raise_v against_o christianity_n but_o as_o for_o that_o private_a opposition_n that_o it_o meet_v with_o from_o philosopher_n and_o pretend_o learn_v man_n it_o be_v so_o very_o contemptible_a that_o it_o scarce_o deserve_v consideration_n for_o though_o one_o will_v expect_v to_o have_v find_v all_o the_o learned_a world_n engage_v in_o a_o controversy_n that_o concern_v the_o whole_a world_n yet_o they_o be_v very_o few_o that_o concern_v themselves_o against_o the_o christian_a cause_n and_o those_o that_o do_v so_o only_o pelt_v at_o it_o with_o remote_a and_o far-fetched_a cavil_n but_o never_o come_v up_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v the_o only_a pertinent_a subject_n in_o this_o enquiry_n and_o if_o that_o stand_v firm_a all_o other_o opposition_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o argument_n and_o break_v its_o own_o force_n upon_o itself_o by_o endeavour_v to_o disparage_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o it_o can_v deny_v or_o to_o prove_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v false_a that_o it_o can_v but_o confess_v to_o be_v true_a nay_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o put_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o the_o question_n that_o they_o be_v all_o force_a to_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v porphyry_n and_o celsus_n impute_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n to_o magic_n hierole_n and_o trypho_n say_v only_o that_o the_o christian_n make_v too_o much_o of_o they_o by_o make_v a_o god_n of_o a_o divine_a man_n julian_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o do_v no_o such_o great_a matter_n but_o only_o cure_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o blind_a so_o that_o it_o seem_v none_o of_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n hardy_a enough_o so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v of_o control_a the_o reality_n of_o our_o saviour_n action_n for_o fear_n of_o too_o much_o disadvantage_n in_o the_o controversy_n now_o after_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o foretell_v with_o what_o trifle_a pretence_n they_o must_v satisfy_v themselves_o and_o they_o be_v so_o very_a trifle_a that_o itwill_a require_v but_o very_o little_a pain_n to_o show_v their_o vanity_n all_o the_o opposition_n then_o that_o be_v make_v to_o it_o this_o way_n proceed_v mere_o either_o from_o gross_a superstition_n or_o avow_a atheism_n the_o first_o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o former_a account_n of_o the_o public_a persecution_n and_o be_v nothing_o else_o than_o a_o mere_a fanatic_a zeal_n for_o the_o old_a pagan_a idolatry_n and_o this_o be_v chief_o manage_v by_o the_o pythagorean_n the_o only_a superstitious_a sect_n among_o all_o the_o philosopher_n who_o be_v all_o along_o so_o zealous_a of_o the_o grecian_a rite_n that_o they_o may_v proper_o be_v style_v the_o monk_n and_o friar_n of_o that_o religion_n this_o humour_n they_o derive_v from_o their_o first_o founder_n pythagoras_n himself_o who_o have_v learn_v that_o part_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n from_o thales_n and_o anaximander_n that_o explain_v the_o mechanical_a contrivance_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n to_o which_o alone_o those_o philosopher_n pretend_v he_o quick_o perceive_v either_o by_o the_o sagacity_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n or_o the_o instruction_n of_o pherecides_n that_o there_o be_v some_o intelligent_a be_v in_o nature_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o order_n and_o harmony_n of_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o so_o strong_o possess_v he_o with_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n who_o he_o define_v to_o be_v a_o mind_n diffuse_v through_o all_o nature_n from_o who_o all_o thing_n receive_v their_o life_n and_o activity_n as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v how_o the_o natural_a effect_n that_o be_v constant_o and_o every_o where_o visible_a in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v but_o by_o the_o present_a and_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o such_o a_o power_n and_o now_o have_v his_o mind_n thus_o thorough_o touch_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o find_v the_o orphean_a rite_n and_o constitution_n at_o that_o time_n the_o most_o sacred_a solemnity_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n he_o grow_v very_o zealous_a of_o they_o as_o the_o most_o religious_a symbol_n of_o divine_a worship_n neither_o be_v his_o zeal_n satisfy_v with_o the_o superstition_n of_o his_o own_o country_n but_o he_o travel_v into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o inform_v himself_o of_o their_o several_a way_n of_o worship_v their_o go_n and_o then_o compose_v a_o service_n of_o his_o own_o partly_o out_o of_o the_o orphean_a partly_o out_o of_o the_o egyptian_a partly_o out_o of_o the_o chaldean_a partly_o out_o of_o the_o eleusinian_n and_o partly_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o out_o of_o the_o samothracian_a rite_n which_o together_o with_o his_o own_o theurgic_a ceremony_n must_v make_v up_o a_o complete_a rhapsody_n of_o all_o the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o though_o some_o of_o his_o follower_n leucippus_n democritus_n and_o epicurus_n apostatise_v so_o far_o from_o his_o institution_n as_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o rank_a and_o most_o audacious_a atheism_n yet_o all_o that_o persevere_v in_o their_o master_n discipline_n be_v sure_o no_o doubt_n to_o be_v most_o of_o all_o strict_a in_o his_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v only_o this_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n who_o be_v man_n rather_o devout_a than_o learned_a that_o all_o along_o give_v authority_n and_o reputation_n to_o the_o old_a heathen_a idolatry_n and_o therefore_o when_o christianity_n begin_v to_o bear_v it_o away_o it_o can_v not_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v appear_v the_o most_o forward_a champion_n to_o defend_v their_o fane_n and_o their_o temple_n their_o altar_n and_o their_o oracle_n against_o the_o new_a and_o prevail_a religion_n the_o first_o and_o the_o able_a champion_n be_v porphyry_n a_o man_n at_o that_o time_n eminent_a for_o wit_n and_o learning_n but_o so_o entire_o eat_v up_o with_o fanatic_a zeal_n for_o his_o religion_n that_o he_o have_v not_o patience_n so_o much_o as_o to_o hear_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o oppose_v it_o and_o this_o set_v he_o all_o on_o fire_n against_o christianity_n for_o be_v by_o nature_n of_o a_o fierce_a and_o angry_a temper_n insomuch_o as_o he_o attempt_v to_o cut_v his_o own_o throat_n as_o he_o describe_v himself_o in_o the_o life_n of_o plotinus_n and_o withal_o very_o much_o incline_v to_o austerity_n and_o devotion_n for_o he_o be_v a_o very_a strict_a observer_n of_o the_o pythagorean_n rule_n this_o fix_v he_o in_o his_o fanatic_a and_o superstitious_a zeal_n than_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o insuperable_a though_o when_o this_o happen_v to_o be_v join_v with_o a_o natural_a eagerness_n of_o temper_n it_o grow_v into_o mere_a fury_n and_o outrage_n and_o so_o transport_v man_n out_o of_o the_o use_n of_o their_o natural_a understanding_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o case_n of_o porphyry_n not_o only_o from_o that_o description_n that_o he_o give_v of_o himself_o and_o that_o account_n that_o his_o friend_n give_v of_o his_o life_n but_o also_o by_o that_o character_n that_o be_v give_v of_o his_o write_n against_o the_o christian_n which_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o most_o impartial_a writer_n as_o full_a of_o rage_n and_o bitterness_n though_o how_o he_o perform_v what_o he_o undertake_v be_v not_o so_o certain_o determinable_a in_o that_o not_o only_o his_o own_o book_n but_o all_o those_o that_o be_v write_v against_o it_o be_v utter_o perish_v but_o by_o those_o fragment_n that_o remain_v of_o it_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o appear_v that_o he_o ever_o venture_v to_o deny_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n but_o grant_v they_o so_o far_o as_o to_o impute_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n but_o how_o vain_a that_o pretence_n be_v we_o have_v already_o show_v at_o least_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o controversy_n depend_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v record_v of_o our_o saviour_n none_o of_o which_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o ever_o undertake_v to_o control_v and_o as_o long_o as_o that_o stand_v firm_a all_o other_o opposition_n be_v but_o trifle_v however_o he_o be_v a_o person_n so_o infinite_o superstitious_a that_o his_o opinion_n can_v be_v no_o prejudice_n against_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n because_o he_o be_v at_o no_o liberty_n to_o make_v any_o enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o pretence_n and_o of_o the_o same_o kidney_n be_v hierocles_n especial_o if_o he_o be_v of_o which_o there_o be_v little_a doubt_n the_o same_o zealous_a person_n that_o be_v first_o judge_n at_o nicomedia_n and_o afterward_o perfect_a of_o egypt_n under_o dioclesian_n and_o a_o great_a agent_n in_o his_o bloody_a persecution_n however_o he_o be_v a_o zealous_a orphean_a and_o extreme_o addict_v to_o the_o old_a pythagorick_a superstition_n but_o whatever_o he_o be_v otherwise_o his_o work_n
