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
deserve_v far_o less_o esteem_n than_o one_o who_o happy_o accomplish_v some_o accurate_a composition_n or_o more_o complete_a translation_n i_o say_v this_o if_o it_o be_v a_o solid_a argument_n against_o bad_a translation_n will_v hold_v against_o such_o as_o be_v good_a and_o so_o apparent_o and_o so_o high_o useful_a that_o shall_v any_o one_o exclaim_v against_o they_o he_o will_v but_o betray_v his_o folly_n and_o provoke_v the_o laughter_n or_o silent_a scorn_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o as_o remarkable_a trifler_n as_o himself_o for_o if_o no_o translator_n must_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v not_o so_o industrious_a and_o so_o correct_v that_o he_o almost_o seem_v to_o be_v free_a from_o those_o fault_n to_o which_o the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n render_v mankind_n avoidable_a subject_n if_o the_o taste_n of_o reader_n be_v so_o nice_a as_o to_o disrellish_v the_o the_o most_o exact_a translation_n that_o be_v extant_a by_o reason_n of_o many_o great_a defect_n which_o insensible_o creep_v into_o the_o best_a humane_a composition_n than_o the_o same_o argument_n which_o be_v use_v against_o translation_n will_v equal_o overthrow_v the_o most_o learned_a and_o useful_a original_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o even_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n of_o the_o supreme_a and_o alwise_a be_v for_o though_o i_o think_v it_o be_v ridiculous_o object_v against_o we_o by_o the_o atheist_n and_o deist_n that_o some_o fault_n have_v be_v find_v in_o the_o best_a version_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o the_o sacred_a original_a text_n itself_o through_o the_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n in_o which_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v commit_v to_o write_v through_o the_o ignorance_n and_o carelessness_n and_o perhaps_o design_n of_o some_o transcriber_n be_v liable_a to_o some_o few_o exception_n yet_o if_o we_o must_v reject_v and_o despise_v all_o translation_n because_o some_o be_v bad_a and_o the_o best_a imperfect_a i_o fear_v we_o must_v immediate_o throw_v up_o our_o bible_n themselves_o and_o grope_v after_o truth_n by_o no_o better_a help_n than_o that_o of_o the_o dim_a light_n of_o nature_n for_o all_o the_o version_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o man_n who_o be_v not_o immediate_o inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n though_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v he_o be_v please_v to_o afford_v they_o more_o than_o ordinary_a direction_n and_o influence_n in_o a_o affair_n which_o have_v so_o great_a a_o tendency_n to_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o even_o to_o the_o happy_a and_o timely_a conviction_n and_o conversion_n of_o the_o most_o harden_v infidel_n into_o who_o hand_n the_o scripture_n may_v fall_v from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o in_o which_o they_o make_v their_o serious_a earnest_a frequent_a and_o more_o solemn_a address_n to_o almighty_a god_n for_o all_o that_o gracious_a assistance_n which_o he_o see_v be_v necessary_a or_o convenient_a for_o they_o all_o the_o version_n and_o the_o septuagint_n itself_o for_o correct_v which_o and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o alexandrian_a manuscript_n the_o world_n be_v behold_v to_o the_o incomparable_o learned_a indefatigable_a and_o judicious_a dr._n grabe_n all_o the_o version_n i_o say_v be_v the_o work_n of_o uninspired_a person_n who_o be_v liable_a to_o many_o gross_a defect_n nay_o the_o greek_a and_o hebrew_n text_n of_o scripture_n those_o sacred_a and_o refresh_a fountain_n of_o live_a water_n have_v be_v shameful_o pollute_v by_o humane_a addition_n and_o curse_a innovation_n though_o god_n in_o his_o wise_a and_o holy_a providence_n have_v preserve_v they_o in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o uncorrupted_a in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o wit_n malice_n and_o unwearyed_a industry_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n that_o they_o carry_v the_o lively_a and_o honourable_a stamp_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n and_o be_v still_o what_o they_o always_o be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n if_o then_o we_o pay_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a deference_n to_o the_o sacred_a original_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o if_o the_o small_a error_n in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n which_o be_v find_v in_o all_o the_o version_n that_o be_v ever_o extant_a ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o shock_v our_o religious_a and_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o those_o sacred_a and_o most_o valuable_a record_n than_o i_o think_v it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o translation_n in_o general_a be_v of_o excellent_a and_o continual_a use_n and_o the_o badness_n of_o some_o and_o the_o imperfection_n which_o avoidable_o attend_v they_o all_o be_v no_o solid_a argument_n against_o those_o which_o be_v good_a or_o even_o such_o as_o be_v bad_a if_o the_o original_a be_v a_o author_n who_o deserve_v to_o be_v translate_v and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o translator_n discover_v his_o affection_n and_o do_v real_a service_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o piety_n sense_n or_o learning_n another_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v bring_v against_o translation_n be_v this_o that_o the_o injudicious_a and_o illiterate_a shall_v not_o dare_v to_o intrude_v into_o those_o venerable_a mystery_n of_o the_o empire_n of_o reason_n and_o learning_n which_o some_o be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v it_o be_v their_o prerogative_n to_o consult_v and_o to_o understand_v and_o the_o entire_a reputation_n and_o advantage_n of_o which_o they_o think_v be_v a_o debt_n that_o ought_v only_o to_o be_v pay_v to_o person_n of_o their_o character_n and_o distinction_n but_o many_o who_o assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o person_n who_o be_v profound_o learn_v especial_o such_o who_o talon_n lie_v chief_o in_o torture_v such_o word_n as_o very_o seldom_o occur_v in_o author_n who_o head_n be_v live_v dictionary_n or_o rather_o library_n the_o faithful_a but_o trifle_a repository_n of_o senseless_a criticism_n which_o how_o great_a satisfaction_n soever_o they_o may_v perhaps_o afford_v to_o these_o eager_a and_o eternal_a hunter_n of_o mere_a word_n and_o phrase_n be_v of_o little_a use_n i_o say_v many_o such_o person_n have_v a_o much_o small_a share_n of_o solid_a reason_n than_o they_o who_o these_o tyrant_n in_o the_o empire_n of_o learning_n will_v have_v to_o lie_v prostrate_a at_o their_o foot_n beside_o i_o can_v for_o my_o life_n conceive_v why_o any_o person_n how_o learned_a so_o ever_o they_o may_v esteem_v themselves_o to_o be_v how_o know_v soever_o they_o may_v be_v account_v by_o other_o who_o have_v go_v in_o the_o same_o tedious_a if_o not_o unprofitable_a track_n of_o study_n and_o what_o skill_n soever_o they_o may_v real_o have_v in_o read_v uncommon_a and_o almost_o obliterated_a character_n or_o compare_v almost_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o worm-eaten_a and_o voluminous_a manuscript_n i_o say_v i_o can_v conceive_v why_o such_o person_n shall_v desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o engross_v all_o the_o learning_n in_o the_o world_n to_o themselves_o make_v it_o serve_v like_o the_o egyptian_a hieroglyphic_n to_o amaze_v but_o not_o instruct_v or_o reform_v mankind_n and_o prevent_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n from_o make_v inquiry_n into_o truth_n which_o these_o fond_a admirer_n of_o themselves_o represent_v as_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v vast_o beyond_o their_o reach_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o know_v which_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v prostitute_v to_o they_o for_o my_o part_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v never_o justify_v nor_o easy_o extenuate_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o popish_a priest_n who_o forbid_v the_o laity_n to_o read_v even_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o if_o they_o be_v not_o render_v a_o mere_a nose_n of_o wax_n by_o their_o humane_a tradition_n and_o wrong_a interpretation_n be_v able_a under_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o make_v the_o injudicious_a and_o illiterate_a so_o wise_a as_o to_o secure_v the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n though_o not_o fit_a to_o dispute_v or_o manage_v a_o intriegue_n with_o subtle_a and_o design_v jesuit_n and_o can_v warm_v their_o heart_n with_o a_o much_o deep_a impression_n of_o the_o near_a relation_n in_o which_o they_o stand_v both_o to_o god_n and_o and_o to_o their_o neighbour_n and_o of_o those_o prudent_a method_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o take_v to_o perform_v their_o duty_n in_o the_o most_o pleasant_a and_o profitable_a manner_n than_o some_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a doctor_n of_o the_o sorbon_n can_v modest_o pretend_v to_o have_v and_o whether_o such_o person_n of_o intriegue_n dont_fw-fr discover_v as_o much_o ignorance_n as_o antichristian_a pride_n in_o take_v these_o irregular_a measure_n to_o gain_v the_o esteem_n and_o command_v the_o purse_n of_o the_o people_n to_o support_v the_o interest_n and_o raise_v the_o reputation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o many_o pious_a cheat_n to_o
because_o i_o love_v to_o cherish_v the_o tender_a concern_v which_o i_o natural_o have_v for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o general_n it_o will_v be_v very_o well_o but_o if_o they_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o this_o most_o reasonable_a and_o high_o necessary_a request_n which_o i_o make_v to_o they_o and_o run_v into_o their_o common_a cant_n and_o say_v do_v examine_v into_o matter_n but_o believe_v sure_o it_o be_v fit_a at_o least_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o tell_v i_o what_o notion_n they_o advance_v and_o whence_o their_o original_a be_v derive_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o those_o word_n not_o as_o if_o i_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o opinion_n which_o they_o hold_v do_v not_o a_o little_a savour_n of_o his_o usual_a presumption_n for_o if_o he_o have_v read_v the_o prophet_n which_o be_v full_a of_o very_o obscure_a hint_n mystical_a representation_n and_o expression_n that_o every_o one_o do_v it_o easy_o or_o perhaps_o tolerable_o understand_v and_o if_o he_o have_v careful_o and_o candid_o read_v the_o parable_n that_o be_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o those_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o jewish_a law_n and_o history_n and_o if_o have_v read_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n without_o a_o tincture_n of_o prejudice_n he_o have_v put_v himself_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o understand_v their_o genuine_a mean_v and_o full_a design_n he_o will_o with_o such_o a_o air_n of_o confidence_n have_v boast_v that_o he_o be_v perfect_o acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o opinion_n which_o the_o christian_n hold_v for_o no_o divine_a even_o among_o ourselves_o who_o constant_a laborious_a and_o almost_o entire_a employment_n it_o be_v to_o be_v conversant_a with_o those_o sacred_a write_n do_v dare_v to_o talk_v with_o such_o a_o air_n of_o vanity_n nor_o do_v any_o of_o we_o pretend_v to_o a_o perfect_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o opinion_n of_o plato_n aristotle_n epicurus_n or_o the_o stoic_n when_o even_o they_o who_o have_v undertake_v to_o interpret_v the_o write_n of_o these_o famous_a philosopher_n be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o differ_v among_o themselves_o and_o quarrel_n with_o