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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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catastrophe_n of_o your_o senseless_a drama_n be_v ever_o the_o more_o just_a or_o probable_a because_o you_o endeavour_v to_o adorn_v it_o with_o some_o fine_a invention_n because_o your_o crucified_a jesus_n give_v a_o most_o dreadful_a outcry_a when_o he_o lie_v at_o the_o very_a point_n of_o death_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v we_o believe_v that_o the_o account_n which_o you_o have_v give_v of_o the_o ancient_a hero_n of_o the_o greek_n be_v gross_o fabulous_a but_o we_o be_v full_o persuade_v and_o i_o think_v on_o very_o rational_a ground_n that_o the_o account_n which_o be_v give_v we_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o those_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v common_a to_o we_o both_o and_o of_o which_o we_o make_v our_o boast_n as_o much_o as_o you_o yourselves_o be_v far_o from_o deserve_v that_o contemptible_a character_n which_o this_o gentleman_n be_v please_v to_o give_v it_o therefore_o we_o can_v never_o grant_v that_o the_o glorious_a miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o raise_v some_o person_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o we_o be_v credible_o inform_v be_v no_o better_a than_o empty_a fiction_n and_o vain_a amusement_n we_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v real_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o the_o prophet_n and_o he_o himself_o have_v foretell_v he_o shall_v and_o one_o thing_n among_o other_o that_o make_v his_o resurrection_n the_o more_o remarkable_a and_o in_o which_o it_o excel_v that_o of_o any_o other_o person_n be_v the_o follow_a consideration_n that_o he_o wa'_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o a_o prophet_n such_o as_o elijah_n or_o elisha_n be_v but_o by_o the_o immediate_a inflvence_n of_o rhe_n godhead_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o his_o resurrection_n be_v so_o exrraordinary_a and_o so_o general_n pray_v
to_o confute_v his_o grace_n but_o as_o i_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o my_o own_o salvation_n than_o of_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o that_o singular_o pious_a as_o well_o as_o incomparable_o rational_a and_o very_o learned_a prelate_n so_o i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v that_o origen_n will_v be_v a_o star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n in_o the_o superior_a orb_n and_o though_o his_o notion_n may_v in_o some_o respect_n be_v peculiar_a to_o he_o and_o just_o deserve_v our_o censure_n yet_o the_o chief_a thing_n in_o we_o which_o the_o great_a god_n regard_v and_o on_o which_o he_o will_v put_v distinguish_v mark_n of_o his_o favour_n through_o all_o the_o revolution_n of_o eternity_n be_v a_o regular_a and_o steady_a course_n of_o sincere_a and_o unaffected_a virtue_n and_o piety_n as_o for_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o idol_n which_o petavius_n the_o jesuit_n and_o other_o learned_a man_n do_v seem_v incline_v to_o charge_n on_o origen_n and_o epiphanius_n think_v fit_a to_o relate_v in_o his_o book_n of_o heresy_n it_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o late_a learned_a fredericus_fw-la spanhemius_fw-la in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o that_o act_n be_v never_o charge_v upon_o he_o even_o by_o the_o justinian_n age_n in_o which_o he_o be_v more_o general_o and_o more_o violent_o oppose_v than_o ever_o but_o be_v that_o matter_n as_o it_o will_v st._n hierom_n himself_o who_o strong_o oppose_v his_o error_n have_v no_o small_a veneration_n for_o he_o on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o piety_n sense_n and_o learning_n and_o the_o late_a reverend_a dr._n stilling-fleet_n in_o his_o origines_fw-la sacrae_fw-la do_v frequent_o quote_v and_o honourable_o represent_v he_o to_o the_o world_n as_o many_o of_o the_o great_a light_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o of_o the_o learned_a world_n have_v do_v before_o he_o but_o i_o be_o sensible_a it_o will_v be_v ready_o object_v against_o this_o translation_n that_o we_o abound_v already_o with_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v much_o more_o useful_a than_o origen_n who_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o confute_v celsus_n who_o be_v a_o heathen_a philosopher_n it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v grotius_n de_fw-fr veritate_fw-la christianae_n religionis_fw-la the_o learned_a apology_n of_o the_o late_a reverend_a bishop_n of_o worcester_n the_o most_o admirable_a sermon_n of_o the_o famous_a dr._n bentley_n preach_v at_o the_o lecture_n of_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyl_n esq_n some_o incomparable_a sermon_n publish_v by_o the_o reverend_n dr._n tillotson_n dr._n blackhall_n dr._n stanhope_n and_o mr._n clark_n chaplain_n to_o my_o lord_n bishop_n of_o norwich_n the_o learned_a dr._n owen_n comment_n on_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o i_o can_v hardly_o discharge_v my_o conscience_n shall_v i_o forbear_v to_o mention_v mr._n baxter_n reason_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o honour_n to_o the_o memory_n of_o so_o great_a and_o especial_o so_o good_a a_o man._n we_o have_v the_o rational_a and_o learned_a dr._n parker_n demonstration_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o many_o excellent_a author_n who_o have_v unite_v their_o force_n against_o the_o most_o formidable_a adversary_n of_o our_o common_a faith_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v too_o well_o furnish_v with_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o slight_v either_o the_o ancient_a apology_n of_o justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n tatian_n arnobius_n lactantius_n and_o the_o like_a or_o even_o the_o modern_a dcfence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o i_o think_v we_o shall_v deep_o lament_v that_o we_o have_v no_o more_o and_o that_o those_o which_o we_o have_v be_v no_o better_o understand_v and_o it_o high_o become_v we_o to_o make_v a_o thankful_a and_o due_a improvement_n of_o those_o many_o excellent_a help_n which_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n see_v fit_a to_o afford_v we_o i_o can_v think_v but_o of_o one_o objection_n more_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o by_o publish_v this_o translation_n of_o origen_n i_o do_v expose_v the_o corrupt_a principle_n of_o celsus_n to_o more_o public_a view_n it_o be_v true_a i_o do_v so_o but_o certain_o the_o truth_n be_v so_o safe_o guard_v by_o its_o native_a purity_n and_o so_o well_o recommend_v by_o the_o evidence_n that_o attend_v it_o that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o light_n that_o it_o desire_v nothing_o more_o if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v than_o to_o make_v its_o most_o open_a and_o undisguised_a appearance_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o the_o objection_n have_v any_o real_a force_n it_o will_v hold_v as_o well_o though_o not_o equal_o against_o origen_n himself_o for_o write_v against_o celsus_n which_o plain_o suppose_v that_o all_o the_o learning_n wit_n and_o malice_n of_o that_o arch-fiend_n of_o hell_n must_v be_v diffect_v as_o it_o be_v and_o lay_v open_a to_o view_n which_o though_o they_o be_v the_o rank_a poison_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o infect_v we_o if_o we_o have_v but_o the_o blessing_n of_o almighty_n god_n on_o so_o excellent_a a_o antidote_n at_o hand_n as_o the_o indefatigable_a and_o almost_o inimitable_a labour_n of_o that_o pious_a rational_a and_o learned_a father_n who_o oppose_v he_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o in_o defence_n of_o a_o translation_n of_o origen_n but_o humble_o submit_v my_o mean_a performance_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o this_o judicious_a and_o learned_a age_n and_o publish_v it_o as_o a_o public_a though_o unworthy_a tribute_n of_o praise_n to_o the_o great_a author_n of_o my_o be_v and_o fountain_n of_o all_o my_o happiness_n and_o as_o some_o though_o but_o a_o small_a recompense_n to_o my_o dear_a and_o honour_a father_n for_o the_o prudent_a method_n he_o have_v take_v the_o pain_n and_o charge_v he_o have_v be_v at_o and_o the_o great_a readiness_n and_o unusual_a joy_n which_o he_o have_v always_o express_v in_o procure_v and_o continue_v to_o i_o so_o far_o as_o it_o lie_v in_o his_o power_n under_o god_n the_o extraordinary_a but_o not_o due_o improve_v advantage_n of_o a_o liberal_a education_n i_o have_v frequent_o read_v the_o eight_o book_n of_o origen_n against_o celsus_n as_o they_o offer_v themselves_o to_o my_o consideration_n in_o the_o greek_a original_a the_o french_a translation_n of_o the_o learned_a mounseur_fw-fr bouhereau_n and_o the_o latin_a version_n and_o be_o not_o conscious_a to_o myself_o of_o any_o wilful_a and_o gross_a defect_n and_o after_o many_o solemn_a supplication_n for_o divine_a assistance_n many_o tedious_a and_o yet_o pleasant_a hour_n which_o i_o have_v employ_v about_o it_o many_o kind_a direction_n and_o encouragement_n from_o person_n of_o no_o mean_a rank_n for_o piety_n sense_n learning_n and_o extraction_n and_o many_o earnest_a desire_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n may_v be_v my_o principal_a aim_n and_o in_o a_o word_n after_o have_v perform_v what_o lie_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o my_o small_a ability_n to_o clothe_v it_o in_o such_o a_o dress_n as_o may_v recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n i_o say_v such_o as_o it_o be_v i_o humble_o expose_v it_o to_o all_o learned_a judicious_a and_o candid_a person_n and_o submit_v it_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o critic_n and_o if_o this_o first_o essay_n shall_v meet_v even_o with_o a_o tolerable_a acceptation_n from_o the_o world_n i_o design_n god_n willing_a to_o take_v the_o first_o opportunity_n to_o translate_v the_o two_o follow_a book_n that_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o reader_n may_v reap_v from_o origen_n may_v be_v equal_a or_o superior_a to_o the_o painful_a pleasure_n which_o i_o take_v in_o translate_n he_o that_o his_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v daily_o confirm_v and_o that_o he_o may_v at_o length_n enjoy_v that_o inconceivable_a happiness_n in_o the_o future_a world_n of_o which_o many_o of_o the_o primitive_a father_n be_v now_o partake_v and_o of_o which_o i_o firm_o believe_v that_o the_o pious_a and_o incomparable_a origen_n have_v no_o small_a share_n be_v the_o sincere_a desire_n of_o the_o unworthy_a servant_n of_o our_o common_a lord_n james_n bellamy_n origen_n against_o celsus_n translate_v from_o the_o original_a into_o english_a book_n the_o first_o origen_n epistle_n dedicatory_a to_o ambrose_n when_o false_a witness_n be_v bring_v against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n he_o hold_v his_o peace_n and_o when_o he_o be_v accuse_v return_v no_o answer_n be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o best_a apology_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v make_v in_o his_o behalf_n but_o you_o virtuous_a ambrose_n be_v please_v to_o desire_v i_o for_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o yourself_o to_o vindicate_v