and_o do_v grant_v that_o they_o be_v very_o witty_a and_o acute_a man_n but_o if_o they_o will_v presume_v so_o extravagant_o upon_o their_o own_o wit_n as_o to_o think_v themselves_o such_o almighty_a conjurer_n as_o to_o be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o raise_v all_o the_o part_n of_o dead_a matter_n into_o life_n and_o motion_n but_o so_o to_o inspire_v they_o as_o to_o make_v they_o dance_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n into_o exact_a order_n and_o symmetry_n i_o think_v the_o great_a right_n that_o their_o friend_n can_v do_v they_o be_v to_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o much_o learning_n have_v make_v they_o mad_a for_o it_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o man_n in_o his_o right_a wit_n can_v ever_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v of_o so_o wild_a a_o design_n it_o be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o person_n famous_a for_o architecture_n shall_v grow_v so_o odd_o conceit_v of_o his_o skill_n as_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o with_o the_o great_a gravity_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n how_o to_o build_v house_n and_o palace_n without_o workman_n by_o teach_v his_o art_n to_o the_o material_n themselves_o whereby_o stone_n morter_n timber_n lead_v iron_n glass_n shall_v be_v enable_v to_o work_v and_o contrive_v themselves_o into_o a_o regular_a building_n his_o friend_n certain_o can_v never_o take_v it_o unkind_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v conclude_v he_o a_o little_a beside_o himself_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o all_o our_o mechanic_n philosopher_n that_o they_o will_v be_v building_n of_o stately_a world_n without_o a_o artificer_n for_o in_o that_o alone_o lie_v all_o their_o folly_n and_o it_o be_v so_o enormous_a in_o itself_o that_o no_o man_n wit_n can_v ever_o help_v or_o mend_v it_o whereas_o if_o they_o will_v but_o take_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n into_o their_o mechanic_n and_o make_v their_o several_a way_n of_o mechanism_n the_o effect_n of_o his_o contrivance_n and_o not_o the_o result_v of_o blind_a and_o stupid_a matter_n for_o i_o they_o may_v play_v at_o mechanise_v as_o long_o and_o as_o various_o as_o they_o please_v but_o till_o then_o i_o must_v beseech_v they_o not_o to_o take_v it_o unkind_o if_o some_o splenetic_a people_n can_v hold_v and_o if_o after_o this_o they_o shall_v persevere_v in_o their_o complaint_n the_o next_o thing_n they_o can_v do_v will_v be_v to_o pity_v they_o and_o thus_o have_v remove_v this_o poor_a but_o plausible_a objection_n that_o i_o find_v spiteful_o throw_v in_o my_o way_n i_o may_v now_o proceed_v where_o i_o break_v off_o well_o then_o if_o the_o physical_a end_n of_o thing_n be_v so_o obvious_a in_o the_o whole_a contrivance_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o they_o be_v lay_v for_o the_o groundwork_n by_o the_o divine_a providence_n the_o great_a line_n of_o morality_n that_o be_v so_o plain_o interweave_v with_o they_o must_v so_o much_o the_o more_o evident_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v draw_v by_o the_o same_o hand_n for_o thing_n moral_a be_v not_o so_o plain_a and_o visible_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n as_o thing_n physical_a or_o the_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a so_o easy_o observable_a as_o the_o contrivance_n of_o art_n and_o wisdom_n and_o therefore_o when_o those_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o and_o connect_v with_o these_o they_o can_v but_o derive_v a_o great_a light_n from_o they_o than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v themselves_o thus_o for_o example_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a than_o that_o the_o sun_n whatever_o other_o use_v it_o may_v have_v be_v design_v to_o give_v light_n and_o comfort_n to_o this_o low_a world_n and_o that_o the_o regular_a motion_n of_o one_o or_o both_o be_v so_o artificial_o contrive_v as_o to_o be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o this_o design_n insomuch_o that_o if_o any_o the_o least_o alteration_n be_v make_v it_o must_v prove_v a_o considerable_a prejudice_n to_o this_o whole_a globe_n now_o if_o the_o same_o cause_n that_o contrive_v this_o exact_a harmony_n between_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o earth_n have_v in_o any_o part_n of_o this_o contrivance_n intimate_v any_o law_n of_o life_n then_o be_v it_o as_o certain_a that_o he_o as_o much_o intend_v that_o mankind_n shall_v govern_v themselves_o by_o those_o law_n as_o that_o the_o sun_n shall_v give_v light_n to_o this_o world_n this_o connexion_n between_o the_o physical_a and_o moral_a end_n of_o thing_n be_v thus_o firm_o knit_v the_o first_o observation_n of_o nature_n will_v direct_v we_o to_o one_o great_a end_n of_o morality_n and_o that_o be_v universal_a and_o mutual_a love_n kindness_n and_o benevolence_n between_o all_o rational_a creature_n in_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v so_o lay_v as_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o that_o make_v it_o first_o design_v the_o happiness_n of_o all_o and_o then_o second_o to_o oblige_v we_o all_o to_o prosecute_v his_o own_o design_n have_v so_o order_v the_o natural_a course_n of_o thing_n as_o to_o make_v every_o single_a man_n happiness_n to_o depend_v upon_o their_o honest_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v that_o of_o the_o community_n and_o that_o be_v all_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o law_n or_o enact_v a_o obligation_n the_o first_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lawmaker_n to_o all_o his_o subject_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o observe_v it_o the_o second_o engage_v their_o obedience_n to_o it_o by_o the_o sanction_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o though_o this_o be_v all_o that_o the_o philosopher_n think_v requisite_a to_o be_v prove_v upon_o this_o argument_n yet_o here_o also_o as_o i_o begin_v high_a and_o found_v my_o argument_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n not_o upon_o the_o bare_a supposition_n but_o the_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o a_o deity_n so_o have_v i_o proceed_v far_o to_o the_o certain_a inference_n of_o a_o future_a state_n for_o though_o that_o be_v the_o natural_a course_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v settle_v by_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o as_o far_o as_o our_o action_n be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n that_o interest_n shall_v be_v connect_v with_o honesty_n yet_o it_o may_v and_o often_o do_v so_o happen_v that_o by_o the_o voluntary_a wickedness_n of_o other_o man_n they_o be_v oppose_v what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o that_o case_n if_o interest_n ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v then_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o honesty_n for_o then_o be_v we_o cast_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o wickedness_n that_o be_v not_o to_o care_v what_o we_o do_v so_o it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o our_o own_o particular_a self-design_n and_o if_o that_o be_v once_o take_v up_o for_o our_o resolution_n nothing_o can_v ever_o bring_v we_o under_o any_o true_a obligation_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n if_o honesty_n must_v be_v prefer_v what_o recompense_n shall_v we_o receive_v for_o the_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v suppose_v that_o in_o this_o case_n they_o run_v counter_a and_o therefore_o unless_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v some_o reserve_v for_o it_o in_o a_o life_n to_o come_v he_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o a_o duty_n without_o any_o sufficient_a reward_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o have_v oblige_v we_o without_o a_o sufficient_a obligation_n so_o that_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o the_o same_o providence_n that_o make_v the_o world_n and_o have_v interweave_v in_o the_o make_v of_o it_o the_o law_n of_o mutual_a justice_n for_o the_o attaintment_n of_o our_o common_a happiness_n have_v withal_o secure_v a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n for_o all_o that_o upright_o comply_v with_o his_o design_n because_o without_o it_o they_o may_v when_o they_o have_v discharge_v their_o duty_n be_v defeat_v of_o their_o happiness_n by_o the_o default_n of_o bad_a men._n for_o as_o all_o moral_a goodness_n be_v resolve_v into_o that_o one_o principle_n of_o seek_v the_o common_a good_a in_o the_o first_o place_n so_o be_v all_o wickedness_n and_o immorality_n into_o the_o contrary_a principle_n of_o neglect_v or_o oppose_v it_o see_v then_o that_o all_o man_n have_v some_o power_n over_o their_o own_o action_n for_o without_o the_o supposition_n of_o that_o all_o morality_n sink_v into_o nonsense_n and_o nothing_o and_o see_v we_o find_v by_o too_o common_a experience_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n that_o good_a man_n when_o they_o have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v as_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o obligation_n may_v be_v defeat_v in_o this_o life_n of_o their_o reward_n by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o bad_a man_n what_o can_v more_o evident_o follow_v than_o that_o the_o same_o providence_n that_o have_v oblige_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n shall_v secure_v their_o reward_n in_o a_o life_n to_o come_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o inseparable_o connect_v that_o
the_o christian_n p._n 376._o §_o xl._o the_o persecution_n not_o set_v on_o foot_n or_o carry_v on_o by_o the_o governor_n themselves_o but_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o fanatic_a rabble_n p._n 380._o §_o xli_o the_o rabble_n enrage_v against_o they_o by_o impudent_a lie_n and_o calumny_n p._n 387._o §_o xlii_o christianity_n oppose_v by_o the_o pythagorean_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o superstition_n a_o account_n of_o the_o superstition_n of_o that_o sect._n of_o porphyry_n hierocles_n and_o julian_n p._n 391._o §_o xliii_o christianity_n oppose_v by_o the_o epicurean_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o atheism_n a_o large_a account_n and_o particular_a confutation_n of_o celsus_n his_o cavil_n and_o calumny_n p._n 397._o §_o xliv_o the_o conclusion_n p._n 417._o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n part_n i._n §_o 1._o have_v already_o from_o all_o those_o admirable_a contrivance_n that_o be_v visible_a in_o nature_n and_o from_o all_o those_o wise_a design_n that_o discover_v themselves_o in_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o thing_n demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o universe_n i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v in_o the_o same_o method_n and_o by_o the_o same_o argument_n to_o discover_v that_o model_n of_o government_n that_o he_o have_v set_v down_o to_o himself_o and_o those_o law_n that_o he_o have_v prescribe_v to_o we_o and_o those_o sanction_n by_o which_o he_o have_v recommend_v they_o to_o our_o practice_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v desire_v nothing_o more_o to_o be_v grant_v i_o then_o what_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_a right_a to_o demand_v viz._n what_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o a_o author_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o that_o be_v the_o last_o result_n of_o this_o enquiry_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o deity_n there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o our_o present_a disquisition_n and_o we_o must_v turn_v back_o to_o the_o former_a question_n which_o must_v be_v determine_v before_o we_o can_v proceed_v to_o this_o enquiry_n but_o that_o be_v grant_v the_o other_o unavoidable_o follow_v that_o if_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o divine_a providence_n there_o be_v then_o some_o certain_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o government_n and_o therefore_o the_o epicurean_o when_o they_o will_v take_v away_o all_o natural_a obligation_n to_o religion_n justice_n and_o honesty_n first_o endeavour_n to_o free_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o all_o apprehension_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o without_o a_o lawgiver_n there_o can_v be_v no_o law_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o deity_n or_o if_o the_o deity_n that_o be_v have_v no_o regard_n to_o or_o knowledge_n of_o humane_a affair_n he_o can_v neither_o prescribe_v any_o thing_n to_o our_o action_n nor_o abet_v his_o prescription_n with_o reward_n and_o punishment_n