each_o other_o but_o perhaps_o celsus_n may_v borrow_v this_o bold_a expression_n from_o some_o ignorant_a people_n who_o be_v not_o sensible_a that_o indeed_o they_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o and_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o these_o be_v the_o profound_a doctor_n if_o the_o truth_n be_v know_v to_o who_o he_o be_v indebt_v for_o that_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o which_o he_o make_v his_o boast_n and_o to_o i_o he_o seem_v to_o do_v just_a like_o one_o who_o travel_v into_o egypt_n where_o the_o learned_a clergy_n talk_v very_o philosophical_o concern_v their_o sacred_a rite_n but_o the_o common_a people_n be_v wonderful_o please_v with_o hear_v some_o dark_a fable_n relate_v to_o they_o the_o rational_a account_n of_o which_o they_o do_v it_o in_o the_o least_o understand_v do_v immediate_o hereupon_o imagine_v that_o he_o be_v perfect_o acquaint_v with_o the_o learning_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o egyptian_n though_o he_o never_o converse_v in_o a_o familiar_a manner_n with_o any_o of_o their_o priest_n or_o with_o any_o person_n that_o explain_v to_o he_o what_o be_v signify_v by_o their_o mysterious_a hieroglyphic_n and_o what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o the_o egyptian_n may_v as_o well_o be_v say_v of_o the_o persian_n syrian_n indian_n and_o all_o other_o nation_n that_o veil_v their_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v with_o significant_a but_o very_o mysterious_a ceremony_n chap._n xiii_o but_o since_o celsus_n have_v lay_v this_o down_o as_o one_o of_o the_o maxim_n of_o the_o christian_n that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o mischievous_a but_o folly_n be_v a_o most_o admirable_a and_o useful_a thing_n i_o answer_v he_o do_v fair_o represent_v the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n which_o run_v after_o the_o follow_a manner_n if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v wise_a in_o this_o world_n let_v 1_o cor._n three_o v._o 28_n he_o become_v a_o fool_n that_o he_o may_v be_v wise_a for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n he_o dont_fw-fr simple_o say_v that_o wisdom_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n but_o prudent_o confine_v his_o discourse_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o dont_fw-fr simple_o say_v if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v wise_a let_v he_o immediate_o become_v a_o fool_n but_o if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v wise_a in_o this_o world_n let_v he_o become_v a_o fool_n that_o he_o may_v be_v wise_a by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n i_o understand_v that_o vain_a philosophy_n in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v so_o just_o so_o frequent_o and_o so_o severe_o condemn_v and_o so_o folly_n be_v a_o most_o admirable_a and_o useful_a thing_n not_o strict_o consider_v but_o in_o this_o limit_a sense_n when_o a_o person_n become_v a_o fool_n in_o the_o esteem_n of_o this_o vain_a and_o degenerate_a world_n it_o be_v just_a the_o same_o thing_n as_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o platonic_n who_o believe_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o its_o transmigration_n have_v embrace_v ridiculous_a opinion_n that_o be_v they_o be_v such_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o stoic_n who_o endeavour_n to_o overthrow_v it_o and_o of_o the_o peripatetic_n who_o insult_v over_o plato_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o madman_n and_o of_o the_o epicurean_o who_o reproach_n they_o that_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o a_o overrule_a providence_n as_o be_v the_o unhappy_a author_n of_o all_o the_o wild_a superstition_n that_o be_v ever_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n and_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n i_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o though_o it_o be_v much_o better_a for_o they_o who_o have_v opportunity_n and_o capacity_n to_o build_v their_o faith_n on_o rational_a and_o convince_a argument_n than_o to_o take_v thing_n on_o trust_n yet_o our_o bless_a saviour_n will_v have_v person_n of_o mean_a capacity_n and_o under_o some_o peculiar_a circumstance_n to_o believe_v without_o a_o severe_a examination_n since_o otherwise_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v of_o any_o advantage_n to_o they_o so_o much_o be_v intimate_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n after_o that_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n i_o v._o 21._o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v hence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n ought_v to_o have_v know_v he_o and_o because_o they_o so_o gross_o fail_v herein_o it_o please_v god_n to_o save_v they_o who_o believe_v in_o the_o forementioned_a way_n viz._n by_o the_o preach_a of_o a_o doctrine_n which_o be_v foolishness_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o thousand_o even_o of_o judicious_a and_o learned_a person_n st._n paul_n himself_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o this_o when_o he_o use_v these_o word_n we_o preach_v christ_n 1_o cor._n i_o v._o 25._o crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n but_o to_o they_o who_o believe_v both_o jew_n and_o greek_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n chap._n fourteen_o and_o since_o celsus_n have_v reckon_v up_o several_a nation_n who_o agree_v in_o their_o opinion_n and_o i_o know_v not_o for_o what_o reason_n leave_v out_o the_o jew_n as_o if_o they_o hold_v none_o that_o do_v bear_v the_o least_o resemblance_n with_o those_o which_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n maintain_v i_o will_v ask_v he_o why_o he_o believe_v the_o account_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o historian_n both_o among_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n and_o disbelieve_v what_o be_v frequent_o and_o credible_o relate_v in_o the_o jewish_a history_n for_o if_o all_o other_o historian_n have_v give_v a_o faithful_a account_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o several_a nation_n from_o which_o they_o spring_v why_o shall_v the_o jewish_a writer_n be_v the_o only_a person_n in_o the_o world_n suspect_v of_o gross_a deceit_n and_o if_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v say_v many_o thing_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n may_v not_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n be_v charge_v upon_o all_o or_o far_o the_o great_a part_n of_o profane_a historian_n must_v we_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o annal_n of_o the_o egyptian_n which_o represent_v the_o jew_n as_o a_o strange_a sort_n of_o people_n and_o believe_v that_o all_o that_o the_o jew_n say_v against_o the_o egyptian_n viz._n that_o they_o treat_v they_o in_o a_o most_o barbarous_a manner_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v just_o and_o severe_o
celebrate_a author_n which_o you_o have_v reckon_v up_o have_v any_o tolerable_a effect_n especial_o on_o the_o common_a people_n since_z according_a to_o your_o own_o confession_n they_o be_v design_v for_o they_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_a allegory_n whereas_o moses_n act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o skilful_a and_o divine_a orator_n who_o make_v use_v of_o expression_n that_o admit_v of_o different_a sense_n neither_o give_v the_o laity_n among_o the_o jew_n a_o handle_n for_o the_o least_o irregularity_n in_o their_o moral_n nor_o want_v matter_n for_o the_o sublime_a speculation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v more_o judicious_a learned_a and_o inquisitive_a and_o i_o do_v see_v i_o confess_v that_o the_o work_n of_o your_o poet_n with_o all_o their_o wisdom_n be_v preserve_v what_o service_n soever_o they_o may_v do_v the_o public_a but_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n have_v prevail_v with_o they_o who_o opinion_n and_o custom_n be_v vast_o different_a from_o those_o which_o obtain_v among_o the_o jewish_a nation_n to_o believe_v that_o according_a to_o the_o account_n he_o give_v the_o law_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o be_v give_v he_o by_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o the_o glorious_a creator_n of_o the_o spacious_a universe_n for_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o dictares_fw-la of_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o since_o it_o be_v his_o will_n to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v carry_v along_o with_o they_o that_o force_n and_o efficacy_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o so_o ready_o and_o so_o universal_o to_o obtain_v this_o i_o say_v not_o examine_v at_o present_a what_o have_v a_o immediate_a relation_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o content_v myself_o with_o what_o relate_v to_o moses_n who_o though_o he_o come_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o holy_a and_o unspotted_a jesus_n do_v vast_o excel_v your_o most_o celebrate_a hero_n whether_o poet_n historian_n or_o philosopher_n chap._n xvii_o than_o celsus_n be_v desirous_a and_o even_o eager_a to_o cast_v a_o oblique_a reflection_n upon_o the_o account_n which_o moses_n give_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o who_o it_o want_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o the_o duration_n of_o ten_o thousand_o year_n discover_v himself_o though_o he_o do_v what_o he_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o conceal_v or_o dissemble_v his_o opinion_n to_o be_v one_o of_o they_o who_o hold_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o material_a world_n any_o judicious_a person_n may_v just_o and_o easy_o infer_v this_o from_o that_o passage_n of_o he_o there_o have_v be_v say_v he_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n many_o conflagration_n and_o inundation_n the_o last_o of_o which_o be_v deucalion_n be_v flood_n and_o that_o be_v of_o no_o early_a date_n let_v he_o therefore_o especial_o since_o he_o blame_v the_o christian_n for_o not_o build_v their_o faith_n on_o rational_a and_o solid_a ground_n acquaint_v i_o what_o demonstrative_a argument_n do_v of_o necessity_n induce_v he_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o have_v be_v several_a conflagration_n and_o inundation_n and_o that_o deucalion_n be_v be_v the_o late_a flood_n and_o phaeton_n conflagration_n the_o late_a that_o have_v ever_o happen_v and_o if_o he_o refer_v i_o to_o plato_n dialogue_n concern_v those_o matter_n i_o shall_v return_v he_o the_o follow_a answer_n that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o virtuous_a and_o refine_a soul_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v raise_v above_o all_o sensible_a object_n and_o all_o create_a being_n and_o have_v its_o entire_a and_o firm_a dependence_n upon_o god_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o enable_v he_o to_o set_v divine_a truth_n in_o a_o much_o clear_a light_n than_o plato_n or_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a sage_n whether_o greek_n or_o barbarian_n but_o perhaps_o he_o may_v demand_v of_o we_o what_o rational_a ground_n we_o have_v for_o such_o a_o belief_n as_o this_o if_o so_o let_v he_o first_o give_v we_o his_o reason_n for_o the_o opinion_n which_o he_o hold_v and_o advance_v even_o without_o the_o shadow_n of_o a_o demonstration_n and_o then_o i_o will_v undertake_v that_o he_o shall_v soon_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o our_o faith_n in_o this_o affair_n be_v build_v though_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o sore_o against_o his_o will_n he_o confess_v the_o world_n be_v of_o a_o modern_a date_n and_o not_o of_o the_o duration_n of_o ten_o thousand_o year_n when_o he_o say_v that_o these_o remarkable_a event_n be_v esteem_v ancient_a by_o the_o greek_n because_o the_o conflagration_n and_o inundation_n have_v be_v mean_n to_o bury_v in_o oblivion_n many_o considerable_a event_n of_o much_o