those_o thing_n that_o be_v report_v concern_v jesus_n and_o if_o they_o do_v so_o we_o have_v in_o the_o premise_n sufficient_o prove_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o that_o be_v all_o the_o use_n that_o we_o can_v pretend_v to_o make_v of_o these_o foreign_a witness_n to_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v such_o testimony_n then_o give_v and_o if_o there_o be_v than_o its_o be_v give_v in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o it_o be_v be_v more_o than_o enough_o to_o maintain_v itself_o without_o their_o far_a assistance_n now_o this_o be_v premise_v in_o vain_a do_v tanaquil_n faber_n insist_v upon_o it_o that_o the_o most_o 44._o zealous_a christian_n can_v not_o speak_v more_o magnificent_o of_o christ_n than_o this_o unbelieving_a jew_n for_o what_o wonder_n be_v that_o when_o the_o unbelieving_a jew_n only_o report_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o zealous_a christian_n in_o vain_a do_v he_o urge_v that_o josephus_n be_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n which_o sect_n of_o all_o other_o bore_n most_o spleen_n and_o hatred_n to_o our_o saviour_n for_o of_o what_o sect_n soever_o he_o be_v he_o be_v far_o from_o be_v any_o of_o the_o great_a zealot_n and_o as_o far_o from_o be_v a_o serious_a jew_n as_o a_o good_a christian_a how_o else_o can_v he_o have_v be_v so_o profane_a as_o to_o apply_v all_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v the_o messiah_n to_o the_o person_n of_o vespasian_n a_o heathen_a and_o a_o idolater_n but_o beside_o this_o our_o author_n forget_v himself_o in_o object_v josephus_n his_o be_v a_o pharisee_fw-mi when_o a_o little_a after_o he_o inform_v we_o out_o of_o josephus_n himself_o that_o he_o have_v pass_v through_o all_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o have_v at_o last_o enter_v himself_o into_o the_o discipline_n of_o banus_fw-la a_o disciple_n and_o successor_n of_o john_n the_o baptist._n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o a_o disciple_n of_o that_o institution_n shall_v speak_v favourable_o of_o jesus_n so_o that_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v he_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o his_o character_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o will_v be_v no_o very_o hard_a supposition_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v describe_v he_o by_o those_o title_n that_o his_o own_o disciple_n give_v he_o he_o can_v not_o avoid_v it_o of_o what_o sect_n soever_o he_o be_v as_o he_o will_v quit_v himself_o like_o a_o faithful_a historian_n and_o though_o after_o his_o enter_a himself_o into_o the_o discipline_n of_o banus_fw-la he_o join_v as_o himself_o inform_v we_o with_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n yet_o that_o be_v only_o in_o outward_a show_n and_o upon_o a_o political_a account_n they_o be_v then_o the_o most_o powerful_a party_n among_o the_o jew_n so_o that_o by_o their_o assistance_n he_o first_o prefer_v himself_o to_o public_a employment_n and_o at_o last_o obtain_v the_o government_n of_o all_o galilee_n which_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o rule_v like_o a_o jewish_a zealot_n that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o behave_v himself_o like_o a_o roman_a gentleman_n and_o the_o main_a thing_n object_v to_o he_o by_o his_o enemy_n be_v his_o indifferency_n and_o unconcernedness_n as_o to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o their_o religion_n again_o in_o vain_a do_v our_o learned_a critic_n aggravate_v that_o jesephus_n shall_v give_v our_o saviour_n the_o title_n of_o god_n when_o that_o be_v more_o than_o the_o jew_n themselves_o believe_v of_o their_o messiah_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o only_o use_v a_o very_a common_a and_o almost_o proverbial_a form_n of_o speech_n nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a with_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a writer_n who_o scheme_n of_o speech_n josephus_n every_o where_o endeavour_n to_o imitate_v than_o to_o give_v the_o title_n of_o god_n to_o all_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a person_n so_o that_o when_o josephus_n give_v our_o saviour_n this_o title_n it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o if_o he_o have_v style_v he_o hero_n or_o something_o that_o though_o a_o man_n yet_o by_o his_o miraculous_a work_n seem_v great_a than_o a_o man._n last_o in_o vain_a do_v he_o urge_v that_o if_o josephus_n have_v believe_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o will_v have_v explain_v to_o the_o greek_n for_o who_o sake_n he_o write_v in_o their_o language_n what_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o office_n of_o the_o messiah_n so_o probable_o he_o will_v if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o apostle_n and_o design_v to_o convert_v the_o world_n to_o christianity_n but_o when_o he_o write_v of_o he_o only_o as_o a_o historian_n what_o concernment_n have_v he_o upon_o that_o occasion_n to_o run_v into_o so_o great_a a_o digression_n he_o tell_v the_o plain_a story_n as_o he_o have_v it_o from_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v of_o its_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n but_o still_o our_o critic_n be_v much_o more_o severe_a in_o his_o next_o injunction_n when_o he_o require_v of_o the_o historian_n that_o if_o he_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n to_o have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n being_n his_o forerunner_n for_o whether_o he_o believe_v it_o or_o not_o i_o can_v see_v what_o reason_n or_o obligation_n he_o have_v for_o so_o do_v unless_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o give_v a_o compendious_a character_n of_o a_o person_n without_o set_v down_o every_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n but_o now_o our_o learned_a author_n advance_v from_o his_o argument_n to_o his_o authority_n and_o first_o of_o all_o origen_n express_o assert_n that_o josephus_n do_v not_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o christ._n and_o i_o know_v no_o body_n that_o affirm_v he_o do_v but_o yet_o can_v he_o not_o give_v he_o that_o title_n that_o be_v so_o familiar_o give_v he_o unless_o too_o he_o assert_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o title_n all_o that_o he_o affirm_v be_v only_o that_o this_o be_v the_o man_n that_o be_v at_o that_o time_n call_v the_o christ_n though_o he_o happen_v to_o express_v it_o by_o say_v this_o be_v the_o christ_n a_o very_a common_a form_n of_o speech_n among_o the_o greek_n to_o put_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v for_o be_v call_v and_o if_o so_o i_o hope_v a_o historian_n may_v relate_v the_o opinion_n that_o be_v have_v of_o he_o without_o declare_v his_o own_o in_o the_o next_o place_n justin_n martyr_n and_o tertullian_n say_v our_o author_n write_v against_o the_o jew_n and_o if_o this_o passage_n have_v be_v extant_a in_o josephus_n in_o their_o time_n it_o be_v searce_v credible_a that_o they_o shall_v altogether_o overlook_v so_o remarkable_a a_o testimony_n this_o be_v the_o hard_a condition_n that_o our_o critic_n have_v of_o late_o put_v upon_o all_o author_n to_o quote_v all_o that_o ever_o they_o read_v and_o to_o think_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v pertinent_a to_o their_o cause_n but_o this_o seem_v too_o severe_a a_o imposition_n upon_o the_o memory_n of_o mankind_n and_o yet_o suppose_v these_o father_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o this_o passage_n of_o josephus_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o have_v allege_v it_o when_o it_o be_v their_o evident_a design_n to_o dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n pure_o out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o by_o they_o alone_o to_o prove_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o christ._n and_o if_o so_o what_o do_v the_o testimony_n of_o josephus_n signify_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v already_o prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o so_o that_o these_o author_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v oblige_v by_o their_o cause_n to_o hale_v in_o this_o passage_n that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o have_v bring_v it_o in_o very_o impertinent_o in_o short_a it_o be_v enough_o that_o in_o those_o write_n they_o appeal_v only_o to_o divine_a authority_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o particular_a neglect_n of_o josephus_n if_o he_o be_v pass_v by_o as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o author_n of_o his_o rank_n and_o condition_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v a_o full_a and_o exact_a account_n of_o all_o those_o weighty_a objection_n that_o have_v be_v levy_v against_o this_o passage_n of_o josephus_n and_o so_o leave_v it_o to_o all_o wise_a man_n to_o judge_v whether_o our_o learned_a critic_n may_v not_o have_v better_o employ_v themselves_o than_o to_o raise_v so_o much_o noise_n against_o it_o to_o so_o little_a purpose_n and_o now_o have_v dispatch_v this_o great_a testimony_n of_o josephus_n i_o may_v add_v to_o he_o suetonius_n tacitus_n the_o young_a pliny_n seneca_n who_o give_v we_o the_o same_o relation_n of_o the_o great_a pretence_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o great_a prevalency_n of_o his_o religion_n but_o their_o testimony_n have_v be_v
of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n must_v first_o cashier_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o then_o indeed_o as_o i_o observe_v at_o first_o our_o work_n be_v do_v for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o vindicate_v the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o his_o providence_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o for_o that_o destroy_v the_o matter_n of_o enquiry_n and_o the_o supposition_n upon_o which_o we_o argue_v and_o then_o we_o must_v betake_v ourselves_o to_o a_o new_a dispute_n and_o prove_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o when_o that_o be_v grant_v we_o may_v then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o proceed_v to_o demonstrate_v from_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o providence_n the_o obligation_n of_o his_o law_n and_o that_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v demand_v or_o need_v to_o be_v perform_v upon_o supposition_n of_o a_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n to_o assign_v by_o what_o law_n he_o govern_v it_o and_o he_o be_v a_o very_a unreasonable_a man_n that_o require_v great_a evidence_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o law_n than_o can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o lawgiver_n himself_o and_o if_o we_o have_v so_o much_o we_o have_v enough_o and_o all_o that_o we_o can_v just_o desire_v and_o he_o that_o will_v have_v more_o be_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v without_o a_o contradiction_n this_o then_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sovereign_a cause_n of_o the_o universe_n which_o must_v be_v suppose_v in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o we_o can_v proceed_v to_o any_o far_a enquiry_n the_o best_a and_o easy_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o rule_n and_o method_n of_o his_o government_n be_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o natural_a order_n and_o tendency_n of_o thing_n for_o that_o be_v altogether_o contrive_v and_o design_v by_o himself_o it_o manifest_o discover_v to_o all_o that_o be_v able_a to_o observe_v the_o connection_n between_o cause_n and_o effect_n what_o he_o principal_o intend_v and_o aim_v at_o so_o that_o all_o thing_n in_o nature_n be_v so_o order_v as_o to_o inform_v every_o man_n that_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v by_o mutual_a benevolence_n and_o by_o nothing_o else_o that_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a evidence_n to_o they_o all_o that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o his_o purpose_n so_o it_o be_v his_o intention_n to_o oblige_v all_o his_o subject_n to_o act_v in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o same_o design_n and_o what_o can_v be_v do_v more_o effectual_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o it_o than_o to_o let_v they_o know_v if_o they_o will_v know_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o not_o only_o that_o it_o be_v his_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n by_o that_o order_n that_o he_o have_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n but_o also_o that_o he_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v comply_v with_o it_o as_o they_o intend_v to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o comfort_n and_o escape_v all_o the_o misery_n of_o life_n and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v to_o purpose_n when_o he_o have_v make_v every_o man_n private_a good_a so_o manifest_o to_o depend_v upon_o his_o sincere_a and_o serious_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o all_o with_o the_o same_o necessary_a connexion_n as_o natural_a effect_n do_v upon_o their_o natural_a cause_n and_o therefore_o see_v we_o have_v such_o a_o ample_a assurance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o such_o vehement_a enforcement_n to_o perform_v it_o we_o have_v all_o the_o condition_n that_o can_v be_v require_v to_o bring_v we_o under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o law_n or_o a_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n §_o v._o now_o this_o sense_n of_o mutual_a benevolence_n as_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n and_o be_v able_a if_o attend_v to_o without_o any_o other_o direction_n to_o preserve_v man_n honest_a and_o virtuous_a in_o all_o their_o intercourse_n of_o life_n so_o it_o erect_v without_o any_o train_n of_o consequence_n the_o two_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o most_o necessary_a to_o the_o happiness_n and_o security_n of_o mankind_n society_n and_o propriety_n in_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o nothing_o else_o than_o a_o just_a and_o reasonable_a division_n of_o every_o man_n love_n between_o himself_o and_o the_o public_a i._n e._n between_o himself_o and_o all_o other_o to_o who_o his_o power_n and_o concernment_n reach_v now_o if_o there_o be_v a_o common_a interest_n in_o which_o every_o man_n be_v concern_v as_o he_o be_v concern_v in_o his_o own_o that_o be_v it_o that_o make_v society_n and_o if_o no_o man_n from_o the_o natural_a