these_o man_n be_v consistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o their_o principle_n but_o master_n hobbs_n that_o he_o may_v be_v constant_a to_o his_o own_o way_n of_o contradict_v himself_o as_o well_o as_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o have_v give_v we_o a_o body_n of_o natural_a law_n that_o be_v never_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o legislator_n for_o upon_o that_o one_o absurd_a supposition_n he_o find_v all_o his_o morality_n begin_v his_o hypothesis_n from_o a_o suppose_a state_n of_o nature_n in_o which_o nothing_o be_v or_o can_v be_v just_a or_o unjust_a which_o can_v never_o be_v suppose_v if_o there_o be_v a_o deity_n and_o to_o suppose_v it_o be_v to_o suppose_v no_o deity_n and_o than_o whatever_o law_n the_o philosopher_n afterward_o provide_v for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n they_o be_v make_v law_n by_o himself_o and_o require_v obedience_n without_o the_o will_n and_o command_n of_o a_o governor_n and_o there_o be_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o all_o his_o politic_n by_o this_o sly_a supposition_n to_o leave_v the_o deity_n out_o of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o without_o it_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o his_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o of_o all_o mankind_n for_o though_o he_o boast_v himself_o the_o founder_n of_o all_o morality_n yet_o he_o give_v we_o the_o very_a same_o that_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v in_o all_o age_n only_o we_o must_v not_o receive_v they_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n but_o upon_o his_o own_o for_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o wit_n after_o he_o have_v discard_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n he_o have_v as_o he_o think_v find_v out_o a_o way_n to_o make_v they_o obligatory_a to_o all_o the_o world_n but_o how_o ineffectual_o to_o his_o own_o purpose_n and_o how_o inconsistent_o with_o himself_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o trouble_v myself_o to_o inquire_v have_v elsewhere_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o by_o that_o one_o supposition_n he_o have_v irrecoverable_o let_v all_o mankind_n loose_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o villainy_n but_o if_o we_o will_v own_v any_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o any_o material_a purpose_n of_o life_n we_o must_v first_o suppose_v a_o supreme_a governor_n by_o who_o authority_n they_o be_v enact_v and_o to_o who_o we_o be_v accountable_a for_o our_o duty_n and_o obedience_n so_o that_o all_o that_o remain_v to_o be_v account_v for_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n a_o divine_a institution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n enjoin_v its_o observance_n to_o all_o mankind_n for_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o contrive_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o intelligent_a cause_n that_o propose_v to_o himself_o some_o design_n in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o every_o part_n than_o whatever_o effect_n result_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o stand_v contrive_v and_o constitute_v by_o he_o be_v to_o be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o his_o providence_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o notion_n or_o observation_n be_v imprint_v upon_o our_o sense_n or_o upon_o our_o mind_n by_o outward_a object_n he_o be_v as_o much_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o such_o impression_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v stamp_v upon_o we_o immediate_o by_o himself_o if_o then_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o present_v themselves_o to_o our_o sense_n we_o be_v make_v to_o understand_v that_o such_o action_n produce_v such_o effect_n it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o if_o we_o have_v receive_v our_o informa_fw-la tion_n from_o the_o supreme_a author_n himself_o because_o he_o have_v on_o purpose_n so_o contrive_v they_o as_o to_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o information_n that_o be_v give_v we_o by_o their_o be_v so_o contrive_v and_o herein_o consist_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o god_n have_v signify_v to_o we_o his_o own_o design_n and_o intention_n towards_o mankind_n in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o it_o and_o have_v induce_v we_o to_o pursue_v the_o same_o design_n with_o himself_o by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n result_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o we_o comply_v with_o or_o disobey_v his_o will._n for_o that_o be_v all_o that_o be_v proper_a or_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o law_n or_o to_o pass_v a_o obligation_n first_o to_o declare_v the_o will_n or_o command_v of_o the_o legislatour_n second_o to_o enforce_v obedience_n to_o it_o by_o consequent_a reward_n and_o penalty_n so_o that_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n have_v signify_v any_o certain_a rule_n of_o life_n to_o mankind_n by_o the_o very_a order_n and_o frame_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o he_o have_v far_a make_v they_o obligatory_a to_o all_o the_o world_n by_o make_v the_o same_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o reward_n as_o there_o be_v between_o every_o natural_a cause_n and_o effect_v their_o obligation_n will_v be_v establish_v upon_o no_o weak_a ground_n or_o proof_n then_o of_o certain_a demonstration_n and_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o same_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v design_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n as_o we_o can_v have_v that_o any_o natural_a cause_n be_v ordain_v to_o produce_v its_o natural_a effect_n and_o it_o will_v be_v as_o manifest_v from_o the_o whole_a constitution_n of_o nature_n when_o it_o be_v consider_v and_o reflect_v upon_o that_o god_n intend_v mankind_n shall_v govern_v themselves_o by_o such_o certain_a principle_n as_o that_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o sun_n to_o give_v light_n to_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o i_o here_o attempt_v to_o prove_v and_o hope_v to_o perform_v and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o will_v consist_v of_o these_o two_o part_n first_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o publication_n second_o the_o sanction_n
that_o wild_a beast_n man_n out_o of_o cave_n and_o den_n into_o society_n thou_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o all_o domestic_a and_o civil_a friendship_n thou_o be_v the_o only_a foundress_n of_o all_o law_n and_o good_a manner_n to_o thou_o alone_o do_v we_o owe_v all_o the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o to_o thy_o divine_a discipline_n do_v we_o entire_o submit_v ourselves_o one_o day_n spend_v according_a to_o thy_o precept_n be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o a_o eternity_n of_o vice_n or_o luxury_n with_o many_o more_o such_o flight_n and_o transport_n be_v we_o entertain_v in_o this_o eloquent_a discourse_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v write_v with_o a_o more_o than_o usual_a warmth_n and_o spirit_n out_o of_o that_o vehement_a delight_n he_o ever_o have_v to_o oblige_v and_o gratify_v his_o just_o admire_a brutus_n but_o as_o for_o argument_n he_o be_v force_v to_o satisfy_v himself_o with_o such_o as_o himself_o have_v already_o confute_v for_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o he_o here_o whole_o quit_v his_o own_o sect_n of_o the_o peripatetic_n and_o academic_n and_o turn_v perfect_a stoic_a and_o cashier_v all_o the_o good_n both_o of_o body_n and_o fortune_n out_o of_o the_o account_n of_o happiness_n and_o confine_n all_o the_o nature_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o only_o to_o a_o life_n conduct_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o virtue_n first_o then_o let_v we_o see_v for_o what_o reason_n he_o forsake_v his_o own_o discipline_n and_o second_o by_o what_o argument_n he_o establish_v that_o of_o the_o stoic_n as_o for_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o first_o it_o be_v very_o obvious_a forasmuch_o as_o no_o man_n can_v be_v happy_a that_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o therefore_o if_o that_o may_v be_v create_v by_o the_o evil_n of_o body_n or_o fortune_n than_o no_o man_n how_o good_a or_o wise_a soever_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v happy_a for_o if_o there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o good_a and_o three_o kind_n of_o evil_a as_o they_o say_v there_o be_v than_o he_o that_o be_v torture_v with_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o two_o of_o they_o that_o be_v he_o that_o be_v rack_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o pain_n in_o his_o body_n and_o be_v oppress_v with_o all_o the_o spite_n of_o fortune_n in_o his_o estate_n be_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o happiness_n that_o he_o can_v reap_v from_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o good_a sufficient_o miserable_a second_o no_o man_n can_v be_v happy_a that_o be_v not_o secure_a of_o his_o happiness_n in_o that_o his_o very_a insecurity_n be_v so_o much_o misery_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o place_v two_o share_n out_o of_o his_o own_o power_n can_v have_v no_o security_n of_o their_o enjoyment_n and_o so_o no_o happiness_n so_o that_o if_o health_n of_o body_n and_o prosperity_n of_o fortune_n be_v two_o necessary_a ingredient_n of_o humane_a happiness_n the_o case_n be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o secure_v that_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o ensure_v their_o continuance_n but_o of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o these_o thing_n i_o have_v already_o discourse_v against_o the_o epicurean_o and_o now_o i_o shall_v in_o a_o few_o word_n represent_v their_o vanity_n suppose_v then_o a_o mambless_v with_o all_o the_o advantage_n that_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v able_a to_o afford_v he_o what_o be_v it_o all_o but_o a_o shadow_n and_o a_o phantasm_n and_o to_o make_v short_a work_n of_o it_o how_o vain_a and_o imaginary_a be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o most_o envy_a and_o desire_a condition_n of_o life_n for_o prince_n can_v enjoy_v beyond_o the_o capacity_n of_o private_a man_n and_o though_o they_o may_v possess_v the_o whole_a world_n yet_o they_o can_v use_v and_o taste_v no_o more_o of_o it_o than_o inferior_a person_n their_o appetite_n be_v as_o finite_a as_o other_o man_n and_o when_o they_o have_v all_o the_o delicacy_n that_o a_o wanton_a or_o a_o witty_a luxury_n can_v devise_v they_o can_v but_o enjoy_v and_o seast_z to_o satiety_n and_o so_o can_v the_o mean_a and_o most_o despicable_a cottager_n in_o short_a they_o enjoy_v nothing_o beyond_o other_o but_o tumult_n of_o pomp_n and_o ceremony_n unless_o great_a care_n and_o anxiety_n make_v up_o any_o part_n of_o humane_a happiness_n and_o of_o this_o cardan_n propound_v 3._o