the_o christian_n from_o those_o foul_a aspersion_n which_o celsus_n have_v public_o cast_v upon_o they_o as_o if_o a_o confutation_n of_o he_o be_v not_o legible_a in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o what_o he_o offer_v may_v not_o be_v deserve_o reject_v as_o want_v even_o the_o appearance_n of_o truth_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n to_o show_v that_o our_o saviour_n hold_v his_o peace_n when_o false_a witness_n be_v bring_v against_o he_o i_o need_v only_o at_o present_a produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o st._n matthew_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o what_o saint_n mark_v the_o evangelist_n relate_v st._n matthew_n have_v these_o word_n now_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n mat._n 26._o u._n 59_o and_o all_o the_o council_n seek_v false_a witness_n against_o jesus_n to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n but_o find_v none_o yea_o though_o many_o false_a witness_n come_v yet_o find_v they_o none_o at_o last_o come_v two_o false_a witness_n and_o say_v this_o fellow_n say_v i_o be_o able_a to_o destroy_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o to_o build_v it_o in_o three_o day_n and_o the_o highpriest_n arise_v and_o say_v to_o he_o answer_v thou_o nothing_o what_o be_v it_o which_o these_o witness_n against_o thou_o but_o jesus_n hold_v his_o peace_n we_o read_v in_o another_o place_n of_o the_o same_o evangelist_n that_o our_o saviour_n return_v no_o answer_n to_o the_o person_n who_o accuse_v he_o and_o jesus_n mat._n 27._o u._n 11._o stand_v before_o the_o governor_n and_o the_o governor_n ask_v he_o say_v be_v thou_o the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o thou_o say_v and_o when_o he_o be_v accuse_v of_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n he_o answer_v nothing_o then_o say_v pilate_n unto_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o how_o many_o thing_n these_o witness_n against_o thou_o and_o he_o answer_v he_o never_o a_o word_n insomuch_o that_o the_o governor_n marvel_v great_o and_o indeed_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v admire_v by_o person_n who_o be_v least_o capable_a of_o reflection_n that_o when_o he_o have_v so_o fair_a a_o opportunity_n to_o free_v himself_o from_o the_o heavy_a charge_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o he_o to_o enumerate_v or_o at_o least_o modest_o insinuate_v his_o shine_a character_n and_o to_o commend_v the_o high_a power_n as_o be_v ordame_v of_o god_n and_o by_o these_o innocent_a and_o politic_a method_n to_o procure_v the_o judge_n favour_n i_o say_v that_o when_o he_o have_v so_o fair_a a_o opportunity_n to_o do_v all_o this_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o embrace_v it_o as_o to_o look_v upon_o his_o most_o violent_a accuser_n with_o a_o truly-generous_a disdain_n that_o the_o judge_n seem_v willing_a to_o acquit_v he_o have_v he_o make_v his_o apology_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o follow_a word_n who_o mat._n 27._o u._n 17._o will_v you_o that_o i_o release_v unto_o you_o barrabas_n or_o jesus_n who_o be_v call_v christ_n and_o those_o word_n he_o know_v that_o for_o envy_n ibid._n 18._o he_o have_v deliver_v he_o so_o that_o the_o holy_a and_o spotless_a jesus_n be_v scarce_o ever_o free_a from_o unjust_a and_o severe_a accusation_n as_o long_o as_o the_o perverse_a disposition_n of_o man_n who_o mind_n be_v corrupt_a and_o who_o life_n be_v often_o stain_v with_o the_o most_o gross_a enormity_n do_v remain_v the_o same_o as_o they_o have_v be_v in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o even_o now_o he_o hold_v his_o peace_n and_o make_v no_o verbal_a answer_n but_o the_o unblemished_a life_n of_o his_o sincere_a follower_n be_v his_o most_o cheerful_a and_o most_o successful_a advocate_n and_o have_v so_o loud_a a_o voice_n that_o they_o drown_v the_o clamour_n of_o his_o most_o bigoted_a and_o most_o zealous_a adversary_n i_o will_v therefore_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v that_o by_o publish_v this_o apology_n i_o shall_v seem_v to_o lessen_v the_o force_n of_o those_o powerful_a argument_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o holy_a life_n of_o its_o pious_a votary_n and_o be_v plain_a appeal_n even_o to_o sense_n and_o common_a observation_n but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o seem_v backward_o in_o obey_v the_o command_v you_o have_v lay_v upon_o i_o i_o have_v endeavour_v according_a to_o my_o present_a ability_n to_o give_v a_o full_a or_o at_o least_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o material_a objection_n which_o celsus_n have_v bring_v against_o we_o which_o in_o your_o opinion_n my_o dear_a and_o respect_a ambrose_n do_v strike_v at_o the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o i_o very_o believe_v will_v never_o shock_v the_o faith_n of_o one_o who_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v live_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o with_o some_o measure_n of_o sincerity_n and_o god_n forbid_v that_o any_o of_o we_o shall_v have_v so_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v so_o lively_a a_o declaration_n of_o his_o love_n to_o perish_a sinner_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o bless_a and_o all-sufficient_a redeemer_n as_o to_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o receive_v any_o bad_a impression_n from_o celsus_n discourse_n or_o the_o write_n of_o any_o other_o ingenious_a and_o learned_a person_n who_o hold_v the_o same_o wicked_a principle_n for_o st._n paul_n reckon_v up_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o separate_v mankind_n from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n all_o which_o his_o love_n to_o they_o do_v and_o will_v at_o last_o effectual_o and_o most_o glorious_o overcome_v do_v it_o say_v that_o erroneous_a discourse_n shall_v be_v any_o much_o less_o a_o principal_a cause_n of_o this_o unhappy_a separation_n observe_v first_o he_o say_v who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n rom._n 8._o u._n 25._o of_o god_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n as_o it_o be_v write_v for_o thy_o sake_n we_o be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o we_o be_v account_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v we_o then_o reckon_v up_o another_o set_a of_o thing_n which_o usual_o shock_v man_n faith_n and_o virtue_n he_o say_v i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o ibid_fw-la 38._o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n even_o for_o we_o who_o fall_v vast_o short_a of_o the_o extraordinary_a attainment_n of_o that_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o say_v who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n but_o the_o apostle_n who_o think_v this_o too_o mean_v a_o boast_n for_o those_o who_o have_v arrive_v to_o so_o remarkable_a a_o pitch_n of_o virtue_n as_o that_o to_o which_o he_o have_v attain_v profess_v that_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v more_o than_o a_o conqueror_n which_o word_n have_v a_o peculiar_a weight_n and_o emphasis_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o noble_a class_n come_v to_o make_v their_o boast_n they_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o set_a of_o thing_n which_o be_v here_o enumerate_v and_o can_v say_v with_o a_o holy_a triumph_n that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n so_o that_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v no_o great_a opinion_n of_o that_o man_n christianity_n who_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o least_o liable_a to_o be_v shocked_a either_o by_o this_o book_n of_o celsus_n or_o the_o write_n of_o any_o other_o person_n of_o the_o same_o unhappy_a stamp_n for_o real_o i_o be_o at_o a_o loss_n to_o know_v in_o what_o class_n of_o christian_n i_o shall_v rank_v that_o man_n who_o be_v not_o proof_n against_o all_o the_o bitter_a but_o unjust_a reproach_n with_o which_o celsus_n have_v load_v the_o follower_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n but_o because_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o people_n be_v in_o no_o small_a danger_n as_o you_o imagine_v my_o dear_a ambrose_n of_o turn_v apostate_n from_o the_o faith_n since_o perhaps_o they_o may_v be_v shocked_a by_o what_o celsus_n have_v offer_v against_o the_o wellgrounded_n principle_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v no_o less_o confirm_v in_o their_o judgement_n
by_o what_o i_o shall_v seasonable_o produce_v in_o its_o defence_n provide_v i_o be_o able_a to_o confute_v his_o error_n i_o resolve_v to_o obey_v your_o most_o just_a command_n and_o to_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o book_n you_o be_v please_v to_o send_v i_o the_o very_a title_n of_o which_o viz._n a_o true_a relation_n will_v hardly_o pass_v for_o such_o with_o they_o who_o be_v no_o great_a proficient_n even_o in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n st._n paul_n know_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o greek_a philosophy_n that_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o contemptible_a but_o have_v by_o accident_n a_o malignant_a influence_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o common_a people_n represent_v error_n under_o the_o plausible_a appearance_n of_o solid_a and_o most_o important_a truth_n have_v these_o very_a word_n beware_v colos_n 2._o u._n 8._o lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ_n but_o this_o be_v more_o than_o i_o think_v any_o judicious_a person_n will_v allow_v the_o book_n which_o i_o be_o just_a go_v to_o answer_v for_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o forementioned_n thing_n by_o the_o name_n of_o vain_a deceit_n perhaps_o in_o contra-distinction_n to_o a_o certain_a kind_a of_o deceit_n which_o be_v not_o vain_a but_o innocent_a and_o useful_a which_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n consider_v make_v bold_a to_o apply_v the_o follow_a word_n to_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o oh_o lord_n thou_o have_v deceive_v i_o and_o jer._n 20._o u._n 7._o i_o be_v deceive_v thou_o be_v strong_a than_o i_o and_o have_v prevail_v but_o in_o my_o opinion_n what_o celsus_n publish_v do_v want_v even_o that_o plausible_a appearance_n to_o render_v it_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v deceitful_a which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o those_o eminently-learned_n person_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o various_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n among_o the_o pagan_n and_o as_o in_o geometry_n tisn_v sufficient_a that_o what_o be_v offor_v for_o a_o demonstration_n be_v in_o itself_o false_a and_o dangerous_a but_o it_o must_v have_v some_o colour_n of_o truth_n or_o it_o can_v never_o deceive_v and_o engage_v even_o the_o most_o faint_a endeavour_n of_o one_o who_o will_v improve_v in_o that_o entertain_n and_o useful_a science_n so_o those_o discourse_n which_o deserve_v the_o character_n of_o vain_a deceit_n must_v have_v some_o affinity_n with_o those_o rational_a argument_n that_o be_v frequent_o make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o head_n of_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n when_o i_o have_v proceed_v in_o my_o answer_n to_o celsus_n as_o far_o as_o the_o place_n where_o he_o personate_v the_o jew_n discourse_v with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v proper_a to_o put_v this_o preface_n before_o my_o book_n that_o so_o any_o one_o into_o who_o hand_n it_o may_v accidental_o fall_v may_v plain_o see_v that_o i_o didn't_fw-mi principal_o intend_v it_o for_o those_o christian_n who_o be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o their_o judgement_n but_o either_o for_o they_o who_o be_v entire_a stranger_n to_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o for_o they_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n rom._n 14._o u._n 1._o receive_v i_o must_v add_v one_o thing_n