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 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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
afterward_o arise_v and_o take_v the_o young_a child_n and_o his_o mother_n and_o flee_v into_o egypt_n and_o be_v thou_o there_o until_o i_o bring_v thou_o word_n for_o herod_n will_v seek_v the_o young_a child_n to_o destroy_v he_o and_o i_o see_v nothing_o in_o this_o whole_a account_n that_o even_o seem_v to_o shock_v our_o reason_n and_o destroy_v our_o faith_n for_o we_o read_v elsewhere_o that_o joseph_n be_v warn_v by_o god_n in_o a_o dream_n and_o that_o such_o apparition_n as_o these_o have_v be_v be_v a_o truth_n in_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o which_o experience_v itself_o may_v i_o think_v sufficient_o confirm_v we_o what_o absurdity_n be_v there_o then_o upon_o the_o whole_a in_o suppose_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o assume_v the_o humane_a nature_n shall_v act_v with_o the_o prudence_n of_o a_o man_n in_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o impend_a calamity_n not_o as_o if_o he_o can_o have_v avoid_v they_o by_o his_o infinite_a power_n without_o take_v such_o measure_n as_o he_o do_v but_o because_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o his_o life_n shall_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o not_o by_o a_o continue_v course_n of_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a event_n it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v be_v carry_v by_o his_o parent_n into_o egypt_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v tarry_v there_o till_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v stay_v in_o his_o native_a country_n and_o yet_o be_v preserve_v from_o the_o evil_n to_o which_o he_o be_v expose_v be_v better_o arm_v than_o with_o pluto_n helmet_n and_o secure_v from_o the_o rage_n of_o his_o malicious_a enemy_n by_o their_o be_v strike_v like_o the_o sodomite_n of_o old_a with_o sudden_a blindness_n for_o such_o a_o series_n of_o miraculous_a appearance_n have_v be_v very_o unsuitable_a to_o his_o great_a design_n of_o acquaint_v the_o world_n as_o a_o man_n authorise_a by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o that_o the_o true_a son_n of_o god_n the_o eternal_a word_n the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n do_v glorious_o though_o wonderful_o reside_v in_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o the_o incarnate_a jesus_n but_o it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n at_o present_a to_o speak_v full_o of_o the_o two_o nature_n that_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n since_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a and_o if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v a_o domestic_a dispute_n between_o we_o concern_v that_o difficult_a and_o important_a point_n chap._n lvii_o than_o celsus_n jew_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o instruct_v in_o their_o learning_n say_v that_o the_o ancient_a fable_n that_o attribute_v a_o divine_a original_a to_o perseus_n amphion_n aeacus_n and_o minos_n though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o strictness_n true_a yet_o do_v display_v the_o action_n of_o these_o person_n as_o be_v great_a and_o wonderful_a and_o above_o the_o sphere_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o for_o your_o part_n what_o do_v you_o ever_o say_v or_o do_v that_o be_v worthy_a of_o admiration_n though_o you_o be_v open_o challenge_v to_o give_v convince_a proof_n that_o you_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o need_v only_o ask_v the_o greek_n whether_o they_o can_v show_v that_o any_o of_o the_o forementioned_a person_n do_v any_o extraordinary_a service_n to_o the_o world_n or_o perform_v any_o great_a exploit_n to_o induce_v future_a age_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o fable_n which_o represent_v they_o to_o we_o as_o be_v derive_v from_o a_o divine_a original_a but_o i_o defy_v they_o to_o instance_n in_o any_o of_o the_o action_n of_o these_o fabulous_a hero_n that_o deserve_v to_o be_v name_v much_o less_o compare_v with_o what_o our_o saviour_n do_v unless_o they_o will_v refer_v we_o to_o their_o own_o fable_n and_o history_n and_o have_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o without_o any_o more_o ado_n and_o disbelieve_v our_o history_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o importance_n of_o which_o we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o we_o can_v reasonable_o desire_v we_o say_v and_o know_v that_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v be_v sufficient_o see_v and_o happy_o feel_v through_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n where_o any_o church_n be_v found_v that_o consist_v of_o person_n reclaim_v from_o many_o exorbitant_a vice_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n at_o this_o very_a day_n compose_v the_o ruffle_a mind_n of_o man_n dispossess_v daemon_n cure_n disease_n and_o work_v a_o meek_a gentle_a and_o amicable_a temper_n in_o all_o those_o person_n who_o make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n from_o a_o high_a end_n than_o their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o sincere_o believe_v what_o it_o teach_v we_o concern_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o a_o future_a judgement_n chap._n lviii_o than_o celsus_n foresee_v how_o many_o remarkable_a action_n that_o be_v perform_v by_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v mention_v by_o we_o to_o his_o honour_n a_o few_o of_o which_o i_o have_v relate_v make_v as_o if_o he_o grant_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v write_v concern_v the_o disease_n that_o be_v cure_v the_o dead_a that_o be_v raise_v to_o life_n and_o the_o few_o loaf_n with_o which_o a_o great_a multitude_n be_v feed_v and_o of_o which_o many_o fragment_n do_v remain_v and_o those_o strange_a account_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o gospel-history_n and_o immediate_o add_v the_o follow_a word_n well_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o you_o real_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o talk_v of_o but_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n he_o quite_o unravel_v what_o he_o have_v say_v before_o and_o set_v they_o on_o a_o level_n with_o the_o operation_n that_o be_v perform_v by_o magician_n who_o pretend_v to_o do_v mighty_a thing_n and_o have_v study_v magic_a in_o egypt_n get_v a_o little_a money_n out_o of_o people_n pocket_n by_o practise_v their_o art_n in_o the_o open_a forum_n dispossess_v daemon_n cure_v distemper_n call_v back_o depart_v soul_n and_o represent_v to_o the_o delude_a sight_n a_o table_n spread_v with_o imaginary_a dainty_n and_o animal_n that_o seem_v to_o move_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n but_o have_v no_o inward_a spring_n of_o life_n and_o motion_n his_o word_n be_v these_o pray_v must_v we_o esteem_v the_o person_n who_o perform_v these_o wonderful_a operation_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o must_v we_o not_o rather_o esteem_v they_o to_o be_v vile_a wretch_n that_o be_v well-versed_a it_o seem_v in_o a_o diabolical_a art_n you_o see_v here_o that_o he_o allow_v a_o extraordinary_a power_n in_o magic_n though_o by_o the_o way_n i_o be_o much_o mistake_v if_o he_o i_v the_o very_a person_n who_o write_v several_a book_n in_o which_o he_o direct_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a and_o yet_o because_o he_o think_v it_o may_v serve_v his_o cause_n he_o compare_v the_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o the_o operation_n of_o magician_n indeed_o there_o have_v be_v some_o ground_n for_o make_v this_o invidious_a comparison_n if_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v such_o a_o vain_a show_n of_o miracle_n as_o the_o magician_n do_v their_o design_n also_o whatever_o wonder_v they_o may_v effect_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v not_o to_o reform_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n nor_o have_v such_o vain_a amusement_n the_o least_o tendency_n to_o beget_v in_o person_n a_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o so_o to_o regulate_v their_o action_n that_o they_o may_v be_v honourable_o acquit_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v summon_v to_o appear_v before_o his_o awful_a bar._n the_o forementioned_a person_n do_v it_o so_o much_o as_o aim_v at_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_a and_o if_o they_o do_v of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n they_o will_v be_v most_o unfit_a for_o so_o great_a a_o undertake_n since_o they_o themselves_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o moâ—t_o notorious_a crime_n whereas_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o design_v by_o his_o miracle_n to_o reform_v the_o manner_n of_o they_o who_o be_v eye_n witness_n of_o what_o he_o do_v give_v not_o only_o his_o follower_n but_o all_o mankind_n a_o bright_a example_n of_o unaffected_a virtue_n and_o piety_n that_o they_o who_o be_v to_o publish_v his_o excellent_a doctrine_n may_v at_o once_o be_v direct_v and_o encourage_v to_o acquaint_v their_o hearer_n with_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o forementioned_a person_n be_v more_o convince_v by_o the_o native_a beauty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o holy_a life_n of_o their_o teacher_n than_o by_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v may_v in_o all_o their_o action_n have_v a_o sincere_a