a_o very_a apt_a instance_n in_o charles_n the_o five_o king_n of_o spain_n and_o emperor_n of_o rome_n the_o most_o fortunate_a prince_n not_o only_o of_o his_o own_o time_n but_o of_o many_o forego_v age_n who_o enjoy_v a_o very_a large_a empire_n not_o only_o in_o europe_n but_o in_o the_o indies_n who_o be_v successful_a in_o all_o his_o enterprise_n beyond_o his_o hope_n and_o desire_n who_o be_v not_o only_o absolute_a sovereign_n in_o his_o own_o dominion_n but_o umpire_n between_o all_o christian_a prince_n and_o dispose_v of_o signory_n and_o kingdom_n at_o his_o imperial_a will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o yet_o this_o mighty_a man_n live_v always_o in_o danger_n of_o the_o incursion_n of_o solyman_n the_o great_a be_v continual_o fret_v with_o the_o endless_a division_n of_o the_o german_a and_o italian_a prince_n perplex_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o this_o fleet_n and_o that_o army_n now_o say_v he_o shall_v we_o esteem_v this_o man_n happy_a that_o be_v so_o perpetual_o disquiet_v with_o such_o care_n such_o danger_n such_o loss_n may_v i_o perish_v if_o i_o will_v not_o rather_o choose_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o poor_a carthusian_n though_o it_o be_v in_o reality_n no_o better_o than_o that_o of_o a_o slave_n and_o as_o if_o this_o have_v be_v a_o real_a pprophecy_n that_o great_a prince_n ratify_v it_o not_o many_o year_n after_o by_o his_o own_o choice_n take_v sanctuary_n from_o all_o his_o greatness_n and_o prosperity_n by_o enter_v into_o a_o monastic_a life_n and_o shall_v we_o ransack_v the_o history_n of_o all_o the_o most_o fortunate_a prince_n in_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v quick_o find_v all_o their_o felicity_n embitter_v with_o so_o many_o grief_n and_o cross_n as_o to_o conclude_v with_o pliny_n after_o all_o his_o search_n that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o happy_a prince_n in_o the_o world_n and_o now_o when_o we_o have_v cut_v off_o the_o vanity_n of_o state_n and_o grandieur_n that_o so_o much_o dazzle_v and_o amuse_v those_o that_o know_v they_o not_o and_o so_o little_o satisfy_v those_o that_o do_v the_o delight_n of_o nature_n that_o remain_v and_o that_o all_o mankind_n do_v or_o may_v equal_o enjoy_v though_o they_o be_v not_o altogether_o as_o useless_a and_o impertinent_a yet_o be_v they_o altogether_o as_o unable_a to_o minister_v any_o competent_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n for_o as_o for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n their_o enjoyment_n consist_v rather_o in_o allay_a misery_n than_o in_o any_o true_a and_o real_a delight_n for_o they_o be_v pleasure_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n than_o their_o supply_v some_o present_a want_n and_o when_o the_o indigence_n of_o any_o appetite_n be_v appease_v its_o pleasure_n than_o cease_v and_o when_o apicius_n have_v glut_v himself_o with_o the_o choice_a delicate_n that_o wit_n or_o wealth_n can_v compass_v he_o do_v then_o loathe_v and_o nauseate_n they_o more_o than_o he_o ever_o desire_v or_o relish_v they_o beside_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o plutarch_n style_v it_o this_o little_a lump_n of_o flesh_n be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o unfit_a to_o be_v make_v the_o seat_n of_o happiness_n not_o only_o because_o all_o the_o pleasure_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v so_o vain_a short_a and_o transient_a but_o because_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o so_o many_o so_o sharp_a so_o last_v and_o so_o stubborn_a pain_n any_o one_o whereof_o be_v heavy_a enough_o to_o weigh_v down_o our_o big_a happiness_n though_o it_o be_v much_o more_o solid_a and_o substantial_a than_o it_o be_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o do_v not_o labour_n under_o some_o distemper_n or_o other_o and_o though_o possible_o at_o present_a he_o may_v be_v free_a from_o its_o actual_a pain_n yet_o he_o can_v avoid_v its_o perpetual_a fear_n and_o foresight_n and_o certain_o no_o man_n can_v be_v happy_a that_o live_v either_o in_o actual_a misery_n or_o under_o the_o constant_a expectation_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o into_o these_o two_o season_n be_v humane_a life_n as_o natural_o divide_v as_o into_o night_n and_o day_n and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n no_o man_n be_v scarce_o ever_o yet_o so_o complete_o lucky_a as_o to_o have_v she_o always_o to_o comply_v with_o his_o desire_n aristotle_n here_o reckon_v up_o riches_n friend_n authority_n good_a birth_n virtuous_a offspring_n strength_n beauty_n a_o sufficiency_n not_o only_o for_o a_o man_n be_v own_o personal_a want_n but_o all_o the_o
may_v suffice_v at_o this_o present_a upon_o this_o argument_n as_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o preacher_n of_o christianity_n that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_a fool_n they_o have_v never_o undertake_v it_o if_o false_a and_o if_o they_o be_v they_o can_v never_o have_v proceed_v with_o any_o success_n in_o it_o §_o vi_o but_o last_o we_o must_v either_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o witness_n of_o christianity_n to_o have_v be_v in_o good_a earnest_n or_o not_o if_o they_o be_v than_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n be_v unquestionable_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n be_v no_o magic_a story_n or_o any_o thing_n capable_a of_o juggle_a trick_n and_o illusion_n but_o a_o plain_a and_o common_a object_n of_o sense_n of_o which_o they_o have_v the_o same_o assurance_n as_o we_o have_v or_o can_v have_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o see_v or_o hear_v and_o they_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v of_o one_o another_o conversation_n and_o what_o be_v more_o they_o be_v jealous_a and_o incredulous_a and_o suspect_v some_o mistake_n or_o illusion_n and_o force_v he_o to_o appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o convince_v they_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o their_o sense_n and_o now_o it_o be_v likely_a when_o it_o be_v so_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v deceive_v themselves_o that_o they_o will_v take_v so_o much_o pain_n and_o endure_v so_o many_o misery_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v a_o impudent_a and_o a_o unprofitable_a fable_n which_o if_o they_o do_v than_o we_o must_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o good_a earnest_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o then_o beside_o all_o the_o forementioned_a abfurdity_n this_o supposition_n labour_v under_o one_o very_o enormous_a difficulty_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o viz._n that_o such_o profligate_v cheat_n 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the_o same_o person_n who_o report_n that_o he_o do_v such_o mighty_a work_n record_v also_o that_o he_o teach_v such_o excellent_a law_n and_o that_o he_o wrought_v those_o work_n of_o god_n for_o a_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n what_o can_v be_v more_o probable_a than_o that_o the_o same_o person_n shall_v in_o the_o same_o design_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o great_a virtue_n and_o great_a villainy_n in_o the_o world_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n sacrifice_v their_o life_n and_o fortune_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o imposture_n for_o if_o those_o thing_n that_o they_o report_v concern_v the_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o true_a then_o be_v he_o as_o lewd_a and_o wretched_a a_o impostor_n as_o ever_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n in_o bear_v out_o as_o if_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o as_o bold_a atheistical_a and_o ungodly_a wretch_n know_o to_o abuse_v mankind_n with_o such_o a_o palpable_a and_o blasphemous_a cheat._n be_v it_o not_o then_o likely_a that_o man_n shall_v do_v and_o suffer_v after_o their_o rate_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o a_o accurse_a imposture_n that_o be_v so_o infinite_o zealous_a for_o the_o concernment_n of_o truth_n and_o integrity_n how_o awkerd_o do_v these_o thing_n piece_n together_o what_o strange_a contradiction_n be_v reconcile_v in_o this_o odd_a supposition_n the_o same_o man_n die_v martyr_n to_o the_o worst_a imposture_n and_o best_a institution_n in_o the_o world_n to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o gain_v credit_n to_o what_o themselves_o know_v to_o be_v a_o notorious_a lie_n and_o yet_o die_v to_o advance_v the_o credit_n of_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o most_o conceivable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o so_o many_o plain_a and_o simple_a people_n shall_v conspire_v together_o in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o so_o lewd_a a_o forgery_n and_o then_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fable_n with_o their_o blood_n but_o how_o do_v the_o prodigy_n heighten_v that_o such_o profligate_v wretch_n shall_v so_o easy_o forego_v their_o life_n rather_o than_o their_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o their_o zeal_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n be_v a_o most_o undeniable_a demonstration_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o the_o more_o man_n tumble_v and_o toss_v their_o thought_n about_o to_o raise_v jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n upon_o the_o report_n the_o more_o do_v they_o entangle_v themselves_o in_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n but_o i_o shall_v prosecute_v this_o argument_n no_o far_o because_o in_o truth_n to_o say_v no_o more_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_o odd_o conceit_a man_n that_o can_v but_o persuade_v himself_o so_o much_o as_o to_o suspect_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o in_o good_a earnest_n and_o now_o if_o we_o review_v these_o circumstance_n of_o our_o saviour_n story_n as_o it_o be_v tell_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v favour_v with_o all_o the_o utmost_a advantage_n of_o credibility_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o suppose_v it_o a_o imposture_n yet_o have_v it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v how_o it_o can_v have_v be_v vouch_v with_o strong_a and_o more_o enforce_v motive_n of_o belief_n there_o be_v no_o satisfaction_n that_o mankind_n can_v reasonable_o desire_v which_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n have_v not_o give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n all_o scruple_n and_o exception_n be_v so_o fortunate_o prevent_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o possible_a escape_n or_o pretence_n leave_v for_o insidelity_n for_o first_o we_o have_v all_o the_o assurance_n in_o