condition_n of_o his_o faculty_n be_v able_a to_o carry_v on_o either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o without_o have_v a_o peculiar_a share_n divide_v and_o appropriate_v to_o himself_o for_o the_o exercise_n and_o employment_n of_o his_o industry_n it_o be_v that_o that_o assign_v and_o settle_v propriety_n so_o that_o both_o these_o result_n immediate_o from_o the_o constitution_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v as_o evident_a to_o any_o man_n that_o observe_v the_o natural_a frame_n of_o thing_n as_o any_o experiment_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n or_o problem_n in_o mathematics_n and_o resolve_v themselves_o into_o such_o proposition_n as_o these_o that_o those_o cause_n that_o preserve_v the_o whole_a preserve_v its_o part_n also_o and_o that_o those_o that_o preserve_v the_o part_n preserve_v the_o whole_a but_o for_o a_o full_a and_o more_o distinct_a demonstration_n of_o both_o we_o shall_v prove_v and_o consider_v they_o apart_o and_o first_o as_o for_o society_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o support_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n for_o be_v this_o once_o dissolve_v and_o shall_v mankind_n once_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o wood_n and_o the_o desert_n and_o imitate_v the_o manner_n of_o wild_a and_o unsociable_a creature_n they_o must_v subsist_v by_o destroy_v and_o prey_v upon_o each_o other_o and_o then_o the_o most_o innocent_a will_v always_o be_v the_o least_o secure_a as_o never_o be_v apt_a to_o invade_v other_o man_n right_n and_o lie_v always_o expose_v to_o other_o man_n wrong_n and_o injury_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o most_o injurious_a will_v always_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v the_o least_o unhappy_a ever_o study_v to_o enlarge_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o power_n by_o wily_a and_o unjust_a invasion_n and_o then_o the_o wanton_a and_o the_o violent_a leviathan_n must_v at_o length_n devour_v all_o as_o be_v the_o cruel_a and_o so_o more_o apt_a the_o strong_a and_o so_o more_o able_a to_o oppress_v the_o rest_n whence_o that_o say_n of_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n that_o law_n and_o society_n be_v establish_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n viz._n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o injury_n and_o oppression_n of_o the_o bad_a for_o as_o much_o as_o if_o these_o will_v but_o be_v content_a to_o prescribe_v bound_n to_o their_o appetite_n and_o moderate_v their_o desire_n by_o the_o capacity_n of_o nature_n they_o will_v never_o be_v dispose_v nor_o invite_v to_o encroach_v upon_o other_o man_n enjoyment_n but_o whilst_o their_o appetite_n be_v unbridled_a and_o exorbitant_a and_o not_o restrain_v within_o the_o necessity_n and_o conveniency_n of_o nature_n they_o must_v be_v invade_v the_o share_n and_o propriety_n of_o their_o honest_a and_o harmless_a neighbour_n to_o satisfy_v their_o wanton_a and_o unreasonable_a humour_n this_o then_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n and_o usefulness_n of_o society_n to_o institute_v a_o common_a amity_n and_o friendship_n among_o man_n to_o unite_v multitude_n together_o into_o combination_n of_o friendship_n to_o endear_v they_o to_o each_o other_o by_o mutual_a office_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n and_o by_o a_o joint_a defence_n of_o their_o common_a welfare_n against_o all_o foreign_a injury_n and_o invasion_n so_o that_o to_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a be_v only_o to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o our_o friend_n and_o be_v mankind_n as_o faithful_a to_o one_o another_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o nature_n require_v and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o expect_v there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o civil_a law_n and_o penalty_n that_o be_v only_o a_o second_o and_o subsidiary_a help_n to_o force_v a_o few_o bad_a man_n to_o preserve_v that_o amity_n and_o friendship_n which_o be_v they_o good_a and_o virtuous_a they_o will_v choose_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n as_o most_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o humane_a nature_n so_o that_o this_o be_v plain_a that_o if_o man_n will_v but_o reflect_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o nature_n consider_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o their_o own_o personal_a strength_n to_o their_o own_o security_n observe_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o public_a concern_v in_o order_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o
every_o man_n be_v private_a interest_n that_o alone_o unless_o they_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n resolve_v to_o work_v their_o own_o destruction_n will_v combine_v and_o embodie_o they_o into_o society_n to_o maintain_v each_o other_o right_n by_o a_o common_a assistance_n against_o all_o the_o invasion_n of_o fraud_n and_o violence_n and_o without_o this_o what_o can_v be_v more_o wretched_a forlorn_a and_o melancholy_a than_o the_o life_n of_o man_n for_o if_o we_o suppose_v he_o in_o that_o state_n of_o war_n that_o as_o our_o author_n tell_v we_o can_v we_o suppose_v he_o out_o of_o society_n must_v be_v natural_a and_o unavoidable_a every_o man_n must_v then_o live_v in_o perpetual_a danger_n fear_n and_o jealousy_n see_v he_o must_v have_v every_o man_n to_o his_o enemy_n and_o be_v not_o his_o condition_n sufficient_o desperate_a that_o must_v trust_v to_o his_o own_o single_a strength_n and_o wit_n to_o guard_v and_o defend_v himself_o against_o the_o fraud_n and_o violence_n of_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o obvious_a than_o that_o this_o eternal_a warfare_n be_v the_o most_o improper_a state_n for_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_n or_o the_o security_n of_o every_o man_n be_v particular_a possession_n and_o accommodation_n and_o that_o be_v it_o certain_o destructive_a of_o all_o those_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n that_o be_v to_o be_v reap_v from_o and_o enjoy_v in_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o society_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n that_o have_v any_o kindness_n for_o himself_o can_v ever_o think_v it_o wise_a or_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o or_o well-pleasing_a to_o their_o maker_n for_o all_o man_n to_o continue_v in_o such_o a_o state_n in_o which_o they_o must_v all_o for_o their_o own_o security_n be_v oblige_v to_o seek_v their_o own_o mutual_a mischief_n and_o destruction_n and_o if_o a_o state_n of_o war_n and_o anarchy_n be_v so_o manifest_o uncomfortable_a that_o alone_o be_v a_o sufficient_a direction_n to_o all_o man_n in_o their_o wit_n to_o think_v of_o condition_n of_o peace_n and_o mutual_a defence_n and_o man_n must_v be_v suppose_v so_o cross_v grain_v to_o themselves_o that_o they_o must_v witting_o choose_v to_o thwart_v both_o their_o interest_n and_o their_o reason_n before_o they_o can_v reconcile_v their_o mind_n to_o any_o other_o thought_n than_o of_o love_n and_o society_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a ever_o to_o imagine_v mankind_n out_o of_o a_o condition_n of_o government_n we_o can_v never_o conceive_v they_o so_o absurd_a as_o to_o choose_v to_o continue_v in_o a_o posture_n so_o unsafe_a and_o so_o uncomfortable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o wild_a as_o confident_a a_o assertion_n of_o our_o philosopher_n of_o malmsbury_n to_o lay_v it_o down_o as_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o government_n that_o mankind_n be_v incline_v and_o determine_v by_o nature_n to_o act_n of_o mutual_a hatred_n and_o hostility_n for_o what_o do_v he_o mean_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n if_o those_o passion_n and_o inclination_n that_o be_v common_a to_o he_o with_o other_o creature_n even_o that_o be_v manifest_o false_a as_o we_o shall_v prove_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o discourse_n by_o a_o induction_n of_o particular_n in_o that_o every_o thing_n in_o humane_a nature_n have_v a_o vehement_a tendency_n to_o act_n of_o love_n and_o goodwill_n but_o suppose_v his_o brutish_a part_n to_o be_v wild_a and_o savage_a yet_o if_o we_o take_v in_o the_o whole_a account_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o only_o suppose_v ourselves_o intelligent_a and_o rational_a being_n nothing_o will_v appear_v more_o extravagant_a than_o to_o affirm_v that_o nature_n incline_v or_o rather_o as_o he_o determine_v it_o force_v we_o into_o a_o posture_n of_o war_n and_o mutual_a cruelty_n and_o here_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o material_a whether_o reason_n be_v a_o innate_a faculty_n or_o only_o a_o acquire_v habit_n and_o result_n of_o experience_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o my_o purpose_n that_o every_o man_n have_v or_o may_v have_v ability_n and_o sagacity_n enough_o to_o observe_v what_o tend_v to_o and_o what_o contradict_v his_o own_o happiness_n and_o to_o govern_v his_o appetite_n and_o passion_n so_o as_o may_v be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o the_o comfort_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o his_o own_o life_n and_o then_o it_o be_v as_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o mankind_n to_o hate_v and_o destroy_v one_o another_o as_o that_o it_o be_v prudent_a and_o reasonable_a for_o every_o man_n to_o follow_v such_o course_n as_o be_v apparent_o contradictory_n to_o his_o own_o safety_n and_o interest_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_o so_o and_o more_o free_o acknowledge_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o be_v so_o than_o a_o state_n of_o perpetual_a war_n and_o enmity_n and_o so_o it_o be_v large_o enough_o represent_v by_o the_o author_n himself_o of_o that_o hypothesis_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v most_o natural_a to_o mankind_n to_o love_v their_o own_o ease_n and_o happiness_n and_o to_o use_v and_o pursue_v those_o mean_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o its_o attainment_n than_o it_o follow_v unavoidable_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a than_o to_o seek_v peace_n and_o friendship_n without_o which_o the_o life_n of_o man_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v sad_o unsafe_a and_o uncomfortable_a so_o that_o we_o can_v never_o suppose_v it_o natural_a to_o every_o man_n to_o quarrel_v with_o every_o man_n till_o we_o can_v suppose_v it_o natural_a to_o all_o mankind_n to_o be_v rave_v and_o bedlam_n mad_a and_o to_o endeavour_v by_o all_o violent_a mean_n as_o well_o to_o make_v away_o themselves_o as_o to_o destroy_v one_o another_o and_o when_o we_o have_v suppose_v that_o it_o will_v then_o i_o must_v confess_v not_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o his_o philosophy_n may_v meet_v with_o some_o entertainment_n in_o the_o world_n but_o as_o long_o as_o man_n be_v content_a to_o continue_v in_o their_o wit_n they_o will_v always_o judge_v it_o most_o natural_a and_o most_o reasonable_a to_o choose_v such_o a_o method_n of_o life_n as_o be_v at_o least_o consistent_a with_o their_o own_o quiet_a and_o safety_n and_o by_o consequence_n will_v abhor_v nothing_o with_o a_o more_o natural_a aversation_n than_o thought_n and_o design_n of_o a_o eternal_a war_n that_o be_v so_o palpable_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o as_o for_o what_o be_v pretend_v of_o the_o equality_n of_o all_o man_n strength_n by_o nature_n that_o it_o cause_v mutual_a fear_n and_o that_o mutual_a fear_n put_v they_o upon_o mutual_a violence_n every_o man_n endeavour_v to_o secure_v himself_o by_o anticipate_v the_o attempt_n of_o every_o man._n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o likely_a motive_n to_o contention_n that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o effectual_a argument_n to_o persuade_v and_o force_v man_n to_o friendship_n and_o to_o assist_v and_o oblige_v each_o other_o by_o all_o the_o office_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n for_o if_o their_o force_n be_v equal_a so_o be_v the_o danger_n of_o the_o combat_n too_o and_o if_o they_o engage_v it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v both_o perish_v by_o the_o event_n of_o war_n at_o least_o the_o victor_n can_v gain_v so_o much_o by_o his_o enemy_n destruction_n as_o he_o venture_v by_o the_o hazard_n of_o his_o own_o life_n and_o therefore_o see_v there_o be_v so_o little_a advantage_n to_o be_v get_v in_o this_o way_n of_o defence_n every_o man_n can_v have_v but_o very_o little_a reason_n or_o inclination_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o his_o own_o safety_n and_o then_o beside_o as_o their_o power_n be_v equal_a to_o injure_v so_o it_o be_v to_o help_v each_o other_o and_o if_o i_o employ_v my_o strength_n for_o another_o benefit_n that_o be_v the_o likely_a way_n to_o oblige_v he_o to_o a_o just_a and_o honourable_a requital_n and_o certain_o his_o inclination_n to_o do_v i_o good_a turn_n be_v somewhat_o more_o comfortable_a than_o his_o displeasure_n or_o hostility_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o much_o more_o forcible_a inducement_n to_o win_v his_o goodwill_n by_o anticipation_n of_o friendship_n than_o to_o provoke_v his_o rage_n and_o revenge_n by_o invade_v his_o right_n and_o make_v the_o first_o assault_n upon_o his_o life_n and_o liberty_n but_o if_o we_o far_o consider_v how_o vast_o every_o single_a man_n power_n be_v surmount_v by_o the_o power_n of_o all_o man_n and_o how_o unable_a one_o man_n be_v to_o defend_v himself_o against_o the_o violence_n of_o a_o multitude_n and_o withal_o how_o much_o his_o interest_n be_v secure_v and_o enlarge_v by_o the_o accession_n of_o all_o man_n love_n and_o assistance_n then_o if_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n bereave_v of_o their_o understanding_n if_o they_o be_v bear_v possess_v with_o wild_a and_o lunatic_a spirit_n we_o may_v suppose_v