great_a antiquity_n but_o let_v he_o if_o he_o please_v support_v his_o fabulous_a account_n of_o conflagration_n and_o inundation_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o egyptian_a doctor_n who_o in_o his_o opinion_n be_v the_o wise_a man_n that_o be_v ever_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n some_o footstep_n of_o who_o profound_a wisdom_n may_v be_v see_v in_o their_o pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o the_o brutus_n beast_n themselves_o and_o in_o those_o very_a argument_n which_o they_o bring_v to_o justify_v and_o recommend_v the_o symbolical_a rite_n that_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n the_o egyptian_n forsooth_o who_o endeavour_v to_o give_v some_o colour_n of_o reason_n for_o their_o mystical_a ceremony_n by_o their_o theological_a speculation_n must_v pass_v for_o man_n of_o most_o admirable_a wisdom_n but_o one_o who_o in_o observance_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n refer_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o bless_a god_n of_o who_o and_o through_o who_o and_o to_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n be_v more_o ignorant_a if_o we_o may_v give_v any_o heed_n to_o celsus_n and_o man_n of_o his_o unhappy_a principle_n than_o they_o who_o do_v it_o only_o dishonour_v the_o deity_n by_o pay_v divine_a adoration_n to_o creature_n endue_v with_o reason_n but_o even_o by_o pay_v it_o to_o those_o which_o be_v inanimate_a under_o a_o pretence_n of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o imaginary_a transmigration_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o they_o make_v to_o descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o pass_v into_o the_o bruit_n even_o into_o those_o of_o they_o which_o be_v of_o the_o most_o savage_a and_o cruel_a disposition_n and_o it_o seem_v the_o egyptian_n who_o hide_v their_o religion_n under_o the_o sacred_a veil_n of_o significant_a but_o obscure_a figure_n do_v challenge_n from_o we_o the_o profound_a reverence_n but_o moses_n forsooth_o who_o have_v write_v a_o faithful_a and_o useful_a history_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o leave_v they_o wholesome_a law_n for_o the_o regulation_n of_o their_o conduct_n both_o in_o a_o private_a and_o public_a capacity_n have_v only_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o celsus_n and_o the_o epicurean_o amuse_v they_o with_o empty_a and_o ridiculous_a fable_n that_o will_v not_o admit_v even_o of_o a_o allegorical_a interpretation_n chap._n xviii_o than_o he_o say_v that_o moses_n have_v borrow_a his_o opinion_n from_o this_o wise_a and_o eloquent_a people_n mean_v the_o egyptian_n get_v himself_o a_o prodigious_a and_o unaccountable_a name_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o if_o moses_n borrow_a some_o notion_n from_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o live_v in_o egypt_n before_o he_o and_o introduce_v they_o with_o some_o little_a difference_n or_o great_a improvement_n among_o his_o countryman_n the_o jew_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n he_o deserve_v to_o be_v blame_v severe_o if_o he_o have_v advance_v such_o notion_n as_o bear_v neither_o the_o character_n of_o truth_n nor_o wisdom_n but_o if_o he_o have_v embrace_v and_o teach_v those_o opinion_n which_o according_a to_o celsus_n own_o confession_n be_v both_o true_a and_o wise_a i_o can_v conceive_v that_o he_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n whereby_o he_o may_v just_o incur_v his_o censure_n i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o epicurus_n and_o aristotle_n who_o do_v not_o so_o direct_o and_o so_o gross_o deny_v a_o overrule_a providence_n as_o the_o other_o do_v i_o say_v i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o they_o and_o the_o stoic_n who_o hold_v that_o god_n be_v corporeal_a have_v be_v instruct_v in_o that_o heavenly_a doctrine_n that_o be_v deliver_v by_o moses_n that_o the_o world_n may_v not_o so_o much_o abound_v as_o it_o do_v with_o author_n that_o absolute_o deny_v a_o providence_n or_o confine_v it_o within_o very_o narrow_a bound_n or_o introduce_v a_o corporeal_a and_o corruptible_a principle_n insomuch_o that_o the_o stoic_n hold_v god_n himself_o to_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o matter_n and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o undergo_v the_o various_a change_n to_o which_o body_n be_v subject_a or_o that_o if_o he_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o be_v incorruptible_a it_o be_v
for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o object_n from_o without_o that_o have_v any_o power_n to_o corrupt_v he_o but_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o preserve_v the_o pure_a nature_n and_o immutability_n of_o god_n inviolable_a be_v esteem_v impious_a by_o celsus_n because_o it_o be_v most_o direct_o repugnant_a to_o those_o extravagant_a notion_n which_o great_o derogate_v from_o the_o infinite_a honour_n that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o supreme_a and_o adorable_a majesty_n and_o teach_v we_o when_o we_o address_v the_o throne_n of_o grace_n to_o say_v lord_n thou_o psal_n cii_o v._o 27._o be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o represent_v god_n acquaint_v we_o that_o he_o never_o mal._n iii._o u._n 6._o change_v then_o celsus_n not_o condemn_v circumcision_n which_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n say_v they_o borrow_a that_o custom_n from_o the_o egyptian_n and_o give_v great_a credit_n to_o the_o latter_a than_o he_o do_v to_o moses_n who_o assure_v we_o that_o abraham_n be_v the_o first_o person_n who_o bring_v circumcision_n into_o use_n and_o abraham_n name_n and_o his_o great_a familiarity_n with_o god_n be_v not_o only_o mention_v by_o moses_n in_o his_o write_n but_o also_o by_o the_o magician_n themselves_o who_o in_o the_o formulary_n of_o their_o own_o horrid_a devotion_n have_v this_o expression_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n signify_v thereby_o the_o intimacy_n that_o there_o be_v between_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o and_o this_o eminently-virtuous_a and_o holy_a man._n for_o it_o be_v on_o this_o account_n they_o perform_v their_o magical_a operation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n though_o they_o be_v far_o from_o know_v who_o this_o abraham_n be_v the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o isaac_n jacob_n or_o israel_n which_o though_o they_o be_v hebrew_n name_n be_v frequent_o make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o egyptian_n themselves_o who_o pretend_v they_o can_v do_v prodigious_a and_o even_o miraculous_a thing_n by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n but_o it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n at_o present_a to_o give_v any_o far_a account_n of_o circumcision_n which_o begin_v at_o abraham_n and_o be_v abolish_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n it_o will_v be_v more_o to_o my_o purpose_n to_o answer_v the_o severe_a accusation_n which_o celsus_n bring_v against_o the_o jewish_a religion_n in_o general_n who_o think_v he_o gain_v his_o point_n and_o effectual_o overthrow_v christianity_n if_o he_o can_v but_o make_v a_o successful_a attempt_n against_o the_o jewish_a system_n on_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v most_o evident_o build_v chap._n xix_o than_o he_o say_v that_o a_o company_n of_o man_n that_o look_v after_o sheep_n and_o goat_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o moses_n be_v so_o gross_o deceive_v by_o he_o that_o he_o make_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o other_o god_n but_o one_o let_v he_o show_v therefore_o since_o he_o think_v they_o do_v without_o just_a cause_n oppose_v the_o worship_n of_o a_o plurality_n of_o god_n i_o say_v let_v he_o show_v whether_o on_o rational_a ground_n he_o can_v establish_v the_o polytheism_n both_o of_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n let_v he_o show_v the_o substance_n and_o essence_n of_o mnemosyne_n on_o who_o jupiter_n beget_v the_o muse_n or_o of_o themis_n on_o who_o he_o beget_v the_o hour_n let_v he_o show_v the_o subsistence_n of_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v always_o represent_v naked_a but_o i_o be_o confident_a he_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o the_o god_n of_o the_o greek_n which_o have_v body_n attribute_v to_o they_o do_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o deitys_n for_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o we_o shall_v believe_v that_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o greek_n concern_v their_o pretend_a deity_n have_v any_o more_o truth_n or_o sense_n contain_v in_o they_o than_o those_o of_o the_o egyptian_n for_o instance_n who_o language_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o mnemosyne_n the_o mother_n of_o the_o muse_n or_o themis_n the_o mother_n of_o the_o hour_n or_o eurynome_n the_o mother_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o the_o like_a what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o these_o empty_a fiction_n that_o deserve_v to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o evidence_n and_o weight_n which_o that_o one_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o entire_a harmony_n of_o the_o seemingly-clashing_a part_n of_o the_o spacious_a universe_n do_v carry_v with_o it_o to_o prove_v the_o perfect_a unity_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o a_o piece_n of_o such_o divine_a architecture_n all_o the_o part_n of_o which_o how_o numerous_a soever_o and_o how_o distant_a and_o different_a soever_o from_o each_o other_o they_o may_v be_v have_v so_o admirable_a a_o agreement_n and_o so_o manifest_a direct_a and_o constant_a a_o subserviency_n to_o the_o advantage_n and_o ornament_n of_o the_o whole_a shall_v be_v make_v by_o several_a hand_n as_o it_o be_v not_o rational_a to_o think_v that_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n be_v cause_v by_o several_a soul_n since_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o more_o than_o one_o which_o make_v the_o vast_a expansam_fw-la to_o move_v from_o east_n to_o west_n contain_v within_o itself_o all_o those_o low_a thing_n which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o complete_a do_v nevertheless_o conduce_v to_o the_o wonderful_a harmony_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o surprise_v perfection_n of_o the_o universe_n for_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v circumscribe_v by_o the_o world_n be_v a_o part_n belong_v to_o it_o but_o god_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o part_n of_o any_o whole_a of_o what_o kind_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v for_o absolute_a perfection_n be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n whereas_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n how_o agreable_o soever_o they_o may_v strike_v upon_o our_o wonder_a sense_n and_o entertain_v even_o our_o noble_a power_n be_v natural_o evident_o and_o in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n very_o gross_o imperfect_a and_o if_o we_o carry_v our_o speculation_n a_o little_a far_o perhaps_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o as_o god_n be_v not_o a_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n so_o neither_o in_o propriety_n and_o strictness_n of_o speech_n can_v he_o be_v call_v a_o whole_a since_o we_o must_v avoidable_o suppose_v a_o whole_a to_o be_v compose_v of_o part_n and_o at_o least_o it_o be_v most_o high_o irrational_a to_o think_v that_o the_o great_a god_n have_v part_n any_o one_o of_o which_o have_v not_o a_o equal_a virtue_n and_o dignity_n with_o the_o rest_n chap._n xx._n than_o celsus_n say_v that_o these_o man_n who_o look_v after_o sheep_n and_o goat_n be_v unhappy_o prevail_v with_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o other_o god_n but_o one_o whether_o they_o call_v he_o the_o most_o high_a or_o adonai_n or_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n