into_o which_o number_n grant_v i_o may_v be_v receive_v this_o day_n be_v find_v in_o thy_o sight_n as_o a_o fair_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n such_o a_o one_o as_o thou_o thyself_o have_v prepare_v that_o so_o thou_o may_v accomplish_v what_o thou_o o_o true_a and_o faithful_a god_n have_v foreshew_v wherefore_o i_o praise_v thou_o for_o all_o thy_o mercy_n i_o bless_v thou_o i_o glorify_v thou_o through_o the_o eternal_a high_a priest_n thy_o belove_a son_n jesus_n christ_n with_o who_o to_o thyself_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n to_o this_o eminent_a martyrdom_n of_o saint_n policarp_n and_o the_o asiatic_n i_o can_v but_o subjoin_v that_o of_o pothinus_n bishop_n of_o lion_n and_o his_o companion_n in_o that_o they_o suffer_v under_o the_o same_o prince_n with_o the_o same_o christian_a courage_n and_o resolution_n especial_o because_o pothinus_n also_o be_v of_o a_o very_a great_a age_n and_o almost_o as_o near_o the_o 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more_o brave_a or_o more_o venerable_a in_o all_o the_o monument_n of_o christian_a antiquity_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v a_o very_a amaze_a story_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a example_n both_o of_o the_o modesty_n and_o the_o courage_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n for_o as_o they_o be_v treat_v with_o new_a and_o unheard_a of_o cruelty_n so_o their_o behaviour_n under_o all_o their_o torment_n be_v decent_a and_o free_a from_o all_o appearance_n either_o of_o vanity_n or_o passion_n now_o what_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o such_o man_n as_o policarp_n and_o pothinus_n to_o who_o i_o shall_v have_v add_v pionius_n that_o suffer_v gallant_o about_o the_o same_o time_n who_o live_v so_o near_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o have_v such_o opportunity_n to_o search_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v report_v of_o he_o shall_v thus_o frank_o resign_v their_o life_n upon_o any_o less_o account_n than_o the_o full_a 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the_o apostle_n themselves_o great_a use_n have_v of_o late_o be_v make_v of_o this_o objection_n by_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n mr._n hales_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o peevishness_n and_o before_o he_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v with_o great_a scorn_n upbraid_v its_o grossness_n and_o folly_n and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o daille_n topic_n against_o the_o use_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n and_o how_o often_o it_o have_v be_v since_o object_v by_o other_o it_o be_v needless_a here_o to_o repeat_v and_o yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v it_o prove_v nothing_o but_o that_o some_o man_n have_v a_o very_a great_a itch_n to_o be_v find_v fault_n for_o otherwise_o this_o grossness_n and_o folly_n this_o fantastic_a hurry_n in_o which_o all_o the_o world_n be_v schismatic_n as_o mr._n hales_n be_v please_v to_o speak_v of_o it_o with_o a_o great_a many_o other_o good_a word_n be_v a_o very_a remarkable_a instance_n both_o of_o the_o faithfulness_n the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n for_o that_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n in_o this_o thing_n be_v different_a from_o the_o beginning_n be_v evident_a from_o their_o different_a practice_n and_o so_o must_v have_v descend_v from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o may_v in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o thing_n casual_o and_o without_o design_n prescribe_v different_a usage_n saint_n john_n in_o those_o part_n of_o asia_n where_o he_o reside_v continue_v easter_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o jewish_a passover_n saint_n peter_n and_o saint_n paul_n in_o other_o place_n to_o prevent_v too_o much_o judaise_v in_o its_o observation_n make_v the_o same_o little_a alteration_n in_o its_o time_n as_o be_v make_v in_o the_o sabbath_n and_o in_o this_o matter_n of_o comply_v with_o or_o change_a jewish_a custom_n the_o apostle_n vary_v their_o order_n according_a to_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n sometime_o come_v up_o close_o to_o they_o sometime_o keep_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o own_o discretion_n now_o these_o different_a custom_n about_o easter_n be_v once_o casual_o settle_v in_o the_o church_n in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o begin_v to_o be_v matter_n of_o contention_n among_o the_o people_n as_o we_o know_v the_o common_a people_n be_v always_o zealous_a for_o their_o own_o custom_n whatever_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o to_o stifle_v this_o fire_n that_o be_v break_v out_o among_o they_o policarp_n a_o man_n of_o the_o great_a authority_n in_o asia_n undertake_v a_o journey_n to_o rome_n if_o possible_a to_o allay_v and_o compose_v the_o controversy_n where_o upon_o debate_n between_o he_o and_o anicetus_n they_o conclude_v it_o the_o most_o proper_a course_n that_o can_v be_v take_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n that_o both_o party_n shall_v retain_v their_o own_o custom_n without_o any_o breach_n of_o charity_n or_o communion_n and_o to_o declare_v this_o to_o the_o world_n they_o communicate_v together_o at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n policarp_n consecrate_v the_o eucharist_n in_o the_o church_n of_o anicetus_n and_o so_o they_o part_v love_o and_o continue_v ever_o after_o good_a friend_n this_o be_v all_o the_o grossness_n and_o folly_n that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o these_o good_a man_n be_v guilty_a of_o in_o their_o management_n of_o this_o controversy_n though_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v afterward_o revive_v by_o the_o indiscretion_n of_o one_o man_n victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o will_v needs_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o command_v the_o asiatic_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o he_o and_o all_o other_o church_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o excommunication_n to_o this_o they_o return_v he_o a_o sober_a answer_n represent_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o change_v so_o ancient_a a_o custom_n disclaim_v his_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o they_o and_o advise_v he_o rather_o to_o consult_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n than_o to_o impose_v upon_o they_o particular_a custom_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o ancestor_n neither_o be_v this_o do_v by_o they_o alone_o but_o by_o almost_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n though_o they_o be_v of_o his_o own_o way_n unanimous_o condemn_v his_o heat_n and_o rashness_n in_o so_o trivial_a a_o thing_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n irenaeus_n have_v convene_v a_o synod_n in_o france_n write_v he_o a_o synodical_a epistle_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o he_o agree_v with_o he_o in_o his_o observation_n of_o easter_n but_o not_o in_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a unadvised_a thing_n to_o think_v of_o excommunicate_v whole_a church_n for_o observe_v the_o ancient_a custom_n derive_v down_o to_o they_o from_o their_o ancestor_n that_o there_o be_v as_o
will_v have_v all_o their_o mighty_a expectation_n fulfil_v in_o himself_o alone_o and_o yet_o disclaim_v all_o temporal_a power_n and_o teach_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v not_o a_o kingdom_n of_o this_o but_o another_o world_n so_o strange_a a_o disappointment_n as_o this_o can_v not_o but_o work_v in_o they_o a_o fierce_a and_o angry_a aversation_n both_o to_o his_o person_n and_o to_o his_o doctrine_n for_o by_o this_o very_a thing_n all_o their_o hope_n of_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o roman_a yoke_n be_v utter_o defeat_v and_o yet_o that_o be_v the_o only_a benefit_n that_o they_o expect_v from_o their_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o entertain_v he_o with_o so_o little_a kindness_n when_o by_o his_o pretence_n of_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o not_o only_o fail_v their_o expectation_n of_o himself_o but_o destroy_v all_o their_o hope_n for_o ever_o to_o all_o which_o may_v be_v add_v the_o extreme_a wickedness_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n their_o manner_n be_v universal_o debauch_v under_o the_o reign_n of_o herod_n and_o their_o chief_a man_n taint_v with_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n but_o of_o that_o i_o have_v partly_o discourse_v already_o and_o shall_v do_v so_o again_o under_o the_o next_o head_n when_o i_o come_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o sadducee_n and_o therefore_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o refer_v to_o josephus_n his_o history_n of_o that_o time_n from_o whence_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v fall_v from_o all_o sense_n of_o common_a humanity_n that_o they_o be_v more_o barbarous_a than_o cannibal_n or_o banditi_n and_o that_o no_o history_n in_o the_o world_n can_v equal_v those_o instance_n of_o cruelty_n that_o be_v commit_v by_o the_o jew_n among_o themselves_o at_o the_o siege_n of_o jerusalem_n now_o such_o degenerate_a brute_n as_o these_o who_o delight_n and_o trade_v it_o be_v to_o be_v cut_v throat_n be_v very_o likely_a to_o give_v audience_n to_o the_o merciful_a institution_n of_o jesus_n and_o leave_v off_o their_o former_a highway_n practise_v to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o §_o xxxvi_o these_o be_v the_o most_o general_a and_o obvious_a prejudices_fw-la that_o might_n bar_v up_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o the_o entertainment_n of_o christianity_n notwithstanding_o all_o that_o evidence_n that_o it_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o the_o more_o particular_a prejudices_fw-la be_v those_o that_o relate_v to_o the_o chief_a faction_n and_o lead_a sect_n among_o they_o that_o be_v the_o sadducee_n and_o the_o pharisee_n who_o beside_o the_o prejudices_fw-la common_a to_o they_o with_o all_o other_o jew_n be_v blind_v by_o some_o other_o peculiar_a to_o themselves_o and_o in_o truth_n these_o be_v the_o only_a enemy_n that_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n for_o it_o be_v they_o that_o make_v use_v of_o the_o foremention_v prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o people_n thereby_o to_o raise_v their_o rage_n and_o fury_n against_o he_o so_o that_o whatever_o opposition_n be_v make_v by_o they_o proceed_v not_o direct_o from_o themselves_o but_o be_v set_v a_o work_n and_o manage_v by_o these_o man_n instigation_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v find_v out_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o the_o opposition_n that_o be_v make_v to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o the_o jewish_a nation_n we_o must_v discover_v the_o reason_n motive_n and_o design_n upon_o which_o these_o lead_a man_n proceed_v and_o they_o will_v appear_v so_o unjust_a and_o so_o unreasonable_a as_o that_o instead_o of_o reflect_v any_o disparagement_n upon_o the_o cause_n they_o oppose_v its_o be_v oppose_v upon_o such_o account_n will_v itself_o be_v no_o small_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o first_o as_o for_o the_o sadducee_n the_o case_n be_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o