affection_n so_o humane_a that_o they_o can_v but_o pity_n and_o commiserate_v the_o afflict_a with_o a_o kind_n of_o fatal_a and_o mechanical_a sympathy_n their_o groan_n force_v tear_n and_o sigh_n from_o the_o unafflicted_a and_o it_o be_v a_o pain_n to_o they_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o relieve_v their_o misery_n all_o mercy_n be_v mingle_v with_o some_o grief_n and_o we_o be_v so_o far_o interest_v in_o the_o suffering_n of_o other_o as_o to_o make_v we_o apt_a to_o rescue_v they_o from_o their_o sorrow_n for_o our_o own_o ease_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o though_o every_o man_n be_v not_o endue_v with_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o tenderness_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o nature_n or_o temper_n so_o sullen_a and_o morose_a as_o not_o to_o have_v some_o sense_n of_o compassion_n and_o humanity_n at_o least_o so_o much_o as_o shall_v oblige_v they_o to_o succour_v the_o extreme_o miserable_a when_o they_o can_v do_v it_o without_o any_o damage_n or_o disadvantage_n to_o themselves_o and_o he_o that_o refuse_v to_o light_v his_o neighbour_n candle_n as_o old_a ennius_n discourse_n when_o it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o diminish_v the_o light_n of_o his_o own_o and_o he_o that_o suffer_v a_o stranger_n to_o perish_v for_o thirst_n rather_o than_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o lift_v up_o a_o finger_n to_o direct_v he_o to_o the_o next_o fountain_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v witting_o let_v a_o garment_n perish_v for_o want_n of_o use_n and_o a_o naked_a brother_n perish_v for_o want_v of_o it_o will_v be_v detest_v by_o all_o mankind_n as_o a_o degenerate_a churl_n from_o that_o natural_a instinct_n of_o love_n and_o pity_n that_o they_o as_o well_o as_o almost_o all_o other_o creature_n have_v to_o their_o own_o kind_n now_o this_o passion_n have_v a_o vehement_a tendency_n to_o the_o institution_n of_o friendship_n and_o society_n not_o only_o in_o that_o it_o give_v restraint_n to_o the_o fury_n of_o man_n suppose_v they_o in_o a_o state_n of_o war_n by_o make_v they_o even_o ashamed_a to_o add_v more_o load_n of_o misery_n to_o the_o extreme_o calamitous_a and_o to_o fall_v foul_a upon_o one_o that_o adverse_a fortune_n have_v already_o beat_v to_o the_o ground_n a_o outrage_n so_o more_o than_o brutish_a that_o even_o beast_n of_o prey_n themselves_o be_v report_v to_o abhor_v it_o but_o beside_o by_o make_v opportunity_n of_o mutual_a assistence_n and_o by_o endear_n the_o good_a will_n of_o all_o that_o any_o man_n have_v the_o good_a fortune_n to_o help_v or_o relieve_v especial_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o inconvenience_n and_o infelicity_n of_o life_n and_o when_o some_o of_o they_o be_v so_o incident_a to_o all_o state_n of_o man_n that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o perfect_o and_o independent_o happy_a as_o not_o at_o some_o time_n or_o other_o to_o accept_v of_o another_o pity_n if_o not_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o his_o help_n and_o thus_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o passion_n be_v all_o man_n not_o only_o in_o a_o natural_a capacity_n of_o oblige_v each_o other_o but_o under_o a_o strong_a inclination_n to_o a_o state_n of_o mutual_a benevolence_n and_o here_o i_o may_v subjoin_v that_o the_o faculty_n or_o passion_n of_o laugh_v be_v peculiar_a to_o mankind_n the_o cause_n they_o say_v be_v a_o certain_a branch_n of_o nerve_n derive_v from_o the_o brain_n partly_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o partly_o to_o the_o diaphragm_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o upon_o every_o grateful_a imagination_n the_o heart_n be_v move_v and_o affect_v with_o joy_n and_o the_o diaphragm_n draw_v into_o such_o motion_n as_o usual_o appear_v in_o laughter_n but_o whatsoever_o the_o physical_a reason_n of_o it_o may_v be_v this_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a delight_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o endearment_n of_o humane_a society_n the_o pleasure_n of_o friendly_a conversation_n and_o the_o main_a ease_n and_o divertisement_n of_o all_o our_o labour_n without_o which_o the_o life_n of_o man_n will_v be_v irksome_a tedious_a and_o solitary_a eat_v up_o with_o perpetual_a care_n and_o melancholy_a thought_n and_o this_o draw_v and_o allure_v man_n out_o of_o their_o den_n and_o retirement_n and_o make_v they_o to_o rejoice_v in_o that_o satisfaction_n they_o find_v in_o each_o other_o company_n and_o nothing_o can_v tend_v more_o natural_o to_o the_o create_v of_o kindness_n and_o cement_n of_o friendship_n than_o that_o mutual_a complacency_n they_o reap_v from_o each_o other_o mirth_n and_o cheerfulness_n so_o that_o both_o sort_n of_o passion_n as_o well_o the_o pleasant_a as_o the_o grave_n be_v so_o contrive_v as_o to_o incline_v we_o to_o the_o love_n of_o society_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o mutual_a benevolence_n §_o x._o and_o now_o when_o we_o lie_v all_o these_o premise_n together_o and_o consider_v how_o many_o way_n the_o divine_a providence_n have_v signify_v the_o intention_n of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o all_o his_o intelligent_a creature_n and_o by_o how_o many_o motive_n he_o have_v endear_v and_o recommend_v it_o to_o their_o regard_n it_o will_v amount_v to_o no_o less_o than_o a_o demonstrative_a assurance_n of_o their_o perpetual_a and_o universal_a obligation_n he_o have_v make_v their_o knowledge_n so_o obvious_a and_o so_o unavoidable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o possible_a way_n to_o escape_v their_o observation_n but_o by_o the_o most_o inexcusable_a way_n of_o neglect_n either_o wilful_a ignorance_n or_o wilful_a perverseness_n how_o can_v the_o almighty_a have_v make_v fair_a provision_n to_o guide_v and_o instruct_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n than_o by_o make_v every_o thing_n in_o nature_n within_o and_o without_o we_o a_o argument_n and_o declaration_n of_o it_o he_o have_v first_o furnish_v we_o with_o wit_n and_o understanding_n enough_o to_o consult_v the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n of_o our_o own_o life_n and_o then_o he_o have_v so_o contrive_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o to_o let_v we_o see_v if_o we_o will_v but_o make_v any_o use_n of_o our_o natural_a ability_n that_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n nor_o safety_n to_o be_v have_v nothing_o but_o trouble_n and_o misery_n without_o engagement_n of_o mutual_a love_n and_o friendship_n that_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o discover_v the_o intention_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o oblige_v they_o without_o any_o far_a enquiry_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o act_v according_o so_o that_o if_o man_n will_v but_o suffer_v their_o own_o mind_n to_o attend_v to_o the_o most_o unavoidable_a object_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o the_o impartial_a result_v of_o their_o own_o thought_n they_o can_v avoid_v to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o shall_v conform_v themselves_o to_o those_o direction_n that_o he_o have_v prescribe_v to_o they_o in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o be_v to_o conform_v all_o their_o design_n and_o action_n to_o this_o comprehensive_a principle_n of_o mutual_a and_o universal_a benevolence_n which_o because_o it_o can_v never_o be_v reduce_v to_o practise_v without_o society_n and_o the_o establishment_n of_o a_o common_a interest_n that_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o it_o for_o whoever_o command_v the_o end_n thereby_o command_v the_o necessary_a mean_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v so_o manifest_a from_o all_o thing_n in_o nature_n that_o every_o man_n be_v enjoin_v by_o his_o creator_n if_o he_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v any_o to_o love_v and_o bear_v hearty_a goodwill_n to_o all_o man_n as_o well_o for_o his_o own_o as_o their_o interest_n and_o if_o it_o be_v as_o manifest_v from_o all_o the_o same_o appearance_n of_o thing_n that_o this_o can_v never_o be_v do_v without_o enter_v and_o engage_v themselves_o into_o society_n that_o be_v a_o undoubted_a proof_n of_o their_o institution_n so_o that_o though_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o first_o form_v by_o god_n himself_o though_o no_o supposition_n can_v be_v more_o uncooth_n and_o unimaginable_a but_o that_o mankind_n once_o live_v without_o they_o and_o range_v themselves_o into_o several_a body_n and_o combination_n by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v certain_o instruct_v and_o command_v so_o to_o do_v by_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o all_o that_o clear_o resolve_v the_o institution_n of_o society_n into_o his_o will_n and_o not_o their_o choice_n in_o that_o they_o be_v determine_v to_o it_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o now_o this_o be_v so_o plain_o establish_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n it_o comprehend_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o its_o exercise_n or_o preservation_n especial_o propriety_n and_o dominion_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v do_v any_o service_n to_o the_o common_a
nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o design_n by_o it_o and_o that_o will_v be_v enough_o upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o future_a state_n but_o at_o present_a its_o mere_a fickleness_n and_o uncertainty_n be_v more_o than_o enough_o to_o destroy_v all_o its_o delight_n for_o the_o two_o great_a ingredient_n of_o happiness_n that_o they_o and_o true_o enough_o require_v be_v present_a contentment_n and_o security_n of_o it_o for_o the_o suture_a so_o that_o if_o this_o last_o be_v a_o impossible_a thing_n that_o alone_o overthrow_v all_o the_o design_n of_o happiness_n and_o this_o be_v as_o certain_a by_o the_o daily_a experience_n of_o all_o mankind_n as_o that_o there_o be_v such_o creature_n as_o man_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o what_o man_n can_v be_v secure_a of_o his_o present_a good_a condition_n i_o will_v not_o say_v all_o his_o life_n for_o that_o supposition_n be_v too_o enormous_a but_o a_o year_n a_o month_n a_o day_n a_o hour_n nay_o the_o next_o moment_n for_o consider_v how_o many_o be_v the_o evil_n of_o humane_a life_n how_o many_o way_n they_o may_v befall_v we_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o within_o nor_o nothing_o without_o we_o that_o may_v not_o discompose_v our_o present_a tranquillity_n he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a vain_a and_o foolish_a man_n that_o can_v secure_v himself_o from_o all_o future_a trouble_n and_o disturbance_n and_o if_o any_o man_n can_v flatter_v himself_o to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o stupidity_n yet_o his_o own_o experience_n will_v quick_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o folly_n nay_o so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o be_v any_o way_n happy_a by_o our_o security_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v that_o the_o mere_a foresight_n of_o future_a evil_n be_v one_o of_o the_o heavy_a and_o most_o unavoidable_a misery_n of_o humane_a life_n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o man_n may_v soon_o expect_v a_o winter_n constant_a summer_n than_o hope_v for_o a_o perpetual_a ease_n and_o health_n of_o body_n so_o that_o suppose_v a_o man_n in_o never_o so_o happy_a a_o condition_n at_o present_a he_o can_v avoid_v be_v trouble_v with_o the_o foresight_n of_o all_o those_o sad_a accident_n that_o may_v probable_o befall_v he_o and_o in_o his_o great_a ease_n whilst_o his_o mind_n be_v employ_v in_o reflect_v upon_o its_o present_a repose_n it_o must_v withal_o be_v think_v how_o obnoxious_a it_o be_v to_o innumerable_a pain_n and_o misery_n and_o this_o one_o lean_a meditation_n of_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o his_o present_a ease_n and_o the_o foresight_n of_o all_o those_o evil_n that_o in_o a_o little_a time_n may_v and_o some_o time_n or_o other_o must_v discompose_v it_o must_v devour_v all_o the_o other_o delight_n of_o life_n be_v they_o much_o big_a and_o much_o more_o solid_a than_o they_o be_v §_o xx._n and_o of_o this_o the_o epicurean_o themselves_o be_v so_o forcible_o convince_v by_o the_o most_o obvious_a experience_n of_o thing_n that_o they_o think_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o too_o great_a a_o confidence_n to_o deny_v it_o and_o therefore_o see_v that_o we_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o escape_v all_o the_o misery_n of_o life_n they_o have_v furnish_v we_o with_o several_a antidote_n or_o rather_o charm_n and_o conjuration_n to_o relieve_v we_o against_o they_o for_o alas_o all_o their_o prescription_n be_v only_o so_o many_o little_a say_n and_o apothegm_n fit_a for_o schoolboy_n declamation_n but_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n such_o reason_n as_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o gravity_n of_o philosopher_n or_o can_v afford_v any_o the_o least_o satisfaction_n to_o a_o wife_n and_o sober_a man._n nay_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o that_o that_o they_o be_v like_o the_o dream_n of_o frantic_a people_n stubborn_a and_o wild_a conceit_n persist_v in_o against_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n as_o that_o length_n of_o time_n make_v no_o accession_n to_o a_o man_n happiness_n he_o may_v as_o well_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o continuance_n of_o pain_n make_v no_o accession_n to_o his_o misery_n and_o that_o the_o man_n who_o suffer_v any_o pain_n a_o year_n endure_v no_o more_o than_o he_o that_o suffer_v the_o very_a same_o pain_n but_o a_o hour_n however_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o think_v himself_o happy_a but_o must_v for_o that_o reason_n desire_v its_o continuance_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o eternal_a fear_v its_o loss_n so_o that_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o eternity_n itself_o can_v not_o improve_v our_o felicity_n he_o be_v inconsistent_a both_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o with_o himself_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n because_o all_o pleasure_n be_v enjoy_v at_o the_o present_a time_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a that_o how_o much_o long_a time_n any_o man_n have_v of_o his_o enjoyment_n so_o much_o more_o do_v he_o enjoy_v of_o happiness_n in_o short_a we_o be_v either_o happy_a in_o this_o present_a state_n or_o we_o be_v not_o if_o not_o then_o according_a to_o the_o epicurean_a hypothesis_n we_o be_v never_o happy_a if_o we_o be_v than_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v ever_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o happiness_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a then_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o time_n make_v no_o addition_n to_o our_o