Selected quad for the lemma: religion_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n christian_a great_a life_n 2,755 4 4.1264 3 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A70747 Origen against Celsus translated from the original into English by James Bellamy ...; Contra Celsum. English Origen.; Bellamy, James. 1660 (1660) Wing O427; ESTC R32215 155,813 432

There are 29 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

frequent_o dispossess_v especial_o when_o the_o person_n who_o pronounce_v that_o sacred_a name_n do_v it_o with_o a_o become_a disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o with_o a_o most_o lively_a faith_n nay_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n have_v have_v such_o power_n over_o daemon_n that_o sometime_o it_o have_v prove_v effectual_a though_o pronounce_v by_o very_o wicked_a person_n to_o this_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o reference_n when_o he_o say_v many_o shall_v say_v to_o i_o in_o that_o day_n in_o thy_o name_n we_o have_v mat._n seven_o v._o 22._o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o celsus_n do_v omit_v this_o passage_n through_o ignorance_n or_o rather_o through_o a_o voluntary_a and_o malicious_a oversight_n chap._n vii_o than_o he_o accuse_v our_o saviour_n himself_o as_o if_o he_o wrought_v miracle_n by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n and_o foresee_v that_o many_o other_o person_n will_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o their_o skill_n in_o that_o hellish_a art_n boast_v that_o a_o divine_a power_n do_v attend_v they_o and_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n do_v exclude_v they_o from_o the_o number_n of_o his_o follower_n and_o favourite_n and_o he_o make_v use_v of_o this_o argument_n against_o he_o if_o say_v he_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n for_o his_o reject_v the_o forementioned_a person_n than_o he_o be_v a_o wicked_a man_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o fault_n which_o he_o charge_v on_o they_o and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o wicked_a man_n than_o neither_o do_v they_o deserve_v a_o mark_n of_o infamy_n who_o according_a to_o his_o own_o confession_n be_v to_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v himself_o but_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v difficult_a for_o we_o to_o determine_v precise_o by_o what_o power_n our_o saviour_n wrought_v his_o miracle_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o christian_n make_v use_v of_o no_o enchantment_n unless_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o some_o passage_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o sacred_a spell_n chap._n viii_o than_o celsus_n frequent_o and_o severe_o reproach_n the_o christian_n with_o keep_v their_o opinion_n secret_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v more_o know_v and_o more_o general_o publish_v than_o the_o admire_a speculation_n of_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o even_o almost_o to_o the_o utmost_a limit_n of_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n for_o who_o in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o saviour_n nativity_n and_o resurrection_n and_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n in_o which_o he_o will_v reward_v the_o righteous_a and_o punish_v the_o wicked_a according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o be_v not_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o infidel_n acquaint_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n who_o turn_v it_o all_o into_o banter_n and_o ridicule_n so_o that_o the_o charge_n be_v altogether_o ungrounded_a and_o by_o consequence_n unjust_a but_o if_o there_o be_v some_o arcana_fw-la imperii_fw-la in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o vulgar_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o in_o philosophy_n for_o even_o the_o philosopher_n hold_v some_o opinion_n which_o they_o keep_v more_o secret_a some_o of_o pythagoras_n pupil_n rely_v on_o his_o bare_a authority_n and_o be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o ipse_fw-la dixit_fw-la other_o be_v more_o private_o teach_v and_o instruct_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v prostitute_v to_o vulgar_a and_o unsanctify_v ear_n and_o many_o rite_n in_o the_o religion_n both_o of_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n be_v conceal_v from_o the_o notice_n of_o the_o vulgar_a chap._n ix_o but_o celsus_n seem_v with_o abundance_n of_o earnestness_n to_o plead_v for_o they_o who_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n when_o he_o say_v i_o will_v not_o persuade_v any_o one_o to_o renounce_v his_o religion_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o danger_n to_o which_o it_o may_v expose_v he_o nor_o will_v i_o have_v he_o even_o seem_v to_o leave_v it_o where_o he_o tacit_o condemn_v all_o they_o who_o be_v christian_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o yet_o public_o disow_v their_o religion_n here_o i_o may_v take_v occasion_n to_o charge_v he_o with_o the_o gross_a inconsistency_n of_o his_o discourse_n for_o in_o some_o place_n of_o his_o book_n he_o talk_v like_o a_o zealous_a follower_n of_o the_o admire_a epicurus_n but_o here_o that_o his_o accusation_n may_v carry_v the_o more_o plausible_a appearance_n he_o dissemble_v his_o opinion_n and_o seem_v to_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v in_o man_n beside_o his_o body_n which_o be_v material_a and_o earthly_a another_o and_o much_o noble_a substance_n that_o have_v a_o affinity_n with_o god_n himself_o and_o say_v that_o they_o who_o have_v soul_n due_o dispose_v do_v as_o far_o as_o the_o frailty_n of_o their_o nature_n will_v admit_v aspire_v to_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o which_o they_o be_v so_o near_o ally_v and_o be_v never_o more_o high_o please_v than_o when_o they_o be_v seasonable_o and_o solid_o entertain_v with_o discourse_n concern_v the_o supreme_a and_o adorable_a majesty_n both_o of_o earth_n and_o heaven_n observe_v a_o little_a before_o he_o say_v he_o will_o persuade_v any_o one_o to_o renounce_v his_o religion_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o danger_n to_o which_o it_o may_v expose_v he_o nor_o will_v he_o have_v he_o even_o seem_v to_o leave_v it_o and_o yet_o he_o be_v gross_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o fault_n himself_o which_o he_o severe_o condemn_v in_o other_o for_o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o if_o he_o have_v open_o profess_v he_o be_v a_o epicurean_a philosopher_n his_o accusation_n will_v be_v little_o regard_v by_o they_o who_o live_v in_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o a_o overrule_a providence_n though_o indeed_o they_o may_v differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o their_o sense_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o principle_n which_o they_o be_v know_v to_o hold_v by_o the_o way_n i_o be_o inform_v there_o have_v be_v two_o person_n who_o go_v by_o the_o name_n of_o celsus_n and_o both_o of_o they_o be_v philosopher_n of_o the_o epicurean_a sect_n one_o who_o live_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o emperor_n nero_n and_o another_o who_o live_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o emperor_n hadrian_n and_o some_o time_n after_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o be_v the_o person_n with_o who_o i_o be_o at_o present_a concern_v chap._n x._o and_o he_o continue_v his_o discourse_n and_o advise_v we_o to_o embrace_v no_o opinion_n but_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o impartial_a reason_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o many_o and_o gross_a error_n to_o which_o the_o contrary_a practice_n will_v shameful_o and_o avoidable_o expose_v we_o and_o he_o compare_v those_o person_n who_o take_v up_o any_o notion_n without_o due_a examination_n to_o the_o design_v priest_n of_o mithras_n bacchus_n cybele_n or_o hecate_n or_o any_o other_o mock-deity_n of_o the_o heathen_n for_o as_o these_o impostor_n have_v once_o get_v the_o ascendant_n over_o the_o common_a people_n who_o be_v gross_o ignorant_a can_v turn_v and_o wind_v these_o harmless_a cattle_n as_o their_o interest_n or_o fancy_n may_v direct_v so_o he_o say_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_n some_o of_o they_o say_v he_o neither_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o believe_v nor_o care_v to_o be_v examine_v will_v use_v this_o expression_n do_v examine_v into_o matter_n but_o believe_v and_o thy_o faith_n will_v infallible_o save_v thou_o and_o will_v frequent_o say_v with_o a_o air_n of_o affect_a gravity_n that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o mischievous_a but_o folly_n be_v a_o most_o admirable_a and_o useful_a thing_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o all_o man_n can_v convenient_o leave_v the_o concern_v of_o life_n and_o have_v leisure_n and_o inclination_n to_o bend_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n i_o shall_v hearty_o wish_v that_o this_o may_v become_v a_o universal_a practice_n though_o to_o speak_v modest_o and_o to_o keep_v within_o due_a compass_n i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o the_o sublime_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o short_a hint_n of_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n our_o saviour_n parable_n and_o abundance_n of_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v simbolical_o deliver_v and_o propose_v with_o the_o sanction_n of_o a_o law_n be_v not_o more_o involve_v and_o attend_v with_o great_a obscurity_n than_o many_o of_o the_o opinion_n which_o be_v advance_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o but_o if_o the_o method_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o before_o recommend_v be_v impracticable_a partly_o by_o reason_n of_o man_n natural_a incapacity_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v very_o unfit_a to_o apply_v their_o mind_n to_o learning_n and_o partly_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a care_n which_o attend_v humane_a life_n what_o
better_a way_n can_v any_o one_o have_v contrive_v and_o take_v more_o suit_v to_o the_o genius_n and_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o the_o common_a people_n than_o that_o which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n take_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o degenerate_a world_n and_o as_o for_o the_o vast_a number_n of_o person_n who_o have_v leave_v those_o horrid_a debauchery_n in_o which_o they_o former_o wallow_v and_o have_v profess_v to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n i_o ask_v which_o of_o the_o two_o method_n conduce_v most_o to_o their_o advantage_n and_o have_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o remarkable_a tendency_n to_o the_o general_a benefit_n of_o the_o humane_a race_n to_o reform_v their_o manner_n from_o a_o sense_n of_o those_o most_o grievous_a torment_n which_o the_o just_a god_n will_v be_v as_o it_o be_v constrain_v to_o inflict_v upon_o the_o wicked_a and_o of_o that_o bright_a and_o massy_a crown_n which_o wait_v for_o the_o righteous_a and_o which_o they_o will_v receive_v when_o this_o frail_a and_o short_a life_n be_v end_v though_o they_o do_v stand_v to_o examine_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v build_v according_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o art_n or_o to_o defer_v their_o conversion_n till_o they_o have_v a_o fair_a opportunity_n and_o capacity_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o rational_a and_o learned_a study_n for_o experience_n may_v convince_v we_o that_o very_o few_o in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n will_v advance_v even_o so_o far_o as_o this_o and_o reap_v the_o benefit_n of_o yield_v a_o naked_a but_o wellgrounded_n assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o instead_o of_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v full_o bend_v upon_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n chap._n xi_o the_o love_n of_o god_n therefore_o in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n do_v very_o plain_o appear_v in_o accommodate_v matter_n to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o humane_a life_n that_o so_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v of_o more_o general_a advantage_n to_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o powerful_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v a_o divine_a commission_n for_o if_o a_o man_n who_o have_v any_o manner_n of_o religion_n will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o physician_n who_o recover_v sick_a person_n be_v send_v from_o god_n though_o the_o cure_n do_v extend_v no_o far_a than_o the_o body_n of_o his_o patient_n much_o more_o must_v we_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v indeed_o send_v by_o the_o father_n who_o have_v recover_v so_o many_o thousand_o of_o person_n from_o spiritual_a and_o more_o dangerous_a distemper_n have_v improve_v the_o faculty_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o refer_v all_o their_o action_n to_o the_o please_a of_o he_o and_o to_o use_v their_o utmost_a care_n lest_o they_o incur_v his_o just_a and_o severe_a displeasure_n by_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n and_o since_o our_o adversary_n be_v continual_o make_v such_o a_o stir_n about_o our_o take_a thing_n on_o trust_n i_o answer_v that_o we_o who_o see_v plain_o and_o have_v find_v the_o vast_a advantage_n that_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o people_n do_v manifest_o and_o frequent_o reap_v thereby_o who_o make_v up_o by_o far_o the_o great_a number_n i_o say_v we_o who_o be_v so_o well_o advise_v of_o these_o thing_n do_v profess_o teach_v they_o to_o believe_v without_o a_o severe_a examination_n who_o can_v neglect_v their_o worldly_a business_n and_o spare_a time_n enough_o to_o make_v long_o and_o exact_a inquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o our_o enemy_n themselves_o though_o they_o wo'n_v confess_v it_o do_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n by_o which_o we_o incur_v their_o censure_n for_o when_o any_o one_o of_o they_o do_v first_o devote_v his_o time_n and_o strength_n to_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n and_o either_o by_o some_o unexpected_a accident_n or_o the_o tutor_n who_o be_v first_o recommend_v to_o his_o choice_n be_v determine_v to_o fall_v in_o with_o a_o particular_a sect_n do_v he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o he_o have_v pitch_v on_o the_o most_o happy_a method_n for_o he_o do'sn_v stay_v till_o he_o have_v hear_v and_o weigh_v the_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v bring_v for_o one_o sect_n and_o against_o another_o and_o so_o at_o last_o choose_v to_o be_v a_o stoic_a platonic_a peripatetic_a or_o epicurean_a philosopher_n or_o the_o like_a for_o it_o be_v by_o a_o certain_a impulse_n in_o which_o reason_n be_v little_a or_o not_o at_o all_o concern_v that_o the_o preference_n be_v frequent_o give_v to_o the_o stoic_a philosophy_n for_o instance_n and_o the_o platonic_a be_v despise_v as_o be_v less_o sublime_a than_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o peripatetic_a as_o give_v too_o great_a a_o indulgence_n to_o humane_a frailty_n and_o represent_v more_o than_o any_o other_o sect_n those_o thing_n to_o be_v true_o good_a which_o be_v general_o but_o very_o unjust_o repute_v to_o be_v so_o and_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v thunderstruck_a at_o the_o very_a mention_n of_o a_o overrule_a providence_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o unequal_a distribution_n of_o its_o favour_n as_o they_o imagine_v do_v rash_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o fond_o embrace_v the_o corrupt_a and_o wild_a notion_n of_o epicurus_n if_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n we_o must_v join_v ourselves_o to_o some_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n or_o other_o either_o among_o the_o greek_n or_o barbarian_n without_o weigh_v all_o the_o argument_n which_o may_v be_v bring_v on_o either_o side_n how_o much_o more_o just_a and_o reasonable_a be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v he_o who_o be_v god_n over_o all_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o teach_v that_o this_o god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v raise_v our_o mind_n above_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o true_a existence_n or_o at_o best_o be_v very_o improper_a object_n of_o divine_a adoration_n it_o be_v true_a that_o only_o one_o who_o make_v use_v of_o reason_n and_o severe_a study_n in_o examine_v the_o principle_n he_o hold_v be_v capable_a of_o build_v his_o faith_n on_o rational_a demonstration_n but_o since_o we_o be_v force_v to_o take_v many_o thing_n on_o trust_n even_o in_o the_o most_o common_a and_o necessary_a affair_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v it_o not_o high_o agreeable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o solid_a reason_n that_o we_o shall_v immediate_o and_o firm_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o in_o he_o alone_o who_o be_v there_o that_o go_v by_o sea_n marry_v perform_v the_o conjugal_a act_n or_o sow_v his_o ground_n that_o will_v not_o hope_v the_o best_a though_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o to_o meet_v with_o frequent_a and_o great_a disappointment_n and_o if_o in_o our_o ordinary_a and_o daily_o concern_v we_o overlook_v the_o uncertain_a event_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v encourage_v by_o the_o please_a prospect_n which_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n do_v already_o give_v we_o how_o much_o more_o reason_n be_v there_o for_o one_o who_o put_v his_o trust_n in_o god_n to_o expect_v the_o desire_a success_n of_o any_o important_a action_n than_o there_o be_v for_o one_o who_o go_v by_o sea_n or_o be_v employ_v in_o any_o worldly_a affair_n i_o say_v how_o much_o more_o reason_n be_v there_o for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o place_v his_o entire_a confidence_n in_o god_n the_o glorious_a creator_n of_o the_o spacious_a universe_n and_o in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n think_v it_o fit_a to_o recommend_v his_o excellent_a doctrine_n to_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n by_o suffer_v for_o mankind_n not_o only_o cruel_a persecution_n but_o also_o a_o death_n which_o in_o some_o sense_n be_v high_o ignominious_a and_o by_o his_o own_o most_o heroic_a example_n at_o once_o teach_v and_o encourage_v the_o first_o publisher_n of_o the_o gospel_n bold_o to_o encounter_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o the_o most_o apparent_a danger_n if_o they_o may_v but_o be_v honourable_o and_o happy_o instrumental_a to_o save_v precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n chap._n xii_o than_o celsus_n say_v if_o they_o will_v return_v a_o solid_a answer_n to_o some_o pertinent_a question_n which_o i_o shall_v fair_o propose_v to_o they_o not_o as_o if_o i_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o opinion_n which_o they_o hold_v but_o