here_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o i_o have_v a_o different_a design_n in_o answer_v celsus_n in_o the_o gross_a from_o what_o i_o have_v in_o answer_v the_o beginning_n of_o his_o book_n for_o at_o first_o i_o design_v no_o more_o than_o to_o mention_v some_o of_o the_o principal_a head_n and_o content_v myself_o with_o a_o mere_a compendium_n but_o after_o mature_a deliberation_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o proper_a to_o gather_v my_o discourse_n as_o it_o be_v into_o a_o perfect_a system_fw-la or_o body_n then_o i_o be_v satisfy_v from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v at_o a_o needless_a expense_n both_o of_o time_n and_o pain_n and_o content_v myself_o with_o what_o i_o have_v write_v against_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o book_n which_o celsus_n publish_v but_o in_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o my_o apology_n which_o if_o i_o may_v modest_o say_v it_o of_o my_o own_o performance_n be_v much_o more_o elaborate_a i_o determine_v to_o bend_v all_o my_o force_n against_o he_o and_o to_o return_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v material_a and_o even_o to_o some_o of_o his_o most_o trifle_a objection_n i_o must_v therefore_o desire_v my_o reader_n to_o discover_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a candour_n in_o pass_v his_o judgement_n on_o what_o i_o have_v do_v especial_o on_o that_o part_n of_o my_o apology_n which_o immediate_o follow_v this_o epistle_n and_o if_o the_o other_o part_n shall_v have_v no_o better_a effect_n upon_o he_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v there_o also_o be_v extreme_o favourable_a in_o the_o sentence_n which_o he_o may_v pass_v upon_o i_o and_o if_o you_o virtuous_a ambrose_n desire_v a_o more_o complete_a answer_n to_o celsus_n than_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v he_o at_o present_a i_o must_v refer_v you_o to_o they_o who_o have_v a_o far_o great_a share_n of_o judgement_n than_o that_o to_o which_o i_o lay_v my_o most_o humble_a claim_n and_o be_v better_o qualify_v for_o the_o due_a and_o honourable_a management_n of_o so_o difficult_a a_o province_n however_o that_o person_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a and_o much_o more_o desirable_a condition_n who_o have_v meet_v with_o celsus_n performance_n and_o be_v furnish_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n with_o a_o warm_a and_o effectual_a apology_n for_o that_o excellent_a religion_n which_o he_o profess_v and_o endeavour_n to_o practice_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o power_n be_v so_o well-guarded_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o sincere_a follower_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n that_o he_o can_v look_v with_o a_o holy_a contempt_n on_o the_o false_a representation_n and_o most_o plausible_a argument_n of_o the_o most_o celebrate_a heretic_n that_o do_v ever_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n origen_n against_o celsus_n chap._n i._n the_o first_o charge_n which_o celsus_n bring_v against_o the_o christian_n be_v their_o hold_a cabal_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o to_o which_o as_o he_o think_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v entire_o subject_a he_o distinguish_v meeting_n into_o public_a and_o private_a the_o public_a meeting_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o the_o private_a and_o separate_a meeting_n which_o be_v keep_v up_o by_o schismatic_n and_o his_o design_n herein_o be_v to_o cast_v reproach_n on_o the_o love_n feast_n of_o the_o christian_n which_o be_v appoint_v to_o prevent_v a_o common_a and_o threaten_a danger_n and_o be_v far_o more_o bind_v than_o the_o sacred_a tie_n of_o mutual_a oath_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v i_o say_v he_o reproach_n they_o as_o if_o they_o manifest_o and_o gross_o interfere_v with_o that_o due_a and_o indispensible_a loyalty_n which_o as_o they_o be_v subject_n they_o owe_v and_o aught_o as_o he_o imagine_v to_o pay_v the_o national_a establishment_n since_o therefore_o he_o make_v his_o boast_n that_o he_o have_v the_o law_n on_o his_o side_n and_o will_v intimate_v that_o the_o separate_a meeting_n of_o the_o christian_n do_v countenance_n and_o promote_v schism_n and_o sedition_n i_o answer_v that_o as_o a_o stranger_n who_o have_v his_o lot_n providential_o cast_v among_o the_o scythian_n who_o be_v govern_v by_o most_o wicked_a law_n and_o have_v not_o a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o make_v a_o safe_a escape_n will_v be_v esteem_v by_o that_o ignorant_a and_o uncivilise_v people_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o their_o constitution_n and_o a_o favourer_n of_o the_o sectary_n if_o he_o didn't_fw-mi comply_v with_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n but_o may_v still_o urge_v weighty_a and_o unanswerable_a argument_n to_o justify_v his_o separation_n so_o the_o christian_n may_v lawful_o dissent_v from_o the_o establish_v religion_n which_o introduce_v image-worship_n and_o a_o whole_a rifraff_n of_o the_o mock-deity_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o abound_v with_o more_o horrid_a impiety_n than_o be_v ever_o practise_v by_o the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o as_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o a_o city_n may_v lawful_o defend_v themselves_o against_o a_o prince_n who_o have_v make_v a_o unjust_a descent_n upon_o their_o native_a country_n so_o the_o christian_n may_v warrantable_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o satan_n that_o great_a usurper_n to_o free_v themselves_o and_o other_o from_o his_o worse_a than_o scythian_a tyranny_n chap._n
ii_o than_o celsus_n go_v on_o and_o assert_n that_o judaisme_n with_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v a_o very_a close_a connection_n have_v all_o along_o be_v a_o barbarous_a sect_n though_o he_o prudent_o forbear_v to_o reproach_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v of_o a_o mean_a and_o unpolished_a original_a since_o he_o have_v commend_v the_o barbarian_n as_o be_v the_o inventor_n of_o several_a excellent_a and_o very_a important_a maxim_n and_o he_o add_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v indeed_o invent_v by_o the_o barbarian_n have_v be_v improve_v and_o more_o accommodate_v to_o moral_a virtue_n by_o the_o greek_n now_o i_o think_v i_o may_v just_o take_v this_o advantage_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o the_o very_a concession_n which_o celsus_n make_v to_o observe_v that_o one_o who_o leave_v the_o opinion_n and_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n dont_fw-fr only_a assent_n to_o those_o truth_n and_o useful_a rule_n which_o it_o recommend_v to_o his_o consideration_n and_o choice_n but_o the_o more_o he_o be_v verse_v in_o the_o forementioned_a sort_n of_o learning_n the_o more_o he_o be_v confirm_v in_o his_o judgement_n and_o borrow_v from_o the_o christian_n wherever_o he_o perceive_v that_o the_o greek_n themselves_o be_v defective_a to_o this_o i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v just_o boast_v of_o a_o peculiar_a demonstration_n such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v true_o divine_a and_o vast_o exceed_v all_o the_o logic_n of_o the_o greek_n the_o apostle_n call_v it_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v in_o a_o secret_a but_o powerful_a way_n convince_v the_o reader_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture-prophecy_n efpeal_o of_o those_o which_o have_v a_o evident_a and_o near_a relation_n to_o the_o expect_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o power_n in_o as_o much_o as_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n some_o remarkable_a footstep_n of_o which_o do_v remain_v at_o this_o very_a day_n among_o those_o who_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n under_o the_o guidance_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o live_v up_o to_o its_o holy_a precept_n chap._n iii_o than_o celsus_n have_v speak_v of_o the_o private_a meeting_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o which_o they_o exercise_v themselves_o and_o instruct_v one_o another_o in_o their_o particular_a way_n and_o have_v confess_v that_o one_o very_o politic_a reason_n may_v be_v assign_v for_o what_o they_o do_v viz._n the_o prevent_v of_o that_o severe_a penalty_n to_o which_o their_o practice_n render_v they_o extreme_o liable_a compare_v the_o danger_n that_o threaten_v they_o with_o the_o difficulty_n and_o calamity_n to_o which_o socrates_n and_o pythagoras_n and_o other_o heathen_a philosopher_n expose_v themselves_o by_o maintain_v the_o reputation_n and_o promote_a the_o interest_n of_o that_o comparatively-vain_a philosophy_n of_o which_o they_o be_v the_o admire_v and_o truly-learned_n professor_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o athenian_n soon_o repent_v of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v to_o socrates_n nor_o do_v they_o long_o retain_v their_o spite_n against_o pythagoras_n for_o the_o pythagorean_n have_v school_n for_o a_o considerable_a time_n in_o that_o part_n of_o italy_n which_o go_v by_o the_o name_n of_o greece_n the_o great_a but_o the_o whole_a roman_a senate_n the_o emperor_n during_o the_o several_a persecution_n the_o soldier_n the_o common_a people_n and_o even_o they_o who_o be_v near_o relate_v to_o the_o christian_n wage_v open_a war_n as_o it_o be_v against_o the_o religion_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n introduce_v and_o will_v easy_o and_o quite_o have_v stop_v its_o happy_a progress_n if_o a_o divine_a and_o miraculous_a power_n have_v not_o seasonable_o interpose_v and_o make_v it_o overcome_v the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n who_o exert_v all_o their_o malice_n and_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n towards_o its_o sudden_a and_o entire_a extirpation_n chap._n iu._n now_o let_v we_o see_v how_o celsus_n reproach_n the_o practic_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v in_o common_a with_o the_o heathen_n nothing_o that_o be_v new_a or_o truly-great_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o they_o who_o bring_v down_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o head_n by_o their_o notorious_a crime_n will_v never_o suffer_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o divine_a and_o inflexible_a justice_n if_o all_o mankind_n have_v not_o some_o tolerable_a notion_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil._n therefore_o we_o needned_a wonder_n that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o common_a father_n of_o his_o creature_n shall_v plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n those_o natural_a principle_n which_o the_o prophet_n and_o especial_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v so_o frequent_o impress_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o so_o every_o one_o may_v be_v leave_v without_o excuse_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n have_v have_v the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o law_n engrave_v upon_o his_o heart_n in_o very_o legible_a character_n this_o be_v obscure_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o the_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o god_n write_v the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law_n as_o it_o be_v with_o his_o finger_n and_o his_o give_v they_o to_o moses_n and_o acquaint_v we_o that_o they_o be_v afterward_o break_v by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o they_o who_o make_v the_o golden_a calf_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v