or_o sabaoth_v or_o whether_o they_o be_v please_v to_o give_v any_o other_o name_n to_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o boundary_a of_o their_o real_a knowledge_n he_o add_v it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n by_o what_o name_n the_o great_a god_n be_v call_v whether_o with_o the_o greek_n they_o call_v he_o jupiter_n or_o with_o the_o indian_n or_o egyptian_n call_v he_o by_o any_o other_o name_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o discourse_n of_o he_o do_v natural_o and_o avoidable_o lead_v i_o to_o a_o difficult_a and_o important_a question_n concern_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o name_n whether_o as_o aristotle_n think_v they_o depend_v entire_o on_o institution_n and_o choice_n or_o whither_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o stoic_n they_o have_v their_o foundation_n original_o lay_v in_o nature_n word_n be_v first_o form_v on_o the_o model_n of_o thing_n themselves_o in_o imitation_n of_o which_o name_n and_o the_o element_n of_o etymology_n be_v happy_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n or_o whither_o as_o epicurus_n think_v who_o differ_v from_o the_o stoic_n they_o have_v their_o foundation_n partly_o lay_v in_o nature_n and_o be_v partly_o owe_v to_o accident_n and_o contrivance_n the_o first_o man_n have_v undesigned_o affix_v such_o and_o such_o articulate_a sound_n to_o such_o and_o such_o object_n of_o which_o they_o have_v form_v and_o will_v convey_v a_o idea_n if_o therefore_o i_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o some_o name_n have_v a_o natural_a and_o by_o consequence_n a_o inseparable_a efficacy_n such_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o persian_n or_o the_o brahmin_n or_o samanaei_n of_o the_o indian_n or_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o any_o other_o nation_n do_v constant_o make_v use_n of_o and_o if_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o art_n which_o be_v common_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o magic_n be_v not_o absolute_o incongruous_a to_o reason_n as_o the_o
other_o innumerable_a excellency_n that_o adorn_v his_o person_n and_o may_v sufficient_o recommend_v he_o to_o the_o world_n he_o did'ned_a act_n like_o a_o tyrant_n who_o by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o prevail_a party_n take_v occasion_n to_o violate_v the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o land_n in_o which_o he_o live_v nor_o like_o a_o robber_n who_o come_v with_o arm_a man_n against_o they_o who_o innocent_o pass_v by_o the_o king_n highway_n about_o their_o necessary_a affair_n or_o like_o a_o wealthy_a man_n who_o by_o the_o help_n of_o bribe_n induce_v person_n to_o come_v over_o to_o his_o interest_n whether_o by_o right_n or_o wrong_n or_o like_o many_o other_o that_o may_v easy_o be_v mention_v who_o proceed_n do_v manifest_o deserve_v our_o censure_n but_o like_o one_o who_o come_v to_o teach_v a_o ignorant_a and_o degenerate_a world_n what_o thought_n they_o shall_v entertain_v of_o god_n and_o how_o they_o may_v so_o regulate_v their_o moral_n as_o to_o maintain_v a_o humble_a and_o familiar_a correspondence_n with_o his_o bless_a majesty_n and_o as_o for_o themistocles_n and_o several_a other_o person_n who_o gain_v a_o more_o than_o common_a reputation_n and_o do_v real_a and_o extraordinary_a service_n to_o their_o native_a country_n this_o must_v be_v say_v to_o draw_v a_o shade_n over_o their_o great_a glory_n that_o every_o thing_n seem_v to_o smile_v on_o their_o just_a and_o honourable_a attempt_n and_o as_o it_o be_v pave_v the_o way_n for_o their_o glorious_a victory_n and_o immortal_a triumph_n but_o as_o for_o our_o bless_a saviour_n beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v which_o upon_o the_o first_o view_n one_o will_v think_v be_v enough_o to_o have_v eternal_o conceal_v or_o shameful_o sully_v the_o name_n of_o the_o great_a hero_n that_o the_o world_n can_v ever_o boast_v of_o the_o ignominious_a death_n which_o he_o suffer_v on_o the_o cross_n if_o he_o have_v have_v the_o fair_a character_n will_v have_v give_v his_o follower_n just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v he_o of_o be_v a_o vile_a impostor_n if_o we_o may_v give_v any_o credit_n to_o our_o adversary_n or_o at_o least_o have_v draw_v a_o most_o dismal_a veil_n over_o the_o few_o bright_a and_o entertain_v scene_n of_o the_o most_o awful_a tragedy_n that_o be_v ever_o act_v chap._n xxviii_o and_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n that_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n who_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o enemy_n be_v not_o eye-witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o triumphant_a resurrection_n and_o see_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v common_a and_o even_o contemptible_a in_o his_o person_n shou'dned_a be_v afraid_a to_o imitate_v he_o in_o his_o suffering_n to_o encounter_v the_o most_o imminent_a and_o threat'ning_n danger_n and_o leave_v their_o native_a country_n to_o publish_v the_o doctrine_n which_o their_o crucified_a but_o bless_a lord_n have_v teach_v they_o for_o i_o believe_v that_o no_o person_n who_o lay_v aside_o his_o prejudice_n examine_v these_o matter_n due_o will_v say_v that_o they_o will_v ever_o have_v undergo_v the_o fatigue_n of_o ttinerant_n preach_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o vast_a obligation_n that_o lay_v upon_o they_o both_o from_o reason_n and_o gratitude_n not_o only_o to_o conform_v their_o manner_n to_o the_o holy_a precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o also_o to_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n to_o bring_v many_o other_o under_o the_o same_o honourable_a and_o happy_a bond_n when_o as_o matter_n go_v at_o that_o critical_a juncture_n they_o be_v sure_a to_o incur_v the_o displeasure_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n who_o be_v zealous_a for_o their_o ancient_a law_n and_o custom_n and_o can_o endure_v the_o least_o seem_a innovation_n especial_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o pompous_a ceremony_n of_o their_o religious_a worship_n but_o all_o these_o difficulty_n be_v light_a and_o trivial_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o those_o who_o have_v courage_n not_o only_o to_o prove_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v frequent_o and_o express_o foretell_v by_o their_o own_o prophetic_a oracle_n but_o also_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o other_o as_o occasion_n offer_v that_o this_o very_a person_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n who_o be_v crucify_v but_o other_o day_n and_o willing_o and_o even_o cheerful_o lay_v down_o his_o precious_a life_n for_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o man_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n though_o with_o unspeakable_a advantage_n in_o which_o some_o other_o have_v sacrifice_v all_o that_o be_v near_a and_o dear_a to_o they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o native_a country_n to_o free_v it_o from_o a_o rage_a pestilence_n a_o threat'ning_n famine_n or_o some_o violent_a impend_a tempest_n that_o great_o endanger_v ship_n and_o put_v a_o stop_v even_o to_o navigation_n which_o be_v so_o convenient_z and_o necessary_a for_o promote_a a_o advantageous_a trade_n into_o foreign_n and_o very_o distant_a part_n for_o there_o be_v some_o secret_a reason_n in_o nature_n which_o very_o few_o understand_v why_o the_o death_n of_o one_o virtuous_a man_n who_o ready_o suffer_v the_o great_a evil_n that_o can_v possible_o befall_v he_o for_o the_o real_a and_o perhaps_o last_a welfare_n of_o the_o place_n of_o his_o nativity_n shall_v destroy_v or_o at_o least_o severe_o check_v the_o usurp_a power_n of_o those_o infernal_a daemon_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o plague_n famine_n storm_n and_o the_o like_a evident_a and_o great_a disorder_n which_o frequent_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o they_o who_o dont_fw-fr believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n die_v for_o the_o general_a benefit_n of_o the_o humane_a race_n whether_o they_o will_v give_v easy_a credit_n to_o many_o history_n that_o be_v extant_a both_o of_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n which_o furnish_v we_o with_o frequent_a and_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o person_n who_o have_v free_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o who_o death_n have_v be_v happy_o instrumental_a to_o purge_v away_o those_o threat'ning_n and_o grievous_a calamity_n that_o infect_v city_n and_o perhaps_o whole_a nation_n or_o whither_o on_o the_o supposition_n that_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v in_o the_o least_o improbable_a that_o one_o clothe_v with_o humane_a nature_n shall_v be_v nail_v to_o a_o cross_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o before_o do_v often_o and_o too_o successful_o exercise_v a_o tyrannical_a power_n over_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o men._n our_o saviour_n disciple_n observe_v these_o thing_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n with_o which_o in_o all_o probability_n their_o prudent_a and_o indulgent_a master_n think_v fit_a to_o acquaint_v they_o and_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v not_o inspire_v with_o their_o unusual_a courage_n by_o the_o virgin_n which_o the_o poet_n speak_v of_o but_o by_o the_o true_a wisdom_n of_o god_n they_o make_v haste_n through_o the_o wide_a world_n their_o fame_n to_o spread_v hom._n il._n lib._n 5._o u._n 2_o chap._n xxix_o but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o return_v to_o the_o jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v who_o say_v that_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v big_a with_o child_n be_v divorce_v by_o her_o husband_n the_o carpenter_n for_o commit_v adultery_n with_o one_o panthera_n a_o soldier_n and_o be_v get_v with_o child_n by_o that_o scandalous_a wretch_n let_v we_o see_v therefore_o whether_o the_o inventor_n of_o this_o story_n do_v give_v a_o false_a and_o obscure_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o whether_o by_o all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o say_v they_o be_v able_a to_o overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n miraculous_a conception_n by_o the_o over-shadowing_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o so_o surprise_v a_o passage_n as_o this_o be_v may_v very_o easy_o be_v falsify_v and_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o though_o they_o be_v inward_o convince_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o conceive_v in_o the_o common_a way_n of_o humane_a generation_n and_o methinks_v it_o will_o have_v be_v incongruous_a at_o all_o that_o they_o who_o didn't_fw-mi believe_v or_o rather_o will_o acknowledge_v the_o miracle_n shall_v invent_v a_o fiction_n to_o serve_v their_o malicious_a and_o base_a design_n but_o to_o invent_v one_o that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v a_o plausible_a appearance_n that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o notorious_a untruth_n be_v to_o discover_v their_o weakness_n to_o they_o who_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n for_o do_v it_o stand_v to_o reason_n that_o one_o who_o be_v so_o useful_a to_o the_o world_n in_o general_n and_o express_v a_o most_o tender_a concern_v both_o for_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n that_o they_o may_v reform_v their_o manner_n from_o a_o sense_n