and_o sometime_o must_v be_v restrain_v to_o his_o humane_a nature_n as_o when_o he_o say_v you_o seek_v to_o kill_v i_o a_o man_n that_o have_v tell_v you_o the_o truth_n which_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o god_n so_o in_o the_o case_n which_o be_v now_o before_o we_o we_o must_v understand_v he_o speak_v as_o a_o man_n discover_v at_o once_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o willingness_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o former_a in_o those_o word_n father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o and_o the_o latter_a in_o those_o word_n nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o begin_v with_o those_o word_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a indication_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o conclude_v with_o those_o which_o discover_v the_o willingness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o latter_a be_v often_o repeat_v by_o he_o beside_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o our_o notice_n that_o he_o do_v absolute_o 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a_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a importance_n and_o especial_o since_o he_o confident_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o person_n to_o who_o the_o prophecy_n may_v more_o fit_o be_v apply_v but_o celsus_n it_o seem_v i_v sensible_a at_o all_o that_o though_o such_o extravagant_a discourse_n as_o this_o may_v become_v one_o who_o be_v a_o utter_a stranger_n to_o the_o prophetic_a oracle_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o improper_a to_o come_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o any_o rational_a and_o sober_a jew_n indeed_o a_o person_n of_o the_o forementioned_a character_n will_v do_v what_o lie_v in_o his_o power_n to_o evade_v the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o christian_n give_v but_o he_o will_v never_o grant_v what_o celsus_n say_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o person_n to_o who_o the_o prophecy_n may_v more_o fit_o be_v apply_v than_o to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n i_o have_v already_o observe_v that_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o a_o twofold_a come_v of_o 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precept_n with_o a_o liberal_a hand_n to_o such_o person_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v instruction_n from_o he_o what_o celsus_n jew_n add_v be_v most_o notorious_o false_a not_o be_v able_a say_v he_o during_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n so_o much_o as_o to_o prevail_v with_o his_o own_o disciple_n to_o adhere_v to_o he_o he_o be_v at_o last_o very_o severe_o punish_v as_o i_o hope_v all_o the_o world_n be_v by_o this_o time_n sufficient_o inform_v but_o pray_v what_o be_v it_o that_o so_o great_o excite_v the_o rage_n and_o envy_n of_o the_o chief_a priest_n elder_n and_o scribe_n among_o the_o jew_n but_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o vast_a number_n of_o people_n that_o follow_v our_o bless_a saviour_n even_o into_o desert_n some_o of_o they_o be_v strange_o charm_v with_o the_o sweet_a and_o heavenly_a expression_n that_o drop_v from_o his_o sacred_a lip_n and_o other_o convince_v by_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o have_v wrought_v which_o fill_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n with_o equal_a malice_n and_o astonishment_n and_o how_o apparent_o false_a be_v those_o word_n which_o follow_v that_o he_o can_o prevail_v with_o his_o own_o disciple_n to_o adhere_v to_o he_o but_o they_o give_v too_o evident_a proof_n of_o the_o frailty_n of_o their_o nature_n by_o their_o wretched_a cowardice_n for_o what_o malignant_a influence_n soever_o their_o irregular_a fear_n may_v have_v upon_o their_o mind_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o due_o fortify_v against_o the_o violent_a shock_n of_o outward_a and_o approach_a calamity_n they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o be_v ready_a for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o profess_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o true_a messiah_n for_o st._n peter_n have_v no_o soon_o deny_v his_o lord_n but_o strike_v with_o
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
celebrate_a author_n which_o you_o have_v reckon_v up_o have_v any_o tolerable_a effect_n especial_o on_o the_o common_a people_n since_z according_a to_o your_o own_o confession_n they_o be_v design_v for_o they_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_a allegory_n whereas_o moses_n act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o skilful_a and_o divine_a orator_n who_o make_v use_v of_o expression_n that_o admit_v of_o different_a sense_n neither_o give_v the_o laity_n among_o the_o jew_n a_o handle_n for_o the_o least_o irregularity_n in_o their_o moral_n nor_o want_v matter_n for_o the_o sublime_a speculation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v more_o judicious_a learned_a and_o inquisitive_a and_o i_o do_v see_v i_o confess_v that_o the_o work_n of_o your_o poet_n with_o all_o their_o wisdom_n be_v preserve_v what_o service_n soever_o they_o may_v do_v the_o public_a but_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n have_v prevail_v with_o they_o who_o opinion_n and_o custom_n be_v vast_o different_a from_o those_o which_o obtain_v among_o the_o jewish_a nation_n to_o believe_v that_o according_a to_o the_o account_n he_o give_v the_o law_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o be_v give_v he_o by_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o the_o glorious_a creator_n of_o the_o spacious_a universe_n for_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o dictares_fw-la of_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o since_o it_o be_v his_o will_n to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v carry_v along_o with_o they_o that_o force_n and_o efficacy_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o so_o ready_o and_o so_o universal_o to_o obtain_v this_o i_o say_v not_o examine_v at_o present_a what_o have_v a_o immediate_a relation_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o content_v myself_o with_o what_o relate_v to_o moses_n who_o though_o he_o come_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o holy_a and_o unspotted_a jesus_n do_v vast_o excel_v your_o most_o celebrate_a hero_n whether_o poet_n historian_n or_o philosopher_n chap._n xvii_o than_o celsus_n be_v desirous_a and_o even_o eager_a to_o cast_v a_o oblique_a reflection_n upon_o the_o account_n which_o moses_n give_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o who_o it_o want_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o the_o duration_n of_o ten_o thousand_o year_n discover_v himself_o though_o he_o do_v what_o he_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o conceal_v or_o dissemble_v his_o opinion_n to_o be_v one_o of_o they_o who_o hold_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o material_a world_n any_o judicious_a person_n may_v just_o and_o easy_o infer_v this_o from_o that_o passage_n of_o he_o there_o have_v be_v say_v he_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n many_o conflagration_n and_o inundation_n the_o last_o of_o which_o be_v deucalion_n be_v flood_n and_o that_o be_v of_o no_o early_a date_n let_v he_o therefore_o especial_o since_o he_o blame_v the_o christian_n for_o not_o build_v their_o faith_n on_o rational_a and_o solid_a ground_n acquaint_v i_o what_o demonstrative_a argument_n do_v of_o necessity_n induce_v he_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o have_v be_v several_a conflagration_n and_o inundation_n and_o that_o deucalion_n be_v be_v the_o late_a flood_n and_o phaeton_n conflagration_n the_o late_a that_o have_v ever_o happen_v and_o if_o he_o refer_v i_o to_o plato_n dialogue_n concern_v those_o matter_n i_o shall_v return_v he_o the_o follow_a answer_n that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o virtuous_a and_o refine_a soul_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v raise_v above_o all_o sensible_a object_n and_o all_o create_a being_n and_o have_v its_o entire_a and_o firm_a dependence_n upon_o god_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o enable_v he_o to_o set_v divine_a truth_n in_o a_o much_o clear_a light_n than_o plato_n or_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a sage_n whether_o greek_n or_o barbarian_n but_o perhaps_o he_o may_v demand_v of_o we_o what_o rational_a ground_n we_o have_v for_o such_o a_o belief_n as_o this_o if_o so_o let_v he_o first_o give_v we_o his_o reason_n for_o the_o opinion_n which_o he_o hold_v and_o advance_v even_o without_o the_o shadow_n of_o a_o demonstration_n and_o then_o i_o will_v undertake_v that_o he_o shall_v soon_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o our_o faith_n in_o this_o affair_n be_v build_v though_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o sore_o against_o his_o will_n he_o confess_v the_o world_n be_v of_o a_o modern_a date_n and_o not_o of_o the_o duration_n of_o ten_o thousand_o year_n when_o he_o say_v that_o these_o remarkable_a event_n be_v esteem_v ancient_a by_o the_o greek_n because_o the_o conflagration_n and_o inundation_n have_v be_v mean_n to_o bury_v in_o oblivion_n many_o considerable_a event_n of_o much_o great_a antiquity_n but_o let_v he_o if_o he_o please_v support_v his_o fabulous_a account_n of_o conflagration_n and_o inundation_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o egyptian_a doctor_n who_o in_o his_o opinion_n be_v the_o wise_a man_n that_o be_v ever_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n some_o footstep_n of_o who_o profound_a wisdom_n may_v be_v see_v in_o their_o pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o the_o brutus_n beast_n themselves_o and_o in_o those_o very_a argument_n which_o they_o bring_v to_o justify_v and_o recommend_v the_o symbolical_a rite_n that_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n the_o egyptian_n forsooth_o who_o endeavour_v to_o give_v some_o colour_n of_o reason_n for_o their_o mystical_a ceremony_n by_o their_o theological_a speculation_n must_v pass_v for_o man_n of_o most_o admirable_a wisdom_n but_o one_o who_o in_o observance_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n refer_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o bless_a god_n of_o who_o and_o through_o who_o and_o to_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n be_v more_o ignorant_a if_o we_o may_v give_v any_o heed_n to_o celsus_n and_o man_n of_o his_o unhappy_a principle_n than_o they_o who_o do_v it_o only_o dishonour_v the_o deity_n by_o pay_v divine_a adoration_n to_o creature_n endue_v with_o reason_n but_o even_o by_o pay_v it_o to_o those_o which_o be_v inanimate_a under_o a_o pretence_n of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o imaginary_a transmigration_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o they_o make_v to_o descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o pass_v into_o the_o bruit_n even_o into_o those_o of_o they_o which_o be_v of_o the_o most_o savage_a and_o cruel_a disposition_n and_o it_o seem_v the_o egyptian_n who_o hide_v their_o religion_n under_o the_o sacred_a veil_n of_o significant_a but_o obscure_a figure_n do_v challenge_n from_o we_o the_o profound_a reverence_n but_o moses_n forsooth_o who_o have_v write_v a_o faithful_a and_o useful_a history_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o leave_v they_o wholesome_a law_n for_o the_o regulation_n of_o their_o conduct_n both_o in_o a_o private_a and_o public_a capacity_n have_v only_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o celsus_n and_o the_o epicurean_o amuse_v they_o with_o empty_a and_o ridiculous_a fable_n that_o will_v not_o admit_v even_o of_o a_o allegorical_a interpretation_n chap._n xviii_o than_o he_o say_v that_o moses_n have_v borrow_a his_o opinion_n from_o this_o wise_a and_o eloquent_a people_n mean_v the_o egyptian_n get_v himself_o a_o prodigious_a and_o unaccountable_a name_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o if_o moses_n borrow_a some_o notion_n from_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o live_v in_o egypt_n before_o he_o and_o introduce_v they_o with_o some_o little_a difference_n or_o great_a improvement_n among_o his_o countryman_n the_o jew_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n he_o deserve_v to_o be_v blame_v severe_o if_o he_o have_v advance_v such_o notion_n as_o bear_v neither_o the_o character_n of_o truth_n nor_o wisdom_n but_o if_o he_o have_v embrace_v and_o teach_v those_o opinion_n which_o according_a to_o celsus_n own_o confession_n be_v both_o true_a and_o wise_a i_o can_v conceive_v that_o he_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n whereby_o he_o may_v just_o incur_v his_o censure_n i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o epicurus_n and_o aristotle_n who_o do_v not_o so_o direct_o and_o so_o gross_o deny_v a_o overrule_a providence_n as_o the_o other_o do_v i_o say_v i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o they_o and_o the_o stoic_n who_o hold_v that_o god_n be_v corporeal_a have_v be_v instruct_v in_o that_o heavenly_a doctrine_n that_o be_v deliver_v by_o moses_n that_o the_o world_n may_v not_o so_o much_o abound_v as_o it_o do_v with_o author_n that_o absolute_o deny_v a_o providence_n or_o confine_v it_o within_o very_o narrow_a bound_n or_o introduce_v a_o corporeal_a and_o corruptible_a principle_n insomuch_o that_o the_o stoic_n hold_v god_n himself_o to_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o matter_n and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o undergo_v the_o various_a change_n to_o which_o body_n be_v subject_a or_o that_o if_o he_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o be_v incorruptible_a it_o be_v