break_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o that_o when_o the_o law_n be_v write_v the_o second_o time_n on_o table_n of_o stone_n he_o deliver_v they_o to_o moses_n to_o signify_v that_o the_o law_n which_o be_v deface_v by_o the_o original_a apostasy_n shall_v be_v re_fw-mi impress_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n chap._n v._n than_o celsus_n speak_v of_o idolatry_n do_v himself_o advance_v a_o argument_n that_o tend_v to_o justify_v and_o commend_v our_o practice_n when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o christian_n can_v think_v those_o to_o be_v god_n which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n and_o very_o often_o of_o such_o as_o be_v wicked_a and_o unjust_a and_o wallow_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o debauchery_n therefore_o endeavour_v to_o show_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n that_o our_o notion_n of_o image-worship_n be_v not_o a_o discovery_n that_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o we_o have_v it_o in_o common_a with_o the_o heathen_n he_o quote_v a_o passage_n in_o heraclitus_n to_o this_o effect_n that_o they_o who_o pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o inanimate_a creature_n do_v just_a as_o if_o they_o shall_v address_v and_o invocate_v the_o wall_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o since_o i_o have_v already_o grant_v that_o some_o common_a notion_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a be_v original_o implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n we_o needned_a wonder_n that_o heraclitus_n and_o other_o whether_o greek_n or_o barbarian_n have_v public_o acknowledge_v to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o hold_v the_o very_a same_o notion_n which_o we_o maintain_v and_o celsus_n quote_v a_o passage_n in_o herodotus_n to_o show_v that_o the_o same_o notion_n which_o heraclitus_n hold_v do_v obtain_v among_o the_o persian_n and_o i_o can_v quote_v a_o passage_n in_o zeno_n citiensis_fw-la who_o in_o his_o book_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v that_o the_o building_n of_o stately_a temple_n be_v altogether_o needless_a and_o indeed_o ridiculous_a since_o no_o piece_n of_o humane_a architecture_n how_o pompous_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v be_v true_o sacred_a and_o valuaable_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o this_o practical_a notion_n be_v engrave_v in_o divine_a and_o legible_a character_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n chap._n vi_o than_o celsus_n say_v that_o all_o the_o power_n which_o the_o christian_n have_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o name_n of_o certain_a daemon_n and_o their_o invocation_n of_o they_o though_o i_o can_v well_o conceive_v what_o shall_v induce_v or_o even_o tempt_v he_o to_o talk_v at_o so_o extravagant_a a_o rate_n i_o suppose_v he_o obscure_o hint_n at_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o some_o who_o cast_v out_o devil_n but_o this_o be_v a_o most_o notorious_a calumny_n for_o the_o power_n which_o the_o christian_n have_v be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o owe_v to_o enchantment_n but_o to_o their_o pronounce_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o make_v mention_n of_o some_o remarkable_a occurrence_n of_o his_o life_n for_o by_o these_o and_o no_o unlawful_a mean_n have_v daemon_n be_v
celebrate_a author_n which_o you_o have_v reckon_v up_o have_v any_o tolerable_a effect_n especial_o on_o the_o common_a people_n since_z according_a to_o your_o own_o confession_n they_o be_v design_v for_o they_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_a allegory_n whereas_o moses_n act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o skilful_a and_o divine_a orator_n who_o make_v use_v of_o expression_n that_o admit_v of_o different_a sense_n neither_o give_v the_o laity_n among_o the_o jew_n a_o handle_n for_o the_o least_o irregularity_n in_o their_o moral_n nor_o want_v matter_n for_o the_o sublime_a speculation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v more_o judicious_a learned_a and_o inquisitive_a and_o i_o do_v see_v i_o confess_v that_o the_o work_n of_o your_o poet_n with_o all_o their_o wisdom_n be_v preserve_v what_o service_n soever_o they_o may_v do_v the_o public_a but_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n have_v prevail_v with_o they_o who_o opinion_n and_o custom_n be_v vast_o different_a from_o those_o which_o obtain_v among_o the_o jewish_a nation_n to_o believe_v that_o according_a to_o the_o account_n he_o give_v the_o law_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o be_v give_v he_o by_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o the_o glorious_a creator_n of_o the_o spacious_a universe_n for_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o dictares_fw-la of_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o since_o it_o be_v his_o will_n to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v carry_v along_o with_o they_o that_o force_n and_o efficacy_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o so_o ready_o and_o so_o universal_o to_o obtain_v this_o i_o say_v not_o examine_v at_o present_a what_o have_v a_o immediate_a relation_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o content_v myself_o with_o what_o relate_v to_o moses_n who_o though_o he_o come_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o holy_a and_o unspotted_a jesus_n do_v vast_o excel_v your_o most_o celebrate_a hero_n whether_o poet_n historian_n or_o philosopher_n chap._n xvii_o than_o celsus_n be_v desirous_a and_o even_o eager_a to_o cast_v a_o oblique_a reflection_n upon_o the_o account_n which_o moses_n give_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o who_o it_o want_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o the_o duration_n of_o ten_o thousand_o year_n discover_v himself_o though_o he_o do_v what_o he_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o conceal_v or_o dissemble_v his_o opinion_n to_o be_v one_o of_o they_o who_o hold_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o material_a world_n any_o judicious_a person_n may_v just_o and_o easy_o infer_v this_o from_o that_o passage_n of_o he_o there_o have_v be_v say_v he_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n many_o conflagration_n and_o inundation_n the_o last_o of_o which_o be_v deucalion_n be_v flood_n and_o that_o be_v of_o no_o early_a date_n let_v he_o therefore_o especial_o since_o he_o blame_v the_o christian_n for_o not_o build_v their_o faith_n on_o rational_a and_o solid_a ground_n acquaint_v i_o what_o demonstrative_a argument_n do_v of_o necessity_n induce_v he_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o have_v be_v several_a conflagration_n and_o inundation_n and_o that_o deucalion_n be_v be_v the_o late_a flood_n and_o phaeton_n conflagration_n the_o late_a that_o have_v ever_o happen_v and_o if_o he_o refer_v i_o to_o plato_n dialogue_n concern_v those_o matter_n i_o shall_v return_v he_o the_o follow_a answer_n that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o virtuous_a and_o refine_a soul_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v raise_v above_o all_o sensible_a object_n and_o all_o create_a being_n and_o have_v its_o entire_a and_o firm_a dependence_n upon_o god_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o enable_v he_o to_o set_v divine_a truth_n in_o a_o much_o clear_a light_n than_o plato_n or_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a sage_n whether_o greek_n or_o barbarian_n but_o perhaps_o he_o may_v demand_v of_o we_o what_o rational_a ground_n we_o have_v for_o such_o a_o belief_n as_o this_o if_o so_o let_v he_o first_o give_v we_o his_o reason_n for_o the_o opinion_n which_o he_o hold_v and_o advance_v even_o without_o the_o shadow_n of_o a_o demonstration_n and_o then_o i_o will_v undertake_v that_o he_o shall_v soon_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o our_o faith_n in_o this_o affair_n be_v build_v though_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o sore_o against_o his_o will_n he_o confess_v the_o world_n be_v of_o a_o modern_a date_n and_o not_o of_o the_o duration_n of_o ten_o thousand_o year_n when_o he_o say_v that_o these_o remarkable_a event_n be_v esteem_v ancient_a by_o the_o greek_n because_o the_o conflagration_n and_o inundation_n have_v be_v mean_n to_o bury_v in_o oblivion_n many_o considerable_a event_n of_o much_o great_a antiquity_n but_o let_v he_o if_o he_o please_v support_v his_o fabulous_a account_n of_o conflagration_n and_o inundation_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o egyptian_a doctor_n who_o in_o his_o opinion_n be_v the_o wise_a man_n that_o be_v ever_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n some_o footstep_n of_o who_o profound_a wisdom_n may_v be_v see_v in_o their_o pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o the_o brutus_n beast_n themselves_o and_o in_o those_o very_a argument_n which_o they_o bring_v to_o justify_v and_o recommend_v the_o symbolical_a rite_n that_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n the_o egyptian_n forsooth_o who_o endeavour_v to_o give_v some_o colour_n of_o reason_n for_o their_o mystical_a ceremony_n by_o their_o theological_a speculation_n must_v pass_v for_o man_n of_o most_o admirable_a wisdom_n but_o one_o who_o in_o observance_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n refer_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o bless_a god_n of_o who_o and_o through_o who_o and_o to_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n be_v more_o ignorant_a if_o we_o may_v give_v any_o heed_n to_o celsus_n and_o man_n of_o his_o unhappy_a principle_n than_o they_o who_o do_v it_o only_o dishonour_v the_o deity_n by_o pay_v divine_a adoration_n to_o creature_n endue_v with_o reason_n but_o even_o by_o pay_v it_o to_o those_o which_o be_v inanimate_a under_o a_o pretence_n of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o imaginary_a transmigration_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o they_o make_v to_o descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o pass_v into_o the_o bruit_n even_o into_o those_o of_o they_o which_o be_v of_o the_o most_o savage_a and_o cruel_a disposition_n and_o it_o seem_v the_o egyptian_n who_o hide_v their_o religion_n under_o the_o sacred_a veil_n of_o significant_a but_o obscure_a figure_n do_v challenge_n from_o we_o the_o profound_a reverence_n but_o moses_n forsooth_o who_o have_v write_v a_o faithful_a and_o useful_a history_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o leave_v they_o wholesome_a law_n for_o the_o regulation_n of_o their_o conduct_n both_o in_o a_o private_a and_o public_a capacity_n have_v only_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o celsus_n and_o the_o epicurean_o amuse_v they_o with_o empty_a and_o ridiculous_a fable_n that_o will_v not_o admit_v even_o of_o a_o allegorical_a interpretation_n chap._n xviii_o than_o he_o say_v that_o moses_n have_v borrow_a his_o opinion_n from_o this_o wise_a and_o eloquent_a people_n mean_v the_o egyptian_n get_v himself_o a_o prodigious_a and_o unaccountable_a name_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o if_o moses_n borrow_a some_o notion_n from_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o live_v in_o egypt_n before_o he_o and_o introduce_v they_o with_o some_o little_a difference_n or_o great_a improvement_n among_o his_o countryman_n the_o jew_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n he_o deserve_v to_o be_v blame_v severe_o if_o he_o have_v advance_v such_o notion_n as_o bear_v neither_o the_o character_n of_o truth_n nor_o wisdom_n but_o if_o he_o have_v embrace_v and_o teach_v those_o opinion_n which_o according_a to_o celsus_n own_o confession_n be_v both_o true_a and_o wise_a i_o can_v conceive_v that_o he_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n whereby_o he_o may_v just_o incur_v his_o censure_n i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o epicurus_n and_o aristotle_n who_o do_v not_o so_o direct_o and_o so_o gross_o deny_v a_o overrule_a providence_n as_o the_o other_o do_v i_o say_v i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o they_o and_o the_o stoic_n who_o hold_v that_o god_n be_v corporeal_a have_v be_v instruct_v in_o that_o heavenly_a doctrine_n that_o be_v deliver_v by_o moses_n that_o the_o world_n may_v not_o so_o much_o abound_v as_o it_o do_v with_o author_n that_o absolute_o deny_v a_o providence_n or_o confine_v it_o within_o very_o narrow_a bound_n or_o introduce_v a_o corporeal_a and_o corruptible_a principle_n insomuch_o that_o the_o stoic_n hold_v god_n himself_o to_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o matter_n and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o undergo_v the_o various_a change_n to_o which_o body_n be_v subject_a or_o that_o if_o he_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o be_v incorruptible_a it_o be_v