a_o divine_a original_a since_o they_o think_v it_o be_v fit_a that_o the_o body_n of_o those_o person_n who_o be_v not_o on_o a_o level_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n shall_v have_v some_o honourable_a mark_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o vulgar_a mortal_n and_o because_o celsus_n jew_n continue_v his_o discourse_n with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o ridicules_a the_o fiction_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o of_o his_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n and_o rank_n it_o among_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o greek_n concern_v danae_n menalippe_n auge_n and_o antiope_n i_o answer_v that_o such_o pityful_a drollery_n as_o this_o will_v look_v with_o a_o agreeable_a air_n in_o a_o merry_a andrew_n who_o gather_v a_o mob_n about_o he_o and_o play_v his_o monkey-trick_n on_o a_o stage_n but_o do_v at_o all_o become_v one_o who_o will_v treat_v of_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n with_o that_o gravity_n and_o seriousness_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n may_v just_o challenge_v from_o we_o chap._n xxxiii_o than_o celsus_n make_v mention_n of_o some_o thing_n relate_v to_o our_o saviour_n go_v into_o egypt_n refuse_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o those_o part_n of_o the_o history_n which_o contain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v supernatural_a as_o the_o angel_n warning_n joseph_n the_o repute_a father_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o do_v it_o examine_v whether_o his_o leave_v judaea_n and_o go_v into_o egypt_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o a_o allegorical_a sense_n but_o invent_v a_o occasion_n for_o his_o literal_a go_v thither_o and_o believe_v and_o acknowledge_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n which_o cause_v abundance_n of_o people_n to_o flock_v to_o he_o esteem_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n but_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n and_o be_v far_o from_o be_v proof_n of_o a_o divine_a commission_n he_o say_v that_o have_v be_v private_o educate_v he_o be_v force_v to_o work_v in_o egypt_n and_o have_v learn_v those_o art_n for_o which_o that_o nation_n be_v so_o famous_a he_o return_v into_o his_o own_o country_n and_o give_v out_o that_o he_o be_v god_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v conceive_v that_o a_o magician_n will_v so_o industrious_o promote_v a_o religion_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o have_v a_o strict_a eye_n to_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n especial_o when_o we_o take_v any_o serious_a affair_n in_o hand_n nor_o can_v we_o think_v that_o he_o will_v take_v such_o care_n to_o inculcate_v that_o awful_a solemnity_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o apostle_n who_o he_o design_v to_o employ_v in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v he_o a_o person_n of_o so_o infamous_a a_o character_n for_o either_o they_o wrought_v miracle_n or_o they_o do_v not_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v they_o do_v no_o miracle_n at_o all_o but_o bare_o rely_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o doctrine_n which_o do_v not_o like_o the_o logic_n of_o the_o school_n recommend_v itself_o to_o carnal_a reason_n have_v the_o courage_n to_o promote_v a_o new_a discountenance_a religion_n and_o if_o they_o wrought_v miracle_n do_v it_o stand_v to_o reason_n that_o a_o company_n of_o magician_n shall_v agree_v to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o imminent_a danger_n and_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n imaginable_a to_o promote_v a_o doctrine_n that_o condemn_v the_o use_n of_o the_o very_a art_n they_o practise_v but_o it_o will_v be_v loss_n of_o time_n to_o confute_v this_o discourse_n of_o celsus_n which_o have_v nothing_o but_o perhaps_o a_o little_a witty_a drollery_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o palate_n of_o the_o unwary_a and_o less_o judicious_a reader_n chap._n xxxiv_o he_o go_v on_o in_o the_o same_o comical_a and_o bantering_a strain_n if_o the_o mother_n of_o jesus_n say_v he_o be_v a_o celebrate_a beauty_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n the_o great_a god_n be_v please_v to_o admit_v she_o to_o his_o passionate_a embrace_n one_o will_v think_v that_o so_o excellent_a a_o be_v be_v of_o too_o pure_a a_o nature_n to_o be_v captivate_v by_o the_o charm_n of_o a_o frail_a and_o humane_a body_n however_o he_o can_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o a_o more_o improper_a person_n viz._n one_o who_o have_v neither_o a_o great_a fortune_n nor_o noble_a birth_n to_o recommend_v she_o but_o lead_v so_o obscure_a a_o life_n that_o she_o be_v scarce_o know_v by_o those_o who_o be_v her_o near_a neighbour_n chap._n xxxv_o he_o continue_v his_o raillery_n and_o say_v that_o when_o her_o husband_n the_o carpenter_n come_v to_o hate_v she_o and_o sue_v for_o a_o divorce_n all_o that_o she_o have_v to_o plead_v in_o she_o own_o behalf_n be_v ineffectual_a to_o redress_v her_o grievance_n nor_o do_v the_o great_a god_n see_v fit_a as_o much_o as_o you_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v he_o love_v she_o to_o engage_v his_o power_n to_o protect_v she_o from_o threat'ning_n danger_n even_o in_o her_o native_a country_n therefore_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o have_v the_o least_o reference_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n but_o this_o language_n be_v just_a like_o that_o of_o a_o company_n of_o person_n scold_v in_o the_o open_a street_n who_o vent_v their_o passion_n without_o the_o least_o regard_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n or_o civility_n chap._n xxxvi_o than_o take_v some_o thing_n out_o of_o st._n mathew_n gospel_n or_o perhaps_o out_o of_o some_o of_o the_o other_o evangelist_n concern_v the_o dove_n that_o descend_v upon_o our_o saviour_n at_o his_o baptism_n he_o will_v fain_o have_v the_o whole_a account_n to_o pass_v for_o a_o false_a and_o trifle_a story_n and_o have_v say_v enough_o as_o he_o imagine_v to_o prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n wa_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n he_o continue_v his_o discourse_n but_o do_v treat_v of_o thing_n in_o the_o order_n of_o time_n in_o which_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o inveterate_a malice_n can_v never_o endure_v to_o be_v confine_v to_o a_o regular_a method_n and_o talk_v like_o those_o shatter-brained_a fellow_n who_o heat_n and_o undue_a passion_n do_v so_o transport_v they_o beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o reason_n that_o they_o do_v stick_n to_o say_v whatever_o come_v into_o their_o mind_n and_o so_o be_v hinder_v from_o manage_v in_o a_o become_a way_n the_o several_a head_n of_o severe_a but_o unjust_a accusation_n which_o they_o bring_v against_o their_o adversary_n with_o a_o air_n of_o vanity_n and_o insolence_n for_o had'ned_a he_o be_v great_o want_v in_o the_o pretend_a method_n he_o observe_v he_o will_v have_v trace_v the_o history_n from_o its_o very_a original_a since_o his_o intention_n be_v to_o expose_v it_o to_o contempt_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o mighty_a celsus_n who_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o his_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n after_o he_o have_v finish_v his_o discourse_n concern_v our_o saviour_n birth_n immediate_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n at_o his_o baptism_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n then_o he_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v his_o incarnation_n after_o that_o he_o return_v to_o what_o immediate_o follow_v his_o nativity_n viz._n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o star_n that_o appear_v and_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o come_v from_o the_o east_n to_o worship_v he_o but_o any_o diligent_a reader_n may_v save_v i_o the_o labour_n of_o show_v how_o confuse_a celsus_n be_v throughout_o the_o whole_a of_o his_o book_n and_o this_o one_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o person_n who_o love_v exactness_n of_o method_n that_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o arrogance_n in_o he_o to_o give_v his_o book_n the_o title_n of_o a_o true_a relation_n and_o be_v a_o strain_n of_o vanity_n perhaps_o beyond_o most_o philosopher_n that_o ever_o go_v before_o he_o plato_n say_v that_o it_o do_v become_v the_o character_n of_o a_o man_n famous_a for_o wisdom_n to_o be_v positive_a in_o matter_n which_o be_v involve_v in_o very_o great_a obscurity_n and_o chrysippus_n after_o he_o have_v give_v the_o reason_n that_o induce_v he_o to_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o opinion_n do_v modest_o refer_v we_o to_o those_o person_n who_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o exact_a account_n but_o this_o mighty_a man_n be_v much_o wise_a i_o suppose_v than_o plato_n chrysippus_n and_o all_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n give_v his_o book_n the_o engage_v title_n of_o a_o true_a relation_n which_o suit_v well_o enough_o i_o confess_v with_o his_o boast_v that_o he_o didn't_fw-mi want_n to_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o opinion_n which_o the_o christian_n hold_v but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o i_o pass_v by_o what_o he_o say_v for_o want_v of_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o
reason_n than_o you_o can_v say_v it_o of_o yourself_o and_o seem_v to_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o person_n to_o who_o this_o prophecy_n may_v fit_o be_v apply_v as_o well_o in_o all_o respect_n as_o to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n he_o say_v several_a enthusiast_n and_o impostor_n have_v claim_v the_o venerable_a title_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o have_v say_v that_o they_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n though_o i_o know_v not_o what_o ground_n he_o can_v have_v for_o use_v this_o expression_n since_o the_o jew_n do_v strong_o deny_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o several_a prophet_n have_v prophesy_v in_o a_o different_a manner_n concern_v the_o messiah_n some_o by_o obscure_a and_o almost_o unintelligible_a hint_n other_o by_o allegory_n and_o some_o in_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o express_a term_n imaginable_a and_o because_o celsus_n discover_v his_o malice_n and_o excessive_a heat_n in_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n where_o the_o jew_n speak_v to_o those_o of_o his_o own_o nation_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n have_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v that_o the_o prophecy_n which_o be_v apply_v to_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v otherwise_o and_o much_o better_o accommodate_v i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a at_o present_a to_o instance_n in_o some_o few_o of_o they_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a and_o here_o let_v any_o person_n employ_v his_o utmost_a skill_n i_o defy_v he_o to_o shock_v the_o faith_n of_o any_o judicious_a and_o establish_v christian_n as_o for_o the_o place_n of_o our_o saviour_n nativity_n it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o ruler_n shall_v come_v forth_o from_o bethlehem_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n but_o thou_o bethlehem_n mica_n v._o v._n 2._o ephratah_n though_o thou_o be_v little_a among_o the_o thousand_o of_o judah_n yet_o out_o of_o thou_o shall_v he_o come_v forth_o unto_o i_o who_o be_v to_o be_v ruler_n in_o israel_n who_o go_n forth_o have_v be_v from_o of_o old_a from_o everlasting_a this_o prophecy_n can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v apply_v to_o those_o enthusiast_n and_o impostor_n as_o celsus_n call_v they_o who_o say_v they_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n unless_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v come_v forth_o from_o bethlehem_n to_o be_v ruler_n of_o the_o people_n as_o for_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n if_o any_o person_n be_v dissatisfy_v with_o the_o prophecy_n of_o micah_n and_o the_o account_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o evangelist_n let_v he_o only_o consider_v that_o the_o cave_n in_o which_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o