conjugal_a act_n or_o sow_v his_o ground_n that_o will_v not_o hope_v the_o best_a though_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o to_o meet_v with_o frequent_a and_o great_a disappointment_n and_o if_o in_o our_o ordinary_a and_o daily_o concern_v we_o overlook_v the_o uncertain_a event_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v encourage_v by_o the_o please_a prospect_n which_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n do_v already_o give_v we_o how_o much_o more_o reason_n be_v there_o for_o one_o who_o put_v his_o trust_n in_o god_n to_o expect_v the_o desire_a success_n of_o any_o important_a action_n than_o there_o be_v for_o one_o who_o go_v by_o sea_n or_o be_v employ_v in_o any_o worldly_a affair_n i_o say_v how_o much_o more_o reason_n be_v there_o for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o place_v his_o entire_a confidence_n in_o god_n the_o glorious_a creator_n of_o the_o spacious_a universe_n and_o in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n think_v it_o fit_a to_o recommend_v his_o excellent_a doctrine_n to_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n by_o suffer_v for_o mankind_n not_o only_o cruel_a persecution_n but_o also_o a_o death_n which_o in_o some_o sense_n be_v high_o ignominious_a and_o by_o his_o own_o most_o heroic_a example_n at_o once_o teach_v and_o encourage_v the_o first_o publisher_n of_o the_o gospel_n bold_o to_o encounter_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o the_o most_o apparent_a danger_n if_o they_o may_v but_o be_v honourable_o and_o happy_o instrumental_a to_o save_v precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n chap._n xii_o than_o celsus_n say_v if_o they_o will_v return_v a_o solid_a answer_n to_o some_o pertinent_a question_n which_o i_o shall_v fair_o propose_v to_o they_o not_o as_o if_o i_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o opinion_n which_o they_o hold_v but_o
study_v the_o same_o excellent_a science_n for_o many_o year_n in_o the_o school_n of_o cleanthes_n whereas_o judas_n have_v continue_v three_o year_n with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o he_o so_o shameful_o betray_v he_o and_o if_o we_o read_v the_o live_v of_o the_o philosopher_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o frequent_a instance_n that_o in_o some_o respect_n resemble_v the_o horrid_a treachery_n of_o judas_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o pythagorean_n build_v tomb_n for_o such_o person_n as_o leave_v the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o different_a and_o less-useful_a course_n of_o life_n but_o i_o suppose_v no_o person_n will_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o reflect_v on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o pythagoras_n or_o the_o solid_a argument_n which_o his_o follower_n use_v in_o its_o defence_n the_o jew_n add_v that_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o say_v with_o respect_n to_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v far_o from_o be_v fair_o represent_v by_o his_o disciple_n he_o choose_v to_o pass_v they_o over_o in_o a_o profound_a silence_n but_o i_o ask_v what_o truth_n be_v these_o that_o be_v misinterpret_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o which_o he_o forbear_v to_o mention_v must_v not_o this_o pass_n for_o a_o rhetorical_a flourish_n to_o make_v we_o believe_v he_o be_v furnish_v with_o a_o great_a stock_n of_o argument_n against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o most_o if_o not_o all_o that_o he_o can_v possible_o say_v if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o material_a be_v borrow_a from_o those_o very_a gospel_n which_o sometime_o he_o so_o much_o despise_v chap._n fourteen_o than_o celsus_n find_v fault_n with_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n for_o say_v that_o he_o foreknow_v and_o foretell_v all_o the_o remarkable_a thing_n that_o ever_o happen_v to_o he_o but_o we_o doubt_v not_o in_o the_o least_o but_o we_o can_v easy_o prove_v by_o a_o enumeration_n of_o particular_n let_v celsus_n say_v what_o he_o please_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v several_a thing_n that_o shall_v befall_v his_o disciple_n some_o considerable_a time_n before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v what_o a_o wonderful_a instance_n of_o this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n matthew_n give_v you_o mat._n x._o v._n 18._o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o my_o sake_n for_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o and_o the_o gentile_n i_o may_v quote_v many_o other_o place_n where_o our_o saviour_n do_v express_o foretell_v the_o grievous_a persecution_n that_o shall_v be_v