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
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
when_o he_o say_v if_o any_o person_n have_v foretell_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n he_o be_v one_o of_o our_o own_o prophet_n and_o inspire_v by_o that_o god_n in_o who_o we_o believe_v and_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o it_o tend_v in_o the_o least_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o jew_n for_o it_o do_v follow_v that_o because_o he_o be_v so_o therefore_o all_o who_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n must_v observe_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n chap._n v._n than_o the_o pretend_a jew_n tell_v we_o that_o our_o saviour_n be_v punish_v by_o his_o own_o countryman_n according_a to_o the_o demerit_n of_o his_o horrid_a crime_n but_o i_o think_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o already_o in_o answer_n to_o so_o pityful_a a_o cavil_v and_o therefore_o sha'n_v do_v he_o the_o honour_n to_o imitate_v he_o in_o his_o frequent_a and_o needless_a repetition_n then_o he_o laugh_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n at_o which_o the_o righteous_a will_v be_v reward_v and_o the_o wicked_a punish_v i_o say_v he_o laugh_v at_o it_o as_o be_v in_o his_o opinion_n most_o high_o ridiculous_a and_o he_o say_v that_o the_o christian_n say_v nothing_o even_o on_o these_o important_a subject_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v they_o but_o what_o be_v say_v long_o before_o imagine_v that_o this_o be_v a_o effectual_a argument_n to_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a superstructure_n of_o christianity_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n perceive_v how_o little_a conformity_n there_o be_v between_o the_o live_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o doctrine_n even_o of_o their_o own_o celebrate_a prophet_n think_v fit_a to_o teach_v they_o by_o parable_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v mat._n xxi_o v._o 41._o take_v from_o they_o and_o give_v to_o the_o gentile_n and_o we_o see_v this_o prophecy_n most_o evident_o and_o remarkable_o fulfil_v in_o the_o age_n in_o which_o we_o live_v for_o the_o present_a jew_n not_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o supernatural_a light_n which_o be_v high_o necessary_a to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n abound_v to_o their_o great_a shame_n with_o extravagant_a and_o innumerable_a fancy_n whereas_o the_o christian_n be_v happy_o lead_v into_o the_o spiritual_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o alone_o be_v able_a at_o once_o to_o enlighten_v and_o elevate_v the_o mind_n and_o do_v it_o live_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o member_n of_o a_o earthly_a republic_n but_o like_o worthy_a and_o honourable_a citizen_n of_o that_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n of_o which_o their_o pompous_a worship_n and_o external_a grandeur_n be_v a_o very_a imperfect_a emblem_n this_o be_v evident_a in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o penetrate_v into_o the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o the_o law_n and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o rational_a and_o intelligible_a explication_n of_o they_o to_o any_o person_n who_o may_v modest_o desire_v it_o and_o suppose_v i_o shall_v grant_v that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o observe_v the_o various_a ceremony_n relate_v to_o the_o jewish_a sacrifice_n this_o i_o think_v will_v be_v no_o solid_a argument_n against_o our_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god._n he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o that_o adorable_a majesty_n who_o give_v the_o law_n and_o from_o who_o the_o prophet_n do_v receive_v their_o commission_n and_o we_o who_o be_v christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n do_v wilful_o transgress_v the_o law_n but_o reject_v the_o fable_n of_o the_o jew_n employ_v our_o time_n and_o strength_n in_o search_v into_o the_o spiritual_a and_o mystical_a sense_n which_o we_o think_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n do_v admit_v of_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o themselves_o wou'dn_v have_v we_o rest_n in_o the_o literal_a and_o most_o obvious_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o important_a message_n they_o deliver_v from_o time_n to_o time_n since_o it_o be_v their_o common_a practice_n to_o usher_v in_o their_o prophecy_n with_o some_o such_o introduction_n as_o this_o i_o will_v open_v my_o mouth_n in_o a_o parable_n i_o will_v utter_v dark_a say_n of_o old_a and_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o command_v of_o the_o law_n as_o be_v obscure_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v right_o understand_v without_o divine_a assistance_n they_o put_v up_o this_o earnest_a petition_n to_o almighty_a god_n open_v thou_o my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o thy_o law_n ps_n cxix_o v._o 18._o chap._n vi_o and_o by_o the_o way_n since_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n which_o the_o prophet_n use_v i_o may_v safe_o challenge_v any_o person_n to_o instance_n in_o any_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n that_o be_v vain_a or_o even_o seem_v to_o have_v the_o least_o tincture_n of_o pride_n and_o ostentation_n and_o how_o can_v he_o be_v accuse_v of_o haughtiness_n and_o arrogance_n who_o have_v abundant_a reason_n to_o use_v the_o follow_a word_n learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a of_o heart_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n to_o your_o soul_n mat._n xi_o v._o 29._o he_o i_o say_v who_o after_o he_o have_v sup_v with_o his_o disciple_n lay_v aside_o his_o garment_n and_o take_v a_o towel_n and_o gird_v himself_o and_o pour_v water_n into_o a_o basin_n and_o wash_v their_o foot_n and_o reprove_v one_o of_o the_o company_n who_o will_o suffer_v he_o to_o do_v it_o and_o say_v if_o i_o wash_v thou_o not_o thou_o have_v no_o part_n with_o i_o he_o who_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n john_n xiii_o v._o 8._o i_o be_o among_o you_o as_o he_o that_o serve_v luk._n xxii_o v._n 27_o to_o proceed_v let_v any_o one_o show_n if_o he_o can_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v ever_o advance_v any_o single_a position_n that_o be_v false_a and_o let_v he_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o great_a or_o small_a untruth_n if_o his_o inclination_n prompt_v he_o to_o prove_v he_o a_o notorious_a liar_n though_o to_o speak_v proper_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o degree_n of_o falsehood_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a any_o true_a proposition_n be_v as_o much_o a_o truth_n as_o the_o most_o important_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o why_o shall_v i_o talk_v as_o i_o do_v let_v any_o one_o and_o particular_o the_o pretend_a jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n by_o solid_a reason_n if_o he_o can_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v ever_o guilty_a of_o the_o least_o impiety_n be_v it_o a_o crime_n to_o abolish_v the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o ceremonial_a distinction_n of_o meat_n and_o the_o carnal_a observance_n of_o feast_n new-moon_n and_o sabbath_n that_o his_o sincere_a follower_n may_v have_v their_o mind_n gradual_o raise_v to_o the_o spiritual_a and_o full_a sense_n of_o the_o law_n which_o alone_o be_v worthy_a of_o the_o infinite_a purity_n and_o great_a design_n of_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n who_o give_v it_o though_o tisn_v in_o the_o least_o incongruous_a that_o a_o minister_n and_o even_o a_o apostle_n shall_v still_o be_v a_o jew_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o may_v gain_v the_o jew_n be_v under_o the_o law_n as_o it_o be_v to_o gain_v they_o who_o be_v under_o the_o law_n chap._n vii_o the_o jew_n add_v that_o abundance_n of_o person_n beside_o our_o saviour_n have_v lead_v such_o aside_o as_o tame_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o be_v even_o fond_a of_o delusion_n i_o answer_v let_v he_o instance_n in_o any_o one_o person_n if_o he_o can_v who_o ever_o give_v such_o useful_a precept_n to_o the_o world_n as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v leave_v upon_o record_n and_o teach_v they_o a_o doctrine_n which_o have_v as_o great_a a_o virtue_n to_o reform_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n as_o that_o which_o accompany_v the_o successful_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n then_o he_o say_v the_o christian_n find_v fault_n with_o the_o jew_n for_o not_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v god_n but_o this_o i_o have_v already_o answer_v and_o show_v in_o what_o respect_n we_o own_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v god_n and_o in_o what_o sense_n we_o believe_v he_o be_v a_o real_a man._n chap._n viii_o celsvs_n jew_n add_v the_o follow_a word_n how_o can_v any_o one_o imagine_v that_o we_o who_o all_o along_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o god_n will_v send_v a_o person_n to_o punish_v the_o disobedient_a and_o rebellious_a shall_v treat_v he_o so_o base_o when_o he_o come_v in_o compliance_n with_o