for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o object_n from_o without_o that_o have_v any_o power_n to_o corrupt_v he_o but_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o preserve_v the_o pure_a nature_n and_o immutability_n of_o god_n inviolable_a be_v esteem_v impious_a by_o celsus_n because_o it_o be_v most_o direct_o repugnant_a to_o those_o extravagant_a notion_n which_o great_o derogate_v from_o the_o infinite_a honour_n that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o supreme_a and_o adorable_a majesty_n and_o teach_v we_o when_o we_o address_v the_o throne_n of_o grace_n to_o say_v lord_n thou_o psal_n cii_o v._o 27._o be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o represent_v god_n acquaint_v we_o that_o he_o never_o mal._n iii._o u._n 6._o change_v then_o celsus_n not_o condemn_v circumcision_n which_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n say_v they_o borrow_a that_o custom_n from_o the_o egyptian_n and_o give_v great_a credit_n to_o the_o latter_a than_o he_o do_v to_o moses_n who_o assure_v we_o that_o abraham_n be_v the_o first_o person_n who_o bring_v circumcision_n into_o use_n and_o abraham_n name_n and_o his_o great_a familiarity_n with_o god_n be_v not_o only_o mention_v by_o moses_n in_o his_o write_n but_o also_o by_o the_o magician_n themselves_o who_o in_o the_o formulary_n of_o their_o own_o horrid_a devotion_n have_v this_o expression_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n signify_v thereby_o the_o intimacy_n that_o there_o be_v between_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o and_o this_o eminently-virtuous_a and_o holy_a man._n for_o it_o be_v on_o this_o account_n they_o perform_v their_o magical_a operation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n though_o they_o be_v far_o from_o know_v who_o this_o abraham_n be_v the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o isaac_n jacob_n or_o israel_n which_o though_o they_o be_v hebrew_n name_n be_v frequent_o make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o egyptian_n themselves_o who_o pretend_v they_o can_v do_v prodigious_a and_o even_o miraculous_a thing_n by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n but_o it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n at_o present_a to_o give_v any_o far_a account_n of_o circumcision_n which_o begin_v at_o abraham_n and_o be_v abolish_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n it_o will_v be_v more_o to_o my_o purpose_n to_o answer_v the_o severe_a accusation_n which_o celsus_n bring_v against_o the_o jewish_a religion_n in_o general_n who_o think_v he_o gain_v his_o point_n and_o effectual_o overthrow_v christianity_n if_o he_o can_v but_o make_v a_o successful_a attempt_n against_o the_o jewish_a system_n on_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v most_o evident_o build_v chap._n xix_o than_o he_o say_v that_o a_o company_n of_o man_n that_o look_v after_o sheep_n and_o goat_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o moses_n be_v so_o gross_o deceive_v by_o he_o that_o he_o make_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o other_o god_n but_o one_o let_v he_o show_v therefore_o since_o he_o think_v they_o do_v without_o just_a cause_n oppose_v the_o worship_n of_o a_o plurality_n of_o god_n i_o say_v let_v he_o show_v whether_o on_o rational_a ground_n he_o can_v establish_v the_o polytheism_n both_o of_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n let_v he_o show_v the_o substance_n and_o essence_n of_o mnemosyne_n on_o who_o jupiter_n beget_v the_o muse_n or_o of_o themis_n on_o who_o he_o beget_v the_o hour_n let_v he_o show_v the_o subsistence_n of_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v always_o represent_v naked_a but_o i_o be_o confident_a he_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o the_o god_n of_o the_o greek_n which_o have_v body_n attribute_v to_o they_o do_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o deitys_n for_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o we_o shall_v believe_v that_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o greek_n concern_v their_o pretend_a deity_n have_v any_o more_o truth_n or_o sense_n contain_v in_o they_o than_o those_o of_o the_o egyptian_n for_o instance_n who_o language_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o mnemosyne_n the_o mother_n of_o the_o muse_n or_o themis_n the_o mother_n of_o the_o hour_n or_o eurynome_n the_o mother_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o the_o like_a what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o these_o empty_a fiction_n that_o deserve_v to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o evidence_n and_o weight_n which_o that_o one_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o entire_a harmony_n of_o the_o seemingly-clashing_a part_n of_o the_o spacious_a universe_n do_v carry_v with_o it_o to_o prove_v the_o perfect_a unity_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o a_o piece_n of_o such_o divine_a architecture_n all_o the_o part_n of_o which_o how_o numerous_a soever_o and_o how_o distant_a and_o different_a soever_o from_o each_o other_o they_o may_v be_v have_v so_o admirable_a a_o agreement_n and_o so_o manifest_a direct_a and_o constant_a a_o subserviency_n to_o the_o advantage_n and_o ornament_n of_o the_o whole_a shall_v be_v make_v by_o several_a hand_n as_o it_o be_v not_o rational_a to_o think_v that_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n be_v cause_v by_o several_a soul_n since_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o more_o than_o one_o which_o make_v the_o vast_a expansam_fw-la to_o move_v from_o east_n to_o west_n contain_v within_o itself_o all_o those_o low_a thing_n which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o complete_a do_v nevertheless_o conduce_v to_o the_o wonderful_a harmony_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o surprise_v perfection_n of_o the_o universe_n for_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v circumscribe_v by_o the_o world_n be_v a_o part_n belong_v to_o it_o but_o god_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o part_n of_o any_o whole_a of_o what_o kind_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v for_o absolute_a perfection_n be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n whereas_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n how_o agreable_o soever_o they_o may_v strike_v upon_o our_o wonder_a sense_n and_o entertain_v even_o our_o noble_a power_n be_v natural_o evident_o and_o in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n very_o gross_o imperfect_a and_o if_o we_o carry_v our_o speculation_n a_o little_a far_o perhaps_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o as_o god_n be_v not_o a_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n so_o neither_o in_o propriety_n and_o strictness_n of_o speech_n can_v he_o be_v call_v a_o whole_a since_o we_o must_v avoidable_o suppose_v a_o whole_a to_o be_v compose_v of_o part_n and_o at_o least_o it_o be_v most_o high_o irrational_a to_o think_v that_o the_o great_a god_n have_v part_n any_o one_o of_o which_o have_v not_o a_o equal_a virtue_n and_o dignity_n with_o the_o rest_n chap._n xx._n than_o celsus_n say_v that_o these_o man_n who_o look_v after_o sheep_n and_o goat_n be_v unhappy_o prevail_v with_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o other_o god_n but_o one_o whether_o they_o call_v he_o the_o most_o high_a or_o adonai_n or_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n or_o sabaoth_v or_o whether_o they_o be_v please_v to_o give_v any_o other_o name_n to_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o boundary_a of_o their_o real_a knowledge_n he_o add_v it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n by_o what_o name_n the_o great_a god_n be_v call_v whether_o with_o the_o greek_n they_o call_v he_o jupiter_n or_o with_o the_o indian_n or_o egyptian_n call_v he_o by_o any_o other_o name_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o discourse_n of_o he_o do_v natural_o and_o avoidable_o lead_v i_o to_o a_o difficult_a and_o important_a question_n concern_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o name_n whether_o as_o aristotle_n think_v they_o depend_v entire_o on_o institution_n and_o choice_n or_o whither_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o stoic_n they_o have_v their_o foundation_n original_o lay_v in_o nature_n word_n be_v first_o form_v on_o the_o model_n of_o thing_n themselves_o in_o imitation_n of_o which_o name_n and_o the_o element_n of_o etymology_n be_v happy_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n or_o whither_o as_o epicurus_n think_v who_o differ_v from_o the_o stoic_n they_o have_v their_o foundation_n partly_o lay_v in_o nature_n and_o be_v partly_o owe_v to_o accident_n and_o contrivance_n the_o first_o man_n have_v undesigned_o affix_v such_o and_o such_o articulate_a sound_n to_o such_o and_o such_o object_n of_o which_o they_o have_v form_v and_o will_v convey_v a_o idea_n if_o therefore_o i_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o some_o name_n have_v a_o natural_a and_o by_o consequence_n a_o inseparable_a efficacy_n such_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o persian_n or_o the_o brahmin_n or_o samanaei_n of_o the_o indian_n or_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o any_o other_o nation_n do_v constant_o make_v use_n of_o and_o if_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o art_n which_o be_v common_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o magic_n be_v not_o absolute_o incongruous_a to_o reason_n as_o the_o