the_o too_o common_a lot_n of_o christian_n now_o what_o religion_n be_v there_o in_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n that_o want_v the_o advantage_n of_o a_o toleration_n except_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n introduce_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o that_o foolish_a plea_n which_o our_o enemy_n make_v use_v of_o that_o he_o see_v what_o bad_a entertainment_n false_a and_o corrupt_a notion_n will_v natural_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o to_o raise_v his_o reputation_n and_o promote_v his_o interest_n do_v only_o foretell_v those_o thing_n which_o any_o child_n may_v have_v know_v will_v befall_v he_o but_o if_o person_n will_v avoidable_o be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o hold_v false_a and_o wicked_a notion_n one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o epicurean_o who_o disbelieve_v a_o overrule_a povidence_n shall_v be_v bring_v before_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o any_o person_n in_o the_o world_n or_o the_o peripatetic_n who_o think_v that_o the_o prayer_n which_o be_v put_v up_o and_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o god_n be_v whole_o insignificant_a and_o little_a art_n unworthy_a to_o be_v practise_v by_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o learn_v of_o philosopher_n but_o perhaps_o our_o enemy_n may_v object_v that_o the_o samaritan_n be_v persecute_v on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v condemn_v to_o die_v for_o circumcise_n themselves_o in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o law_n which_o permit_v none_o but_o jew_n to_o observe_v this_o celebrate_v and_o ancient_a rite_n and_o we_o do_v find_v that_o the_o judge_n leave_v it_o to_o their_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v obstinate_o persist_v and_o die_v or_o renounce_v their_o religion_n and_o so_o be_v public_o acquit_v but_o if_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v circumcise_a immediate_o they_o must_v suffer_v death_n the_o christian_n be_v the_o only_a person_n in_o the_o world_n who_o though_o they_o be_v persecute_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n prediction_n you_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o my_o sake_n be_v entreat_v to_o the_o last_o breath_n they_o draw_v to_o renounce_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n and_o so_o to_o put_v themselves_o direct_o into_o a_o safe_a and_o happy_a condition_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n see_v therefore_o with_o what_o authority_n our_o bless_a saviour_n speak_v the_o follow_a word_n whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o mat._n x._o v._n 32_o 33._o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n take_v notice_n that_o this_o be_v speak_v by_o he_o a_o considerable_a time_n before_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o be_v true_a in_o fact_n perhaps_o such_o a_o thought_n as_o this_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o dart_v into_o your_o mind_n that_o he_o build_v castle_n in_o the_o air_n and_o what_o he_o prophecy_v do_v look_v at_o all_o as_o if_o the_o event_n will_v be_v answerable_a but_o if_o you_o can_v exercise_v a_o little_a patience_n you_o will_v say_v thus_o to_o yourselves_o if_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v ready_o foretell_v that_o governor_n and_o king_n will_v use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v the_o religion_n he_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n and_o if_o the_o event_n have_v full_o answer_v his_o prediction_n certain_o we_o have_v all_o imaginable_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o receive_v such_o a_o power_n from_o god_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v his_o doctrine_n obtain_v so_o universal_o as_o it_o do_v and_o that_o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n to_o its_o reception_n shall_v be_v happy_o and_o easy_o surmount_v by_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n and_o who_o without_o a_o transport_v of_o holy_a admiration_n can_v set_v our_o saviour_n before_o his_o eye_n express_o foretell_v that_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v mat._n xxiv_o v._n 14_o be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n for_o a_o witness_n unto_o all_o nation_n and_o see_v the_o prediction_n in_o due_a time_n fulfil_v the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n to_o the_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a and_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n be_v bring_v as_o it_o be_v under_o its_o honourable_a and_o happy_a yoke_n beside_o let_v the_o pretend_a jew_n who_o dont_fw-fr believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v do_v afterward_o befall_v he_o i_o say_v let_v he_o consider_v that_o when_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v in_o all_o its_o glory_n and_o the_o pompous_a ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v solemn_o perform_v in_o it_o he_o foretell_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v invade_v and_o ruin_v by_o the_o roman_n i_o suppose_v no_o one_o will_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o say_v that_o they_o who_o be_v his_o familiar_a friend_n and_o constant_a hearer_n do_v satisfy_v themselves_o with_o teach_v viva_n voice_fw-la those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o subject-matter_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o leave_v behind_o they_o a_o history_n of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a transaction_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n st._n luke_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n when_o you_o shall_v see_v jerusalem_n compass_v with_o luke_n 21._o v._o 20._o army_n then_o know_v that_o the_o desolation_n thereof_o be_v nigh_o now_o at_o the_o time_n when_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v there_o be_v no_o suspicion_n of_o a_o siege_n or_o any_o grievous_a calamity_n that_o threaten_v the_o jewish_a church_n and_o state_n it_o be_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o emperor_n nero_n that_o the_o roman_n make_v their_o first_o attack_v on_o this_o once-glorious_a city_n and_o it_o be_v not_o take_v till_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o emperor_n vespasian_n who_o son_n titus_n vespasian_n do_v utter_o destroy_v it_o this_o be_v a_o just_a and_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o for_o kill_v james_n the_o just_a as_o josephus_n will_v fain_o have_v we_o to_o believe_v whereas_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o horrid_a crime_n they_o commit_v in_o embrue_v their_o
that_o for_o that_o reason_n he_o have_v abundance_n of_o enemy_n and_o when_o he_o be_v strip_v as_o it_o be_v of_o his_o humane_a body_n do_v converse_v with_o naked_a spirit_n in_o the_o infernal_a region_n to_o make_v convert_v of_o those_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v due_o wrought_v on_o by_o his_o powerful_a ministry_n and_o thereby_o of_o answer_v the_o deep_a design_n of_o his_o eternal_a and_o universal_a love_n what_o celsus_n jew_n add_v be_v i_o think_v very_o ridiculous_a if_o say_v he_o after_o you_o have_v tame_o suffer_v yourselves_o to_o be_v lead_v aside_o like_o a_o company_n of_o prodigious_a fool_n you_o think_v you_o need_v no_o other_o apology_n than_o a_o few_o pityful_a argument_n in_o your_o own_o defence_n pray_o why_o may_v all_o those_o scoundrel_n and_o villain_n that_o like_o your_o jesus_n have_v be_v public_o execute_v according_a to_o the_o just_a demerit_n of_o their_o crime_n be_v account_v person_n who_o have_v the_o broad-seal_n of_o heaven_n but_o nothing_o in_o my_o mind_n can_v be_v more_o clear_a than_o the_o wide_a difference_n between_o the_o exemplary_a suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o the_o just_a execution_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v condemn_v as_o impostor_n or_o punish_v for_o some_o scandalous_a crime_n and_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o no_o man_n can_v show_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n that_o a_o person_n can_v ever_o be_v reclaim_v from_o the_o most_o notorious_a crime_n or_o indeed_o from_o any_o immorality_n by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n then_o the_o pretend_a jew_n compare_v our_o saviour_n with_o a_o company_n of_o highway_n man_n say_z that_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n a_o person_n may_v have_v the_o impudence_n to_o say_v that_o such_o a_o highway_n man_n instead_o of_o be_v a_o person_n of_o so_o infamous_a a_o character_n be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o god_n because_o forsooth_o he_o acquaint_v his_o curse_a crew_n beforehand_o that_o he_o shall_v short_o suffer_v all_o 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contempt_n and_o scorn_v and_o the_o worst_a treatment_n that_o humane_a wit_n and_o malice_n can_v invent_v and_o if_o they_o can_v rational_o be_v suppose_v to_o do_v all_o this_o from_o a_o just_a regard_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a precept_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n then_o i_o confess_v celsus_n will_v have_v have_v some_o ground_n for_o his_o bold_a and_o most_o profane_a comparison_n but_o our_o saviour_n who_o lay_v down_o his_o precious_a life_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o his_o sincere_a