felicity_n when_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o cut_n off_o of_o time_n alone_o utter_o kill_v and_o destroy_v it_o for_o ever_o and_o as_o he_o contradict_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n so_o himself_o in_o that_o he_o place_v the_o peculiar_a happiness_n of_o his_o god_n in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o happy_a at_o present_a but_o be_v secure_a to_o continue_v so_o for_o ever_o and_o indeed_o without_o it_o their_o present_a happiness_n will_v afford_v they_o but_o a_o very_a slender_a contentment_n nay_o the_o great_a it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o will_v the_o certainty_n of_o its_o future_a loss_n afflict_v they_o for_o what_o be_v can_v we_o imagine_v more_o miserable_a than_o one_o that_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o utmost_a pitch_n of_o happiness_n know_v itself_o condemn_v to_o be_v in_o a_o little_a time_n cast_v down_o from_o it_o for_o ever_o in_o this_o case_n the_o more_o happy_a the_o more_o miserable_a for_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o any_o one_o delight_n in_o his_o present_a condition_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o must_v he_o dread_v the_o loss_n of_o it_o so_o that_o length_n of_o time_n do_v not_o only_o make_v accession_n to_o our_o happiness_n but_o make_v the_o very_a happiness_n itself_o and_o as_o maximus_n tyrius_n very_o well_o observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 32._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o may_v as_o well_o suppose_v the_o earth_n without_o stability_n and_o the_o sun_n without_o motion_n as_o happiness_n without_o perpetuity_n take_v stability_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o you_o take_v away_o its_o be_v or_o motion_n from_o the_o sun_n and_o you_o have_v as_o good_a take_v away_o the_o sun_n itself_o so_o separate_a perpetuity_n from_o happiness_n and_o separate_a happiness_n from_o itself_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v bold_a enough_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o a_o wise_a man_n be_v not_o only_o able_a to_o preserve_v his_o contentment_n under_o the_o prospect_n of_o future_a misery_n but_o under_o their_o present_a pressure_n why_o so_o because_o all_o pain_n which_o according_a to_o epicurus_n be_v all_o misery_n be_v short_a if_o great_a light_a if_o long_o but_o this_o though_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o admire_a decree_n of_o their_o philosophy_n and_o the_o choice_a receipt_n in_o all_o their_o dispenfatory_n it_o be_v nothing_o better_a than_o a_o charm_n of_o jingle_a word_n for_o who_o be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v some_o very_a sharp_a pain_n of_o a_o very_a long_a continuance_n what_o relief_n then_o will_v this_o proposition_n afford_v against_o their_o assault_n but_o if_o our_o philosopher_n will_v have_v teach_v we_o any_o real_a use_n of_o this_o principle_n he_o shall_v first_o have_v define_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o long_a and_o short_a great_a and_o small_a and_o then_o have_v make_v some_o application_n of_o it_o to_o some_o particular_a case_n first_o how_o few_o or_o how_o many_o day_n month_n or_o year_n denominate_v a_o pain_n long_o or_o short_a and_o what_o degree_n of_o pain_n make_v it_o great_a or_o little_a and_o if_o that_o be_v do_v which_o yet_o they_o never_o will_v do_v we_o may_v perhaps_o understand_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o advice_n but_o without_o it_o it_o can_v only_o serve_v to_o entertain_v a_o philosopher_n fancy_n when_o he_o have_v no_o use_n of_o it_o but_o not_o at_o all_o
mankind_n for_o that_o as_o i_o have_v demonstrate_v can_v be_v preserve_v but_o by_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o other_o as_o well_o as_o our_o own_o whereas_o this_o utter_o neglect_v the_o public_a and_o mere_o regard_v every_o man_n private_a satisfaction_n and_o if_o all_o man_n shall_v betake_v themselves_o to_o this_o course_n of_o life_n it_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o man_n what_o will_v become_v of_o humane_a society_n but_o see_v epicurus_n cast_v these_o self-indulgers_a out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o his_o wise_a man_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o he_o can_v do_v it_o and_o be_v consistent_a with_o his_o own_o principle_n for_o if_o our_o sovereign_a delight_n consist_v in_o those_o pleasure_n and_o if_o he_o be_v the_o happy_a man_n that_o enjoy_v they_o most_o and_o if_o he_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n that_o most_o consult_v his_o own_o happiness_n there_o be_v no_o avoid_v it_o but_o that_o apicius_n will_v carry_v the_o cause_n from_o all_o their_o philosopher_n §_o xxiv_o and_o so_o again_o if_o we_o once_o take_v off_o those_o obligation_n to_o justice_n and_o honesty_n that_o be_v lay_v upon_o we_o by_o our_o relation_n to_o the_o life_n to_o come_v it_o will_v be_v ever_o after_o absolute_o impossible_a by_o all_o the_o art_n and_o device_n in_o the_o world_n to_o preserve_v any_o sense_n of_o they_o any_o other_o way_n for_o whatever_o advantage_n man_n may_v think_v to_o reap_v as_o to_o their_o present_a interest_n from_o their_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o justice_n and_o integrity_n that_o may_v make_v they_o crafty_a but_o never_o honest_a and_o when_o they_o be_v once_o get_v loose_a from_o the_o tie_n of_o conscience_n they_o be_v then_o not_o concern_v to_o be_v innocent_a but_o only_a to_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o and_o this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o restrain_v they_o from_o design_v and_o do_v vile_a thing_n but_o only_o engage_v they_o to_o be_v cunning_a in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o agreeable_o to_o this_o principle_n and_o these_o consequence_n do_v epicurus_n discourse_n when_o he_o challenge_v the_o world_n after_o they_o have_v set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o present_a pleasure_n and_o self-advantage_n to_o assign_v he_o any_o other_o possible_a reason_n or_o end_n of_o virtue_n beside_o popular_a fame_n for_o that_o say_v he_o when_o all_o be_v do_v be_v the_o only_a measure_n of_o common_a honesty_n and_o if_o you_o once_o remove_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o multitude_n there_o remain_v nothing_o in_o itself_o either_o praiseworthy_a or_o dishonourable_a but_o this_o again_o say_v he_o be_v the_o fate_n of_o mankind_n that_o the_o vulgar_a rout_n take_v up_o with_o prejudices_fw-la and_o invincible_a conceit_n of_o thing_n and_o than_o whatever_o they_o authorise_v into_o custom_n must_v out_o of_o mere_a compliance_n with_o their_o importunity_n be_v vote_v the_o stand_a rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o honesty_n so_o that_o a_o wise_a man_n setting_z aside_o all_o regard_n to_o his_o own_o present_a convenience_n can_v see_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a beside_o compliance_n with_o casual_a custom_n and_o popular_a opinion_n that_o it_o seem_v must_v be_v submit_v to_o as_o he_o ever_o intend_v to_o enjoy_v any_o peace_n or_o quiet_a of_o life_n in_o that_o the_o rabble_n be_v always_o so_o impatient_a of_o all_o contradiction_n to_o their_o customary_a belief_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o account_n that_o he_o or_o any_o other_o of_o his_o persuasion_n be_v able_a to_o give_v of_o the_o turpitude_n and_o deformity_n of_o vice_n so_o that_o a_o philosopher_n may_v just_o and_o wise_o betray_v his_o friend_n and_o his_o trust_n to_o defeat_v he_o of_o his_o pledge_n or_o murder_v his_o father_n to_o secure_v the_o inheritance_n if_o he_o can_v but_o avoid_v the_o shame_n of_o discovery_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o popular_a hatred_n so_o that_o if_o we_o remove_v the_o folly_n and_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o rabble_n there_o be_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n integrity_n and_o treachery_n but_o what_o be_v make_v pure_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o every_o man_n be_v own_o private_a interest_n so_o utter_o destructive_a be_v these_o opinion_n not_o only_o of_o the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o general_a but_o of_o the_o peace_n of_o every_o particular_a society_n of_o mankind_n and_o such_o as_o spread_v and_o propagate_v their_o repute_n in_o the_o world_n do_v but_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o falsehood_n treason_n and_o perjury_n and_o therefore_o deserve_v great_a severity_n from_o government_n than_o outlaw_n and_o open_a rebel_n as_o be_v beside_o their_o impiety_n more_o dangerous_a and_o mischievous_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n for_o their_o pedantry_n in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o content_a to_o do_v wicked_a thing_n but_o think_v themselves_o concern_v in_o honour_n to_o bring_v their_o own_o wicked_a practice_n into_o reputation_n and_o to_o infect_v all_o other_o with_o such_o principle_n as_o will_v oblige_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o imitate_v their_o villainy_n however_o these_o principle_n be_v so_o far_o from_o procure_v the_o happiness_n or_o secure_v the_o duty_n of_o single_a man_n that_o if_o embrace_v and_o reduce_v to_o practice_n they_o must_v unavoidable_o involve_v all_o mankind_n in_o eternal_a mischief_n wickedness_n and_o confusion_n and_o it_o be_v to_o these_o accurse_a principle_n that_o we_o owe_v the_o misery_n of_o common_a life_n they_o be_v the_o fundamental_a rule_n and_o maxim_n of_o all_o the_o tyranny_n fraud_n and_o oppression_n in_o the_o world_n but_o if_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o people_n be_v sufficient_a to_o restrain_v from_o open_a and_o avow_a wickedness_n what_o shall_v withhold_v from_o secret_a attempt_n insecurity_n and_o fear_n of_o discovery_n say_v epicurus_n but_o beside_o that_o this_o only_a oblige_v wicked_a man_n to_o be_v more_o crafty_a and_o cautious_a in_o their_o villainy_n it_o be_v not_o powerful_a enough_o to_o give_v a_o true_a and_o real_a restraint_n to_o dishonest_a action_n in_o that_o the_o advantage_n be_v certain_a but_o not_o the_o discovery_n and_o a_o certain_a good_a be_v a_o much_o strong_a motive_n than_o a_o uncertain_a evil_n and_o though_o it_o may_v give_v check_n to_o fraud_n and_o violence_n in_o some_o common_a case_n as_o it_o be_v of_o very_o good_a use_n and_o service_n in_o humane_a life_n yet_o those_o acccident_n be_v very_o frequent_a in_o which_o man_n may_v be_v very_o high_o wicked_a and_o yet_o very_o secure_a in_o their_o wickedness_n as_o when_o saint_n peducoeus_fw-la be_v entrust_v by_o his_o friend_n with_o his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n and_o that_o with_o so_o much_o privacy_n that_o if_o he_o have_v keep_v the_o whole_a estate_n to_o himself_o no_o body_n can_v have_v suspect_v his_o dishonesty_n that_o then_o he_o shall_v surprise_v the_o right_a heir_n who_o expect_v no_o such_o thing_n with_o the_o news_n of_o a_o great_a inheritance_n it_o be_v do_v like_o a_o gentleman_n of_o a_o roman_a education_n but_o he_o can_v not_o be_v force_v to_o it_o by_o any_o obligation_n upon_o the_o epicurean_a principle_n in_o that_o they_o can_v not_o requite_v his_o integrity_n with_o a_o reward_n equal_a to_o so_o fair_a a_o fortune_n a_o great_a estate_n and_o a_o fine_a house_n be_v of_o more_o value_n than_o the_o empty_a name_n of_o justice_n and_o friendship_n and_o so_o they_o be_v to_o the_o man_n that_o count_v upon_o no_o other_o interest_n and_o expect_v no_o other_o happiness_n than_o in_o this_o life_n and_o sestilius_fw-la who_o by_o a_o forge_a write_v cheat_v his_o friend_n child_n that_o be_v leave_v to_o his_o trust_n of_o their_o inheritance_n and_o secure_v the_o estate_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n by_o a_o decree_n of_o law_n be_v upon_o the_o epicurean_a principle_n much_o the_o wise_a an_o 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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 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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
the_o world_n both_o of_o the_o sufficiency_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o their_o sufficiency_n in_o that_o they_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o companion_n of_o his_o conversation_n and_o be_v themselves_o sufficient_o suspicious_a and_o incredulous_a and_o refuse_v to_o be_v convince_v till_o their_o distrustful_a mind_n be_v overbear_v by_o evidence_n of_o fact_n of_o their_o sincerity_n not_o only_o from_o the_o agreement_n of_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o honest_a and_o upright_a man_n in_o the_o same_o report_n but_o from_o their_o readiness_n to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n with_o their_o blood_n and_o what_o great_a assurance_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n than_o to_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o what_o they_o report_v and_o what_o great_a evidence_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o desire_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o report_n than_o they_o have_v give_v we_o of_o their_o fidelity_n so_o that_o here_o to_o withhold_v or_o deny_v our_o assent_n be_v first_o a_o direct_a affront_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v to_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o suppose_v none_o worthy_a of_o any_o belief_n beside_o ourselves_o for_o unless_o we_o will_v distrust_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o testimony_n and_o believe_v nothing_o but_o by_o the_o immediate_a information_n of_o our_o own_o sense_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n quit_v all_o degree_n of_o diffidence_n and_o suspicion_n in_o this_o affair_n second_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n love_v of_o life_n shall_v conspire_v to_o throw_v away_o their_o life_n only_o to_o gain_v credit_n to_o a_o impudent_a lye_n three_o we_o must_v either_o believe_v that_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n will_v lose_v their_o life_n for_o a_o ridiculous_a fable_n or_o that_o a_o company_n of_o fool_n and_o madman_n can_v so_o easy_o persuade_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v such_o a_o wild_a story_n mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o report_n last_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o man_n who_o make_v it_o their_o only_a employment_n to_o advance_v