the_o manger_n in_o which_o he_o lay_v be_v to_o be_v see_v at_o the_o fore_n mention_v place_n to_o this_o very_a day_n and_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o well_o know_v and_o so_o credible_o attest_v that_o even_o they_o who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v frequent_o hear_v to_o say_v here_o be_v the_o cave_n in_o which_o that_o jesus_n who_o be_v worship_v by_o the_o christian_n be_v bear_v and_o it_o be_v my_o opinion_n that_o before_o our_o saviour_n do_v make_v his_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n the_o chief_a priest_n and_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o people_n open_o confess_v and_o teach_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n and_o that_o even_o the_o common_a people_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v acquaint_v with_o this_o prophecy_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o express_a and_o very_o familiar_a term_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o herod_n inquire_v of_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_z scribes_z where_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v bear_v receive_v this_o answer_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n in_o the_o land_n of_o judaea_n which_o be_v honour_v by_o be_v the_o place_n from_o which_o no_o less_o a_o person_n than_o king_n david_n himself_o do_v spring_v beside_o we_o read_v in_o st._n john_n gospel_n that_o the_o jew_n say_v that_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n which_o be_v in_o the_o native_a country_n of_o the_o forementioned_a king_n but_o when_o our_o saviour_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n those_o person_n who_o leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a to_o oppose_v the_o religion_n which_o he_o introduce_v do_v no_o long_o teach_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n plain_o show_v they_o belong_v to_o the_o fame_n wretched_a fraternity_n with_o they_o who_o prevail_v with_o the_o soldier_n who_o be_v appoint_v to_o guard_v the_o sepulchre_n and_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o triumphant_a resurrection_n to_o say_v his_o disciple_n come_v by_o night_n and_o steal_v matthew_n â—xv_v i._n v._n 13._o v._o 14._o he_o away_o while_o we_o sleep_v and_o say_v to_o they_o if_o this_o come_v to_o the_o governor_n ear_n we_o will_v persuade_v he_o and_o secure_v you_o such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o prejudice_n and_o the_o love_n of_o opposition_n that_o it_o often_o happen_v that_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o most_o apparent_a truth_n and_o be_v loath_a to_o endure_v the_o shame_n which_o attend_v a_o recantation_n of_o those_o false_a and_o dangerous_a principle_n which_o we_o have_v once_o embrace_v and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v every_o jot_n as_o easy_a to_o leave_v any_o bad_a habit_n that_o we_o have_v unhappy_o contract_v though_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v root_v in_o our_o very_a nature_n as_o to_o leave_v the_o opinion_n which_o we_o former_o hold_v and_o which_o be_v very_o dear_a and_o extreme_o familiar_a to_o we_o it_o be_v well_o know_v we_o do_v with_o a_o kind_a of_o secret_a reluctancy_n forsake_v those_o house_n city_n and_o village_n which_o by_o our_o long_a and_o delightful_a continuance_n in_o they_o have_v render_v themselves_o familiar_a and_o even_o natural_a to_o we_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o unaccountable_a prejudice_n even_o the_o common_a people_n among_o the_o jew_n will_o shut_v their_o eve_n as_o they_o manifest_o do_v against_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o scripture-prophecy_n nor_o deny_v the_o extraordinary_a and_o often_o miraculous_a circumstance_n which_o attend_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o that_o prejudice_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a infirmity_n which_o our_o mind_n can_v possible_o labour_v under_o be_v plain_a to_o they_o who_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v with_o no_o small_a difficulty_n and_o regret_n that_o we_o leave_v the_o opinion_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o our_o parent_n though_o perhaps_o they_o may_v be_v such_o as_o on_o mature_a deliberation_n do_v cover_v we_o with_o the_o deep_a shame_n and_o fill_v we_o with_o vexation_n and_o confusion_n so_o talk_v to_o a_o egyptian_a till_o your_o heart_n do_v ache_v and_o your_o breath_n fail_v you_o yet_o he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o renounce_v his_o religion_n that_o he_o will_v persist_v in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a with_o great_a obstinacy_n than_o before_o and_o rather_o die_v than_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o horrid_a a_o profanation_n as_o he_o account_v it_o to_o eat_v and_o pollute_v the_o sacred_a flesh_n of_o animal_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o dwell_v the_o long_o on_o this_o subject_a that_o so_o we_o may_v return_v a_o solid_a answer_n to_o they_o who_o perhaps_o may_v not_o stick_v to_o say_v if_o the_o prophecy_n have_v so_o plain_a a_o reference_n to_o your_o saviour_n as_o you_o say_v they_o have_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o jew_n who_o wisdom_n you_o so_o high_o value_v do_v embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o well_o and_o as_o ready_o as_o you_o and_o regulate_v their_o practice_n by_o those_o precept_n which_o christ_n in_o some_o sense_n have_v leave_v behind_o he_o but_o let_v none_o reproach_v we_o as_o if_o we_o be_v so_o wretched_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o discern_v the_o sophistry_n of_o so_o weak_a a_o argument_n since_o some_o and_o i_o hope_v many_o of_o we_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v upon_o occasion_n that_o christianity_n be_v build_v on_o the_o most_o rational_a and_o solid_a ground_n or_o reflect_v upon_o we_o as_o if_o we_o be_v accountable_a for_o the_o monstrous_a blindness_n and_o extravagant_a practice_n of_o the_o jew_n chap._n xliii_o i_o may_v if_o it_o be_v necessary_a instance_n in_o another_o prophecy_n that_o be_v write_v many_o age_n before_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o which_o jacob_n prophecy_v concern_v all_o his_o child_n and_o speak_v concern_v judah_n have_v these_o remarkable_a word_n the_o sceptre_n gen._n xlix_o v._o 10._o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n nor_o a_o lawgiver_n from_o between_o his_o foot_n till_o shiloh_n come_v and_o unto_o he_o shall_v the_o gather_v of_o the_o people_n be_v
passage_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o who_o speak_v those_o word_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n be_v not_o circumscribe_v within_o the_o narrow_a limit_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n john_n the_o baptist_n foretell_v that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v make_v his_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n speak_v of_o he_o as_o a_o person_n that_o be_v omnipresent_v there_o stand_v one_o among_o john_n 1_n v._o 26._o 27._o you_o say_v he_o who_o you_o know_v not_o he_o it_o be_v who_o come_v after_o i_o be_v before_o i_o now_o be_v it_o probable_a or_o even_o possible_a he_o shall_v apply_v these_o word_n to_o our_o saviour_n body_n or_o his_o humane_a soul_n and_o our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o raise_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o disciple_n to_o more_o sublime_a thought_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n make_v use_n of_o the_o follow_a expression_n where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v ma._n xviii_o v._o 20._o together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o there_o be_v another_o promise_n that_o be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o import_n which_o he_o make_v to_o his_o disciple_n lo_o i_o be_o with_o mat._n 28._o v._o 20._o you_o always_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o hope_v the_o reader_n will_v not_o misunderstand_v i_o as_o if_o i_o say_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v in_o the_o least_o interfere_v with_o that_o intimate_a and_o glorious_a union_n that_o there_o be_v between_o the_o humanity_n of_o the_o incarnate_a jesus_n and_o the_o mysterious_a person_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n for_o if_o st._n paul_n teach_v we_o that_o he_o that_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o spirit_n 1._o cor._n 6._o v._o 17._o certain_o they_o that_o understand_v this_o doctrine_n will_v ready_o allow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o close_o and_o more_o divine_a union_n between_o the_o word_n and_o it_o be_v assume_v humanity_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v abundant_o discover_v that_o he_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o power_n of_o god_n by_o the_o frequent_a and_o uncontested_a miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v even_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o jew_n though_o they_o profess_v to_o entertain_v a_o most_o unaccountable_a notion_n i_o can_v imagine_v for_o my_o part_n that_o it_o shall_v ever_o enter_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n that_o he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o celsus_n we_o know_v ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n but_o our_o saviour_n abundant_o confute_v this_o absurd_a conceit_n by_o show_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n be_v go_v to_o suffer_v a_o most_o violent_a shock_n as_o evident_o appear_v to_o they_o who_o read_v the_o gospel_n with_o any_o tolerable_a share_n of_o judgement_n let_v celsus_n show_v if_o he_o can_v wherein_o our_o saviour_n fail_v in_o his_o great_a design_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o bring_v convince_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o even_a probability_n of_o what_o he_o offer_v but_o this_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v be_v what_o he_o will_v scarce_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v since_o the_o objection_n that_o he_o raise_v against_o we_o be_v found_v for_o the_o most_o part_n on_o some_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v gross_o misunderstand_v by_o he_o or_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v shameful_o misapply_v or_o some_o fabulous_a account_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o unhappy_a but_o fruitful_a invention_n of_o the_o jew_n chap._n xii_o but_o because_o celsus_n jew_n affirm_v that_o he_o be_v convict_v and_o condemn_v after_o a_o legal_a process_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v how_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a when_o it_o be_v plain_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n that_o his_o enemy_n be_v very_o zealous_a in_o suborn_v false_a witness_n against_o he_o perhaps_o they_o will_v fain_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v convict_v because_o his_o accuser_n take_v great_a advantage_n against_o he_o by_o that_o innocent_a and_o just_a expression_n of_o he_o i_o be_o able_a to_o destroy_v the_o temple_n of_o mat._n twenty-five_o v._n 6._o 1_o god_n and_o to_o build_v it_o in_o three_o day_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o he_o speak_v these_o word_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o his_o body_n but_o they_o not_o know_v his_o design_n imagine_v that_o they_o have_v a_o reference_n to_o their_o material_a and_o pompous_a temple_n for_o which_o they_o plain_o discover_v a_o far_o great_a veneration_n than_o for_o that_o glorious_a and_o adorable_a temple_n wherein_o the_o eternal_a word_n the_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n do_v personal_o though_o mysterious_o reside_v but_o since_o celsus_n jew_n insult_v over_o we_o because_o our_o saviour_n be_v take_v i_o grant_v he_o be_v but_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o wa_v do_v without_o