ii_o than_o celsus_n go_v on_o and_o assert_n that_o judaisme_n with_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v a_o very_a close_a connection_n have_v all_o along_o be_v a_o barbarous_a sect_n though_o he_o prudent_o forbear_v to_o reproach_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v of_o a_o mean_a and_o unpolished_a original_a since_o he_o have_v commend_v the_o barbarian_n as_o be_v the_o inventor_n of_o several_a excellent_a and_o very_a important_a maxim_n and_o he_o add_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v indeed_o invent_v by_o the_o barbarian_n have_v be_v improve_v and_o more_o accommodate_v to_o moral_a virtue_n by_o the_o greek_n now_o i_o think_v i_o may_v just_o take_v this_o advantage_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o the_o very_a concession_n which_o celsus_n make_v to_o observe_v that_o one_o who_o leave_v the_o opinion_n and_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n dont_fw-fr 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expect_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o power_n in_o as_o much_o as_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n some_o remarkable_a footstep_n of_o which_o do_v remain_v at_o this_o very_a day_n among_o those_o who_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n under_o the_o guidance_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o live_v up_o to_o its_o holy_a precept_n chap._n iii_o than_o celsus_n have_v speak_v of_o the_o private_a meeting_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o which_o they_o exercise_v themselves_o and_o instruct_v one_o another_o in_o their_o particular_a way_n and_o have_v confess_v that_o one_o very_o politic_a reason_n may_v be_v assign_v for_o what_o they_o do_v viz._n the_o prevent_v of_o that_o severe_a penalty_n to_o which_o their_o practice_n render_v they_o extreme_o liable_a compare_v the_o danger_n that_o threaten_v they_o with_o the_o difficulty_n and_o calamity_n to_o which_o socrates_n and_o pythagoras_n and_o other_o heathen_a philosopher_n expose_v themselves_o by_o maintain_v the_o reputation_n and_o promote_a the_o interest_n of_o that_o comparatively-vain_a philosophy_n of_o which_o they_o be_v the_o admire_v and_o truly-learned_n professor_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o athenian_n soon_o repent_v of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v to_o socrates_n nor_o do_v they_o long_o retain_v their_o spite_n against_o pythagoras_n for_o the_o pythagorean_n have_v school_n for_o a_o considerable_a time_n in_o that_o part_n of_o italy_n which_o go_v by_o the_o name_n of_o greece_n the_o great_a but_o the_o whole_a roman_a senate_n the_o emperor_n during_o the_o several_a persecution_n the_o soldier_n the_o common_a people_n and_o even_o they_o who_o be_v near_o relate_v to_o the_o christian_n wage_v open_a war_n as_o it_o be_v against_o the_o religion_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n introduce_v and_o will_v easy_o and_o quite_o have_v stop_v its_o happy_a progress_n if_o a_o divine_a and_o miraculous_a power_n have_v not_o seasonable_o interpose_v and_o make_v it_o overcome_v the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n who_o exert_v all_o their_o malice_n and_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n towards_o its_o sudden_a and_o entire_a extirpation_n chap._n iu._n now_o let_v we_o see_v how_o celsus_n reproach_n the_o practic_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v in_o common_a with_o the_o heathen_n nothing_o that_o be_v new_a or_o truly-great_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o they_o who_o bring_v down_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o head_n by_o their_o notorious_a crime_n will_v never_o suffer_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o divine_a and_o inflexible_a justice_n if_o all_o mankind_n have_v not_o some_o tolerable_a notion_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil._n therefore_o we_o needned_a wonder_n that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o common_a father_n of_o his_o creature_n shall_v plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n those_o natural_a principle_n which_o the_o prophet_n and_o especial_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v so_o frequent_o impress_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o so_o every_o one_o may_v be_v leave_v without_o excuse_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n have_v have_v the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o law_n engrave_v upon_o his_o heart_n in_o very_o legible_a character_n this_o be_v obscure_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o the_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o god_n write_v the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law_n as_o it_o be_v with_o his_o finger_n and_o his_o give_v they_o to_o moses_n and_o acquaint_v we_o that_o they_o be_v afterward_o break_v by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o they_o who_o make_v the_o golden_a calf_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v break_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o that_o when_o the_o law_n be_v write_v the_o second_o time_n on_o table_n of_o stone_n he_o deliver_v they_o to_o moses_n to_o signify_v that_o the_o law_n which_o be_v deface_v by_o the_o original_a apostasy_n shall_v be_v re_fw-mi impress_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n chap._n v._n than_o celsus_n speak_v of_o idolatry_n do_v himself_o advance_v a_o argument_n that_o tend_v to_o justify_v and_o commend_v our_o practice_n when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o christian_n can_v think_v those_o to_o be_v god_n which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n and_o very_o often_o of_o such_o as_o be_v wicked_a and_o unjust_a and_o wallow_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o debauchery_n therefore_o endeavour_v to_o show_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n that_o our_o notion_n of_o image-worship_n be_v not_o a_o discovery_n that_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o we_o have_v it_o in_o common_a with_o the_o heathen_n he_o quote_v a_o passage_n in_o heraclitus_n to_o this_o effect_n that_o they_o who_o pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o inanimate_a creature_n do_v just_a as_o if_o they_o shall_v address_v and_o invocate_v the_o wall_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o since_o i_o have_v already_o grant_v that_o some_o common_a notion_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a be_v original_o implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n we_o needned_a wonder_n that_o heraclitus_n and_o other_o whether_o greek_n or_o barbarian_n have_v public_o acknowledge_v to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o hold_v the_o very_a same_o notion_n which_o we_o maintain_v and_o celsus_n quote_v a_o passage_n in_o herodotus_n to_o show_v that_o the_o same_o notion_n which_o heraclitus_n hold_v do_v obtain_v among_o the_o persian_n and_o i_o can_v quote_v a_o passage_n in_o zeno_n citiensis_fw-la who_o in_o his_o book_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v that_o the_o building_n of_o stately_a temple_n be_v altogether_o needless_a and_o indeed_o ridiculous_a since_o no_o piece_n of_o humane_a architecture_n how_o pompous_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v be_v true_o sacred_a and_o valuaable_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o this_o practical_a notion_n be_v engrave_v in_o divine_a and_o legible_a character_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n chap._n vi_o than_o celsus_n say_v that_o all_o the_o power_n which_o the_o christian_n have_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o name_n of_o certain_a daemon_n and_o their_o invocation_n of_o they_o though_o i_o can_v well_o conceive_v what_o shall_v induce_v or_o even_o tempt_v he_o to_o talk_v at_o so_o extravagant_a a_o rate_n i_o suppose_v he_o obscure_o hint_n at_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o some_o who_o cast_v out_o devil_n but_o this_o be_v a_o most_o notorious_a calumny_n for_o the_o power_n which_o the_o christian_n have_v be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o owe_v to_o enchantment_n but_o to_o their_o pronounce_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o make_v mention_n of_o some_o remarkable_a occurrence_n of_o his_o life_n for_o by_o these_o and_o no_o unlawful_a mean_n have_v daemon_n be_v
purge_v he_o from_o the_o vile_a and_o more_o dangerous_a leprosy_n of_o sin_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n john_n the_o baptist_n bear_v witness_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n i_o see_v the_o spirit_n descend_v from_o john_n i._n v._o 32._o heaven_n like_o a_o dove_n and_o it_o abide_v upon_o he_o and_o i_o know_v he_o not_o but_o he_o that_o send_v i_o to_o baptize_v with_o water_n the_o same_o say_v to_o i_o upon_o who_o thou_o shall_v see_v the_o spirit_n descend_v and_o remain_v the_o same_o be_v he_o who_o baptise_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o i_o see_v and_o bare_a record_n that_o this_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o heaven_n be_v open_a to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o there_o be_v no_o person_n present_a as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v gather_v from_o the_o account_n which_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o eye_n and_o ear._n witness_v of_o what_o happen_v to_o he_o except_z john_n the_o baptist_n but_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o also_o shall_v see_v the_o heaven_n open_v say_v very_o very_o john_n i._n v._o 51._o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o hereafter_o you_o shall_v see_v heaven_n open_a and_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n ascend_v and_o descend_v upon_o the_o son_n of_o man._n and_o in_o the_o forego_n sense_n we_o must_v understand_v that_o place_n of_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v carry_v up_o to_o the_o three_o or_o high_a heaven_n which_o before_o be_v open_v to_o he_o since_o we_o be_v well-assured_a he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sincere_a follower_n and_o most_o eminent_a apostle_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n but_o as_o for_o those_o word_n whether_o in_o the_o body_n 2_o cor._n twelve_o v._o 3_o or_o out_o of_o the_o body_n i_o can_v tell_v god_n know_v it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n at_o present_a to_o insist_v upon_o they_o chap._n xli_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o add_v one_o thing_n here_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o celsus_n without_o any_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v acquaint_v his_o disciple_n with_o the_o strange_a thing_n that_o have_v happen_v to_o he_o that_o the_o heaven_n have_v be_v open_v and_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v descend_v upon_o he_o at_o the_o river_n jordan_n but_o this_o mighty_a man_n with_o all_o his_o wisdom_n seem_v not_o at_o all_o to_o have_v consider_v the_o incongruity_n of_o such_o a_o supposition_n with_o the_o general_n practice_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o forbid_v his_o disciple_n to_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o vision_n which_o he_o see_v upon_o the_o mountain_n till_o he_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a as_o appear_v from_o the_o gospel_n than_o for_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o his_o power_n to_o avoid_v all_o talk_n that_o be_v in_o favour_n of_o himself_o therefore_o he_o say_v if_o i_o bear_v john_n u._n v._n 31._o witness_n of_o myself_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a and_o because_o he_o industrious_o avoid_v every_o thing_n that_o savour_v of_o self-applause_n and_o have_v rather_o that_o his_o work_n shall_v praise_v he_o and_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n the_o jew_n say_v to_o he_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o christ_n do_v thou_o tell_v we_o plain_o and_o because_o the_o jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v speak_v of_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n say_v there_o be_v no_o body_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o happen_v to_o you_o beside_o yourself_o and_o another_o person_n of_o the_o same_o pityful_a class_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v seasonable_a and_o high_o necessary_a to_o show_v that_o he_o talk_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v very_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o character_n he_o bear_v and_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o different_a regard_n which_o the_o jew_n pay_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o john_n the_o baptist_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o person_n and_o their_o suffering_n which_o to_o i_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o after_o all_o the_o pretension_n which_o he_o make_v to_o knowledge_n he_o can_o personate_v a_o jew_n discourse_v consistent_o with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n chap._n xlii_o than_o celsus_n i_o do_v it_o well_o know_v how_o but_o i_o suppose_v purposely_o overlook_v one_o of_o the_o most_o cogent_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v in_o favour_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n viz._n his_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n by_o moses_n and_o those_o who_o succeed_v he_o and_o even_o by_o some_o who_o live_v long_o before_o he_o i_o presume_v it_o be_v for_o this_o politic_a reason_n because_o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o he_o can_o return_v any_o tolerable_a answer_n to_o a_o proposition_n to_o which_o both_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o great_a heretic_n do_v assent_v who_o all_o agree_v that_o many_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o person_n of_o he_o who_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o perhaps_o he_o have_v never_o read_v the_o prophecy_n but_o have_v hear_v a_o general_a and_o loose_a report_n concern_v they_o for_o if_o he_o have_v know_v that_o there_o have_v be_v several_a prophet_n who_o have_v foretell_v our_o saviour_n appearance_n in_o the_o world_n certain_o he_o will_v never_o have_v put_v these_o word_n into_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o jew_n which_o i_o think_v will_v much_o better_o have_v become_v a_o samaritan_n or_o a_o sadducee_n viz._n my_o prophet_n say_v former_o in_o jerusalem_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n will_v come_v to_o reward_v the_o righteous_a and_o to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a for_o sure_o there_o have_v be_v more_o than_o one_o prophet_n that_o have_v prophesy_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n since_o even_o the_o sadducee_n and_o the_o samaritan_n who_o own_v no_o more_o than_o the_o pentateuch_n can_v but_o see_v if_o they_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a that_o moses_n himself_o have_v prophesy_v concern_v he_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v publish_v at_o jerusalem_n since_o the_o name_n of_o no_o such_o place_n be_v know_v for_o many_o age_n after_o moses_n by_o the_o way_n i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o all_o our_o implacable_a adversary_n unless_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o convert_v they_o be_v as_o ignorant_a as_o celsus_n not_o only_o of_o the_o true_a and_o full_a sense_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n treat_v but_o also_o of_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o it_o that_o so_o their_o discourse_n not_o have_v that_o colour_n of_o reason_n which_o sometime_o they_o have_v the_o common_a people_n may_v not_o so_o much_o as_o for_o a_o short_a space_n of_o time_n yield_v even_o the_o weak_a assent_n to_o any_o thing_n they_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v against_o we_o beside_o no_o jew_n but_o one_o who_o be_v bring_v over_o to_o the_o religion_n which_o we_o embrace_v will_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n what_o the_o jew_n say_v be_v this_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o come_v and_o in_o their_o disputation_n with_o we_o the_o first_o question_n almost_o which_o they_o ask_v be_v who_o be_v this_o son_n of_o god_n of_o who_o you_o talk_v so_o much_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o any_o such_o person_n be_v ever_o intend_v by_o the_o prophet_n for_o my_o part_n i_o firm_o believe_v that_o the_o person_n of_o who_o there_o be_v so_o many_o prediction_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o i_o can_v for_o my_o life_n conceive_v how_o a_o jew_n who_o deny_v this_o plain_a assertion_n can_v consistent_o with_o his_o character_n make_v use_n of_o the_o follow_a word_n my_o prophet_n say_v former_o in_o jerusalem_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n then_o celsus_n add_v the_o follow_a word_n to_o reward_v the_o righteous_a and_o to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o as_o if_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v foretold_a and_o there_o be_v no_o prediction_n concern_v the_o place_n of_o our_o saviour_n nativity_n or_o the_o unjust_a and_o barbarous_a treatment_n which_o he_o meet_v with_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o own_o countryman_n the_o jew_n or_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a or_o the_o miracle_n he_o perform_v he_o say_v why_o shall_v this_o prophecy_n be_v appropriate_v to_o you_o when_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v of_o many_o person_n that_o live_v before_o and_o after_o you_o with_o more_o
inward_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v but_o wonder_n that_o since_o celsus_n be_v so_o fond_a of_o speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o jew_n he_o did_o make_v he_o direct_v his_o discourse_n to_o the_o gentile_n rather_o than_o to_o his_o own_o countryman_n for_o it_o will_v have_v carry_v with_o it_o a_o far_o more_o plausible_a appearance_n if_o it_o have_v be_v direct_v by_o he_o to_o those_o who_o embrace_v the_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o be_v gentile_n like_o ourselves_o but_o it_o seem_v this_o mighty_a man_n with_o all_o his_o knowledge_n to_o which_o he_o make_v such_o great_a pretence_n do_v not_o know_v or_o at_o least_o do_v seem_v to_o i_o not_o due_o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o figure_n of_o speech_n which_o we_o make_v use_v of_o when_o we_o speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o another_o let_v we_o see_v therefore_o what_o he_o say_v to_o those_o jew_n who_o 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peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o who_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o the_o circumcision_n i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a to_o quote_v a_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o st._n john_n gospel_n and_o a_o little_a to_o explain_v it_o i_o have_v say_v he_o many_o thing_n yet_o john_n xuj_o v._o 12_o 13._o to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o but_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v hear_v that_o shall_v he_o speak_v now_o i_o ask_v celsus_n jew_n what_o be_v these_o thing_n that_o our_o saviour_n have_v to_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n which_o under_o their_o present_a circumstance_n they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o relish_v be_v not_o this_o his_o desire_n viz._n to_o instruct_v they_o since_o they_o be_v jew_n and_o by_o consequence_n acquaint_v with_o the_o 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can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o renounce_v the_o law_n of_o their_o father_n who_o severe_o blame_v person_n for_o not_o adhere_v to_o it_o tell_v i_o say_v the_o apostle_n you_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v under_o the_o law_n do_v you_o gal._n four_o v._o 21._o not_o hear_v the_o law_n for_o it_o be_v write_v that_o abraham_n have_v two_o son_n and_o so_o on_o to_o those_o word_n which_o thing_n be_v a_o allegory_n and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o renounce_v the_o law_n of_o their_o father_n who_o be_v continual_o make_v mention_n of_o it_o as_o if_o they_o be_v proud_a of_o show_v the_o honourable_a regard_n which_o they_o still_o pay_v to_o it_o and_o argue_v after_o the_o follow_a manner_n say_v i_o these_o thing_n as_o a_o man_n 1._o cor._n ix_o v._o 8._o or_o say_v not_o the_o law_n the_o same_o also_o for_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n thou_o shall_v not_o muzzle_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o ox_n that_o tread_v out_o the_o corn._n do_v god_n take_v care_n 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a_o vigorous_a opposition_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o as_o he_o vain_o think_v to_o expose_v it_o to_o the_o high_a contempt_n imaginable_a chap._n iu._n the_o jew_n continue_v his_o discourse_n it_o be_v but_o other_o day_n say_v he_o that_o we_o severe_o punish_v the_o person_n who_o lead_v you_o aside_o like_o a_o company_n of_o silly_a sheep_n and_o by_o consequence_n it_o be_v very_o late_o and_o on_o a_o sudden_a that_o you_o renounce_v the_o law_n of_o your_o father_n but_o to_o this_o i_o have_v already_o return_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n what_o he_o add_v i_o confess_v carry_v with_o it_o a_o much_o great_a force_n with_o what_o face_n say_v he_o or_o colour_n of_o reason_n can_v you_o despise_v those_o sacred_a rite_n which_o not_o long_o ago_o you_o hold_v in_o very_o great_a esteem_n and_o especial_o when_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o foundation_n on_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o your_o jesus_n be_v build_v as_o you_o yourselves_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v found_v on_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o prophet_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v what_o i_o ready_o confess_v but_o we_o must_v also_o consider_v that_o they_o natural_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o mystery_n which_o be_v hide_v from_o age_n but_o be_v now_o make_v manifest_a eph._n iii._o v._o 9_o by_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o we_o do_v despise_v the_o law_n because_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a revelation_n but_o instead_o of_o that_o have_v the_o great_a veneration_n for_o it_o and_o endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o depth_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n there_o be_v even_o in_o the_o legal_a dispensation_n which_o the_o jew_n themselves_o know_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v found_v on_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n when_o our_o saviour_n speak_v to_o those_o that_o refuse_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o have_v the_o follow_a word_n have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o john_n v._o v._n 46._o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o john_n v._o v._n 46._o i_o but_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o his_o write_n how_o shall_v you_o believe_v my_o word_n and_o the_o evangelist_n st._n mark_n begin_v his_o gospel_n thus_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v write_v mark_v i_o v._o 1._o in_o the_o prophet_n behold_v i_o send_v thy_o messenger_n before_o thy_o face_n which_o shall_v prepare_v thy_o way_n before_o thou_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v found_v on_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n itself_o i_o can_v conceive_v therefore_o what_o celsus_n jew_n propose_v to_o himself_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