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 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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 soul_n be_v clothe_v when_o a_o apparition_n appear_v therefore_o st._n john_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n his_o disciple_n be_v within_o and_o thomas_n with_o they_o then_o come_v jesus_n the_o door_n be_v shut_v and_o stand_v in_o the_o midst_n and_o say_v peace_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o he_o add_v these_o word_n then_o say_v he_o to_o thomas_n reach_v hither_o thy_o finger_n st._n luke_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o simon_n and_o cleopas_n be_v talk_v of_o the_o thing_n luke_n 24_o v._o 14._o that_o have_v happen_v to_o he_o jesus_n himself_o draw_v near_o and_o go_v with_o they_o but_o their_o eye_n be_v hold_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o know_v he_o and_o he_o say_v to_o they_o what_o manner_n of_o communication_n be_v these_o that_o you_o
the_o christian_n from_o those_o foul_a aspersion_n which_o celsus_n have_v public_o cast_v upon_o they_o as_o if_o a_o confutation_n of_o he_o be_v not_o legible_a in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o what_o he_o offer_v may_v not_o be_v deserve_o reject_v as_o want_v even_o the_o appearance_n of_o truth_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n to_o show_v that_o our_o saviour_n hold_v his_o peace_n when_o false_a witness_n be_v bring_v against_o he_o i_o need_v only_o at_o present_a produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o st._n matthew_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o what_o saint_n mark_v the_o evangelist_n relate_v st._n matthew_n have_v these_o word_n now_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n mat._n 26._o u._n 59_o and_o all_o the_o council_n seek_v false_a witness_n against_o jesus_n to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n but_o find_v none_o yea_o though_o many_o false_a witness_n come_v yet_o find_v they_o none_o at_o last_o come_v two_o false_a witness_n and_o say_v this_o fellow_n say_v i_o be_o able_a to_o destroy_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o to_o build_v it_o in_o three_o day_n and_o the_o highpriest_n arise_v and_o say_v to_o he_o answer_v thou_o nothing_o what_o be_v it_o which_o these_o witness_n against_o thou_o but_o jesus_n hold_v his_o peace_n we_o read_v in_o another_o place_n of_o the_o same_o evangelist_n that_o our_o saviour_n return_v no_o answer_n to_o the_o person_n who_o accuse_v he_o and_o jesus_n mat._n 27._o u._n 11._o stand_v before_o the_o governor_n and_o the_o governor_n ask_v he_o say_v be_v thou_o the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o thou_o say_v and_o when_o he_o be_v accuse_v of_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n he_o answer_v nothing_o then_o say_v pilate_n unto_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o how_o many_o thing_n these_o witness_n against_o thou_o and_o he_o answer_v he_o never_o a_o word_n insomuch_o that_o the_o governor_n marvel_v great_o and_o indeed_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v admire_v by_o person_n who_o be_v least_o capable_a of_o reflection_n that_o when_o he_o have_v so_o fair_a a_o opportunity_n to_o free_v himself_o from_o the_o heavy_a charge_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o he_o to_o enumerate_v or_o at_o least_o modest_o insinuate_v his_o shine_a character_n and_o to_o commend_v the_o high_a power_n as_o be_v ordame_v of_o god_n and_o by_o these_o innocent_a and_o politic_a method_n to_o procure_v the_o judge_n favour_n i_o say_v that_o when_o he_o have_v so_o fair_a a_o opportunity_n to_o do_v all_o this_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o embrace_v it_o as_o to_o look_v upon_o his_o most_o violent_a accuser_n with_o a_o truly-generous_a disdain_n that_o the_o judge_n seem_v willing_a to_o acquit_v he_o have_v he_o make_v his_o apology_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o follow_a word_n who_o mat._n 27._o u._n 17._o will_v you_o that_o i_o release_v unto_o you_o barrabas_n or_o jesus_n who_o be_v call_v christ_n and_o those_o word_n he_o know_v that_o for_o envy_n ibid._n 18._o he_o have_v deliver_v he_o so_o that_o the_o holy_a and_o spotless_a jesus_n be_v scarce_o ever_o free_a from_o unjust_a and_o severe_a accusation_n as_o long_o as_o the_o perverse_a disposition_n of_o man_n who_o mind_n be_v corrupt_a and_o who_o life_n be_v often_o stain_v with_o the_o most_o gross_a enormity_n do_v remain_v the_o same_o as_o they_o have_v be_v in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o even_o now_o he_o hold_v his_o peace_n and_o make_v no_o verbal_a answer_n but_o the_o unblemished_a life_n of_o his_o sincere_a follower_n be_v his_o most_o cheerful_a and_o most_o successful_a advocate_n and_o have_v so_o loud_a a_o voice_n that_o they_o drown_v the_o clamour_n of_o his_o most_o bigoted_a and_o most_o zealous_a adversary_n i_o will_v therefore_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v that_o by_o publish_v this_o apology_n i_o shall_v seem_v to_o lessen_v the_o force_n of_o those_o powerful_a argument_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o holy_a life_n of_o its_o pious_a votary_n and_o be_v plain_a appeal_n even_o to_o sense_n and_o common_a observation_n but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o seem_v backward_o in_o obey_v the_o command_v you_o have_v lay_v upon_o i_o i_o have_v endeavour_v according_a to_o my_o present_a ability_n to_o give_v a_o full_a or_o at_o least_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o material_a objection_n which_o celsus_n have_v bring_v against_o we_o which_o in_o your_o opinion_n my_o dear_a and_o respect_a ambrose_n do_v strike_v at_o the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o i_o very_o believe_v will_v never_o shock_v the_o faith_n of_o one_o who_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v live_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o with_o some_o measure_n of_o sincerity_n and_o god_n forbid_v that_o any_o of_o we_o shall_v have_v so_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v so_o lively_a a_o declaration_n of_o his_o love_n to_o perish_a sinner_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o bless_a and_o all-sufficient_a redeemer_n as_o to_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o receive_v any_o bad_a impression_n from_o celsus_n discourse_n or_o the_o write_n of_o any_o other_o ingenious_a and_o learned_a person_n who_o hold_v the_o same_o wicked_a principle_n for_o st._n paul_n reckon_v up_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o separate_v mankind_n from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n all_o which_o his_o love_n to_o they_o do_v and_o will_v at_o last_o effectual_o and_o most_o glorious_o overcome_v do_v it_o say_v that_o erroneous_a discourse_n shall_v be_v any_o much_o less_o a_o principal_a cause_n of_o this_o unhappy_a separation_n observe_v first_o he_o say_v who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n rom._n 8._o u._n 25._o of_o god_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n as_o it_o be_v write_v for_o thy_o sake_n we_o be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o we_o be_v account_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v we_o then_o reckon_v up_o another_o set_a of_o thing_n which_o usual_o shock_v man_n faith_n and_o virtue_n he_o say_v i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o ibid_fw-la 38._o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n even_o for_o we_o who_o fall_v vast_o short_a of_o the_o extraordinary_a attainment_n of_o that_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o say_v who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n but_o the_o apostle_n who_o think_v this_o too_o mean_v a_o boast_n for_o those_o who_o have_v arrive_v to_o so_o remarkable_a a_o pitch_n of_o virtue_n as_o that_o to_o which_o he_o have_v attain_v profess_v that_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v more_o than_o a_o conqueror_n which_o word_n have_v a_o peculiar_a weight_n and_o emphasis_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o noble_a class_n come_v to_o make_v their_o boast_n they_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o set_a of_o thing_n which_o be_v here_o enumerate_v and_o can_v say_v with_o a_o holy_a triumph_n that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n so_o that_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v no_o great_a opinion_n of_o that_o man_n christianity_n who_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o least_o liable_a to_o be_v shocked_a either_o by_o this_o book_n of_o celsus_n or_o the_o write_n of_o any_o other_o person_n of_o the_o same_o unhappy_a stamp_n for_o real_o i_o be_o at_o a_o loss_n to_o know_v in_o what_o class_n of_o christian_n i_o shall_v rank_v that_o man_n who_o be_v not_o proof_n against_o all_o the_o bitter_a but_o unjust_a reproach_n with_o which_o celsus_n have_v load_v the_o follower_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n but_o because_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o people_n be_v in_o no_o small_a danger_n as_o you_o imagine_v my_o dear_a ambrose_n of_o turn_v apostate_n from_o the_o faith_n since_o perhaps_o they_o may_v be_v shocked_a by_o what_o celsus_n have_v offer_v against_o the_o wellgrounded_n principle_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v no_o less_o confirm_v in_o their_o judgement_n