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
himself_o to_o the_o art_n of_o rhetoric_n i_o say_v because_o he_o personate_v a_o jew_n entertain_v our_o saviour_n with_o discourse_n that_o be_v very_o childish_a and_o unbecoming_a the_o gravity_n as_o well_o as_o suppose_a sense_n and_o learning_n of_o a_o old_a philosopher_n let_v i_o examine_v according_a to_o my_o weak_a ability_n what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o suppose_v he_o to_o say_v and_o make_v it_o appear_v as_o i_o think_v i_o can_v easy_o do_v that_o the_o jew_n do_v it_o strict_o or_o even_o tolerable_o observe_v his_o character_n celsus_n introduce_v he_o make_v his_o address_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o pretend_v to_o convince_v he_o of_o several_a point_n and_o the_o first_o thing_n of_o which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v he_o be_v that_o the_o account_n of_o his_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n be_v a_o empty_a and_o ridiculous_a fable_n then_o he_o reproach_n he_o with_o be_v bear_v at_o a_o obscure_a village_n and_o have_v a_o woman_n to_o his_o mother_n that_o get_v her_o livelihood_n by_o go_v out_o to_o service_n who_o he_o say_v be_v convict_v of_o adultery_n be_v divorce_v from_o her_o husband_n who_o be_v a_o carpenter_n by_o trade_n then_o he_o say_v that_o after_o this_o indignity_n wander_v from_o place_n to_o place_n she_o be_v private_o bring_v to_o bed_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o that_o he_o be_v force_v by_o reason_n of_o want_n to_o work_v in_o egypt_n and_o have_v learn_v there_o some_o of_o those_o art_n for_o which_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o country_n be_v so_o famous_a return_v into_o his_o native_a country_n and_o swell_v with_o a_o vain_a conceit_n of_o the_o miracle_n he_o shall_v do_v give_v out_o that_o he_o be_v god_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o must_v confess_v to_o i_o who_o do_v with_o a_o silent_a but_o deep_a regret_n pass_v by_o even_o the_o weak_a argument_n that_o be_v offer_v by_o our_o adversary_n and_o natural_o affect_v to_o trace_v thing_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o last_o consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n till_o i_o come_v by_o slow_a degree_n to_o their_o true_a original_n i_o say_v to_o i_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v a_o unhappy_a shock_n that_o they_o be_v no_o small_a confirmation_n of_o that_o important_a truth_n that_o our_o bless_a lord_n be_v the_o very_a person_n who_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n i_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o common_o a_o man_n descent_n from_o rich_a and_o honourable_a parent_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o liberal_a education_n do_v not_o a_o little_a conduce_v to_o blazon_v his_o name_n and_o command_v reverence_n from_o person_n of_o a_o inferior_a rank_n but_o when_o one_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o great_a degree_n imaginable_a under_o the_o contrary_a external_a inconvenience_n can_v spread_v his_o fame_n to_o the_o most_o distant_a region_n of_o the_o world_n in_o spite_n of_o his_o mean_a extraction_n and_o the_o fond_a opinion_n which_o be_v too_o often_o receive_v by_o aspire_a mortal_n and_o climb_v the_o high_a up_o the_o steep_a ascent_n of_o honour_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o violent_a opposition_n which_o be_v make_v against_o he_o who_o if_o he_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o humane_a nature_n leave_v can_v forbear_v to_o admire_v a_o soul_n of_o the_o same_o rank_n of_o being_n with_o himself_o so_o strange_o elevate_v beyond_o the_o common_a pitch_n and_o so_o near_o approach_v to_o the_o deity_n so_o capable_a of_o form_v well-laid_a deep_a and_o true_o generous_a design_n and_o of_o crown_v all_o by_o a_o happy_a and_o answerable_a execution_n if_o we_o make_v a_o serious_a and_o narrow_a enquiry_n into_o the_o matter_n shall_v we_o not_o be_v ready_a and_o even_o constrain_v to_o think_v thus_o with_o ourselves_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o one_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o poor_a and_o ignoble_a parent_n and_o be_v not_o instruct_v in_o the_o liberal_a art_n and_o science_n whereby_o he_o may_v have_v be_v render_v capable_a of_o insinuate_a himself_o into_o the_o people_n and_o of_o engage_v their_o affection_n and_o their_o purse_n in_o his_o service_n shall_v so_o work_v upon_o the_o passion_n of_o man_n by_o a_o invisible_a power_n and_o the_o naked_a evidence_n of_o truth_n as_o almost_o universal_o to_o gain_v their_o credit_n and_o esteem_v though_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o introduce_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n new_a a_o doctrine_n which_o without_o derogate_a in_o the_o least_o from_o any_o of_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n do_v abolish_v the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n and_o make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o the_o greek_n especial_o those_o which_o have_v a_o immediate_a relation_n to_o religious_a worship_n in_o which_o they_o be_v so_o gross_o ignorant_a be_v it_o not_o strange_a and_o even_o prodigious_a to_o a_o miracle_n that_o one_o who_o even_o according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o his_o enemy_n be_v so_o mean_o bear_v and_o breed_v and_o by_o consequence_n be_v very_o unfit_a to_o manage_v a_o intriegue_n which_o require_v a_o chain_n of_o thought_n and_o continue_a thread_n of_o artifice_n shall_v so_o move_v the_o secret_a spring_n of_o humane_a soul_n and_o so_o powerful_o incline_v they_o against_o their_o strong_a inclination_n by_o encourage_v the_o righteous_a with_o a_o please_a prospect_n of_o a_o glorious_a and_o eternal_a reward_n in_o the_o world_n of_o pure_a and_o perfect_a spirit_n and_o by_o represent_v to_o the_o wicked_a as_o in_o a_o glass_n those_o dreadful_a torment_n which_o they_o must_v expect_v to_o suffer_v when_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n i_o say_v be_v it_o not_o strange_a and_o even_o prodigious_a to_o a_o miracle_n that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v not_o only_o engage_v ignorant_a and_o illiterate_a person_n to_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n but_o also_o a_o great_a number_n of_o the_o rational_a and_o learned_a world_n who_o under_o the_o sacred_a veil_n of_o naked_a truth_n can_v discern_v unfathomable_a depth_n of_o supernatural_a wisdom_n display_v with_o all_o the_o art_n that_o a_o god_n can_v show_v i_o remember_v plato_n relate_v a_o story_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v at_o seriphos_n who_o upbraid_v themistocles_n a_o famous_a general_n say_v that_o the_o reputation_n he_o have_v happy_o establish_v be_v not_o owe_v to_o his_o merit_n but_o his_o happen_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o a_o famous_a city_n of_o greece_n whereupon_o themistocles_n who_o be_v sensible_a and_o grateful_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o place_n of_o his_o nativity_n have_v no_o small_a tendency_n to_o render_v his_o name_n immortal_a return_v he_o this_o judicious_a and_o divert_v answer_n if_o i_o have_v be_v bear_v say_v he_o at_o seriphos_n i_o shall_o have_v be_v so_o famous_a as_o i_o be_o but_o if_o you_o have_v be_v bear_v at_o athens_n you_o will_v never_o have_v become_v themistocles_n now_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v upbraid_v with_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o village_n and_o that_o not_o of_o greece_n or_o any_o celebrate_a country_n and_o have_v a_o poor_a woman_n to_o his_o mother_n that_o get_v her_o livelihood_n by_o her_o labour_n and_o leave_v his_o country_n by_o reason_n of_o want_n be_v force_v to_o work_v in_o egypt_n i_o say_v our_o saviour_n who_o if_o i_o may_v accommodate_v the_o forego_n instance_n to_o our_o present_a case_n be_v of_o a_o mean_a extraction_n than_o the_o forementioned_a person_n that_o be_v bear_v at_o seriphos_n do_v as_o it_o be_v give_v a_o happy_a shock_n to_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n and_o make_v a_o great_a impression_n upon_o the_o savage_a disposition_n of_o man_n i_o scorn_v to_o say_v than_o themistocles_n the_o athenian_a but_o a_o great_a than_o even_o pythagoras_n or_o plato_n or_o any_o of_o the_o wiseman_n prince_n or_o emperor_n be_v ever_o know_v or_o report_v to_o have_v make_v what_o person_n then_o unless_o he_o love_v to_o dwell_v upon_o the_o superficies_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o stand_v astonish_v when_o he_o consider_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n surmount_v all_o the_o difficulty_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n to_o his_o grow_a reputation_n and_o seem_v to_o threaten_v that_o his_o name_n shall_v as_o it_o be_v sleep_v in_o everlasting_a silence_n chap._n xxvii_o it_o seldom_o happen_v that_o any_o one_o person_n be_v famous_a for_o many_o thing_n at_o once_o for_o one_o be_v famous_a for_o wisdom_n another_o for_o military_a discipline_n and_o somâ—_n of_o the_o barbarian_n for_o their_o skill_n in_o magic_n and_o several_a other_o for_o some_o few_o suppose_a perfection_n which_o perhaps_o do_v scarce_o deserve_v our_o notice_n but_o our_o saviour_n be_v very_o remarkable_a for_o the_o best_a sort_n of_o wisdom_n for_o authority_n and_o for_o work_a miracle_n not_o to_o mention_v those_o
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