other_o innumerable_a excellency_n that_o adorn_v his_o person_n and_o may_v sufficient_o recommend_v he_o to_o the_o world_n he_o did'ned_a act_n like_o a_o tyrant_n who_o by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o prevail_a party_n take_v occasion_n to_o violate_v the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o land_n in_o which_o he_o live_v nor_o like_o a_o robber_n who_o come_v with_o arm_a man_n against_o they_o who_o innocent_o pass_v by_o the_o king_n highway_n about_o their_o necessary_a affair_n or_o like_o a_o wealthy_a man_n who_o by_o the_o help_n of_o bribe_n induce_v person_n to_o come_v over_o to_o his_o interest_n whether_o by_o right_n or_o wrong_n or_o like_o many_o other_o that_o may_v easy_o be_v mention_v who_o proceed_n do_v manifest_o deserve_v our_o censure_n but_o like_o one_o who_o come_v to_o teach_v a_o ignorant_a and_o degenerate_a world_n what_o thought_n they_o shall_v entertain_v of_o god_n and_o how_o they_o may_v so_o regulate_v their_o moral_n as_o to_o maintain_v a_o humble_a and_o familiar_a correspondence_n with_o his_o bless_a majesty_n and_o as_o for_o themistocles_n and_o several_a other_o person_n who_o gain_v a_o more_o than_o common_a reputation_n and_o do_v real_a and_o extraordinary_a service_n to_o their_o native_a country_n this_o must_v be_v say_v to_o draw_v a_o shade_n over_o their_o great_a glory_n that_o every_o thing_n seem_v to_o smile_v on_o their_o just_a and_o honourable_a attempt_n and_o as_o it_o be_v pave_v the_o way_n for_o their_o glorious_a victory_n and_o immortal_a triumph_n but_o as_o for_o our_o bless_a saviour_n beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v which_o upon_o the_o first_o view_n one_o will_v think_v be_v enough_o to_o have_v eternal_o conceal_v or_o shameful_o sully_v the_o name_n of_o the_o great_a hero_n that_o the_o world_n can_v ever_o boast_v of_o the_o ignominious_a death_n which_o he_o suffer_v on_o the_o cross_n if_o he_o have_v have_v the_o fair_a character_n will_v have_v give_v his_o follower_n just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v he_o of_o be_v a_o vile_a impostor_n if_o we_o may_v give_v any_o credit_n to_o our_o adversary_n or_o at_o least_o have_v draw_v a_o most_o dismal_a veil_n over_o the_o few_o bright_a and_o entertain_v scene_n of_o the_o most_o awful_a tragedy_n that_o be_v ever_o act_v chap._n xxviii_o and_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n that_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n who_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o enemy_n be_v not_o eye-witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o triumphant_a resurrection_n and_o see_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v common_a and_o even_o contemptible_a in_o his_o person_n shou'dned_a be_v afraid_a to_o imitate_v he_o in_o his_o suffering_n to_o encounter_v the_o most_o imminent_a and_o threat'ning_n danger_n and_o leave_v their_o native_a country_n to_o publish_v the_o doctrine_n which_o their_o crucified_a but_o bless_a lord_n have_v teach_v they_o for_o i_o believe_v that_o no_o person_n who_o lay_v aside_o his_o prejudice_n examine_v these_o matter_n due_o will_v say_v that_o they_o will_v ever_o have_v undergo_v the_o fatigue_n of_o ttinerant_n preach_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o vast_a obligation_n that_o lay_v upon_o they_o both_o from_o reason_n and_o gratitude_n not_o only_o to_o conform_v their_o manner_n to_o the_o holy_a precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o also_o to_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n to_o bring_v many_o other_o under_o the_o same_o honourable_a and_o happy_a bond_n when_o as_o matter_n go_v at_o that_o critical_a juncture_n they_o be_v sure_a to_o incur_v the_o displeasure_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n who_o be_v zealous_a for_o their_o ancient_a law_n and_o custom_n and_o can_o endure_v the_o least_o seem_a innovation_n especial_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o pompous_a ceremony_n of_o their_o religious_a worship_n but_o all_o these_o difficulty_n be_v light_a and_o trivial_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o those_o who_o have_v courage_n not_o only_o to_o prove_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v frequent_o and_o express_o foretell_v by_o their_o own_o prophetic_a oracle_n but_o also_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o other_o as_o occasion_n offer_v that_o this_o very_a person_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n who_o be_v crucify_v but_o other_o day_n and_o willing_o and_o even_o cheerful_o lay_v down_o his_o precious_a life_n for_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o man_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n though_o with_o unspeakable_a advantage_n in_o which_o some_o other_o have_v sacrifice_v all_o that_o be_v near_a and_o dear_a to_o they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o native_a country_n to_o free_v it_o from_o a_o rage_a pestilence_n a_o threat'ning_n famine_n or_o some_o violent_a impend_a tempest_n that_o great_o endanger_v ship_n and_o put_v a_o stop_v even_o to_o navigation_n which_o be_v so_o convenient_z and_o necessary_a for_o promote_a a_o advantageous_a trade_n into_o foreign_n and_o very_o distant_a part_n for_o there_o be_v some_o secret_a reason_n in_o nature_n which_o very_o few_o understand_v why_o the_o death_n of_o one_o virtuous_a man_n who_o ready_o suffer_v the_o great_a evil_n that_o can_v possible_o befall_v he_o for_o the_o real_a and_o perhaps_o last_a welfare_n of_o the_o place_n of_o his_o nativity_n shall_v destroy_v or_o at_o least_o severe_o check_v the_o usurp_a power_n of_o those_o infernal_a daemon_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o plague_n famine_n storm_n and_o the_o like_a evident_a and_o great_a disorder_n which_o frequent_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o they_o who_o dont_fw-fr believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n die_v for_o the_o general_a benefit_n of_o the_o humane_a race_n whether_o they_o will_v give_v easy_a credit_n to_o many_o history_n that_o be_v extant_a both_o of_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n which_o furnish_v we_o with_o frequent_a and_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o person_n who_o have_v free_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o who_o death_n have_v be_v happy_o instrumental_a to_o purge_v away_o those_o threat'ning_n and_o grievous_a calamity_n that_o infect_v city_n and_o perhaps_o whole_a nation_n or_o whither_o on_o the_o supposition_n that_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v in_o the_o least_o improbable_a that_o one_o clothe_v with_o humane_a nature_n shall_v be_v nail_v to_o a_o cross_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o before_o do_v often_o and_o too_o successful_o exercise_v a_o tyrannical_a power_n over_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o men._n our_o saviour_n disciple_n observe_v these_o thing_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n with_o which_o in_o all_o probability_n their_o prudent_a and_o indulgent_a master_n think_v fit_a to_o acquaint_v they_o and_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v not_o inspire_v with_o their_o unusual_a courage_n by_o the_o virgin_n which_o the_o poet_n speak_v of_o but_o by_o the_o true_a wisdom_n of_o god_n they_o make_v haste_n through_o the_o wide_a world_n their_o fame_n to_o spread_v hom._n il._n lib._n 5._o u._n 2_o chap._n xxix_o but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o return_v to_o the_o jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v who_o say_v that_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v big_a with_o child_n be_v divorce_v by_o her_o husband_n the_o carpenter_n for_o commit_v adultery_n with_o one_o panthera_n a_o soldier_n and_o be_v get_v with_o child_n by_o that_o scandalous_a wretch_n let_v we_o see_v therefore_o whether_o the_o inventor_n of_o this_o story_n do_v give_v a_o false_a and_o obscure_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o whether_o by_o all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o say_v they_o be_v able_a to_o overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n miraculous_a conception_n by_o the_o over-shadowing_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o so_o surprise_v a_o passage_n as_o this_o be_v may_v very_o easy_o be_v falsify_v and_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o though_o they_o be_v inward_o convince_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o conceive_v in_o the_o common_a way_n of_o humane_a generation_n and_o methinks_v it_o will_o have_v be_v incongruous_a at_o all_o that_o they_o who_o didn't_fw-mi believe_v or_o rather_o will_o acknowledge_v the_o miracle_n shall_v invent_v a_o fiction_n to_o serve_v their_o malicious_a and_o base_a design_n but_o to_o invent_v one_o that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v a_o plausible_a appearance_n that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o notorious_a untruth_n be_v to_o discover_v their_o weakness_n to_o they_o who_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n for_o do_v it_o stand_v to_o reason_n that_o one_o who_o be_v so_o useful_a to_o the_o world_n in_o general_n and_o express_v a_o most_o tender_a concern_v both_o for_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n that_o they_o may_v reform_v their_o manner_n from_o a_o sense_n