by_o what_o i_o shall_v seasonable_o produce_v in_o its_o defence_n provide_v i_o be_o able_a to_o confute_v his_o error_n i_o resolve_v to_o obey_v your_o most_o just_a command_n and_o to_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o book_n you_o be_v please_v to_o send_v i_o the_o very_a title_n of_o which_o viz._n a_o true_a relation_n will_v hardly_o pass_v for_o such_o with_o they_o who_o be_v no_o great_a proficient_n even_o in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n st._n paul_n know_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o greek_a philosophy_n that_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o contemptible_a but_o have_v by_o accident_n a_o malignant_a influence_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o common_a people_n represent_v error_n under_o the_o plausible_a appearance_n of_o solid_a and_o most_o important_a truth_n have_v these_o very_a word_n beware_v colos_n 2._o u._n 8._o lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ_n but_o this_o be_v more_o than_o i_o think_v any_o judicious_a person_n will_v allow_v the_o book_n which_o i_o be_o just_a go_v to_o answer_v for_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o forementioned_n thing_n by_o the_o name_n of_o vain_a deceit_n perhaps_o in_o contra-distinction_n to_o a_o certain_a kind_a of_o deceit_n which_o be_v not_o vain_a but_o innocent_a and_o useful_a which_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n consider_v make_v bold_a to_o apply_v the_o follow_a word_n to_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o oh_o lord_n thou_o have_v deceive_v i_o and_o jer._n 20._o u._n 7._o i_o be_v deceive_v thou_o be_v strong_a than_o i_o and_o have_v prevail_v but_o in_o my_o opinion_n what_o celsus_n publish_v do_v want_v even_o that_o plausible_a appearance_n to_o render_v it_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v deceitful_a which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o those_o eminently-learned_n person_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o various_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n among_o the_o pagan_n and_o as_o in_o geometry_n tisn_v sufficient_a that_o what_o be_v offor_v for_o a_o demonstration_n be_v in_o itself_o false_a and_o dangerous_a but_o it_o must_v have_v some_o colour_n of_o truth_n or_o it_o can_v never_o deceive_v and_o engage_v even_o the_o most_o faint_a endeavour_n of_o one_o who_o will_v improve_v in_o that_o entertain_n and_o useful_a science_n so_o those_o discourse_n which_o deserve_v the_o character_n of_o vain_a deceit_n must_v have_v some_o affinity_n with_o those_o rational_a argument_n that_o be_v frequent_o make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o head_n of_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n when_o i_o have_v proceed_v in_o my_o answer_n to_o celsus_n as_o far_o as_o the_o place_n where_o he_o personate_v the_o jew_n discourse_v with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v proper_a to_o put_v this_o preface_n before_o my_o book_n that_o so_o any_o one_o into_o who_o hand_n it_o may_v accidental_o fall_v may_v plain_o see_v that_o i_o didn't_fw-mi principal_o intend_v it_o for_o those_o christian_n who_o be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o their_o judgement_n but_o either_o for_o they_o who_o be_v entire_a stranger_n to_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o for_o they_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n rom._n 14._o u._n 1._o receive_v i_o must_v add_v one_o thing_n here_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o i_o have_v a_o different_a design_n in_o answer_v celsus_n in_o the_o gross_a from_o what_o i_o have_v in_o answer_v the_o beginning_n of_o his_o book_n for_o at_o first_o i_o design_v no_o more_o than_o to_o mention_v some_o of_o the_o principal_a head_n and_o content_v myself_o with_o a_o mere_a compendium_n but_o after_o mature_a deliberation_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o proper_a to_o gather_v my_o discourse_n as_o it_o be_v into_o a_o perfect_a system_fw-la or_o body_n then_o i_o be_v satisfy_v from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v at_o a_o needless_a expense_n both_o of_o time_n and_o pain_n and_o content_v myself_o with_o what_o i_o have_v write_v against_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o book_n which_o celsus_n publish_v but_o in_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o my_o apology_n which_o if_o i_o may_v modest_o say_v it_o of_o my_o own_o performance_n be_v much_o more_o elaborate_a i_o determine_v to_o bend_v all_o my_o force_n against_o he_o and_o to_o return_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v material_a and_o even_o to_o some_o of_o his_o most_o trifle_a objection_n i_o must_v therefore_o desire_v my_o reader_n to_o discover_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a candour_n in_o pass_v his_o judgement_n on_o what_o i_o have_v do_v especial_o on_o that_o part_n of_o my_o apology_n which_o immediate_o follow_v this_o epistle_n and_o if_o the_o other_o part_n shall_v have_v no_o better_a effect_n upon_o he_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v there_o also_o be_v extreme_o favourable_a in_o the_o sentence_n which_o he_o may_v pass_v upon_o i_o and_o if_o you_o virtuous_a ambrose_n desire_v a_o more_o complete_a answer_n to_o celsus_n than_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v he_o at_o present_a i_o must_v refer_v you_o to_o they_o who_o have_v a_o far_o great_a share_n of_o judgement_n than_o that_o to_o which_o i_o lay_v my_o most_o humble_a claim_n and_o be_v better_o qualify_v for_o the_o due_a and_o honourable_a management_n of_o so_o difficult_a a_o province_n however_o that_o person_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a and_o much_o more_o desirable_a condition_n who_o have_v meet_v with_o celsus_n performance_n and_o be_v furnish_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n with_o a_o warm_a and_o effectual_a apology_n for_o that_o excellent_a religion_n which_o he_o profess_v and_o endeavour_n to_o practice_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o power_n be_v so_o well-guarded_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o sincere_a follower_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n that_o he_o can_v look_v with_o a_o holy_a contempt_n on_o the_o false_a representation_n and_o most_o plausible_a argument_n of_o the_o most_o celebrate_a heretic_n that_o do_v ever_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n origen_n against_o celsus_n chap._n i._n the_o first_o charge_n which_o celsus_n bring_v against_o the_o christian_n be_v their_o hold_a cabal_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o to_o which_o as_o he_o think_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v entire_o subject_a he_o distinguish_v meeting_n into_o public_a and_o private_a the_o public_a meeting_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o the_o private_a and_o separate_a meeting_n which_o be_v keep_v up_o by_o schismatic_n and_o his_o design_n herein_o be_v to_o cast_v reproach_n on_o the_o love_n feast_n of_o the_o christian_n which_o be_v appoint_v to_o prevent_v a_o common_a and_o threaten_a danger_n and_o be_v far_o more_o bind_v than_o the_o sacred_a tie_n of_o mutual_a oath_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v i_o say_v he_o reproach_n they_o as_o if_o they_o manifest_o and_o gross_o interfere_v with_o that_o due_a and_o indispensible_a loyalty_n which_o as_o they_o be_v subject_n they_o owe_v and_o aught_o as_o he_o imagine_v to_o pay_v the_o national_a establishment_n since_o therefore_o he_o make_v his_o boast_n that_o he_o have_v the_o law_n on_o his_o side_n and_o will_v intimate_v that_o the_o separate_a meeting_n of_o the_o christian_n do_v countenance_n and_o promote_v schism_n and_o sedition_n i_o answer_v that_o as_o a_o stranger_n who_o have_v his_o lot_n providential_o cast_v among_o the_o scythian_n who_o be_v govern_v by_o most_o wicked_a law_n and_o have_v not_o a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o make_v a_o safe_a escape_n will_v be_v esteem_v by_o that_o ignorant_a and_o uncivilise_v people_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o their_o constitution_n and_o a_o favourer_n of_o the_o sectary_n if_o he_o didn't_fw-mi comply_v with_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n but_o may_v still_o urge_v weighty_a and_o unanswerable_a argument_n to_o justify_v his_o separation_n so_o the_o christian_n may_v lawful_o dissent_v from_o the_o establish_v religion_n which_o introduce_v image-worship_n and_o a_o whole_a rifraff_n of_o the_o mock-deity_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o abound_v with_o more_o horrid_a impiety_n than_o be_v ever_o practise_v by_o the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o as_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o a_o city_n may_v lawful_o defend_v themselves_o against_o a_o prince_n who_o have_v make_v a_o unjust_a descent_n upon_o their_o native_a country_n so_o the_o christian_n may_v warrantable_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o satan_n that_o great_a usurper_n to_o free_v themselves_o and_o other_o from_o his_o worse_a than_o scythian_a tyranny_n chap._n