to_o be_v lead_v aside_o into_o great_a and_o very_o pernicious_a error_n i_o confess_v this_o might_n with_o justice_n have_v be_v allege_v against_o the_o jew_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o deny_v our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n who_o have_v the_o plain_a testimonial_n of_o a_o divine_a commission_n and_o be_v so_o frequent_o and_o so_o evident_o foretell_v by_o their_o own_o celebrate_a prophet_n but_o not_o be_v desirous_a to_o entertain_v the_o least_o thought_n concern_v that_o matter_n which_o he_o know_v wou'dn_v serve_v his_o cause_n he_o suppose_v the_o jew_n to_o be_v most_o gross_o deceive_v in_o a_o case_n wherein_o the_o contrary_a be_v extreme_o evident_a chap._n xxiv_o leave_v then_o what_o immediate_o relate_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o another_o opportunity_n he_o enter_v into_o a_o discourse_n concern_v our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o be_v the_o head_n of_o a_o upstart_n sect_n who_o from_o he_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n he_o say_v that_o our_o saviour_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o introduce_v his_o doctrine_n but_o a_o few_o year_n ago_o be_v for_o what_o reason_n he_o know_v not_o take_v by_o the_o christian_n for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o when_o our_o saviour_n do_v so_o late_o introduce_v his_o doctrine_n it_o shall_v meet_v with_o such_o wonderful_a and_o happy_a success_n that_o almost_o in_o every_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n a_o great_a number_n both_o of_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n of_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a person_n shall_v so_o ready_o and_o even_o triumphant_o forsake_v the_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v and_o to_o which_o they_o be_v preengaged_a by_o many_o other_o strong_a and_o almost_o indissoluble_a tie_n and_o on_o a_o sudden_a discover_v so_o extraordinary_a a_o zeal_n for_o a_o new_a religion_n as_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o sacrifice_v their_o reputation_n their_o fortune_n and_o even_o their_o life_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o which_o can_v hardly_o be_v say_v of_o any_o other_o doctrine_n which_o have_v all_o external_a advantage_n to_o recommend_v it_o i_o say_v when_o the_o posture_n of_o affair_n be_v such_o we_o must_v be_v strange_o blind_v by_o the_o force_n of_o prejudice_n it_o we_o do_v observe_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a appearance_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o so_o sudden_a so_o remarkable_a and_o so_o bless_v a_o change_n as_o this_o i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o say_v not_o to_o speak_v from_o prejudice_n but_o as_o one_o who_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n to_o make_v impartial_a inquiry_n into_o truth_n that_o a_o skilful_a physician_n can_v recover_v his_o patient_n even_o from_o their_o bodily_a disease_n without_o the_o blessing_n of_o almighty_n god_n upon_o the_o proper_a method_n he_o prescribe_v and_o if_o any_o one_o can_v cure_v the_o more_o fatal_a distemper_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v sudden_o and_o in_o a_o considerable_a measure_n dispossess_v those_o root_v and_o dangerous_a vice_n that_o have_v for_o a_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n usurp_v and_o maintain_v a_o dominion_n there_o can_v free_v it_o from_o its_o former_a and_o in_o some_o sense_n native_a intemperante_fw-la injustice_n contempt_n and_o profanation_n of_o holy_a thing_n and_o as_o a_o proof_n of_o his_o skill_n can_v instance_n in_o a_o hundred_o person_n who_o manner_n he_o have_v be_v happy_o and_o great_o instrumental_a to_o reform_v i_o presume_v you_o will_v not_o say_v that_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o seasonable_a and_o more_o than_o common_a interposition_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n if_o then_o any_o person_n who_o weigh_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o his_o serious_a and_o deliberate_a thought_n will_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v that_o much_o of_o the_o natural_a and_o all_o the_o moral_a good_a of_o which_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v boast_v be_v owe_v to_o some_o high_a cause_n than_o a_o general_n concourse_n of_o the_o supreme_a and_z and_o alwise_a be_v how_o much_o more_o just_o and_o more_o eminent_o may_v this_o be_v say_v in_o commendation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n if_o we_o compare_v the_o course_n of_o life_n which_o his_o follower_n once_o ignorant_o and_o unhappy_o lead_v with_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o future_a conversation_n and_o consider_v how_o willing_o and_o even_o greedy_o they_o devote_v themselves_o to_o debauchery_n fraud_n and_o avarice_n before_o they_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n which_o the_o bless_a jesus_n introduce_v into_o the_o world_n which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o epicurean_o be_v a_o notorious_a cheat_n and_o the_o great_a plague_n with_o which_o mankind_n can_v possible_o have_v be_v infect_v but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n be_v illustrious_a example_n of_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n insomuch_o that_o some_o of_o they_o from_o a_o sincere_a and_o vehement_a desire_n of_o attain_v to_o a_o extraordinary_a degree_n of_o purity_n and_o of_o devote_v themselves_o more_o entire_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n do_v abstain_v from_o the_o lawful_a delight_n of_o sense_n and_o those_o rational_a entertainment_n which_o marriage_n itself_o afford_v and_o any_o one_o who_o examine_v into_o these_o matter_n with_o that_o diligence_n and_o exactness_n which_o be_v requisite_a will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o our_o saviour_n with_o a_o greatness_n of_o soul_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o he_o attempt_v what_o be_v vast_o beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o mere_a humane_a nature_n and_o that_o the_o event_n do_v most_o remarkable_o answer_v his_o design_n for_o when_o every_o thing_n look_v with_o a_o unfavourable_a aspect_n on_o so_o great_a and_o seem_o so_o bold_v a_o undertake_n and_o threaten_v that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v confine_v to_o a_o very_a narrow_a compass_n when_o the_o roman_a emperor_n in_o their_o successive_a reign_n the_o governor_n of_o province_n and_o general_n of_o army_n the_o magistrate_n of_o particular_a city_n the_o soldier_n and_o the_o common_a people_n in_o a_o word_n when_o all_o person_n that_o be_v in_o place_n of_o authority_n or_o have_v any_o interest_n and_o influence_n declare_v open_a war_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o say_v even_o then_o under_o all_o those_o evident_a and_o great_a external_a disadvantage_n it_o bear_v the_o sacred_a and_o undeniable_a mark_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a approve_v itself_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o most_o wicked_a man_n force_v its_o way_n in_o spite_n of_o the_o unite_a malice_n and_o most_o vigorous_a effort_n both_o of_o earth_n and_o hell_n gain_v ground_n by_o the_o most_o violent_a opposition_n and_o be_v superior_a to_o all_o its_o enemy_n which_o be_v neither_o few_o nor_o contemptible_a and_o have_v a_o wonderful_a power_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n all_o greece_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n become_v trophy_n of_o honour_n to_o the_o immortal_a memory_n of_o its_o godlike_a founder_n chap._n xxv_o and_o since_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v entire_o ignorant_a of_o the_o art_n and_o science_n and_o have_v but_o a_o small_a measure_n and_o scarce_o any_o glimmering_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a but_o that_o among_o such_o vast_a number_n as_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o irrational_a and_o illiterate_a shall_v great_o exceed_v those_o in_o number_n who_o have_v render_v themselves_o famous_a for_o their_o sense_n and_o learning_n but_o celsus_n not_o be_v willing_a to_o consider_v this_o as_o he_o ought_v speak_v with_o the_o high_a contempt_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n himself_o who_o condescend_v to_o shine_v promiscuous_o on_o the_o great_a and_o the_o mean_a and_o to_o enlighten_v and_o warm_a with_o his_o refresh_a ray_n the_o most_o eminent_a saint_n and_o the_o vile_a sinner_n and_o he_o look_v on_o this_o extraordinary_a condescension_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o prodigious_a folly_n and_o unmanly_a self-debasement_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o high_a flight_n of_o majestic_a simplicity_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v discover_v by_o a_o incarnate_a god_n but_o celsus_n himself_o can_v say_v with_o all_o his_o prejudice_n and_o malice_n that_o all_o who_o ever_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v dull_a and_o stupid_a to_o a_o proverb_n and_o the_o only_a person_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v so_o since_o it_o seem_v he_o be_v so_o just_a and_o so_o gracious_a as_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o some_o few_o may_v be_v find_v among_o they_o who_o be_v very_o severe_a in_o their_o moral_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_a allegory_n chap._n xxvi_o but_o because_o he_o personate_v a_o jew_n in_o imitation_n of_o a_o professor_n in_o the_o university_n who_o make_v his_o young_a pupil_n declaim_v that_o he_o may_v use_v
afterward_o arise_v and_o take_v the_o young_a child_n and_o his_o mother_n and_o flee_v into_o egypt_n and_o be_v thou_o there_o until_o i_o bring_v thou_o word_n for_o herod_n will_v seek_v the_o young_a child_n to_o destroy_v he_o and_o i_o see_v nothing_o in_o this_o whole_a account_n that_o even_o seem_v to_o shock_v our_o reason_n and_o destroy_v our_o faith_n for_o we_o read_v elsewhere_o that_o joseph_n be_v warn_v by_o god_n in_o a_o dream_n and_o that_o such_o apparition_n as_o these_o have_v be_v be_v a_o truth_n in_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o which_o experience_v itself_o may_v i_o think_v sufficient_o confirm_v we_o what_o absurdity_n be_v there_o then_o upon_o the_o whole_a in_o suppose_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o assume_v the_o humane_a nature_n shall_v act_v with_o the_o prudence_n of_o a_o man_n in_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o impend_a calamity_n not_o as_o if_o he_o can_o have_v avoid_v they_o by_o his_o infinite_a power_n without_o take_v such_o measure_n as_o he_o do_v but_o because_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o his_o life_n shall_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o not_o by_o a_o continue_v course_n of_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a event_n it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v be_v carry_v by_o his_o parent_n into_o egypt_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v tarry_v there_o till_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v stay_v in_o his_o native_a country_n and_o yet_o be_v preserve_v from_o the_o evil_n to_o which_o he_o be_v expose_v be_v better_o arm_v than_o with_o pluto_n helmet_n and_o secure_v from_o the_o rage_n of_o his_o malicious_a enemy_n by_o their_o be_v strike_v like_o the_o sodomite_n of_o old_a with_o sudden_a blindness_n for_o such_o a_o series_n of_o miraculous_a appearance_n have_v be_v very_o unsuitable_a to_o his_o great_a design_n of_o acquaint_v the_o world_n as_o a_o man_n authorise_a by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o that_o the_o true_a son_n of_o god_n the_o eternal_a word_n the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n do_v glorious_o though_o wonderful_o reside_v in_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o the_o incarnate_a jesus_n but_o it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n at_o present_a to_o speak_v full_o of_o the_o two_o nature_n that_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n since_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a and_o if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v a_o domestic_a dispute_n between_o we_o concern_v that_o difficult_a and_o important_a point_n chap._n lvii_o than_o celsus_n jew_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o instruct_v in_o their_o learning_n say_v that_o the_o ancient_a fable_n that_o attribute_v a_o divine_a original_a to_o perseus_n amphion_n aeacus_n and_o minos_n though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o strictness_n true_a yet_o do_v display_v the_o action_n of_o these_o person_n as_o be_v great_a and_o wonderful_a and_o above_o the_o sphere_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o for_o your_o part_n what_o do_v you_o ever_o say_v or_o do_v that_o be_v worthy_a of_o admiration_n though_o you_o be_v open_o challenge_v to_o give_v convince_a proof_n that_o you_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o need_v only_o ask_v the_o greek_n whether_o they_o can_v show_v that_o any_o of_o the_o forementioned_a person_n do_v any_o extraordinary_a service_n to_o the_o world_n or_o perform_v any_o great_a exploit_n to_o induce_v future_a age_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o fable_n which_o represent_v they_o to_o we_o as_o be_v derive_v from_o a_o divine_a original_a but_o i_o defy_v they_o to_o instance_n in_o any_o of_o the_o action_n of_o these_o fabulous_a hero_n that_o deserve_v to_o be_v name_v much_o less_o compare_v with_o what_o our_o saviour_n do_v unless_o they_o will_v refer_v we_o to_o their_o own_o fable_n and_o history_n and_o have_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o without_o any_o more_o ado_n and_o disbelieve_v our_o history_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o importance_n of_o which_o we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o we_o can_v reasonable_o desire_v we_o say_v and_o know_v that_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v be_v sufficient_o see_v and_o happy_o feel_v through_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n where_o any_o church_n be_v found_v that_o consist_v of_o person_n reclaim_v from_o many_o exorbitant_a vice_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n at_o this_o very_a day_n compose_v the_o ruffle_a mind_n of_o man_n dispossess_v daemon_n cure_n disease_n and_o work_v a_o meek_a gentle_a and_o amicable_a temper_n in_o all_o those_o person_n who_o make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n from_o a_o high_a end_n than_o their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o sincere_o believe_v what_o it_o teach_v we_o concern_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o a_o future_a judgement_n chap._n lviii_o than_o celsus_n foresee_v how_o many_o remarkable_a action_n that_o be_v perform_v by_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v mention_v by_o we_o to_o his_o honour_n a_o few_o of_o which_o i_o have_v relate_v make_v as_o if_o he_o grant_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v write_v concern_v the_o disease_n that_o be_v cure_v the_o dead_a that_o be_v raise_v to_o life_n and_o the_o few_o loaf_n with_o which_o a_o great_a multitude_n be_v feed_v and_o of_o which_o many_o fragment_n do_v remain_v and_o those_o strange_a account_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o gospel-history_n and_o immediate_o add_v the_o follow_a word_n well_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o you_o real_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o talk_v of_o but_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n he_o quite_o unravel_v what_o he_o have_v say_v before_o and_o set_v they_o on_o a_o level_n with_o the_o operation_n that_o be_v perform_v by_o magician_n who_o pretend_v to_o do_v mighty_a thing_n and_o have_v study_v magic_a in_o egypt_n get_v a_o little_a money_n out_o of_o people_n pocket_n by_o practise_v their_o art_n in_o the_o open_a forum_n dispossess_v daemon_n cure_v distemper_n call_v back_o depart_v soul_n and_o represent_v to_o the_o delude_a sight_n a_o table_n spread_v with_o imaginary_a dainty_n and_o animal_n that_o seem_v to_o move_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n but_o have_v no_o inward_a spring_n of_o life_n and_o motion_n his_o word_n be_v these_o pray_v must_v we_o esteem_v the_o person_n who_o perform_v these_o wonderful_a operation_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o must_v we_o not_o rather_o esteem_v they_o to_o be_v vile_a wretch_n that_o be_v well-versed_a it_o seem_v in_o a_o diabolical_a art_n you_o see_v here_o that_o he_o allow_v a_o extraordinary_a power_n in_o magic_n though_o by_o the_o way_n i_o be_o much_o mistake_v if_o he_o i_v the_o very_a person_n who_o write_v several_a book_n in_o which_o he_o direct_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a and_o yet_o because_o he_o think_v it_o may_v serve_v his_o cause_n he_o compare_v the_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o the_o operation_n of_o magician_n indeed_o there_o have_v be_v some_o ground_n for_o make_v this_o invidious_a comparison_n if_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v such_o a_o vain_a show_n of_o miracle_n as_o the_o magician_n do_v their_o design_n also_o whatever_o wonder_v they_o may_v effect_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v not_o to_o reform_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n nor_o have_v such_o vain_a amusement_n the_o least_o tendency_n to_o beget_v in_o person_n a_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o so_o to_o regulate_v their_o action_n that_o they_o may_v be_v honourable_o acquit_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v summon_v to_o appear_v before_o his_o awful_a bar._n the_o forementioned_a person_n do_v it_o so_o much_o as_o aim_v at_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_a and_o if_o they_o do_v of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n they_o will_v be_v most_o unfit_a for_o so_o great_a a_o undertake_n since_o they_o themselves_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o mo●t_o notorious_a crime_n whereas_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o design_v by_o his_o miracle_n to_o reform_v the_o manner_n of_o they_o who_o be_v eye_n witness_n of_o what_o he_o do_v give_v not_o only_o his_o follower_n but_o all_o mankind_n a_o bright_a example_n of_o unaffected_a virtue_n and_o piety_n that_o they_o who_o be_v to_o publish_v his_o excellent_a doctrine_n may_v at_o once_o be_v direct_v and_o encourage_v to_o acquaint_v their_o hearer_n with_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o forementioned_a person_n be_v more_o convince_v by_o the_o native_a beauty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o holy_a life_n of_o their_o teacher_n than_o by_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v may_v in_o all_o their_o action_n have_v a_o sincere_a
inward_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v but_o wonder_n that_o since_o celsus_n be_v so_o fond_a of_o speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o jew_n he_o did_o make_v he_o direct_v his_o discourse_n to_o the_o gentile_n rather_o than_o to_o his_o own_o countryman_n for_o it_o will_v have_v carry_v with_o it_o a_o far_o more_o plausible_a appearance_n if_o it_o have_v be_v direct_v by_o he_o to_o those_o who_o embrace_v the_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o be_v gentile_n like_o ourselves_o but_o it_o seem_v this_o mighty_a man_n with_o all_o his_o knowledge_n to_o which_o he_o make_v such_o great_a pretence_n do_v not_o know_v or_o at_o least_o do_v seem_v to_o i_o not_o due_o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o figure_n of_o speech_n which_o we_o make_v use_v of_o when_o we_o speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o another_o let_v we_o see_v therefore_o what_o he_o say_v to_o those_o jew_n who_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n he_o say_v that_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v most_o shameful_o delude_v by_o our_o saviour_n they_o leave_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o ancestor_n and_o alter_v both_o their_o name_n and_o their_o course_n of_o life_n but_o he_o do_v consider_v that_o the_o jew_n who_o believe_v in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v not_o total_o renounce_v the_o law_n of_o their_o justly-admired_a progenitor_n and_o forefather_n but_o live_v in_o the_o observance_n of_o it_o derive_v their_o appellation_n from_o a_o word_n that_o denote_v the_o poverty_n of_o the_o mere_a letter_n of_o the_o law_n for_o ebion_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n signify_v poor_a and_o the_o convert_a jew_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o ebionites_n and_o st._n peter_n himself_o for_o a_o considerabe_n time_n observe_v the_o jewish_a rite_n that_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o not_o have_v yet_o learn_v even_o from_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o ascend_v as_o it_o be_v from_o their_o literal_a to_o their_o spiritual_a mean_v as_o we_o have_v the_o matter_n relate_v to_o we_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o morrow_n as_o they_o go_v on_o their_o journey_n and_o draw_v act_n 1._o v._o 9_o etc._n etc._n nigh_o unto_o the_o city_n peter_n go_v up_o upon_o the_o housetop_n to_o pray_v about_o the_o six_o hour_n and_o he_o become_v very_o hungry_a and_o will_v have_v eat_v but_o while_o they_o make_v ready_a he_o fall_v into_o a_o trance_n and_o see_v heaven_n open_v and_o a_o certain_a vessel_n descend_v unto_o he_o as_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a sheet_n knit_v at_o the_o four_o corner_n and_o let_v down_o to_o the_o earth_n wherein_o be_v all_o manner_n of_o fourfooted_n beast_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o wild_a beast_n and_o creep_v thing_n and_o fowl_n of_o the_o air._n and_o there_o come_v a_o voice_n to_o he_o rise_z peter_z kill_z and_o eat_v but_o peter_n say_v not_o so_o lord_n for_o i_o have_v never_o eat_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v common_a or_o unclean_a and_o the_o voice_n speak_v to_o he_o again_o the_o second_o time_n what_o god_n have_v cleanse_v that_o call_v thou_o not_o common_a you_o see_v here_o that_o st._n peter_n himself_o that_o eminent_a apostle_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o as_o retain_v the_o jewish_a distinction_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o what_o follow_v in_o the_o history_n