truth_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v yet_o die_v martyr_n to_o falsehood_n and_o villainy_n and_o that_o when_o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n they_o be_v not_o in_o good_a earnest_n now_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o only_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n in_o the_o world_n i_o will_v appeal_v to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o history_n or_o report_n to_o come_v attest_v with_o more_o various_a more_o pregnant_a more_o unquestionable_a motive_n of_o credibility_n than_o his_o action_n particular_o his_o resurrection_n as_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o apostle_n and_o thus_o have_v consider_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o testimony_n as_o give_v in_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v their_o testimony_n as_o record_v in_o their_o write_n and_o to_o show_v into_o what_o wild_a absurdity_n we_o must_v again_o run_v ourselves_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture-history_n §_o vii_o first_o then_o we_o must_v believe_v either_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v or_o that_o they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v than_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o the_o thing_n that_o they_o relate_v of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a if_o true_a than_o we_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n if_o false_a then_o either_o for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a knowledge_n or_o sincerity_n not_o for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n for_o two_o of_o the_o evangelist_n saint_n matthew_n and_o saint_n john_n be_v immediate_a disciple_n and_o constant_a companion_n of_o the_o person_n who_o history_n they_o write_v and_o so_o be_v present_a at_o his_o work_n and_o miracle_n and_o eye-witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n saint_n mark_n and_o saint_n luke_n if_o they_o be_v not_o disciple_n during_o our_o saviour_n abode_n upon_o the_o earth_n they_o be_v intimate_a associate_n with_o the_o chief_a apostle_n that_o be_v so_o that_o if_o they_o write_v not_o from_o their_o own_o immediate_a knowledge_n yet_o however_o they_o write_v from_o the_o information_n of_o eye-witness_n and_o as_o for_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v by_o saint_n luke_n saint_n luke_n himself_o be_v interest_v in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o if_o not_o all_o the_o history_n and_o so_o for_o the_o epistle_n pretend_v to_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n either_o they_o be_v or_o they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v than_o their_o case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o have_v sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o write_v of_o so_o plain_o be_v it_o that_o if_o those_o person_n write_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o go_v for_o their_o author_n that_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o suspect_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o their_o report_n for_o want_n of_o sufficient_a knowledge_n and_o information_n and_o then_o as_o for_o their_o sincerity_n the_o case_n of_o their_o writing_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o their_o preach_n and_o so_o labour_v under_o all_o the_o forementioned_a difficulty_n and_o one_o more_o peculiar_a to_o itself_o viz._n that_o when_o they_o have_v be_v so_o wicked_a as_o to_o contrive_v a_o wilful_a lie_n and_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o publish_v it_o to_o all_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v meet_v with_o no_o contradiction_n in_o so_o gross_a and_o manifest_a a_o forgery_n these_o thing_n be_v write_v in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n after_o they_o be_v do_v and_o therefore_o if_o they_o be_v false_a it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o they_o shall_v escape_v discovery_n or_o obtain_v any_o the_o least_o belief_n for_o example_n when_o saint_n luke_n report_v that_o a_o person_n bear_v lame_a and_o know_v to_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o his_o have_v beg_v daily_o for_o many_o year_n at_o the_o chief_a gate_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v cure_v by_o saint_n peter_n only_o with_o invocate_a the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o that_o this_o miracle_n be_v so_o very_o well_o know_v at_o jerusalem_n that_o it_o immediate_o convert_v no_o less_o than_o five_o thousand_o person_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n if_o all_o this_o have_v be_v a_o fable_n the_o mere_a publication_n of_o it_o have_v provoke_v thousand_o of_o people_n nay_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o especial_o the_o citizen_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o discover_v the_o falsehood_n and_o it_o can_v not_o but_o have_v meet_v with_o so_o much_o opposition_n as_o utter_o and_o for_o ever_o to_o disgrace_v and_o destroy_v itself_o and_o so_o again_o when_o saint_n paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n that_o our_o saviour_n after_o his_o resurrection_n be_v see_v not_o only_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o himself_o but_o by_o above_o five_o hundred_o person_n at_o once_o most_o of_o who_o be_v then_o survive_v if_o this_o have_v be_v a_o lie_n it_o have_v be_v a_o very_a foolish_a and_o impudent_a one_o and_o too_o bold_a for_o any_o man_n to_o vent_v that_o be_v not_o lose_v not_o only_o to_o all_o modesty_n but_o all_o discretion_n and_o if_o any_o man_n can_v have_v be_v so_o rash_a as_o to_o venture_v upon_o so_o lewd_a a_o falsehood_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o can_v ever_o have_v escape_v the_o shame_n of_o discovery_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v write_v to_o baffle_v some_o fanatic_a person_n who_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o resurrection_n for_o as_o all_o other_o will_v be_v eager_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o curiosity_n so_o will_v those_o man_n especial_o be_v concern_v to_o examine_v it_o more_o strict_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o confute_v their_o adversary_n so_o that_o it_o be_v equal_o incredible_a that_o saint_n paul_n shall_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o vent_v so_o great_a a_o lie_n that_o may_v be_v so_o easy_o contradict_v and_o that_o when_o he_o have_v vent_v it_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o lucky_a as_o to_o escape_v all_o manner_n of_o contradiction_n from_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v to_o oppose_v he_o for_o if_o he_o have_v be_v convict_v of_o falsehood_n in_o it_o all_o the_o corinthian_n must_v immediate_o have_v turn_v back_o to_o their_o infidelity_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o find_v the_o christian_a faith_n prevail_v every_o where_o
when_o they_o be_v quote_v as_o such_o by_o those_o person_n that_o live_v next_o and_o immediate_o after_o they_o and_o have_v pass_v from_o the_o very_a first_o age_n through_o all_o age_n downward_o with_o a_o unquestionable_a authority_n there_o be_v no_o possible_a account_n to_o be_v give_v how_o they_o shall_v first_o come_v by_o it_o and_o then_o for_o ever_o after_o retain_v it_o unless_o they_o be_v for_o certain_a the_o work_v of_o those_o man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v thus_o particular_o saint_n matthew'_v gospel_n be_v quote_v by_o clemens_n of_o rome_n a_o familiar_a of_o saint_n paul_n by_o ignatius_n by_o policarp_n by_o papias_n the_o disciple_n of_o saint_n john_n not_o to_o mention_n justin_n martyr_n athenagoras_n irenaeus_n and_o all_o the_o other_o writer_n of_o the_o age_n next_o after_o the_o apostle_n now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o first_o either_o this_o gospel_n be_v write_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o not_o how_o can_v it_o be_v cite_v by_o those_o that_o be_v their_o contemporary_n second_o the_o thing_n report_v in_o it_o be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a if_o true_a then_o so_o be_v the_o gospel_n too_o if_o false_a than_o it_o have_v destroy_v its_o own_o credit_n by_o publish_v know_v falsehood_n for_o though_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o forge_v a_o story_n act_v in_o former_a time_n without_o discovery_n and_o contradiction_n yet_o to_o make_v a_o forgery_n of_o so_o wonderful_a a_o transaction_n as_o be_v the_o history_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n so_o near_o the_o time_n in_o which_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v act_v and_o that_o without_o control_v or_o contradiction_n nay_o with_o full_a credit_n and_o undoubted_a authority_n as_o appear_v by_o these_o apostolical_a man_n unanimous_a testimony_n be_v if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n absurd_a and_o incredible_a enough_o to_o make_v up_o another_o article_n of_o infidelity_n three_o either_o this_o book_n be_v write_v by_o saint_n matthew_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v than_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o eye_n witness_v that_o converse_v with_o our_o saviour_n both_o before_o and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n if_o it_o be_v not_o then_o how_o can_v it_o be_v thrust_v upon_o he_o in_o his_o own_o age_n and_o gain_v so_o unquestionable_a a_o authority_n with_o those_o man_n that_o converse_v either_o with_o he_o or_o with_o his_o companion_n and_o now_o if_o we_o gain_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o one_o gospel_n that_o alone_o be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o that_o the_o main_a foundation_n of_o it_o be_v here_o record_v viz._n the_o life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v believe_v as_o they_o be_v here_o record_v be_v a_o infallible_a demonstration_n of_o his_o divinity_n the_o same_o account_n i_o may_v give_v of_o almost_o all_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o that_o they_o be_v receive_v from_o the_o begin_n as_o the_o most_o unquestionable_a record_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o that_o be_v only_o to_o repeat_v the_o same_o argument_n so_o many_o time_n over_o and_o therefore_o suppose_v the_o same_o ancient_a testimony_n concern_v they_o as_o we_o have_v concern_v saint_n matthew_n i_o shall_v leave_v the_o reader_n to_o apply_v the_o same_o argument_n that_o i_o have_v urge_v concern_v he_o neither_o do_v i_o this_o only_a to_o avoid_v needless_a repetition_n but_o because_o it_o have_v be_v often_o do_v by_o other_o hand_n particular_o by_o eusebius_n of_o old_a and_o huetius_n of_o late_a who_o have_v vouch_v every_o book_n by_o itself_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o early_a antiquity_n and_o therefore_o as_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o have_v rather_o refer_v to_o they_o than_o transcribe_v they_o though_o that_o be_v suppose_v the_o argument_n be_v of_o the_o same_o force_n in_o every_o one_o as_o it_o be_v in_o saint_n matthew_n gospel_n §_o ix_o it_o be_v true_a that_o some_o few_o book_n be_v for_o a_o good_a time_n doubt_v of_o as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o second_o of_o saint_n peter_n the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o saint_n john_n and_o the_o apocalypse_n but_o then_o first_o suppose_v their_o authority_n be_v still_o questionable_a the_o christian_a faith_n can_v subsist_v very_o well_o without_o they_o by_o the_o remain_a authority_n of_o those_o that_o be_v never_o question_v and_o though_o they_o be_v very_o useful_a and_o excellent_a discourse_n yet_o have_v they_o little_a peculiar_a in_o they_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o other_o apostolical_a write_n and_o if_o we_o understand_v the_o matter_n aright_o though_o they_o be_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o only_o pious_a discourse_n proceed_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o it_o be_v write_v occasional_o either_o to_o exhort_v we_o to_o a_o effectual_a belief_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v record_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o to_o encourage_v we_o against_o trial_n and_o persecution_n or_o to_o allay_v schism_n and_o contention_n or_o to_o confute_v error_n and_o heresy_n or_o to_o reform_v abuse_n and_o corruption_n so_o that_o though_o they_o have_v never_o be_v write_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v before_o firm_o lay_v in_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n doctrine_n passion_n and_o resurrection_n and_o therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v at_o last_o resolve_v into_o that_o of_o the_o historical_a book_n that_o be_v the_o four_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v suppose_v true_a they_o warrant_v both_o the_o reason_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o apostolical_a epistle_n that_o only_o deduce_v those_o proper_a and_o natural_a conclusion_n that_o flow_v from_o their_o premise_n nay_o far_o it_o be_v not_o primary_o necessary_a to_o christianity_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v dictate_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o historical_a book_n be_v good_a and_o authentic_a record_n of_o the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o design_n of_o his_o errand_n into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v pious_a discourse_n consonant_n with_o and_o conduce_v to_o the_o end_n of_o christianity_n the_o foundation_n whereof_o seem_v to_o lie_v in_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n for_o the_o work_n he_o pretend_v to_o come_v about_o by_o divine_a commission_n for_o god_n have_v set_v several_a hypothesis_n of_o providence_n on_o work_n in_o the_o world_n to_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o their_o end_n and_o perfection_n at_o last_o design_v this_o as_o the_o most_o complete_a model_n of_o all_o virtue_n goodness_n and_o morality_n so_o that_o if_o the_o history_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o jesus_n both_o do_v and_o teach_v be_v true_o record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o own_o divine_a authority_n but_o as_o for_o his_o historian_n that_o come_v in_o upon_o another_o score_n in_o that_o we_o know_v that_o the_o author_n of_o all_o those_o write_n be_v inspire_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o than_o that_o we_o know_v only_o from_o the_o write_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o their_o truth_n must_v be_v suppose_v antecedent_n to_o their_o divine_a authority_n and_o that_o be_v suppose_v our_o saviour_n divine_a authority_n be_v thereby_o prove_v and_o that_o be_v prove_v that_o alone_o be_v a_o full_a demonstration_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o second_o if_o those_o few_o book_n be_v so_o long_o debate_v before_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o canon_n that_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o great_a care_n and_o caution_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o belief_n in_o that_o it_o will_v not_o light_o receive_v any_o book_n till_o it_o be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o its_o be_v authentic_a and_o therefore_o its_o long_a doubtfulness_n and_o disputation_n about_o these_o book_n clear_v it_o from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o rashness_n and_o credulity_n as_o to_o those_o that_o she_o always_o own_a with_o a_o full_a and_o unanimous_a approbation_n three_o the_o controversy_n concern_v the_o dispute_v book_n relate_v not_o so_o much_o to_o their_o antiquity_n as_o their_o author_n and_o they_o be_v not_o bring_v in_o question_n because_o they_o be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o apostolical_a age_n but_o because_o it_o seem_v uncertain_a by_o who_o they_o be_v then_o write_v thus_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n some_o attribute_n to_o saint_n paul_n some_o to_o saint_n luke_n some_o to_o barnabas_n some_o to_o clemens_n but_o if_o it_o