to_o be_v lead_v aside_o into_o great_a and_o very_o pernicious_a error_n i_o confess_v this_o might_n with_o justice_n have_v be_v allege_v against_o the_o jew_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o deny_v our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n who_o have_v the_o plain_a testimonial_n of_o a_o divine_a commission_n and_o be_v so_o frequent_o and_o so_o evident_o foretell_v by_o their_o own_o celebrate_a prophet_n but_o not_o be_v desirous_a to_o entertain_v the_o least_o thought_n concern_v that_o matter_n which_o he_o know_v wou'dn_v serve_v his_o cause_n he_o suppose_v the_o jew_n to_o be_v most_o gross_o deceive_v in_o a_o case_n wherein_o the_o contrary_a be_v extreme_o evident_a chap._n xxiv_o leave_v then_o what_o immediate_o relate_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o another_o opportunity_n he_o enter_v into_o a_o discourse_n concern_v our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o be_v the_o head_n of_o a_o upstart_n sect_n who_o from_o he_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n he_o say_v that_o our_o saviour_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o introduce_v his_o doctrine_n but_o a_o few_o year_n ago_o be_v for_o what_o reason_n he_o know_v not_o take_v by_o the_o christian_n for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o when_o our_o saviour_n do_v so_o late_o introduce_v his_o doctrine_n it_o shall_v meet_v with_o such_o wonderful_a and_o happy_a success_n that_o almost_o in_o every_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n a_o great_a number_n both_o of_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n of_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a person_n shall_v so_o ready_o and_o even_o triumphant_o forsake_v the_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v and_o to_o which_o they_o be_v preengaged_a by_o many_o other_o strong_a and_o almost_o indissoluble_a tie_n and_o on_o a_o sudden_a discover_v so_o extraordinary_a a_o zeal_n for_o a_o new_a religion_n as_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o sacrifice_v their_o reputation_n their_o fortune_n and_o even_o their_o life_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o which_o can_v hardly_o be_v say_v of_o any_o other_o doctrine_n which_o have_v all_o external_a advantage_n to_o recommend_v it_o i_o say_v when_o the_o posture_n of_o affair_n be_v such_o we_o must_v be_v strange_o blind_v by_o the_o force_n of_o prejudice_n it_o we_o do_v observe_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a appearance_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o so_o sudden_a so_o remarkable_a and_o so_o bless_v a_o change_n as_o this_o i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o say_v not_o to_o speak_v from_o prejudice_n but_o as_o one_o who_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n to_o make_v impartial_a inquiry_n into_o truth_n that_o a_o skilful_a physician_n can_v recover_v his_o patient_n even_o from_o their_o bodily_a disease_n without_o the_o blessing_n of_o almighty_n god_n upon_o the_o proper_a method_n he_o prescribe_v and_o if_o any_o one_o can_v cure_v the_o more_o fatal_a distemper_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v sudden_o and_o in_o a_o considerable_a measure_n dispossess_v those_o root_v and_o dangerous_a vice_n that_o have_v for_o a_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n usurp_v and_o maintain_v a_o dominion_n there_o can_v free_v it_o from_o its_o former_a and_o in_o some_o sense_n native_a intemperante_fw-la injustice_n contempt_n and_o profanation_n of_o holy_a thing_n and_o as_o a_o proof_n of_o his_o skill_n can_v instance_n in_o a_o hundred_o person_n who_o manner_n he_o have_v be_v happy_o and_o great_o instrumental_a to_o reform_v i_o presume_v you_o will_v not_o say_v that_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o seasonable_a and_o more_o than_o common_a interposition_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n if_o then_o any_o person_n who_o weigh_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o his_o serious_a and_o deliberate_a thought_n will_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v that_o much_o of_o the_o natural_a and_o all_o the_o moral_a good_a of_o which_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v boast_v be_v owe_v to_o some_o high_a cause_n than_o a_o general_n concourse_n of_o the_o supreme_a and_z and_o alwise_a be_v how_o much_o more_o just_o and_o more_o eminent_o may_v this_o be_v say_v in_o commendation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n if_o we_o compare_v the_o course_n of_o life_n which_o his_o follower_n once_o ignorant_o and_o unhappy_o lead_v with_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o future_a conversation_n and_o consider_v how_o willing_o and_o even_o greedy_o they_o devote_v themselves_o to_o debauchery_n fraud_n and_o avarice_n before_o they_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n which_o the_o bless_a jesus_n introduce_v into_o the_o world_n which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o epicurean_o be_v a_o notorious_a cheat_n and_o the_o great_a plague_n with_o which_o mankind_n can_v possible_o have_v be_v infect_v but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n be_v illustrious_a example_n of_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n insomuch_o that_o some_o of_o they_o from_o a_o sincere_a and_o vehement_a desire_n of_o attain_v to_o a_o extraordinary_a degree_n of_o purity_n and_o of_o devote_v themselves_o more_o entire_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n do_v abstain_v from_o the_o lawful_a delight_n of_o sense_n and_o those_o rational_a entertainment_n which_o marriage_n itself_o afford_v and_o any_o one_o who_o examine_v into_o these_o matter_n with_o that_o diligence_n and_o exactness_n which_o be_v requisite_a will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o our_o saviour_n with_o a_o greatness_n of_o soul_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o he_o attempt_v what_o be_v vast_o beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o mere_a humane_a nature_n and_o that_o the_o event_n do_v most_o remarkable_o answer_v his_o design_n for_o when_o every_o thing_n look_v with_o a_o unfavourable_a aspect_n on_o so_o great_a and_o seem_o so_o bold_v a_o undertake_n and_o threaten_v that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v confine_v to_o a_o very_a narrow_a compass_n when_o the_o roman_a emperor_n in_o their_o successive_a reign_n the_o governor_n of_o province_n and_o general_n of_o army_n the_o magistrate_n of_o particular_a city_n the_o soldier_n and_o the_o common_a people_n in_o a_o word_n when_o all_o person_n that_o be_v in_o place_n of_o authority_n or_o have_v any_o interest_n and_o influence_n declare_v open_a war_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o say_v even_o then_o under_o all_o those_o evident_a and_o great_a external_a disadvantage_n it_o bear_v the_o sacred_a and_o undeniable_a mark_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a approve_v itself_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o most_o wicked_a man_n force_v its_o way_n in_o spite_n of_o the_o unite_a malice_n and_o most_o vigorous_a effort_n both_o of_o earth_n and_o hell_n gain_v ground_n by_o the_o most_o violent_a opposition_n and_o be_v superior_a to_o all_o its_o enemy_n which_o be_v neither_o few_o nor_o contemptible_a and_o have_v a_o wonderful_a power_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n all_o greece_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n become_v trophy_n of_o honour_n to_o the_o immortal_a memory_n of_o its_o godlike_a founder_n chap._n xxv_o and_o since_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v entire_o ignorant_a of_o the_o art_n and_o science_n and_o have_v but_o a_o small_a measure_n and_o scarce_o any_o glimmering_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a but_o that_o among_o such_o vast_a number_n as_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o irrational_a and_o illiterate_a shall_v great_o exceed_v those_o in_o number_n who_o have_v render_v themselves_o famous_a for_o their_o sense_n and_o learning_n but_o celsus_n not_o be_v willing_a to_o consider_v this_o as_o he_o ought_v speak_v with_o the_o high_a contempt_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n himself_o who_o condescend_v to_o shine_v promiscuous_o on_o the_o great_a and_o the_o mean_a and_o to_o enlighten_v and_o warm_a with_o his_o refresh_a ray_n the_o most_o eminent_a saint_n and_o the_o vile_a sinner_n and_o he_o look_v on_o this_o extraordinary_a condescension_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o prodigious_a folly_n and_o unmanly_a self-debasement_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o high_a flight_n of_o majestic_a simplicity_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v discover_v by_o a_o incarnate_a god_n but_o celsus_n himself_o can_v say_v with_o all_o his_o prejudice_n and_o malice_n that_o all_o who_o ever_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v dull_a and_o stupid_a to_o a_o proverb_n and_o the_o only_a person_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v so_o since_o it_o seem_v he_o be_v so_o just_a and_o so_o gracious_a as_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o some_o few_o may_v be_v find_v among_o they_o who_o be_v very_o severe_a in_o their_o moral_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_a allegory_n chap._n xxvi_o but_o because_o he_o personate_v a_o jew_n in_o imitation_n of_o a_o professor_n in_o the_o university_n who_o make_v his_o young_a pupil_n declaim_v that_o he_o may_v use_v