that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o vision_n can_v engage_v he_o to_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o cornelius_n who_o be_v not_o descend_v from_o the_o israelite_n and_o to_o his_o friend_n that_o attend_v he_o for_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n and_o observe_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v a_o contemptible_a notion_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n acquaint_v we_o that_o st._n peter_n for_o fear_n of_o displease_v the_o jew_n refuse_v to_o eat_v with_o the_o gentile_n for_o before_o that_o certain_a come_v from_o james_n he_o do_v eat_v with_o the_o gentile_n but_o when_o they_o be_v come_v he_o withdraw_v and_o separate_v himself_o gal._n two_o v._o 12._o fear_v they_o which_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n and_o the_o other_o jew_n dissemble_v likewise_o with_o he_o insomuch_o that_o barnabas_n also_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o their_o dissimulation_n and_o it_o be_v not_o i_o think_v whole_o incongruous_a that_o they_o shall_v comply_v in_o some_o measure_n with_o the_o jewish_a rite_n who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o apostleship_n of_o the_o circumcision_n for_o they_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v pillar_n give_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n the_o former_a person_n direct_v their_o course_n to_o the_o circumcision_n but_o need_v i_o say_v that_o they_o who_o preach_v to_o the_o jew_n withdraw_v and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o gentile_n when_o the_o apostle_n paul_n himself_o become_v a_o jew_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o may_v win_v upon_o they_o we_o read_v therefore_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o offer_v a_o oblation_n upon_o the_o altar_n to_o show_v that_o he_o have_v altogether_o renounce_v the_o jewish_a law_n in_o which_o he_o have_v be_v educate_v and_o of_o which_o he_o be_v once_o so_o passionate_a a_o admirer_n have_v celsus_n know_v all_o this_o he_o will_v never_o have_v introduce_v a_o jew_n addressing_z himself_o to_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o judaisme_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o follow_a manner_n what_o be_v the_o matter_n say_v he_o my_o dear_o belove_a countryman_n that_o you_o have_v on_o a_o sudden_a renounce_v the_o religion_n of_o your_o father_n and_o ancestor_n and_o suffer_v yourselves_o to_o be_v so_o shameful_o delude_v by_o your_o pretend_a saviour_n as_o to_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o alter_v your_o name_n and_o course_n of_o life_n chap._n ii_o but_o because_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v st._n peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o who_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o the_o circumcision_n i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a to_o quote_v a_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o st._n john_n gospel_n and_o a_o little_a to_o explain_v it_o i_o have_v say_v he_o many_o thing_n yet_o john_n xuj_o v._o 12_o 13._o to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o but_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v hear_v that_o shall_v he_o speak_v now_o i_o ask_v celsus_n jew_n what_o be_v these_o thing_n that_o our_o saviour_n have_v to_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n which_o under_o their_o present_a circumstance_n they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o relish_v be_v not_o this_o his_o desire_n viz._n to_o instruct_v they_o since_o they_o be_v jew_n and_o by_o consequence_n acquaint_v with_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n i_o say_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o law_n which_o the_o type_n and_o ceremony_n under_o the_o legal_a dispensation_n do_v but_o imperfect_o represent_v and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o new_a light_n into_o those_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v of_o which_o the_o various_a rite_n concern_v pure_a and_o impure_a meat_n and_o drink_n concern_v festival_n new-moon_n and_o sabbath_n be_v all_o but_o obscure_a and_o in_o themselves_o very_o mean_v and_o contemptible_a shadow_n these_o without_o doubt_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o their_o bless_a lord_n will_v have_v communicate_v to_o they_o but_o know_v very_o well_o how_o difficult_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o disengage_v the_o mind_n from_o those_o notion_n which_o i_o have_v almost_o say_v be_v of_o as_o early_o a_o date_n as_o its_o own_o original_a and_o be_v daily_o more_o deep_o root_v in_o our_o very_a nature_n by_o the_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la of_o our_o birth_n and_o education_n and_o especial_o when_o one_o look_n upon_o they_o as_o have_v the_o awful_a stamp_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n and_o by_o consequence_n as_o be_v too_o important_a and_o too_o true_a to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n or_o but_o slight_o regard_v know_v i_o say_v and_o consider_v how_o difficult_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o convince_v person_n under_o such_o unhappy_a circumstance_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o that_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v loss_n and_o dung_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n he_o prudent_o wait_v for_o a_o more_o convenient_a time_n and_o differ_v his_o discourse_n till_o after_o his_o bloody_a death_n and_o triumphant_a resurrection_n and_o indeed_o if_o he_o have_v talk_v to_o they_o of_o thing_n that_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o
to_o confute_v his_o grace_n but_o as_o i_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o my_o own_o salvation_n than_o of_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o that_o singular_o pious_a as_o well_o as_o incomparable_o rational_a and_o very_o learned_a prelate_n so_o i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v that_o origen_n will_v be_v a_o star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n in_o the_o superior_a orb_n and_o though_o his_o notion_n may_v in_o some_o respect_n be_v peculiar_a to_o he_o and_o just_o deserve_v our_o censure_n yet_o the_o chief_a thing_n in_o we_o which_o the_o great_a god_n regard_v and_o on_o which_o he_o will_v put_v distinguish_v mark_n of_o his_o favour_n through_o all_o the_o revolution_n of_o eternity_n be_v a_o regular_a and_o steady_a course_n of_o sincere_a and_o unaffected_a virtue_n and_o piety_n as_o for_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o idol_n which_o petavius_n the_o jesuit_n and_o other_o learned_a man_n do_v seem_v incline_v to_o charge_n on_o origen_n and_o epiphanius_n think_v fit_a to_o relate_v in_o his_o book_n of_o heresy_n it_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o late_a learned_a fredericus_fw-la spanhemius_fw-la in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o that_o act_n be_v never_o charge_v upon_o he_o even_o by_o the_o justinian_n age_n in_o which_o he_o be_v more_o general_o and_o more_o violent_o oppose_v than_o ever_o but_o be_v that_o matter_n as_o it_o will_v st._n hierom_n himself_o who_o strong_o oppose_v his_o error_n have_v no_o small_a veneration_n for_o he_o on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o piety_n sense_n and_o learning_n and_o the_o late_a reverend_a dr._n stilling-fleet_n in_o his_o origines_fw-la sacrae_fw-la do_v frequent_o quote_v and_o honourable_o represent_v he_o to_o the_o world_n as_o many_o of_o the_o great_a light_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o of_o the_o learned_a world_n have_v do_v before_o he_o but_o i_o be_o sensible_a it_o will_v be_v ready_o object_v against_o this_o translation_n that_o we_o abound_v already_o with_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v much_o more_o useful_a than_o origen_n who_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o confute_v celsus_n who_o be_v a_o heathen_a philosopher_n it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v grotius_n de_fw-fr veritate_fw-la christianae_n religionis_fw-la the_o learned_a apology_n of_o the_o late_a reverend_a bishop_n of_o worcester_n the_o most_o admirable_a sermon_n of_o the_o famous_a dr._n bentley_n preach_v at_o the_o lecture_n of_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyl_n esq_n some_o incomparable_a sermon_n publish_v by_o the_o reverend_n dr._n tillotson_n dr._n blackhall_n dr._n stanhope_n and_o mr._n clark_n chaplain_n to_o my_o lord_n bishop_n of_o norwich_n the_o learned_a dr._n owen_n comment_n on_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o i_o can_v hardly_o discharge_v my_o conscience_n shall_v i_o forbear_v to_o mention_v mr._n baxter_n reason_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o honour_n to_o the_o memory_n of_o so_o great_a and_o especial_o so_o good_a a_o man._n we_o have_v the_o rational_a and_o learned_a dr._n parker_n demonstration_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o many_o excellent_a author_n who_o have_v unite_v their_o force_n against_o the_o most_o formidable_a adversary_n of_o our_o common_a faith_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v too_o well_o furnish_v with_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o slight_v either_o the_o ancient_a apology_n of_o justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n tatian_n arnobius_n lactantius_n and_o the_o like_a or_o even_o the_o modern_a dcfence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o i_o think_v we_o shall_v deep_o lament_v that_o we_o have_v no_o more_o and_o that_o those_o which_o we_o have_v be_v no_o better_o understand_v and_o it_o high_o become_v we_o to_o make_v a_o thankful_a and_o due_a improvement_n of_o those_o many_o excellent_a help_n which_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n see_v fit_a to_o afford_v we_o i_o can_v think_v but_o of_o one_o objection_n more_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o by_o publish_v this_o translation_n of_o origen_n i_o do_v expose_v the_o corrupt_a principle_n of_o celsus_n to_o more_o public_a view_n it_o be_v true_a i_o do_v so_o but_o certain_o the_o truth_n be_v so_o safe_o guard_v by_o its_o native_a purity_n and_o so_o well_o recommend_v by_o the_o evidence_n that_o attend_v it_o that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o light_n that_o it_o desire_v nothing_o more_o if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v than_o to_o make_v its_o most_o open_a and_o undisguised_a appearance_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o the_o objection_n have_v any_o real_a force_n it_o will_v hold_v as_o well_o though_o not_o equal_o against_o origen_n himself_o for_o write_v against_o celsus_n which_o plain_o suppose_v that_o all_o the_o learning_n wit_n and_o malice_n of_o that_o arch-fiend_n of_o hell_n must_v be_v diffect_v as_o it_o be_v and_o lay_v open_a to_o view_n which_o though_o they_o be_v the_o rank_a poison_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o infect_v we_o if_o we_o have_v but_o the_o blessing_n of_o almighty_n god_n on_o so_o excellent_a a_o antidote_n at_o hand_n as_o the_o indefatigable_a and_o almost_o inimitable_a labour_n of_o that_o pious_a rational_a and_o learned_a father_n who_o oppose_v he_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o in_o defence_n of_o a_o translation_n of_o origen_n but_o humble_o submit_v my_o mean_a performance_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o this_o judicious_a and_o learned_a age_n and_o publish_v it_o as_o a_o public_a though_o unworthy_a tribute_n of_o praise_n to_o the_o great_a author_n of_o my_o be_v and_o fountain_n of_o all_o my_o happiness_n and_o as_o some_o though_o but_o a_o small_a recompense_n to_o my_o dear_a and_o honour_a father_n for_o the_o prudent_a method_n he_o have_v take_v the_o pain_n and_o charge_v he_o have_v be_v at_o and_o the_o great_a readiness_n and_o unusual_a joy_n which_o he_o have_v always_o express_v in_o procure_v and_o continue_v to_o i_o so_o far_o as_o it_o lie_v in_o his_o power_n under_o god_n the_o extraordinary_a but_o not_o due_o improve_v advantage_n of_o a_o liberal_a education_n i_o have_v frequent_o read_v the_o eight_o book_n of_o origen_n against_o celsus_n as_o they_o offer_v themselves_o to_o my_o consideration_n in_o the_o greek_a original_a the_o french_a translation_n of_o the_o learned_a mounseur_fw-fr bouhereau_n and_o the_o latin_a version_n and_o be_o not_o conscious_a to_o myself_o of_o any_o wilful_a and_o gross_a defect_n and_o after_o many_o solemn_a supplication_n for_o divine_a assistance_n many_o tedious_a and_o yet_o pleasant_a hour_n which_o i_o have_v employ_v about_o it_o many_o kind_a direction_n and_o encouragement_n from_o person_n of_o no_o mean_a rank_n for_o piety_n sense_n learning_n and_o extraction_n and_o many_o earnest_a desire_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n may_v be_v my_o principal_a aim_n and_o in_o a_o word_n after_o have_v perform_v what_o lie_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o my_o small_a ability_n to_o clothe_v it_o in_o such_o a_o dress_n as_o may_v recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n i_o say_v such_o as_o it_o be_v i_o humble_o expose_v it_o to_o all_o learned_a judicious_a and_o candid_a person_n and_o submit_v it_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o critic_n and_o if_o this_o first_o essay_n shall_v meet_v even_o with_o a_o tolerable_a acceptation_n from_o the_o world_n i_o design_n god_n willing_a to_o take_v the_o first_o opportunity_n to_o translate_v the_o two_o follow_a book_n that_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o reader_n may_v reap_v from_o origen_n may_v be_v equal_a or_o superior_a to_o the_o painful_a pleasure_n which_o i_o take_v in_o translate_n he_o that_o his_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v daily_o confirm_v and_o that_o he_o may_v at_o length_n enjoy_v that_o inconceivable_a happiness_n in_o the_o future_a world_n of_o which_o many_o of_o the_o primitive_a father_n be_v now_o partake_v and_o of_o which_o i_o firm_o believe_v that_o the_o pious_a and_o incomparable_a origen_n have_v no_o small_a share_n be_v the_o sincere_a desire_n of_o the_o unworthy_a servant_n of_o our_o common_a lord_n james_n bellamy_n origen_n against_o celsus_n translate_v from_o the_o original_a into_o english_a book_n the_o first_o origen_n epistle_n dedicatory_a to_o ambrose_n when_o false_a witness_n be_v bring_v against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n he_o hold_v his_o peace_n and_o when_o he_o be_v accuse_v return_v no_o answer_n be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o best_a apology_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v make_v in_o his_o behalf_n but_o you_o virtuous_a ambrose_n be_v please_v to_o desire_v i_o for_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o yourself_o to_o vindicate_v
the_o christian_n from_o those_o foul_a aspersion_n which_o celsus_n have_v public_o cast_v upon_o they_o as_o if_o a_o confutation_n of_o he_o be_v not_o legible_a in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o what_o he_o offer_v may_v not_o be_v deserve_o reject_v as_o want_v even_o the_o appearance_n of_o truth_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n to_o show_v that_o our_o saviour_n hold_v his_o peace_n when_o false_a witness_n be_v bring_v against_o he_o i_o need_v only_o at_o present_a produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o st._n matthew_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o what_o saint_n mark_v the_o evangelist_n relate_v st._n matthew_n have_v these_o word_n now_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n mat._n 26._o u._n 59_o and_o all_o the_o council_n seek_v false_a witness_n against_o jesus_n to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n but_o find_v none_o yea_o though_o many_o false_a witness_n come_v yet_o find_v they_o none_o at_o last_o come_v two_o false_a witness_n and_o say_v this_o fellow_n say_v i_o be_o able_a to_o destroy_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o to_o build_v it_o in_o three_o day_n and_o the_o highpriest_n arise_v and_o say_v to_o he_o answer_v thou_o nothing_o what_o be_v it_o which_o these_o witness_n against_o thou_o but_o jesus_n hold_v his_o peace_n we_o read_v in_o another_o place_n of_o the_o same_o evangelist_n that_o our_o saviour_n return_v no_o answer_n to_o the_o person_n who_o accuse_v he_o and_o jesus_n mat._n 27._o u._n 11._o stand_v before_o the_o governor_n and_o the_o governor_n ask_v he_o say_v be_v thou_o the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o thou_o say_v and_o when_o he_o be_v accuse_v of_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n he_o answer_v nothing_o then_o say_v pilate_n unto_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o how_o many_o thing_n these_o witness_n against_o thou_o and_o he_o answer_v he_o never_o a_o word_n insomuch_o that_o the_o governor_n marvel_v great_o and_o indeed_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v admire_v by_o person_n who_o be_v least_o capable_a of_o reflection_n that_o when_o he_o have_v so_o fair_a a_o opportunity_n to_o free_v himself_o from_o the_o heavy_a charge_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o he_o to_o enumerate_v or_o at_o least_o modest_o insinuate_v his_o shine_a character_n and_o to_o commend_v the_o high_a power_n as_o be_v ordame_v of_o god_n and_o by_o these_o innocent_a and_o politic_a method_n to_o procure_v the_o judge_n favour_n i_o say_v that_o when_o he_o have_v so_o fair_a a_o opportunity_n to_o do_v all_o this_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o embrace_v it_o as_o to_o look_v upon_o his_o most_o violent_a accuser_n with_o a_o truly-generous_a disdain_n that_o the_o judge_n seem_v willing_a to_o acquit_v he_o have_v he_o make_v his_o apology_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o follow_a word_n who_o mat._n 27._o u._n 17._o will_v you_o that_o i_o release_v unto_o you_o barrabas_n or_o jesus_n who_o be_v call_v christ_n and_o those_o word_n he_o know_v that_o for_o envy_n ibid._n 18._o he_o have_v deliver_v he_o so_o that_o the_o holy_a and_o spotless_a jesus_n be_v scarce_o ever_o free_a from_o unjust_a and_o severe_a accusation_n as_o long_o as_o the_o perverse_a disposition_n of_o man_n who_o mind_n be_v corrupt_a and_o who_o life_n be_v often_o stain_v with_o the_o most_o gross_a enormity_n do_v remain_v the_o same_o as_o they_o have_v be_v in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o even_o now_o he_o hold_v his_o peace_n and_o make_v no_o verbal_a answer_n but_o the_o unblemished_a life_n of_o his_o sincere_a follower_n be_v his_o most_o cheerful_a and_o most_o successful_a advocate_n and_o have_v so_o loud_a a_o voice_n that_o they_o drown_v the_o clamour_n of_o his_o most_o bigoted_a and_o most_o zealous_a adversary_n i_o will_v therefore_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v that_o by_o publish_v this_o apology_n i_o shall_v seem_v to_o lessen_v the_o force_n of_o those_o powerful_a argument_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o holy_a life_n of_o its_o pious_a votary_n and_o be_v plain_a appeal_n even_o to_o sense_n and_o common_a observation_n but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o seem_v backward_o in_o obey_v the_o command_v you_o have_v lay_v upon_o i_o i_o have_v endeavour_v according_a to_o my_o present_a ability_n to_o give_v a_o full_a or_o at_o least_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o material_a objection_n which_o celsus_n have_v bring_v against_o we_o which_o in_o your_o opinion_n my_o dear_a and_o respect_a ambrose_n do_v strike_v at_o the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o i_o very_o believe_v will_v never_o shock_v the_o faith_n of_o one_o who_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v live_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o with_o some_o measure_n of_o sincerity_n and_o god_n forbid_v that_o any_o of_o we_o shall_v have_v so_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v so_o lively_a a_o declaration_n of_o his_o love_n to_o perish_a sinner_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o bless_a and_o all-sufficient_a redeemer_n as_o to_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o receive_v any_o bad_a impression_n from_o celsus_n discourse_n or_o the_o write_n of_o any_o other_o ingenious_a and_o learned_a person_n who_o hold_v the_o same_o wicked_a principle_n for_o st._n paul_n reckon_v up_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o separate_v mankind_n from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n all_o which_o his_o love_n to_o they_o do_v and_o will_v at_o last_o effectual_o and_o most_o glorious_o overcome_v do_v it_o say_v that_o erroneous_a discourse_n shall_v be_v any_o much_o less_o a_o principal_a cause_n of_o this_o unhappy_a separation_n observe_v first_o he_o say_v who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n rom._n 8._o u._n 25._o of_o god_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n as_o it_o be_v write_v for_o thy_o sake_n we_o be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o we_o be_v account_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v we_o then_o reckon_v up_o another_o set_a of_o thing_n which_o usual_o shock_v man_n faith_n and_o virtue_n he_o say_v i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o ibid_fw-la 38._o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n even_o for_o we_o who_o fall_v vast_o short_a of_o the_o extraordinary_a attainment_n of_o that_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o say_v who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n but_o the_o apostle_n who_o think_v this_o too_o mean_v a_o boast_n for_o those_o who_o have_v arrive_v to_o so_o remarkable_a a_o pitch_n of_o virtue_n as_o that_o to_o which_o he_o have_v attain_v profess_v that_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v more_o than_o a_o conqueror_n which_o word_n have_v a_o peculiar_a weight_n and_o emphasis_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o noble_a class_n come_v to_o make_v their_o boast_n they_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o set_a of_o thing_n which_o be_v here_o enumerate_v and_o can_v say_v with_o a_o holy_a triumph_n that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n so_o that_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v no_o great_a opinion_n of_o that_o man_n christianity_n who_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o least_o liable_a to_o be_v shocked_a either_o by_o this_o book_n of_o celsus_n or_o the_o write_n of_o any_o other_o person_n of_o the_o same_o unhappy_a stamp_n for_o real_o i_o be_o at_o a_o loss_n to_o know_v in_o what_o class_n of_o christian_n i_o shall_v rank_v that_o man_n who_o be_v not_o proof_n against_o all_o the_o bitter_a but_o unjust_a reproach_n with_o which_o celsus_n have_v load_v the_o follower_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n but_o because_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o people_n be_v in_o no_o small_a danger_n as_o you_o imagine_v my_o dear_a ambrose_n of_o turn_v apostate_n from_o the_o faith_n since_o perhaps_o they_o may_v be_v shocked_a by_o what_o celsus_n have_v offer_v against_o the_o wellgrounded_n principle_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v no_o less_o confirm_v in_o their_o judgement_n