rank_n and_o avow_a atheist_n for_o though_o they_o pretend_v to_o own_o some_o part_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n yet_o that_o be_v only_o to_o pass_v a_o compliment_n upon_o the_o common_a people_n that_o will_v not_o in_o former_a time_n endure_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o open_v and_o downright_a atheism_n but_o otherwise_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o talk_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o religion_n whilst_o they_o deny_v the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n without_o which_o all_o pretence_n to_o virtue_n and_o piety_n be_v mere_a contradiction_n to_o themselves_o false_a brag_v and_o empty_a talk_n and_o though_o grotius_n 23._o will_v by_o no_o mean_n suffer_v they_o to_o be_v reckon_v with_o the_o herd_n of_o epicurus_n in_o that_o they_o deny_v not_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o humane_a affair_n but_o only_o confine_v its_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o this_o present_a life_n which_o be_v the_o same_o doctrine_n with_o the_o epicurean_o in_o other_o word_n for_o they_o too_o allow_v of_o the_o present_a reward_n and_o punishment_n ordinary_o annex_v to_o virtue_n and_o vice_n as_o well_o as_o these_o so_o that_o as_o to_o that_o point_n they_o stand_v upon_o equal_a term_n but_o when_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v part_v as_o they_o often_o be_v what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v but_o that_o whatever_o become_v of_o virtue_n or_o duty_n both_o of_o they_o be_v alike_o concern_v to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o present_a welfare_n so_o that_o immortality_n be_v once_o cashier_v it_o be_v after_o that_o vanity_n and_o nonsense_n to_o talk_v of_o any_o obligation_n to_o justice_n or_o religion_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o opinion_n entertain_v by_o the_o sadducee_n but_o it_o be_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o their_o sect._n upon_o this_o alone_a they_o esteem_v themselves_o wise_a than_o all_o other_o man_n and_o this_o be_v their_o great_a point_n of_o controversy_n with_o the_o pharisee_n so_o that_o when_o our_o saviour_n so_o avowed_o side_v against_o they_o in_o it_o he_o be_v for_o that_o reason_n their_o enemy_n and_o they_o oblige_v by_o it_o to_o endeavour_v his_o ruin_n now_o at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o appearance_n they_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a faction_n in_o the_o sanhedrin_n as_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o the_o scripture_n but_o josephus_n the_o highpriest_n himself_o and_o his_o kindred_n be_v of_o that_o sect._n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o they_o be_v much_o fierce_a than_o the_o pharisee_n in_o prosecute_a the_o apostle_n for_o attest_v our_o saviour_n resurrection_n and_o be_v therefore_o more_o particular_o mention_v than_o the_o other_o act_v 4._o 1._o 5._o 17._o and_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o fierceness_n be_v because_o all_o their_o hope_n be_v in_o this_o life_n only_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v more_o careful_a to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o world_n and_o therein_o their_o own_o and_o that_o make_v they_o the_o more_o zealous_a against_o all_o innovation_n or_o alteration_n in_o religion_n for_o fear_v of_o public_a disturbance_n and_o then_o beside_o if_o jesus_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o their_o sect_n and_o they_o must_v yield_v the_o victory_n to_o the_o pharisee_n in_o the_o great_a point_n of_o controversy_n between_o they_o so_o that_o for_o the_o very_a honour_n of_o their_o sect_n they_o will_v not_o endure_v to_o hear_v of_o it_o and_o its_o very_a mention_n put_v they_o into_o choler_n and_o passion_n and_o by_o that_o alone_o do_v saint_n paul_n raise_v so_o great_a a_o dissension_n between_o the_o two_o faction_n as_o to_o endanger_v a_o public_a tumult_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n act_v 23._o 6_o 7._o now_o this_o sect_n of_o man_n be_v thus_o detain_v by_o this_o principle_n they_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o may_v overthrow_v it_o but_o their_o custom_n be_v to_o jeer_v and_o flout_v at_o it_o as_o a_o ridiculous_a story_n and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o argue_v with_o our_o saviour_n about_o it_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v design_v rather_o to_o make_v themselves_o merry_a than_o to_o enter_v into_o any_o serious_a discourse_n with_o he_o atheist_n be_v always_o proud_a and_o conceit_a people_n and_o scorn_v to_o make_v any_o enquiry_n after_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v convince_v they_o they_o confute_v all_o with_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o when_o man_n once_o think_v themselves_o secure_a of_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o tell_v they_o any_o story_n against_o it_o for_o without_o ever_o inquire_v into_o its_o truth_n or_o credibility_n they_o be_v aforehand_o undoubted_o assure_v of_o its_o forgery_n and_o this_o be_v the_o particular_a case_n of_o the_o sadducee_n their_o main_a argument_n against_o a_o future_a state_n be_v the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o
begin_v it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o imagine_v but_o it_o must_v certain_o have_v be_v in_o the_o most_o brutish_a and_o barbarous_a age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o afterward_o gain_v authority_n only_o by_o virtue_n of_o ancient_a prescription_n for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v so_o monstrous_a and_o ridiculous_a in_o itself_o that_o its_o most_o zealous_a patron_n can_v make_v no_o better_a defence_n for_o it_o and_o be_v at_o last_o force_v to_o turn_v it_o into_o allegory_n contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o own_o history_n and_o though_o the_o primitive_a christian_n insist_v very_o severe_o upon_o this_o argument_n against_o the_o heathen_n of_o worship_v dead_a man_n for_o god_n i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o any_o of_o the_o heathen_n that_o oppose_v christianity_n ever_o take_v upon_o they_o its_o defence_n but_o all_o their_o write_n against_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n past_o uncontrolled_a so_o uncapable_a be_v it_o of_o any_o defence_n that_o no_o man_n dare_v so_o much_o as_o undertake_v it_o and_o nothing_o be_v do_v for_o it_o but_o only_o by_o force_n of_o law_n and_o government_n it_o be_v settle_v in_o the_o empire_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v comply_v with_o and_o object_n what_o you_o please_v against_o its_o impiety_n that_o concern_v not_o statesman_n the_o law_n must_v be_v preserve_v and_o now_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o chief_o be_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n suffer_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v charge_v against_o their_o own_o religion_n but_o only_o for_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n that_o be_v their_o form_n of_o trial_n will_v you_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o god_n if_o they_o do_v that_o alone_o absolve_v they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o that_o be_v certain_a death_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o christian_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o heathen_a worship_n be_v in_o they_o downright_a atheism_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o comply_v it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o so_o they_o be_v vulgar_o esteem_v and_o put_v to_o death_n as_o enemy_n to_o all_o religion_n but_o if_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o heathen_n proceed_n against_o the_o christian_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o concern_v not_o themselves_o to_o inquire_v after_o the_o christian_a pretence_n it_o be_v matter_n enough_o for_o condemnation_n that_o they_o will_v not_o worship_v their_o go_n §_o xl._o neither_o be_v these_o trial_n and_o execution_n set_v on_o foot_n so_o much_o by_o the_o governor_n themselves_o as_o by_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o people_n that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n force_v the_o emperor_n and_o proconsul_n to_o put_v the_o law_n in_o execution_n romani_fw-la nec_fw-la ulli_fw-la magis_fw-la depostulatores_fw-la christianorum_fw-la 35._o quam_fw-la vulgus_fw-la planè_fw-la coeteri_fw-la ordines_fw-la pro_fw-la authoritate_fw-la religiosi_fw-la ex_fw-la fide_fw-la nihil_fw-la hosticum_fw-la de_fw-la ipso_fw-la senatu_fw-la de_fw-fr equite_v de_fw-fr castris_fw-la de_fw-la palatiis_fw-la ipsis_fw-la spirat_fw-la it_o be_v the_o vulgar_a rabble_n say_v tertullian_n that_o be_v the_o vehement_a accuser_n of_o christian_n the_o other_o order_n be_v civil_a and_o courteous_a in_o their_o respective_a office_n neither_o the_o senate_n nor_o the_o knight_n nor_o the_o camp_n nor_o the_o court_n breath_n out_o any_o hostility_n against_o we_o and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o trajan_n rescript_n to_o pliny_n that_o he_o care_v not_o that_o the_o christian_n shall_v be_v seek_v for_o but_o if_o the_o people_n accuse_v they_o the_o law_n must_v be_v execute_v and_o though_o his_o successor_n adrian_n under_o who_o reign_n the_o next_o persecution_n commence_v be_v as_o great_a a_o zealot_n for_o the_o grecian_a rite_n as_o he_o be_v a_o pretender_n to_o their_o learning_n and_o be_v himself_o initiate_v into_o their_o eleusinian_n mystery_n yet_o he_o be_v rather_o the_o occasion_n than_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o persecution_n for_o that_o zeal_n that_o he_o have_v show_v to_o the_o rite_n of_o greece_n encourage_v the_o common_a people_n to_o fall_v foul_a upon_o the_o christian_n and_o therefore_o eusebius_n ascribe_v the_o beginning_n of_o this_o persecution_n not_o to_o the_o emperor_n but_o to_o the_o forwardness_n of_o some_o ill-minded_n man_n but_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o people_n run_v so_o high_a that_o the_o government_n be_v force_v to_o give_v a_o stop_n to_o it_o in_o so_o much_o that_o serenius_fw-la granianus_n proconsul_n of_o asia_n write_v to_o the_o emperor_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o christian_n that_o it_o be_v very_o unjust_a that_o for_o no_o crime_n but_o only_o at_o the_o outcry_n of_o the_o people_n they_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o that_o be_v grow_v the_o common_a custom_n to_o sacrifice_v they_o to_o popular_a tumult_n and_o meeting_n at_o the_o public_a theatre_n which_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o proverbial_a say_n christianos_n ad_fw-la leones_n viz._n that_o if_o the_o people_n ask_v it_o at_o the_o public_a show_n the_o proconsul_n and_o precedent_n be_v force_v to_o yield_v to_o their_o demand_n as_o they_o do_v not_o only_o in_o this_o but_o innumerable_a other_o case_n nothing_o be_v more_o common_a both_o at_o rome_n and_o in_o the_o several_a province_n than_o for_o the_o people_n to_o extort_v