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
the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o accomplish_v such_o great_a design_n but_o it_o be_v hardly_o worth_a my_o while_n to_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o so_o ridiculous_a a_o question_n for_o it_o be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o person_n shall_v say_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o i_o who_o always_o preach_v up_o the_o doctrine_n of_o temperance_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o debauchery_n or_o that_o i_o who_o in_o discourse_n do_v always_o vindicate_v the_o injure_a right_n of_o justice_n shall_v ever_o be_v guilty_a of_o violate_v its_o sacred_a rule_n and_o as_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o for_o person_n to_o talk_v in_o the_o praise_n of_o virtue_n and_o yet_o be_v open_o guilty_a of_o the_o most_o scandalous_a vice_n so_o the_o jew_n who_o make_v the_o prophetic_a oracle_n the_o matter_n of_o their_o continual_a boast_n do_v yet_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o those_o scripture-prophecy_n which_o be_v evident_o accomplish_v in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o if_o i_o may_v ascribe_v their_o blindness_n to_o some_o other_o cause_n beside_o the_o wretched_a degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o they_o plain_o discover_v i_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o it_o be_v direct_o foretell_v by_o the_o very_a prophet_n they_o so_o much_o admire_v for_o isaiah_n say_v express_o hear_v you_o indeed_o but_o understand_v not_o and_o see_v you_o indeed_o but_o perceive_v not_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n fat_a now_o let_v any_o person_n acquaint_v i_o what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o prophet_n intend_v by_o these_o and_o the_o like_a expression_n it_o be_v plain_a they_o see_v our_o saviour_n but_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o pierce_a ray_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n and_o hear_v he_o discourse_n to_o they_o but_o can_o comprehend_v that_o his_o humane_a nature_n be_v the_o live_a temple_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o be_v go_v to_o forsake_v their_o nation_n and_o to_o engage_v all_o its_o infinite_a perfection_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o believe_a gentile_n and_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o a_o thing_n very_o remarkable_a that_o since_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o jew_n have_v be_v leave_v by_o god_n and_o that_o the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n entire_o deface_v and_o lose_v insomuch_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o one_o sign_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n among_o they_o except_o the_o severe_a judgement_n which_o do_v so_o just_o befall_v their_o nation_n they_o have_v neither_o prophet_n nor_o miracle_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n whereas_o the_o christian_n even_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n have_v a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n confer_v upon_o they_o some_o of_o which_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o those_o which_o be_v wrought_v when_o our_o saviour_n be_v on_o earth_n chap._n ix_o than_o celsus_n jew_n break_v out_o into_o the_o follow_a expression_n how_o can_v any_o one_o imagine_v that_o we_o shall_v treat_v a_o person_n so_o ill_o that_o be_v foretell_v by_o our_o own_o prophet_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o enhance_v our_o crime_n and_o so_o to_o aggravate_v our_o most_o deserve_a punishment_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o at_o the_o final_a judgement_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o jew_n will_v be_v punish_v in_o a_o more_o dreadful_a manner_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n not_o only_o for_o reject_v the_o messiah_n which_o be_v a_o horrid_a crime_n but_o also_o for_o their_o barbarous_a and_o almost_o unaccountable_a carriage_n towards_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n nay_o even_o at_o this_o day_n so_o remarkable_o do_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n pursue_v they_o they_o be_v the_o most_o miserable_a people_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n for_o what_o nation_n be_v there_o beside_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v banish_v from_o their_o metropolis_n and_o deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o father_n and_o ancestor_n in_o their_o native_a soil_n these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o grievous_a calamity_n to_o which_o their_o own_o crime_n expose_v they_o for_o no_o history_n can_v parallel_v their_o villainy_n and_o especial_o those_o horrid_a barbarity_n which_o they_o exercise_v towards_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v they_o from_o sin_n and_o hell_n chap._n x._o the_o jew_n add_v how_o can_v we_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o god_n who_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n do_v none_o of_o those_o mighty_a thing_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o effect_v and_o on_o the_o other_o be_v convict_v and_o condemn_v to_o a_o severe_a punishment_n be_v force_v to_o abscond_v that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v take_v run_v like_o a_o vagabond_n from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o yet_o be_v at_o last_o apprehend_v and_o betray_v even_o by_o one_o of_o his_o most_o eminent_a follower_n who_o of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n one_o will_v think_v may_v have_v have_v the_o grace_n to_o espouse_v his_o master_n cause_n be_v it_o in_o the_o least_o suitable_a to_o the_o majesty_n and_o wisdom_n of_o a_o god_n to_o flee_v like_o a_o guilty_a wretch_n and_o to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v apprehend_v and_o forsake_v by_o his_o intimate_a friend_n who_o esteem_v he_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a messiah_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o ignorant_a as_o to_o call_v the_o body_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v material_a and_o sensible_a by_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o god._n nay_o we_o do_v attribute_v so_o much_o as_o this_o even_o to_o the_o holy_a and_o spotless_a soul_n of_o jesus_n with_o respect_n to_o which_o he_o use_v the_o follow_a word_n my_o soul_n be_v exceed_o sorrowful_a even_o unto_o death_n when_o we_o meet_v mat._n xxvi_o v._n 38._o with_o such_o word_n as_o these_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n behold_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n the_o god_n of_o all_o flesh_n or_o those_o jer._n xxxii_o v._n 27._o word_n before_o i_o there_o be_v no_o god_n isa_n xliii_o v._o 10._o form_v neither_o shall_v there_o be_v after_o i_o the_o jew_n acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a god_n himself_o that_o speak_v but_o he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o prophet_n as_o instrument_n to_o communicate_v his_o will_n to_o man_n and_o the_o greek_n confess_v that_o it_o be_v a_o god_n that_o speak_v the_o follow_a word_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o pythian_a priestess_n i_o can_v the_o numerous_a sand_n with_o ease_n recount_v herod_n clio._n fathom_v the_o sea_n and_o understand_v a_o mute_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v god_n the_o eternal_a word_n the_o son_n of_o the_o everblessed_n god_n that_o make_v use_v of_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n as_o a_o proper_a instrument_n when_o he_o speak_v the_o follow_a word_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o john_n fourteen_o v._o 6._o truth_n and_o the_o life_n i_o be_o the_o door_n i_o be_o the_o live_a bread_n that_o come_v down_o john_n x._o v._o 7._o from_o heaven_n and_o i_o may_v instance_n john_n vi_fw-la v._o 15._o in_o many_o other_o expression_n to_o the_o same_o effect_n we_o blame_v the_o jew_n therefore_o and_o i_o think_v not_o unjust_o for_o not_o acknowledge_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v god_n of_o who_o the_o prophet_n do_v so_o frequent_o produce_v their_o concur_v testimony_n that_o he_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_z it_o be_v to_o he_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v direct_v which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o account_n that_o moses_n give_v we_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n let_v there_o be_v light_n gen._n 1._o v._o 3._o let_v there_o be_v a_o firmament_n and_o the_o like_a it_o be_v to_o he_o he_o say_v let_v we_o make_v bid_v v._o 6._o man_n in_o our_o image_n after_o our_o likeness_n ibid._n 26._o and_o the_o eternal_a word_n do_v every_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o conjecture_n form_v in_o our_o own_o fancy_n but_o we_o build_v our_o faith_n in_o this_o important_a affair_n on_o the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o those_o very_a prophet_n who_o be_v ready_o own_a and_o extreme_o admire_v by_o the_o jew_n themselves_o for_o we_o be_v tell_v express_o he_o command_v and_o they_o be_v create_v now_o what_o create_v be_v how_o noble_a soever_o can_v execute_v the_o command_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_z with_o respect_n to_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n who_o but_o he_o who_o be_v the_o eternal_a and_o live_a word_n chap._n xi_o beside_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o several_a