by_o what_o i_o shall_v seasonable_o produce_v in_o its_o defence_n provide_v i_o be_o able_a to_o confute_v his_o error_n i_o resolve_v to_o obey_v your_o most_o just_a command_n and_o to_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o book_n you_o be_v please_v to_o send_v i_o the_o very_a title_n of_o which_o viz._n a_o true_a relation_n will_v hardly_o pass_v for_o such_o with_o they_o who_o be_v no_o great_a proficient_n even_o in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n st._n paul_n know_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o greek_a philosophy_n that_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o contemptible_a but_o have_v by_o accident_n a_o malignant_a influence_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o common_a people_n represent_v error_n under_o the_o plausible_a appearance_n of_o solid_a and_o most_o important_a truth_n have_v these_o very_a word_n beware_v colos_n 2._o u._n 8._o lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ_n but_o this_o be_v more_o than_o i_o think_v any_o judicious_a person_n will_v allow_v the_o book_n which_o i_o be_o just_a go_v to_o answer_v for_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o forementioned_n thing_n by_o the_o name_n of_o vain_a deceit_n perhaps_o in_o contra-distinction_n to_o a_o certain_a kind_a of_o deceit_n which_o be_v not_o vain_a but_o innocent_a and_o useful_a which_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n consider_v make_v bold_a to_o apply_v the_o follow_a word_n to_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o oh_o lord_n thou_o have_v deceive_v i_o and_o jer._n 20._o u._n 7._o i_o be_v deceive_v thou_o be_v strong_a than_o i_o and_o have_v prevail_v but_o in_o my_o opinion_n what_o celsus_n publish_v do_v want_v even_o that_o plausible_a appearance_n to_o render_v it_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v deceitful_a which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o those_o eminently-learned_n person_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o various_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n among_o the_o pagan_n and_o as_o in_o geometry_n tisn_v sufficient_a that_o what_o be_v offor_v for_o a_o demonstration_n be_v in_o itself_o false_a and_o dangerous_a but_o it_o must_v have_v some_o colour_n of_o truth_n or_o it_o can_v never_o deceive_v and_o engage_v even_o the_o most_o faint_a endeavour_n of_o one_o who_o will_v improve_v in_o that_o entertain_n and_o useful_a science_n so_o those_o discourse_n which_o deserve_v the_o character_n of_o vain_a deceit_n must_v have_v some_o affinity_n with_o those_o rational_a argument_n that_o be_v frequent_o make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o head_n of_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n when_o i_o have_v proceed_v in_o my_o answer_n to_o celsus_n as_o far_o as_o the_o place_n where_o he_o personate_v the_o jew_n discourse_v with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v proper_a to_o put_v this_o preface_n before_o my_o book_n that_o so_o any_o one_o into_o who_o hand_n it_o may_v accidental_o fall_v may_v plain_o see_v that_o i_o didn't_fw-mi principal_o intend_v it_o for_o those_o christian_n who_o be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o their_o judgement_n but_o either_o for_o they_o who_o be_v entire_a stranger_n to_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o for_o they_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n rom._n 14._o u._n 1._o receive_v i_o must_v add_v one_o thing_n here_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o i_o have_v a_o different_a design_n in_o answer_v celsus_n in_o the_o gross_a from_o what_o i_o have_v in_o answer_v the_o beginning_n of_o his_o book_n for_o at_o first_o i_o design_v no_o more_o than_o to_o mention_v some_o of_o the_o principal_a head_n and_o content_v myself_o with_o a_o mere_a compendium_n but_o after_o mature_a deliberation_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o proper_a to_o gather_v my_o discourse_n as_o it_o be_v into_o a_o perfect_a system_fw-la or_o body_n then_o i_o be_v satisfy_v from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v at_o a_o needless_a expense_n both_o of_o time_n and_o pain_n and_o content_v myself_o with_o what_o i_o have_v write_v against_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o book_n which_o celsus_n publish_v but_o in_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o my_o apology_n which_o if_o i_o may_v modest_o say_v it_o of_o my_o own_o performance_n be_v much_o more_o elaborate_a i_o determine_v to_o bend_v all_o my_o force_n against_o he_o and_o to_o return_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v material_a and_o even_o to_o some_o of_o his_o most_o trifle_a objection_n i_o must_v therefore_o desire_v my_o reader_n to_o discover_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a candour_n in_o pass_v his_o judgement_n on_o what_o i_o have_v do_v especial_o on_o that_o part_n of_o my_o apology_n which_o immediate_o follow_v this_o epistle_n and_o if_o the_o other_o part_n shall_v have_v no_o better_a effect_n upon_o he_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v there_o also_o be_v extreme_o favourable_a in_o the_o sentence_n which_o he_o may_v pass_v upon_o i_o and_o if_o you_o virtuous_a ambrose_n desire_v a_o more_o complete_a answer_n to_o celsus_n than_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v he_o at_o present_a i_o must_v refer_v you_o to_o they_o who_o have_v a_o far_o great_a share_n of_o judgement_n than_o that_o to_o which_o i_o lay_v my_o most_o humble_a claim_n and_o be_v better_o qualify_v for_o the_o due_a and_o honourable_a management_n of_o so_o difficult_a a_o province_n however_o that_o person_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a and_o much_o more_o desirable_a condition_n who_o have_v meet_v with_o celsus_n performance_n and_o be_v furnish_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n with_o a_o warm_a and_o effectual_a apology_n for_o that_o excellent_a religion_n which_o he_o profess_v and_o endeavour_n to_o practice_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o power_n be_v so_o well-guarded_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o sincere_a follower_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n that_o he_o can_v look_v with_o a_o holy_a contempt_n on_o the_o false_a representation_n and_o most_o plausible_a argument_n of_o the_o most_o celebrate_a heretic_n that_o do_v ever_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n origen_n against_o celsus_n chap._n i._n the_o first_o charge_n which_o celsus_n bring_v against_o the_o christian_n be_v their_o hold_a cabal_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o to_o which_o as_o he_o think_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v entire_o subject_a he_o distinguish_v meeting_n into_o public_a and_o private_a the_o public_a meeting_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o the_o private_a and_o separate_a meeting_n which_o be_v keep_v up_o by_o schismatic_n and_o his_o design_n herein_o be_v to_o cast_v reproach_n on_o the_o love_n feast_n of_o the_o christian_n which_o be_v appoint_v to_o prevent_v a_o common_a and_o threaten_a danger_n and_o be_v far_o more_o bind_v than_o the_o sacred_a tie_n of_o mutual_a oath_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v i_o say_v he_o reproach_n they_o as_o if_o they_o manifest_o and_o gross_o interfere_v with_o that_o due_a and_o indispensible_a loyalty_n which_o as_o they_o be_v subject_n they_o owe_v and_o aught_o as_o he_o imagine_v to_o pay_v the_o national_a establishment_n since_o therefore_o he_o make_v his_o boast_n that_o he_o have_v the_o law_n on_o his_o side_n and_o will_v intimate_v that_o the_o separate_a meeting_n of_o the_o christian_n do_v countenance_n and_o promote_v schism_n and_o sedition_n i_o answer_v that_o as_o a_o stranger_n who_o have_v his_o lot_n providential_o cast_v among_o the_o scythian_n who_o be_v govern_v by_o most_o wicked_a law_n and_o have_v not_o a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o make_v a_o safe_a escape_n will_v be_v esteem_v by_o that_o ignorant_a and_o uncivilise_v people_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o their_o constitution_n and_o a_o favourer_n of_o the_o sectary_n if_o he_o didn't_fw-mi comply_v with_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n but_o may_v still_o urge_v weighty_a and_o unanswerable_a argument_n to_o justify_v his_o separation_n so_o the_o christian_n may_v lawful_o dissent_v from_o the_o establish_v religion_n which_o introduce_v image-worship_n and_o a_o whole_a rifraff_n of_o the_o mock-deity_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o abound_v with_o more_o horrid_a impiety_n than_o be_v ever_o practise_v by_o the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o as_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o a_o city_n may_v lawful_o defend_v themselves_o against_o a_o prince_n who_o have_v make_v a_o unjust_a descent_n upon_o their_o native_a country_n so_o the_o christian_n may_v warrantable_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o satan_n that_o great_a usurper_n to_o free_v themselves_o and_o other_o from_o his_o worse_a than_o scythian_a tyranny_n chap._n
who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o celebrate_a simon_n owe_v their_o knowledge_n entire_o to_o the_o account_n which_o we_o have_v of_o he_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o christian_n his_o very_a name_n will_v before_o this_o time_n have_v be_v bury_v in_o oblivion_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o experience_n that_o he_o bear_v none_o of_o the_o shine_a character_n of_o one_o who_o have_v a_o divine_a commission_n chap._n xlvii_o than_o celsus_n jew_n not_o keep_v to_o the_o sacred_a text_n say_v that_o our_o saviour_n boast_v that_o some_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n be_v move_v by_o a_o secret_a persuasion_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v come_v to_o pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o he_o in_o his_o infancy_n and_o that_o when_o they_o have_v acquaint_v herod_n the_o tetrarch_n with_o it_o he_o order_v his_o officer_n to_o kill_v all_o the_o infant_n that_o be_v about_o that_o age_n imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n will_v inour_v the_o same_o fate_n with_o they_o and_o thereby_o be_v prevent_v from_o ever_o come_v to_o the_o crown_n take_v notice_n how_o gross_o the_o jew_n be_v mistake_v here_o who_o confound_v the_o wise_a man_n and_o the_o chaldaean_n not_o discern_v that_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o may_v be_v of_o different_a country_n and_o profession_n and_o notorious_o falsify_v the_o account_n which_o we_o have_v of_o this_o matter_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o he_o do_v think_v fit_a to_o acquaint_v we_o that_o the_o star_n which_o they_o ●aw_v in_o the_o east_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o secret_a persuasion_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v then_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n let_v we_o see_v therefore_o what_o matter_n of_o discourse_n this_o subject_n will_v afford_v we_o i_o confess_v it_o be_v my_o opinion_n that_o the_o star_n that_o appear_v at_o our_o saviour_n nativity_n be_v entire_o new_a and_o vast_o different_a from_o those_o which_o be_v common_o see_v whether_o in_o the_o superior_a or_o inferior_a orb_n and_o i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v it_o may_v be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o those_o comet_n that_o appear_v for_o a_o time_n and_o have_v different_a name_n assign_v they_o by_o the_o greek_n according_a to_o their_o different_a figure_n and_o i_o build_v my_o opinion_n upon_o the_o follow_a ground_n it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o learned_a author_n that_o when_o any_o considerable_a alteration_n have_v happen_v in_o the_o face_n of_o affair_n such_o star_n have_v expose_v themselves_o to_o view_n as_o do_v presage_v some_o strange_a revolution_n of_o empire_n some_o dreadful_a war_n or_o some_o such_o accident_n as_o these_o which_o put_v the_o whole_a world_n into_o a_o terrible_a and_o unusual_a commotion_n i_o have_v also_o read_v in_o a_o treatise_n concern_v comet_n write_v by_o chaeremon_n the_o stoic_a that_o sometime_o they_o have_v presage_v very_o happy_a event_n and_o he_o produce_v several_a instance_n from_o very_o credible_a historian_n to_o make_v good_a the_o assertion_n which_o he_o there_o lay_v down_o if_o then_o at_o the_o establishment_n of_o some_o new_a monarchy_n or_o before_o some_o remarkable_a scene_n of_o public_a affair_n do_v begin_v to_o open_v these_o comet_n or_o star_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n do_v appear_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o that_o a_o star_n shall_v be_v see_v at_o the_o nativity_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v design_v by_o the_o alwise_a god_n to_o make_v so_o sudden_a so_o great_a and_o so_o happy_a a_o alteration_n in_o the_o world_n to_o publish_v a_o new_a unadorned_a and_o discountenance_a doctrine_n not_o only_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n but_o also_o to_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o the_o most_o distant_a and_o barbarous_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o we_o do_v meet_v with_o any_o or_o at_o least_o with_o no_o scripture-prophecy_n concern_v the_o appearance_n of_o such_o a_o star_n at_o such_o a_o time_n for_o instance_n at_o the_o establishment_n of_o such_o a_o rise_a empire_n but_o the_o star_n that_o grace_v our_o saviour_n nativity_n be_v foretell_v by_o balaam_n as_o moses_n give_v we_o a_o account_n there_o shall_v come_v say_v number_n xxiv_o v._o 17_o he_o a_o star_n out_o of_o jacob_n and_o a_o sceptre_n shall_v rise_v out_o of_o israel_n but_o here_o i_o must_v argue_v with_o the_o greek_n and_o jew_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o dispute_v against_o each_o sort_n of_o person_n from_o very_o different_a topic_n to_o the_o greek_n i_o have_v this_o to_o offer_v that_o the_o magician_n who_o converse_v with_o daemon_n and_o do_v with_o a_o most_o horrid_a solemnity_n invoke_v their_o seasonable_a assistance_n for_o the_o most_o part_n attain_v the_o end_n which_o they_o propose_v to_o themselves_o unless_o a_o divine_a power_n interfere_v that_o be_v superior_a to_o the_o daemon_n or_o some_o name_n be_v mention_v that_o have_v a_o great_a force_n than_o those_o name_n which_o be_v appropriate_v by_o they_o to_o the_o be_v they_o practice_n but_o if_o that_o shall_v happen_v than_o all_o their_o magical_a operation_n be_v avoidable_o lose_v and_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v dazzle_v and_o confound_v with_o the_o bright_a ray_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o therefore_o to_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o when_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v and_o a_o multitude_n of_o the_o heavenly_a host_n as_o st._n luke_n do_v credible_o relate_v the_o passage_n praise_v god_n say_v glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a peace_n on_o earth_n and_o good_a will_n towards_o man_n luke_n two_o v._o 14._o the_o daemon_n be_v shocked_a and_o all_o their_o hellish_a measure_n most_o strange_o disconcert_v not_o only_o by_o good_a angel_n who_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o celebrate_v the_o nativity_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o also_o by_o the_o humane_a soul_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o spotless_a jesus_n as_o be_v a_o happy_a instrument_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o dwell_v in_o so_o glorious_a but_o inconceivable_a a_o manner_n even_o in_o his_o humane_a nature_n the_o wise_a man_n therefore_o be_v desirous_a to_o perform_v their_o usual_a operation_n and_o fail_v in_o what_o they_o endeavour_v to_o effect_v we_o may_v natural_o suppose_v inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o bad_a success_n and_o be_v sensible_a that_o something_o extraordinary_a must_v occur_v to_o defeat_v their_o raise_a expectation_n and_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o the_o daemon_n and_o when_o they_o see_v a_o sign_n in_o the_o heaven_n they_o have_v a_o natural_a curiosity_n to_o know_v its_o mean_v and_o have_v perhaps_o consult_v the_o prophecy_n of_o balaam_n and_o this_o prophecy_n of_o the_o star_n of_o which_o moses_n give_v we_o a_o account_n and_o particular_o those_o word_n i_o shall_v see_v he_o but_o not_o now_o i_o shall_v behold_v number_n xxiv_o v._o 17_o he_o but_o not_o nigh_o from_o hence_o they_o may_v frame_v this_o rational_a conjecture_n that_o the_o very_a person_n at_o who_o birth_n it_o be_v prophesy_v that_o a_o star_n shall_v appear_v be_v then_o actual_o bear_v and_o have_v a_o just_a notion_n that_o he_o be_v far_o superior_a to_o all_o their_o daemon_n they_o come_v to_o pay_v he_o the_o just_a tribute_n of_o divine_a adoration_n they_o steer_v their_o course_n therefore_o to_o judaea_n be_v persuade_v that_o some_o great_a prince_n be_v bear_v but_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o place_n of_o his_o nativity_n and_o when_o they_o be_v happy_o come_v to_o the_o place_n where_o the_o young_a child_n be_v they_o offer_v present_n to_o he_o that_o be_v lively_a representation_n of_o his_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n viz._n gold_n a_o emblem_n of_o his_o royal_a power_n frankincense_n to_o note_v to_o we_o his_o divinity_n and_o myrrh_n to_o signify_v his_o bitter_a passion_n chap._n xlviii_o since_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n that_o be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n who_o be_v god_n and_o by_o consequence_n above_o the_o angel_n though_o they_o be_v frequent_o employ_v as_o minister_a spirit_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o man_n the_o worship_n which_o the_o wiseman_n pay_v he_o be_v abundant_o recompense_v by_o the_o warn_v which_o the_o angel_n give_v they_o that_o they_o shall_o return_v to_o herod_n but_o depart_v into_o their_o own_o country_n another_o way_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o that_o herod_n shall_v seek_v to_o destroy_v the_o infant-saviour_n though_o celsus_n jew_n seem_v to_o doubt_v very_o much_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o think_v be_v plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n for_o malice_n be_v so_o