what_o they_o please_v from_o their_o governor_n at_o these_o tumultuary_a meeting_n and_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v their_o barbarity_n upon_o these_o occasion_n against_o the_o christian_n the_o emperor_n return_v this_o serious_a and_o severe_a answer_n to_o minutius_n fundanus_n that_o immediate_o succeed_v granianus_n i_o receive_v the_o letter_n which_o be_v send_v i_o by_o the_o most_o excellent_a serenius_fw-la granianus_n your_o predecessor_n nor_o do_v i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o matter_n fit_a to_o be_v pass_v over_o without_o due_a enquiry_n that_o the_o man_n may_v not_o be_v needless_o disquiet_v nor_o informer_n have_v occasion_n and_o encouragement_n of_o fraudulent_a accusation_n minister_v unto_o they_o wherefore_o if_o the_o subject_n of_o our_o province_n be_v able_a open_o to_o appear_v to_o their_o indictment_n against_o the_o christian_n so_o as_o to_o answer_v to_o they_o before_o the_o public_a tribunal_n let_v they_o take_v that_o course_n and_o not_o deal_v by_o petition_n and_o mere_a noise_n and_o clamour_n it_o be_v much_o fit_a if_o any_o accusation_n be_v bring_v that_o you_o shall_v have_v the_o cognisance_n of_o it_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v prefer_v a_o indictment_n and_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v transgress_v the_o law_n then_o give_v you_o sentence_n against_o they_o according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o crime_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o he_o bring_v it_o only_o out_o of_o spite_n and_o malice_n take_v care_n to_o punish_v that_o man_n according_a to_o the_o mischief_n of_o his_o own_o intention_n a_o copy_n of_o which_o epistle_n he_o send_v to_o several_a other_o governor_n of_o province_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o magistrate_n themselves_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o rigorous_a proceed_n against_o the_o christian_n that_o they_o do_v it_o only_o to_o gratify_v the_o clamour_n of_o the_o people_n and_o interpose_v their_o authority_n to_o screen_n they_o from_o their_o fury_n and_o tertullian_n reckon_v up_o several_a precedent_n to_o scapula_n who_o either_o avoid_v or_o refuse_v to_o proceed_v against_o the_o christian_n and_o particular_o pudens_n out_o of_o regard_n to_o this_o reseript_n but_o though_o it_o be_v able_a to_o check_v and_o bridle_v their_o fury_n during_o that_o emperor_n reign_n yet_o it_o break_v out_o again_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o successor_n antoninus_n pius_n and_o extort_a from_o he_o a_o more_o severe_a letter_n to_o the_o state_n or_o common_a council_n of_o asia_n prohibit_v all_o such_o wild_a and_o barbarous_a proceed_n against_o the_o christian_n but_o still_o the_o law_n be_v in_o force_n and_o ready_a to_o be_v seize_v upon_o at_o all_o turn_v by_o public_a zeal_n or_o private_a malice_n and_o so_o they_o be_v under_o the_o succeed_a reign_n of_o m._n aurelius_n for_o whilst_o himself_o be_v busy_a in_o his_o war_n several_a persecution_n be_v raise_v in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o empire_n at_o smyrna_n where_o policarp_n at_o rome_n where_o justin_n martyr_n and_o at_o lion_n where_o pothinus_n suffer_v policarp_n be_v mere_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o out_o cry_v of_o the_o people_n away_o with_o the_o atheist_n let_v policarp_n be_v seek_v for_o upon_o which_o be_v apprehend_v by_o a_o fanatic_a and_o hotheaded_a justice_n of_o peace_n he_o be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n that_o command_v to_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o god_n and_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n genius_n justin_n be_v prosecute_v by_o
clap_v one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o upon_o they_o to_o make_v up_o the_o objection_n and_o yet_o beside_o that_o they_o be_v a_o confession_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n itself_o they_o be_v thing_n of_o which_o he_o be_v oblige_v by_o his_o principle_n to_o entertain_v as_o little_a belief_n as_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n suppose_v some_o spirit_n or_o being_n distinct_a from_o matter_n and_o motion_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o man_n from_o the_o grave_a suppose_n soul_n distinct_a from_o blood_n and_o brain_n both_o which_o be_v mere_a contradiction_n to_o the_o epicurean_a philosophy_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o design_n to_o oppose_v they_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n for_o any_o truth_n that_o he_o suppose_v in_o they_o but_o only_o thereby_o to_o intimate_v that_o as_o they_o be_v fable_n so_o may_v that_o too_o which_o be_v such_o a_o slender_a way_n of_o argue_v as_o only_o betray_v its_o own_o weakness_n for_o when_o i_o have_v demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n with_o all_o the_o evidence_n that_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v it_o not_o a_o poor_a come_v off_o only_o to_o reply_v that_o yet_o there_o be_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o story_n that_o neither_o i_o nor_o perhaps_o any_o man_n else_o believe_v there_o be_v so_o but_o then_o the_o difference_n be_v this_o that_o the_o story_n that_o i_o believe_v be_v vouch_v with_o all_o the_o testimony_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o my_o belief_n but_o the_o story_n that_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v be_v on_o the_o contrary_a destitute_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o attestation_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o my_o disbelief_n so_o childish_a be_v this_o great_a and_o shrewd_a reflection_n of_o this_o witty_a philosopher_n but_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v several_a other_o passage_n that_o we_o have_v already_o consider_v and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o here_o repeat_v neither_o be_v it_o fit_a to_o pursue_v every_o bubble_n that_o he_o have_v blow_v up_o but_o whatsoever_o be_v any_o way_n pertinent_a to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v indeed_o to_o the_o argument_n though_o never_o so_o remote_o i_o shall_v give_v it_o as_o much_o confutation_n as_o and_o perhaps_o more_o than_o it_o deserve_v and_o when_o i_o have_v do_v that_o will_v make_v up_o a_o new_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n for_o thereby_o we_o shall_v see_v how_o little_a its_o great_a enemy_n be_v able_a to_o object_v against_o it_o the_o cavil_n of_o his_o first_o book_n than_o be_v such_o as_o these_o viz._n their_o clancular_a meeting_n against_o the_o law_n their_o be_v a_o barbarous_a sect_n as_o spring_v from_o the_o jew_n and_o not_o the_o grecian_n moses_n not_o be_v so_o ancient_a as_o be_v pretend_v the_o world_n not_o be_v create_v as_o he_o relate_v because_o eternal_a and_o his_o teach_v the_o jew_n to_o worship_n angel_n our_o saviour_n be_v a_o magician_n himself_o be_v poor_a and_o his_o disciple_n ignorant_a first_o then_o they_o keep_v clancular_a meeting_n against_o the_o law_n against_o what_o law_n why_o against_o such_o as_o forbid_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o in_o its_o stead_n enjoin_v the_o worship_n of_o idol_n and_o dead_a men._n but_o as_o for_o the_o public_a law_n against_o the_o christian_n i_o have_v already_o give_v a_o sufficient_a account_n of_o their_o iniquity_n though_o as_o celsus_n have_v manage_v the_o cavil_v it_o need_v no_o reply_n because_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n mere_o to_o urge_v the_o law_n unless_o he_o have_v vindicate_v their_o goodness_n and_o justice_n in_o that_o there_o may_v be_v bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a law_n and_o therefore_o unless_o he_o will_v have_v undertake_v to_o make_v good_a the_o piety_n of_o those_o law_n that_o command_v the_o worship_n of_o their_o heathen_a god_n that_o himself_o know_v to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o very_o bad_a man_n he_o have_v much_o better_a have_v let_v the_o law_n alone_o but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o christian_n be_v a_o barbarous_a sect_n that_o have_v their_o beginning_n among_o the_o jew_n not_o the_o grecian_n but_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n whence_o they_o spring_v so_o they_o bring_v a_o good_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o of_o this_o origen_n tell_v he_o they_o have_v from_o the_o very_a beginning_n to_o that_o very_a day_n a_o demonstration_n that_o exceed_v all_o their_o pretend_a learning_n and_o that_o be_v the_o demonstration_n of_o power_n or_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n but_o alas_o this_o objection_n of_o barbarity_n be_v nothing_o more_o than_o mere_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o pedantic_a pride_n of_o the_o greek_n who_o value_v themselves_o above_o the_o common_a rate_n of_o mankind_n and_o look_v down_o with_o intolerable_a scorn_n and_o contempt_n upon_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o but_o as_o for_o their_o great_a improvement_n in_o learning_n above_o other_o nation_n of_o which_o they_o so_o much_o boast_v among_o themselves_o i_o need_v here_o say_v nothing_o though_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o find_v nothing_o so_o valuable_a among_o their_o choice_a philosopher_n but_o when_o i_o look_v for_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n i_o can_v find_v little_o better_o in_o any_o of_o they_o than_o childish_a trick_n and_o sport_n of_o sophistry_n but_o however_o to_o pass_v that_o by_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o equal_v the_o greek_n in_o the_o barbarity_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o though_o with_o this_o celsus_n and_o his_o companion_n be_v at_o that_o time_n sufficient_o upbraid_v yet_o it_o be_v too_o well_o know_v that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v prevail_v with_o so_o much_o as_o to_o undertake_v its_o defence_n but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n christianity_n he_o say_v give_v no_o law_n of_o morality_n but_o such_o as_o the_o philosopher_n teach_v and_o be_v common_a to_o mankind_n before_o to_o this_o origen_n reply_n it_o be_v very_o true_a in_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o exercise_n for_o the_o justice_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n or_o obligation_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n without_o a_o sense_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o have_v the_o seed_n of_o those_o moral_a notion_n which_o god_n teach_v by_o his_o prophet_n and_o his_o son_n plant_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o all_o mankind_n that_o in_o the_o final_a judgement_n every_o man_n may_v be_v just_o call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n but_o beside_o be_v not_o this_o a_o fit_a objection_n to_o follow_v that_o of_o barbarity_n or_o their_o ignorance_n in_o the_o grecian_a philosophy_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n agree_v in_o all_o their_o main_a point_n and_o doctrine_n with_o the_o school_n of_o the_o philosopher_n