and_o sometime_o must_v be_v restrain_v to_o his_o humane_a nature_n as_o when_o he_o say_v you_o seek_v to_o kill_v i_o a_o man_n that_o have_v tell_v you_o the_o truth_n which_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o god_n so_o in_o the_o case_n which_o be_v now_o before_o we_o we_o must_v understand_v he_o speak_v as_o a_o man_n discover_v at_o once_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o willingness_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o former_a in_o those_o word_n father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o and_o the_o latter_a in_o those_o word_n nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o begin_v with_o those_o word_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a indication_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o conclude_v with_o those_o which_o discover_v the_o willingness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o latter_a be_v often_o repeat_v by_o he_o beside_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o our_o notice_n that_o he_o do_v absolute_o pray_v let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o but_o express_v a_o most_o profound_a submission_n to_o his_o father_n will_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a i_o be_o not_o insensible_a i_o confess_v that_o some_o interpret_v those_o word_n after_o the_o follow_a manner_n that_o our_o saviour_n foresee_v what_o calamity_n will_v befall_v the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n on_o the_o account_n of_o that_o unjust_a and_o barbarous_a treatment_n he_o shall_v meet_v with_o at_o their_o hand_n have_v such_o a_o tender_a compassion_n for_o this_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a people_n that_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v from_o suffer_v that_o he_o may_v prevent_v they_o from_o be_v forsake_v of_o god_n and_o expose_v to_o those_o threaten_a calamity_n which_o he_o have_v in_o view_n and_o then_o it_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v since_o the_o jew_n upon_o my_o suffer_v will_v be_v sad_o leave_v by_o that_o god_n who_o once_o take_v they_o into_o his_o special_a protection_n and_o put_v they_o under_o so_o happy_a a_o government_n as_o that_o of_o a_o theocracy_n i_o desire_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o this_o cup_n may_v escape_v i_o beside_o if_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n put_v he_o to_o no_o pain_n at_o all_o as_o celsus_n will_v fain_o have_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v upon_o our_o own_o hypothesis_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o know_v how_o he_o can_v set_v his_o follower_n a_o bright_a example_n of_o patience_n under_o the_o most_o grievous_a suffering_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o most_o holy_a religion_n chap._n xviii_o than_o celsus_n jew_n accuse_v our_o saviour_n disciple_n of_o imposture_n you_o impose_v on_o we_o say_v he_o with_o a_o company_n of_o old_a wife_n fable_n and_o have_v the_o sense_n to_o give_v they_o the_o least_o colour_n of_o reason_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o world_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v the_o evangelist_n can_v easy_o have_v omit_v these_o thing_n if_o they_o have_v please_v and_o then_o there_o have_v be_v no_o room_n for_o this_o horrid_a slander_n for_o how_o can_v our_o enemy_n unless_o they_o will_v invent_v fiction_n out_o of_o their_o own_o fruitful_a brain_n reproach_n we_o with_o such_o and_o such_o expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n during_o his_o most_o bitter_a passion_n if_o the_o evangelist_n have_v suffer_v they_o as_o it_o be_v to_o sleep_v in_o a_o eternal_a silence_n and_o celsus_n wa_v sensible_a that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o allow_v emselve_n to_o be_v tame_o delude_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o history_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n so_o as_o to_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o look_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o god_n and_o the_o very_a person_n that_o be_v so_o frequent_o and_o so_o express_o foretell_v by_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v convince_v in_o their_o conscience_n that_o all_o that_o they_o write_v concern_v he_o at_o lest_o what_o seem_v to_o favour_v he_o be_v make_v up_o of_o fiction_n that_o be_v entire_o owe_v to_o their_o fruitful_a but_o unhappy_a invention_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o either_o they_o be_v man_n of_o integrity_n and_o publish_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o firm_o believe_v be_v true_a or_o else_o their_o gospel_n be_v fill_v with_o trifle_a fiction_n of_o their_o own_o and_o by_o consequence_n they_o can_o possible_o be_v persuade_v in_o their_o mind_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o god._n then_o celsus_n jew_n assert_n that_o even_o some_o of_o the_o christian_n like_o man_n that_o be_v intoxicate_v by_o the_o fume_n of_o wine_n and_o dont_fw-fr mind_n at_o all_o what_o they_o say_v or_o do_v have_v alter_v the_o original_a text_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o they_o may_v admit_v of_o various_a and_o almost_o infinite_a readins_n and_o this_o i_o suppose_v they_o do_v out_o of_o humane_a policy_n that_o when_o we_o press_v they_o home_o with_o a_o argument_n they_o may_v have_v the_o large_a scope_n for_o their_o pitiful_a evasion_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o confess_v i_o know_v no_o change_n that_o the_o original_a text_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v ever_o undergo_v unless_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o follower_n of_o martion_n valentinus_n and_o lucian_n beside_o tisn_v fair_a at_o all_o to_o charge_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o this_o upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o a_o crime_n and_o unworthy_a of_o its_o pretend_a purity_n but_o those_o person_n who_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o fact_n aught_o by_o all_o the_o law_n of_o justice_n to_o answer_v for_o it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v no_o solid_a though_o a_o plausible_a and_o popular_a argument_n against_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n that_o sophist_n epicurean_o and_o peripatetic_n have_v use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o delude_v the_o world_n with_o their_o false_a and_o dangerous_a opinion_n so_o it_o be_v no_o convince_a argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o some_o person_n have_v have_v the_o horrid_a impudence_n to_o corrupt_v the_o gospel_n themselves_o and_o so_o have_v give_v a_o unhappy_a rise_n to_o numerous_a and_o most_o impious_a heresy_n chap._n xix_o than_o celsus_n jew_n find_v fault_n with_o the_o christian_n again_o for_o misapply_v as_o he_o fond_o imagine_v the_o scripture-prophecy_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o i_o think_v i_o have_v speak_v sufficient_o to_o this_o point_n already_o beside_o if_o the_o conviction_n of_o his_o reader_n be_v the_o end_n which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v give_v we_o a_o key_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o jewish_a prophecy_n and_o may_v have_v offer_v one_o will_v think_v some_o solid_a reason_n why_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v fair_o accommodate_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o real_o he_o needn_v have_v be_v so_o spare_v of_o his_o time_n and_o strength_n in_o examine_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a importance_n and_o especial_o since_o he_o confident_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o person_n to_o who_o the_o prophecy_n may_v more_o fit_o be_v apply_v but_o celsus_n it_o seem_v i_v sensible_a at_o all_o that_o though_o such_o extravagant_a discourse_n as_o this_o may_v become_v one_o who_o be_v a_o utter_a stranger_n to_o the_o prophetic_a oracle_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o improper_a to_o come_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o