a_o divine_a original_a since_o they_o think_v it_o be_v fit_a that_o the_o body_n of_o those_o person_n who_o be_v not_o on_o a_o level_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n shall_v have_v some_o honourable_a mark_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o vulgar_a mortal_n and_o because_o celsus_n jew_n continue_v his_o discourse_n with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o ridicules_a the_o fiction_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o of_o his_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n and_o rank_n it_o among_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o greek_n concern_v danae_n menalippe_n auge_n and_o antiope_n i_o answer_v that_o such_o pityful_a drollery_n as_o this_o will_v look_v with_o a_o agreeable_a air_n in_o a_o merry_a andrew_n who_o gather_v a_o mob_n about_o he_o and_o play_v his_o monkey-trick_n on_o a_o stage_n but_o do_v at_o all_o become_v one_o who_o will_v treat_v of_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n with_o that_o gravity_n and_o seriousness_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n may_v just_o challenge_v from_o we_o chap._n xxxiii_o than_o celsus_n make_v mention_n of_o some_o thing_n relate_v to_o our_o saviour_n go_v into_o egypt_n refuse_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o those_o part_n of_o the_o history_n which_o contain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v supernatural_a as_o the_o angel_n warning_n joseph_n the_o repute_a father_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o do_v it_o examine_v whether_o his_o leave_v judaea_n and_o go_v into_o egypt_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o a_o allegorical_a sense_n but_o invent_v a_o occasion_n for_o his_o literal_a go_v thither_o and_o believe_v and_o acknowledge_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n which_o cause_v abundance_n of_o people_n to_o flock_v to_o he_o esteem_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n but_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n and_o be_v far_o from_o be_v proof_n of_o a_o divine_a commission_n he_o say_v that_o have_v be_v private_o educate_v he_o be_v force_v to_o work_v in_o egypt_n and_o have_v learn_v those_o art_n for_o which_o that_o nation_n be_v so_o famous_a he_o return_v into_o his_o own_o country_n and_o give_v out_o that_o he_o be_v god_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v conceive_v that_o a_o magician_n will_v so_o industrious_o promote_v a_o religion_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o have_v a_o strict_a eye_n to_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n especial_o when_o we_o take_v any_o serious_a affair_n in_o hand_n nor_o can_v we_o think_v that_o he_o will_v take_v such_o care_n to_o inculcate_v that_o awful_a solemnity_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o apostle_n who_o he_o design_v to_o employ_v in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v he_o a_o person_n of_o so_o infamous_a a_o character_n for_o either_o they_o wrought_v miracle_n or_o they_o do_v not_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v they_o do_v no_o miracle_n at_o all_o but_o bare_o rely_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o doctrine_n which_o do_v not_o like_o the_o logic_n of_o the_o school_n recommend_v itself_o to_o carnal_a reason_n have_v the_o courage_n to_o promote_v a_o new_a discountenance_a religion_n and_o if_o they_o wrought_v miracle_n do_v it_o stand_v to_o reason_n that_o a_o company_n of_o magician_n shall_v agree_v to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o imminent_a danger_n and_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n imaginable_a to_o promote_v a_o doctrine_n that_o condemn_v the_o use_n of_o the_o very_a art_n they_o practise_v but_o it_o will_v be_v loss_n of_o time_n to_o confute_v this_o discourse_n of_o celsus_n which_o have_v nothing_o but_o perhaps_o a_o little_a witty_a drollery_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o palate_n of_o the_o unwary_a and_o less_o judicious_a reader_n chap._n xxxiv_o he_o go_v on_o in_o the_o same_o comical_a and_o bantering_a strain_n if_o the_o mother_n of_o jesus_n say_v he_o be_v a_o celebrate_a beauty_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n the_o great_a god_n be_v please_v to_o admit_v she_o to_o his_o passionate_a embrace_n one_o will_v think_v that_o so_o excellent_a a_o be_v be_v of_o too_o pure_a a_o nature_n to_o be_v captivate_v by_o the_o charm_n of_o a_o frail_a and_o humane_a body_n however_o he_o can_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o a_o more_o improper_a person_n viz._n one_o who_o have_v neither_o a_o great_a fortune_n nor_o noble_a birth_n to_o recommend_v she_o but_o lead_v so_o obscure_a a_o life_n that_o she_o be_v scarce_o know_v by_o those_o who_o be_v her_o near_a neighbour_n chap._n xxxv_o he_o continue_v his_o raillery_n and_o say_v that_o when_o her_o husband_n the_o carpenter_n come_v to_o hate_v she_o and_o sue_v for_o a_o divorce_n all_o that_o she_o have_v to_o plead_v in_o she_o own_o behalf_n be_v ineffectual_a to_o redress_v her_o grievance_n nor_o do_v the_o great_a god_n see_v fit_a as_o much_o as_o you_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v he_o love_v she_o to_o engage_v his_o power_n to_o protect_v she_o from_o threat'ning_n danger_n even_o in_o her_o native_a country_n therefore_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o have_v the_o least_o reference_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n but_o this_o language_n be_v just_a like_o that_o of_o a_o company_n of_o person_n scold_v in_o the_o open_a street_n who_o vent_v their_o passion_n without_o the_o least_o regard_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n or_o civility_n chap._n xxxvi_o than_o take_v some_o thing_n out_o of_o st._n mathew_n gospel_n or_o perhaps_o out_o of_o some_o of_o the_o other_o evangelist_n concern_v the_o dove_n that_o descend_v upon_o our_o saviour_n at_o his_o baptism_n he_o will_v fain_o have_v the_o whole_a account_n to_o pass_v for_o a_o false_a and_o trifle_a story_n and_o have_v say_v enough_o as_o he_o imagine_v to_o prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n wa_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n he_o continue_v his_o discourse_n but_o do_v treat_v of_o thing_n in_o the_o order_n of_o time_n in_o which_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o inveterate_a malice_n can_v never_o endure_v to_o be_v confine_v to_o a_o regular_a method_n and_o talk_v like_o those_o shatter-brained_a fellow_n who_o heat_n and_o undue_a passion_n do_v so_o transport_v they_o beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o reason_n that_o they_o do_v stick_n to_o say_v whatever_o come_v into_o their_o mind_n and_o so_o be_v hinder_v from_o manage_v in_o a_o become_a way_n the_o several_a head_n of_o severe_a but_o unjust_a accusation_n which_o they_o bring_v against_o their_o adversary_n with_o a_o air_n of_o vanity_n and_o insolence_n for_o had'ned_a he_o be_v great_o want_v in_o the_o pretend_a method_n he_o observe_v he_o will_v have_v trace_v the_o history_n from_o its_o very_a original_a since_o his_o intention_n be_v to_o expose_v it_o to_o contempt_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o mighty_a celsus_n who_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o his_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n after_o he_o have_v finish_v his_o discourse_n concern_v our_o saviour_n birth_n immediate_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n at_o his_o baptism_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n then_o he_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v his_o incarnation_n after_o that_o he_o return_v to_o what_o immediate_o follow_v his_o nativity_n viz._n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o star_n that_o appear_v and_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o come_v from_o the_o east_n to_o worship_v he_o but_o any_o diligent_a reader_n may_v save_v i_o the_o labour_n of_o show_v how_o confuse_a celsus_n be_v throughout_o the_o whole_a of_o his_o book_n and_o this_o one_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o person_n who_o love_v exactness_n of_o method_n that_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o arrogance_n in_o he_o to_o give_v his_o book_n the_o title_n of_o a_o true_a relation_n and_o be_v a_o strain_n of_o vanity_n perhaps_o beyond_o most_o philosopher_n that_o ever_o go_v before_o he_o plato_n say_v that_o it_o do_v become_v the_o character_n of_o a_o man_n famous_a for_o wisdom_n to_o be_v positive_a in_o matter_n which_o be_v involve_v in_o very_o great_a obscurity_n and_o chrysippus_n after_o he_o have_v give_v the_o reason_n that_o induce_v he_o to_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o opinion_n do_v modest_o refer_v we_o to_o those_o person_n who_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o exact_a account_n but_o this_o mighty_a man_n be_v much_o wise_a i_o suppose_v than_o plato_n chrysippus_n and_o all_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n give_v his_o book_n the_o engage_v title_n of_o a_o true_a relation_n which_o suit_v well_o enough_o i_o confess_v with_o his_o boast_v that_o he_o didn't_fw-mi want_n to_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o opinion_n which_o the_o christian_n hold_v but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o i_o pass_v by_o what_o he_o say_v for_o want_v of_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o
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
study_v the_o same_o excellent_a science_n for_o many_o year_n in_o the_o school_n of_o cleanthes_n whereas_o judas_n have_v continue_v three_o year_n with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o he_o so_o shameful_o betray_v he_o and_o if_o we_o read_v the_o live_v of_o the_o philosopher_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o frequent_a instance_n that_o in_o some_o respect_n resemble_v the_o horrid_a treachery_n of_o judas_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o pythagorean_n build_v tomb_n for_o such_o person_n as_o leave_v the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o different_a and_o less-useful_a course_n of_o life_n but_o i_o suppose_v no_o person_n will_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o reflect_v on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o pythagoras_n or_o the_o solid_a argument_n which_o his_o follower_n use_v in_o its_o defence_n the_o jew_n add_v that_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o say_v with_o respect_n to_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v far_o from_o be_v fair_o represent_v by_o his_o disciple_n he_o choose_v to_o pass_v they_o over_o in_o a_o profound_a silence_n but_o i_o ask_v what_o truth_n be_v these_o that_o be_v misinterpret_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o which_o he_o forbear_v to_o mention_v must_v not_o this_o pass_n for_o a_o rhetorical_a flourish_n to_o make_v we_o believe_v he_o be_v furnish_v with_o a_o great_a stock_n of_o argument_n against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o most_o if_o not_o all_o that_o he_o can_v possible_o say_v if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o material_a be_v borrow_a from_o those_o very_a gospel_n which_o sometime_o he_o so_o much_o despise_v chap._n fourteen_o than_o celsus_n find_v fault_n with_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n for_o say_v that_o he_o foreknow_v and_o foretell_v all_o the_o remarkable_a thing_n that_o ever_o happen_v to_o he_o but_o we_o doubt_v not_o in_o the_o least_o but_o we_o can_v easy_o prove_v by_o a_o enumeration_n of_o particular_n let_v celsus_n say_v what_o he_o please_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v several_a thing_n that_o shall_v befall_v his_o disciple_n some_o considerable_a time_n before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v what_o a_o wonderful_a instance_n of_o this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n matthew_n give_v you_o mat._n x._o v._n 18._o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o my_o sake_n for_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o and_o the_o gentile_n i_o may_v quote_v many_o other_o place_n where_o our_o saviour_n do_v express_o foretell_v the_o grievous_a persecution_n