be_v it_o most_o proper_a to_o attribute_v the_o conception_n of_o emmanuel_n that_o be_v god_n with_o we_o to_o a_o young_a woman_n with_o child_n in_o a_o unlawful_a and_o dishonourable_a way_n or_o to_o one_o who_o have_v not_o lose_v her_o virginity_n certain_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o person_n be_v conceive_v by_o the_o latter_a in_o a_o strange_a and_o even_o miraculous_a way_n and_o if_o the_o jew_n lay_v such_o a_o mighty_a stress_n upon_o those_o word_n ask_v thou_o a_o sign_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o know_v what_o person_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o ahaz_n of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v say_v this_o be_v emmanuel_n which_o be_v interpret_v be_v god_n with_o we_o and_o if_o no_o such_o person_n can_v be_v find_v i_o think_v we_o may_v fair_o understand_v this_o text_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o as_o the_o scripture_n acquaint_v we_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o follow_a word_n in_o the_o height_n above_o or_o in_o the_o depth_n below_o have_v a_o manifest_a agreement_n with_o what_o be_v say_v of_o our_o saviour_n he_o that_o descend_v be_v the_o same_o that_o eph._n four_o v._o 10._o ascend_v up_o far_o above_o all_o heaven_n that_o he_o may_v fill_v all_o thing_n chap._n xxxi_o this_o i_o say_v to_o a_o jew_n who_o if_o he_o observe_v his_o character_n must_v give_v his_o ready_a and_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o jewish_a prophecy_n and_o i_o ask_v celsus_n and_o those_o of_o his_o party_n do_v the_o prophet_n foresee_v thing_n to_o come_v or_o do_v they_o not_o if_o they_o do_v not_o foresee_v they_o what_o shall_v make_v they_o speak_v with_o such_o a_o air_n of_o assurance_n and_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n have_v all_o along_o look_v upon_o their_o prophecy_n as_o divinely-inspired_a oracle_n and_o since_o i_o be_o natural_o lead_v into_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o jewish_a prophet_n i_o hope_v that_o what_o i_o shall_v offer_v on_o this_o important_a head_n may_v not_o only_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o almighty_n god_n be_v of_o some_o use_n to_o the_o jew_n who_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v divinely-inspired_a but_o also_o to_o as_o many_o of_o the_o greek_n themselves_o as_o act_v upon_o ingenuous_a principle_n for_o they_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v true_a prophet_n among_o they_o unless_o we_o can_v suppose_v they_o to_o have_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o violate_v their_o divinely-instituted_n rite_n and_o pay_v divine_a worship_n as_o a_o just_a tribute_n to_o the_o mock-deity_n of_o foreign_a nation_n i_o prove_v my_o assertion_n thus_o we_o read_v in_o the_o jewish_a law_n that_o other_o nation_n deu._n xviii_o v._o 10._o hearken_v to_o observer_n of_o time_n and_o to_o diviner_n but_o to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n it_o be_v say_v as_o for_o thou_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n have_v not_o suffer_v thou_o so_o to_o do_v then_o it_o follow_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v raise_v up_o to_o thou_o a_o prophet_n of_o thy_o brethren_n if_o therefore_o while_o other_o nation_n have_v man_n among_o they_o who_o foretell_v future_a event_n whether_o by_o the_o fly_a or_o sing_v of_o bird_n or_o by_o a_o narrow_a inspection_n into_o the_o entrail_n of_o beast_n or_o by_o the_o hollow_a voice_n that_o be_v form_v in_o the_o belly_n of_o certain_a person_n or_o by_o the_o childaean_a horoscope_n the_o jew_n who_o have_v in_o common_a with_o other_o a_o curiosity_n to_o know_v what_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v be_v forbid_v to_o take_v the_o forementioned_a method_n and_o have_v no_o prophet_n of_o their_o own_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o futurity_n they_o will_v immediate_o have_v entertain_v mean_a thought_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n as_o bear_v no_o undeniable_a character_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n and_o have_v reject_v all_o their_o prophet_n down_o from_o moses_n himself_o insomuch_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v they_o will_v never_o have_v commit_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v deliver_v by_o they_o to_o write_v but_o either_o have_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n or_o have_v practise_v something_o in_o imitation_n of_o they_o in_o their_o native_a country_n and_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o absurd_a that_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o some_o person_n who_o desire_v it_o shall_v prophesy_v concern_v matter_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o mean_a importance_n as_o samuel_n do_v concern_v some_o ass_n that_o 1_o sam._n ix_o v._o 20._o be_v lose_v and_o ahijah_n concern_v the_o death_n of_o jeroboam_n son_n 1_o kin_n fourteen_o v._o 12._o and_o indeed_o if_o they_o have_v no_o prophet_n among_o they_o how_o can_v any_o that_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o jewish_a law_n reprove_v they_o who_o consult_v the_o heathen_a oracle_n as_o we_o read_v that_o elijah_n reprove_v ahaziah_n say_v be_v it_o because_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n in_o israel_n that_o you_o go_v to_o inquire_v of_o baalzebub_a the_o god_n of_o ekron_n i_o think_v then_o that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v not_o only_o that_o our_o saviour_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n but_o also_o that_o there_o be_v divinely-inspired_a prophet_n to_o who_o the_o jewish_a nation_n may_v have_v frequent_a and_o satisfactory_a recourse_n these_o didn't_fw-mi only_o in_o the_o general_n foretell_v some_o thing_n that_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v with_o reference_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o the_o remarkable_a revolution_n of_o empire_n and_o change_v of_o the_o face_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o sometime_o do_v more_o particular_o foretell_v some_o thing_n as_o that_o the_o ass_n which_o kish_n have_v lose_v shall_v be_v find_v and_o that_o jeroboam_n son_n shall_v die_v and_o i_o may_v give_v many_o parallel_n instance_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n xxxii_o i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v far_o to_o the_o greek_n who_o wo'n_v believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n that_o the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n if_o he_o please_v can_v make_v every_o animal_n bring_v forth_o its_o young_a in_o the_o same_o wonderful_a manner_n that_o be_v observe_v of_o some_o inanimate_a creature_n and_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o he_o may_v cause_v if_o he_o please_v the_o like_a unusual_a production_n in_o the_o world_n of_o men._n for_o among_o animal_n there_o be_v some_o female_n that_o bring_v forth_o their_o young_a without_o any_o previous_a copulation_n with_o the_o male_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o vulture_n which_o propagate_v their_o kind_a in_o this_o uncommon_a way_n as_o the_o best_a writer_n of_o natural_a history_n do_v acquaint_v we_o what_o absurdity_n be_v there_o then_o in_o suppose_v that_o the_o alwise_a god_n design_v to_o bless_v mankind_n with_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o truly-divine_a teacher_n shall_v so_o order_v matter_n that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n shall_v not_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o humane_a generation_n and_o the_o greek_n themselves_o do_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o some_o man_n have_v come_v into_o the_o world_n without_o the_o conjunction_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n for_o if_o the_o world_n have_v a_o beginning_n as_o many_o of_o they_o grant_v it_o have_v than_o the_o first_o man_n be_v not_o produce_v in_o the_o common_a way_n but_o according_a to_o they_o by_o the_o spermatick_a virtue_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o to_o i_o seem_v much_o more_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a than_o our_o saviour_n nativity_n if_o we_o do_v but_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o impartial_a reason_n since_o the_o way_n in_o which_o he_o be_v bear_v have_v some_o resemblance_n with_o the_o usual_a method_n of_o carnal_a copulation_n and_o since_o i_o be_o concern_v with_o the_o learned_a greek_n it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a to_o make_v my_o appeal_n even_o to_o their_o own_o history_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n that_o other_o as_o well_o as_o the_o christian_n must_v upon_o their_o own_o principle_n acknowledge_v the_o possibility_n of_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o production_n against_o which_o they_o so_o loud_o exclaim_v now_o some_o of_o their_o modern_a author_n tell_v we_o that_o plato_n be_v bear_v of_o amphictione_n without_o the_o conjunction_n of_o ariston_n who_o be_v forbid_v to_o touch_v his_o wife_n till_o she_o shall_v be_v deliver_v of_o a_o son_n who_o she_o shall_v conceive_v by_o apollo_n this_o be_v a_o mere_a fable_n i_o confess_v invent_v in_o favour_n of_o a_o person_n who_o uncommon_a attainment_n make_v they_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o even_o his_o body_n be_v of_o
as_o be_v derive_v from_o no_o other_o than_o a_o divine_a original_a and_o since_o it_o be_v a_o pretend_a jew_n who_o call_v in_o question_n the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n one_o may_v well_o demand_v who_o be_v it_o that_o say_v thus_o in_o isaiah_n prophecy_n now_o the_o lord_n god_n isa_n xlviii_o v._n 16._o have_v send_v i_o and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o word_n be_v ambiguous_a and_o may_v either_o signify_v that_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n send_v our_o bless_a saviour_n or_o that_o the_o son_n and_o spirit_n be_v both_o send_v by_o the_o father_n the_o latter_a of_o which_o two_o interpretation_n seem_v to_o i_o i_o confess_v to_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a and_o because_o our_o saviour_n be_v send_v first_o and_o then_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o the_o prophecy_n may_v be_v fulfil_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o which_o be_v reserve_v for_o future_a age_n for_o that_o reason_n among_o other_o i_o judge_v it_o be_v that_o thing_n be_v relate_v as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o evangelist_n chap._n xl._n and_o since_o celsus_n jew_n do_v in_o some_o sort_n acknowledge_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n i_o will_v produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o famous_a author_n who_o live_v quick_o after_o i_o mean_v josephus_n who_o in_o the_o 18_o book_n of_o his_o jewish_a antiquity_n say_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v invest_v with_o authority_n to_o baptize_v and_o promise_a remission_n of_o sin_n to_o they_o that_o come_v to_o his_o baptism_n the_o same_o author_n though_o he_o do_v believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o when_o he_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o take_v of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n do_v ascribe_v this_o grievous_a and_o surprise_v calamity_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v to_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n yet_o be_v foree_v to_o make_v some_o slender_a approach_n to_o truth_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o remarkable_a judgement_n which_o god_n send_v upon_o the_o jewish_a nation_n for_o kill_v james_n the_o just_a who_o be_v brother_n to_o jesus_n who_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v without_o doubt_n a_o very_a virtuous_a and_o pious_a man._n this_o james_n be_v the_o same_o person_n st._n paul_n that_o sincere_a follower_n and_o eminent_a apostle_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o go_v to_o visit_v because_o he_o be_v the_o brother_n of_o christ_n which_o title_n be_v proper_a for_o he_o not_o so_o much_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a sense_n of_o the_o same_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o admirable_a and_o manifest_a agreement_n both_o of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o their_o moral_n if_o then_o the_o forementioned_a author_n say_v that_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o barbarous_a death_n of_o james_n the_o just_a how_o much_o more_o reason_n be_v there_o to_o believe_v it_o be_v real_o and_o principal_o owe_v to_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o divinity_n be_v so_o frequent_o attest_v by_o so_o many_o large_a and_o unite_a body_n of_o man_n that_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n as_o have_v leave_v their_o vicious_a practice_n devote_v themselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o their_o great_a creator_n and_o liberal_a benefactor_n and_o in_o all_o their_o action_n have_v a_o most_o serious_a regard_n to_o his_o honour_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n and_o though_o the_o pretend_a jew_n shall_v make_v no_o apology_n for_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n and_o isaiah_n since_o we_o meet_v with_o passage_n in_o their_o write_n and_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v no_o less_o strange_a i_o be_o sure_a than_o those_o which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v our_o bless_a saviour_n viz._n that_o the_o heaven_n be_v open_v and_o that_o he_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o thence_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o all_o who_o believe_v a_o overrule_a providence_n acknowledge_v there_o have_v be_v preternatural_a vision_n and_o such_o wherein_o future_a event_n relate_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n have_v be_v more_o clear_o or_o more_o obscure_o represent_v to_o the_o warm_a imagination_n i_o say_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o assertor_n of_o providence_n acknowledge_v that_o such_o vision_n have_v be_v see_v by_o person_n in_o their_o sleep_n and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o conceive_v upon_o this_o hypothesis_n that_o the_o same_o impression_n may_v be_v make_v on_o the_o imagination_n when_o a_o person_n be_v awake_a whether_o they_o be_v design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o private_a benefit_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n or_o to_o promote_v the_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_n and_o as_o in_o our_o sleep_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o strike_v upon_o our_o sense_n of_o sight_n or_o hear_v yet_o we_o strong_o imagine_v that_o we_o see_v such_o object_n and_o hear_v such_o articulate_a sound_n when_o it_o be_v our_o rational_a faculty_n that_o be_v all_o this_o while_n at_o work_n and_o undergo_v these_o various_a and_o strange_a sensation_n so_o there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n in_o suppose_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v happen_v to_o the_o prophet_n when_o we_o read_v that_o the_o heaven_n be_v open_a to_o they_o that_o they_o see_v strange_a sight_n and_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o for_o my_o part_n i_o do_v suppose_v that_o the_o visible_a heaven_n be_v open_v and_o in_o a_o literal_a sense_n be_v cleaved_a asunder_o to_o give_v the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n a_o occasion_n for_o write_v as_o he_o do_v and_o i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v that_o they_o who_o read_v the_o gospel_n with_o any_o measure_n of_o judgement_n will_v understand_v our_o saviour_n vision_n in_o the_o gross_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n though_o i_o be_o not_o a_o little_a sensible_a that_o the_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o at_o every_o turn_v and_o to_o support_v a_o idle_a whimsy_n of_o their_o own_o will_v allow_v the_o frame_n of_o universal_a nature_n to_o be_v shake_v from_o off_o its_o hinge_n and_o imagine_v that_o so_o vast_a and_o compact_v a_o body_n as_o that_o of_o the_o heaven_n be_v rend_v in_o two_o will_v be_v offend_v with_o any_o discourse_n in_o divinity_n that_o do_v in_o the_o least_o interfere_v with_o the_o literal_a and_o most_o obvious_a sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o one_o who_o dive_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o thing_n will_v find_v that_o according_a to_o the_o account_n we_o have_v in_o holy_a writ_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a divine_a knowledge_n which_o none_o but_o a_o few_o happy_a person_n have_v as_o solomon_n say_v thou_o shall_v find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n prou._n two_o v_o 5._o and_o that_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o it_o be_v such_o as_o follow_v viz._n a_o sight_n adapt_v to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o object_n that_o be_v beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o unassisted_a nature_n such_o as_o cherubim_n and_o seraphim_n a_o hear_v suit_v to_o the_o perception_n of_o sound_n vast_o different_a from_o those_o which_o be_v form_v in_o the_o air_n a_o taste_n that_o can_v relish_v the_o live_a bread_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n a_o smell_n that_o can_v distinguish_v that_o heavenly_a perfume_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v we_o be_v unto_o god_n a_o sweet_a savour_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o touch_n of_o which_o 2_o cor._n two_o v._o 15._o st._n john_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o i_o john_n i_o v._n i._n life_n the_o bless_a prophet_n therefore_o be_v partaker_n of_o these_o divine_a sensation_n and_o see_v hear_v taste_v and_o smell_v in_o a_o way_n that_o be_v perfect_o supernatural_a we_o must_v understand_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o which_o we_o must_v take_v that_o place_n in_o ezekiel_n where_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v eat_v the_o book_n that_o be_v deliver_v he_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o isaac_n smell_v the_o sweet_a savour_n of_o the_o divine_a garment_n of_o his_o son_n and_o pronounce_v this_o blessing_n upon_o he_o see_v the_o smell_n of_o my_o son_n be_v as_o the_o smell_n of_o a_o field_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n our_o saviour_n touch_v the_o leper_n which_o i_o think_v must_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o spiritual_a rather_o than_o a_o corporeal_a touch_n that_o he_o may_v not_o only_o cleanse_v he_o as_o some_o think_v from_o his_o bodily_a distemper_n but_o chief_o that_o he_o may_v