conquest_n and_o i_o scarce_o know_v whether_o the_o greek_n can_v produce_v any_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n in_o any_o other_o person_n beside_o phaedon_n and_o polemon_n or_o at_o best_o they_o can_v name_v but_o very_o few_o person_n who_o ever_o leave_v their_o intemperance_n and_o debauchery_n to_o apply_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o entertain_v and_o useful_a study_n of_o philosophy_n but_o in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n who_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v contemporary_a with_o he_o we_o see_v daily_o a_o far_o great_a number_n of_o person_n that_o become_v virtuous_a and_o pious_a and_o join_v in_o a_o bless_a chorus_n acknowledge_v with_o the_o deep_a shame_n and_o sorrow_n the_o many_o false_a and_o almost_o fatal_a step_n which_o former_o they_o take_v we_o ourselves_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v sometime_o tit._n iii._o v._o 3_o 4._o foolish_a and_o disobedient_a deceive_v serve_v diverse_a lust_n and_o pleasure_n live_v in_o malice_n and_o envy_n hateful_a and_o hate_v one_o another_o but_o after_o that_o the_o kindness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n towards_o man_n appear_v not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o by_o the_o wash_v of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o he_o shed_v on_o we_o abundant_o for_o as_o the_o prophetical_a psalmist_n speak_v he_o send_v his_o word_n and_o heal_v they_o and_o deliver_v they_o psal_n cvii_o v._n 20._o from_o their_o destruction_n i_o may_v add_v that_o chrysippus_n in_o a_o book_n which_o he_o have_v write_v entitle_v the_o art_n of_o cure_v the_o disorder_n of_o the_o humane_a passion_n endeavour_n to_o lay_v down_o proper_a and_o effectual_a rule_n for_o the_o management_n of_o those_o which_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o that_o end_n he_o argue_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o several_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n not_o examine_v which_o of_o they_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o truth_n and_o have_v the_o follow_a word_n if_o say_v he_o pleasure_n be_v esteem_v the_o chief_a good_a the_o passion_n may_v and_o aught_o thus_o to_o be_v cure_v and_o if_o there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o good_a they_o be_v to_o be_v cure_v after_o this_o different_a manner_n now_o they_o who_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v wilful_o neglect_v to_o consider_v how_o many_o unruly_a passion_n be_v successful_o govern_v by_o it_o what_o a_o stop_v it_o put_v to_o that_o rapid_a torrent_n of_o vice_n and_o immorality_n which_o be_v too_o visible_a in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o extravagant_a savage_a and_o even_o diabolical_a temper_n it_o have_v frequent_o happy_o and_o very_o sudden_o conquer_v certain_o it_o ought_v to_o raise_v their_o admiration_n and_o constrain_v they_o to_o make_v the_o most_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n to_o almighty_a god_n to_o consider_v what_o vast_a and_o apparent_a advantage_n the_o public_a reap_v from_o those_o proper_a and_o most_o excellent_a method_n which_o our_o saviour_n take_v for_o the_o reformation_n of_o manner_n and_o one_o will_v think_v that_o if_o they_o will_v allow_v christianity_n to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n yet_o they_o must_v confess_v that_o it_o conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o mank_v and_o which_o be_v more_o have_v a_o immediate_a and_o principal_a regard_n to_o their_o better_a and_o immortal_a part._n chap._n liu._n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v so_o effectual_o consult_v even_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o his_o follower_n that_o he_o will_o have_v they_o to_o be_v rash_a and_o precipitate_v but_o give_v they_o this_o necessary_a lesson_n when_o they_o persecute_v you_o in_o one_o city_n flee_v unto_o another_o and_o teach_v they_o by_o his_o own_o example_n not_o to_o run_v into_o needless_a danger_n celsus_n take_v occasion_n even_o from_o hence_o to_o form_v a_o accusation_n against_o he_o in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o jew_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n you_o run_v up_o and_o down_o with_o your_o disciple_n but_o as_o for_o the_o charge_n which_o be_v here_o bring_v against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n we_o meet_v with_o a_o parallel_n case_n even_o in_o the_o history_n which_o the_o greek_n have_v publish_v for_o aristotle_n that_o famous_a philosopher_n when_o he_o see_v he_o shall_v be_v condemn_v as_o a_o wicked_a person_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o peculiar_a and_o in_o some_o sense_n dangerous_a notion_n he_o advance_v which_o as_o the_o athenian_n think_v do_v give_v too_o great_a encouragement_n to_o licentiousness_n take_v a_o opportunity_n to_o go_v from_o athens_n and_o remove_v his_o school_n to_o chalcis_n make_v the_o follow_a apology_n to_o some_o of_o his_o acquaintance_n let_v we_o leave_v athens_n say_v he_o that_o we_o may_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o athenian_n to_o re-act_n that_o horrid_a impiety_n which_o they_o plain_o discover_v by_o their_o ill_a treatment_n of_o so_o great_a a_o genius_n as_o the_o world_n know_v socrates_n to_o have_v be_v and_o to_o commit_v a_o most_o grievous_a offence_n against_o so_o sacred_a a_o thing_n as_o philosophy_n chap._n lu._n celsus_n add_v that_o our_o saviour_n run_v up_o and_o down_o with_o his_o disciple_n be_v force_v to_o beg_v his_o bread_n like_o a_o sordid_a wretch_n but_o pray_v let_v he_o inform_v we_o where_o he_o have_v rake_v up_o all_o these_o scurrilous_a expression_n i_o confess_v we_o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o certain_a woman_n that_o be_v cure_v of_o their_o infirmity_n among_o which_o be_v susannah_n do_v ready_o distribute_v some_o part_n of_o their_o substance_n to_o furnish_v the_o disciple_n with_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o life_n but_o pray_v what_o philosopher_n who_o employ_v his_o time_n and_o strength_n with_o some_o regard_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o relation_n and_o friend_n and_o indeed_o of_o mankind_n in_o general_n will_v refuse_v to_o have_v his_o want_n supply_v or_o do_v it_o become_v the_o philosopher_n to_o accept_v the_o seasonable_a and_o generous_a assistance_n of_o their_o friend_n and_o other_o but_o argue_v a_o base_a and_o sordid_a spirit_n in_o our_o bless_a lord_n or_o those_o who_o become_v his_o follower_n chap._n lvi_o than_o the_o jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v continue_v his_o discourse_n with_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n what_o necessity_n be_v there_o that_o when_o you_o be_v a_o infant_n you_o shall_v be_v carry_v into_o egypt_n to_o avoid_v be_v kill_v for_o sure_o it_o didn't_fw-mi become_v a_o god_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n a_o angel_n it_o seem_v be_v dispatch_v from_o heaven_n to_o bid_v you_o and_o some_o of_o your_o near_a relation_n betake_v yourselves_o to_o flight_n lest_o you_o shall_v be_v find_v and_o be_v put_v to_o death_n but_o can_o almighty_a god_n who_o as_o we_o be_v tell_v do_v employ_v his_o angel_n for_o your_o direction_n and_o assistance_n preserve_v his_o son_n as_o easy_o in_o judea_n as_o in_o egypt_n celsus_n think_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o extraordinary_a in_o the_o humane_a body_n and_o soul_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o ridicul_v his_o precious_a blood_n that_o be_v shed_v upon_o the_o cross_n he_o say_v it_o be_v not_o such_o blood_n as_o from_o the_o immortal_a god_n do_v hom_o il._n lib._n 5._o v._o 34â—_n flow_v but_o we_o who_o give_v credit_n to_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o give_v a_o testimony_n of_o his_o divinity_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n john_n fourteen_o v._o 6._o and_o in_o other_o parallel_n place_n and_o when_o he_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o humanity_n in_o the_o follow_a expression_n now_o you_o seek_v to_o kill_v i_o a_o man_n who_o have_v tell_v you_o the_o truth_n i_o say_v we_o who_o believe_v john_n viij_o v._o 40._o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o speak_v thus_o of_o himself_o do_v assert_v and_o maintain_v that_o he_o have_v two_o nature_n the_o one_o divine_a and_o the_o other_o humane_a and_o that_o since_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o a_o intention_n to_o live_v in_o some_o respect_n like_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n it_o be_v high_o incongruous_a that_o he_o shall_v run_v upon_o a_o precipice_n and_o be_v fond_a of_o misery_n and_o death_n it_o be_v fit_a he_o shall_v be_v direct_v and_o govern_v by_o they_o to_o who_o the_o care_n of_o his_o education_n do_v belong_v and_o that_o the_o angel_n order_n shall_v be_v strict_o and_o religious_o observe_v and_o the_o same_o angel_n which_o say_v at_o first_o joseph_n thou_o son_n of_o david_n fear_v not_o to_o mat._n i._n v._o 20._o take_v unto_o thou_o marry_o thy_o wife_n for_o that_o which_o be_v conceive_v in_o she_o be_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v
when_o he_o say_v if_o any_o person_n have_v foretell_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n he_o be_v one_o of_o our_o own_o prophet_n and_o inspire_v by_o that_o god_n in_o who_o we_o believe_v and_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o it_o tend_v in_o the_o least_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o jew_n for_o it_o do_v follow_v that_o because_o he_o be_v so_o therefore_o all_o who_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n must_v observe_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n chap._n v._n than_o the_o pretend_a jew_n tell_v we_o that_o our_o saviour_n be_v punish_v by_o his_o own_o countryman_n according_a to_o the_o demerit_n of_o his_o horrid_a crime_n but_o i_o think_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o already_o in_o answer_n to_o so_o pityful_a a_o cavil_v and_o therefore_o sha'n_v do_v he_o the_o honour_n to_o imitate_v he_o in_o his_o frequent_a and_o needless_a repetition_n then_o he_o laugh_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n at_o which_o the_o righteous_a will_v be_v reward_v and_o the_o wicked_a punish_v i_o say_v he_o laugh_v at_o it_o as_o be_v in_o his_o opinion_n most_o high_o ridiculous_a and_o he_o say_v that_o the_o christian_n say_v nothing_o even_o on_o these_o important_a subject_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v they_o but_o what_o be_v say_v long_o before_o imagine_v that_o this_o be_v a_o effectual_a argument_n to_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a superstructure_n of_o christianity_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n perceive_v how_o little_a conformity_n there_o be_v between_o the_o live_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o doctrine_n even_o of_o their_o own_o celebrate_a prophet_n think_v fit_a to_o teach_v they_o by_o parable_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v mat._n xxi_o v._o 41._o take_v from_o they_o and_o give_v to_o the_o gentile_n and_o we_o see_v this_o prophecy_n most_o evident_o and_o remarkable_o fulfil_v in_o the_o age_n in_o which_o we_o live_v for_o the_o present_a jew_n not_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o supernatural_a light_n which_o be_v high_o necessary_a to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n abound_v to_o their_o great_a shame_n with_o extravagant_a and_o innumerable_a fancy_n whereas_o the_o christian_n be_v happy_o lead_v into_o the_o spiritual_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o alone_o be_v able_a at_o once_o to_o enlighten_v and_o elevate_v the_o mind_n and_o do_v it_o live_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o member_n of_o a_o earthly_a republic_n but_o like_o worthy_a and_o honourable_a citizen_n of_o that_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n of_o which_o their_o pompous_a worship_n and_o external_a grandeur_n be_v a_o very_a imperfect_a emblem_n this_o be_v evident_a in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o penetrate_v into_o the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o the_o law_n and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o rational_a and_o intelligible_a explication_n of_o they_o to_o any_o person_n who_o may_v modest_o desire_v it_o and_o suppose_v i_o shall_v grant_v that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o