present_n and_o narrow_a capacity_n he_o may_v have_v shocked_a their_o faith_n in_o he_o as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o live_n god._n and_o i_o leave_v any_o one_o to_o judge_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o the_o most_o natural_a sense_n of_o the_o follow_a word_n i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o john_n xuj_o v._o 12._o can_v bear_v they_o now_o for_o there_o be_v several_a explication_n to_o be_v give_v of_o the_o law_n with_o respect_n to_o its_o spiritual_a mean_v which_o even_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n at_o that_o time_n be_v not_o due_o dispose_v to_o hear_v because_o they_o have_v be_v bear_v and_o breed_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o since_o their_o religion_n consist_v very_o much_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v type_n and_o shadow_n of_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v upon_o that_o account_n that_o our_o saviour_n make_v use_v of_o the_o follow_a word_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n as_o if_o he_o have_v v._o 13._o say_v he_o shall_v lead_v you_o into_o the_o true_a and_o full_a sense_n of_o those_o thing_n viz._n type_n and_o figure_n which_o you_o be_v conversant_a with_o and_o whereby_o you_o imagine_v you_o pay_v god_n the_o true_a worship_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o and_o require_v by_o he_o and_o the_o forementioned_a promise_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o his_o disciple_n be_v abundant_o fulfil_v to_o the_o apostle_n peter_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n show_v he_o in_o a_o vision_n all_o sort_n of_o animal_n bird_n and_o fourfooted_n beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n and_o say_v to_o he_o rise_v peter_n kill_v and_o eat_v and_o indeed_o at_o that_o juncture_n of_o time_n he_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o his_o former_a religion_n that_o he_o return_v this_o answer_n even_o to_o the_o voice_n which_o he_o hear_v from_o heaven_n not_o so_o lord_n for_o i_o have_v never_o eat_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v common_a or_o unclean_a but_o at_o length_n his_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v as_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a word_n what_o god_n have_v cleanse_v call_v not_o thou_o common_a and_o after_o that_o instructive_a vision_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n lead_v peter_n into_o all_o truth_n acquaint_v he_o with_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o can_o bear_v while_o our_o saviour_n be_v present_a with_o he_o in_o the_o flesh_n but_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n hereafter_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o adhere_v to_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n chap._n iii_o my_o business_n at_o present_a be_v to_o show_v that_o celsus_n betray_v his_o wretched_a ignorance_n in_o represent_v a_o jew_n addressing_z himself_o to_o those_o of_o his_o native_a country_n who_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n what_o be_v the_o matter_n my_o dear_o belove_a countryman_n that_o you_o have_v renounce_v the_o law_n of_o your_o father_n for_o how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o renounce_v the_o law_n of_o their_o father_n who_o severe_o blame_v person_n for_o not_o adhere_v to_o it_o tell_v i_o say_v the_o apostle_n you_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v under_o the_o law_n do_v you_o gal._n four_o v._o 21._o not_o hear_v the_o law_n for_o it_o be_v write_v that_o abraham_n have_v two_o son_n and_o so_o on_o to_o those_o word_n which_o thing_n be_v a_o allegory_n and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o renounce_v the_o law_n of_o their_o father_n who_o be_v continual_o make_v mention_n of_o it_o as_o if_o they_o be_v proud_a of_o show_v the_o honourable_a regard_n which_o they_o still_o pay_v to_o it_o and_o argue_v after_o the_o follow_a manner_n say_v i_o these_o thing_n as_o a_o man_n 1._o cor._n ix_o v._o 8._o or_o say_v not_o the_o law_n the_o same_o also_o for_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n thou_o shall_v not_o muzzle_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o ox_n that_o tread_v out_o the_o corn._n do_v god_n take_v care_n for_o ox_n or_o say_v he_o it_o altogether_o for_o our_o sake_n for_o our_o sake_n no_o doubt_n this_o be_v write_v and_o how_o confuse_v be_v celsus_n discourse_n and_o how_o do_v it_o want_v even_o a_o plausible_a appearance_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n when_o he_o talk_v after_o the_o follow_a manner_n some_o of_o you_o say_v he_o have_v forsake_v our_o excellent_a religion_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o give_v allegorical_a and_o mystical_a explication_n of_o the_o law_n other_o of_o you_o be_v great_a admirer_n of_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n as_o you_o be_v please_v to_o term_v it_o and_o yet_o be_v diligent_a observer_n of_o those_o outward_a ceremony_n which_o make_v so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o we_o embrace_v there_o remain_v some_o other_o who_o adhere_v to_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o scripture_n think_v that_o abundance_n of_o spiritual_a matter_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o profess_v that_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n be_v the_o person_n who_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n observe_v the_o precept_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o ancestor_n but_o how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o celsus_n jew_n shall_v give_v we_o a_o true_a and_o clear_a account_n of_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n since_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n he_o mention_n several_a very_o great_a and_o notorious_a heresy_n and_o there_o be_v some_o jew_n who_o turn_v their_o back_n as_o he_o say_v upon_o the_o creator_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o didn't_fw-mi know_v that_o the_o believe_a israelite_n do_v live_v in_o the_o strict_a observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o their_o father_n for_o his_o design_n be_v not_o to_o act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o impartial_a enquirer_n into_o truth_n who_o ready_o submit_v to_o the_o evidence_n which_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o but_o to_o vent_v his_o malice_n and_o right_a or_o wrong_v to_o make_v a_o vigorous_a opposition_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o as_o he_o vain_o think_v to_o expose_v it_o to_o the_o high_a contempt_n imaginable_a chap._n iu._n the_o jew_n continue_v his_o discourse_n it_o be_v but_o other_o day_n say_v he_o that_o we_o severe_o punish_v the_o person_n who_o lead_v you_o aside_o like_o a_o company_n of_o silly_a sheep_n and_o by_o consequence_n it_o be_v very_o late_o and_o on_o a_o sudden_a that_o you_o renounce_v the_o law_n of_o your_o father_n but_o to_o this_o i_o have_v already_o return_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n what_o he_o add_v i_o confess_v carry_v with_o it_o a_o much_o great_a force_n with_o what_o face_n say_v he_o or_o colour_n of_o reason_n can_v you_o despise_v those_o sacred_a rite_n which_o not_o long_o ago_o you_o hold_v in_o very_o great_a esteem_n and_o especial_o when_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o foundation_n on_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o your_o jesus_n be_v build_v as_o you_o yourselves_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v found_v on_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o prophet_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v what_o i_o ready_o confess_v but_o we_o must_v also_o consider_v that_o they_o natural_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o mystery_n which_o be_v hide_v from_o age_n but_o be_v now_o make_v manifest_a eph._n iii._o v._o 9_o by_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o we_o do_v despise_v the_o law_n because_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a revelation_n but_o instead_o of_o that_o have_v the_o great_a veneration_n for_o it_o and_o endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o depth_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n there_o be_v even_o in_o the_o legal_a dispensation_n which_o the_o jew_n themselves_o know_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v found_v on_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n when_o our_o saviour_n speak_v to_o those_o that_o refuse_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o have_v the_o follow_a word_n have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o john_n v._o v._n 46._o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o john_n v._o v._n 46._o i_o but_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o his_o write_n how_o shall_v you_o believe_v my_o word_n and_o the_o evangelist_n st._n mark_n begin_v his_o gospel_n thus_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v write_v mark_v i_o v._o 1._o in_o the_o prophet_n behold_v i_o send_v thy_o messenger_n before_o thy_o face_n which_o shall_v prepare_v thy_o way_n before_o thou_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v found_v on_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n itself_o i_o can_v conceive_v therefore_o what_o celsus_n jew_n propose_v to_o himself_o
and_o sometime_o must_v be_v restrain_v to_o his_o humane_a nature_n as_o when_o he_o say_v you_o seek_v to_o kill_v i_o a_o man_n that_o have_v tell_v you_o the_o truth_n which_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o god_n so_o in_o the_o case_n which_o be_v now_o before_o we_o we_o must_v understand_v he_o speak_v as_o a_o man_n discover_v at_o once_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o willingness_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o former_a in_o those_o word_n father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o and_o the_o latter_a in_o those_o word_n nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o begin_v with_o those_o word_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a indication_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o conclude_v with_o those_o which_o discover_v the_o willingness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o latter_a be_v often_o repeat_v by_o he_o beside_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o our_o notice_n that_o he_o do_v absolute_o pray_v let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o but_o express_v a_o most_o profound_a submission_n to_o his_o father_n will_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a i_o be_o not_o insensible_a i_o confess_v that_o some_o interpret_v those_o word_n after_o the_o follow_a manner_n that_o our_o saviour_n foresee_v what_o calamity_n will_v befall_v the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n on_o the_o account_n of_o that_o unjust_a and_o barbarous_a treatment_n he_o shall_v meet_v with_o at_o their_o hand_n have_v such_o a_o tender_a compassion_n for_o this_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a people_n that_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v from_o suffer_v that_o he_o may_v prevent_v they_o from_o be_v forsake_v of_o god_n and_o expose_v to_o those_o threaten_a calamity_n which_o he_o have_v in_o view_n and_o then_o it_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v since_o the_o jew_n upon_o my_o suffer_v will_v be_v sad_o leave_v by_o that_o god_n who_o once_o take_v they_o into_o his_o special_a protection_n and_o put_v they_o under_o so_o happy_a a_o government_n as_o that_o of_o a_o theocracy_n i_o desire_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o this_o cup_n may_v escape_v i_o beside_o if_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n put_v he_o to_o no_o pain_n at_o all_o as_o celsus_n will_v fain_o have_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v upon_o our_o own_o hypothesis_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o know_v how_o he_o can_v set_v his_o follower_n a_o bright_a example_n of_o patience_n under_o the_o most_o grievous_a suffering_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o most_o holy_a religion_n chap._n xviii_o than_o celsus_n jew_n accuse_v our_o saviour_n disciple_n of_o imposture_n you_o impose_v on_o we_o say_v he_o with_o a_o company_n of_o old_a wife_n fable_n and_o have_v the_o sense_n to_o give_v they_o the_o least_o colour_n of_o reason_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o world_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v the_o evangelist_n can_v easy_o have_v omit_v these_o thing_n if_o they_o have_v please_v and_o then_o there_o have_v be_v no_o room_n for_o this_o horrid_a slander_n for_o how_o can_v our_o enemy_n unless_o they_o will_v invent_v fiction_n out_o of_o their_o own_o fruitful_a brain_n reproach_n we_o with_o such_o and_o such_o expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n during_o his_o most_o bitter_a passion_n if_o the_o evangelist_n have_v suffer_v they_o as_o it_o be_v to_o sleep_v in_o a_o eternal_a silence_n and_o celsus_n wa_v sensible_a that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o allow_v emselve_n to_o be_v tame_o delude_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o history_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n so_o as_o to_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o look_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o god_n and_o the_o very_a person_n that_o be_v so_o frequent_o and_o so_o express_o foretell_v by_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v convince_v in_o their_o conscience_n that_o all_o that_o they_o write_v concern_v he_o at_o lest_o what_o seem_v to_o favour_v he_o be_v make_v up_o of_o fiction_n that_o be_v entire_o owe_v to_o their_o fruitful_a but_o unhappy_a invention_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o either_o they_o be_v man_n of_o integrity_n and_o publish_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o firm_o believe_v be_v true_a or_o else_o their_o gospel_n be_v fill_v with_o trifle_a fiction_n of_o their_o own_o and_o by_o consequence_n they_o can_o possible_o be_v persuade_v in_o their_o mind_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o god._n then_o celsus_n jew_n assert_n that_o even_o some_o of_o the_o christian_n like_o man_n that_o be_v intoxicate_v by_o the_o fume_n of_o wine_n and_o dont_fw-fr mind_n at_o all_o what_o they_o say_v or_o do_v have_v alter_v the_o original_a text_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o they_o may_v admit_v of_o various_a and_o almost_o infinite_a readins_n and_o this_o i_o suppose_v they_o do_v out_o of_o humane_a policy_n that_o when_o we_o press_v they_o home_o with_o a_o argument_n they_o may_v have_v the_o large_a scope_n for_o their_o pitiful_a evasion_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o confess_v i_o know_v no_o change_n that_o the_o original_a text_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v ever_o undergo_v unless_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o follower_n of_o martion_n valentinus_n and_o lucian_n beside_o tisn_v fair_a at_o all_o to_o charge_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o this_o upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o a_o crime_n and_o unworthy_a of_o its_o pretend_a purity_n but_o those_o person_n who_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o fact_n aught_o by_o all_o the_o law_n of_o justice_n to_o answer_v for_o it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v no_o solid_a though_o a_o plausible_a and_o popular_a argument_n against_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n that_o sophist_n epicurean_o and_o peripatetic_n have_v use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o delude_v the_o world_n with_o their_o false_a and_o dangerous_a opinion_n so_o it_o be_v no_o convince_a argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o some_o person_n have_v have_v the_o horrid_a impudence_n to_o corrupt_v the_o gospel_n themselves_o and_o so_o have_v give_v a_o unhappy_a rise_n to_o numerous_a and_o most_o impious_a heresy_n chap._n xix_o than_o celsus_n jew_n find_v fault_n with_o the_o christian_n again_o for_o misapply_v as_o he_o fond_o imagine_v the_o scripture-prophecy_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o i_o think_v i_o have_v speak_v sufficient_o to_o this_o point_n already_o beside_o if_o the_o conviction_n of_o his_o reader_n be_v the_o end_n which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v give_v we_o a_o key_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o jewish_a prophecy_n and_o may_v have_v offer_v one_o will_v think_v some_o solid_a reason_n why_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v fair_o accommodate_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o real_o he_o needn_v have_v be_v so_o spare_v of_o his_o time_n and_o strength_n in_o examine_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a importance_n and_o especial_o since_o he_o confident_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o person_n to_o who_o the_o prophecy_n may_v more_o fit_o be_v apply_v but_o celsus_n it_o seem_v i_v sensible_a at_o all_o that_o though_o such_o extravagant_a discourse_n as_o this_o may_v become_v one_o who_o be_v a_o utter_a stranger_n to_o the_o prophetic_a oracle_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o improper_a to_o come_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o any_o rational_a and_o sober_a jew_n indeed_o a_o person_n of_o the_o forementioned_a character_n will_v do_v what_o lie_v in_o his_o power_n to_o evade_v the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o christian_n give_v but_o he_o will_v never_o grant_v what_o celsus_n say_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o person_n to_o who_o the_o prophecy_n may_v more_o fit_o be_v apply_v than_o to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n i_o have_v already_o observe_v that_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o a_o twofold_a come_v of_o the_o messiah_n so_o that_o it_o be_v needless_a for_o i_o to_o answer_v the_o pretend_a jew_n when_o he_o say_v the_o prophet_n represent_v the_o messiah_n as_o a_o mighty_a prince_n and_o sovereign_a of_o the_o universe_n chap._n xx._n what_o he_o add_v that_o god_n never_o destgn_v to_o bring_v so_o great_a a_o plague_n upon_o the_o world_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v strong_o savour_v of_o the_o malice_n of_o a_o inveterate_a jew_n who_o supply_v his_o want_n of_o reason_n by_o a_o vast_a stock_n of_o impudence_n that_o he_o have_v always_o by_o he_o but_o i_o defy_v celsus_n and_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o doctrine_n introduce_v by_o one_o who_o reclaim_v so_o many_o person_n from_o the_o most_o scandalous_a vice_n and_o effectual_o engage_v they_o to_o