vigorous_a in_o their_o resolution_n can_v you_o think_v all_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v slight_o and_o by_o chance_n that_o man_n do_v not_o consider_v what_o they_o be_v about_o when_o they_o die_v for_o their_o religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o conspiracy_n of_o sot_n and_o madman_n all_o the_o world_n over_o to_o undo_v themselves_o and_o throw_v away_o their_o life_n without_o so_o much_o as_o think_v what_o they_o be_v do_v it_o be_v endless_a to_o heap_v up_o all_o the_o testimony_n that_o may_v be_v collect_v out_o of_o the_o primitive_a writer_n upon_o this_o argument_n when_o it_o be_v so_o know_v and_o confess_v a_o thing_n even_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o religion_n so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o pliny_n letter_n to_o the_o emperor_n concern_v the_o christian_n the_o multitude_n of_o person_n of_o all_o condition_n which_o he_o say_v be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o temple_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v almost_o utter_o forsake_v and_o tacitus_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o ingens_fw-la multitudo_fw-la that_o be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o nero_n in_o rome_n alone_o for_o fire_v the_o city_n which_o be_v not_o much_o above_o thirty_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n passion_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n some_o of_o who_o suffer_v in_o the_o persecution_n in_o short_a the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o observable_a among_o the_o heathen_n that_o it_o be_v vulgar_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o christian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o prevail_a doctrine_n and_o they_o the_o prevail_a sect_n several_a instance_n whereof_o be_v collect_v by_o valesius_fw-la out_o of_o damascius_n 62._o porphyry_n and_o julian_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v add_v no_o more_o testimony_n to_o prove_v a_o thing_n so_o unquestionable_a but_o shall_v only_o rescue_v one_o that_o be_v more_o ancient_a than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n from_o that_o violence_n that_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o it_o by_o some_o learned_a man_n and_o that_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o philo_n the_o jew_n for_o whereas_o in_o his_o little_a treatise_n concern_v a_o contemplative_a lise_n he_o give_v a_o large_a description_n of_o a_o certain_a sect_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v at_o that_o time_n very_o famous_a and_o numerous_a in_o the_o world_n especial_o in_o egypt_n and_o about_o alexandria_n where_o he_o chief_o reside_v but_o most_o of_o all_o in_o the_o mareotick_a prefecture_n this_o eusebius_n will_v have_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o that_o for_o this_o one_o very_o good_a reason_n because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o exact_a description_n of_o their_o way_n of_o life_n worship_n and_o discipline_n that_o if_o philo_n have_v design_v to_o have_v do_v that_o he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v it_o more_o accurate_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v scarce_o in_o all_o the_o record_n of_o antiquity_n a_o full_a account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o to_o their_o renounce_v the_o world_n for_o the_o love_n of_o heaven_n their_o part_n with_o their_o estate_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o poor_a their_o great_a temperance_n and_o chastity_n their_o meeting_n every_o seventh-day_n for_o religious_a worship_n their_o love-feast_n their_o great_a festival_n of_o easter_n and_o pentecost_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o as_o they_o agree_v in_o every_o circumstance_n to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n so_o to_o no_o other_o sect_n of_o which_o we_o find_v any_o other_o memory_n or_o mention_n in_o all_o the_o record_n of_o antiquity_n and_o that_o one_o will_v think_v be_v argument_n sufficient_a to_o conclude_v that_o philo_n description_n appertain_v to_o they_o and_o none_o else_o but_o scaliger_n according_a to_o his_o usual_a custom_n of_o quarrel_v with_o eusebius_n will_v not_o 6._o have_v it_o apply_v to_o the_o christian_n but_o to_o the_o jewish_a essenes_n of_o which_o he_o affirm_v there_o be_v two_o sort_n the_o practical_a and_o the_o speculative_a and_o that_o in_o the_o former_a book_n philo_n treat_v of_o those_o of_o these_o in_o this_o and_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o mistake_n be_v philo_n transition_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o second_o book_n viz._n that_o have_v in_o the_o former_a give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o essenes_n who_o live_v a_o practical_a life_n and_o converse_v in_o city_n he_o now_o come_v to_o treat_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o those_o that_o live_v a_o contemplative_a life_n i._n e._n say_v scaliger_n of_o those_o essenes_n but_o that_o without_o any_o ground_n from_o the_o word_n themselves_o which_o be_v only_o general_a of_o those_o man_n that_o live_v a_o contemplative_a life_n may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n be_v understand_v of_o any_o other_o sect_n as_o appropriate_v to_o the_o essenes_n but_o what_o if_o philo_n have_v call_v they_o essenes_n and_o 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under_o all_o those_o disadvantage_n that_o i_o have_v describe_v if_o it_o have_v be_v nothing_o but_o mear_v falsehood_n and_o forgery_n and_o yet_o by_o reason_n of_o those_o very_o many_o and_o great_a disadvantage_n let_v its_o evidence_n have_v be_v never_o so_o bright_a it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n either_o not_o at_o all_o to_o see_v or_o to_o wink_v at_o it_o so_o that_o at_o best_a this_o be_v but_o a_o negative_a testimony_n oppose_v to_o a_o affirmative_a and_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n and_o under_o these_o circumstance_n though_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o not_o altogether_o useless_a of_o no_o force_n at_o all_o for_o unless_o christianity_n be_v true_a it_o can_v never_o have_v be_v vouch_v as_o it_o be_v and_o though_o it_o be_v as_o certain_o true_a as_o we_o pretend_v it_o be_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n impose_v upon_o all_o mankind_n to_o yield_v to_o its_o belief_n especial_o when_o it_o have_v all_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o present_a interest_n to_o weigh_v against_o naked_a truth_n and_o interest_n alone_o as_o be_v too_o well_o know_v by_o experience_n have_v a_o more_o forcible_a influence_n upon_o most_o man_n mind_n than_o integrity_n so_o that_o here_o i_o may_v again_o run_v through_o all_o the_o forementioned_a particular_n and_o show_v what_o force_n each_o of_o they_o single_o much_o more_o all_o joint_o may_v have_v to_o hinder_v man_n from_o believe_v or_o own_v the_o christian_a faith_n notwithstanding_o all_o that_o evidence_n that_o it_o give_v of_o its_o divine_a authority_n and_o particular_o i_o may_v declaim_v upon_o the_o wonderful_a power_n of_o prejudice_n in_o this_o case_n and_o make_v a_o long_a common_a place_n of_o it_o to_o show_v the_o equality_n of_o its_o strength_n to_o truth_n itself_o but_o i_o shall_v make_v short_a work_n of_o it_o and_o consider_v only_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o show_v that_o whatever_o opposition_n christianity_n meet_v 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this_o i_o shall_v demonstrate_v both_o as_o to_o the_o public_a persecution_n and_o private_a opposition_n that_o christianity_n meet_v with_o and_o thus_o when_o i_o have_v take_v the_o objection_n into_o piece_n from_o the_o emptiness_n of_o each_o part_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a and_o first_o the_o grand_a reason_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n notwithstanding_o the_o demonstrative_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v their_o invincible_a prejudice_n in_o honour_n of_o moses_n so_o that_o they_o will_v not_o care_v to_o hear_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v derogate_v from_o he_o much_o less_o our_o saviour_n that_o pretend_v to_o excel_v he_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o prejudice_n have_v some_o reasonable_a force_n in_o itself_o that_o when_o almighty_a god_n have_v in_o such_o a_o miraculous_a way_n deliver_v the_o law_n by_o moses_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o law_n keep_v up_o his_o own_o true_a worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o idolatry_n that_o prevail_v every_o where_o but_o only_o in_o judaea_n and_o when_o it_o be_v enact_v with_o some_o expression_n that_o seem_v to_o imply_v its_o perpetual_a and_o unalterable_a obligation_n and_o last_o when_o it_o have_v flourish_v so_o many_o year_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o opposition_n that_o be_v make_v to_o it_o by_o the_o heathen_a world_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o abate_v its_o force_n that_o it_o prevail_v upon_o its_o enemy_n and_o bring_v over_o great_a number_n of_o proselyte_n from_o heathenism_n to_o the_o jewish_a church_n after_o all_o which_o at_o first_o sight_n it_o can_v not_o but_o appear_v very_o strange_a that_o a_o obscure_a person_n a_o galilaean_a a_o carpenpenters_n son_n shall_v without_o any_o appearance_n of_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n take_v upon_o he_o so_o confident_o to_o repeal_v this_o ancient_n this_o divine_a this_o venerable_a law_n the_o very_a pretence_n can_v not_o but_o seem_v a_o unanswerable_a objection_n to_o itself_o for_o what_o can_v his_o design_n be_v in_o throw_v down_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o be_v the_o only_a bulwark_n against_o idolatry_n than_o to_o let_v in_o all_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a nation_n upon_o they_o beside_o if_o moses_n act_v by_o divine_a commission_n whatever_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o disparagement_n of_o moses_n reflect_v upon_o god_n himself_o so_o that_o this_o person_n by_o pretend_v to_o enact_v a_o more_o perfect_a law_n than_o that_o seem_v to_o make_v himself_o wise_a than_o his_o maker_n such_o objection_n as_o these_o be_v so_o natural_a and_o so_o obvious_a to_o the_o prejudice_v people_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o to_o keep_v they_o back_o from_o so_o much_o as_o make_v enquiry_n after_o such_o wild_a and_o frantic_a pretence_n and_o this_o as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v from_o origen_n be_v the_o peculiar_a difficulty_n of_o our_o saviour_n work_n and_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o his_o life_n be_v object_v against_o all_o his_o miracle_n as_o i_o have_v particular_o show_v concern_v the_o cure_n of_o the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a so_o that_o though_o they_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v it_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v come_v from_o god_n who_o can_v be_v so_o dare_o blasphemous_a as_o to_o prefer_v himself_o to_o moses_n and_o this_o objection_n our_o saviour_n confess_v so_o forcible_a as_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o nothing_o can_v answer_v it_o but_o his_o unparalleled_a miracle_n john_n 15._o 24._o if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o never_o any_o man_n do_v they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o now_o have_v they_o both_o see_v and_o hate_v both_o i_o and_o my_o father_n that_o be_v they_o have_v be_v excusable_a in_o reject_v he_o and_o his_o pretence_n of_o establish_v a_o new_a religion_n if_o his_o miracle_n have_v not_o exceed_v those_o of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n who_o yet_o they_o believe_v to_o have_v be_v send_v from_o god_n but_o now_o when_o they_o have_v see_v i_o do_v such_o work_n as_o none_o but_o god_n can_v do_v cure_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n feed_v thousand_o with_o a_o few_o loaf_n raise_v the_o dead_a and_o all_o only_a by_o the_o power_n of_o a_o word_n as_o god_n at_o first_o create_v the_o world_n after_o all_o this_o if_o they_o reject_v i_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o affront_v he_o too_o and_o so_o again_o when_o he_o cure_v the_o man_n that_o be_v blind_a and_o dumb_a because_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v the_o miracle_n they_o blaspheme_n it_o and_o say_v it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o most_o powerful_a of_o all_o the_o devil_n for_o who_o else_o can_v assist_v the_o man_n that_o oppose_v moses_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v demonstrate_v by_o rational_a proof_n that_o he_o act_v not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o belzebub_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o his_o miraculous_a work_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v come_v to_o they_o that_o be_v the_o reign_n of_o the_o messiah_n as_o it_o be_v call_v daniel_n 11._o 14._o and_o add_v that_o all_o calumny_n be_v pardonable_a but_o only_o that_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o discover_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n by_o which_o they_o bar_v their_o mind_n against_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o information_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o when_o they_o see_v it_o in_o his_o work_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o make_v any_o impression_n upon_o they_o as_o man_n and_o so_o they_o thereby_o put_v themselves_o into_o a_o state_n of_o impenitence_n and_o a_o utter_a incapacity_n of_o pardon_n now_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o obstinacy_n of_o