any_o rational_a and_o sober_a jew_n indeed_o a_o person_n of_o the_o forementioned_a character_n will_v do_v what_o lie_v in_o his_o power_n to_o evade_v the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o christian_n give_v but_o he_o will_v never_o grant_v what_o celsus_n say_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o person_n to_o who_o the_o prophecy_n may_v more_o fit_o be_v apply_v than_o to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n i_o have_v already_o observe_v that_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o a_o twofold_a come_v of_o the_o messiah_n so_o that_o it_o be_v needless_a for_o i_o to_o answer_v the_o pretend_a jew_n when_o he_o say_v the_o prophet_n represent_v the_o messiah_n as_o a_o mighty_a prince_n and_o sovereign_a of_o the_o universe_n chap._n xx._n what_o he_o add_v that_o god_n never_o destgn_v to_o bring_v so_o great_a a_o plague_n upon_o the_o world_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v strong_o savour_v of_o the_o malice_n of_o a_o inveterate_a jew_n who_o supply_v his_o want_n of_o reason_n by_o a_o vast_a stock_n of_o impudence_n that_o he_o have_v always_o by_o he_o but_o i_o defy_v celsus_n and_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o doctrine_n introduce_v by_o one_o who_o reclaim_v so_o many_o person_n from_o the_o most_o scandalous_a vice_n and_o effectual_o engage_v they_o to_o
he_o please_v to_o the_o contrary_n they_o acquaint_v we_o that_o the_o blood_n which_o flow_v from_o our_o saviour_n body_n be_v not_o fabulous_a like_o that_o which_o homer_n speak_v of_o but_o that_o soon_o after_o he_o expire_v one_o of_o the_o soldier_n with_o a_o spear_n pierce_v his_o side_n and_o forthwith_o there_o come_v out_o john_n 19_o v._o 34_o 35._o blood_n and_o water_n and_o he_o that_o see_v it_o bare_a record_n and_o his_o record_n be_v true_a and_o he_o know_v that_o he_o say_v true_a in_o dead_a body_n it_o be_v common_a for_o the_o blood_n to_o stagnate_n and_o we_o do_v use_n to_o see_v water_n trickle_v down_o from_o the_o vein_n but_o when_o our_o saviour_n be_v dead_a water_n and_o blood_n flow_v from_o his_o pierce_a side_n in_o a_o preternatural_a way_n and_o if_o instead_o of_o put_v a_o improper_a and_o force_a sense_n upon_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o thereby_o seek_v all_o possible_a occasion_n to_o reproach_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o follower_n one_o will_v but_o diligent_o and_o impartial_o consider_v the_o strange_a event_n which_o be_v there_o relate_v one_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o centurion_n and_o they_o who_o be_v set_v to_o watch_v the_o dead_a body_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o earthquake_n and_o many_o other_o surprise_v accident_n that_o happen_v at_o that_o time_n be_v strike_v with_o a_o unusual_a terror_n and_o say_v true_o this_o mat._n 27_o v._o 54._o be_v the_o son_n of_o god._n then_o our_o bigoted_a adversary_n who_o only_o read_v the_o gospel_n with_o a_o design_n to_o pick_v up_o some_o scrap_n of_o they_o here_o and_o there_o which_o as_o he_o fond_o imagine_v do_v make_v for_o the_o interest_n which_o he_o espouse_n ridicules_a our_o saviour_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o gall_n and_o vinegar_n that_o be_v give_v he_o to_o drink_v he_o be_v so_o very_o thirsty_a say_v he_o that_o he_o greedy_o drink_v off_o the_o bitter_a draught_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o may_v easy_o show_v that_o that_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n will_v admit_v of_o a_o allegorical_a sense_n and_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v consign_v to_o the_o bare_a literal_a interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n but_o i_o choose_v at_o present_a to_o return_v a_o more_o general_a answer_n to_o this_o vile_a and_o notorious_a calumny_n viz._n that_o this_o relation_n of_o the_o evangelist_n exact_o agree_v with_o what_o be_v foretell_v under_o the_o old-testament-dispensation_n for_o in_o the_o 69th_o psalm_n the_o messiah_n be_v bring_v in_o speak_v the_o follow_a word_n they_o give_v i_o also_o gall_n for_o my_o meat_n and_o in_o my_o thirst_n they_o give_v i_o vinegar_n to_o drink_v now_o let_v the_o jew_n acquaint_v we_o who_o it_o be_v that_o the_o prophetical_a psalmist_n speak_v of_o and_o name_v any_o other_o person_n record_v in_o any_o history_n whether_o sacred_a or_o profane_v who_o have_v gall_n and_o vinegar_n give_v he_o to_o drink_v or_o let_v they_o free_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o be_v here_o relate_v be_v predict_v as_o what_o will_v certain_o befall_v that_o person_n who_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o then_o we_o come_v upon_o they_o and_o ask_v they_o this_o natural_a question_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v gentlemen_z that_o you_o shall_v be_v so_o loath_a to_o see_v your_o own_o prophecy_n accomplish_v for_o which_o you_o have_v deserve_o so_o profound_a a_o veneration_n and_o methinks_v a_o impartial_a enquirer_n into_o truth_n shall_v scarce_o need_v any_o other_o argument_n to_o convince_v he_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v the_o person_n who_o be_v all_o along_o foretell_v than_o this_o that_o in_o he_o all_o the_o jewish_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v so_o exact_o fulfil_v chap._n xxiv_o than_o celsus_n jew_n address_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n do_v you_o real_o believe_v even_o you_o who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o swallow_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o you_o by_o some_o people_n how_o ridiculous_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v i_o say_v do_v you_o real_o believe_v that_o we_o do_v ill_a in_o not_o acknowledge_v your_o pretend_a saviour_n to_o be_v god_n and_o not_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o one_o who_o sacrifice_v his_o life_n for_o the_o general_n advantage_n of_o the_o humane_a race_n with_o this_o great_a design_n among_o other_o to_o set_v we_o a_o bright_a example_n of_o patience_n under_o the_o afflict_a hand_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o we_o just_o blame_v they_o because_o though_o they_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o land_n of_o light_n and_o educate_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n which_o shall_v have_v be_v schoolmaster_n to_o have_v bring_v they_o unto_o christ_n they_o can_v answer_v the_o solid_a argument_n which_o we_o bring_v against_o they_o and_o yet_o will_v obstinate_o persist_v in_o their_o wretched_a unbelief_n if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 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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 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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 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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
be_v wicked_a man_n and_o most_o notorious_a impostor_n and_o a_o greek_a or_o egyptian_a or_o any_o other_o infidel_n may_v say_v thus_o to_o a_o jew_n oh_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n moses_n have_v tell_v we_o plain_o as_o your_o own_o write_n inform_v we_o that_o many_o shall_v come_v who_o will_v perform_v the_o same_o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v himself_o and_o yet_o be_v very_o wicked_a and_o design_v wretch_n for_o it_o be_v write_v in_o your_o own_o law_n if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o deut._n 13_o v._o 1._o he_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v unto_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o that_o prophet_n or_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n the_o pretend_a jew_n go_v on_o and_o make_v our_o saviour_n say_v that_o satan_n will_v be_v the_o original_a author_n of_o their_o curse_a art_n think_v thereby_o to_o ridicule_n and_o insult_v he_o but_o the_o christian_n or_o any_o infidel_n may_v as_o well_o allege_v against_o his_o celebrate_a moses_n that_o these_o prophet_n and_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n will_v counterfeit_v his_o miracle_n the_o jew_n say_v far_a that_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n even_o according_a to_o his_o own_o confession_n have_v no_o stamp_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n but_o be_v such_o work_n as_o will_v be_v do_v by_o the_o vile_a person_n upon_o earth_n but_o a_o infidel_n may_v turn_v the_o argument_n upon_o moses_n and_o say_v that_o his_o miracle_n even_o according_a to_o his_o own_o confession_n have_v no_o stamp_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n but_o be_v such_o work_n as_o will_v be_v do_v by_o person_n of_o the_o most_o infamous_a character_n and_o the_o follow_a word_n that_o our_o saviour_n not_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n do_v in_o the_o same_o breath_n condemn_v their_o miracle_n and_o his_o own_o may_v every_o whit_n as_o well_o be_v retort_v upon_o moses_n and_o those_o word_n of_o the_o jew_n i_v it_o i_o beseech_v you_o a_o most_o intolerable_a thing_n that_o from_o the_o same_o action_n he_o by_o all_o mean_n must_v be_v denominate_v a_o