that_o for_o that_o reason_n he_o have_v abundance_n of_o enemy_n and_o when_o he_o be_v strip_v as_o it_o be_v of_o his_o humane_a body_n do_v converse_v with_o naked_a spirit_n in_o the_o infernal_a region_n to_o make_v convert_v of_o those_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v due_o wrought_v on_o by_o his_o powerful_a ministry_n and_o thereby_o of_o answer_v the_o deep_a design_n of_o his_o eternal_a and_o universal_a love_n what_o celsus_n jew_n add_v be_v i_o think_v very_o ridiculous_a if_o say_v he_o after_o you_o have_v tame_o suffer_v yourselves_o to_o be_v lead_v aside_o like_o a_o company_n of_o prodigious_a fool_n you_o think_v you_o need_v no_o other_o apology_n than_o a_o few_o pityful_a argument_n in_o your_o own_o defence_n pray_o why_o may_v all_o those_o scoundrel_n and_o villain_n that_o like_o your_o jesus_n have_v be_v public_o execute_v according_a to_o the_o just_a demerit_n of_o their_o crime_n be_v account_v person_n who_o have_v the_o broad-seal_n of_o heaven_n but_o nothing_o in_o my_o mind_n can_v be_v more_o clear_a than_o the_o wide_a difference_n between_o the_o exemplary_a suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o the_o just_a execution_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v condemn_v as_o impostor_n or_o punish_v for_o some_o scandalous_a crime_n and_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o no_o man_n can_v show_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n that_o a_o person_n can_v ever_o be_v reclaim_v from_o the_o most_o notorious_a crime_n or_o indeed_o from_o any_o immorality_n by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n then_o the_o pretend_a jew_n compare_v our_o saviour_n with_o a_o company_n of_o highway_n man_n say_z that_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n a_o person_n may_v have_v the_o impudence_n to_o say_v that_o such_o a_o highway_n man_n instead_o of_o be_v a_o person_n of_o so_o infamous_a a_o character_n be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o god_n because_o forsooth_o he_o acquaint_v his_o curse_a crew_n beforehand_o that_o he_o shall_v short_o suffer_v all_o those_o grievous_a calamity_n which_o in_o the_o event_n do_v befall_v he_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o our_o believe_v our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n be_v not_o mere_o or_o chief_o found_v on_o his_o foretell_v the_o dreadful_a suffering_n to_o which_o he_o be_v expose_v and_o which_o for_o our_o sake_n he_o ready_o undergo_v in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n acquaint_v we_o that_o though_o our_o saviour_n be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_z yet_o he_o be_v number_v with_o the_o transgressor_n that_o barrabas_n a_o robber_n be_v release_v and_o our_o saviour_n crucify_v and_o place_v between_o two_o condemn_a malefactor_n and_o i_o grant_v that_o if_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n bear_v any_o resemblance_n to_o thief_n and_o if_o it_o be_v know_v in_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n that_o person_n of_o that_o infamous_a character_n do_v ready_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o great_a contempt_n and_o scorn_v and_o the_o worst_a treatment_n that_o humane_a wit_n and_o malice_n can_v invent_v and_o if_o they_o can_v rational_o be_v suppose_v to_o do_v all_o this_o from_o a_o just_a regard_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a precept_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n then_o i_o confess_v celsus_n will_v have_v have_v some_o ground_n for_o his_o bold_a and_o most_o profane_a comparison_n but_o our_o saviour_n who_o lay_v down_o his_o precious_a life_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o his_o sincere_a disciple_n who_o by_o their_o unparalleled_a suffering_n bear_v a_o honourable_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o most_o excellent_a doctrine_n and_o be_v the_o only_a person_n who_o bare_a religion_n ever_o bring_v they_o into_o trouble_n undergo_v the_o most_o violent_a persecution_n from_o their_o enemy_n without_o the_o least_o colour_n of_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o know_a and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o humanity_n chap._n xxvii_o now_o observe_v how_o celsus_n render_v himself_o ridiculous_a by_o what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o sincere_a follower_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n during_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n say_v he_o they_o converse_v with_o he_o in_o a_o femiliar_a manner_n and_o seem_v to_o listen_v to_o the_o instruction_n which_o he_o give_v they_o but_o withal_o be_v so_o cunning_a that_o when_o they_o see_v he_o be_v condemn_v to_o die_v they_o will_v neither_o die_v with_o he_o nor_o for_o he_o and_o be_v so_o far_o it_o seem_v from_o put_v in_o practice_n that_o wholesome_a doctrine_n which_o their_o master_n have_v teach_v they_o viz._n cheerful_o to_o encounter_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o danger_n and_o to_o be_v ready_a even_o to_o die_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o religion_n that_o they_o shameful_o deny_v he_o and_o didn't_fw-mi envy_n any_o martyr_n the_o imaginary_a honour_n of_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n here_o celsus_n take_v the_o hint_n from_o the_o gospel_n and_o aggravate_v some_o fault_n of_o the_o disciple_n with_o a_o design_n no_o doubt_n to_o expose_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o contempt_n not_o consider_v they_o be_v just_o enter_v into_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n nor_o mention_v one_o syllable_n of_o their_o recovery_n from_o their_o grievous_a fall_n which_o be_v so_o remarkable_a that_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n bold_o and_o suffer_v abundance_n of_o ill-treatment_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o have_v the_o courage_n to_o welcome_a and_o even_o defy_v death_n in_o its_o most_o horrid_a shape_v i_o perceive_v he_o didn't_fw-mi care_n at_o all_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v to_o st._n peter_n when_o thou_o shall_v be_v old_a thou_o shall_v stretch_v forth_o thy_o hand_n nor_o of_o those_o john_n 21_o v._o 18_o v._n 19_o word_n this_o speak_v he_o signify_v by_o what_o death_n he_o shall_v glorify_v god_n he_o say_v not_o one_o word_n of_o st._n james_n the_o brother_n of_o st._n john_n nor_o of_o the_o latter_a and_o seem_v to_o be_v ignorant_a that_o herod_n kill_v john_n the_o baptist_n with_o the_o sword_n because_o he_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n nor_o do_v he_o do_v st._n peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o much_o justice_n as_o to_o mention_v their_o flame_a zeal_n in_o spread_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o account_n how_o they_o depart_v from_o the_o act_n 15_o v._o 41._o presence_n of_o the_o council_n rejoicing_z that_o they_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v reproach_n for_o his_o name_n wherein_o they_o vast_o exceed_v all_o that_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o greek_n concern_v the_o courage_n and_o constancy_n of_o their_o justly-admired_a philosopher_n so_o that_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o from_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o christianity_n they_o who_o embrace_v it_o be_v effectual_o teach_v by_o it_o to_o despise_v the_o gaudy_a vanity_n of_o the_o present_a life_n which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n imagine_v to_o be_v so_o charm_a and_o agreeable_a and_o to_o have_v the_o sincere_a desire_n of_o their_o soul_n most_o vehement_o carry_v out_o after_o another_o life_n which_o be_v far_o more_o excellent_a and_o in_o a_o word_n be_v every_o way_n worthy_a of_o a_o god._n i_o can_v conceive_v how_o celsus_n can_v be_v free_v from_o the_o charge_n of_o wilful_a imposture_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n all_o that_o your_o pretend_a saviour_n can_v do_v say_v he_o be_v only_o to_o get_v ten_o wicked_a mariner_n and_o publican_n to_o publish_v his_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n and_o iwas_n more_o than_o he_o can_v do_v after_o all_o his_o big_a pretence_n to_o convince_v even_o those_o credulous_a animal_n of_o its_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a even_o from_o the_o open_a confession_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o not_o only_o ten_o person_n be_v overcome_v by_o the_o divine_a efficacy_n of_o his_o doctrine_n nor_o a_o hundred_o nor_o a_o thousand_o but_o at_o one_o time_n four_o thousand_o and_o at_o another_o time_n a_o much_o great_a number_n and_o that_o he_o wrought_v upon_o they_o to_o so_o great_a a_o degree_n that_o they_o forlow_v he_o into_o desert_n which_o alone_o be_v capable_a of_o contain_v those_o vast_a number_n of_o person_n that_o through_o he_o do_v believe_v in_o god_n and_o where_o they_o reap_v great_a benefit_n from_o his_o exemplary_a life_n and_o engage_v conversation_n i_o confess_v the_o frequent_a repetition_n which_o celsus_n make_v do_v almost_o force_v i_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o wretched_a tautology_n and_o make_v i_o as_o impertinent_a as_o himself_o for_o if_o i_o didn't_fw-mi in_o some_o measure_n though_o sore_o against_o my_o will_n comply_v with_o his_o way_n of_o write_v perhaps_o some_o weak_a person_n
may_v suspect_v that_o out_o of_o wicked_a policy_n i_o pass_v by_o his_o objection_n be_v conscious_a to_o myself_o that_o i_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o return_v a_o satisfactory_a or_o even_o tolerable_a answer_n then_o say_v he_o pray_v i_v it_o the_o most_o absurd_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o suppose_v that_o he_o who_o when_o he_o be_v alive_a and_o use_v all_o the_o little_a art_n he_o have_v can_v gain_v no_o follower_n in_o comparison_n or_o at_o lest_o none_o of_o any_o sense_n or_o rank_n shall_v after_o his_o death_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o apostle_n so_o strange_o influence_n a_o considerable_a part_n of_o mankind_n as_o they_o be_v represent_v by_o some_o to_o do_v but_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o strict_a reason_v which_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o master_n of_o he_o shall_v have_v argue_v thus_o if_o after_o his_o death_n he_o furnish_v his_o ambassador_n with_o all_o necessary_a ability_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o do_v actual_o and_o so_o wonderful_o move_v all_o the_o secret_a spring_n of_o the_o humane_a soul_n then_o there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o when_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n in_o person_n he_o make_v deep_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n even_o of_o the_o great_a barbarian_n partly_o by_o his_o powerful_a preach_v and_o partly_o by_o his_o uncontested_a miracle_n chap._n xxviii_o by_o and_o by_o he_o ask_v pray_v what_o reason_n have_v you_o to_o believe_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o personate_n one_o of_o we_o return_v this_o answer_n in_o his_o usual_a way_n of_o banter_n because_o we_o know_v say_v he_o that_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n in_o a_o affair_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o importance_n be_v build_v i_o can_v assure_v he_o on_o no_o single_a argument_n how_o persuasive_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v but_o the_o concur_v and_o clear_a evidence_n of_o several_a motive_n a_o few_o of_o which_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v and_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n perhaps_o to_o make_v mention_n of_o some_o other_o argument_n on_o this_o head_n not_o only_o in_o my_o answer_n to_o celsus_n book_n entitle_v a_o true_a relation_n but_o also_o in_o some_o other_o treatise_n if_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v i_o that_o measure_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o accomplish_v my_o design_n then_o as_o if_o we_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n bare_a suffer_v on_o the_o cross_n be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o say_v what_o if_o he_o do_v real_o suffer_v can_v we_o instance_n in_o many_o other_o that_o suffer_v as_o well_o and_o as_o much_o as_o he_o but_o celsus_n in_o this_o matter_n act_v the_o part_n of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o unfair_a enemy_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v who_o when_o they_o read_v the_o history_n of_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o saviour_n immediate_o imagine_v that_o we_o fond_o canonize_v all_o person_n who_o be_v ever_o so_o unfortunate_a as_o to_o hang_v upon_o a_o cross_n this_o any_o one_o may_v see_v be_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o adversary_n i_o have_v to_o do_v with_o who_o be_v utter_o unable_a to_o resist_v the_o clear_a evidence_n which_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v carry_v in_o they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n have_v the_o face_n to_o misrepresent_v they_o to_o the_o world_n as_o do_v by_o mere_a legerdemain_n or_o rather_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o this_o pityful_a and_o vile_a cavil_v have_v be_v so_o frequent_o answer_v according_a to_o my_o slender_a ability_n that_o real_o it_o quite_o tire_v my_o patience_n to_o repeat_v thing_n so_o often_o as_o i_o see_v i_o must_v then_o celsus_n make_v we_o say_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o he_o cure_v the_o lame_a and_o blind_a and_o raise_v a_o few_o from_o the_o dead_a as_o we_o poor_a creature_n that_o we_o be_v be_v ready_a to_o imagine_v but_o that_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o that_o he_o can_v say_v this_o consideration_n of_o itself_o be_v a_o solid_a argument_n to_o prove_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v plain_a from_o that_o famous_a prophecy_n in_o isaiah_n then_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a shall_v be_v open_v and_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o deaf_a shall_v isa_n 35_o v._o ●_o be_v unstop_v then_o shall_v the_o lame_a man_n leap_v as_o a_o hart._n and_o it_o be_v high_o improbable_a to_o say_v no_o more_o that_o the_o evangelist_n shall_v forge_v the_o account_n they_o give_v we_o of_o some_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a because_o have_v they_o be_v give_v to_o invent_v fiction_n mere_o to_o serve_v a_o turn_n they_o will_v have_v give_v we_o more_o frequent_a instance_n of_o that_o nature_n than_o we_o meet_v with_o and_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v long_o dead_a than_o those_o of_o who_o we_o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o their_o give_v so_o few_o instance_n of_o person_n restore_v to_o life_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o proof_n as_o can_v be_v that_o the_o evangelist_n whatever_o celsus_n may_v say_v be_v man_n of_o honest_a principle_n and_o the_o far_a of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n except_o our_o bless_a saviour_n from_o be_v person_n of_o intriegve_n they_o instance_n only_o in_o the_o daughter_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o case_n seem_v foreign_a to_o the_o purpose_n for_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o she_o she_o be_v not_o dead_a but_o sleep_n in_o the_o only_a son_n of_o a_o widow_n who_o our_o saviour_n recover_v out_o of_o tender_a compassion_n to_o his_o disconsolate_a mother_n order_v the_o coffin_n to_o be_v stop_v and_o last_o in_o lazarus_n who_o have_v continue_v some_o day_n in_o the_o grave_a as_o the_o evangelist_n acquaint_v we_o and_o i_o will_v offer_v the_o follow_a consideration_n to_o the_o most_o judicious_a of_o our_o adversary_n and_o at_o this_o time_n more_o immediate_o to_o the_o jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v viz._n that_o as_o in_o elisha_n time_n there_o be_v many_o leper_n but_o none_o of_o they_o be_v cure_v that_o we_o read_v of_o except_o naaman_n the_o syrian_a and_o many_o widow_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o prophet_n elijah_n but_o he_o be_v only_o send_v to_o the_o widow_n of_o sarepta_n in_o the_o country_n of_o sidon_n for_o she_o alone_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o the_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v so_o many_o person_n die_v when_o our_o saviour_n be_v on_o earth_n but_o he_o only_o raise_v those_o from_o the_o dead_a who_o in_o some_o sense_n have_v qvalify_v themselves_o for_o so_o special_a a_o favour_n and_o this_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v he_o do_v to_o typify_v something_o future_a and_o give_v mankind_n convince_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o he_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n and_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o according_a to_o the_o promise_v he_o have_v make_v his_o disciple_n do_v far_o strange_a thing_n than_o those_o which_o he_o himself_o exhibit_v to_o the_o outward_a sense_n of_o they_o who_o be_v the_o happy_a spectator_n of_o his_o miracle_n for_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o spiritual_o blind_a be_v frequent_o open_v by_o they_o the_o ear_n of_o those_o who_o once_o be_v deaf_a to_o all_o the_o awaken_n precept_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n be_v unstop_v that_o so_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o many_o who_o be_v spiritual_o lame_a be_v cure_v by_o the_o gospel_n insomuch_o that_o they_o do_v only_o leap_v but_o even_o leap_v as_o a_o stag_n which_o animal_n as_o naturalist_n observe_v be_v a_o enemy_n to_o serpent_n and_o happy_o expel_v their_o poison_n they_o derive_v such_o a_o heal_a virtue_n from_o their_o heavenly_a physician_n that_o they_o can_v immediate_o tread_v on_o those_o serpent_n and_o scorpion_n by_o which_o they_o be_v once_o most_o sad_o cripple_a without_o incur_v the_o least_o seem_a danger_n nay_o they_o be_v effectual_o steel_v if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v against_o the_o strong_a and_o too_o often_o fatal_a impression_n which_o vice_n and_o immorality_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n fortify_v against_o the_o malicious_a and_o vigorous_a attempt_n of_o unite_a daemon_n chap._n xxix_o when_o our_o saviour_n admonish_v his_o disciple_n to_o avoid_v those_o design_v wretch_n who_o confident_o affirm_v they_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o endeavour_v by_o their_o curse_a enchantment_n to_o draw_v
have_v with_o one_o another_o as_o you_o walk_v and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o have_v these_o word_n and_o their_o eye_n be_v open_v and_o they_o know_v he_o and_o v._o 35_o he_o vanish_v out_o of_o their_o sight_n and_o though_o celsus_n compare_v this_o account_n which_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o of_o the_o appearance_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o common_a story_n of_o wonderful_a apparition_n and_o laugh_v at_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o fact_n yet_o they_o who_o impartial_o examine_v into_o matter_n and_o be_v furnish_v with_o a_o capacity_n to_o make_v nice_a inquiry_n will_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o that_o be_v very_o remarkable_a and_o surprise_v chap._n xxxii_o than_o celsus_n offer_v a_o objection_n which_o do_v a_o little_a deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v by_o we_o if_o christ_n have_v a_o mind_n say_v he_o to_o exert_v the_o divine_a power_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v certain_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v appear_v to_o his_o enemy_n to_o the_o judge_n who_o pass_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n who_o rise_v up_o as_o it_o be_v in_o arm_n against_o he_o and_o indeed_o we_o do_v go_v about_o to_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n plain_o acquaint_v we_o that_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o refuse_v to_o appear_v so_o public_o and_o to_o all_o person_n promiscuous_o as_o he_o do_v before_o he_o be_v see_v of_o the_o apostle_n forty_o day_n and_o speak_v act_n 1_o v._o 3._o of_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o we_o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o wa'_v continual_o with_o they_o but_o sometime_o after_o the_o interval_n of_o eight_o day_n appear_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o when_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v and_o at_o other_o opportunity_n appear_v to_o they_o in_o a_o very_a different_a manner_n and_o st._n paul_n intimate_v to_o we_o that_o he_o dide_v so_o frequent_o appear_v then_o as_o he_o have_v do_v before_o have_v the_o follow_a word_n i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o first_o of_o all_o that_o which_o i_o also_o receive_v how_o that_o 1_o cor._n 15._o v._o 3_o etc._n etc._n christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o he_o be_v bury_v and_o that_o he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o cephas_n then_o of_o the_o twelve_o after_o that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o above_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o of_o who_o the_o great_a part_n remain_v unto_o this_o present_a but_o some_o be_v fall_v asleep_o after_o that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o james_n then_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o last_o of_o all_o he_o be_v see_v of_o i_o also_o as_o one_o bear_v out_o of_o due_a time_n here_o a_o very_a difficult_a question_n do_v occur_v that_o require_v the_o close_a application_n and_o that_o not_o of_o ordinary_a christian_n but_o of_o those_o who_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o great_a eminency_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n viz._n why_o our_o saviour_n refuse_v to_o expose_v himself_o to_o public_a view_n after_o his_o resurrection_n as_o he_o have_v do_v before_o there_o be_v no_o need_n i_o think_v in_o a_o book_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o main_a design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o defend_v the_o christian_a religion_n against_o the_o bold_a attempt_n of_o its_o malicious_a adversary_n to_o give_v a_o full_a or_o large_a solution_n of_o so_o critical_a a_o point_n but_o i_o shall_v offer_v a_o few_o thought_n at_o present_a which_o i_o hope_v will_v give_v the_o reader_n some_o small_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o difficult_a affair_n though_o our_o saviour_n be_v but_o one_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o person_n yet_o there_o be_v several_a notion_n under_o which_o mankind_n do_v consider_v he_o and_o different_a person_n see_v he_o in_o very_o different_a sense_n that_o there_o be_v several_a capacity_n in_o which_o mankind_n do_v consider_v