that_o shall_v be_v the_o too_o common_a lot_n of_o christian_n now_o what_o religion_n be_v there_o in_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n that_o want_v the_o advantage_n of_o a_o toleration_n except_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n introduce_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o that_o foolish_a plea_n which_o our_o enemy_n make_v use_v of_o that_o he_o see_v what_o bad_a entertainment_n false_a and_o corrupt_a notion_n will_v natural_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o to_o raise_v his_o reputation_n and_o promote_v his_o interest_n do_v only_o foretell_v those_o thing_n which_o any_o child_n may_v have_v know_v will_v befall_v he_o but_o if_o person_n will_v avoidable_o be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o hold_v false_a and_o wicked_a notion_n one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o epicurean_o who_o disbelieve_v a_o overrule_a povidence_n shall_v be_v bring_v before_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o any_o person_n in_o the_o world_n or_o the_o peripatetic_n who_o think_v that_o the_o prayer_n which_o be_v put_v up_o and_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o god_n be_v whole_o insignificant_a and_o little_a art_n unworthy_a to_o be_v practise_v by_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o learn_v of_o philosopher_n but_o perhaps_o our_o enemy_n may_v object_v that_o the_o samaritan_n be_v persecute_v on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v condemn_v to_o die_v for_o circumcise_n themselves_o in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o law_n which_o permit_v none_o but_o jew_n to_o observe_v this_o celebrate_v and_o ancient_a rite_n and_o we_o do_v find_v that_o the_o judge_n leave_v it_o to_o their_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v obstinate_o persist_v and_o die_v or_o renounce_v their_o religion_n and_o so_o be_v public_o acquit_v but_o if_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v circumcise_a immediate_o they_o must_v suffer_v death_n the_o christian_n be_v the_o only_a person_n in_o the_o world_n who_o though_o they_o be_v persecute_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n prediction_n you_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o my_o sake_n be_v entreat_v to_o the_o last_o breath_n they_o draw_v to_o renounce_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n and_o so_o to_o put_v themselves_o direct_o into_o a_o safe_a and_o happy_a condition_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n see_v therefore_o with_o what_o authority_n our_o bless_a saviour_n speak_v the_o follow_a word_n whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o mat._n x._o v._n 32_o 33._o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n take_v notice_n that_o this_o be_v speak_v by_o he_o a_o considerable_a time_n before_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o be_v true_a in_o fact_n perhaps_o such_o a_o thought_n as_o this_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o dart_v into_o your_o mind_n that_o he_o build_v castle_n in_o the_o air_n and_o what_o he_o prophecy_v do_v look_v at_o all_o as_o if_o the_o event_n will_v be_v answerable_a but_o if_o you_o can_v exercise_v a_o little_a patience_n you_o will_v say_v thus_o to_o yourselves_o if_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v ready_o foretell_v that_o governor_n and_o king_n will_v use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v the_o religion_n he_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n and_o if_o the_o event_n have_v full_o answer_v his_o prediction_n certain_o we_o have_v all_o imaginable_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o receive_v such_o a_o power_n from_o god_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v his_o doctrine_n obtain_v so_o universal_o as_o it_o do_v and_o that_o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n to_o its_o reception_n shall_v be_v happy_o and_o easy_o surmount_v by_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n and_o who_o without_o a_o transport_v of_o holy_a admiration_n can_v set_v our_o saviour_n before_o his_o eye_n express_o foretell_v that_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v mat._n xxiv_o v._n 14_o be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n for_o a_o witness_n unto_o all_o nation_n and_o see_v the_o prediction_n in_o due_a time_n fulfil_v the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n to_o the_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a and_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n be_v bring_v as_o it_o be_v under_o its_o honourable_a and_o happy_a yoke_n beside_o let_v the_o pretend_a jew_n who_o dont_fw-fr believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v do_v afterward_o befall_v he_o i_o say_v let_v he_o consider_v that_o when_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v in_o all_o its_o glory_n and_o the_o pompous_a ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v solemn_o perform_v in_o it_o he_o foretell_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v invade_v and_o ruin_v by_o the_o roman_n i_o suppose_v no_o one_o will_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o say_v that_o they_o who_o be_v his_o familiar_a friend_n and_o constant_a hearer_n do_v satisfy_v themselves_o with_o teach_v viva_n voice_fw-la those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o subject-matter_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o leave_v behind_o they_o a_o history_n of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a transaction_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n st._n luke_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n when_o you_o shall_v see_v jerusalem_n compass_v with_o luke_n 21._o v._o 20._o army_n then_o know_v that_o the_o desolation_n thereof_o be_v nigh_o now_o at_o the_o time_n when_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v there_o be_v no_o suspicion_n of_o a_o siege_n or_o any_o grievous_a calamity_n that_o threaten_v the_o jewish_a church_n and_o state_n it_o be_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o emperor_n nero_n that_o the_o roman_n make_v their_o first_o attack_v on_o this_o once-glorious_a city_n and_o it_o be_v not_o take_v till_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o emperor_n vespasian_n who_o son_n titus_n vespasian_n do_v utter_o destroy_v it_o this_o be_v a_o just_a and_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o for_o kill_v james_n the_o just_a as_o josephus_n will_v fain_o have_v we_o to_o believe_v whereas_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o horrid_a crime_n they_o commit_v in_o embrue_v their_o
the_o horror_n of_o his_o crime_n he_o go_v out_o mat._n 26._o v._o 74._o and_o weep_v bitter_o as_o st._n matthew_n tell_v we_o and_o those_o of_o his_o disciple_n that_o we_o read_v of_o who_o retain_v a_o profound_a respect_n for_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n but_o be_v a_o little_a amaze_v and_o for_o the_o present_a shocked_a by_o consider_v the_o sad_a calamity_n which_o befall_v he_o regain_v that_o native_a courage_n when_o he_o appear_v to_o they_o after_o his_o triumphant_a resurrection_n nay_o they_o not_o only_o believe_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o become_v more_o courageous_a than_o ever_o under_o the_o happy_a conduct_n of_o the_o great_a captain_n of_o their_o salvation_n celsus_n think_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n there_o be_v no_o real_a excellency_n in_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n nor_o any_o regularity_n and_o strictness_n observable_a in_o his_o moral_n sufficient_a to_o advance_v he_o above_o other_o man_n but_o that_o contrary_a to_o the_o character_n which_o he_o bear_v he_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v die_v at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v nothing_o in_o his_o death_n that_o may_v just_o induce_v we_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n when_o occasion_n offer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n but_o to_o i_o i_o confess_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o notion_n not_o a_o little_a unworthy_a of_o the_o learning_n and_o good_a sense_n even_o of_o a_o heathen_a philosopher_n on_o the_o contrary_a our_o saviour_n by_o die_v for_o mankind_n have_v set_v we_o a_o bright_a example_n of_o patience_n under_o all_o the_o suffering_n to_o which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n may_v call_v we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o ungrounded_a prejudices_fw-la which_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o labour_v under_o who_o be_v natural_o ready_a to_o pay_v divine_a adoration_n to_o the_o most_o insignificant_a trifle_n rather_o than_o the_o supreme_a and_o truly-adorable_a majesty_n and_o view_v person_n and_o thing_n in_o a_o false_a or_o very_o imperfect_a light_n be_v wretched_o and_o frequent_o mistake_v in_o the_o judgement_n which_o they_o pass_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o the_o pretend_a piety_n of_o these_o bigot_n to_o idolatry_n be_v to_o level_v all_o their_o wit_n and_o malice_n at_o those_o well-meaning_n and_o truly-religious_a person_n who_o from_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o their_o indispensible_a duty_n have_v entire_o devote_v themselves_o a_o holy_a and_o live_v sacrifice_n to_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o universe_n chap._n xxv_o than_o celsus_n in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o pretend_a jew_n continues_z his_o charge_n against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n your_o jesus_n can_o keep_v himself_o free_a from_o evil._n but_o i_o think_v he_o will_v do_v very_o well_o to_o instance_n in_o any_o moral_a evil_n that_o may_v just_o be_v charge_v upon_o he_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v guilty_a of_o some_o vice_n or_o other_o which_o must_v be_v his_o mean_v or_o else_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o talk_v very_o improper_o it_o will_v lie_v upon_o this_o vile_a caviller_n to_o name_v any_o one_o vice_n if_o he_o can_v that_o ever_o stain_v the_o life_n and_o obscure_v the_o bright_a character_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n but_o if_o his_o mean_v be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o be_v expose_v to_o many_o outward_a and_o grievous_a calamity_n such_o as_o poverty_n persecution_n the_o treachery_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o especial_o the_o shameful_a and_o painful_a death_n which_o he_o suffer_v on_o the_o cross_n than_o i_o think_v we_o may_v with_o equal_a justice_n bring_v in_o a_o severe_a charge_n against_o so_o great_a a_o man_n as_o socrates_n who_o with_o all_o his_o philosophy_n and_o moral_a virtue_n cou'dned_a avoid_v fall_v into_o innumerable_a external_a danger_n and_o how_o many_o of_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n