of_o so_o ridiculous_a a_o surmise_n and_o he_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o bear_v he_o out_o in_o it_o but_o only_o his_o epicurean_a conceit_n that_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a but_o as_o for_o that_o we_o will_v not_o dispute_v it_o with_o he_o at_o present_a though_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n both_o of_o their_o own_o and_o all_o philosophy_n it_o be_v altogether_o as_o easy_a and_o conceivable_a as_o the_o generation_n of_o a_o man._n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n what_o have_v be_v be_v the_o only_a argument_n of_o our_o debate_n and_o we_o will_v not_o go_v so_o far_o about_o as_o to_o dispute_v its_o possibility_n when_o we_o have_v demonstrate_v its_o actual_a certainty_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o celsus_n after_o he_o have_v take_v so_o much_o pain_n and_o that_o in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o jew_n to_o prove_v the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o resurrection_n be_v so_o wretched_o sottish_a as_o to_o declare_v his_o own_o belief_n of_o the_o resurrection_n even_o of_o the_o body_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o the_o first_o proof_n and_o specimen_fw-la of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o messiah_n in_o the_o three_o book_n he_o begin_v to_o dispute_v in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o first_o object_n that_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o christian_n and_o jew_n be_v of_o no_o moment_n in_o that_o both_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o only_o differ_v in_o this_o whether_o he_o be_v already_o come_v or_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v and_o yet_o this_o beside_o the_o gross_a absurdity_n of_o the_o objection_n itself_o be_v a_o mere_a contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o former_a discourse_n by_o the_o personate_a jew_n for_o if_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o small_a as_o he_o pretend_v than_o all_o the_o sad_a out-cry_n and_o invective_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o the_o christian_n be_v only_o clamorous_a nothing_o but_o this_o be_v object_v like_o a_o atheist_n that_o look_v upon_o these_o and_o all_o other_o difference_n about_o religion_n as_o trifle_a foolery_n and_o therefore_o origen_n in_o answer_n to_o it_o show_v he_o the_o excellency_n of_o both_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o supreme_a deity_n as_o oppose_v to_o the_o folly_n and_o impiety_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o beside_o that_o as_o for_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o christian_n concern_v our_o saviour_n nothing_o but_o extreme_a ignorance_n can_v have_v object_v its_o vanity_n for_o be_v it_o nothing_o whether_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n the_o judge_n of_o mankind_n as_o the_o christian_n believe_v or_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o bold_a impostor_n that_o pretend_v to_o these_o great_a title_n only_o by_o virtue_n of_o magic_a art_n as_o the_o jew_n believe_v if_o the_o first_o be_v true_a that_o command_v the_o obedience_n of_o all_o mankind_n to_o his_o law_n as_o the_o only_a term_n of_o salvation_n and_o if_o so_o then_o nothing_o can_v more_o concern_v they_o than_o to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o its_o truth_n and_o reality_n so_o that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o trifle_a controversy_n as_o celsus_n foolish_o object_n that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o controversy_n start_v in_o the_o world_n of_o great_a concernment_n to_o mankind_n but_o the_o epicurean_n real_a meaning_n be_v that_o all_o controversy_n about_o religion_n be_v trifle_v because_o all_o religion_n be_v a_o cheat_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o a_o childish_a thing_n to_o contend_v about_o it_o but_o otherwise_o if_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n that_o govern_v the_o world_n then_o certain_o if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n do_v it_o high_o concern_v all_o man_n to_o inform_v themselves_o of_o those_o certain_a rule_n of_o duty_n that_o he_o have_v prescribe_v to_o their_o practice_n but_o against_o both_o religion_n the_o epicurean_a object_n that_o they_o begin_v in_o sedition_n the_o jewish_a against_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o christian_a against_o the_o jew_n but_o in_o the_o first_o he_o suppose_v the_o jew_n to_o have_v be_v original_o egyptian_n which_o because_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o proofless_a presumption_n can_v prove_v nothing_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o more_o vain_a to_o charge_n christianity_n with_o sedition_n because_o all_o sedition_n either_o design_n or_o act_v some_o violence_n against_o the_o government_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o saviour_n allow_v no_o weapon_n to_o his_o follower_n but_o suffering_n and_o have_v threaten_v no_o one_o offence_n with_o great_a severity_n than_o endeavour_n of_o disturbance_n to_o the_o civil_a state_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o if_o his_o religion_n be_v true_a it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v bring_v in_o more_o inoffensive_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v with_o any_o ingenuity_n be_v charge_v with_o sedition_n till_o its_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n be_v first_o determine_v for_o that_o be_v the_o only_a controversy_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o if_o celsus_n and_o his_o partisan_n have_v but_o the_o courage_n to_o undertake_v they_o will_v have_v have_v no_o need_n of_o these_o petty_a and_o remote_a reflection_n the_o next_o cavil_v be_v that_o the_o christian_n affect_v nothing_o but_o singularity_n very_o likely_a this_o when_o so_o many_o of_o they_o travel_v into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n with_o the_o extreme_a hazard_n of_o their_o life_n to_o convert_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a all_o mankind_n to_o christianity_n but_o though_o they_o seem_v to_o agree_v at_o first_o they_o afterward_o divide_v into_o faction_n but_o this_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o the_o levity_n of_o humane_a nature_n not_o the_o truth_n or_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n for_o beside_o what_o origen_n answer_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o thing_n of_o great_a reputation_n in_o itself_o or_o usefulness_n to_o the_o world_n about_o which_o man_n do_v not_o raise_v dispute_n and_o make_v party_n i_o will_v only_o ask_v he_o whether_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o raise_v controversy_n about_o it_o if_o it_o be_v than_o their_o do_v so_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o that_o be_v to_o say_v no_o religion_n can_v be_v true_a unless_o it_o bring_v a_o fatal_a necessity_n upon_o all_o that_o pretend_v to_o it_o to_o be_v both_o wise_a and_o honest_a which_o be_v such_o a_o awkerd_fw-mi condition_n of_o thing_n as_o destroy_v not_o only_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n but_o of_o humane_a nature_n itself_o but_o say_v he_o they_o scare_v the_o people_n with_o fable_n and_o bugbear_n tell_v what_o say_v origen_n beside_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n we_o indeed_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sovereign_a governor_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o hereafter_o he_o will_v sit_v in_o judgement_n upon_o all_o our_o action_n and_o in_o this_o belief_n we_o instruct_v the_o people_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o live_v as_o they_o ought_v that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o themselves_o to_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n these_o indeed_o be_v fable_n to_o a_o atheist_n and_o a_o epicurean_a but_o not_o to_o any_o man_n that_o believe_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n or_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o celsus_n write_v against_o not_o mere_o christianity_n only_o he_o be_v fierce_a in_o his_o opposition_n to_o that_o because_o it_o be_v so_o full_a a_o check_n to_o his_o impiety_n though_o otherwise_o the_o main_a of_o his_o objection_n that_o he_o level_v against_o that_o aim_v as_o direct_o against_o all_o religion_n and_o thus_o the_o bugbears_a of_o a_o future_a state_n with_o which_o he_o here_o upbraid_v christianity_n be_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n but_o only_a his_o own_o sect._n and_o though_o he_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n take_v away_o the_o opinion_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o next_o life_n this_o vizor_n be_v too_o ridiculous_o put_v upon_o a_o epicurean_a it_o be_v too_o gross_a a_o contradiction_n to_o himself_o and_o he_o renounce_v his_o first_o principle_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n but_o though_o they_o indeed_o may_v easy_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o any_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v by_o his_o master_n epicurus_n who_o frequent_v their_o public_a sacrifice_n to_o make_v himself_o sport_n at_o home_n with_o the_o folly_n of_o their_o superstition_n yet_o he_o shall_v never_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
be_v write_v by_o the_o first_o author_n of_o the_o sect_n and_o that_o they_o can_v be_v none_o other_o be_v plain_a enough_o because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o book_n beside_o those_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n peculiar_a to_o any_o sect_n among_o the_o jew_n but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v object_v that_o philo_n affirm_v that_o his_o therapeutic_a sect_n pray_v only_o twice_o a_o day_n whereas_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v their_o several_a other_o hour_n of_o prayer_n yes_o and_o so_o they_o may_v have_v and_o philo_n not_o know_v it_o however_o their_o most_o solemn_a season_n be_v morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n when_o as_o philo_z tell_v we_o they_o resort_v to_o their_o consecrate_a chapel_n and_o that_o be_v their_o public_a devotion_n he_o therefore_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o alone_a whereas_o their_o other_o hour_n of_o prayer_n be_v rather_o set_v apart_o for_o private_a devotion_n which_o be_v more_o or_o less_o frequent_a according_a to_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o votary_n but_o philo_n say_v he_o affirm_v that_o this_o sect_n compose_v hymn_n and_o those_o in_o various_a measure_n and_o yet_o this_o custom_n be_v very_o well_o know_v not_o to_o have_v be_v use_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n till_o after_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o antonine_n it_o may_v be_v so_o in_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n but_o in_o a_o church_n pure_o jewish_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a this_o be_v and_o be_v so_o agree_v to_o have_v be_v by_o all_o hand_n this_o custom_n be_v use_v from_o the_o beginning_n neither_o be_v it_o any_o new_a invention_n of_o the_o christian_n but_o continue_v by_o they_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a church_n but_o last_o say_v he_o the_o man_n of_o this_o sect_n according_a to_o philo_n description_n be_v very_o numerous_a and_o scatter_v all_o the_o world_n over_o whereas_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v but_o a_o very_a small_a number_n of_o christian_n and_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o so_o they_o be_v if_o compare_v either_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n at_o that_o time_n or_o to_o their_o own_o multitude_n in_o after-age_n and_o yet_o their_o number_n be_v very_o great_a if_o consider_v as_o they_o be_v by_o philo_n as_o a_o philosophic_a sect_n and_o so_o at_o that_o time_n christianity_n be_v more_o observable_a than_o any_o other_o sect_n spread_v every_o where_o so_o fast_o and_o wherever_o it_o come_v prevail_v so_o much_o but_o if_o this_o great_a and_o famous_a sect_n that_o philo_n speak_v of_o be_v not_o christian_n our_o learned_a author_n will_v have_v do_v very_o well_o to_o consider_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o such_o a_o peculiar_a sect_n of_o man_n shall_v at_o that_o time_n have_v be_v disperse_v through_o all_o part_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n and_o never_o be_v so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o any_o writer_n of_o that_o age_n but_o only_o in_o this_o little_a pamphlet_n of_o philo._n at_o least_o consider_v the_o exact_a agreement_n of_o the_o description_n itself_o to_o the_o christian_n and_o the_o utter_a silence_n about_o any_o other_o sect_n to_o which_o it_o may_v agree_v that_o seem_v to_o i_o no_o less_o than_o a_o demonstrative_a proof_n that_o it_o must_v be_v intend_v of_o they_o and_o of_o they_o alone_o and_o beside_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o name_n be_v obvious_a enough_o for_o though_o as_o eusebius_n say_v it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a to_o inquire_v whether_o philo_n himself_o coin_v this_o name_n as_o most_o agree_v with_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o person_n that_o he_o describe_v or_o whether_o the_o christian_n may_v not_o have_v that_o name_v give_v they_o in_o that_o place_n from_o the_o beginning_n the_o name_n of_o christian_n not_o be_v then_o use_v in_o all_o place_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o synonymous_a word_n with_o that_o of_o christian_n especial_o when_o turn_v out_o of_o the_o hebrew_n into_o greek_a for_o the_o word_n jesus_n