he_o be_v plain_a from_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o john_n 14_o v._o 6._o the_o life_n i_o be_o the_o bread_n i_o be_o the_o door_n and_o many_o other_o expression_n john_n 6_o v._o 35._o that_o i_o can_v easy_o name_v if_o occasion_n john_n 10_o v._o 9_o offer_v that_o different_a person_n see_v he_o in_o very_o different_a sense_n will_v ready_o be_v grant_v by_o those_o who_o can_v assign_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o didn't_fw-mi take_v all_o the_o disciple_n with_o he_o into_o the_o mount_n of_o transfiguration_n but_o only_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n viz_o because_o they_o alone_o can_v bear_v the_o brightness_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o sight_n behold_v the_o dazzle_a lustre_n of_o moses_n and_o elias_n and_o hear_v the_o voice_n that_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o the_o charm_a conversation_n which_o those_o two_o celebrate_a prophet_n have_v the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n to_o maintain_v with_o the_o bless_a jesus_n i_o be_o of_o the_o opinion_n i_o confess_v that_o before_o he_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n mat._n 5_o five_o 1._o and_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n concern_v the_o beatitude_n he_o did_o appear_v to_o those_o who_o be_v bring_v to_o he_o in_o the_o evening_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o mountain_n and_o be_v cure_v of_o their_o distemper_n i_o say_v he_o did_o appear_v to_o those_o who_o be_v indispose_v and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o his_o heal_a power_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o he_o do_v to_o they_o who_o enjoy_v a_o confirm_a state_n of_o health_n and_o be_v able_a to_o go_v up_o with_o he_o to_o the_o mountain_n and_o as_o he_o private_o explain_v the_o mean_v of_o his_o parable_n to_o his_o disciple_n who_o sense_n of_o hear_v be_v much_o quick_a than_o that_o of_o the_o common_a people_n to_o who_o ear_n there_o be_v nothing_o convey_v too_o often_o but_o a_o empty_a sound_n so_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v some_o considerable_a difference_n in_o their_o spiritual_a and_o even_o their_o corporeal_a sight_n it_o be_v far_a plain_o that_o our_o saviour_n wa'_v see_v by_o all_o person_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n from_o the_o instance_n of_o judas_n who_o be_v about_o to_o betray_v he_o say_v to_o his_o accomplice_n he_o who_o i_o shall_v kiss_v be_v he_o intimate_v mat_n 26._o v._o 48._o they_o did_o know_v he_o and_o that_o expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o sit_v daily_o with_o you_o teach_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o you_o lay_v no_o hold_n on_o i_o do_v manifest_o favour_v the_o opinion_n which_o i_o have_v here_o lay_v down_o since_o therefore_o we_o have_v such_o apprehension_n of_o our_o saviour_n not_o only_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o divinity_n which_o be_v more_o latent_fw-la and_o undiscerned_a by_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n but_o also_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o humane_a body_n the_o form_n of_o which_o i_o believe_v he_o change_v when_o ever_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o do_v it_o we_o think_v that_o before_o his_o death_n by_o which_o he_o spoil_v principality_n and_o power_n he_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n discernible_a by_o all_o but_o afterward_o even_o many_o of_o those_o who_o have_v former_o see_v he_o have_v not_o sense_n that_o be_v adapt_v to_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o rise_v jesus_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o instance_n of_o his_o condescension_n to_o the_o weakness_n of_o man_n capacity_n that_o he_o didn't_fw-mi expose_v himself_o to_o public_a view_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o public_a view_n do_v i_o say_v when_o twa'n_v without_o frequent_a interval_n that_o he_o appear_v even_o to_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n for_o after_o he_o have_v honourable_o and_o happy_o accomplish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o his_o divinity_n shine_v with_o much_o bright_a ray_n through_o the_o glass_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v of_o his_o humane_a nature_n cephas_n who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o first_o that_o see_v he_o than_o the_o twelve_o mathias_n be_v choose_v in_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n then_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o than_o james_n then_o perhaps_o all_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n and_o at_o last_o the_o apostle_n paul_n as_o one_o bear_v out_o of_o due_a time_n who_o know_v very_o well_o why_o he_o use_v the_o follow_a expression_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n unto_o i_o who_o be_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o eph._n 3._o five_o 8_o all_o saint_n be_v this_o grace_n give_v and_o perhaps_o those_o word_n less_o than_o the_o least_o
origen_n against_o celsus_n translate_v from_o the_o original_a into_o english_a origen_n against_o celsus_n translate_v from_o the_o original_a into_o english_a by_o james_n bellamy_n gent._n nec_fw-la verbum_fw-la verbo_fw-la curabis_fw-la reddere_fw-la fidus_fw-la interpres_fw-la horat._n the_o art_n poet_n london_n print_v by_o b._n mill_n and_o sell_v by_o i_o robinson_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n the_o translator_n preface_n to_o the_o reader_n that_o translation_n of_o learned_a author_n in_o general_a especial_o if_o they_o be_v careful_o undertake_v and_o prudent_o manage_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o public_a i_o think_v after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v against_o they_o no_o person_n can_v reasonable_o deny_v or_o even_o call_v into_o question_n for_o as_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o may_v be_v assign_v for_o the_o commendation_n of_o a_o fountain_n of_o water_n may_v as_o well_o be_v bring_v in_o praise_n of_o the_o stream_n which_o proceed_v from_o it_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v proper_o convey_v so_o i_o think_v the_o very_a same_o argument_n which_o be_v use_v in_o favour_n of_o any_o learned_a original_a will_v equal_o serve_v to_o justify_v and_o recommend_v a_o translation_n of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o answer_v its_o principal_a end_n in_o convey_v to_o our_o mind_n the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o author_n and_o though_o i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v without_o the_o suspicion_n of_o vanity_n that_o i_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n employ_v my_o time_n and_o strength_n in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o learned_a language_n and_o that_o i_o high_o value_v they_o as_o the_o happy_a vehicles_n of_o solid_a and_o useful_a learning_n yet_o the_o bare_a language_n in_o which_o a_o book_n be_v write_v let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o extol_v as_o be_v learned_a and_o copious_a or_o esteem_v for_o its_o antiquity_n native_a majesty_n and_o inimitable_a sweetness_n be_v i_o confess_v one_o of_o the_o least_o thing_n which_o will_v ever_o recommend_v it_o to_o my_o esteem_n and_o perusal_n for_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o in_o all_o our_o study_n we_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o nibble_n at_o word_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v but_o the_o bark_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n as_o aim_v at_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o reason_n which_o be_v a_o strong_a reflection_n from_o the_o deity_n and_o afford_v abundant_a matter_n of_o agreeable_a entertainment_n to_o they_o who_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n by_o a_o wonderful_a penetration_n of_o soul_n and_o if_o a_o author_n by_o his_o natural_a capacity_n and_o acquire_v ability_n do_v make_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a figure_n in_o the_o intellectual_a and_o learned_a world_n be_v a_o honour_n to_o the_o age_n in_o which_o he_o flourish_v and_o perhaps_o equal_o the_o wonder_n and_o envy_n of_o succeed_a age_n i_o think_v the_o more_o reason_n may_v be_v assign_v why_o he_o shall_v be_v clothe_v in_o the_o english_a language_n which_o be_v most_o familiar_a to_o we_o and_o be_v allow_v by_o all_o capable_a judge_n to_o be_v very_o expressive_a copious_a and_o charm_v for_o certain_o it_o be_v pity_n that_o such_o immense_a treasure_n of_o sense_n and_o learning_n shall_v be_v confine_v to_o those_o few_o person_n in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n who_o happen_v to_o understand_v the_o language_n in_o which_o he_o write_v and_o like_o the_o vast_a mine_n in_o peru_n and_o mexico_n serve_v chief_o for_o the_o convenience_n and_o delight_n of_o those_o who_o be_v foreign_a to_o we_o both_o by_o blood_n and_o by_o religion_n and_o i_o have_v often_o think_v and_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o many_o person_n who_o be_v far_o more_o capable_a of_o judge_v then_o myself_o that_o it_o will_v conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o british_a nation_n to_o have_v the_o father_n of_o the_o three_o first_o century_n those_o hero_n of_o antiquity_n and_o pillar_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n translate_v into_o the_o language_n of_o our_o country_n and_o clothe_v in_o so_o modern_a and_o so_o charm_v a_o dress_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o many_o of_o both_o sex_n who_o genius_n and_o education_n do_v not_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o study_n of_o greek_a and_o latin_a may_v be_v induce_v to_o read_v they_o and_o to_o square_v their_o life_n by_o those_o excellent_a rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n which_o they_o have_v lay_v down_o for_o the_o conduct_n of_o other_o and_o of_o which_o they_o be_v in_o their_o several_a age_n and_o be_v still_o in_o some_o sense_n live_v and_o high_o honourable_a example_n and_o since_o by_o the_o policy_n of_o a_o neighbour_a nation_n the_o language_n of_o lewis_n the_o xivth_o have_v already_o obtain_v that_o universal_a monarchy_n to_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o aspire_v and_o since_o many_o excellent_a translation_n of_o which_o the_o french_a may_v just_o boast_v have_v invite_v and_o almost_o constrain_v many_o ingenious_a and_o polite_a person_n to_o learn_v and_o admire_v their_o language_n and_o so_o perhaps_o they_o have_v be_v unhappy_o and_o insensible_o win_v over_o to_o their_o corrupt_a religion_n and_o slavish_a principle_n of_o government_n i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a strange_a that_o we_o who_o be_v so_o prone_a to_o a_o fantastical_a imitation_n of_o they_o shall_v so_o much_o abound_v in_o unnecessary_a and_o trifle_a original_n and_o give_v so_o little_a encouragement_n to_o the_o translation_n of_o those_o ancient_a author_n who_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o our_o ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v remarkable_a for_o their_o learning_n and_o who_o labour_n since_o they_o be_v general_o approve_v and_o high_o admire_v in_o the_o early_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o since_o they_o strange_o confound_v the_o whole_a heathen_a world_n one_o will_v think_v may_v very_o well_o serve_v for_o our_o confirmation_n and_o delightful_a entertainment_n and_o though_o we_o deserve_o pay_v a_o most_o profound_a respect_n to_o the_o greek_a and_o hebrew_n text_n of_o scripture_n as_o claim_v in_o a_o strict_a sense_n the_o venerable_a title_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o challenge_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n the_o time_n and_o strength_n of_o those_o who_o god_n and_o man_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o employ_v in_o the_o explication_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a happiness_n which_o we_o in_o these_o nation_n enjoy_v that_o we_o have_v such_o excellent_a translation_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o even_o the_o common_a people_n who_o have_v precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o want_v more_o help_n for_o the_o regular_a and_o comfortable_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v command_v by_o their_o minister_n to_o avoid_v they_o as_o be_v dangerous_a in_o unskilful_a hand_n and_o a_o imperfect_a rule_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n that_o they_o be_v strict_o enjoin_v and_o with_o all_o imaginable_a tenderness_n entreat_v to_o read_v they_o with_o the_o great_a seriousness_n industry_n and_o pleasure_n and_o if_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o return_v god_n our_o most_o humble_a and_o hearty_a thanks_o for_o raise_v up_o and_o incline_v some_o proper_a person_n to_o undertake_v so_o important_a and_o so_o difficult_a a_o work_n for_o afford_v such_o measure_n of_o his_o gracious_a assistance_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o support_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o it_o and_o to_o bring_v it_o at_o last_o to_o a_o most_o honourable_a and_o happy_a accomplishment_n i_o think_v the_o translation_n of_o any_o pious_a rational_a and_o learned_a author_n who_o labour_n have_v a_o tendency_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o true_a and_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o furnish_v we_o with_o proper_a weapon_n to_o encounter_v the_o inveterate_a and_o most_o formidable_a adversary_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v very_o desirable_a and_o attend_v with_o no_o small_a advantage_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o high_o sensible_a that_o translation_n do_v frequent_o abound_v with_o fault_n and_o perhaps_o with_o sueh_a as_o be_v notorious_a which_o shall_v a_o person_n undertake_v to_o justify_v he_o will_v expose_v himself_o to_o the_o scorn_n or_o pity_v of_o the_o learned_a world_n and_o to_o the_o censure_n even_o of_o the_o injudicious_a and_o illiterate_a but_o this_o if_o it_o be_v a_o solid_a objection_n against_o bad_a translation_n which_o i_o hardly_o believe_v it_o be_v since_o they_o may_v have_v many_o great_a defect_n and_o yet_o the_o translator_n shall_v be_v esteem_v and_o reward_v for_o his_o good_a will_n to_o the_o public_a and_o that_o measure_v of_o industry_n and_o skill_n in_o the_o learned_a language_n which_o appear_v in_o his_o work_n though_o he_o
keep_v up_o its_o aspire_a and_o yet_o perhaps_o sink_v hierarchy_n be_v a_o matter_n that_o deserve_v to_o be_v take_v into_o our_o serious_a and_o most_o deliberate_a thought_n and_o though_o i_o firm_o believe_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v appoint_v a_o order_n of_o man_n which_o shall_v continue_v even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o preach_v his_o gospel_n and_o administer_v his_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o i_o earnest_o desire_v that_o my_o tongue_n may_v cleave_v to_o the_o roof_n of_o my_o mouth_n if_o i_o do_v prefer_v they_o before_o multitude_n of_o those_o who_o through_o the_o influence_n of_o satan_n the_o curse_a policy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o disorder_n of_o their_o body_n their_o wretched_a ignorance_n of_o the_o happy_a settlement_n of_o the_o sacred_a canon_n or_o the_o reputation_n they_o expect_v to_o gain_v by_o affect_v to_o make_v high_a pretence_n to_o new_a light_n and_o immediate_a inspiration_n yet_o i_o be_o far_o from_o think_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v design_v to_o feed_v the_o boundless_a ambition_n and_o in_o so_o extravagant_a a_o manner_n to_o raise_v the_o reputation_n and_o support_v the_o external_n grandeur_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v frequent_o and_o serious_o consider_v by_o all_o to_o who_o its_o precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n be_v direct_v if_o the_o design_v priest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o notorious_a crime_n in_o pretend_v that_o the_o common_a people_n shall_v not_o dare_v to_o intrude_v into_o those_o sacred_a mystery_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o if_o they_o ought_v to_o lie_v always_o open_a for_o the_o information_n and_o conduct_n of_o those_o who_o most_o need_v their_o assistance_n than_o no_o pious_a rational_a and_o learned_a author_n shall_v be_v deny_v the_o laity_n but_o like_o the_o public_a service_n which_o they_o pay_v to_o almighty_a god_n shall_v be_v offer_v to_o their_o consideration_n in_o that_o language_n which_o be_v most_o familiar_a to_o they_o i_o do_v affirm_v that_o they_o who_o will_v hinder_v person_n of_o mean_a capacity_n and_o inconsiderable_a acquire_v ability_n from_o enjoy_v the_o satisfaction_n and_o reap_v the_o advantage_n of_o learned_a author_n be_v as_o guilty_a as_o the_o romish_a priest_n who_o deny_v the_o people_n that_o word_n which_o alone_o be_v able_a by_o the_o blessing_n of_o almighty_n god_n to_o make_v they_o holy_a in_o this_o world_n and_o complete_o and_o eternal_o happy_a in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v though_o i_o think_v that_o they_o who_o be_v eminent_a for_o learning_n may_v with_o a_o much_o better_a grace_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v their_o prerogative_n to_o consult_v learned_a author_n than_o the_o popish_a clergy_n can_v pretend_v that_o the_o common_a people_n must_v be_v blind_a votary_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o they_o must_v not_o understand_v the_o language_n in_o which_o their_o divine_a service_n be_v perform_v and_o their_o religion_n and_o by_o consequence_n their_o everlasting_a salvation_n must_v depend_v on_o the_o qualification_n and_o intention_n of_o those_o who_o officiate_n for_o they_o but_o if_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o common_a people_n to_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o perform_v all_o their_o act_n of_o devotion_n in_o the_o language_n of_o their_o native_a country_n if_o they_o who_o be_v unable_a to_o understand_v the_o sacred_a and_o original_a text_n of_o scripture_n shall_v have_v the_o bible_n translate_v into_o a_o language_n that_o be_v familiar_a to_o they_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o solid_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o any_o useful_a original_a which_o they_o do_v understand_v in_o the_o language_n in_o which_o the_o author_n write_v shall_v be_v clothe_v in_o such_o a_o dress_n as_o may_v render_v it_o intelligible_a and_o easy_a to_o they_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o far_o from_o be_v bigoted_a to_o any_o ancient_a author_n though_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v be_v ever_o value_v in_o proportion_n to_o that_o vein_n of_o sense_n learning_n or_o piety_n which_o often_o run_v as_o it_o be_v through_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o their_o discourse_n i_o be_o not_o such_o a_o slave_n to_o antiquity_n as_o to_o judge_v it_o a_o crime_n to_o read_v the_o write_n of_o those_o modern_a author_n in_o which_o any_o thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n valuable_a do_v occur_v and_o sir_n william_n temple_n in_o his_o essay_n upon_o ancient_n and_o modern_a learning_n as_o ingenious_a and_o polite_a a_o person_n as_o he_o be_v and_o as_o much_o as_o i_o be_o charm_v with_o his_o write_n do_v pay_v i_o think_v too_o great_a a_o deference_n to_o the_o ancient_n and_o give_v too_o mean_a a_o character_n of_o the_o modern_a hero_n but_o whether_o ancient_a or_o late_a author_n do_v deserve_v the_o preference_n that_o the_o encouragement_n of_o translation_n shall_v be_v any_o hindrance_n to_o the_o reputation_n and_o successful_a progress_n even_o of_o ancient_a learning_n be_v what_o i_o confess_v after_o mature_a deliberation_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o conceive_v for_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v entire_o and_o perhaps_o culpable_o ignorant_a of_o the_o hero_n of_o antiquity_n and_o have_v no_o skill_n in_o any_o of_o the_o learned_a language_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o translation_n shall_v lessen_v their_o esteem_n for_o those_o author_n who_o bear_v the_o awful_a stamp_n of_o very_o distant_a period_n of_o time_n nay_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o case_n that_o i_o do_v not_o see_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o common_a people_n to_o have_v any_o high_a and_o wellgrounded_n respect_n for_o the_o genuine_a monument_n of_o antiquity_n but_o by_o mean_n of_o those_o very_a translation_n which_o they_o who_o make_v the_o objection_n do_v most_o severe_o condemn_v it_o be_v true_a they_o may_v hear_v it_o report_v that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v very_o pious_a rational_a and_o learned_a writer_n but_o their_o knowledge_n or_o rather_o opinion_n be_v not_o the_o natural_a result_n of_o their_o own_o examination_n and_o judgement_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o esteem_n which_o they_o have_v and_o express_v for_o they_o must_v be_v high_o irrational_a or_o at_o best_a uncertain_a and_o extreme_o superficial_a but_o when_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_n and_o learned_a author_n be_v as_o it_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o clothe_v in_o a_o language_n which_o they_o perfect_o understand_v and_o they_o have_v careful_o peruse_v a_o translation_n of_o they_o by_o one_o who_o as_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v do_v perfect_o understand_v the_o language_n in_o which_o the_o author_n write_v and_o be_v master_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o who_o fidelity_n they_o have_v scarce_o a_o temptation_n to_o suspect_v they_o then_o begin_v to_o entertain_v a_o very_a honourable_a opinion_n of_o they_o and_o thank_v the_o translator_n for_o save_v they_o the_o pain_n of_o understanding_n and_o consult_v the_o original_a and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o have_v skill_n in_o the_o learned_a language_n i_o do_v see_v that_o a_o translation_n of_o any_o ancient_n and_o considerable_a author_n can_v do_v they_o any_o real_a prejudice_n for_o certain_o the_o translator_n must_v be_v void_a even_o of_o common_a sense_n and_o very_o illiterate_a himself_o if_o he_o desire_v they_o to_o pay_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o translation_n than_o they_o ought_v to_o pay_v to_o the_o original_a this_o will_v be_v to_o prefer_v the_o stream_n before_o the_o fountain_n from_o which_o it_o proceed_v which_o will_v be_v monstrous_o absurd_a and_o can_v fair_o be_v suppose_v in_o so_o judicious_a and_o learned_a a_o age_n as_o this_o and_o one_o who_o understand_v the_o language_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v hinder_v hereby_o from_o the_o study_n of_o they_o or_o discourage_v from_o pay_v they_o a_o due_a respect_n that_o a_o translation_n if_o it_o be_v but_o tolerable_o perform_v be_v a_o help_n to_o he_o in_o consult_v the_o orinal_n and_o tend_v to_o cultivate_v his_o skill_n in_o the_o learned_a language_n in_o which_o the_o author_n write_v beside_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o no_o translator_n who_o have_v common_a sense_n will_v desire_v that_o they_o who_o be_v profound_o learn_v shall_v lay_v aside_o the_o original_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o translation_n but_o only_o allow_v some_o time_n and_o take_v pain_n to_o compare_v they_o and_o see_v whether_o he_o have_v hit_v on_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o author_n and_o if_o he_o have_v real_o do_v so_o the_o translation_n must_v be_v value_v of_o course_n unless_o the_o original_a be_v esteem_v for_o nothing_o but_o the_o word_n which_o i_o believe_v no_o rational_a person_n will_v ever_o be_v tempt_v to_o imagine_v i_o shall_v say_v no_o