can_v i_o easy_o name_n who_o be_v not_o only_o oppress_v with_o extreme_a poverty_n but_o make_v it_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o de_fw-mi liberate_a choice_n for_o proof_n of_o this_o we_o may_v have_v recourse_n to_o their_o own_o celebrate_a author_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o democritus_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o noble_a thought_n that_o he_o have_v no_o leisure_n hour_n to_o bestow_v upon_o his_o farm_n that_o crates_n give_v away_o the_o income_n of_o his_o whole_a estate_n with_o the_o great_a freedom_n imaginable_a that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o better_a opportunity_n for_o philosophical_a speculation_n and_o that_o diogenes_n out_o of_o his_o strange_a frugality_n be_v content_v to_o spend_v his_o life_n in_o a_o tub_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n i_o think_v of_o common_a sense_n will_n for_o that_o reason_n entertain_v hard_a thought_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o person_n then_o celsus_n add_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v far_o from_o be_v regular_a and_o unblameable_a but_o let_v he_o give_v a_o instance_n if_o he_o can_v of_o any_o one_o among_o the_o numerous_a follower_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o ever_o observe_v he_o to_o do_v a_o unworthy_a action_n or_o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o rely_v on_o their_o unite_a testimony_n i_o think_v it_o be_v fit_a he_o shall_v acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o he_o build_v his_o unjust_a and_o heavy_a charge_n it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a to_o say_v no_o more_o that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o least_o breach_n of_o any_o promise_n that_o he_o ever_o make_v if_o we_o consider_v how_o much_o and_o how_o ready_o he_o consult_v the_o true_a interest_n of_o his_o follower_n i_o mean_v the_o welfare_n of_o their_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n and_o when_o we_o see_v that_o the_o remarkable_a and_o unlikely_a event_n which_o he_o foretell_v at_o some_o distance_n of_o time_n from_o their_o accomplishment_n have_v exact_o answer_v his_o prediction_n that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v publish_v to_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o they_o who_o have_v embrace_v it_o have_v mere_o on_o that_o account_n be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n we_o can_v but_o be_v fill_v with_o a_o holy_a admiration_n and_o encourage_v to_o have_v our_o firm_a and_o entire_a dependence_n upon_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n irresistible_a power_n and_o universal_a goodness_n and_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o celsus_n himself_o can_v reasonable_o desire_v to_o have_v great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n than_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n unless_o he_o be_v so_o wretched_o ignorant_a of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n as_o to_o expect_v that_o the_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v assume_v by_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o common_a calamity_n which_o attend_v humane_a life_n and_o by_o consequence_n to_o imagine_v that_o we_o shall_v want_v the_o bright_a example_n of_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o any_o mortal_n ever_o give_v the_o only_a reason_n if_o it_o may_v be_v call_v so_o that_o can_v possible_o be_v assign_v for_o such_o a_o extravagant_a conceit_n be_v this_o that_o celsus_n esteem_v pain_n the_o great_a evil_n and_o pleasure_n the_o high_a good_a and_o here_o he_o go_v a_o strain_n beyond_o most_o of_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o i_o mean_v of_o those_o that_o believe_v a_o overruling_a providence_n and_o allow_v courage_n and_o constancy_n and_o the_o like_a endowment_n a_o place_n among_o the_o moral_a virtue_n which_o be_v at_o once_o so_o necessary_a and_o so_o ornamental_a and_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o subvert_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o the_o various_a and_o grievous_a calamity_n to_o which_o he_o be_v expose_v and_o which_o in_o the_o event_n do_v befall_v he_o that_o i_o think_v he_o have_v take_v the_o most_o effectual_a method_n to_o confirm_v it_o if_o we_o can_v but_o divert_v our_o thought_n from_o the_o shock_a calamity_n that_o attend_v humane_a life_n to_o the_o bright_a object_n and_o glorious_a entertainment_n of_o the_o future_a state_n in_o which_o we_o shall_v look_v with_o a_o holy_a disdain_n upon_o sin_n satan_n and_o this_o low_a world_n chap._n xxvi_o than_o celsus_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n sure_o you_o will_v not_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v that_o your_o jesus_n be_v unable_a to_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o the_o wretched_a world_n in_o which_o we_o live_v go_v down_o to_o hell_n itself_o to_o see_v if_o he_o can_o make_v convert_v there_o but_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n have_v so_o many_o and_o such_o zealous_a follower_n
be_v wicked_a man_n and_o most_o notorious_a impostor_n and_o a_o greek_a or_o egyptian_a or_o any_o other_o infidel_n may_v say_v thus_o to_o a_o jew_n oh_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n moses_n have_v tell_v we_o plain_o as_o your_o own_o write_n inform_v we_o that_o many_o shall_v come_v who_o will_v perform_v the_o same_o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v himself_o and_o yet_o be_v very_o wicked_a and_o design_v wretch_n for_o it_o be_v write_v in_o your_o own_o law_n if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o deut._n 13_o v._o 1._o he_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v unto_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o that_o prophet_n or_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n the_o pretend_a jew_n go_v on_o and_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 their_o curse_a art_n think_v thereby_o to_o ridicule_n and_o insult_v he_o but_o the_o christian_n or_o any_o infidel_n may_v as_o well_o allege_v against_o his_o celebrate_a moses_n that_o these_o prophet_n and_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n will_v counterfeit_v his_o miracle_n the_o jew_n say_v far_a that_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n even_o according_a to_o his_o own_o confession_n have_v no_o stamp_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n but_o be_v such_o work_n as_o will_v be_v do_v by_o the_o vile_a person_n upon_o earth_n but_o a_o infidel_n may_v turn_v the_o argument_n upon_o moses_n and_o say_v that_o his_o miracle_n even_o according_a to_o his_o own_o confession_n have_v no_o stamp_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n but_o be_v such_o work_n as_o will_v be_v do_v by_o person_n of_o the_o most_o infamous_a character_n and_o the_o follow_a word_n that_o our_o saviour_n not_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n do_v in_o the_o same_o breath_n condemn_v their_o miracle_n and_o his_o own_o may_v every_o whit_n as_o well_o be_v retort_v upon_o moses_n and_o those_o word_n of_o the_o jew_n i_v it_o i_o beseech_v you_o a_o most_o intolerable_a thing_n that_o from_o the_o 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 i_o say_v those_o word_n of_o the_o jew_n may_v be_v turn_v upon_o moses_n thus_o i_v it_o i_o beseech_v you_o a_o most_o intolerable_a thing_n that_o from_o the_o same_o action_n he_o by_o all_o mean_n must_v be_v denominate_v a_o faithful_a and_o eminent_a servant_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n and_o other_o be_v brand_v with_o the_o odious_a title_n of_o impostor_n and_o those_o word_n of_o the_o jew_n even_o according_a to_o his_o own_o free_a confession_n we_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v wicked_a man_n than_o that_o he_o be_v a_o vile_a wretch_n himself_o may_v be_v turn_v upon_o moses_n thus_o what_o a_o instance_n of_o madness_n be_v it_o to_o look_v upon_o moses_n as_o a_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a prophet_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o deny_v these_o honourable_a character_n to_o such_o person_n as_o be_v to_o work_v miracle_n as_o well_o as_o he_o even_o according_a to_o his_o own_o prediction_n and_o those_o word_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o he_o think_v do_v give_v more_o force_n to_o the_o objection_n viz._n that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o such_o action_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 may_v easy_o be_v retort_v upon_o moses_n chap._n xxx_o than_o celsus_n jew_n speak_v to_o those_o of_o his_o native_a country_n who_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n ask_v we_o the_o follow_a question_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o have_v his_o eye_n upon_o we_o all_o 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the_o account_n which_o he_o give_v we_o of_o rampsinitus_n and_o ceres_n will_v have_v come_v with_o a_o much_o better_a grace_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o egyptian_a who_o to_o lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o moses_n may_v say_v that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o probable_a that_o the_o forementioned_a person_n shall_v play_v at_o die_n together_o in_o the_o region_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o he_o as_o a_o proof_n of_o his_o descent_n thither_o shall_v produce_v the_o embroider_v handkerchief_n which_o he_o take_v from_o the_o goddess_n than_o that_o moses_n go_v into_o the_o darkness_n which_o god_n himself_o do_v inhabit_v and_o that_o he_o alone_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o come_v near_o he_o as_o he_o himself_o give_v we_o a_o account_n and_o we_o who_o be_v the_o follower_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n may_v make_v the_o follow_a address_n to_o the_o pretend_a jew_n when_o he_o talk_v at_o so_o extravagant_a a_o rate_n pray_v how_o do_v you_o answer_v the_o greek_n and_o 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die_v in_o so_o public_a a_o manner_n be_v this_o that_o no_o person_n may_v have_v the_o least_o umbrage_n of_o jealousy_n that_o he_o crafty_o retire_v from_o the_o world_n and_o feign_v himself_o to_o be_v go_v down_o to_o the_o region_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o take_v his_o own_o time_n to_o appear_v again_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a when_o in_o truth_n he_o be_v all_o this_o while_n as_o much_o alive_a as_o ever_o but_o to_o remove_v any_o such_o foolish_a suspicion_n we_o need_v only_o consider_v that_o his_o disciple_n most_o willing_o expose_v themselves_o to_o imminent_a danger_n in_o publish_v his_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n though_o they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o root_v prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n