reason_n than_o you_o can_v say_v it_o of_o yourself_o and_o seem_v to_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o person_n to_o who_o this_o prophecy_n may_v fit_o be_v apply_v as_o well_o in_o all_o respect_n as_o to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n he_o say_v several_a enthusiast_n and_o impostor_n have_v claim_v the_o venerable_a title_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o have_v say_v that_o they_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n though_o i_o know_v not_o what_o ground_n he_o can_v have_v for_o use_v this_o expression_n since_o the_o jew_n do_v strong_o deny_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o several_a prophet_n have_v prophesy_v in_o a_o different_a manner_n concern_v the_o messiah_n some_o by_o obscure_a and_o almost_o unintelligible_a hint_n other_o by_o allegory_n and_o some_o in_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o express_a term_n imaginable_a and_o because_o celsus_n discover_v his_o malice_n and_o excessive_a heat_n in_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n where_o the_o jew_n speak_v to_o those_o of_o his_o own_o nation_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n have_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v that_o the_o prophecy_n which_o be_v apply_v to_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v otherwise_o and_o much_o better_o accommodate_v i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a at_o present_a to_o instance_n in_o some_o few_o of_o they_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a and_o here_o let_v any_o person_n employ_v his_o utmost_a skill_n i_o defy_v he_o to_o shock_v the_o faith_n of_o any_o judicious_a and_o establish_v christian_n as_o for_o the_o place_n of_o our_o saviour_n nativity_n it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o ruler_n shall_v come_v forth_o from_o bethlehem_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n but_o thou_o bethlehem_n mica_n v._o v._n 2._o ephratah_n though_o thou_o be_v little_a among_o the_o thousand_o of_o judah_n yet_o out_o of_o thou_o shall_v he_o come_v forth_o unto_o i_o who_o be_v to_o be_v ruler_n in_o israel_n 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religion_n be_v frequent_o hear_v to_o say_v here_o be_v the_o cave_n in_o which_o that_o jesus_n who_o be_v worship_v by_o the_o christian_n be_v bear_v and_o it_o be_v my_o opinion_n that_o before_o our_o saviour_n do_v make_v his_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n the_o chief_a priest_n and_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o people_n open_o confess_v and_o teach_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n and_o that_o even_o the_o common_a people_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v acquaint_v with_o this_o prophecy_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o express_a and_o very_o familiar_a term_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o herod_n inquire_v of_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_z scribes_z where_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v bear_v receive_v this_o answer_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n in_o the_o land_n of_o judaea_n which_o be_v honour_v by_o be_v the_o place_n from_o which_o no_o less_o a_o person_n than_o king_n david_n himself_o do_v spring_v beside_o we_o read_v in_o st._n john_n gospel_n that_o the_o jew_n say_v that_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n which_o be_v in_o the_o native_a country_n of_o the_o forementioned_a king_n but_o when_o our_o saviour_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n those_o person_n who_o leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a to_o oppose_v the_o religion_n which_o he_o introduce_v do_v no_o long_o teach_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n plain_o show_v they_o belong_v to_o the_o fame_n wretched_a fraternity_n with_o they_o who_o prevail_v with_o the_o soldier_n who_o be_v appoint_v to_o guard_v the_o sepulchre_n and_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o triumphant_a resurrection_n to_o say_v his_o disciple_n come_v by_o night_n and_o steal_v matthew_n â—xv_v i._n v._n 13._o v._o 14._o he_o away_o while_o we_o sleep_v and_o say_v to_o they_o if_o this_o come_v to_o the_o governor_n ear_n we_o will_v persuade_v he_o and_o secure_v you_o such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o prejudice_n and_o the_o love_n of_o opposition_n that_o it_o often_o happen_v that_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o most_o apparent_a truth_n and_o be_v loath_a to_o endure_v the_o shame_n which_o attend_v a_o recantation_n of_o those_o false_a and_o dangerous_a principle_n which_o we_o have_v once_o embrace_v and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v every_o jot_n as_o easy_a to_o leave_v any_o bad_a habit_n that_o we_o have_v unhappy_o contract_v though_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v root_v in_o our_o very_a nature_n as_o to_o leave_v the_o opinion_n which_o we_o former_o hold_v and_o which_o be_v very_o dear_a and_o extreme_o familiar_a to_o we_o it_o be_v well_o know_v we_o do_v with_o a_o kind_a of_o secret_a reluctancy_n forsake_v those_o house_n city_n and_o village_n which_o by_o our_o long_a and_o delightful_a continuance_n in_o they_o have_v render_v themselves_o familiar_a and_o even_o natural_a to_o we_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o unaccountable_a prejudice_n even_o the_o common_a people_n among_o the_o jew_n will_o shut_v their_o eve_n as_o they_o manifest_o do_v against_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o scripture-prophecy_n nor_o deny_v the_o extraordinary_a and_o often_o miraculous_a circumstance_n which_o attend_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o that_o prejudice_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a infirmity_n which_o our_o mind_n can_v possible_o labour_v under_o be_v plain_a to_o they_o who_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v with_o no_o small_a difficulty_n and_o regret_n that_o we_o leave_v the_o opinion_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o our_o parent_n though_o perhaps_o they_o may_v be_v such_o as_o on_o mature_a deliberation_n do_v cover_v we_o with_o the_o deep_a shame_n and_o fill_v we_o with_o vexation_n and_o confusion_n so_o talk_v to_o a_o egyptian_a till_o your_o heart_n do_v ache_v and_o your_o breath_n fail_v you_o yet_o he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o renounce_v his_o religion_n that_o he_o will_v persist_v in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a with_o great_a obstinacy_n than_o before_o and_o rather_o die_v than_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o horrid_a a_o profanation_n as_o he_o account_v it_o to_o eat_v and_o pollute_v the_o sacred_a flesh_n of_o animal_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o dwell_v the_o long_o on_o this_o subject_a that_o so_o we_o may_v return_v a_o solid_a answer_n to_o they_o who_o perhaps_o may_v not_o stick_v to_o say_v if_o the_o prophecy_n have_v so_o plain_a a_o reference_n to_o your_o saviour_n as_o you_o say_v they_o have_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o jew_n who_o wisdom_n you_o so_o high_o value_v do_v embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o well_o and_o as_o ready_o as_o you_o and_o regulate_v their_o practice_n by_o those_o precept_n which_o christ_n in_o some_o sense_n have_v leave_v behind_o he_o but_o let_v none_o reproach_v we_o as_o if_o we_o be_v so_o wretched_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o discern_v the_o sophistry_n of_o so_o weak_a a_o argument_n since_o some_o and_o i_o hope_v many_o of_o we_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v upon_o occasion_n that_o christianity_n be_v build_v on_o the_o most_o rational_a and_o solid_a ground_n or_o reflect_v upon_o we_o as_o if_o we_o be_v accountable_a for_o the_o monstrous_a blindness_n and_o extravagant_a practice_n of_o the_o jew_n chap._n xliii_o i_o may_v if_o it_o be_v necessary_a instance_n in_o another_o prophecy_n that_o be_v write_v many_o age_n before_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o which_o jacob_n prophecy_v concern_v all_o his_o child_n and_o speak_v concern_v judah_n have_v these_o remarkable_a word_n the_o sceptre_n gen._n xlix_o v._o 10._o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n nor_o a_o lawgiver_n from_o between_o his_o foot_n till_o shiloh_n come_v and_o unto_o he_o shall_v the_o gather_v of_o the_o people_n be_v
critical_a and_o full_a examination_n of_o this_o prophecy_n i_o shall_v reserve_v to_o a_o more_o proper_a place_n though_o i_o think_v it_o be_v necessary_a for_o i_o to_o dwell_v a_o little_a upon_o it_o on_o the_o account_n of_o what_o celsus_n jew_n think_v fit_a to_o object_v against_o we_o chap._n xlv_o one_o remarkable_a thing_n that_o have_v lead_v celsus_n and_o other_o infidel_n into_o gross_a mistake_v in_o this_o important_a affair_n be_v their_o not_o know_v or_o at_o least_o their_z not_o consider_v that_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o a_o twofold_a come_v of_o the_o messiah_n his_o first_o come_v at_o which_o he_o be_v to_o appear_v clothe_v with_o all_o the_o innocent_a infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o strâ—â—ling_v with_o the_o press_a inconvenience_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o despise_a condition_n that_o so_o live_v among_o man_n he_o may_v the_o more_o feel_o instruct_v they_o in_o those_o moral_a and_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v important_a and_o high_o necessary_a and_o inculcate_v upon_o they_o that_o awful_a account_n which_o they_o must_v short_o give_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v summon_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o bar_n of_o god_n and_o his_o second_o come_v at_o which_o he_o will_v appear_v free_a from_o the_o least_o alloy_n even_o of_o natural_a imperfection_n and_o shine_v with_o the_o unite_a and_o unfullyed_a ray_n of_o his_o original_a and_o in_o some_o sense_n naked_a divinity_n twoved_a be_v tedious_a to_o relate_v all_o the_o prophecy_n that_o have_v a_o immediate_a and_o manifest_a reference_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n i_o shall_v therefore_o at_o present_a confine_v myself_o to_o that_o which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o forty_o five_o psalm_n which_o be_v entitle_v a_o song_n of_o love_n and_o where_o our_o saviour_n be_v express_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god._n the_o word_n be_v these_o grace_n be_v pour_v into_o thy_o lip_n therefore_o psal_n xlv_o v._o 2_o 3._o god_n have_v blessed_v thou_o for_o ever_o gird_v thy_o sword_n upon_o thy_o thigh_n oh_o most_o mighty_a with_o thy_o glory_n and_o thy_o majesty_n and_o in_o thy_o majesty_n ride_v prosperous_o because_o of_o truth_n and_o meekness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o thy_o right_a hand_n shall_v teach_v thou_o verrible_a thing_n thy_o arrow_n be_v sharp_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o king_n enemy_n whereby_o the_o people_n fall_v under_o thou_o thy_o throne_n oh_o god_n be_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o the_o sceptre_n of_o thy_o kingdom_n be_v a_o right_a sceptre_n thou_o love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v wickedness_n therefore_o god_n thy_o god_n have_v anoint_v thou_o with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o thy_o fellow_n where_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o prophetical_a psalmist_n make_v his_o address_n to_o god_n who_o throne_n be_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o the_o sceptre_n of_o who_o kingdom_n be_v a_o right_a sceptre_n say_v that_o this_o person_n be_v anoint_v by_o god_n who_o be_v his_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v anoint_v above_o his_o fellow_n with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n because_o he_o love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_a wickedness_n i_o remember_v that_o once_o i_o horrible_o baffle_v a_o jewish_a doctor_n with_o this_o very_a prophecy_n who_o be_v at_o a_o grievous_a loss_n to_o know_v what_o answer_n he_o shall_v give_v i_o have_v seasonable_a recourse_n to_o a_o pityful_a evasion_n which_o be_v suitable_a enough_o to_o the_o false_a principle_n he_o endeavour_v to_o maintain_v viz._n that_o those_o word_n thy_o throne_n oh_o god_n be_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o the_o sceptre_n of_o thy_o kingdom_n be_v a_o right_a sceptre_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o and_o those_o word_n thou_o love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v wickedness_n therefore_o god_n even_o thy_o god_n have_v anoint_v thou_o with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o thy_o fellow_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o messiah_n chap._n xlvi_o celsvs_n jew_n continue_v his_o discourse_n with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o say_v if_o as_o you_o yourself_o acknowledge_v every_o person_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o general_a concourse_n of_o providence_n be_v a_o son_n of_o god_n what_o special_a prerogative_n be_v there_o which_o you_o can_v just_o claim_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o they_o who_o be_v no_o long_o act_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n as_o st._n paul_n express_v it_o but_o choose_v virtue_n for_o its_o intrinsic_a worth_n may_v in_o a_o less_o noble_a sense_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a disproportion_n between_o those_o who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v imperfect_o endue_v with_o moral_a and_o christian_a virtue_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o be_v the_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n from_o which_o their_o borrow_a good_a do_v entire_o and_o will_v for_o ever_o flow_v the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n which_o i_o just_a now_o refer_v to_o be_v these_o you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o rom._n viij_o v._o 15._o to_o fear_v but_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n the_o jew_n continue_v his_o discourse_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n abundance_n of_o person_n will_v find_v fault_n with_o your_o pretend_a saviour_n for_o apply_v those_o prophecy_n to_o himself_o which_o they_o think_v may_v at_o least_o as_o just_o be_v apply_v to_o they_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o celsus_n didn't_fw-mi know_v of_o any_o person_n who_o rival_v our_o saviour_n in_o his_o miracle_n and_o just_o claim_v the_o title_n of_o son_n of_o god_n or_o the_o power_n of_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n but_o because_o the_o sincere_a and_o strong_a affection_n which_o i_o have_v for_o truth_n will_v suffer_v i_o to_o pass_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o even_o seem_v to_o oppose_v the_o christian_a cause_n i_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o before_o our_o saviour_n incarnation_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a person_n who_o name_n be_v theudas_n who_o appear_v among_o the_o jew_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o mighty_a man_n after_o who_o decease_n his_o delude_a follower_n be_v soon_o disperse_v some_o time_n after_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o tax_v during_o which_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v gather_v from_o scripture_n our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v bear_v one_o judas_n of_o galilee_n draw_v after_o he_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o weak_a and_o credulous_a jew_n who_o affect_v novelty_n cry_v he_o up_o as_o a_o man_n endue_v with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a wisdom_n and_o be_v no_o soon_o bring_v to_o condign_a punishment_n but_o his_o doctrine_n come_v immediate_o into_o disrepute_n or_o at_o best_a be_v only_o secret_o maintain_v by_o some_o few_o person_n of_o mean_a rank_n and_o figure_n and_o after_o our_o saviour_n appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n one_o dositheus_n a_o samaritan_n endeavour_v to_o persuade_v his_o countryman_n that_o he_o be_v the_o very_a person_n to_o who_o the_o prophet_n have_v so_o plain_a a_o reference_n when_o they_o foretell_v the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o some_o few_o person_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v who_o seem_v hearty_o to_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n here_o i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v improper_a to_o mention_v that_o wise_a expression_n of_o gamaliel_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o show_v beyond_o all_o contradiction_n that_o the_o forementioned_a person_n be_v not_o intend_v in_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n give_v of_o send_v the_o messiah_n and_o that_o neither_o of_o they_o deserve_v the_o honourable_a title_n of_o the_o son_n or_o power_n of_o god_n but_o that_o of_o all_o the_o man_n who_o ever_o appear_v and_o make_v a_o figure_n in_o the_o world_n our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v the_o only_a person_n who_o can_v just_o claim_v it_o if_o this_o counsel_n say_v he_o or_o this_o work_n be_v acts._n u._n v._n 38._o of_o man_n it_o will_v come_v to_o nought_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n you_o can_v overthrow_v it_o lest_o haply_o you_o be_v find_v even_o to_o fight_v against_o god_n there_o be_v also_o one_o simon_n a_o magician_n of_o samaria_n who_o endeavour_v by_o his_o magic_n to_o draw_v people_n after_o he_o and_o for_o some_o time_n he_o wa_v without_o his_o follower_n but_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v now_o scarce_o thirty_o simonian_o in_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n nay_o perhaps_o i_o have_v exceed_v the_o number_n since_o there_o be_v only_o a_o few_o near_o palestine_n and_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o embrace_v do_v never_o obtain_v in_o any_o other_o part_n though_o its_o author_n do_v fond_o imagine_v that_o it_o will_v soon_o and_o easy_o reach_v and_o happy_o engage_v the_o most_o distant_a and_o barbarous_a nation_n in_o its_o favour_n for_o they_o
who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o celebrate_a simon_n owe_v their_o knowledge_n entire_o to_o the_o account_n which_o we_o have_v of_o he_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o christian_n his_o very_a name_n will_v before_o this_o time_n have_v be_v bury_v in_o oblivion_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o experience_n that_o he_o bear_v none_o of_o the_o shine_a character_n of_o one_o who_o have_v a_o divine_a commission_n chap._n xlvii_o than_o celsus_n jew_n not_o keep_v to_o the_o sacred_a text_n say_v that_o our_o saviour_n boast_v that_o some_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n be_v move_v by_o a_o secret_a persuasion_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v come_v to_o pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o he_o in_o his_o infancy_n and_o that_o when_o they_o have_v acquaint_v herod_n the_o tetrarch_n with_o it_o he_o order_v his_o officer_n to_o kill_v all_o the_o infant_n that_o be_v about_o that_o age_n imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n will_v inour_v the_o same_o fate_n with_o they_o and_o thereby_o be_v prevent_v from_o ever_o come_v to_o the_o crown_n take_v notice_n how_o gross_o the_o jew_n be_v mistake_v here_o who_o confound_v the_o wise_a man_n and_o the_o chaldaean_n not_o discern_v that_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o may_v be_v of_o different_a country_n and_o profession_n and_o notorious_o falsify_v the_o account_n which_o we_o have_v of_o this_o matter_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o he_o do_v think_v fit_a to_o acquaint_v we_o that_o the_o star_n which_o they_o â—aw_v in_o the_o east_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o secret_a persuasion_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v then_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n let_v we_o see_v therefore_o what_o matter_n of_o discourse_n this_o subject_n will_v afford_v we_o i_o confess_v it_o be_v my_o opinion_n that_o the_o star_n that_o appear_v at_o our_o saviour_n nativity_n be_v entire_o new_a and_o vast_o different_a from_o those_o which_o be_v common_o see_v whether_o in_o the_o superior_a or_o inferior_a orb_n and_o i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v it_o may_v be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o those_o comet_n that_o appear_v for_o a_o time_n and_o have_v different_a name_n assign_v they_o by_o the_o greek_n according_a to_o their_o different_a figure_n and_o i_o build_v my_o opinion_n upon_o the_o follow_a ground_n it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o learned_a author_n that_o when_o any_o considerable_a alteration_n have_v happen_v in_o the_o face_n of_o affair_n such_o star_n have_v expose_v themselves_o to_o view_n as_o do_v presage_v some_o strange_a revolution_n of_o empire_n some_o dreadful_a war_n or_o some_o such_o accident_n as_o these_o which_o put_v the_o whole_a world_n into_o a_o terrible_a and_o unusual_a commotion_n i_o have_v also_o read_v in_o a_o treatise_n concern_v comet_n write_v by_o chaeremon_n the_o stoic_a that_o sometime_o they_o have_v presage_v very_o happy_a event_n and_o he_o produce_v several_a instance_n from_o very_o credible_a historian_n to_o make_v good_a the_o assertion_n which_o he_o there_o lay_v down_o if_o then_o at_o the_o establishment_n of_o some_o new_a monarchy_n or_o before_o some_o remarkable_a scene_n of_o public_a affair_n do_v begin_v to_o open_v these_o comet_n or_o star_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n do_v appear_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o that_o a_o star_n shall_v be_v see_v at_o the_o nativity_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v design_v by_o the_o alwise_a god_n to_o make_v so_o sudden_a so_o great_a and_o so_o happy_a a_o alteration_n in_o the_o world_n to_o publish_v a_o new_a unadorned_a and_o discountenance_a doctrine_n not_o only_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n but_o also_o to_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o the_o most_o distant_a and_o barbarous_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o we_o do_v meet_v with_o any_o or_o at_o least_o with_o no_o scripture-prophecy_n concern_v the_o appearance_n of_o such_o a_o star_n at_o such_o a_o time_n for_o instance_n at_o the_o establishment_n of_o such_o a_o rise_a empire_n but_o the_o star_n that_o grace_v our_o saviour_n nativity_n be_v foretell_v by_o balaam_n as_o moses_n give_v we_o a_o account_n there_o shall_v come_v say_v number_n xxiv_o v._o 17_o he_o a_o star_n out_o of_o jacob_n and_o a_o sceptre_n shall_v rise_v out_o of_o israel_n but_o here_o i_o must_v argue_v with_o the_o greek_n and_o jew_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o dispute_v against_o each_o sort_n of_o person_n from_o very_o different_a topic_n to_o the_o greek_n i_o have_v this_o to_o offer_v that_o the_o magician_n who_o converse_v with_o daemon_n and_o do_v with_o a_o most_o horrid_a solemnity_n invoke_v their_o seasonable_a assistance_n for_o the_o most_o part_n attain_v the_o end_n which_o they_o propose_v to_o themselves_o unless_o a_o divine_a power_n interfere_v that_o be_v superior_a to_o the_o daemon_n or_o some_o name_n be_v mention_v that_o have_v a_o great_a force_n than_o those_o name_n which_o be_v appropriate_v by_o they_o to_o the_o be_v they_o practice_n but_o if_o that_o shall_v happen_v than_o all_o their_o magical_a operation_n be_v avoidable_o lose_v and_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v dazzle_v and_o confound_v with_o the_o bright_a ray_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o therefore_o to_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o when_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v and_o a_o multitude_n of_o the_o heavenly_a host_n as_o st._n luke_n do_v credible_o relate_v the_o passage_n praise_v god_n say_v glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a peace_n on_o earth_n and_o good_a will_n towards_o man_n luke_n two_o v._o 14._o the_o daemon_n be_v shocked_a and_o all_o their_o hellish_a measure_n most_o strange_o disconcert_v not_o only_o by_o good_a angel_n who_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o celebrate_v the_o nativity_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o also_o by_o the_o humane_a soul_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o spotless_a jesus_n as_o be_v a_o happy_a instrument_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o dwell_v in_o so_o glorious_a but_o inconceivable_a a_o manner_n even_o in_o his_o humane_a nature_n the_o wise_a man_n therefore_o be_v desirous_a to_o perform_v their_o usual_a operation_n and_o fail_v in_o what_o they_o endeavour_v to_o effect_v we_o may_v natural_o suppose_v inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o bad_a success_n and_o be_v sensible_a that_o something_o extraordinary_a must_v occur_v to_o defeat_v their_o raise_a expectation_n and_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o the_o daemon_n and_o when_o they_o see_v a_o sign_n in_o the_o heaven_n they_o have_v a_o natural_a curiosity_n to_o know_v its_o mean_v and_o have_v perhaps_o consult_v the_o prophecy_n of_o balaam_n and_o this_o prophecy_n of_o the_o star_n of_o which_o moses_n give_v we_o a_o account_n and_o particular_o those_o word_n i_o shall_v see_v he_o but_o not_o now_o i_o shall_v behold_v number_n xxiv_o v._o 17_o he_o but_o not_o nigh_o from_o hence_o they_o may_v frame_v this_o rational_a conjecture_n that_o the_o very_a person_n at_o who_o birth_n it_o be_v prophesy_v that_o a_o star_n shall_v appear_v be_v then_o actual_o bear_v and_o have_v a_o just_a notion_n that_o he_o be_v far_o superior_a to_o all_o their_o daemon_n they_o come_v to_o pay_v he_o the_o just_a tribute_n of_o divine_a adoration_n they_o steer_v their_o course_n therefore_o to_o judaea_n be_v persuade_v that_o some_o great_a prince_n be_v bear_v but_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o place_n of_o his_o nativity_n and_o when_o they_o be_v happy_o come_v to_o the_o place_n where_o the_o young_a child_n be_v they_o offer_v present_n to_o he_o that_o be_v lively_a representation_n of_o his_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n viz._n gold_n a_o emblem_n of_o his_o royal_a power_n frankincense_n to_o note_v to_o we_o his_o divinity_n and_o myrrh_n to_o signify_v his_o bitter_a passion_n chap._n xlviii_o since_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n that_o be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n who_o be_v god_n and_o by_o consequence_n above_o the_o angel_n though_o they_o be_v frequent_o employ_v as_o minister_a spirit_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o man_n the_o worship_n which_o the_o wiseman_n pay_v he_o be_v abundant_o recompense_v by_o the_o warn_v which_o the_o angel_n give_v they_o that_o they_o shall_o return_v to_o herod_n but_o depart_v into_o their_o own_o country_n another_o way_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o that_o herod_n shall_v seek_v to_o destroy_v the_o infant-saviour_n though_o celsus_n jew_n seem_v to_o doubt_v very_o much_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o think_v be_v plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n for_o malice_n be_v so_o