observe_v the_o various_a ceremony_n relate_v to_o the_o jewish_a sacrifice_n this_o i_o think_v will_v be_v no_o solid_a argument_n against_o our_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god._n he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o that_o adorable_a majesty_n who_o give_v the_o law_n and_o from_o who_o the_o prophet_n do_v receive_v their_o commission_n and_o we_o who_o be_v christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n do_v wilful_o transgress_v the_o law_n but_o reject_v the_o fable_n of_o the_o jew_n employ_v our_o time_n and_o strength_n in_o search_v into_o the_o spiritual_a and_o mystical_a sense_n which_o we_o think_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n do_v admit_v of_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o themselves_o wou'dn_v have_v we_o rest_n in_o the_o literal_a and_o most_o obvious_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o important_a message_n they_o deliver_v from_o time_n to_o time_n since_o it_o be_v their_o common_a practice_n to_o usher_v in_o their_o prophecy_n with_o some_o such_o introduction_n as_o this_o i_o will_v open_v my_o mouth_n in_o a_o parable_n i_o will_v utter_v dark_a say_n of_o old_a and_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o command_v of_o the_o law_n as_o be_v obscure_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v right_o understand_v without_o divine_a assistance_n they_o put_v up_o this_o earnest_a petition_n to_o almighty_a god_n open_v thou_o my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o thy_o law_n ps_n cxix_o v._o 18._o chap._n vi_o and_o by_o the_o way_n since_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n which_o the_o prophet_n use_v i_o may_v safe_o challenge_v any_o person_n to_o instance_n in_o any_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n that_o be_v vain_a or_o even_o seem_v to_o have_v the_o least_o tincture_n of_o pride_n and_o ostentation_n and_o how_o can_v he_o be_v accuse_v of_o haughtiness_n and_o arrogance_n who_o have_v abundant_a reason_n to_o use_v the_o follow_a word_n learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a of_o heart_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n to_o your_o soul_n mat._n xi_o v._o 29._o he_o i_o say_v who_o after_o he_o have_v sup_v with_o his_o disciple_n lay_v aside_o his_o garment_n and_o take_v a_o towel_n and_o gird_v himself_o and_o pour_v water_n into_o a_o basin_n and_o wash_v their_o foot_n and_o reprove_v one_o of_o the_o company_n who_o will_o suffer_v he_o to_o do_v it_o and_o say_v if_o i_o wash_v thou_o not_o thou_o have_v no_o part_n with_o i_o he_o who_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n john_n xiii_o v._o 8._o i_o be_o among_o you_o as_o he_o that_o serve_v luk._n xxii_o v._n 27_o to_o proceed_v let_v any_o one_o show_n if_o he_o can_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v ever_o advance_v any_o single_a position_n that_o be_v false_a and_o let_v he_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o great_a or_o small_a untruth_n if_o his_o inclination_n prompt_v he_o to_o prove_v he_o a_o notorious_a liar_n though_o to_o speak_v proper_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o degree_n of_o falsehood_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a any_o true_a proposition_n be_v as_o much_o a_o truth_n as_o the_o most_o important_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o why_o shall_v i_o talk_v as_o i_o do_v let_v any_o one_o and_o particular_o the_o pretend_a jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n by_o solid_a reason_n if_o he_o can_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v ever_o guilty_a of_o the_o least_o impiety_n be_v it_o a_o crime_n to_o abolish_v the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o ceremonial_a distinction_n of_o meat_n and_o the_o carnal_a observance_n of_o feast_n new-moon_n and_o sabbath_n that_o his_o sincere_a follower_n may_v have_v their_o mind_n gradual_o raise_v to_o the_o spiritual_a and_o full_a sense_n of_o the_o law_n which_o alone_o be_v worthy_a of_o the_o infinite_a purity_n and_o great_a design_n of_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n who_o give_v it_o though_o tisn_v in_o the_o least_o incongruous_a that_o a_o minister_n and_o even_o a_o apostle_n shall_v still_o be_v a_o jew_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o may_v gain_v the_o jew_n be_v under_o the_o law_n as_o it_o be_v to_o gain_v they_o who_o be_v under_o the_o law_n chap._n vii_o the_o jew_n add_v that_o abundance_n of_o person_n beside_o our_o saviour_n have_v lead_v such_o aside_o as_o tame_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o be_v even_o fond_a of_o delusion_n i_o answer_v let_v he_o instance_n in_o any_o one_o person_n if_o he_o can_v who_o ever_o give_v such_o useful_a precept_n to_o the_o world_n as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v leave_v upon_o record_n and_o teach_v they_o a_o doctrine_n which_o have_v as_o great_a a_o virtue_n to_o reform_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n as_o that_o which_o accompany_v the_o successful_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n then_o he_o say_v the_o christian_n find_v fault_n with_o the_o jew_n for_o not_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v god_n but_o this_o i_o have_v already_o answer_v and_o show_v in_o what_o respect_n we_o own_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v god_n and_o in_o what_o sense_n we_o believe_v he_o be_v a_o real_a man._n chap._n viii_o celsvs_n jew_n add_v the_o follow_a word_n how_o can_v any_o one_o imagine_v that_o we_o who_o all_o along_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o god_n will_v send_v a_o person_n to_o punish_v the_o disobedient_a and_o rebellious_a shall_v treat_v he_o so_o base_o when_o he_o come_v in_o compliance_n with_o
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 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may_v suspect_v that_o out_o of_o wicked_a policy_n i_o pass_v by_o his_o objection_n be_v conscious_a to_o myself_o that_o i_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o return_v a_o satisfactory_a or_o even_o tolerable_a answer_n then_o say_v he_o pray_v i_v it_o the_o most_o absurd_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o suppose_v that_o he_o who_o when_o he_o be_v alive_a and_o use_v all_o the_o little_a art_n he_o have_v can_v gain_v no_o follower_n in_o comparison_n or_o at_o lest_o none_o of_o any_o sense_n or_o rank_n shall_v after_o his_o death_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o apostle_n so_o strange_o influence_n a_o considerable_a part_n of_o mankind_n as_o they_o be_v represent_v by_o some_o to_o do_v but_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o strict_a reason_v which_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o master_n of_o he_o shall_v have_v argue_v thus_o if_o after_o his_o death_n he_o furnish_v his_o ambassador_n with_o all_o necessary_a ability_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o 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of_o several_a motive_n a_o few_o of_o which_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v and_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n perhaps_o to_o make_v mention_n of_o some_o other_o argument_n on_o this_o head_n not_o only_o in_o my_o answer_n to_o celsus_n book_n entitle_v a_o true_a relation_n but_o also_o in_o some_o other_o treatise_n if_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v i_o that_o measure_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o accomplish_v my_o design_n then_o as_o if_o we_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n bare_a suffer_v on_o the_o cross_n be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o say_v what_o if_o he_o do_v real_o suffer_v can_v we_o instance_n in_o many_o other_o that_o suffer_v as_o well_o and_o as_o much_o as_o he_o but_o celsus_n in_o this_o matter_n act_v the_o part_n of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o unfair_a enemy_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v who_o when_o they_o read_v the_o history_n of_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o saviour_n immediate_o imagine_v that_o we_o fond_o canonize_v all_o person_n who_o be_v ever_o so_o unfortunate_a as_o to_o hang_v upon_o a_o cross_n this_o any_o one_o may_v see_v be_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o adversary_n i_o have_v to_o do_v with_o who_o be_v utter_o unable_a to_o resist_v the_o clear_a evidence_n which_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v carry_v in_o they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n have_v the_o face_n to_o misrepresent_v they_o to_o the_o world_n as_o do_v by_o mere_a legerdemain_n or_o rather_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o this_o pityful_a and_o vile_a cavil_v have_v be_v so_o frequent_o answer_v according_a to_o my_o slender_a ability_n that_o real_o it_o quite_o tire_v my_o patience_n to_o repeat_v thing_n so_o often_o as_o i_o see_v i_o must_v then_o celsus_n make_v we_o say_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o he_o cure_v the_o lame_a and_o blind_a and_o raise_v a_o few_o from_o the_o dead_a as_o we_o poor_a creature_n that_o we_o be_v be_v ready_a to_o imagine_v but_o that_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o that_o he_o can_v say_v this_o consideration_n of_o itself_o be_v a_o solid_a argument_n to_o prove_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v plain_a from_o that_o famous_a prophecy_n in_o isaiah_n then_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a shall_v be_v open_v and_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o deaf_a shall_v isa_n 35_o v._o â—_o be_v unstop_v then_o shall_v the_o lame_a man_n leap_v as_o a_o hart._n and_o it_o be_v high_o improbable_a to_o say_v no_o more_o that_o the_o evangelist_n shall_v forge_v the_o account_n they_o give_v we_o of_o some_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a because_o have_v they_o be_v give_v to_o invent_v fiction_n mere_o to_o serve_v a_o turn_n they_o will_v have_v give_v we_o more_o frequent_a instance_n of_o that_o nature_n than_o we_o meet_v with_o and_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v long_o dead_a than_o those_o of_o who_o we_o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o their_o give_v so_o few_o instance_n of_o person_n restore_v to_o life_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o proof_n as_o can_v be_v that_o the_o evangelist_n whatever_o celsus_n may_v say_v be_v man_n of_o honest_a principle_n and_o the_o far_a of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n except_o our_o bless_a saviour_n from_o be_v person_n of_o intriegve_n they_o instance_n only_o in_o the_o daughter_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o case_n seem_v foreign_a to_o the_o purpose_n for_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o she_o she_o be_v not_o dead_a but_o sleep_n in_o the_o only_a son_n of_o a_o widow_n who_o our_o saviour_n recover_v out_o of_o tender_a compassion_n to_o his_o disconsolate_a mother_n order_v the_o coffin_n to_o be_v stop_v and_o last_o in_o lazarus_n who_o have_v continue_v some_o day_n in_o the_o grave_a as_o the_o evangelist_n acquaint_v we_o and_o i_o will_v offer_v the_o follow_a consideration_n to_o the_o most_o judicious_a of_o our_o adversary_n and_o at_o this_o time_n more_o immediate_o to_o the_o jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v viz._n that_o as_o in_o elisha_n time_n there_o be_v many_o leper_n but_o none_o of_o they_o be_v cure_v that_o we_o read_v of_o except_o naaman_n the_o syrian_a and_o many_o widow_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o