disciple_n who_o by_o their_o unparalleled_a suffering_n bear_v a_o honourable_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o most_o excellent_a doctrine_n and_o be_v the_o only_a person_n who_o bare_a religion_n ever_o bring_v they_o into_o trouble_n undergo_v the_o most_o violent_a persecution_n from_o their_o enemy_n without_o the_o least_o colour_n of_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o know_a and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o humanity_n chap._n xxvii_o now_o observe_v how_o celsus_n render_v himself_o ridiculous_a by_o what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o sincere_a follower_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n during_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n say_v he_o they_o converse_v with_o he_o in_o a_o femiliar_a manner_n and_o seem_v to_o listen_v to_o the_o instruction_n which_o he_o give_v they_o but_o withal_o be_v so_o cunning_a that_o when_o they_o see_v he_o be_v condemn_v to_o die_v they_o will_v neither_o die_v with_o he_o nor_o for_o he_o and_o be_v so_o far_o it_o seem_v from_o put_v in_o practice_n that_o wholesome_a doctrine_n which_o their_o master_n have_v teach_v they_o viz._n cheerful_o to_o encounter_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o danger_n and_o to_o be_v ready_a even_o to_o die_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o religion_n that_o they_o shameful_o deny_v he_o and_o didn't_fw-mi envy_n any_o martyr_n the_o imaginary_a honour_n of_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n here_o celsus_n take_v the_o hint_n from_o the_o gospel_n and_o aggravate_v some_o fault_n of_o the_o disciple_n with_o a_o design_n no_o doubt_n to_o expose_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o contempt_n not_o consider_v they_o be_v just_o enter_v into_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n nor_o mention_v one_o syllable_n of_o their_o recovery_n from_o their_o grievous_a fall_n which_o be_v so_o remarkable_a that_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n bold_o and_o suffer_v abundance_n of_o ill-treatment_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o have_v the_o courage_n to_o welcome_a and_o even_o defy_v death_n in_o its_o most_o horrid_a shape_v i_o perceive_v he_o didn't_fw-mi care_n at_o all_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v to_o st._n peter_n when_o thou_o shall_v be_v old_a thou_o shall_v stretch_v forth_o thy_o hand_n nor_o of_o those_o john_n 21_o v._o 18_o v._n 19_o word_n this_o speak_v he_o signify_v by_o what_o death_n he_o shall_v glorify_v god_n he_o say_v not_o one_o word_n of_o st._n james_n the_o brother_n of_o st._n john_n nor_o of_o the_o latter_a and_o seem_v to_o be_v ignorant_a that_o herod_n kill_v john_n the_o baptist_n with_o the_o sword_n because_o he_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n nor_o do_v he_o do_v st._n peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o much_o justice_n as_o to_o mention_v their_o flame_a zeal_n in_o spread_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o account_n how_o they_o depart_v from_o the_o act_n 15_o v._o 41._o presence_n of_o the_o council_n rejoicing_z that_o they_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v reproach_n for_o his_o name_n wherein_o they_o vast_o exceed_v all_o that_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o greek_n concern_v the_o courage_n and_o constancy_n of_o their_o justly-admired_a philosopher_n so_o that_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o from_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o christianity_n they_o who_o embrace_v it_o be_v effectual_o teach_v by_o it_o to_o despise_v the_o gaudy_a vanity_n of_o the_o present_a life_n which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n imagine_v to_o be_v so_o charm_a and_o agreeable_a and_o to_o have_v the_o sincere_a desire_n of_o their_o soul_n most_o vehement_o carry_v out_o after_o another_o life_n which_o be_v far_o more_o excellent_a and_o in_o a_o word_n be_v every_o way_n worthy_a of_o a_o god._n i_o can_v conceive_v how_o celsus_n can_v be_v free_v from_o the_o charge_n of_o wilful_a imposture_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n all_o that_o your_o pretend_a saviour_n can_v do_v say_v he_o be_v only_o to_o get_v ten_o wicked_a mariner_n and_o publican_n to_o publish_v his_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n and_o iwas_n more_o than_o he_o can_v do_v after_o all_o his_o big_a pretence_n to_o convince_v even_o those_o credulous_a animal_n of_o its_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a even_o from_o the_o open_a confession_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o not_o only_o ten_o person_n be_v