his_o own_o consent_n for_o when_o his_o time_n be_v come_v he_o surrender_v himself_o as_o a_o easy_a prey_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o barbarous_a enemy_n and_o abundant_o make_v good_a the_o character_n which_o be_v give_v he_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n behold_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o john_n i._n v._o 28._o world_n this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o jesus_n therefore_o know_v say_v he_o all_o thing_n that_o shall_v joh._n xviii_o v._n 4_o etc_o etc_o come_v upon_o he_o go_v forth_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o who_o seek_v you_o they_o answer_v he_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n jesus_n say_v unto_o they_o i_o be_o he_o and_o judas_n also_o which_o betray_v he_o stand_v with_o they_o as_o soon_o then_o as_o he_o have_v say_v unto_o they_o i_o be_o he_o they_o go_v backward_o and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n then_o ask_v he_o they_o again_o who_o seek_v you_o and_o they_o say_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n jesus_n answer_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o i_o be_o he_o if_o therefore_o you_o seek_v i_o let_v these_o go_v their_o way_n and_o when_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n stand_v by_o and_o smite_v the_o ear_n of_o the_o high-priest_n servant_n he_o say_v put_v up_o thy_o sword_n into_o its_o place_n for_o all_o they_o that_o take_v the_o sword_n shall_v perish_v by_o the_o sword_n think_v thou_o that_o i_o can_v now_o pray_v unto_o my_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v present_o give_v i_o more_o than_o twelve_o legion_n of_o angel_n but_o how_o then_o shall_v the_o scripture_n be_v fulfil_v that_o thus_o it_o must_v be_v now_o if_o any_o person_n shall_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o these_o be_v only_a fiction_n of_o the_o evangelist_n have_v we_o not_o reason_n on_o the_o contrary_a to_o think_v our_o adversary_n have_v be_v gross_o guilty_a of_o that_o practice_n with_o which_o they_o charge_v the_o christian_n that_o so_o they_o may_v vent_v their_o implacable_a malice_n against_o all_o those_o who_o profess_v to_o be_v the_o follower_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o those_o thing_n be_v most_o certain_o true_a which_o be_v relate_v by_o person_n who_o integrity_n do_v abundant_o appear_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o dreadful_a calamity_n to_o which_o they_o know_v their_o religion_n do_v so_o manifest_o expose_v they_o for_o we_o can_v conceive_v that_o the_o follower_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n shall_v embrace_v the_o most_o shameful_a and_o painful_a death_n with_o undaunted_a courage_n and_o heroic_a constancy_n have_v they_o be_v the_o scandalous_a inventor_n of_o the_o history_n which_o they_o transmit_v to_o posterity_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v esteem_v they_o to_o be_v person_n who_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o importance_n of_o what_o they_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n since_o they_o know_v by_o observation_n and_o experience_n that_o scorn_v and_o infamy_n be_v the_o shock_n attendant_n and_o persecution_n and_o death_n almost_o the_o natural_a and_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o the_o glorious_a profession_n which_o they_o make_v of_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n chap._n xiii_o what_o the_o pretend_a jew_n say_v far_a viz._n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v betray_v by_o his_o own_o disciple_n he_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o evangelist_n with_o this_o little_a difference_n that_o whereas_o they_o acquaint_v we_o that_o he_o be_v betray_v by_o judas_n he_o choose_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n that_o his_o objection_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v the_o great_a force_n but_o hasn_v the_o curiosity_n i_o will_v not_o say_v the_o conscience_n to_o inquire_v narrow_o into_o the_o account_n which_o we_o have_v of_o judas_n who_o heart_n be_v miserable_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 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man_n after_o they_o for_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o admonish_v they_o to_o avoid_v every_o trisling_a and_o conceit_a impostor_n he_o direct_v his_o discourse_n to_o they_o after_o the_o follow_a manner_n if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n or_o there_o believe_v it_o not_o for_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o they_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect._n behold_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o wherefore_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o behold_v he_o be_v in_o the_o desert_n go_v not_o forth_o behold_v he_o be_v in_o the_o secret_a chamber_n believe_v it_o not_o for_o as_o the_o lightning_n come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n and_o shine_v even_o unto_o the_o west_n so_o shall_v also_o the_o come_v of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v in_o another_o place_n he_o have_v the_o follow_a word_n many_o will_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v to_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_v iniquity_n but_o celsus_n confound_v the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o the-enchantment_n of_o man_n break_v out_o into_o the_o follow_a exclamation_n oh_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n he_o himself_z dont_fw-fr stick_n to_o acquaint_v we_o as_o even_o your_o own_o write_n inform_v we_o that_o many_o shall_v come_v and_o do_v the_o same_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o he_o and_o on_o that_o very_a score_n oh_o monstrous_a impudence_n he_o charge_v they_o with_o be_v wicked_a man_n and_o notorious_a and_o vile_a impostor_n and_o say_v that_o satan_n will_v be_v the_o original_a author_n of_o their_o curse_a arts._n so_o that_o he_o himself_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o bear_v the_o stamp_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n that_o it_o be_v owe_v to_o a_o dishonourable_a and_o unhappy_a source_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o truth_n do_v in_o the_o very_a same_o breath_n condemn_v their_o miracle_n and_o his_o own_o now_o i_v it_o a_o most_o intolerable_a thing_n that_o from_o the_o very_a same_o action_n he_o by_o all_o mean_n must_v be_v denominate_v a_o god_n and_o other_o be_v brand_v with_o the_o infamous_a title_n of_o magician_n so_o that_o his_o own_o mouth_n condemn_v he_o and_o we_o ha'n_v more_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v wicked_a man_n than_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v one_o of_o the_o vile_a person_n upon_o earth_n for_o he_o have_v plain_o tell_v we_o that_o action_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v certain_a indication_n of_o the_o most_o notorious_a deceit_n and_o impiety_n and_o not_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n accompany_v the_o person_n who_o perform_v they_o but_o here_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o observe_v celsus_n malicious_a misrepresentation_n of_o matter_n since_o our_o saviour_n language_n be_v vast_o different_a from_o what_o the_o pretend_a jew_n will_v fain_o have_v it_o to_o be_v perhaps_o he_o may_v have_v have_v some_o plausible_a pretence_n sore_o his_o profane_a discourse_n if_o our_o saviour_n have_v admonish_v his_o disciple_n to_o avoid_v all_o those_o who_o shall_v make_v their_o boast_n of_o miracle_n and_o have_v infinuate_v nothing_o of_o the_o unjust_a claim_n they_o lay_v to_o the_o title_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n but_o since_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o they_o give_v out_o they_o be_v the_o christ_n which_o i_o think_v be_v a_o profession_n that_o magician_n do_v common_o make_v and_o since_o we_o be_v tell_v they_o shall_v be_v person_n of_o very_o loose_a moral_n and_o shall_v work_v such_o miracle_n as_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o those_o which_o be_v wrought_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n in_o this_o very_a affair_n be_v so_o far_o from_o carry_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o least_o imposture_n that_o to_o i_o it_o be_v asleep_o convince_v argument_n that_o both_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n wrought_v their_o miracle_n by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o other_o who_o be_v act_v by_o satan_n do_v only_o counterfeit_v the_o glorious_a action_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o so_o prevail_v with_o some_o delude_a person_n to_o believe_v that_o their_o high_a pretension_n be_v most_o just_a and_o reasonable_a the_o apostle_n paul_n acquaint_v we_o how_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o son_n of_o perdition_n shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o exalt_v himself_o above_o 2_o these_o 2._o v._o 3._o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n or_o worship_v so_o that_o as_o god_n he_o sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n show_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v god._n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o say_v now_o you_o know_v what_o withhold_v that_o he_o may_v ibid._n v._o 6_o be_v reveal_v in_o his_o time_n for_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n do_v already_o work_v only_o he_o who_o now_o let_v will_v let_v until_o he_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o then_o shall_v that_o wicked_a one_o be_v reveal_v who_o the_o lord_n shall_v consume_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o shall_v destroy_v with_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_v even_o he_o who_o come_v be_v after_o the_o work_v of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o vnrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n will_v suffer_v he_o to_o act_v his_o hellish_a part_n upon_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n viz._n because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o vnrighteousness_n now_o let_v any_o one_o show_n with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v do_v by_o such_o wicked_a artifice_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o and_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o read_v the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n concern_v antichrist_n but_o celsus_n represent_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o a_o disadvantage_n when_o he_o make_v he_o say_v that_o many_o shall_v come_v after_o he_o who_o shall_v do_v the_o very_a same_o miracle_n with_o those_o which_o he_o wrought_v himself_o and_o yet_o be_v wicked_a person_n and_o notorious_a impostor_n for_o as_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o diabolical_a power_n by_o which_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o egyptian_n be_v act_v and_o the_o divine_a assistance_n which_o moses_n have_v when_o he_o wrought_v his_o miracle_n the_o event_n sufficient_o prove_v that_o what_o the_o former_a do_v be_v mere_o owe_v to_o the_o force_n of_o their_o curse_a enehantmenss_n and_o what_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o latter_a be_v manifest_o owe_v to_o the_o inflvence_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n so_o there_o be_v the_o same_o between_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o those_o of_o antichrist_n and_o his_o confederate_n who_o counterfeit_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o follower_n which_o have_v a_o most_o wonderful_a and_o happy_a issue_n mankind_n be_v thereby_o induce_v to_o embrace_v the_o best_a religion_n that_o be_v ever_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n celsus_n i_o confess_v discover_v that_o he_o i_v entire_o ignorant_a of_o the_o scripture_n when_o he_o make_v our_o saviour_n say_v that_o satan_n will_v be_v the_o original_a author_n of_o that_o curse_a art_n by_o which_o false_a prophet_n will_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n but_o be_v a_o little_a too_o hasty_a in_o draw_v his_o pretend_a consequence_n viz._n our_o saviour_n miracle_n even_o according_a to_o his_o own_o free_a confession_n do_v bear_v no_o stamp_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n but_o be_v such_o work_n as_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v it_o seem_v by_o some_o of_o the_o vile_a person_n that_o ever_o breathe_v on_o earth_n for_o he_o make_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o between_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v homogeneous_a and_o those_o that_o be_v heterogeneous_a as_o logician_n call_v they_o between_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o and_o thing_n of_o a_o very_a different_a kind_a now_o as_o a_o wolf_n and_o a_o dog_n do_v wide_o differ_v though_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o considerable_a resemblance_n between_o they_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o shape_n and_o tone_n of_o voice_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o a_o stock-dove_n and_o a_o pigeon_n so_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n be_v not_o of_o