conquest_n and_o i_o scarce_o know_v whether_o the_o greek_n can_v produce_v any_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n in_o any_o other_o person_n beside_o phaedon_n and_o polemon_n or_o at_o best_o they_o can_v name_v but_o very_o few_o person_n who_o ever_o leave_v their_o intemperance_n and_o debauchery_n to_o apply_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o entertain_v and_o useful_a study_n of_o philosophy_n but_o in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n who_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v contemporary_a with_o he_o we_o see_v daily_o a_o far_o great_a number_n of_o person_n that_o become_v virtuous_a and_o pious_a and_o join_v in_o a_o bless_a chorus_n acknowledge_v with_o the_o deep_a shame_n and_o sorrow_n the_o many_o false_a and_o almost_o fatal_a step_n which_o former_o they_o take_v we_o ourselves_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v sometime_o tit._n iii._o v._o 3_o 4._o foolish_a and_o disobedient_a deceive_v serve_v diverse_a lust_n and_o pleasure_n live_v in_o malice_n and_o envy_n hateful_a and_o hate_v one_o another_o but_o after_o that_o the_o kindness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n towards_o man_n appear_v not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o by_o the_o wash_v of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o he_o shed_v on_o we_o abundant_o for_o as_o the_o prophetical_a psalmist_n speak_v he_o send_v his_o word_n and_o heal_v they_o and_o deliver_v they_o psal_n cvii_o v._n 20._o from_o their_o destruction_n i_o may_v add_v that_o chrysippus_n in_o a_o book_n which_o he_o have_v write_v entitle_v the_o art_n of_o cure_v the_o disorder_n of_o the_o humane_a passion_n endeavour_n to_o lay_v down_o proper_a and_o effectual_a rule_n for_o the_o management_n of_o those_o which_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o that_o end_n he_o argue_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o several_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n not_o examine_v which_o of_o they_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o truth_n and_o have_v the_o follow_a word_n if_o say_v he_o pleasure_n be_v esteem_v the_o chief_a good_a the_o passion_n may_v and_o aught_o thus_o to_o be_v cure_v and_o if_o there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o good_a they_o be_v to_o be_v cure_v after_o this_o different_a manner_n now_o they_o who_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v wilful_o neglect_v to_o consider_v how_o many_o unruly_a passion_n be_v successful_o govern_v by_o it_o what_o a_o stop_v it_o put_v to_o that_o rapid_a torrent_n of_o vice_n and_o immorality_n which_o be_v too_o visible_a in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o extravagant_a savage_a and_o even_o diabolical_a temper_n it_o have_v frequent_o happy_o and_o very_o sudden_o conquer_v certain_o it_o ought_v to_o raise_v their_o admiration_n and_o constrain_v they_o to_o make_v the_o most_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n to_o almighty_a god_n to_o consider_v what_o vast_a and_o apparent_a advantage_n the_o public_a reap_v from_o those_o proper_a and_o most_o excellent_a method_n which_o our_o saviour_n take_v for_o the_o reformation_n of_o manner_n and_o one_o will_v think_v that_o if_o they_o will_v allow_v christianity_n to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n yet_o they_o must_v confess_v that_o it_o conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o mank_v and_o which_o be_v more_o have_v a_o immediate_a and_o principal_a regard_n to_o their_o better_a and_o immortal_a part._n chap._n liu._n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v so_o effectual_o consult_v even_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o his_o follower_n that_o he_o will_o have_v they_o to_o be_v rash_a and_o precipitate_v but_o give_v they_o this_o necessary_a lesson_n when_o they_o persecute_v you_o in_o one_o city_n flee_v unto_o another_o and_o teach_v they_o by_o his_o own_o example_n not_o to_o run_v into_o needless_a danger_n celsus_n take_v occasion_n even_o from_o hence_o to_o form_v a_o accusation_n against_o he_o in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o jew_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n you_o run_v up_o and_o down_o with_o your_o disciple_n but_o as_o for_o the_o charge_n which_o be_v here_o bring_v against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n we_o meet_v with_o a_o parallel_n case_n even_o in_o the_o history_n which_o the_o greek_n have_v publish_v for_o aristotle_n that_o famous_a philosopher_n when_o he_o see_v he_o shall_v be_v condemn_v as_o a_o wicked_a person_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o peculiar_a and_o in_o some_o sense_n dangerous_a notion_n he_o advance_v which_o as_o the_o athenian_n think_v do_v give_v too_o great_a encouragement_n to_o licentiousness_n take_v a_o opportunity_n to_o go_v from_o athens_n and_o remove_v his_o school_n to_o chalcis_n make_v the_o follow_a apology_n to_o some_o of_o his_o acquaintance_n let_v we_o leave_v athens_n say_v he_o that_o we_o may_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o athenian_n to_o re-act_n that_o horrid_a impiety_n which_o they_o plain_o discover_v by_o their_o ill_a treatment_n of_o so_o great_a a_o genius_n as_o the_o world_n know_v socrates_n to_o have_v be_v and_o to_o commit_v a_o most_o grievous_a offence_n against_o so_o sacred_a a_o thing_n as_o philosophy_n chap._n lu._n celsus_n add_v that_o our_o saviour_n run_v up_o and_o down_o with_o his_o disciple_n be_v force_v to_o beg_v his_o bread_n like_o a_o sordid_a wretch_n but_o pray_v let_v he_o inform_v we_o where_o he_o have_v rake_v up_o all_o these_o scurrilous_a expression_n i_o confess_v we_o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o certain_a woman_n that_o be_v cure_v of_o their_o infirmity_n among_o which_o be_v susannah_n do_v ready_o distribute_v some_o part_n of_o their_o substance_n to_o furnish_v the_o disciple_n with_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o life_n but_o pray_v what_o philosopher_n who_o employ_v his_o time_n and_o strength_n with_o some_o regard_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o relation_n and_o friend_n and_o indeed_o of_o mankind_n in_o general_n will_v refuse_v to_o have_v his_o want_n supply_v or_o do_v it_o become_v the_o philosopher_n to_o accept_v the_o seasonable_a and_o generous_a assistance_n of_o their_o friend_n and_o other_o but_o argue_v a_o base_a and_o sordid_a spirit_n in_o our_o bless_a lord_n or_o those_o who_o become_v his_o follower_n chap._n lvi_o than_o the_o jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v continue_v his_o discourse_n with_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n what_o necessity_n be_v there_o that_o when_o you_o be_v a_o infant_n you_o shall_v be_v carry_v into_o egypt_n to_o avoid_v be_v kill_v for_o sure_o it_o didn't_fw-mi become_v a_o god_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n a_o angel_n it_o seem_v be_v dispatch_v from_o heaven_n to_o bid_v you_o and_o some_o of_o your_o near_a relation_n betake_v yourselves_o to_o flight_n lest_o you_o shall_v be_v find_v and_o be_v put_v to_o death_n but_o can_o almighty_a god_n who_o as_o we_o be_v tell_v do_v employ_v his_o angel_n for_o your_o direction_n and_o assistance_n preserve_v his_o son_n as_o easy_o in_o judea_n as_o in_o egypt_n celsus_n think_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o extraordinary_a in_o the_o humane_a body_n and_o soul_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o ridicul_v his_o precious_a blood_n that_o be_v shed_v upon_o the_o cross_n he_o say_v it_o be_v not_o such_o blood_n as_o from_o the_o immortal_a god_n do_v hom_o il._n lib._n 5._o v._o 34â—_n flow_v but_o we_o who_o give_v credit_n to_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o give_v a_o testimony_n of_o his_o divinity_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n john_n fourteen_o v._o 6._o and_o in_o other_o parallel_n place_n and_o when_o he_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o humanity_n in_o the_o follow_a expression_n now_o you_o seek_v to_o kill_v i_o a_o man_n who_o have_v tell_v you_o the_o truth_n i_o say_v we_o who_o believe_v john_n viij_o v._o 40._o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o speak_v thus_o of_o himself_o do_v assert_v and_o maintain_v that_o he_o have_v two_o nature_n the_o one_o divine_a and_o the_o other_o humane_a and_o that_o since_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o a_o intention_n to_o live_v in_o some_o respect_n like_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n it_o be_v high_o incongruous_a that_o he_o shall_v run_v upon_o a_o precipice_n and_o be_v fond_a of_o misery_n and_o death_n it_o be_v fit_a he_o shall_v be_v direct_v and_o govern_v by_o they_o to_o who_o the_o care_n of_o his_o education_n do_v belong_v and_o that_o the_o angel_n order_n shall_v be_v strict_o and_o religious_o observe_v and_o the_o same_o angel_n which_o say_v at_o first_o joseph_n thou_o son_n of_o david_n fear_v not_o to_o mat._n i._n v._o 20._o take_v unto_o thou_o marry_o thy_o wife_n for_o that_o which_o be_v conceive_v in_o she_o be_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v
afterward_o arise_v and_o take_v the_o young_a child_n and_o his_o mother_n and_o flee_v into_o egypt_n and_o be_v thou_o there_o until_o i_o bring_v thou_o word_n for_o herod_n will_v seek_v the_o young_a child_n to_o destroy_v he_o and_o i_o see_v nothing_o in_o this_o whole_a account_n that_o even_o seem_v to_o shock_v our_o reason_n and_o destroy_v our_o faith_n for_o we_o read_v elsewhere_o that_o joseph_n be_v warn_v by_o god_n in_o a_o dream_n and_o that_o such_o apparition_n as_o these_o have_v be_v be_v a_o truth_n in_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o which_o experience_v itself_o may_v i_o think_v sufficient_o confirm_v we_o what_o absurdity_n be_v there_o then_o upon_o the_o whole_a in_o suppose_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o assume_v the_o humane_a nature_n shall_v act_v with_o the_o prudence_n of_o a_o man_n in_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o impend_a calamity_n not_o as_o if_o he_o can_o have_v avoid_v they_o by_o his_o infinite_a power_n without_o take_v such_o measure_n as_o he_o do_v but_o because_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o his_o life_n shall_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o not_o by_o a_o continue_v course_n of_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a event_n it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v be_v carry_v by_o his_o parent_n into_o egypt_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v tarry_v there_o till_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v stay_v in_o his_o native_a country_n and_o yet_o be_v preserve_v from_o the_o evil_n to_o which_o he_o be_v expose_v be_v better_o arm_v than_o with_o pluto_n helmet_n and_o secure_v from_o the_o rage_n of_o his_o malicious_a enemy_n by_o their_o be_v strike_v like_o the_o sodomite_n of_o old_a with_o sudden_a blindness_n for_o such_o a_o series_n of_o miraculous_a appearance_n have_v be_v very_o unsuitable_a to_o his_o great_a design_n of_o acquaint_v the_o world_n as_o a_o man_n authorise_a by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o that_o the_o true_a son_n of_o god_n the_o eternal_a word_n the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n do_v glorious_o though_o wonderful_o reside_v in_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o the_o incarnate_a jesus_n but_o it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n at_o present_a to_o speak_v full_o of_o the_o two_o nature_n that_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n since_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a and_o if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v a_o domestic_a dispute_n between_o we_o concern_v that_o difficult_a and_o important_a point_n chap._n lvii_o than_o celsus_n jew_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o instruct_v in_o their_o learning_n say_v that_o the_o ancient_a fable_n that_o attribute_v a_o divine_a original_a to_o perseus_n amphion_n aeacus_n and_o minos_n though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o strictness_n true_a yet_o do_v display_v the_o action_n of_o these_o person_n as_o be_v great_a and_o wonderful_a and_o above_o the_o sphere_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o for_o your_o part_n what_o do_v you_o ever_o say_v or_o do_v that_o be_v worthy_a of_o admiration_n though_o you_o be_v open_o challenge_v to_o give_v convince_a proof_n that_o you_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o need_v only_o ask_v the_o greek_n whether_o they_o can_v show_v that_o any_o of_o the_o forementioned_a person_n do_v any_o extraordinary_a service_n to_o the_o world_n or_o perform_v any_o great_a exploit_n to_o induce_v future_a age_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o fable_n which_o represent_v they_o to_o we_o as_o be_v derive_v from_o a_o divine_a original_a but_o i_o defy_v they_o to_o instance_n in_o any_o of_o the_o action_n of_o these_o fabulous_a hero_n that_o deserve_v to_o be_v name_v much_o less_o compare_v with_o what_o our_o saviour_n do_v unless_o they_o will_v refer_v we_o to_o their_o own_o fable_n and_o history_n and_o have_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o without_o any_o more_o ado_n and_o disbelieve_v our_o history_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o importance_n of_o which_o we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o we_o can_v reasonable_o desire_v we_o say_v and_o know_v that_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v be_v sufficient_o see_v and_o happy_o feel_v through_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n where_o any_o church_n be_v found_v that_o consist_v of_o person_n reclaim_v from_o many_o exorbitant_a vice_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n at_o this_o very_a day_n compose_v the_o ruffle_a mind_n of_o man_n dispossess_v daemon_n cure_n disease_n and_o work_v a_o meek_a gentle_a and_o amicable_a temper_n in_o all_o those_o person_n who_o make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n from_o a_o high_a end_n than_o their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o sincere_o believe_v what_o it_o teach_v we_o concern_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o a_o future_a judgement_n chap._n lviii_o than_o celsus_n foresee_v how_o many_o remarkable_a action_n that_o be_v perform_v by_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v mention_v by_o we_o to_o his_o honour_n a_o few_o of_o which_o i_o have_v relate_v make_v as_o if_o he_o grant_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v write_v concern_v the_o disease_n that_o be_v cure_v the_o dead_a that_o be_v raise_v to_o life_n and_o the_o few_o loaf_n with_o which_o a_o great_a multitude_n be_v feed_v and_o of_o which_o many_o fragment_n do_v remain_v and_o those_o strange_a account_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o gospel-history_n and_o immediate_o add_v the_o follow_a word_n well_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o you_o real_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o talk_v of_o but_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n he_o quite_o unravel_v what_o he_o have_v say_v before_o and_o set_v they_o on_o a_o level_n with_o the_o operation_n that_o be_v perform_v by_o magician_n who_o pretend_v to_o do_v mighty_a thing_n and_o have_v study_v magic_a in_o egypt_n get_v a_o little_a money_n out_o of_o people_n pocket_n by_o practise_v their_o art_n in_o the_o open_a forum_n dispossess_v daemon_n cure_v distemper_n call_v back_o depart_v soul_n and_o represent_v to_o the_o delude_a sight_n a_o table_n spread_v with_o imaginary_a dainty_n and_o animal_n that_o seem_v to_o move_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n but_o have_v no_o inward_a spring_n of_o life_n and_o motion_n his_o word_n be_v these_o pray_v must_v we_o esteem_v the_o person_n who_o perform_v these_o wonderful_a operation_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o must_v we_o not_o rather_o esteem_v they_o to_o be_v vile_a wretch_n that_o be_v well-versed_a it_o seem_v in_o a_o diabolical_a art_n you_o see_v here_o that_o he_o allow_v a_o extraordinary_a power_n in_o magic_n though_o by_o the_o way_n i_o be_o much_o mistake_v if_o he_o i_v the_o very_a person_n who_o write_v several_a book_n in_o which_o he_o direct_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a and_o yet_o because_o he_o think_v it_o may_v serve_v his_o cause_n he_o compare_v the_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o the_o operation_n of_o magician_n indeed_o there_o have_v be_v some_o ground_n for_o make_v this_o invidious_a comparison_n if_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v such_o a_o vain_a show_n of_o miracle_n as_o the_o magician_n do_v their_o design_n also_o whatever_o wonder_v they_o may_v effect_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v not_o to_o reform_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n nor_o have_v such_o vain_a amusement_n the_o least_o tendency_n to_o beget_v in_o person_n a_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o so_o to_o regulate_v their_o action_n that_o they_o may_v be_v honourable_o acquit_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v summon_v to_o appear_v before_o his_o awful_a bar._n the_o forementioned_a person_n do_v it_o so_o much_o as_o aim_v at_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_a and_o if_o they_o do_v of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n they_o will_v be_v most_o unfit_a for_o so_o great_a a_o undertake_n since_o they_o themselves_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o moâ—t_o notorious_a crime_n whereas_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o design_v by_o his_o miracle_n to_o reform_v the_o manner_n of_o they_o who_o be_v eye_n witness_n of_o what_o he_o do_v give_v not_o only_o his_o follower_n but_o all_o mankind_n a_o bright_a example_n of_o unaffected_a virtue_n and_o piety_n that_o they_o who_o be_v to_o publish_v his_o excellent_a doctrine_n may_v at_o once_o be_v direct_v and_o encourage_v to_o acquaint_v their_o hearer_n with_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o forementioned_a person_n be_v more_o convince_v by_o the_o native_a beauty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o holy_a life_n of_o their_o teacher_n than_o by_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v may_v in_o all_o their_o action_n have_v a_o sincere_a