overcome_v by_o the_o divine_a efficacy_n 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the_o same_o kind_n with_o what_o be_v perform_v by_o a_o power_n that_o be_v truly-supernatural_a and_o divine_a and_o if_o such_o wonderful_a thing_n even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o celsus_n be_v do_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o infernal_a spirit_n may_v we_o not_o rational_o suppose_v that_o thing_n that_o be_v much_o more_o unaccountable_a may_v be_v easy_o do_v by_o the_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o the_o everblessed_n god_n shall_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a be_v find_v among_o man_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v truly-good_a be_v banish_v from_o the_o world_n i_o think_v there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o general_n and_o most_o excellent_a maxim_n that_o wherever_o there_o be_v any_o real_a evil_n under_o the_o disguise_n of_o some_o real_a good_a the_o opposite_a good_a must_v at_o least_o be_v equal_a to_o it_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o degree_n and_o thus_o we_o may_v strong_o argue_v from_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o 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grant_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o magic_n which_o have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o wicked_a daemon_n as_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o lend_v their_o ready_a and_o joint_a assistance_n to_o those_o who_o profess_v that_o art_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o almighty_a god_n be_v oblige_v in_o some_o sense_n to_o exert_v his_o power_n in_o perform_v such_o miracle_n as_o carry_v with_o they_o a_o convince_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o be_v design_v to_o attest_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o take_v it_o that_o we_o have_v to_o do_v under_o this_o important_a head_n be_v to_o examine_v into_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v they_o have_v a_o power_n to_o produce_v supernatural_a effect_n and_o to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o wonderful_a operation_n they_o perform_v do_v any_o way_n tend_v to_o the_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a advantage_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o we_o must_v careful_o distinguish_v between_o magician_n who_o hold_v a_o correspondence_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o those_o happy_a person_n who_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o divine_a impression_n they_o experience_v both_o on_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n who_o consult_v the_o true_a and_o best_a interest_n of_o mankind_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v man_n proselyte_n to_o the_o most_o excellent_a religion_n that_o be_v ever_o reveal_v by_o a_o god_n now_o if_o a_o enquiry_n of_o this_o kind_a be_v necessary_a to_o distinguish_v true_a miracle_n from_o those_o which_o be_v false_a to_o prevent_v we_o from_o make_v miracle_n where_o there_o be_v real_o none_o and_o engage_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o when_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n may_v very_o plain_o be_v discover_v than_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o moses_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v owe_v to_o a_o extraordinary_a appearance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n since_o they_o be_v solemn_a 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against_o those_o who_o say_v that_o the_o wife_n man_n of_o egypt_n do_v strange_a thing_n by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n can_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n perform_v his_o miracle_n by_o a_o immediate_a assistance_n from_o above_o but_o be_v so_o strange_o fond_a of_o imitate_v the_o egyptian_n who_o you_o know_v to_o be_v your_o swear_a and_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n for_o if_o we_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o judge_v of_o miracle_n by_o the_o event_n and_o argue_v in_o favour_n of_o your_o justly-celebrated_n moses_n from_o his_o be_v raise_v up_o by_o almighty_a god_n to_o be_v the_o honourable_a founder_n of_o the_o jewish_a polity_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o may_v say_v far_o more_o in_o commendation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n since_o the_o imperfect_a moses_n i_v worthy_a to_o be_v name_v with_o the_o holy_a and_o spotless_a jesus_n for_o as_o for_o moses_n it_o be_v obvious_a to_o remark_n that_o he_o find_v ready_a to_o his_o hand_n 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