against_o it_o this_o certain_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v tempt_v to_o do_v if_o their_o lord_n resurrection_n have_v be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o emty_a fiction_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o not_o only_o persuade_v other_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n but_o with_o the_o great_a readiness_n will_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a have_v die_v ten_o thousand_o death_n to_o promote_v it_o then_o celsus_n jew_n as_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o one_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a with_o the_o same_o numerical_a body_n make_v use_v of_o this_o rash_a expression_n we_o must_v say_v he_o consider_v whether_o any_o person_n that_o be_v real_o dead_a do_v ever_o rise_v with_o the_o same_o numerical_a and_o proper_a body_n this_o one_o will_v think_v shou'dned_a come_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o one_o who_o bear_v the_o character_n of_o a_o jew_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o believe_v what_o we_o find_v record_v in_o the_o two_o book_n of_o king_n 1_o kin._n 17._o v._o 22._o concern_v two_o child_n one_o of_o which_o be_v restore_v to_o life_n by_o elijah_n 2_o kin._n 4._o v._o 34._o and_o the_o other_o by_o elisha_n and_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v matter_n of_o our_o saviour_n choice_n to_o be_v educate_v among_o the_o jew_n because_o they_o be_v accustom_a to_o miracle_n that_o so_o by_o compare_v what_o he_o do_v with_o what_o have_v be_v do_v in_o the_o former_a age_n of_o the_o world_n they_o may_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o his_o miracle_n deserve_v the_o preference_n by_o who_o and_o in_o who_o name_n far_o great_a thing_n be_v perform_v than_o have_v be_v do_v in_o the_o memory_n of_o man._n then_o the_o pretend_a jew_n have_v produce_v the_o history_n of_o the_o greek_n to_o show_v we_o the_o strange_a artifices_fw-la which_o the_o ancient_a hero_n use_v that_o people_n may_v imagine_v that_o they_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a direct_v his_o discourse_n to_o those_o of_o his_o native_a country_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n do_v you_o look_v upon_o the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v by_o other_o as_o trifle_a story_n and_o imagine_v that_o the_o 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
be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o two_o child_n beforementioned_a a_o great_a and_o diffusive_a blessing_n to_o mankind_n as_o we_o know_v the_o resnrrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v when_o the_o power_n of_o god_n do_v so_o eminent_o accompany_v the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o make_v so_o deep_a and_o last_v a_o impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o so_o many_o of_o his_o hearer_n who_o at_o first_o be_v strange_o prejudice_v against_o he_o chap._n xxxi_o the_o pretend_a jew_n go_v on_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o split_v his_o side_n with_o laugh_a at_o the_o earthquake_n and_o ridicules_a the_o more_o than_o ordinary_a darkness_n that_o be_v the_o awful_a concomitant_n of_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n but_o this_o i_o have_v already_o answer_v according_a to_o my_o weak_a ability_n and_o produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o phlegon_n who_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o wonderful_a event_n do_v real_o happen_v at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n then_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n you_o say_v that_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a though_o he_o be_v far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o secure_v his_o person_n while_o he_o remain_v on_o earth_n and_o show_v upon_o his_o body_n all_o the_o mark_n of_o his_o crucifixion_n and_o the_o very_a print_n of_o the_o nail_n with_o which_o his_o hand_n and_o foot_n be_v pierce_v but_o what_o do_v this_o gentleman_n mean_v by_o say_v he_o wa'_v able_a to_o secure_v his_o person_n if_o he_o mean_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n wa'nt_v able_a to_o secure_a himself_o from_o the_o common_a contagion_n of_o vice_n and_o immorality_n what_o he_o say_v be_v absolute_o and_o manifest_o false_a for_o he_o never_o speak_v a_o word_n or_o do_v a_o action_n that_o be_v in_o the_o least_o indecent_a or_o unworthy_a of_o a_o incarnate_a god._n he_o be_v lead_v as_o a_o sheep_n to_o the_o mat._n 27_o v._n 2_o slaughter_n and_o as_o a_o laneb_n before_o her_o shearer_n be_v dumb_a so_o he_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n viz._n by_o way_n of_o complaint_n or_o uneasiness_n as_o st._n matthew_n acquaint_v we_o but_o if_o celsus_n mean_v that_o he_o didn't_fw-mi exert_v his_o power_n to_o secure_v himself_o from_o the_o outward_a calamity_n to_o which_o he_o be_v expose_v which_o moral_o consider_v be_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a i_o have_v prove_v already_o from_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o submit_v to_o they_o with_o the_o great_a readiness_n imaginable_a and_o show_v the_o reason_n which_o justify_v his_o conduct_n then_o the_o pretend_a jew_n have_v speak_v of_o our_o saviour_n show_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o his_o crucifixion_n and_o the_o very_a print_n of_o his_o nail_n say_v there_o be_v no_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o strange_a account_n but_o one_o fanatical_a woman_n design_v to_o ridicule_n mary_n magdalen_n who_o see_v he_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o because_o we_o be_v inform_v that_o he_o be_v see_v by_o other_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o add_v the_o follow_a word_n and_o perhaps_o some_o body_n else_o of_o the_o same_o wretched_a cabal_n then_o he_o plain_o discover_v that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o those_o who_o admire_v the_o epicurean_a hypothesis_n when_o he_o endeavour_n to_o show_v how_o a_o lively_a idea_n of_o a_o decease_a person_n may_v be_v form_v in_o the_o warm_a imagination_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n who_o be_v delude_v by_o she_o own_o idle_a whimsy_n or_o too_o easy_o believe_v what_o she_o will_v have_v to_o be_v true_a as_o we_o know_v it_o frequent_o happen_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o force_n if_o we_o must_v give_v any_o heed_n to_o his_o idle_a whimsy_n in_o this_o scurrilous_a language_n but_o even_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v be_v furnish_v with_o a_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o immortal_a subsistence_n of_o humane_a soul_n when_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o their_o body_n and_o the_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o what_o he_o here_o assert_n amount_n to_o this_o at_o least_o that_o it_o survive_v the_o body_n for_o if_o as_o plato_n observe_v in_o his_o dialogue_n about_o the_o humane_a soul_n there_o be_v certain_a image_n of_o dead_a person_n that_o be_v see_v near_o their_o tomb_n than_o they_o must_v be_v owe_v to_o some_o cause_n or_o other_o and_o no_o cause_n can_v be_v so_o rational_o assign_v as_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o decease_a person_n that_o assume_v a_o body_n which_o be_v adapt_v to_o it_o but_o celsus_n who_o advance_v the_o forementioned_a notion_n will_v make_v people_n dream_n while_o they_o be_v thorough_o awake_a and_o have_v their_o sense_n about_o they_o and_o say_v they_o too_o easy_o believe_v what_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v true_a such_o dream_n indeed_o as_o he_o talk_v of_o be_v common_a when_o the_o bodily_a sense_n be_v lock_v up_o by_o sleep_n but_o i_o think_v we_o can_v easy_o account_v for_o they_o when_o person_n be_v awake_a unless_o they_o be_v trouble_v with_o 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the_o least_o matter_n of_o his_o doubt_n therefore_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o he_o dos'ned_a say_n except_o i_o see_v he_o but_o except_o john_n 20._o v._o 25_o i_o shall_v see_v in_o his_o hand_n the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o put_v my_o finger_n into_o the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o thrust_v my_o hand_n into_o his_o side_n i_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o didn't_fw-mi question_n but_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o decease_a person_n may_v animate_v a_o body_n which_o will_v be_v visible_a to_o the_o corporeal_a eye_n and_z bear_v a_o resemblance_n to_o that_o from_o which_o it_o be_v separate_v by_o death_n not_o only_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o eye_n and_o voice_n and_o mien_n but_o also_o sometime_o appear_v in_o a_o like_a habit_n clothe_v hom._n il._n book_n 23_o v._o 67._o therefore_o our_o saviour_n call_v thomas_n to_o he_o and_o say_v reach_v hither_o thy_o finger_n and_o behold_v my_o hand_n and_o reach_v john_n 20_o v._o 27._o hither_o thy_o hand_n and_o thrust_v it_o into_o my_o side_n and_o be_v not_o faithless_a but_o believe_v and_o by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o many_o prophecy_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o concern_v he_o the_o many_o evident_a miracle_n he_o wrought_v and_o unusual_a accident_n that_o befall_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o this_o considerable_a circumstance_n shall_v as_o it_o be_v crown_z and_o complete_a the_o rest_n the_o prophetical_a psalmist_n speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v this_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o he_o my_o flesh_n also_o shall_v rest_v in_o hope_n for_o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n nor_o psalm_n 16_o v._o 9_o suffer_v thy_o holy_a one_o to_o see_v corruption_n and_o the_o body_n with_o which_o our_o saviour_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a do_v neither_o consist_v of_o such_o gross_a matter_n as_o it_o consist_v of_o before_o nor_o of_o such_o subtle_a matter_n as_o that_o with_o which_o separate_a soul_n be_v clothe_v when_o a_o apparition_n appear_v therefore_o st._n john_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n his_o disciple_n be_v within_o and_o thomas_n with_o they_o then_o come_v jesus_n the_o door_n be_v shut_v and_o stand_v in_o the_o midst_n and_o say_v peace_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o he_o add_v these_o word_n then_o say_v he_o to_o thomas_n reach_v hither_o thy_o finger_n st._n luke_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o simon_n and_o cleopas_n be_v talk_v of_o the_o thing_n luke_n 24_o v._o 14._o that_o have_v happen_v to_o he_o jesus_n himself_o draw_v near_o and_o go_v with_o they_o but_o their_o eye_n be_v hold_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o know_v he_o and_o he_o say_v to_o they_o what_o manner_n of_o communication_n be_v these_o that_o you_o