and_o sacred_a regard_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o dear_a and_o ever_o bless_a redeemer_n now_o if_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n be_v such_o as_o i_o have_v represent_v it_o without_o use_v any_o artificial_a colour_n and_o bold_a figure_n to_o emblazon_v it_o as_o we_o know_v be_v too_o frequent_o the_o case_n of_o many_o of_o the_o feign_a hero_n of_o antiquity_n how_o absurd_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o curse_a operation_n of_o magician_n and_o be_v it_o not_o high_o agreeable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o impartial_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v god_n as_o he_o himself_o assure_v we_o and_o condescend_v to_o assume_v the_o hamane_a nature_n for_o our_o common_a and_o everlasting_a benefit_n chap._n lix_n than_o celsus_n confound_v thing_n at_o a_o most_o miserable_a rate_n and_o borrow_v what_o be_v peculiar_a to_o one_o sect_n of_o christian_n that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o successful_o reproach_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o they_o say_v certain_o a_o god_n will_v never_o have_v such_o a_o body_n as_o you_o that_o be_v so_o contemptible_a as_o be_v liable_a to_o so_o many_o and_o so_o considerable_a imperfection_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o we_o say_v he_o assume_v a_o humane_a body_n be_v conceive_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n which_o render_v he_o capable_a of_o suffer_v and_o die_v in_o some_o respect_n like_o the_o rest_n of_o men._n in_o this_o sense_n we_o may_v true_o say_v he_o be_v a_o miserable_a person_n be_v tempt_v in_o all_o heb._n four_o v._o 15._o thing_n as_o we_o be_v yet_o without_o sin_n for_o with_o we_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o he_o commit_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n and_o that_o god_n do_v 1_o pet._n two_o v_o 22._o deliver_v he_o up_o as_o a_o spotless_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o apostate_n world_n then_o celsus_n say_v the_o body_n of_o a_o god_n will_v never_o have_v be_v form_v like_o you_o but_o he_o can_v deny_v that_o if_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v as_o we_o say_v he_o be_v then_o even_o his_o body_n have_v in_o some_o sense_n a_o stamp_n of_o divinity_n upon_o it_o and_o may_v be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o disbelieve_v and_o ridicules_a the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o our_o saviour_n conception_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o think_v he_o be_v beget_v in_o adultery_n by_o one_o panthera_n a_o soldier_n on_o the_o body_n of_o she_o who_o we_o call_v the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o that_o make_v he_o say_v the_o body_n of_o a_o god_n will_v never_o have_v be_v form_v like_o you_o but_o i_o think_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o on_o that_o head_n already_o to_o satisfy_v any_o impartial_a and_o candid_a reader_n chap._n lx._n celsus_n go_v on_o neither_o say_v he_o do_v the_o body_n of_o god_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o food_n for_o its_o nourishment_n and_o support_v as_o that_o with_o which_o you_o be_v supply_v as_o if_o he_o can_v show_v out_o of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n not_o only_o that_o he_o eat_v but_o also_o by_o what_o food_n his_o frail_a nature_n be_v maintain_v but_o be_v it_o so_o i_o grant_v he_o eat_v the_o passover_n with_o his_o disciple_n and_o not_o only_o make_v use_n of_o the_o follow_a word_n with_o desire_n luk._n xxii_o v._n 15._o i_o have_v desire_v to_o eat_v this_o passover_n with_o you_o but_o do_v actual_o partake_v of_o what_o be_v provide_v for_o he_o i_o grant_v also_o that_o be_v thirsty_a he_o drink_v at_o jacob_n well_o but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v say_v express_o he_o eat_v fish_n even_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o this_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o what_o we_o say_v viz._n that_o he_o assume_v a_o real_a and_o not_o a_o fantastical_a body_n and_o be_v conceive_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n then_o celsus_n say_v a_o god_n have_v no_o need_n of_o such_o a_o voice_n nor_o such_o method_n of_o persuasion_n but_o this_o i_o think_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o frivolous_a objection_n that_o he_o can_v possible_o have_v raise_v against_o we_o for_o i_o may_v tell_v he_o that_o apollo_n one_o of_o the_o god_n of_o the_o greek_n who_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o pythian_n and_o didymaeâ—n_o make_v use_v of_o such_o a_o voice_n when_o the_o oracle_n be_v give_v by_o the_o pythian_a priestess_n or_o the_o priestess_n of_o miletum_n and_o yet_o the_o greek_n do_v take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o call_v in_o question_n much_o less_o to_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o apollo_n or_o any_o other_o god_n who_o give_v out_o oracle_n at_o some_o convenient_a place_n now_o how_o much_o more_o do_v it_o conduce_v to_o the_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o the_o world_n in_o general_n that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v his_o will_n in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o speak_v with_o such_o authority_n and_o power_n that_o he_o make_v a_o secret_a but_o irresistible_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n chap._n lxi_o than_o celsus_n who_o wicked_a opinion_n and_o practice_n render_v he_o hateful_a to_o that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o lover_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o unaffected_a virtue_n reproach_n our_o saviour_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n all_o his_o miracle_n discover_v he_o to_o be_v a_o person_n hateful_a to_o god_n and_o a_o notorious_a and_o vile_a impostor_n but_o if_o we_o critical_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o forego_n word_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o in_o propriety_n and_o strictness_n of_o speech_n no_o person_n how_o wicked_a soever_o he_o may_v be_v can_v have_v this_o character_n give_v he_o that_o he_o be_v hate_v of_o god_n for_o the_o follow_a expression_n carry_v abundance_n of_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o weight_n in_o it_o viz._n thou_o love_v all_o thing_n that_o wis_v xi_o v._o 24._o be_v and_o hate_v nothing_o which_o thou_o have_v make_v for_o never_o will_v thou_o have_v make_v any_o thing_n if_o thou_o have_v hate_v it_o if_o we_o meet_v with_o any_o expression_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o god_n hate_v his_o creature_n we_o must_v interpret_v they_o by_o this_o general_a and_o necessary_a rule_n that_o the_o scripture_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o god_n do_v often_o clothe_v he_o as_o it_o be_v with_o those_o very_a passion_n which_o be_v frequent_o work_v in_o humane_a breast_n but_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o a_o person_n who_o even_o in_o a_o discourse_n entitle_v a_o true_a relation_n take_v the_o liberty_n to_o give_v vent_n to_o his_o passion_n in_o most_o unjust_a and_o severe_a invective_n and_o to_o treat_v our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o if_o he_o be_v like_v he_o a_o notorious_a and_o vile_a impostor_n for_o such_o language_n as_o he_o give_v he_o do_v become_v a_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n though_o he_o discover_v at_o once_o his_o want_n both_o of_o sense_n and_o breed_n on_o the_o contrary_a he_o ought_v to_o have_v fair_o state_v the_o controversy_n which_o there_o be_v between_o we_o to_o have_v examine_v matter_n with_o the_o great_a impartiality_n and_o exactness_n and_o shall_v have_v avoid_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v all_o needless_a and_o ridiculous_a digression_n and_o tautology_n but_o because_o celsus_n jew_n do_v no_o long_o continue_v his_o discourse_n with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n i_o shall_v draw_v my_o first_o book_n to_o a_o conclusion_n and_o if_o god_n will_v grant_v i_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n which_o be_v able_a to_o overthrow_v though_o not_o whole_o to_o extirpate_v error_n according_a to_o that_o expression_n destroy_v they_o by_o thy_o truth_n i_o shall_v return_v a_o answer_n to_o what_o celsus_n offer_v as_o personate_n a_o jew_n direct_v his_o discourse_n to_o those_o of_o his_o native_a country_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v unhappy_o as_o he_o imagine_v bring_v off_o from_o judaisme_n to_o a_o open_a profession_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o we_o embrace_v origen_n against_o celsus_n translate_v from_o the_o original_a into_o english_a book_n the_o second_o origen_n against_o celsus_n chap._n i._n my_o first_o book_n in_o answer_n to_o celsus_n discourse_n entitle_v a_o true_a relation_n end_v where_o he_o cease_v to_o personate_v a_o jew_n discourse_v with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o be_v swell_v to_o a_o convenient_a bulk_n i_o resolve_v to_o compose_v a_o second_o and_o therein_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o confute_v what_o the_o same_o pretend_a jew_n have_v to_o offer_v to_o those_o of_o his_o own_o country_n who_o be_v
passage_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o who_o speak_v those_o word_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n be_v not_o circumscribe_v within_o the_o narrow_a limit_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n john_n the_o baptist_n foretell_v that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v make_v his_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n speak_v of_o he_o as_o a_o person_n that_o be_v omnipresent_v there_o stand_v one_o among_o john_n 1_n v._o 26._o 27._o you_o say_v he_o who_o you_o know_v not_o he_o it_o be_v who_o come_v after_o i_o be_v before_o i_o now_o be_v it_o probable_a or_o even_o possible_a he_o shall_v apply_v these_o word_n to_o our_o saviour_n body_n or_o his_o humane_a soul_n and_o our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o raise_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o disciple_n to_o more_o sublime_a thought_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n make_v use_n of_o the_o follow_a expression_n where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v ma._n xviii_o v._o 20._o together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o there_o be_v another_o promise_n that_o be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o import_n which_o he_o make_v to_o his_o disciple_n lo_o i_o be_o with_o mat._n 28._o v._o 20._o you_o always_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o hope_v the_o reader_n will_v not_o misunderstand_v i_o as_o if_o i_o say_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v in_o the_o least_o interfere_v with_o that_o intimate_a and_o glorious_a union_n that_o there_o be_v between_o the_o humanity_n of_o the_o incarnate_a jesus_n and_o the_o mysterious_a person_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n for_o if_o st._n paul_n teach_v we_o that_o he_o that_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o spirit_n 1._o cor._n 6._o v._o 17._o certain_o they_o that_o understand_v this_o doctrine_n will_v ready_o allow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o close_o and_o more_o divine_a union_n between_o the_o word_n and_o it_o be_v assume_v humanity_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v abundant_o discover_v that_o he_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o power_n of_o god_n by_o the_o frequent_a and_o uncontested_a miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v even_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o jew_n though_o they_o profess_v to_o entertain_v a_o most_o unaccountable_a notion_n i_o can_v imagine_v for_o my_o part_n that_o it_o shall_v ever_o enter_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n that_o he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o celsus_n we_o know_v ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n but_o our_o saviour_n abundant_o confute_v this_o absurd_a conceit_n by_o show_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n be_v go_v to_o suffer_v a_o most_o violent_a shock_n as_o evident_o appear_v to_o they_o who_o read_v the_o gospel_n with_o any_o tolerable_a share_n of_o judgement_n let_v celsus_n show_v if_o he_o can_v wherein_o our_o saviour_n fail_v in_o his_o great_a design_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o bring_v convince_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o even_a probability_n of_o what_o he_o offer_v but_o this_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v be_v what_o he_o will_v scarce_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v since_o the_o objection_n that_o he_o raise_v against_o we_o be_v found_v for_o the_o most_o part_n on_o some_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v gross_o misunderstand_v by_o he_o or_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v shameful_o misapply_v or_o some_o fabulous_a account_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o unhappy_a but_o fruitful_a invention_n of_o the_o jew_n chap._n xii_o but_o because_o celsus_n jew_n affirm_v that_o he_o be_v convict_v and_o condemn_v after_o a_o legal_a process_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v how_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a when_o it_o be_v plain_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n that_o his_o enemy_n be_v very_o zealous_a in_o suborn_v false_a witness_n against_o he_o perhaps_o they_o will_v fain_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v convict_v because_o his_o accuser_n take_v great_a advantage_n against_o he_o by_o that_o innocent_a and_o just_a expression_n of_o he_o i_o be_o able_a to_o destroy_v the_o temple_n of_o mat._n twenty-five_o v._n 6._o 1_o god_n and_o to_o build_v it_o in_o three_o day_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o he_o speak_v these_o word_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o his_o body_n but_o they_o not_o know_v his_o design_n imagine_v that_o they_o have_v a_o reference_n to_o their_o material_a and_o pompous_a temple_n for_o which_o they_o plain_o discover_v a_o far_o great_a veneration_n than_o for_o that_o glorious_a and_o adorable_a temple_n wherein_o the_o eternal_a word_n the_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n do_v personal_o though_o mysterious_o reside_v but_o since_o celsus_n jew_n insult_v over_o we_o because_o our_o saviour_n be_v take_v i_o grant_v he_o be_v but_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o wa_v do_v without_o his_o own_o consent_n for_o when_o his_o time_n be_v come_v he_o surrender_v himself_o as_o a_o easy_a prey_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o barbarous_a enemy_n and_o abundant_o make_v good_a the_o character_n which_o be_v give_v he_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n behold_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o john_n i._n v._o 28._o world_n this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o jesus_n therefore_o know_v say_v he_o all_o thing_n that_o shall_v joh._n xviii_o v._n 4_o etc_o etc_o come_v upon_o he_o go_v forth_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o who_o seek_v you_o they_o answer_v he_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n jesus_n say_v unto_o they_o i_o be_o he_o and_o judas_n also_o which_o betray_v he_o stand_v with_o they_o as_o soon_o then_o as_o he_o have_v say_v unto_o they_o i_o be_o he_o they_o go_v backward_o and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n then_o ask_v he_o they_o again_o who_o seek_v you_o and_o they_o say_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n jesus_n answer_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o i_o be_o he_o if_o therefore_o you_o seek_v i_o let_v these_o go_v their_o way_n and_o when_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n stand_v by_o and_o smite_v the_o ear_n of_o the_o high-priest_n servant_n he_o say_v put_v up_o thy_o sword_n into_o its_o place_n for_o all_o they_o that_o take_v the_o sword_n shall_v perish_v by_o the_o sword_n think_v thou_o that_o i_o can_v now_o pray_v unto_o my_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v present_o give_v i_o more_o than_o twelve_o legion_n of_o angel_n but_o how_o then_o shall_v the_o scripture_n be_v fulfil_v that_o thus_o it_o must_v be_v now_o if_o any_o person_n shall_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o these_o be_v only_a fiction_n of_o the_o evangelist_n have_v we_o not_o reason_n on_o the_o contrary_a to_o think_v our_o adversary_n have_v be_v gross_o guilty_a of_o that_o practice_n with_o which_o they_o charge_v the_o christian_n that_o so_o they_o may_v vent_v their_o implacable_a malice_n against_o all_o those_o who_o profess_v to_o be_v the_o follower_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o those_o thing_n be_v most_o certain_o true_a which_o be_v relate_v by_o person_n who_o integrity_n do_v abundant_o appear_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o dreadful_a calamity_n to_o which_o they_o know_v their_o religion_n do_v so_o manifest_o expose_v they_o for_o we_o can_v conceive_v that_o the_o follower_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n shall_v embrace_v the_o most_o shameful_a and_o painful_a death_n with_o undaunted_a courage_n and_o heroic_a constancy_n have_v they_o be_v the_o scandalous_a inventor_n of_o the_o history_n which_o they_o transmit_v to_o posterity_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v esteem_v they_o to_o be_v person_n who_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o importance_n of_o what_o they_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n since_o they_o know_v by_o observation_n and_o experience_n that_o scorn_v and_o infamy_n be_v the_o shock_n attendant_n and_o persecution_n and_o death_n almost_o the_o natural_a and_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o the_o glorious_a profession_n which_o they_o make_v of_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n chap._n xiii_o what_o the_o pretend_a jew_n say_v far_a viz._n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v betray_v by_o his_o own_o disciple_n he_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o evangelist_n with_o this_o little_a difference_n that_o whereas_o they_o acquaint_v we_o that_o he_o be_v betray_v by_o judas_n he_o choose_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n that_o his_o objection_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v the_o great_a force_n but_o hasn_v the_o curiosity_n i_o will_v not_o say_v the_o conscience_n to_o inquire_v narrow_o into_o the_o account_n which_o we_o have_v of_o judas_n who_o heart_n be_v miserable_o
study_v the_o same_o excellent_a science_n for_o many_o year_n in_o the_o school_n of_o cleanthes_n whereas_o judas_n have_v continue_v three_o year_n with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o he_o so_o shameful_o betray_v he_o and_o if_o we_o read_v the_o live_v of_o the_o philosopher_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o frequent_a instance_n that_o in_o some_o respect_n resemble_v the_o horrid_a treachery_n of_o judas_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o pythagorean_n build_v tomb_n for_o such_o person_n as_o leave_v the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o different_a and_o less-useful_a course_n of_o life_n but_o i_o suppose_v no_o person_n will_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o reflect_v on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o pythagoras_n or_o the_o solid_a argument_n which_o his_o follower_n use_v in_o its_o defence_n the_o jew_n add_v that_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o say_v with_o respect_n to_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v far_o from_o be_v fair_o represent_v by_o his_o disciple_n he_o choose_v to_o pass_v they_o over_o in_o a_o profound_a silence_n but_o i_o ask_v what_o truth_n be_v these_o that_o be_v misinterpret_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o which_o he_o forbear_v to_o mention_v must_v not_o this_o pass_n for_o a_o rhetorical_a flourish_n to_o make_v we_o believe_v he_o be_v furnish_v with_o a_o great_a stock_n of_o argument_n against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o most_o if_o not_o all_o that_o he_o can_v possible_o say_v if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o material_a be_v borrow_a from_o those_o very_a gospel_n which_o sometime_o he_o so_o much_o despise_v chap._n fourteen_o than_o celsus_n find_v fault_n with_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n for_o say_v that_o he_o foreknow_v and_o foretell_v all_o the_o remarkable_a thing_n that_o ever_o happen_v to_o he_o but_o we_o doubt_v not_o in_o the_o least_o but_o we_o can_v easy_o prove_v by_o a_o enumeration_n of_o particular_n let_v celsus_n say_v what_o he_o please_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v several_a thing_n that_o shall_v befall_v his_o disciple_n some_o considerable_a time_n before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v what_o a_o wonderful_a instance_n of_o this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n matthew_n give_v you_o mat._n x._o v._n 18._o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o my_o sake_n for_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o and_o the_o gentile_n i_o may_v quote_v many_o other_o place_n where_o our_o saviour_n do_v express_o foretell_v the_o grievous_a persecution_n that_o shall_v be_v the_o too_o common_a lot_n of_o christian_n now_o what_o religion_n be_v there_o in_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n that_o want_v the_o advantage_n of_o a_o toleration_n except_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n introduce_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o that_o foolish_a plea_n which_o our_o enemy_n make_v use_v of_o that_o he_o see_v what_o bad_a entertainment_n false_a and_o corrupt_a notion_n will_v natural_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o to_o raise_v his_o reputation_n and_o promote_v his_o interest_n do_v only_o foretell_v those_o thing_n which_o any_o child_n may_v have_v know_v will_v befall_v he_o but_o if_o person_n will_v avoidable_o be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o hold_v false_a and_o wicked_a notion_n one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o epicurean_o who_o disbelieve_v a_o overrule_a povidence_n shall_v be_v bring_v before_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o any_o person_n in_o the_o world_n or_o the_o peripatetic_n who_o think_v that_o the_o prayer_n which_o be_v put_v up_o and_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o god_n be_v whole_o insignificant_a and_o little_a art_n unworthy_a to_o be_v practise_v by_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o learn_v of_o philosopher_n but_o perhaps_o our_o enemy_n may_v object_v that_o the_o samaritan_n be_v persecute_v on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v condemn_v to_o die_v for_o circumcise_n themselves_o in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o law_n which_o permit_v none_o but_o jew_n to_o observe_v this_o celebrate_v and_o ancient_a rite_n and_o we_o do_v find_v that_o the_o judge_n leave_v it_o to_o their_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v obstinate_o persist_v and_o die_v or_o renounce_v their_o religion_n and_o so_o be_v public_o acquit_v but_o if_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v circumcise_a immediate_o they_o must_v suffer_v death_n the_o christian_n be_v the_o only_a person_n in_o the_o world_n who_o though_o they_o be_v persecute_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n prediction_n you_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o my_o sake_n be_v entreat_v to_o the_o last_o breath_n they_o draw_v to_o renounce_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n and_o so_o to_o put_v themselves_o direct_o into_o a_o safe_a and_o happy_a condition_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o outward_a 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