god_n and_o other_o be_v brand_v with_o the_o infamous_a title_n of_o magician_n i_o say_v those_o word_n of_o the_o jew_n may_v be_v turn_v upon_o moses_n thus_o i_v it_o i_o beseech_v you_o a_o most_o intolerable_a thing_n that_o from_o the_o same_o action_n he_o by_o all_o mean_n must_v be_v denominate_v a_o faithful_a and_o eminent_a servant_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n and_o other_o be_v brand_v with_o the_o odious_a title_n of_o impostor_n and_o those_o word_n of_o the_o jew_n even_o according_a to_o his_o own_o free_a confession_n we_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v wicked_a man_n than_o that_o he_o be_v a_o vile_a wretch_n himself_o may_v be_v turn_v upon_o moses_n thus_o what_o a_o instance_n of_o madness_n be_v it_o to_o look_v upon_o moses_n as_o a_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a prophet_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o deny_v these_o honourable_a character_n to_o such_o person_n as_o be_v to_o work_v miracle_n as_o well_o as_o he_o even_o according_a to_o his_o own_o prediction_n and_o those_o word_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o he_o think_v do_v give_v more_o force_n to_o the_o objection_n viz._n that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o such_o action_n be_v certain_a indication_n of_o the_o most_o notorious_a deceit_n and_o impiety_n and_o not_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n accompany_v the_o person_n who_o perform_v they_o may_v easy_o be_v retort_v upon_o moses_n chap._n xxx_o than_o celsus_n jew_n speak_v to_o those_o of_o his_o native_a country_n who_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n ask_v we_o the_o follow_a question_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o have_v his_o eye_n upon_o we_o all_o 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
woman_n be_v most_o notorious_o false_a for_o st._n matthew_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o sabbath_n as_o it_o begin_v to_o dawn_n towards_o the_o first_o mat._n 28._o v._o 1._o day_n of_o the_o week_n come_v mary_n magdalen_n and_o the_o other_o marry_o to_o see_v the_o sepulchre_n and_o behold_v there_o be_v a_o great_a earthquake_n for_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o come_v and_o roll_v back_o the_o stone_n from_o the_o door_n and_o sit_v upon_o it_o a_o little_a after_o he_o have_v these_o word_n behold_v jesus_n meet_v they_o i._n e._n the_o two_o ave-mary_n say_v all_o hail_n and_o ibid._n 9_o they_o come_v and_o hold_v he_o by_o the_o foot_n and_o worship_v he_o and_o i_o have_v already_o answer_v what_o celsus_n object_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n when_o he_o be_v crucify_v say_v he_o there_o be_v witness_n enough_o but_o when_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a at_o most_o he_o appear_v only_o to_o a_o small_a company_n of_o scoundrel_n i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v that_o our_o saviour_n can_o be_v see_v by_o all_o and_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v at_o present_a that_o all_o person_n be_v capable_a at_o time_n of_o see_v he_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o humane_a nature_n but_o to_o discern_v the_o bright_a ray_n or_o even_o the_o least_o glimmering_n of_o his_o deity_n be_v what_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o men._n i_o speak_v now_o of_o his_o humane_a and_o divine_a nature_n in_o contra-distinction_n to_o each_o other_o and_o not_o as_o have_v a_o mutual_a reference_n and_o close_a connexion_n but_o pray_v observe_v how_o weak_o celsus_n talk_v have_v say_v that_o our_o saviour_n appear_v only_o to_o one_o fanatical_a woman_n or_o perhaps_o a_o few_o other_o of_o the_o same_o wretched_a cabal_n he_o add_v the_o follow_a word_n when_o he_o be_v crucify_v say_v he_o there_o be_v witness_n enough_o but_o when_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o appear_v but_o to_o a_o few_o whereas_o have_v he_o have_v any_o brain_n he_o must_v have_v take_v the_o quite_o contrary_a course_n but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o latter_a word_n according_a to_o his_o weak_a judgement_n our_o saviour_n must_v have_v take_v such_o method_n as_o be_v plain_o impracticable_a and_o gross_o absurd_a viz._n he_o must_v be_v crucify_v forsooth_o in_o the_o sight_n but_o of_o a_o single_a person_n and_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n promiscuous_o when_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a for_o those_o word_n he_o shall_v have_v take_v the_o quite_o contrary_a course_n will_v bear_v no_o other_o tolerable_a sense_n if_o i_o be_o capable_a of_o make_v a_o judgement_n upon_o any_o thing_n our_o saviour_n have_v acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o person_n that_o send_v he_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n no_o man_n know_v the_o father_n save_o the_o son_n and_o in_o these_o word_n no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n but_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n who_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o he_o it_o be_v who_o reveal_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n to_o his_o true_a disciple_n and_o we_o endeavour_v to_o form_v our_o scheme_n of_o divinity_n upon_o his_o most_o excellent_a model_n who_o sometime_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v light_a and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o darkness_n 1_o joâ—n_n 1_n v._o 5_o at_o all_o and_o at_o other_o time_n that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v john_n 4._o v._o 24._o he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o any_o one_o that_o will_v may_v learn_v for_o what_o end_n god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n if_o he_o will_v but_o consult_v the_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o especial_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n he_o come_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o true_a and_o most_o direct_a way_n to_o peace_n here_o and_o complete_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o and_o to_o take_v a_o most_o bless_a advantage_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v of_o the_o horrid_a impiety_n and_o continual_a provocation_n of_o impenitent_a and_o dare_a sinner_n celsus_n be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o have_v the_o follow_a word_n he_o come_v it_o seem_v to_o instruct_v good_a man_n and_o to_o make_v free_a and_o monstrously-large_a offer_v of_o his_o grace_n even_o to_o the_o vile_a rebel_n then_o say_v he_o if_o he_o have_v so_o singular_a a_o fancy_n to_o abscond_v what_o need_n be_v there_o i_o wonder_v of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god._n and_o if_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o abscond_v then_o why_o do_v he_o suffer_v and_o die_v he_o imagine_v i_o perceive_v that_o the_o account_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o themselves_o not_o be_v able_a with_o all_o his_o pretend_a sagacity_n to_o comprehend_v or_o frame_v any_o just_a idea_n of_o the_o design_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v neither_o to_o lie_v hide_v altogether_o and_o so_o be_v entire_o useless_a and_o a_o mere_a cypher_n in_o his_o own_o creation_n nor_o to_o have_v his_o bright_a side_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v i_o mean_v his_o divine_a nature_n know_a to_o many_o of_o those_o very_a person_n who_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o see_v he_o with_o their_o bodily_a eye_n the_o voice_n that_o come_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well-pleased_a i_v say_v to_o be_v hear_v by_o the_o multitude_n as_o celsus_n jew_n imagine_v and_o the_o other_o voice_n which_o be_v say_v to_o come_v from_o the_o cloud_n be_v only_o hear_v by_o those_o who_o go_v up_o with_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o mountain_n for_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n that_o it_o can_v only_o be_v hear_v by_o those_o for_o who_o god_n be_v please_v for_o wise_a reason_n to_o design_n it_o i_o do_v speak_v here_o of_o the_o mere_a vibration_n of_o the_o particle_n of_o the_o air_n or_o any_o philosophical_a account_n that_o may_v be_v give_v of_o a_o voice_n but_o of_o a_o spiritual_a senfation_n whereby_o one_o who_o have_v spiritual_a sense_n exercise_v do_v hear_v god_n speak_v when_o one_o who_o be_v deaf_a to_o all_o the_o awaken_n precept_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n be_v entire_o ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v say_v i_o mean_v as_o to_o any_o valuable_a and_o last_a purpose_n that_o it_o serve_v this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o those_o word_n of_o celsus_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o what_o i_o have_v already_o offer_v concern_v the_o suffering_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n i_o judge_v to_o the_o follow_a word_n if_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o conceal_v his_o power_n and_o obscure_v his_o glory_n then_o sure_o he_o be_v bear_v under_o a_o very_a unhappy_a planet_n or_o 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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