the_o next_o thing_n object_v be_v credulity_n and_o contempt_n of_o humane_a learning_n but_o the_o charge_n of_o credulity_n be_v already_o answer_v by_o those_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o be_v produce_v for_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o as_o for_o the_o humane_a learning_n that_o they_o despise_v it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o pedantry_n of_o the_o grecian_a philosopher_n who_o whilst_o they_o pretend_v to_o the_o height_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o wisdom_n fall_v into_o the_o extreme_a ignorance_n and_o folly_n and_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o what_o think_v he_o of_o the_o celebrate_a founder_n of_o his_o own_o séct_n who_o with_o abundance_n of_o pride_n and_o arrogance_n boast_v that_o he_o have_v rid_v the_o world_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n but_o with_o such_o trifle_a reason_v as_o be_v below_o the_o babble_n and_o folly_n of_o child_n let_v they_o therefore_o cease_v to_o upbraid_v the_o christian_n with_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o learning_n when_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o true_a wisdom_n and_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o thing_n than_o to_o see_v through_o its_o folly_n and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o for_o the_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n he_o have_v as_o good_a have_v let_v that_o alone_o too_o when_o porphyry_n or_o any_o other_o learned_a man_n conversant_a in_o history_n of_o ancient_a time_n can_v have_v tell_v he_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a or_o undeniable_a than_o that_o moses_n live_v many_o age_n before_o linus_n or_o orpheus_n or_o any_o other_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n among_o the_o grecian_n but_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o epicurean_o to_o be_v confident_a upon_o the_o slight_a inquiry_n otherwise_o if_o he_o have_v take_v never_o so_o little_a pain_n in_o search_v and_o compare_v ancient_a record_n he_o can_v never_o have_v put_v such_o a_o
doctrine_n but_o how_o much_o great_a violence_n do_v these_o man_n offer_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o conscience_n that_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n and_o yet_o despisé_fw-fr the_fw-fr obligation_n of_o his_o law_n this_o be_v more_o palpable_a blasphemy_n and_o the_o man_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o be_v so_o much_o worse_a than_o a_o profess_a infidel_n as_o judas_n be_v worse_o than_o a_o common_a pharisee_fw-mi he_o in_o some_o measure_n believe_v his_o master_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o yet_o betray_v he_o and_o so_o be_v every_o vicious_a christian_a guilty_a of_o the_o same_o traitorous_a wickedness_n he_o believe_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o behave_v himself_o towards_o he_o as_o if_o he_o real_o believe_v he_o a_o cheat_n and_o a_o impostor_n this_o man_n sin_v know_o against_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o his_o conscience_n and_o every_o act_n of_o disobedience_n be_v not_o only_o a_o affront_n to_o his_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o pharisee_n but_o to_o his_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v in_o judas_n what_o a_o strange_a contradiction_n be_v a_o vicious_a christian_a both_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o profession_n it_o be_v so_o great_a that_o to_o i_o i_o must_v confess_v it_o be_v a_o unconceivable_a instance_n of_o sottishness_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v in_o good_a earnest_n believe_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n shall_v after_o such_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n engage_v itself_o for_o the_o contrivance_n and_o procurement_n of_o man_n felicity_n and_o that_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o shall_v come_v into_o this_o low_a world_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o shall_v suffer_v all_o the_o agony_n of_o a_o ignominious_a death_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o when_o he_o have_v recover_v we_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o happiness_n and_o put_v we_o into_o a_o condition_n of_o peaceable_a intercourse_n with_o his_o father_n he_o shall_v prescribe_v to_o we_o some_o law_n of_o life_n to_o keep_v and_o continue_v we_o in_o that_o state_n into_o which_o he_o have_v redeem_v we_o and_o that_o to_o secure_a all_o he_o have_v enforce_v they_o by_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n of_o obedience_n and_o establish_v their_o obligation_n upon_o no_o less_o sanction_n than_o the_o certain_a assurance_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v i_o say_v to_o i_o it_o be_v a_o unconceivable_a brutishness_n that_o any_o person_n who_o serious_o believe_v these_o thing_n shall_v act_v so_o gross_o against_o his_o own_o interest_n against_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o against_o the_o strong_a inducement_n both_o of_o his_o hope_n and_o fear_n as_o to_o live_v in_o a_o dare_a and_o habitual_a disobedience_n to_o any_o of_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n what_o a_o intolerable_a aggravation_n must_v it_o be_v of_o their_o wickedness_n whilst_o it_o be_v commit_v against_o all_o the_o endearment_n of_o love_n and_o goodness_n and_o all_o the_o inducement_n of_o interest_n and_o ingenuity_n i._n e._n against_o all_o the_o obligation_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o lay_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n discourse_v very_o apposite_o heb._n 2._o 3_o 4._o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o be_v publish_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v witness_n to_o they_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o lay_v the_o emphasis_n that_o aggravate_v the_o neglect_n of_o their_o salvation_n that_o god_n have_v send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o preach_v and_o to_o procure_v it_o that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o it_o by_o the_o undoubted_a testimony_n of_o eye-witness_n and_o that_o he_o have_v far_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n by_o the_o wonderful_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o undeniable_a power_n of_o miracle_n after_o all_o these_o motive_n and_o all_o this_o assurance_n if_o any_o man_n can_v be_v so_o wretched_a as_o to_o neglect_v so_o easy_a condition_n of_o so_o great_a salvation_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v escape_v the_o just_a reward_n of_o his_o desperate_a and_o incurable_a stupidity_n for_o what_o shall_v prevail_v upon_o such_o mind_n as_o be_v proof_n against_o such_o motive_n and_o yet_o as_o strange_a as_o this_o appear_v what_o do_v we_o find_v more_o vulgar_a when_o a_o wicked_a believer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v think_v a_o monster_n in_o our_o age_n that_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o great_a prodigy_n in_o it_o than_o a_o entire_a true_a christian._n the_o true_a spirit_n of_o our_o religion_n seem_v to_o be_v flee_v to_o heaven_n with_o its_o primitive_a professor_n and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o real_a christianity_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n i._n e._n a_o serious_a and_o habitual_a conformity_n to_o all_o its_o law_n and_o whatever_o man_n may_v do_v or_o pretend_v without_o this_o it_o may_v be_v humour_n or_o faction_n or_o any_o thing_n but_o religion_n no_o design_n how_o great_a soever_o less_o than_o this_o be_v worthy_a our_o saviour_n embasly_a and_o when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v send_v on_o a_o errand_n into_o the_o world_n it_o can_v not_o be_v of_o any_o less_o concernment_n than_o its_o reformation_n the_o last_o scope_n of_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v only_o to_o oblige_v all_o mankind_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o the_o man_n that_o will_v not_o be_v so_o defeat_v all_o the_o love_n and_o wisdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o send_v the_o holy_a jesus_n into_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o let_v i_o challenge_v my_o reader_n as_o he_o will_v not_o frustrate_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n as_o he_o will_v not_o baffle_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o innocence_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o as_o he_o will_v not_o hereafter_o with_o that_o his_o saviour_n have_v never_o be_v bear_v nor_o himself_o neither_o that_o he_o will_v be_v careful_a for_o his_o own_o part_n to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o his_o incarnation_n and_o let_v he_o see_v by_o the_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v to_o some_o purpose_n and_o that_o he_o die_v not_o in_o vain_a nay_o let_v i_o challenge_v all_o christendom_n not_o to_o give_v he_o occasion_n to_o complain_v have_v i_o desert_v heaven_n and_o all_o its_o glory_n and_o expose_v myself_o to_o all_o the_o shame_n and_o misery_n upon_o earth_n have_v i_o wrestle_v with_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n have_v i_o live_v and_o die_v in_o disgrace_n and_o suffer_v all_o sort_n of_o affront_n and_o ill_a usage_n to_o restore_v the_o practice_n and_o reputation_n of_o virtue_n to_o this_o low_a world_n and_o be_v this_o all_o the_o issue_n of_o the_o travel_n of_o my_o soul_n that_o i_o have_v only_o found_v a_o new_a faction_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n by_o any_o thing_n else_o than_o that_o they_o signalise_v themselves_o by_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n be_v this_o all_o the_o purchase_n of_o my_o blood_n to_o be_v only_o follow_v by_o a_o few_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a proselyte_n i_o have_v as_o good_a have_v suffer_v the_o world_n to_o continue_v in_o its_o degenerate_a state_n of_o heathenism_n as_o do_v and_o suffer_v all_o that_o i_o have_v do_v only_o to_o give_v a_o new_a name_n to_o those_o part_n of_o it_o call_v christendom_n without_o reform_v their_o old_a manner_n i_o neither_o design_n nor_o accept_v any_o other_o separation_n of_o my_o church_n from_o other_o part_n of_o mankind_n than_o what_o be_v make_v by_o the_o virtue_n the_o innocence_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o life_n without_o this_o all_o their_o pretend_a faith_n in_o and_o zeal_n for_o my_o institution_n be_v to_o i_o no_o better_a than_o scandal_n and_o impudent_a hypocrisy_n and_o serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n than_o to_o aggravate_v their_o impiety_n and_o increase_v their_o punishment_n and_o in_o truth_n what_o can_v more_o provoke_v our_o saviour_n displeasure_n than_o christian_a wickedness_n this_o bring_v disgrace_n and_o dishonour_n upon_o his_o religion_n and_o prostitute_n it_o to_o the_o scorn_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n it_o break_v through_o all_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o duty_n and_o strong_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n