he_o say_v those_o word_n with_o a_o eye_n to_o judas_n he_o that_o dip_v his_o hand_n with_o i_o in_o the_o dish_n the_o same_o shall_v betray_v i_o take_v notice_n far_o of_o the_o absurdity_n and_o falsehood_n of_o what_o celsus_n say_v it_o be_v unusual_a say_v he_o for_o person_n to_o betray_v their_o friend_n to_o who_o table_n they_o be_v welcome_a yet_o here_o even_o a_o god_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v betray_v on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v too_o well_o know_v that_o person_n who_o have_v be_v engage_v by_o the_o most_o sacred_a and_o endear_n tie_v have_v often_o and_o most_o shameful_o betray_v their_o intimate_a friend_n and_o liberal_a benefactor_n the_o history_n both_o of_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n do_v furnish_v we_o with_o abundant_a instance_n of_o the_o forementioned_a practice_n this_o be_v what_o the_o famous_a poet_n who_o dwell_v at_o paros_n and_o be_v so_o much_o admire_v for_o his_o jambick_a verse_n reproach_n lycambe_n with_o for_o speak_v of_o his_o entrench_v on_o the_o law_n of_o civil_a conversation_n he_o say_v thou_o have_v dissolve_v the_o sacred_a band_n of_o archilochus_n friendship_n and_o be_v notorious_o guilty_a of_o the_o base_a treachery_n but_o for_o the_o full_a confirmation_n of_o my_o argument_n i_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o they_o who_o have_v apply_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o study_n of_o history_n both_o sacred_a and_o profane_a then_o celsus_n as_o if_o he_o have_v undeniable_a argument_n for_o what_o he_o offer_v have_v the_o follow_a word_n nay_o a_o god_n which_o high_o aggravate_v the_o matter_n be_v suppose_v to_o entrench_v upon_o the_o rule_n of_o civility_n and_o common_a friendship_n and_o to_o make_v his_o disciple_n turn_v traitor_n and_o coward_n but_o this_o be_v more_o than_o he_o can_v ever_o prove_v unless_o we_o must_v allow_v the_o consequence_n which_o he_o draw_v to_o be_v natural_a and_o just_a which_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v so_o very_o weak_a that_o any_o child_n almost_o will_v see_v through_o it_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o expose_v it_o chap._n xvii_o than_o say_v celsus_n if_o your_o saviour_n suffer_v free_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o heavenly_a father_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o since_o you_o say_v that_o he_o be_v god_n and_o that_o his_o suffering_n be_v entire_o voluntary_a you_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o suppose_a agony_n he_o shall_v have_v have_v so_o quick_a a_o sense_n of_o pain_n but_o here_o though_o he_o do_v perceive_v it_o his_o word_n imply_v a_o plain_a and_o very_o gross_a contradiction_n for_o he_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o our_o saviour_n suffer_v free_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o father_n and_o then_o certain_o he_o must_v feel_v some_o pain_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o notion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o suffer_v since_o it_o be_v very_o ungrateful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o he_o can_v but_o know_v and_o be_v not_o easy_o reconcile_v even_o to_o the_o calm_a dictate_v of_o impartial_a reason_n and_o if_o he_o think_v that_o all_o sense_n of_o pain_n be_v immediate_o exclude_v where_o there_o be_v a_o partial_a or_o even_o a_o entire_a consent_n of_o the_o humane_a will_n why_o do_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o saviour_n ever_o suffer_v in_o truth_n he_o have_v resemble_v we_o in_o all_o thing_n sin_n only_o except_v have_v he_o assume_v the_o humane_a nature_n without_o those_o many_o infirmity_n and_o misery_n which_o be_v its_o common_a and_o almost_o inseparable_a attendant_n so_o that_o after_o his_o voluntary_a incarnation_n he_o be_v under_o some_o sort_n of_o necessity_n to_o suffer_v and_o in_o some_o respect_n the_o calamity_n to_o which_o he_o be_v expose_v be_v occasion_v by_o the_o malice_n and_o unwearied_a endeavour_n of_o his_o cruel_a enemy_n and_o indeed_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v if_o he_o have_v give_v his_o consent_n it_o have_v be_v impossible_a that_o one_o who_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n shall_v suffer_v but_o he_o willing_o and_o even_o cheerful_o embrace_v the_o most_o painful_a and_o shameful_a death_n from_o a_o deep_a and_o most_o affect_a sense_n of_o the_o vast_a advantage_n that_o will_v redound_v from_o it_o to_o a_o degenerate_a world_n then_o celsus_n grant_v what_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o deny_v have_v the_o follow_a word_n pray_v why_o do_v he_o make_v such_o horrid_a complaint_n and_o so_o earnest_o desire_v that_o his_o suffering_n may_v be_v prevent_v for_o he_o say_v father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o but_o here_o celsus_n do_v plain_o and_o not_o a_o little_a discover_v his_o impotent_a malice_n against_o the_o bless_a founder_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n for_o instead_o of_o admire_v the_o remarkable_a integrity_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n who_o may_v if_o they_o have_v please_v have_v omit_v this_o passage_n which_o he_o think_v do_v make_v so_o much_o for_o the_o interest_n he_o espouse_n but_o be_v induce_v by_o several_a very_o urgent_a motive_n to_o relate_v it_o i_o say_v instead_o of_o admire_v the_o sense_n the_o remarkable_a integrity_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n he_o take_v their_o word_n in_o a_o sense_n in_o which_o they_o never_o understand_v they_o and_o add_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v owe_v to_o his_o own_o invention_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o what_o immediate_o follow_v from_o whence_o he_o may_v have_v learn_v how_o submissive_a our_o saviour_n be_v to_o the_o all-disposing_a will_n of_o his_o eternal_a father_z nevertheless_o say_v he_o not_o as_o i_o will_v but_o as_o thou_o will_v and_o celsus_n seem_v to_o have_v never_o read_v those_o other_o word_n which_o plain_o show_v how_o submissive_a a_o temper_n our_o bless_a lord_n discover_v under_o all_o the_o grievous_a calamity_n which_o his_o father_n be_v please_v to_o bring_v upon_o he_o i_o mean_v those_o word_n of_o st._n matthew_n nevertheless_o if_o this_o cup_n can_v pass_v mat._n 26_o v._o 42._o from_o i_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v here_o celsus_n act_v the_o part_n of_o those_o who_o horrible_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o do_v it_o in_o the_o most_o open_a manner_n our_o adversary_n frequent_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o word_n i_o kill_v and_o reproach_v we_o with_o they_o but_o they_o wilful_o deut._n 32_o v._o 29._o overlook_v the_o follow_a word_n i_o make_v alive_a which_o passage_n of_o scripture_n plain_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o though_o god_n do_v destroy_v all_o they_o who_o live_v in_o a_o course_n of_o rebellion_n against_o he_o and_o be_v horrid_a plague_n to_o their_o native_a country_n yet_o at_o length_n he_o will_v make_v they_o partaker_n of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o glorious_a life_n such_o a_o one_o as_o will_v make_v they_o trample_v upon_o this_o low_a and_o perish_a world_n with_o the_o great_a disdain_n imaginable_a they_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o word_n i_o will_v smite_v he_o but_o the_o follow_a isa_n 57_o v._o 17._o word_n i_o will_v heal_v he_o be_v whole_o disregard_v here_o god_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o as_o act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o most_o skilful_a physician_n who_o make_v grievous_a and_o often_o deep_a incision_n into_o the_o flesh_n of_o his_o patient_n not_o with_o a_o design_n to_o do_v it_o any_o prejudice_n or_o put_v they_o to_o any_o needless_a pain_n but_o to_o remove_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o bodily_a indisposition_n and_o that_o which_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o low_a and_o langushiing_a condition_n they_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o word_n he_o make_v sore_a but_o those_o word_n and_o bind_v up_o be_v not_o mention_v by_o they_o so_o celsus_n dwell_v on_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o but_o dont_fw-fr mention_n the_o least_o syllable_n of_o the_o follow_a word_n which_o plain_o discover_v the_o entire_a resignation_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n to_o his_o father_n command_v and_o all-disposing_a will._n here_o a_o large_a field_n of_o discourse_n present_v itself_o which_o will_v be_v of_o considerable_a service_n to_o those_o who_o st._n paul_n call_v perfect_a we_o preach_v wisdom_n say_v he_o to_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a but_o this_o i_o shall_v reserve_v to_o a_o more_o convenient_a season_n and_o a_o more_o proper_a place_n and_o only_o perhaps_o just_a touch_n upon_o it_o as_o i_o pass_v along_o i_o have_v already_o and_o i_o think_v more_o than_o once_o observe_v that_o sometime_o our_o saviour_n expression_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o bear_v of_o the_o creation_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o he_o say_v i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n
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
that_o for_o that_o reason_n he_o have_v abundance_n of_o enemy_n and_o when_o he_o be_v strip_v as_o it_o be_v of_o his_o humane_a body_n do_v converse_v with_o naked_a spirit_n in_o the_o infernal_a region_n to_o make_v convert_v of_o those_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v due_o wrought_v on_o by_o his_o powerful_a ministry_n and_o thereby_o of_o answer_v the_o deep_a design_n of_o his_o eternal_a and_o universal_a love_n what_o celsus_n jew_n add_v be_v i_o think_v very_o ridiculous_a if_o say_v he_o after_o you_o have_v tame_o suffer_v yourselves_o to_o be_v lead_v aside_o like_o a_o company_n of_o prodigious_a fool_n you_o think_v you_o need_v no_o other_o apology_n than_o a_o few_o pityful_a argument_n in_o your_o own_o defence_n pray_o why_o may_v all_o those_o scoundrel_n and_o villain_n that_o like_o your_o jesus_n have_v be_v public_o execute_v according_a to_o the_o just_a demerit_n of_o their_o crime_n be_v account_v person_n who_o have_v the_o broad-seal_n of_o heaven_n but_o nothing_o in_o my_o mind_n can_v be_v more_o clear_a than_o the_o wide_a difference_n between_o the_o exemplary_a suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o the_o just_a execution_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v condemn_v as_o impostor_n or_o punish_v for_o some_o scandalous_a crime_n and_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o no_o man_n can_v show_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n that_o a_o person_n can_v ever_o be_v reclaim_v from_o the_o most_o notorious_a crime_n or_o indeed_o from_o any_o immorality_n by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n then_o the_o pretend_a jew_n compare_v our_o saviour_n with_o a_o company_n of_o highway_n man_n say_z that_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n a_o person_n may_v have_v the_o impudence_n to_o say_v that_o such_o a_o highway_n man_n instead_o of_o be_v a_o person_n of_o so_o infamous_a a_o character_n be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o god_n because_o forsooth_o he_o acquaint_v his_o curse_a crew_n beforehand_o that_o he_o shall_v short_o suffer_v all_o those_o grievous_a calamity_n which_o in_o the_o event_n do_v befall_v he_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o our_o believe_v our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n be_v not_o mere_o or_o chief_o found_v on_o his_o foretell_v the_o dreadful_a suffering_n to_o which_o he_o be_v expose_v and_o which_o for_o our_o sake_n he_o ready_o undergo_v in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n acquaint_v we_o that_o though_o our_o saviour_n be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_z yet_o he_o be_v number_v with_o the_o transgressor_n that_o barrabas_n a_o robber_n be_v release_v and_o our_o saviour_n crucify_v and_o place_v between_o two_o condemn_a malefactor_n and_o i_o grant_v that_o if_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n bear_v any_o resemblance_n to_o thief_n and_o if_o it_o be_v know_v in_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n that_o person_n of_o that_o infamous_a character_n do_v ready_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o great_a contempt_n and_o scorn_v and_o the_o worst_a treatment_n that_o humane_a wit_n and_o malice_n can_v invent_v and_o if_o they_o can_v rational_o be_v suppose_v to_o do_v all_o this_o from_o a_o just_a regard_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a precept_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n then_o i_o confess_v celsus_n will_v have_v have_v some_o ground_n for_o his_o bold_a and_o most_o profane_a comparison_n but_o our_o saviour_n who_o lay_v down_o his_o precious_a life_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o his_o sincere_a disciple_n who_o by_o their_o unparalleled_a suffering_n bear_v a_o honourable_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o most_o excellent_a doctrine_n and_o be_v the_o only_a person_n who_o bare_a religion_n ever_o bring_v they_o into_o trouble_n undergo_v the_o most_o violent_a persecution_n from_o their_o enemy_n without_o the_o least_o colour_n of_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o know_a and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o humanity_n chap._n xxvii_o now_o observe_v how_o celsus_n render_v himself_o ridiculous_a by_o what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o sincere_a follower_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n during_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n say_v he_o they_o converse_v with_o he_o in_o a_o femiliar_a manner_n and_o seem_v to_o listen_v to_o the_o instruction_n which_o he_o give_v they_o but_o withal_o be_v so_o cunning_a that_o when_o they_o see_v he_o be_v condemn_v to_o die_v they_o will_v neither_o die_v with_o he_o nor_o for_o he_o and_o be_v so_o far_o it_o seem_v from_o put_v in_o practice_n that_o wholesome_a doctrine_n which_o their_o master_n have_v teach_v they_o viz._n cheerful_o to_o encounter_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o danger_n and_o to_o be_v ready_a even_o to_o die_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o religion_n that_o they_o shameful_o deny_v he_o and_o didn't_fw-mi envy_n any_o martyr_n the_o imaginary_a honour_n of_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n here_o celsus_n take_v the_o hint_n from_o the_o gospel_n and_o aggravate_v some_o fault_n of_o the_o disciple_n with_o a_o design_n no_o doubt_n to_o expose_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o contempt_n not_o consider_v they_o be_v just_o enter_v into_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n nor_o mention_v one_o syllable_n of_o their_o recovery_n from_o their_o grievous_a fall_n which_o be_v so_o remarkable_a that_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n bold_o and_o suffer_v abundance_n of_o ill-treatment_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o have_v the_o courage_n to_o welcome_a and_o even_o defy_v death_n in_o its_o most_o horrid_a shape_v i_o perceive_v he_o didn't_fw-mi care_n at_o all_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v to_o st._n peter_n when_o thou_o shall_v be_v old_a thou_o shall_v stretch_v forth_o thy_o hand_n nor_o of_o those_o john_n 21_o v._o 18_o v._n 19_o word_n this_o speak_v he_o signify_v by_o what_o death_n he_o shall_v glorify_v god_n he_o say_v not_o one_o word_n of_o st._n james_n the_o brother_n of_o st._n john_n nor_o of_o the_o latter_a and_o seem_v to_o be_v ignorant_a that_o herod_n kill_v john_n the_o baptist_n with_o the_o sword_n because_o he_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n nor_o do_v he_o do_v st._n peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o much_o justice_n as_o to_o mention_v their_o flame_a zeal_n in_o spread_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o account_n how_o they_o depart_v from_o the_o act_n 15_o v._o 41._o presence_n of_o the_o council_n rejoicing_z that_o they_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v reproach_n for_o his_o name_n wherein_o they_o vast_o exceed_v all_o that_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o greek_n concern_v the_o courage_n and_o constancy_n of_o their_o justly-admired_a philosopher_n so_o that_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o from_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o christianity_n they_o who_o embrace_v it_o be_v effectual_o teach_v by_o it_o to_o despise_v the_o gaudy_a vanity_n of_o the_o present_a life_n which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n imagine_v to_o be_v so_o charm_a and_o agreeable_a and_o to_o have_v the_o sincere_a desire_n of_o their_o soul_n most_o vehement_o carry_v out_o after_o another_o life_n which_o be_v far_o more_o excellent_a and_o in_o a_o word_n be_v every_o way_n worthy_a of_o a_o god._n i_o can_v conceive_v how_o celsus_n can_v be_v free_v from_o the_o charge_n of_o wilful_a imposture_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n all_o that_o your_o pretend_a saviour_n can_v do_v say_v he_o be_v only_o to_o get_v ten_o wicked_a mariner_n and_o publican_n to_o publish_v his_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n and_o iwas_n more_o than_o he_o can_v do_v after_o all_o his_o big_a pretence_n to_o convince_v even_o those_o credulous_a animal_n of_o its_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a even_o from_o the_o open_a confession_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o not_o only_o ten_o person_n be_v overcome_v by_o the_o divine_a efficacy_n of_o his_o doctrine_n nor_o a_o hundred_o nor_o a_o thousand_o but_o at_o one_o time_n four_o thousand_o and_o at_o another_o time_n a_o much_o great_a number_n and_o that_o he_o wrought_v upon_o they_o to_o so_o great_a a_o degree_n that_o they_o forlow_v he_o into_o desert_n which_o alone_o be_v capable_a of_o contain_v those_o vast_a number_n of_o person_n that_o through_o he_o do_v believe_v in_o god_n and_o where_o they_o reap_v great_a benefit_n from_o his_o exemplary_a life_n and_o engage_v conversation_n i_o confess_v the_o frequent_a repetition_n which_o celsus_n make_v do_v almost_o force_v i_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o wretched_a tautology_n and_o make_v i_o as_o impertinent_a as_o himself_o for_o if_o i_o didn't_fw-mi in_o some_o measure_n though_o sore_o against_o my_o will_n comply_v with_o his_o way_n of_o write_v perhaps_o some_o weak_a person_n
may_v suspect_v that_o out_o of_o wicked_a policy_n i_o pass_v by_o his_o objection_n be_v conscious_a to_o myself_o that_o i_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o return_v a_o satisfactory_a or_o even_o tolerable_a answer_n then_o say_v he_o pray_v i_v it_o the_o most_o absurd_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o suppose_v that_o he_o who_o when_o he_o be_v alive_a and_o use_v all_o the_o little_a art_n he_o have_v can_v gain_v no_o follower_n in_o comparison_n or_o at_o lest_o none_o of_o any_o sense_n or_o rank_n shall_v after_o his_o death_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o apostle_n so_o strange_o influence_n a_o considerable_a part_n of_o mankind_n as_o they_o be_v represent_v by_o some_o to_o do_v but_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o strict_a reason_v which_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o master_n of_o he_o shall_v have_v argue_v thus_o if_o after_o his_o death_n he_o furnish_v his_o ambassador_n with_o all_o necessary_a ability_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o do_v actual_o and_o so_o wonderful_o move_v all_o the_o secret_a spring_n of_o the_o humane_a soul_n then_o there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o when_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n in_o person_n he_o make_v deep_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n even_o of_o the_o great_a barbarian_n partly_o by_o his_o powerful_a preach_v and_o partly_o by_o his_o uncontested_a miracle_n chap._n xxviii_o by_o and_o by_o he_o ask_v pray_v what_o reason_n have_v you_o to_o believe_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o personate_n one_o of_o we_o return_v this_o answer_n in_o his_o usual_a way_n of_o banter_n because_o we_o know_v say_v he_o that_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n in_o a_o affair_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o importance_n be_v build_v i_o can_v assure_v he_o on_o no_o single_a argument_n how_o persuasive_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v but_o the_o concur_v and_o clear_a evidence_n of_o several_a motive_n a_o few_o of_o which_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v and_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n perhaps_o to_o make_v mention_n of_o some_o other_o argument_n on_o this_o head_n not_o only_o in_o my_o answer_n to_o celsus_n book_n entitle_v a_o true_a relation_n but_o also_o in_o some_o other_o treatise_n if_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v i_o that_o measure_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o accomplish_v my_o design_n then_o as_o if_o we_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n bare_a suffer_v on_o the_o cross_n be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o say_v what_o if_o he_o do_v real_o suffer_v can_v we_o instance_n in_o many_o other_o that_o suffer_v as_o well_o and_o as_o much_o as_o he_o but_o celsus_n in_o this_o matter_n act_v the_o part_n of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o unfair_a enemy_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v who_o when_o they_o read_v the_o history_n of_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o saviour_n immediate_o imagine_v that_o we_o fond_o canonize_v all_o person_n who_o be_v ever_o so_o unfortunate_a as_o to_o hang_v upon_o a_o cross_n this_o any_o one_o may_v see_v be_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o adversary_n i_o have_v to_o do_v with_o who_o be_v utter_o unable_a to_o resist_v the_o clear_a evidence_n which_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v carry_v in_o they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n have_v the_o face_n to_o misrepresent_v they_o to_o the_o world_n as_o do_v by_o mere_a legerdemain_n or_o rather_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o this_o pityful_a and_o vile_a cavil_v have_v be_v so_o frequent_o answer_v according_a to_o my_o slender_a ability_n that_o real_o it_o quite_o tire_v my_o patience_n to_o repeat_v thing_n so_o often_o as_o i_o see_v i_o must_v then_o celsus_n make_v