the_o same_o kind_n with_o what_o be_v perform_v by_o a_o power_n that_o be_v truly-supernatural_a and_o divine_a and_o if_o such_o wonderful_a thing_n even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o celsus_n be_v do_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o infernal_a spirit_n may_v we_o not_o rational_o suppose_v that_o thing_n that_o be_v much_o more_o unaccountable_a may_v be_v easy_o do_v by_o the_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o the_o everblessed_n god_n shall_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a be_v find_v among_o man_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v truly-good_a be_v banish_v from_o the_o world_n i_o think_v there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o general_n and_o most_o excellent_a maxim_n that_o wherever_o there_o be_v any_o real_a evil_n under_o the_o disguise_n of_o some_o real_a good_a the_o opposite_a good_a must_v at_o least_o be_v equal_a to_o it_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o degree_n and_o thus_o we_o may_v strong_o argue_v from_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n to_o such_o as_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o special_a assistance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o we_o must_v either_o deny_v that_o any_o good_a or_o evil_a be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n or_o on_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o latter_a must_v allow_v the_o former_a and_o perhaps_o if_o we_o grant_v the_o former_a we_o must_v affirm_v the_o latter_a or_o at_o least_o on_o the_o supposition_n of_o any_o real_a evil_n must_v allow_v a_o equal_a proportion_n of_o that_o real_a good_a to_o which_o the_o real_a evil_n be_v direct_o opposite_a he_o that_o will_v assert_v the_o one_o without_o grant_v the_o other_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o talk_v at_o the_o same_o mad_a rate_n with_o one_o who_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o sophism_n or_o false_a show_n of_o reason_n shall_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o true_a logic_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v wide_o different_a from_o they_o so_o that_o i_o say_v if_o we_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o magic_n which_o have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o wicked_a daemon_n as_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o lend_v their_o ready_a and_o joint_a assistance_n to_o those_o who_o profess_v that_o art_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o almighty_a god_n be_v oblige_v in_o some_o sense_n to_o exert_v his_o power_n in_o perform_v such_o miracle_n as_o carry_v with_o they_o a_o convince_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o be_v design_v to_o attest_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o take_v it_o that_o we_o have_v to_o do_v under_o this_o important_a head_n be_v to_o examine_v into_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v they_o have_v a_o power_n to_o produce_v supernatural_a effect_n and_o to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o wonderful_a operation_n they_o perform_v do_v any_o way_n tend_v to_o the_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a advantage_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o we_o must_v careful_o distinguish_v between_o magician_n who_o hold_v a_o correspondence_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o those_o happy_a person_n who_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o divine_a impression_n they_o experience_v both_o on_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n who_o consult_v the_o true_a and_o best_a interest_n of_o mankind_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v man_n proselyte_n to_o the_o most_o excellent_a religion_n that_o be_v ever_o reveal_v by_o a_o god_n now_o if_o a_o enquiry_n of_o this_o kind_a be_v necessary_a to_o distinguish_v true_a miracle_n from_o those_o which_o be_v false_a to_o prevent_v we_o from_o make_v miracle_n where_o there_o be_v real_o none_o and_o engage_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o when_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n may_v very_o plain_o be_v discover_v than_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o moses_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v owe_v to_o a_o extraordinary_a appearance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n since_o they_o be_v solemn_a 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all_o the_o accident_n that_o do_v afterward_o befall_v he_o but_o either_o he_o didn't_fw-mi know_v or_o at_o least_o seem_v to_o be_v ignorant_a that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n use_v the_o follow_a word_n to_o his_o disciple_n all_o you_o shall_v be_v offend_v because_o of_o i_o this_o night_n which_o mat._n 26._o v._o 31._o we_o know_v happen_v according_o and_o be_v no_o false_a prophet_n when_o he_o say_v to_o peter_n before_o the_o cock_n crow_v thou_o shall_v deny_v i_o thrice_o ibid._n v._o 34._o now_o if_o they_o have_v be_v man_n of_o undoubted_a integrity_n but_o have_v design_v to_o impose_v on_o our_o credulity_n by_o false_a narration_n they_o will_v certain_o have_v discover_v so_o much_o of_o worldly_a policy_n as_o to_o have_v say_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o peter_n deny_v his_o bless_a lord_n who_o cause_n he_o have_v so_o resolute_o promise_v to_o maintain_v and_o never_o to_o have_v mention_v the_o offence_n which_o even_o some_o of_o the_o disciple_n take_v at_o 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to_o prove_v that_o a_o man_n be_v just_a i_o shall_v instance_n in_o several_a act_n of_o injustice_n that_o he_o have_v do_v or_o to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v free_a from_o passion_n i_o shall_v show_v that_o he_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o murder_n or_o to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v immortal_a shall_v expose_v his_o dead_a body_n to_o view_n and_o after_o all_o put_z people_z off_o with_o this_o frivolous_a pretence_n that_o he_o foresee_v whatsoever_o shall_v befall_v he_o but_o here_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o he_o gross_o misapply_v the_o instance_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o produce_v for_o there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n at_o all_o in_o suppose_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n shall_v propose_v himself_o to_o we_o as_o a_o bright_a example_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o yet_o teach_v we_o to_o sacrifice_v our_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o religion_n we_o embrace_v consider_v also_o that_o the_o death_n which_o he_o suffer_v be_v of_o general_n and_o universal_a advantage_n as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v already_o and_o though_o celsus_n do_v fond_o imagine_v that_o it_o make_v very_o much_o for_o the_o cause_n which_o he_o espouse_n that_o we_o do_v deny_v that_o our_o saviour_n suffer_v in_o the_o most_o notorious_a and_o shameful_a manner_n yet_o this_o be_v for_o want_n of_o know_v the_o sacred_a mystery_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o passion_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n as_o st._n paul_n observe_v and_o the_o several_a prediction_n which_o be_v leave_v upon_o record_n by_o the_o inspire_a prophet_n concern_v this_o difficult_a and_o important_a affair_n beside_o he_o seem_v not_o to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o celebrate_a heretic_n who_o deny_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v real_a this_o make_v he_o say_v you_o do_v pretend_v that_o his_o bitter_a passion_n be_v only_o in_o appearance_n but_o without_o mince_v the_o matter_n you_o hold_v that_o he_o suffer_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n for_o our_o part_n we_o think_v it_o be_v a_o notorious_a heresy_n to_o maintain_v that_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n be_v only_o in_o appearance_n since_o we_o must_v then_o affirm_v as_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o forementioned_a false_a and_o dangerous_a position_n that_o his_o resurrection_n as_o glorious_a as_o we_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v be_v a_o mere_a deceptio_fw-la visus_fw-la for_o he_o that_o real_o die_v if_o he_o rise_v again_o must_v be_v real_o rise_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o that_o die_v but_o in_o appearance_n can_v only_o seem_o rise_v but_o because_o infidel_n endeavour_n to_o expose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o last_o degree_n of_o profane_a contempt_n i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o mention_v here_o what_o plato_n relate_v of_o er_o the_o son_n of_o armenius_n plato_n common_a wealth_n l._n 10._o who_o at_o the_o end_n of_o twelve_o day_n rise_v out_o of_o his_o tomb_n and_o tell_v several_a remarkable_a transaction_n that_o to_o his_o certain_a knowledge_n have_v pass_v in_o the_o world_n of_o spirit_n and_o i_o may_v mention_v the_o story_n which_o heraclitus_n tell_v of_o a_o woman_n who_o continue_v a_o considerable_a time_n without_o any_o sign_n of_o life_n which_o i_o think_v do_v evident_o and_o not_o a_o little_a serve_v my_o present_a purpose_n since_o it_o be_v with_o infidel_n i_o be_o now_o engage_v and_o many_o pregnant_a instance_n may_v easy_o be_v produce_v from_o history_n of_o person_n who_o have_v appear_v the_o day_n after_o their_o decease_n be_v it_o then_o any_o wonder_n at_o all_o that_o one_o who_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n do_v so_o many_o action_n which_o nothing_o short_v of_o a_o divine_a power_n can_v possible_o enable_v he_o to_o perform_v who_o wrought_v miracle_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o surprise_v and_o so_o open_a to_o the_o view_n of_o his_o most_o implacable_a adversary_n that_o celsus_n himself_o have_v not_o the_o face_n to_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v true_a in_o fact_n though_o indeed_o he_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o infernal_a daemon_n i_o say_v be_v it_o any_o wonder_n at_o all_o that_o so_o divine_a a_o person_n as_o our_o saviour_n be_v shall_v have_v something_o that_o be_v remarkable_a in_o his_o death_n and_o that_o his_o holy_a soul_n have_v free_o and_o even_o cheerful_o leave_v his_o body_n for_o a_o time_n shall_v return_v to_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o it_o have_v perform_v the_o entire_a duty_n of_o a_o disunit_a spirit_n our_o saviour_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n no_o man_n take_v it_o from_o i_o speak_v of_o his_o life_n but_o i_o lay_v it_o down_o of_o john_n 10._o v._o 18._o myself_o i_o have_v power_n