prophet_n elijah_n but_o he_o be_v only_o send_v to_o the_o widow_n of_o sarepta_n in_o the_o country_n of_o sidon_n for_o she_o alone_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o the_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v so_o many_o person_n die_v when_o our_o saviour_n be_v on_o earth_n but_o he_o only_o raise_v those_o from_o the_o dead_a who_o in_o some_o sense_n have_v qvalify_v themselves_o for_o so_o special_a a_o favour_n and_o this_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v he_o do_v to_o typify_v something_o future_a and_o give_v mankind_n convince_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o he_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n and_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o according_a to_o the_o promise_v he_o have_v make_v his_o disciple_n do_v far_o strange_a thing_n than_o those_o which_o he_o himself_o exhibit_v to_o the_o outward_a sense_n of_o they_o who_o be_v the_o happy_a spectator_n of_o his_o miracle_n for_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o spiritual_o blind_a be_v frequent_o open_v by_o they_o the_o ear_n of_o those_o who_o once_o be_v deaf_a to_o all_o the_o awaken_n precept_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n be_v unstop_v that_o so_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o many_o who_o be_v spiritual_o lame_a be_v cure_v by_o the_o gospel_n insomuch_o that_o they_o do_v only_o leap_v but_o even_o leap_v as_o a_o stag_n which_o animal_n as_o naturalist_n observe_v be_v a_o enemy_n to_o serpent_n and_o happy_o expel_v their_o poison_n they_o derive_v such_o a_o heal_a virtue_n from_o their_o heavenly_a physician_n that_o they_o can_v immediate_o tread_v on_o those_o serpent_n and_o scorpion_n by_o which_o they_o be_v once_o most_o sad_o cripple_a without_o incur_v the_o least_o seem_a danger_n nay_o they_o be_v effectual_o steel_v if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v against_o the_o strong_a and_o too_o often_o fatal_a impression_n which_o vice_n and_o immorality_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n fortify_v against_o the_o malicious_a and_o vigorous_a attempt_n of_o unite_a daemon_n chap._n xxix_o when_o our_o saviour_n admonish_v his_o disciple_n to_o avoid_v those_o design_v wretch_n who_o confident_o affirm_v they_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o endeavour_v by_o their_o curse_a enchantment_n to_o draw_v
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
woman_n be_v most_o notorious_o false_a for_o st._n matthew_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o sabbath_n as_o it_o begin_v to_o dawn_n towards_o the_o first_o mat._n 28._o v._o 1._o day_n of_o the_o week_n come_v mary_n magdalen_n and_o the_o other_o marry_o to_o see_v the_o sepulchre_n and_o behold_v there_o be_v a_o great_a earthquake_n for_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o come_v and_o roll_v back_o the_o stone_n from_o the_o door_n and_o sit_v upon_o it_o a_o little_a after_o he_o have_v these_o word_n behold_v jesus_n meet_v they_o i._n e._n the_o two_o ave-mary_n say_v all_o hail_n and_o ibid._n 9_o they_o come_v and_o hold_v he_o by_o the_o foot_n and_o worship_v he_o and_o i_o have_v already_o answer_v what_o celsus_n object_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n when_o he_o be_v crucify_v say_v he_o there_o be_v witness_n enough_o but_o when_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a at_o most_o he_o appear_v only_o to_o a_o small_a company_n of_o scoundrel_n i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v that_o our_o saviour_n can_o be_v see_v by_o all_o and_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v at_o present_a that_o all_o person_n be_v capable_a at_o time_n of_o see_v he_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o humane_a nature_n but_o to_o discern_v the_o bright_a ray_n or_o even_o the_o least_o glimmering_n of_o his_o deity_n be_v what_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o men._n i_o speak_v now_o of_o his_o humane_a and_o divine_a nature_n in_o contra-distinction_n to_o each_o other_o and_o not_o as_o have_v a_o mutual_a reference_n and_o close_a connexion_n but_o pray_v observe_v how_o weak_o celsus_n talk_v have_v say_v that_o our_o saviour_n appear_v only_o to_o one_o fanatical_a woman_n or_o perhaps_o a_o few_o other_o of_o the_o same_o wretched_a cabal_n he_o add_v the_o follow_a word_n when_o he_o be_v crucify_v say_v he_o there_o be_v witness_n enough_o but_o when_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o appear_v but_o to_o a_o few_o whereas_o have_v he_o have_v any_o brain_n he_o must_v have_v take_v the_o quite_o contrary_a course_n but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o latter_a word_n according_a to_o his_o weak_a judgement_n our_o saviour_n must_v have_v take_v such_o method_n as_o be_v plain_o impracticable_a and_o gross_o absurd_a viz._n he_o must_v be_v crucify_v forsooth_o in_o the_o sight_n but_o of_o a_o single_a person_n and_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n promiscuous_o when_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a for_o those_o word_n he_o shall_v have_v take_v the_o quite_o contrary_a course_n will_v bear_v no_o other_o tolerable_a sense_n if_o i_o be_o capable_a of_o make_v a_o judgement_n upon_o any_o thing_n our_o saviour_n have_v acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o person_n that_o send_v he_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n no_o man_n know_v the_o father_n save_o the_o son_n and_o in_o these_o word_n no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n but_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n who_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o he_o it_o be_v who_o reveal_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n to_o his_o true_a disciple_n and_o we_o endeavour_v to_o form_v our_o scheme_n of_o divinity_n upon_o his_o most_o excellent_a model_n who_o sometime_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v light_a and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o darkness_n 1_o joâ—n_n 1_n v._o 5_o at_o all_o and_o at_o other_o time_n that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v john_n 4._o v._o 24._o he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o any_o one_o that_o will_v may_v learn_v for_o what_o end_n god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n if_o he_o will_v but_o consult_v the_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o especial_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n he_o come_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o true_a and_o most_o direct_a way_n to_o peace_n here_o and_o complete_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o and_o to_o take_v a_o most_o bless_a advantage_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v of_o the_o horrid_a impiety_n and_o continual_a provocation_n of_o impenitent_a and_o dare_a sinner_n celsus_n be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o have_v the_o follow_a word_n he_o come_v it_o seem_v to_o instruct_v good_a man_n and_o to_o make_v free_a and_o monstrously-large_a offer_v of_o his_o grace_n even_o to_o the_o vile_a rebel_n then_o say_v he_o if_o he_o have_v so_o singular_a a_o fancy_n to_o abscond_v what_o need_n be_v there_o i_o wonder_v of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god._n and_o if_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o abscond_v then_o why_o do_v he_o suffer_v and_o die_v he_o imagine_v i_o perceive_v that_o the_o account_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o themselves_o not_o be_v able_a with_o all_o his_o pretend_a sagacity_n to_o comprehend_v or_o frame_v any_o just_a idea_n of_o the_o design_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v neither_o to_o lie_v hide_v altogether_o and_o so_o be_v entire_o useless_a and_o a_o mere_a cypher_n in_o his_o own_o creation_n nor_o to_o have_v his_o bright_a side_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v i_o mean_v his_o divine_a nature_n know_a to_o many_o of_o those_o very_a person_n who_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o see_v he_o with_o their_o bodily_a eye_n the_o voice_n that_o come_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well-pleased_a i_v say_v to_o be_v hear_v by_o the_o multitude_n as_o celsus_n jew_n imagine_v and_o the_o other_o voice_n which_o be_v say_v to_o come_v from_o the_o cloud_n be_v only_o hear_v by_o those_o who_o go_v up_o with_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o mountain_n for_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n that_o it_o can_v only_o be_v hear_v by_o those_o for_o who_o god_n be_v please_v for_o wise_a reason_n to_o design_n it_o i_o do_v speak_v here_o of_o the_o mere_a vibration_n of_o the_o particle_n of_o the_o air_n or_o any_o philosophical_a account_n that_o may_v be_v give_v of_o a_o voice_n but_o of_o a_o spiritual_a senfation_n whereby_o one_o who_o have_v spiritual_a sense_n exercise_v do_v hear_v god_n speak_v when_o one_o who_o be_v deaf_a to_o all_o the_o awaken_n precept_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n be_v entire_o ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v say_v i_o mean_v as_o to_o any_o valuable_a and_o last_a purpose_n that_o it_o serve_v this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o those_o word_n of_o celsus_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o what_o i_o have_v already_o offer_v concern_v the_o suffering_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n i_o judge_v to_o the_o follow_a word_n if_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o conceal_v his_o power_n and_o obscure_v his_o glory_n then_o sure_o he_o be_v bear_v under_o a_o very_a unhappy_a planet_n or_o else_o he_o have_v never_o suffer_v and_o die_v then_o celsus_n jew_n be_v please_v to_o draw_v a_o consequence_n which_o be_v very_o unnatural_a and_o unjust_a for_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v that_o because_o our_o saviour_n by_o his_o suffering_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o bid_v defiance_n to_o death_n itself_o therefore_o when_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o shall_v have_v order_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o make_v a_o general_n rendezvouz_n and_o have_v public_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o leave_v the_o realm_n of_o light_n and_o glory_n and_o think_v it_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o come_v down_o into_o this_o miserable_a and_o sinful_a world_n for_o this_o he_o have_v already_o do_v when_o he_o say_v come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n mat._n 11._o v._o 28._o and_o be_v heavy-laden_a and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_v this_o he_o have_v also_o do_v in_o the_o long_a sermon_n which_o he_o preach_v upon_o the_o mount_n concern_v the_o beatitude_n and_o his_o discourse_n on_o several_a other_o subject_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o it_o and_o in_o his_o useful_a parable_n and_o frequent_a dispute_n with_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o st._n john_n acquaint_v we_o in_o his_o gospel_n with_o what_o a_o majesty_n our_o saviour_n speak_v which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o artificial_a colour_n of_o humane_a rhetoric_n or_o a_o graceful_a elocution_n and_o happy_a gesture_n as_o of_o those_o divine_a important_a and_o plain_a but_o command_v truth_n that_o be_v the_o subject-matter_n of_o his_o frequent_a discourse_n and_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o other_o gospel_n that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v with_o