we_o say_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o he_o cure_v the_o lame_a and_o blind_a and_o raise_v a_o few_o from_o the_o dead_a as_o we_o poor_a creature_n that_o we_o be_v be_v ready_a to_o imagine_v but_o that_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o that_o he_o can_v say_v this_o consideration_n of_o itself_o be_v a_o solid_a argument_n to_o prove_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v plain_a from_o that_o famous_a prophecy_n in_o isaiah_n then_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a shall_v be_v open_v and_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o deaf_a shall_v isa_n 35_o v._o â—_o be_v unstop_v then_o shall_v the_o lame_a man_n leap_v as_o a_o hart._n and_o it_o be_v high_o improbable_a to_o say_v no_o more_o that_o the_o evangelist_n shall_v forge_v the_o account_n they_o give_v we_o of_o some_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a because_o have_v they_o be_v give_v to_o invent_v fiction_n mere_o to_o serve_v a_o turn_n they_o will_v have_v give_v we_o more_o frequent_a instance_n of_o that_o nature_n than_o we_o meet_v with_o and_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v long_o dead_a than_o those_o of_o who_o we_o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o their_o give_v so_o few_o instance_n of_o person_n restore_v to_o life_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o proof_n as_o can_v be_v that_o the_o evangelist_n whatever_o celsus_n may_v say_v be_v man_n of_o honest_a principle_n and_o the_o far_a of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n except_o our_o bless_a saviour_n from_o be_v person_n of_o intriegve_n they_o instance_n only_o in_o the_o daughter_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o case_n seem_v foreign_a to_o the_o purpose_n for_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o she_o she_o be_v not_o dead_a but_o sleep_n in_o the_o only_a son_n of_o a_o widow_n who_o our_o saviour_n recover_v out_o of_o tender_a compassion_n to_o his_o disconsolate_a mother_n order_v the_o coffin_n to_o be_v stop_v and_o last_o in_o lazarus_n who_o have_v continue_v some_o day_n in_o the_o grave_a as_o the_o evangelist_n acquaint_v we_o and_o i_o will_v offer_v the_o follow_a consideration_n to_o the_o most_o judicious_a of_o our_o adversary_n and_o at_o this_o time_n more_o immediate_o to_o the_o jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v viz._n that_o as_o in_o elisha_n time_n there_o be_v many_o leper_n but_o none_o of_o they_o be_v cure_v that_o we_o read_v of_o except_o naaman_n the_o syrian_a and_o many_o widow_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o prophet_n elijah_n but_o he_o be_v only_o send_v to_o the_o widow_n of_o sarepta_n in_o the_o country_n of_o sidon_n for_o she_o alone_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o the_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v so_o many_o person_n die_v when_o our_o saviour_n be_v on_o earth_n but_o he_o only_o raise_v those_o from_o the_o dead_a who_o in_o some_o sense_n have_v qvalify_v themselves_o for_o so_o special_a a_o favour_n and_o this_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v he_o do_v to_o typify_v something_o future_a and_o give_v mankind_n convince_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o he_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n and_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o according_a to_o the_o promise_v he_o have_v make_v his_o disciple_n do_v far_o strange_a thing_n than_o those_o which_o he_o himself_o exhibit_v to_o the_o outward_a sense_n of_o they_o who_o be_v the_o happy_a spectator_n of_o his_o miracle_n for_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o spiritual_o blind_a be_v frequent_o open_v by_o they_o the_o ear_n of_o those_o who_o once_o be_v deaf_a to_o all_o the_o awaken_n precept_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n be_v unstop_v that_o so_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o many_o who_o be_v spiritual_o lame_a be_v cure_v by_o the_o gospel_n insomuch_o that_o they_o do_v only_o leap_v but_o even_o leap_v as_o a_o stag_n which_o animal_n as_o naturalist_n observe_v be_v a_o enemy_n to_o serpent_n and_o happy_o expel_v their_o poison_n they_o derive_v such_o a_o heal_a virtue_n from_o their_o heavenly_a physician_n that_o they_o can_v immediate_o tread_v on_o those_o serpent_n and_o scorpion_n by_o which_o they_o be_v once_o most_o sad_o cripple_a without_o incur_v the_o least_o seem_a danger_n nay_o they_o be_v effectual_o steel_v if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v against_o the_o strong_a and_o too_o often_o fatal_a impression_n which_o vice_n and_o immorality_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n fortify_v against_o the_o malicious_a and_o vigorous_a attempt_n of_o unite_a daemon_n chap._n xxix_o when_o our_o saviour_n admonish_v his_o disciple_n to_o avoid_v those_o design_v wretch_n who_o confident_o affirm_v they_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o endeavour_v by_o their_o curse_a enchantment_n to_o draw_v
man_n after_o they_o for_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o admonish_v they_o to_o avoid_v every_o trisling_a and_o conceit_a impostor_n he_o direct_v his_o discourse_n to_o they_o after_o the_o follow_a manner_n if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n or_o there_o believe_v it_o not_o for_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o they_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect._n behold_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o wherefore_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o behold_v he_o be_v in_o the_o desert_n go_v not_o forth_o behold_v he_o be_v in_o the_o secret_a chamber_n believe_v it_o not_o for_o as_o the_o lightning_n come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n and_o shine_v even_o unto_o the_o west_n so_o shall_v also_o the_o come_v of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v in_o another_o place_n he_o have_v the_o follow_a word_n many_o will_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v to_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_v iniquity_n but_o celsus_n confound_v the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o the-enchantment_n of_o man_n break_v out_o into_o the_o follow_a exclamation_n oh_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n he_o himself_z dont_fw-fr stick_n to_o acquaint_v we_o as_o even_o your_o own_o write_n inform_v we_o that_o many_o shall_v come_v and_o do_v the_o same_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o he_o and_o on_o that_o very_a score_n oh_o monstrous_a impudence_n he_o charge_v they_o with_o be_v wicked_a man_n and_o notorious_a and_o vile_a impostor_n and_o say_v that_o satan_n will_v be_v the_o original_a author_n of_o their_o curse_a arts._n so_o that_o he_o himself_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o bear_v the_o stamp_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n that_o it_o be_v owe_v to_o a_o dishonourable_a and_o unhappy_a source_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o truth_n do_v in_o the_o very_a same_o breath_n condemn_v their_o miracle_n and_o his_o own_o now_o i_v it_o a_o most_o intolerable_a thing_n that_o from_o the_o very_a same_o action_n he_o by_o all_o mean_n must_v be_v denominate_v a_o god_n and_o other_o be_v brand_v with_o the_o infamous_a title_n of_o magician_n so_o that_o his_o own_o mouth_n condemn_v he_o and_o we_o ha'n_v more_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v wicked_a man_n than_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v one_o of_o the_o vile_a person_n upon_o earth_n for_o he_o have_v plain_o tell_v we_o that_o action_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v certain_a indication_n of_o the_o most_o notorious_a deceit_n and_o impiety_n and_o not_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n accompany_v the_o person_n who_o perform_v they_o but_o here_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o observe_v celsus_n malicious_a misrepresentation_n of_o matter_n since_o our_o saviour_n language_n be_v vast_o different_a from_o what_o the_o pretend_a jew_n will_v fain_o have_v it_o to_o be_v perhaps_o he_o may_v have_v have_v some_o plausible_a pretence_n sore_o his_o profane_a discourse_n if_o our_o saviour_n have_v admonish_v his_o disciple_n to_o avoid_v all_o those_o who_o shall_v make_v their_o boast_n of_o miracle_n and_o have_v infinuate_v nothing_o of_o the_o unjust_a claim_n they_o lay_v to_o the_o title_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n but_o since_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o they_o give_v out_o they_o be_v the_o christ_n which_o i_o think_v be_v a_o profession_n that_o magician_n do_v common_o make_v and_o since_o we_o be_v tell_v they_o shall_v be_v person_n of_o very_o loose_a moral_n and_o shall_v work_v such_o miracle_n as_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o those_o which_o be_v wrought_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n in_o this_o very_a affair_n be_v so_o far_o from_o carry_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o least_o imposture_n that_o to_o i_o it_o be_v asleep_o convince_v argument_n that_o both_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n wrought_v their_o miracle_n by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o other_o who_o be_v act_v by_o satan_n do_v only_o counterfeit_v the_o glorious_a action_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o so_o prevail_v with_o some_o delude_a person_n to_o believe_v that_o their_o high_a pretension_n be_v most_o just_a and_o reasonable_a the_o apostle_n paul_n acquaint_v we_o how_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o son_n of_o perdition_n shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o exalt_v himself_o above_o 2_o these_o 2._o v._o 3._o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n or_o worship_v so_o that_o as_o god_n he_o sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n show_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v god._n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o say_v now_o you_o know_v what_o withhold_v that_o he_o may_v ibid._n v._o 6_o be_v reveal_v in_o his_o time_n for_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n do_v already_o work_v only_o he_o who_o now_o let_v will_v let_v until_o he_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o then_o shall_v that_o wicked_a one_o be_v reveal_v who_o the_o lord_n shall_v consume_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o shall_v destroy_v with_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_v even_o he_o who_o come_v be_v after_o the_o work_v of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o vnrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n will_v suffer_v he_o to_o act_v his_o hellish_a part_n upon_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n viz._n because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o vnrighteousness_n now_o let_v any_o one_o show_n with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v do_v by_o such_o wicked_a artifice_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o and_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o read_v the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n concern_v antichrist_n but_o celsus_n represent_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o a_o disadvantage_n when_o he_o make_v he_o say_v that_o many_o shall_v come_v after_o he_o who_o shall_v do_v the_o very_a same_o miracle_n with_o those_o which_o he_o wrought_v himself_o and_o yet_o be_v wicked_a person_n and_o notorious_a impostor_n for_o as_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o diabolical_a power_n by_o which_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o egyptian_n be_v act_v and_o the_o divine_a assistance_n which_o moses_n have_v when_o he_o wrought_v his_o miracle_n the_o event_n sufficient_o prove_v that_o what_o the_o former_a do_v be_v mere_o owe_v to_o the_o force_n of_o their_o curse_a enehantmenss_n and_o what_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o latter_a be_v manifest_o owe_v to_o the_o inflvence_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n so_o there_o be_v the_o same_o between_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o those_o of_o antichrist_n and_o his_o confederate_n who_o counterfeit_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o follower_n which_o have_v a_o most_o wonderful_a and_o happy_a issue_n mankind_n be_v thereby_o induce_v to_o embrace_v the_o best_a religion_n that_o be_v ever_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n celsus_n i_o confess_v discover_v that_o he_o i_v entire_o ignorant_a of_o the_o scripture_n when_o he_o make_v our_o saviour_n say_v that_o satan_n will_v be_v the_o original_a author_n of_o that_o curse_a art_n by_o which_o false_a prophet_n will_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n but_o be_v a_o little_a too_o hasty_a in_o draw_v his_o pretend_a consequence_n viz._n our_o saviour_n miracle_n even_o according_a to_o his_o own_o free_a confession_n do_v bear_v no_o stamp_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n but_o be_v such_o work_n as_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v it_o seem_v by_o some_o of_o the_o vile_a person_n that_o ever_o breathe_v on_o earth_n for_o he_o make_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o between_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v homogeneous_a and_o those_o that_o be_v heterogeneous_a as_o logician_n call_v they_o between_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o and_o thing_n of_o a_o very_a different_a kind_a now_o as_o a_o wolf_n and_o a_o dog_n do_v wide_o differ_v though_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o considerable_a resemblance_n between_o they_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o shape_n and_o tone_n of_o voice_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o a_o stock-dove_n and_o a_o pigeon_n so_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n be_v not_o of_o
the_o same_o kind_n with_o what_o be_v perform_v by_o a_o power_n that_o be_v truly-supernatural_a and_o divine_a and_o if_o such_o wonderful_a thing_n even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o celsus_n be_v do_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o infernal_a spirit_n may_v we_o not_o rational_o suppose_v that_o thing_n that_o be_v much_o more_o unaccountable_a may_v be_v easy_o do_v by_o the_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o the_o everblessed_n god_n shall_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a be_v find_v among_o man_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v truly-good_a be_v banish_v from_o the_o world_n i_o think_v there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o general_n and_o most_o excellent_a maxim_n that_o wherever_o there_o be_v any_o real_a evil_n under_o the_o disguise_n of_o some_o real_a good_a the_o opposite_a good_a must_v at_o least_o be_v equal_a to_o it_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o degree_n and_o thus_o we_o may_v strong_o argue_v from_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n to_o such_o as_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o special_a assistance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o we_o must_v either_o deny_v that_o any_o good_a or_o evil_a be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n or_o on_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o latter_a must_v allow_v the_o former_a and_o perhaps_o if_o we_o grant_v the_o former_a we_o must_v affirm_v the_o latter_a or_o at_o least_o on_o the_o supposition_n of_o any_o real_a evil_n must_v allow_v a_o equal_a proportion_n of_o that_o real_a good_a to_o which_o the_o real_a evil_n be_v direct_o opposite_a he_o that_o will_v assert_v the_o one_o without_o grant_v the_o other_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o talk_v at_o the_o same_o mad_a rate_n with_o one_o who_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o sophism_n or_o false_a show_n of_o reason_n shall_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o true_a logic_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v wide_o different_a from_o they_o so_o that_o i_o say_v if_o we_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o magic_n which_o have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o wicked_a daemon_n as_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o lend_v their_o ready_a and_o joint_a assistance_n to_o those_o who_o profess_v that_o art_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o almighty_a god_n be_v oblige_v in_o some_o sense_n to_o exert_v his_o power_n in_o perform_v such_o miracle_n as_o carry_v with_o they_o a_o convince_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o be_v design_v to_o attest_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o take_v it_o that_o we_o have_v to_o do_v under_o this_o important_a head_n be_v to_o examine_v into_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v they_o have_v a_o power_n to_o produce_v supernatural_a effect_n and_o to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o wonderful_a operation_n they_o perform_v do_v any_o way_n tend_v to_o the_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a advantage_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o we_o must_v careful_o distinguish_v between_o magician_n who_o hold_v a_o correspondence_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o those_o happy_a person_n who_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o divine_a impression_n they_o experience_v both_o on_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n who_o consult_v the_o true_a and_o best_a interest_n of_o mankind_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v man_n proselyte_n to_o the_o most_o excellent_a religion_n that_o be_v ever_o reveal_v by_o a_o god_n now_o if_o a_o enquiry_n of_o this_o kind_a be_v necessary_a to_o distinguish_v true_a miracle_n from_o those_o which_o be_v false_a to_o prevent_v we_o from_o make_v miracle_n where_o there_o be_v real_o none_o and_o engage_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o when_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n may_v very_o plain_o be_v discover_v than_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o moses_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v owe_v to_o a_o extraordinary_a appearance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n since_o they_o be_v solemn_a seal_n by_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a religion_n be_v confirm_v each_o of_o which_o we_o know_v be_v embrace_v by_o a_o considerable_a body_n of_o very_a wife_n and_o virtuous_a men._n beside_o how_o can_v moses_n law_n which_o forbid_v the_o jew_n to_o worship_n image_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o raise_v their_o mind_n above_o all_o create_a being_n and_o fix_v they_o on_o the_o eternal_a god_n the_o great_a creator_n and_o sovereign_a disposer_n of_o the_o universe_n i_o say_v how_o can_v such_o a_o law_n derive_v its_o original_a from_o the_o horrid_a practice_n of_o magician_n and_o since_o it_o be_v a_o jew_n that_o celsus_n personate_v i_o will_v humble_o desire_v he_o to_o resolve_v the_o follow_a question_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o you_o who_o firm_o believe_v that_o the_o miracle_n which_o moses_n wrought_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o endeavour_v to_o defend_v they_o against_o those_o who_o say_v that_o the_o wife_n man_n of_o egypt_n do_v strange_a thing_n by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n can_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n perform_v his_o miracle_n by_o a_o immediate_a assistance_n from_o above_o but_o be_v so_o strange_o fond_a of_o imitate_v the_o egyptian_n who_o you_o know_v to_o be_v your_o swear_a and_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n for_o if_o we_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o judge_v of_o miracle_n by_o the_o event_n and_o argue_v in_o favour_n of_o your_o justly-celebrated_n moses_n from_o his_o be_v raise_v up_o by_o almighty_a god_n to_o be_v the_o honourable_a founder_n of_o the_o jewish_a polity_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o may_v say_v far_o more_o in_o commendation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n since_o the_o imperfect_a moses_n i_v worthy_a to_o be_v name_v with_o the_o holy_a and_o spotless_a jesus_n for_o as_o for_o moses_n it_o be_v obvious_a to_o remark_n that_o he_o find_v ready_a to_o his_o hand_n such_o person_n among_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n as_o live_v in_o a_o religious_a observance_n of_o circumcision_n that_o initiate_a rite_n and_o many_o approve_a custom_n which_o be_v hand_v down_o by_o tradition_n from_o father_n to_o son_n and_o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n dispose_v to_o receive_v his_o useful_a instruction_n and_o practice_v his_o wholesome_a precept_n when_o it_o be_v he_o under_o god_n who_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n and_o the_o law_n he_o give_v they_o have_v the_o stamp_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n as_o you_o yourself_o acknowledge_v but_o our_o saviour_n make_v in_o some_o sense_n a_o much_o great_a attempt_n introduce_v a_o religion_n that_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n new_a and_o cause_v it_o to_o gain_v ground_n continual_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o root_v prejudices_fw-la of_o a_o different_a education_n and_o if_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o moses_n shall_v convince_v not_o only_o the_o sanhedrim_n but_o also_o the_o common_a people_n among_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o confirm_v it_o with_o those_o miracle_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o there_o be_v at_o least_o equal_a reason_n why_o our_o bless_a saviour_n shall_v take_v the_o same_o method_n to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o mission_n since_o the_o people_n do_v natural_o eager_o and_o very_o just_o expect_v sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o such_o extraordinary_a case_n nay_o it_o be_v evident_o necessary_a he_o shall_v work_v far_o great_a miracle_n than_o moses_n to_o wean_v the_o bigoted_a jew_n from_o their_o humane_a tradition_n and_o prove_v by_o dint_n of_o argument_n and_o plain_a appeal_n to_o sense_n and_o common_a observation_n he_o be_v a_o person_n who_o be_v truly-divine_a and_o in_o a_o far_o more_o noble_a sense_n than_o any_o of_o their_o ancient_n and_o just_o celebrate_v prophet_n and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o when_o the_o manifest_a design_n of_o the_o glorious_a prophecy_n under_o the_o old-testament-dispensation_n be_v obscure_o to_o reveal_v he_o under_o the_o character_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n and_o what_o celsus_n jew_n object_n against_o the_o christian_n may_v every_o whit_n as_o well_o be_v urge_v by_o he_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n viz._n that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o notorious_a and_o vile_a imposture_n the_o jew_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_o acquaint_v we_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 that_o he_o wrought_v himself_o and_o on_o that_o very_a score_n oh_o horrid_a impudence_n he_o have_v the_o face_n to_o charge_v they_o with_o