indifferent_o signify_v either_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d saviour_n or_o healer_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o philo_n who_o be_v a_o hebrew-greek_a to_o interpret_v it_o by_o the_o name_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o healer_n especial_o consider_v its_o near_a affinity_n both_o in_o sound_n and_o signification_n to_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o heal_v so_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o appellation_n be_v that_o they_o be_v the_o follower_n of_o jesus_n i._n e._n the_o healer_n and_o thus_o have_v recover_v this_o ancient_a church_n from_o the_o perverseness_n of_o learned_a man_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o argument_n with_o a_o excellent_a passage_n of_o irenaeus_n a_o very_a early_a writer_n in_o these_o western_a 3._o part_n of_o the_o world_n though_o say_v he_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a variety_n of_o language_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o place_n in_o germany_n in_o spain_n in_o france_n in_o the_o east_n in_o egypt_n in_o lybia_n in_o the_o remote_a as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o middle_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sun_n in_o the_o universe_n so_o be_v all_o man_n every_o where_o that_o be_v dispose_v enlighten_v by_o the_o same_o truth_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o this_o tradition_n i_o shall_v discourse_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n at_o present_a it_o be_v enough_o to_o our_o purpose_n that_o we_o have_v from_o hence_o a_o very_a early_a testimony_n of_o its_o universality_n §_o xix_o this_o then_o be_v so_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n prevail_v as_o never_o doctrine_n do_v let_v we_o a_o little_a consider_v what_o extraordinary_a advantage_n it_o have_v to_o recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o good_a opinion_n of_o mankind_n and_o here_o it_o be_v at_o first_o view_v apparent_a that_o it_o labour_v under_o all_o the_o possible_a disadvantage_n in_o the_o world_n except_v only_o its_o own_o naked_a and_o unassisted_a truth_n so_o that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o that_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o proof_n that_o it_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o of_o its_o divine_a authority_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v ever_o have_v gain_v one_o proselyte_n over_o to_o its_o belief_n and_o here_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v that_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o that_o in_o itself_o so_o incredible_a that_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v believe_v have_v it_o not_o be_v vouch_v by_o some_o testimony_n so_o unquestionable_a as_o to_o surmount_v its_o own_o incredibility_n for_o the_o story_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o under_o the_o prefectship_n of_o pontius_n pilate_n there_o be_v a_o poor_a young_a man_n in_o judaea_n of_o mean_a birth_n and_o no_o education_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o cancel_v that_o law_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v establish_v by_o moses_n to_o reform_v all_o the_o world_n to_o bring_v in_o a_o more_o perfect_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o a_o more_o excellent_a way_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o for_o a_o proof_n of_o his_o commission_n he_o pretend_v to_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o often_o cure_v the_o blind_a the_o lame_a the_o leprous_a and_o sometime_o raise_v the_o dead_a but_o by_o this_o mean_n draw_v great_a multitude_n after_o he_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n grow_v jealous_a of_o his_o design_n and_o so_o apprehend_v he_o as_o a_o disturber_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o establish_a religion_n and_o for_o those_o crime_n condemn_v he_o to_o the_o ignominious_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o that_o they_o take_v care_n that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v with_o all_o the_o aggravation_n of_o shame_n and_o disgrace_n in_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o his_o heartblood_n be_v let_v out_o with_o a_o spear_n whilst_o he_o be_v hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n converse_v familiar_o with_o his_o disciple_n and_o at_o last_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o great_a number_n of_o they_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n now_o this_o story_n be_v in_o itself_o so_o strange_a and_o prodigious_a so_o without_o precedent_n so_o full_a of_o appear_v inconsistency_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o withal_o so_o public_a and_o so_o notorious_a that_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v certain_o true_a it_o can_v never_o have_v be_v believe_v and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a must_v have_v be_v demonstrative_o confute_v for_o the_o passage_n
and_o transaction_n of_o his_o life_n be_v open_a and_o conspicuous_a to_o the_o world_n he_o lay_v not_o the_o scene_n of_o his_o action_n in_o a_o dark_a unknown_a or_o undiscovered_a corner_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o he_o appear_v in_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a place_n of_o all_o asia_n all_o his_o work_n be_v perform_v amid_o his_o enemy_n and_o he_o choose_v the_o jew_n the_o most_o jealous_a and_o the_o most_o prejudice_v people_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o eye-witness_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o the_o companion_n of_o his_o conversation_n but_o above_o all_o jerusalem_n itself_o the_o most_o famous_a city_n at_o that_o time_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o scene_n of_o his_o most_o public_a action_n there_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o the_o presence_n not_o only_o of_o that_o city_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a nation_n there_o it_o be_v that_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a there_o it_o be_v that_o his_o disciple_n first_o publish_v his_o resurrection_n and_o there_o it_o be_v that_o some_o of_o they_o wrought_v undeniable_a miracle_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o power_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o own_o testimony_n and_o origen_n have_v observe_v very_o well_o that_o the_o public_a death_n of_o jesus_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o 2._o people_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v design_v by_o the_o divine_a providence_n as_o a_o advantageous_a circumstance_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v private_a and_o not_o notorious_a to_o all_o the_o nation_n though_o he_o have_v afterward_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o he_o do_v the_o obscurity_n of_o his_o death_n may_v have_v be_v plead_v against_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o resurrection_n but_o beside_o the_o notoriety_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o strange_a story_n that_o be_v report_v of_o he_o in_o a_o little_a time_n fill_v the_o world_n with_o noise_n and_o wonder_n no_o affair_n in_o that_o age_n be_v more_o talk_v of_o than_o the_o story_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n every_o body_n make_v enquiry_n into_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o action_n and_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o curiosity_n of_o the_o philosopher_n there_o be_v never_o man_n bear_v as_o eusebius_n 3._o observe_v upon_o who_o account_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v as_o upon_o that_o of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n mankind_n be_v as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o divide_v concern_v he_o so_o that_o the_o controversy_n be_v not_o improper_o style_v by_o nicephorus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o struggle_a and_o concussion_n of_o the_o world_n now_o it_o be_v a_o likely_a matter_n and_o worthy_a our_o belief_n that_o a_o few_o simple_a and_o illiterate_a person_n shall_v have_v the_o confidence_n but_o much_o more_o the_o ability_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n into_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o legend_n so_o palpable_a and_o so_o obnoxious_a to_o contradiction_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o begin_v to_o publish_v the_o strange_a story_n of_o his_o life_n and_o stranger_n one_o of_o his_o resurrection_n even_o in_o jerusalem_n itself_o and_o amid_o his_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n where_o though_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o discover_v the_o bold_a and_o manifest_a cheat_n if_o a_o cheat_n at_o all_o that_o yet_o it_o shall_v pass_v without_o any_o contradiction_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o meet_v with_o such_o prodigious_a and_o unparalleled_a entertainment_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o its_o inhabitant_n certain_o they_o must_v have_v be_v puissant_a and_o irresistible_a argument_n wherewith_o they_o can_v so_o brisk_o bear_v down_o and_o vanquish_v jewish_a stubbornness_n their_o prejudices_fw-la be_v too_o strong_a to_o be_v overcome_v by_o any_o weak_a proof_n than_o evident_a and_o undeniable_a demonstration_n and_o have_v they_o not_o bring_v some_o such_o thing_n along_o with_o they_o they_o may_v to_o as_o much_o purpose_n have_v preach_v to_o the_o stone_n of_o the_o temple_n as_o to_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o i_o say_v be_v the_o wonder_n that_o they_o shall_v first_o publish_v this_o strange_a story_n in_o the_o very_a place_n where_o it_o be_v act_v and_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v false_a not_o only_o escape_v be_v convict_v of_o forgery_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v upon_o supposition_n of_o its_o be_v false_a but_o force_v great_a number_n of_o person_n against_o their_o most_o stubborn_a prejudices_fw-la to_o own_o and_o submit_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o relation_n and_o from_o that_o very_a place_n in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o propagate_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o all_o the_o world_n over_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o i_o affirm_v not_o to_o be_v at_o all_o possible_a in_o the_o course_n of_o humane_a affair_n that_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n and_o under_o these_o circumstance_n if_o real_o and_o indeed_o false_a shall_v ever_o gain_v so_o great_a a_o belief_n of_o its_o be_v true_a i_o will_v grant_v that_o mankind_n may_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o matter_n of_o mere_a opinion_n as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n can_v require_v but_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n that_o depend_v not_o so_o much_o upon_o man_n understanding_n as_o their_o sense_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n be_v alike_o here_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o unlearned_a and_o though_o a_o false_a story_n may_v for_o a_o while_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o common_a people_n yet_o unless_o it_o appear_v to_o prove_v itself_o true_a with_o a_o evidence_n proportionable_a to_o its_o weight_n it_o either_o die_v and_o vanish_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n or_o be_v convict_v of_o forgery_n by_o the_o more_o wise_a and_o judicious_a when_o they_o come_v to_o inquire_v into_o its_o ground_n and_o pretence_n and_o yet_o this_o story_n the_o more_o it_o be_v inquire_v into_o the_o more_o firm_o it_o be_v believe_v and_o learned_a man_n every_o where_o and_o of_o all_o persuasion_n when_o they_o come_v to_o examine_v into_o it_o can_v not_o bring_v their_o mind_n to_o any_o issue_n concern_v it_o till_o at_o length_n they_o be_v force_v to_o resign_v up_o themselves_o to_o its_o full_a belief_n i_o have_v indeed_o hear_v some_o witty_a gentleman_n as_o our_o fantastic_a age_n very_o much_o abound_v with_o such_o shrewd_a person_n compare_v the_o first_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n in_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n with_o that_o of_o the_o late_a growth_n and_o spread_v of_o the_o folly_n of_o quakerism_n in_o england_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o enormous_o surmise_v for_o set_v aside_o a_o thousand_o other_o defect_n in_o the_o comparison_n it_o be_v notorious_a that_o that_o wild_a and_o enthusiastic_a sect_n do_v not_o set_v up_o upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o new_a revelation_n but_o only_o pretend_v to_o raise_v some_o foolish_a and_o fanatique_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o old_a one_o but_o if_o the_o leader_n of_o that_o rabble_n when_o they_o first_o appear_v about_o thirty_o year_n since_o at_o york_n and_o bristol_n have_v pretend_v to_o have_v wrought_v in_o those_o great_a city_n such_o kind_n of_o miracle_n as_o be_v record_v of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o have_v be_v long_o since_o bury_v in_o contempt_n and_o oblivion_n and_o yet_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christianity_n that_o such_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o that_o be_v gain_v such_o a_o firm_a belief_n in_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v first_o publish_v and_o act_v too_o and_o from_o thence_o all_o the_o world_n over_o only_o by_o the_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o its_o own_o proof_n and_o miracle_n for_o the_o man_n of_o that_o age_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o cautious_a and_o incredulous_a as_o the_o wit_n of_o we_o and_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v anon_o their_o mind_n be_v prepossess_v with_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n how_o then_o can_v this_o story_n of_o jesus_n prevail_v so_o effectual_o upon_o they_o but_o by_o the_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o certainty_n and_o when_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n whereby_o it_o may_v bribe_v their_o belief_n nay_o when_o it_o labour_v under_o all_o other_o objection_n but_o only_a evidence_n of_o truth_n i_o will_v challenge_v any_o sober_a man_n to_o frame_v any_o the_o least_o tolerable_a hypothesis_n how_o it_o be_v so_o much_o as_o possible_a that_o it_o shall_v prevail_v have_v not_o its_o truth_n be_v vouch_v by_o the_o most_o undoubted_a and_o