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 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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 along_o though_o for_o a_o blind_a he_o direct_v his_o discourse_n to_o they_o what_o in_o god_n name_n can_v induce_v you_o to_o believe_v in_o your_o pretend_a saviour_n be_v it_o his_o foretell_v that_o he_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o this_o may_v be_v turn_v upon_o moses_n thus_o what_o induce_v you_o to_o believe_v in_o your_o most_o celebrate_a prophet_n be_v it_o his_o foretell_v the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o death_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n so_o moses_n the_o servant_n deut._n 35._o v._o 4._o 5._o of_o the_o lord_n die_v there_o in_o the_o land_n of_o moab_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o bury_v he_o in_o a_o valley_n in_o the_o land_n of_o moab_n over_o against_o beth-peor_a but_o no_o man_n know_v of_o his_o sepulchre_n unto_o this_o day_n if_o the_o jew_n ridicules_a our_o saviour_n because_o he_o foretold_a that_o he_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a we_o may_v by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n expose_v moses_n to_o contempt_n and_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o insert_v that_o passage_n no_o one_o know_v his_o sepulchre_n unto_o this_o day_n with_o a_o politic_a design_n to_o render_v his_o name_n immortal_a then_o the_o jew_n continue_v his_o discourse_n to_o those_o of_o his_o own_o countryman_n that_o be_v christian_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n well_o we_o will_v suppose_v say_v he_o for_o once_o that_o your_o pretend_a saviour_n foretell_v that_o he_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o pray_v have_v not_o other_o make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o pityful_a artifice_n to_o take_v advantage_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o some_o silly_a people_n zamolxis_n servant_n to_o pythagoras_n take_v this_o method_n to_o delude_v the_o scythian_n and_o it_o seem_v pythagoras_n be_v so_o cunning_a as_o to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o rampsinitus_n be_v report_v to_o have_v do_v the_o like_a in_o egypt_n who_o if_o any_o credit_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o history_n play_v at_o die_n with_o ceres_n in_o the_o region_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o force_v she_o to_o give_v he_o a_o handkerchief_n she_o have_v that_o be_v curious_o embroider_v orpheus_n do_v the_o same_o among_o the_o people_n who_o be_v call_v odrysae_n protesilaus_n among_o the_o thessalian_n and_o hercules_n and_o theseus_n among_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o toenarus_fw-la but_o here_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v 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 body_n do_v you_o who_o look_v on_o the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v by_o other_o as_o trifle_a story_n 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 dreadful_a outcry_n when_o he_o lie_v at_o the_o very_a point_n of_o death_n because_o there_o happen_v to_o be_v a_o earthquake_n and_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a darkness_n you_o bold_o affirm_v that_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a though_o it_o seem_v 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 but_o you_o yourselves_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o account_n but_o one_o fanatical_a woman_n and_o perhaps_o some_o body_n else_o of_o the_o same_o wretched_a cabal_n that_o be_v plain_o delude_v by_o her_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 it_o frequent_o happen_v or_o in_o the_o last_o place_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o more_o probable_a have_v a_o mind_n to_o amuse_v people_n with_o this_o imaginary_a miracle_n and_o furnish_v such_o cheat_n as_o herself_o with_o a_o pretence_n for_o disturb_v the_o world_n with_o notorious_a and_o vile_a imposture_n but_o since_o it_o be_v a_o pretend_a jew_n that_o say_v all_o this_o i_o shall_v answer_v he_o according_o and_o turn_v the_o edge_n of_o his_o own_o weapon_n upon_o moses_n by_o desire_v that_o he_o will_v resolve_v i_o the_o follow_a question_n pray_v how_o many_o gross_a impostor_n have_v do_v miracle_n to_o take_v advantage_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o some_o silly_a people_n and_o yet_o you_o be_v forward_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o moses_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v beside_o methinks_v it_o be_v somewhat_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o character_n of_o a_o jew_n to_o allege_v the_o instance_n of_o zamolxis_n and_o pythagoras_n since_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v well_o know_v be_v little_a conversant_a with_o the_o greek_a historian_n
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 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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 melancholy_a or_o fall_v into_o a_o fit_a of_o the_o frenzy_n celsus_n it_o seem_v wa'_v ignorant_a of_o this_o and_o that_o make_v he_o call_v mary_n magdalen_n a_o fanatic_a though_o the_o scripture-history_n say_v nothing_o like_o it_o and_o our_o saviour_n appear_v after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o show_v all_o the_o mark_n that_o be_v make_v in_o his_o crucified_a body_n must_v according_a to_o celsus_n be_v solve_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o image_n of_o decease_a person_n but_o according_a to_o the_o scripture-account_a which_o he_o be_v so_o cunning_a as_o to_o use_v when_o he_o think_v that_o it_o serve_v his_o purpose_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n stand_v thus_o our_o saviour_n call_v one_o of_o his_o disciple_n to_o he_o who_o cou'dn_v for_o his_o life_n believe_v that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a with_o the_o same_o body_n i_o say_v with_o the_o same_o body_n for_o the_o appearance_n of_o humane_a soul_n after_o death_n do_v seem_v to_o be_v 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 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have_v with_o one_o another_o as_o you_o walk_v and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o have_v these_o word_n and_o their_o eye_n be_v open_v and_o they_o know_v he_o and_o v._o 35_o he_o vanish_v out_o of_o their_o sight_n and_o though_o celsus_n compare_v this_o account_n which_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o of_o the_o appearance_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o common_a story_n of_o wonderful_a apparition_n and_o laugh_v at_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o fact_n yet_o they_o who_o impartial_o examine_v into_o matter_n and_o be_v furnish_v with_o a_o capacity_n to_o make_v nice_a inquiry_n will_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o that_o be_v very_o remarkable_a and_o surprise_v chap._n xxxii_o than_o celsus_n offer_v a_o objection_n which_o do_v a_o little_a deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v by_o we_o if_o christ_n have_v a_o mind_n say_v he_o to_o exert_v the_o divine_a 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appear_v to_o they_o in_o a_o very_a different_a manner_n and_o st._n paul_n intimate_v to_o we_o that_o he_o dide_v so_o frequent_o appear_v then_o as_o he_o have_v do_v before_o have_v the_o follow_a word_n i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o first_o of_o all_o that_o which_o i_o also_o receive_v how_o that_o 1_o cor._n 15._o v._o 3_o etc._n etc._n christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o he_o be_v bury_v and_o that_o he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o cephas_n then_o of_o the_o twelve_o after_o that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o above_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o of_o who_o the_o great_a part_n remain_v unto_o this_o present_a but_o some_o be_v fall_v asleep_o after_o that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o james_n then_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o last_o of_o all_o he_o be_v see_v of_o i_o also_o as_o one_o bear_v out_o of_o due_a time_n here_o a_o very_a difficult_a question_n do_v occur_v that_o require_v the_o close_a application_n and_o that_o not_o of_o ordinary_a christian_n but_o of_o those_o who_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o great_a eminency_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n viz._n why_o our_o saviour_n refuse_v to_o expose_v himself_o to_o public_a view_n after_o his_o resurrection_n as_o he_o have_v do_v before_o there_o be_v no_o need_n i_o think_v in_o a_o book_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o main_a design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o defend_v the_o christian_a religion_n against_o the_o bold_a attempt_n of_o its_o malicious_a adversary_n to_o give_v a_o full_a or_o large_a solution_n of_o so_o critical_a a_o point_n but_o i_o shall_v offer_v a_o few_o thought_n at_o present_a which_o i_o hope_v will_v give_v the_o reader_n some_o small_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o difficult_a affair_n though_o our_o saviour_n be_v but_o one_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o person_n yet_o there_o be_v several_a notion_n under_o which_o mankind_n do_v consider_v he_o and_o different_a person_n see_v he_o in_o very_o different_a sense_n that_o there_o be_v several_a capacity_n in_o which_o mankind_n do_v consider_v he_o be_v plain_a from_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o john_n 14_o v._o 6._o the_o life_n i_o be_o the_o bread_n i_o be_o the_o door_n and_o many_o other_o expression_n john_n 6_o v._o 35._o that_o i_o can_v easy_o name_v if_o occasion_n john_n 10_o v._o 9_o offer_v that_o different_a person_n see_v he_o in_o very_o different_a sense_n will_v ready_o be_v grant_v by_o those_o who_o can_v assign_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o didn't_fw-mi take_v all_o the_o disciple_n with_o he_o into_o the_o mount_n of_o transfiguration_n but_o only_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n viz_o because_o they_o alone_o can_v bear_v the_o brightness_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o sight_n behold_v the_o dazzle_a lustre_n of_o moses_n and_o elias_n and_o hear_v the_o voice_n that_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o the_o charm_a conversation_n which_o those_o two_o celebrate_a prophet_n have_v the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n to_o maintain_v with_o the_o bless_a jesus_n i_o be_o of_o the_o opinion_n i_o confess_v that_o before_o he_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n mat._n 5_o five_o 1._o and_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n concern_v the_o beatitude_n he_o did_o appear_v to_o those_o who_o be_v bring_v to_o he_o in_o the_o evening_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o mountain_n and_o be_v cure_v of_o their_o distemper_n i_o say_v he_o did_o appear_v to_o those_o who_o be_v indispose_v and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o his_o heal_a power_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o he_o do_v to_o they_o who_o enjoy_v a_o confirm_a state_n of_o health_n and_o be_v able_a to_o go_v up_o with_o he_o to_o the_o mountain_n and_o as_o he_o private_o explain_v the_o mean_v of_o his_o parable_n to_o his_o disciple_n who_o sense_n of_o hear_v be_v much_o quick_a than_o that_o of_o the_o common_a people_n to_o who_o ear_n there_o be_v nothing_o convey_v too_o often_o but_o a_o empty_a sound_n so_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v some_o considerable_a difference_n in_o their_o spiritual_a and_o even_o their_o corporeal_a sight_n it_o be_v far_a plain_o that_o our_o saviour_n wa'_v see_v by_o all_o person_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n from_o the_o instance_n of_o judas_n who_o be_v about_o to_o betray_v he_o say_v to_o his_o accomplice_n he_o who_o i_o shall_v kiss_v be_v he_o intimate_v mat_n 26._o v._o 48._o they_o did_o know_v he_o and_o that_o expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o sit_v daily_o with_o you_o teach_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o you_o lay_v no_o hold_n on_o i_o do_v manifest_o favour_v the_o opinion_n which_o i_o have_v here_o lay_v down_o since_o therefore_o we_o have_v such_o apprehension_n of_o our_o saviour_n not_o only_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o divinity_n which_o be_v more_o latent_fw-la and_o undiscerned_a by_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n but_o also_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o humane_a body_n the_o form_n of_o which_o i_o believe_v he_o change_v when_o ever_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o do_v it_o we_o think_v that_o before_o his_o death_n by_o which_o he_o spoil_v principality_n and_o power_n he_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n discernible_a by_o all_o but_o afterward_o even_o many_o of_o those_o who_o have_v former_o see_v he_o have_v not_o sense_n that_o be_v adapt_v to_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o rise_v jesus_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o instance_n of_o his_o condescension_n to_o the_o weakness_n of_o man_n capacity_n that_o he_o didn't_fw-mi expose_v himself_o to_o public_a view_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o public_a view_n do_v i_o say_v when_o twa'n_v without_o frequent_a interval_n that_o he_o appear_v even_o to_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n for_o after_o he_o have_v honourable_o and_o happy_o accomplish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o his_o divinity_n shine_v with_o much_o bright_a ray_n through_o the_o glass_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v of_o his_o humane_a nature_n cephas_n who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o first_o that_o see_v he_o than_o the_o twelve_o mathias_n be_v choose_v in_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n then_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o than_o james_n then_o perhaps_o all_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n and_o at_o last_o the_o apostle_n paul_n as_o one_o bear_v out_o of_o due_a time_n who_o know_v very_o well_o why_o he_o use_v the_o follow_a expression_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n unto_o i_o who_o be_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o eph._n 3._o five_o 8_o all_o saint_n be_v this_o grace_n give_v and_o perhaps_o those_o word_n less_o than_o the_o least_o
woman_n be_v most_o notorious_o false_a for_o st._n matthew_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o sabbath_n as_o it_o begin_v to_o dawn_n towards_o the_o first_o mat._n 28._o v._o 1._o day_n of_o the_o week_n come_v mary_n magdalen_n and_o the_o other_o marry_o to_o see_v the_o sepulchre_n and_o behold_v there_o be_v a_o great_a earthquake_n for_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o come_v and_o roll_v back_o the_o stone_n from_o the_o door_n and_o sit_v upon_o it_o a_o little_a after_o he_o have_v these_o word_n behold_v jesus_n meet_v they_o i._n e._n the_o two_o ave-mary_n say_v all_o hail_n and_o ibid._n 9_o they_o come_v and_o hold_v he_o by_o the_o foot_n and_o worship_v he_o and_o i_o have_v already_o answer_v what_o celsus_n object_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n when_o he_o be_v crucify_v say_v he_o there_o be_v witness_n enough_o but_o when_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a at_o most_o he_o appear_v only_o to_o a_o small_a 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a_o few_o whereas_o have_v he_o have_v any_o brain_n he_o must_v have_v take_v the_o quite_o contrary_a course_n but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o latter_a word_n according_a to_o his_o weak_a judgement_n our_o saviour_n must_v have_v take_v such_o method_n as_o be_v plain_o impracticable_a and_o gross_o absurd_a viz._n he_o must_v be_v crucify_v forsooth_o in_o the_o sight_n but_o of_o a_o single_a person_n and_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n promiscuous_o when_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a for_o those_o word_n he_o shall_v have_v take_v the_o quite_o contrary_a course_n will_v bear_v no_o other_o tolerable_a sense_n if_o i_o be_o capable_a of_o make_v a_o judgement_n upon_o any_o thing_n our_o saviour_n have_v acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o person_n that_o send_v he_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n no_o man_n know_v the_o father_n save_o the_o son_n and_o in_o these_o word_n no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n but_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n who_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o he_o it_o be_v who_o reveal_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n to_o his_o true_a disciple_n and_o we_o endeavour_v to_o form_v our_o scheme_n of_o divinity_n upon_o his_o most_o excellent_a model_n who_o sometime_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v light_a and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o darkness_n 1_o joâ—n_n 1_n v._o 5_o at_o all_o and_o at_o other_o time_n that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v john_n 4._o v._o 24._o he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o any_o one_o that_o will_v may_v learn_v for_o what_o end_n god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n if_o he_o will_v but_o consult_v the_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o especial_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n he_o come_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o true_a and_o most_o direct_a way_n to_o peace_n here_o and_o complete_a and_o 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of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v neither_o to_o lie_v hide_v altogether_o and_o so_o be_v entire_o useless_a and_o a_o mere_a cypher_n in_o his_o own_o creation_n nor_o to_o have_v his_o bright_a side_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v i_o mean_v his_o divine_a nature_n know_a to_o many_o of_o those_o very_a person_n who_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o see_v he_o with_o their_o bodily_a eye_n the_o voice_n that_o come_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well-pleased_a i_v say_v to_o be_v hear_v by_o the_o multitude_n as_o celsus_n jew_n imagine_v and_o the_o other_o voice_n which_o be_v say_v to_o come_v from_o the_o cloud_n be_v only_o hear_v by_o those_o who_o go_v up_o with_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o mountain_n for_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n that_o it_o can_v only_o be_v hear_v by_o those_o for_o who_o god_n be_v please_v for_o wise_a reason_n to_o design_n it_o i_o do_v speak_v here_o of_o the_o mere_a vibration_n of_o the_o particle_n of_o the_o air_n or_o any_o philosophical_a account_n that_o may_v be_v give_v of_o a_o voice_n but_o of_o a_o spiritual_a senfation_n whereby_o one_o who_o have_v spiritual_a sense_n exercise_v do_v hear_v god_n speak_v when_o one_o who_o be_v deaf_a to_o all_o the_o awaken_n precept_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n be_v entire_o ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v say_v i_o mean_v as_o to_o any_o valuable_a and_o last_a purpose_n that_o it_o serve_v this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o those_o word_n of_o celsus_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o what_o i_o have_v already_o offer_v concern_v the_o suffering_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n i_o judge_v to_o the_o follow_a word_n if_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o conceal_v his_o power_n and_o obscure_v his_o glory_n then_o sure_o he_o be_v bear_v under_o a_o very_a unhappy_a planet_n or_o else_o he_o have_v never_o suffer_v and_o die_v then_o celsus_n jew_n be_v please_v to_o draw_v a_o consequence_n which_o be_v very_o unnatural_a and_o unjust_a for_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v that_o because_o our_o saviour_n by_o his_o suffering_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o bid_v defiance_n to_o death_n itself_o therefore_o when_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o shall_v have_v order_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o make_v a_o general_n rendezvouz_n and_o have_v public_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o leave_v the_o realm_n of_o light_n and_o glory_n and_o think_v it_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o come_v down_o into_o this_o miserable_a and_o sinful_a world_n for_o this_o he_o have_v already_o do_v when_o he_o say_v come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n mat._n 11._o v._o 28._o and_o be_v heavy-laden_a and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_v this_o he_o have_v also_o do_v in_o the_o long_a sermon_n which_o he_o preach_v upon_o the_o mount_n concern_v the_o beatitude_n and_o his_o discourse_n on_o several_a other_o subject_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o it_o and_o in_o his_o useful_a parable_n and_o frequent_a dispute_n with_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o st._n john_n acquaint_v we_o in_o his_o gospel_n with_o what_o a_o majesty_n our_o saviour_n speak_v which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o artificial_a colour_n of_o humane_a rhetoric_n or_o a_o graceful_a elocution_n and_o happy_a gesture_n as_o of_o those_o divine_a important_a and_o plain_a but_o command_v truth_n that_o be_v the_o subject-matter_n of_o his_o frequent_a discourse_n and_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o other_o gospel_n that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v with_o