more_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o necessity_n of_o translation_n in_o general_a but_o offer_v something_o concern_v that_o author_n who_o i_o have_v in_o part_n translate_v with_o a_o due_a regard_n i_o hope_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o public_a good_a though_o whether_o i_o have_v perform_v well_o or_o not_o i_o must_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a at_o who_o bar_n i_o shall_v think_v it_o a_o honour_n to_o be_v arraign_v if_o i_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o gross_a defect_n and_o who_o friendly_a censure_n i_o shall_v willing_o and_o even_o thankful_o undergo_v that_o origen_n flourish_v in_o the_o three_o century_n and_o in_o the_o infancy_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v so_o general_o know_v that_o it_o seem_v almost_o needless_a to_o mention_v it_o and_o since_o we_o deserve_o and_o cheerful_o pay_v a_o deference_n to_o the_o live_a monument_n of_o antiquity_n and_o especial_o to_o those_o pious_a and_o learned_a writer_n who_o live_v in_o the_o early_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n partly_o through_o a_o natural_a curiosity_n to_o know_v the_o name_n character_n and_o work_v of_o the_o most_o eminent_a person_n who_o flourish_v in_o such_o distant_a period_n of_o time_n partly_o through_o a_o sense_n of_o those_o miraculous_a method_n which_o the_o great_a god_n be_v as_o it_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v for_o the_o support_n and_o encouragement_n of_o the_o church_n during_o its_o minority_n and_o partly_o from_o a_o just_a and_o deep_a conviction_n of_o the_o eminent_a piety_n profound_a judgement_n and_o universal_a learning_n of_o many_o of_o the_o primitive_a father_n i_o think_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a veneration_n shall_v be_v pay_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o decease_a origen_n and_o especial_o to_o his_o book_n against_o the_o ingenious_a and_o learned_a celsus_n which_o be_v a_o lively_a picture_n of_o his_o capacious_a and_o exalt_v genius_n need_v i_o say_v any_o thing_n in_o commendation_n of_o his_o piety_n or_o rather_o will_v not_o every_o thing_n that_o i_o can_v say_v fall_v vast_o short_a of_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o awful_a subject_n will_v it_o not_o in_o some_o sense_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n lose_v its_o native_a and_o almost_o unsullied_a lustre_n by_o the_o faint_a encomium_n of_o the_o most_o elevate_a mortal_n who_o be_v inspire_v with_o a_o tremendous_a sense_n of_o his_o majestic_a simplicity_n and_o irresistible_a and_o almost_o inimitable_a charm_n a_o piety_n which_o be_v so_o sincere_a and_o so_o impatient_a of_o restraint_n that_o it_o be_v report_v of_o he_o that_o when_o his_o honour_a father_n be_v suffer_v under_o the_o emperor_n decius_n he_o will_v even_o in_o his_o tender_a year_n have_v salute_v the_o flame_n of_o martyrdom_n with_o the_o great_a readiness_n and_o even_o triumphant_a joy_n have_v not_o his_o dear_a and_o honour_a mother_n by_o her_o maternal_a authority_n art_n of_o persuasion_n and_o innocent_a method_n of_o female_a policy_n clip_v the_o flutter_v wing_n of_o his_o humbly-aspiring_a soul_n a_o piety_n discover_v by_o deny_v even_o the_o lawful_a appetite_n of_o his_o sordid_a flesh_n and_o look_v with_o a_o generous_a disdain_n on_o the_o outward_a grandeur_n and_o perish_a vanity_n of_o this_o low_a world_n a_o piety_n which_o be_v see_v by_o his_o leave_v or_o in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n despise_v the_o school_n of_o plato_n that_o celebrate_v heathen_a philosopher_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o meek_a and_o persecute_a jesus_n in_o a_o word_n a_o piety_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o strictness_n of_o his_o moral_a virtue_n and_o christian_a grace_n in_o the_o flame_a but_o just_a zeal_n he_o show_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n the_o exact_a care_n and_o extraordinary_a vigour_n which_o run_v through_o the_o body_n of_o his_o most_o excellent_a applogy_n and_o the_o prudent_a measure_n which_o he_o take_v to_o win_v other_o to_o the_o sincere_a belief_n and_o regular_a practice_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n which_o be_v so_o constant_o so_o cheerful_o and_o so_o bright_o exemplify_v in_o himself_o need_v i_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o sense_n who_o can_v not_o content_v himself_o without_o the_o severe_a study_n of_o philosophy_n and_o the_o sublime_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a plato_n in_o particular_a and_o familiar_o converse_v with_o the_o most_o judicious_a philosopher_n among_o the_o pagan_n and_o great_o improve_v the_o refine_a and_o useful_a knowledge_n which_o he_o eager_o imbibe_v from_o those_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o learning_n by_o light_v his_o torch_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v at_o the_o dazzle_a ray_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n need_v i_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o learning_n who_o on_o that_o account_n be_v just_o the_o wonder_n and_o have_v too_o often_o be_v the_o envy_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o christian_a world_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o solid_a sense_n and_o uncommon_a acquire_v ability_n be_v incline_v and_o qualify_v to_o take_v a_o unconfined_a range_v through_o the_o immense_a space_n of_o the_o intellectual_a aether_n who_o by_o the_o number_n and_o choice_n of_o the_o book_n he_o publish_v of_o which_o eusebius_n give_v we_o a_o account_n in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n discover_v at_o once_o the_o regularity_n and_o almost_o infinite_a compass_n of_o his_o study_n and_o by_o his_o travel_n into_o foreign_a country_n be_v full_o acquaint_v with_o the_o posture_n of_o affair_n both_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o in_o the_o learned_a world_n i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n by_o the_o way_n that_o if_o origen_n have_v be_v so_o mean_a a_o man_n or_o his_o work_n so_o dangerous_a as_o cardinal_n baronius_n cardinal_n noris_n gretzerus_n the_o jesuit_n and_o some_o other_o represent_v he_o i_o wonder_v that_o pope_n anastasius_n a_o whole_a council_n the_o forementioned_a person_n and_o the_o whole_a justinian_n age_n shall_v so_o violent_o oppose_v he_o i_o confess_v after_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v which_o be_v little_a if_o compare_v with_o what_o i_o can_v easy_o offer_v in_o the_o praise_n of_o origen_n i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o st._n hierom_n that_o very_o learned_a father_n and_o afterward_o the_o justinian_n age_n and_o many_o other_o since_o have_v no_o colour_n of_o reason_n for_o what_o they_o allege_v against_o he_o indeed_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n do_v very_o plain_o appear_v in_o so_o order_v matter_n that_o even_o some_o of_o the_o sacred_a penman_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o bright_a light_n that_o ever_o shine_v in_o the_o glorious_a orb_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v some_o defect_n to_o allay_v their_o intrinsic_a and_o apparent_a worth_n and_o prevent_v that_o excessive_a veneration_n which_o will_v otherwise_o have_v be_v pay_v they_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o natural_a and_o acquire_v accomplishment_n the_o honour_n they_o reflect_v on_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o flourish_v and_o the_o extraordinary_a service_n they_o do_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o learning_n but_o as_o the_o translator_n of_o the_o bible_n will_v have_v be_v unjust_o treat_v have_v they_o be_v reproach_v with_o even_o seem_v to_o countenance_n the_o false_a notion_n of_o thing_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o many_o of_o the_o leader_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v know_v to_o have_v entertain_v or_o have_v they_o be_v upbraid_v as_o if_o they_o approve_v of_o david_n murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o st._n peter_n most_o shameful_a denial_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n so_o i_o may_v rational_o expect_v that_o the_o reader_n will_v be_v so_o just_a and_o candid_a as_o not_o to_o imagine_v as_o great_a a_o man_n as_o origen_n himself_o be_v and_o as_o great_a a_o hero_n of_o antiquity_n and_o christianity_n as_o i_o know_v he_o be_v that_o i_o be_o so_o very_o ignorant_a as_o to_o agree_v with_o he_o in_o those_o opinion_n or_o practice_n which_o be_v evident_o and_o great_o liable_a to_o censure_v as_o for_o his_o notion_n that_o the_o devil_n may_v be_v recover_v i_o must_v confess_v it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v both_o a_o false_a and_o dangerous_a position_n false_a because_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n for_o it_o that_o i_o can_v see_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o dangerous_a because_o it_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o encourage_v person_n to_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n in_o hope_n that_o even_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n will_v be_v at_o last_o extinguish_v and_o be_v but_o a_o second_o purgatory_n we_o know_v that_o no_o less_o a_o person_n than_o the_o late_o most_o reverend_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n have_v public_o appear_v in_o its_o defence_n and_o have_v offer_v such_o plausible_a argument_n that_o perhaps_o it_o may_v seem_v difficult_a
ii_o than_o celsus_n go_v on_o and_o assert_n that_o judaisme_n with_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v a_o very_a close_a connection_n have_v all_o along_o be_v a_o barbarous_a sect_n though_o he_o prudent_o forbear_v to_o reproach_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v of_o a_o mean_a and_o unpolished_a original_a since_o he_o have_v commend_v the_o barbarian_n as_o be_v the_o inventor_n of_o several_a excellent_a and_o very_a important_a maxim_n and_o he_o add_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v indeed_o invent_v by_o the_o barbarian_n have_v be_v improve_v and_o more_o accommodate_v to_o moral_a virtue_n by_o the_o greek_n now_o i_o think_v i_o may_v just_o take_v this_o advantage_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o the_o very_a concession_n which_o celsus_n make_v to_o observe_v that_o one_o who_o leave_v the_o opinion_n and_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n dont_fw-fr only_a assent_n to_o those_o truth_n and_o useful_a rule_n which_o it_o recommend_v to_o his_o consideration_n and_o choice_n but_o the_o more_o he_o be_v verse_v in_o the_o forementioned_a sort_n of_o learning_n the_o more_o he_o be_v confirm_v in_o his_o judgement_n and_o borrow_v from_o the_o christian_n wherever_o he_o perceive_v that_o the_o greek_n themselves_o be_v defective_a to_o this_o i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v just_o boast_v of_o a_o peculiar_a demonstration_n such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v true_o divine_a and_o vast_o exceed_v all_o the_o logic_n of_o the_o greek_n the_o apostle_n call_v it_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v in_o a_o secret_a but_o powerful_a way_n convince_v the_o reader_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture-prophecy_n efpeal_o of_o those_o which_o have_v a_o evident_a and_o near_a relation_n to_o the_o expect_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o power_n in_o as_o much_o as_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n some_o remarkable_a footstep_n of_o which_o do_v remain_v at_o this_o very_a day_n among_o those_o who_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n under_o the_o guidance_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o live_v up_o to_o its_o holy_a precept_n chap._n iii_o than_o celsus_n have_v speak_v of_o the_o private_a meeting_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o which_o they_o exercise_v themselves_o and_o instruct_v one_o another_o in_o their_o particular_a way_n and_o have_v confess_v that_o one_o very_o politic_a reason_n may_v be_v assign_v for_o what_o they_o do_v viz._n the_o prevent_v of_o that_o severe_a penalty_n to_o which_o their_o practice_n render_v they_o extreme_o liable_a compare_v the_o danger_n that_o threaten_v they_o with_o the_o difficulty_n and_o calamity_n to_o which_o socrates_n and_o pythagoras_n and_o other_o heathen_a philosopher_n expose_v themselves_o by_o maintain_v the_o reputation_n and_o promote_a the_o interest_n of_o that_o comparatively-vain_a philosophy_n of_o which_o they_o be_v the_o admire_v and_o truly-learned_n professor_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o athenian_n soon_o repent_v of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v to_o socrates_n nor_o do_v they_o long_o retain_v their_o spite_n against_o pythagoras_n for_o the_o pythagorean_n have_v school_n for_o a_o considerable_a time_n in_o that_o part_n of_o italy_n which_o go_v by_o the_o name_n of_o greece_n the_o great_a but_o the_o whole_a roman_a senate_n the_o emperor_n during_o the_o several_a persecution_n the_o soldier_n the_o common_a people_n and_o even_o they_o who_o be_v near_o relate_v to_o the_o christian_n wage_v open_a war_n as_o it_o be_v against_o the_o religion_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n introduce_v and_o will_v easy_o and_o quite_o have_v stop_v its_o happy_a progress_n if_o a_o divine_a and_o miraculous_a power_n have_v not_o seasonable_o interpose_v and_o make_v it_o overcome_v the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n who_o exert_v all_o their_o malice_n and_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n towards_o its_o sudden_a and_o entire_a extirpation_n chap._n iu._n now_o let_v we_o see_v how_o celsus_n reproach_n the_o practic_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v in_o common_a with_o the_o heathen_n nothing_o that_o be_v new_a or_o truly-great_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o they_o who_o bring_v down_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o head_n by_o their_o notorious_a crime_n will_v never_o suffer_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o divine_a and_o inflexible_a justice_n if_o all_o mankind_n have_v not_o some_o tolerable_a notion_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil._n therefore_o we_o needned_a wonder_n that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o common_a father_n of_o his_o creature_n shall_v plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n those_o natural_a principle_n which_o the_o prophet_n and_o especial_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v so_o frequent_o impress_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o so_o every_o one_o may_v be_v leave_v without_o excuse_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n have_v have_v the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o law_n engrave_v upon_o his_o heart_n in_o very_o legible_a character_n this_o be_v obscure_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o the_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o god_n write_v the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law_n as_o it_o be_v with_o his_o finger_n and_o his_o give_v they_o to_o moses_n and_o acquaint_v we_o that_o they_o be_v afterward_o break_v by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o they_o who_o make_v the_o golden_a calf_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v break_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o that_o when_o the_o law_n be_v write_v the_o second_o time_n on_o table_n of_o stone_n he_o deliver_v they_o to_o moses_n to_o signify_v that_o the_o law_n which_o be_v deface_v by_o the_o original_a apostasy_n shall_v be_v re_fw-mi impress_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n chap._n v._n than_o celsus_n speak_v of_o idolatry_n do_v himself_o advance_v a_o argument_n that_o tend_v to_o justify_v and_o commend_v our_o practice_n when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o christian_n can_v think_v those_o to_o be_v god_n which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n and_o very_o often_o of_o such_o as_o be_v wicked_a and_o unjust_a and_o wallow_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o debauchery_n therefore_o endeavour_v to_o show_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n that_o our_o notion_n of_o image-worship_n be_v not_o a_o discovery_n that_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o we_o have_v it_o in_o common_a with_o the_o heathen_n he_o quote_v a_o passage_n in_o heraclitus_n to_o this_o effect_n that_o they_o who_o pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o inanimate_a creature_n do_v just_a as_o if_o they_o shall_v address_v and_o invocate_v the_o wall_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o since_o i_o have_v already_o grant_v that_o some_o common_a notion_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a be_v original_o implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n we_o needned_a wonder_n that_o heraclitus_n and_o other_o whether_o greek_n or_o barbarian_n have_v public_o acknowledge_v to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o hold_v the_o very_a same_o notion_n which_o we_o maintain_v and_o celsus_n quote_v a_o passage_n in_o herodotus_n to_o show_v that_o the_o same_o notion_n which_o heraclitus_n hold_v do_v obtain_v among_o the_o persian_n and_o i_o can_v quote_v a_o passage_n in_o zeno_n citiensis_fw-la who_o in_o his_o book_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v that_o the_o building_n of_o stately_a temple_n be_v altogether_o needless_a and_o indeed_o ridiculous_a since_o no_o piece_n of_o humane_a architecture_n how_o pompous_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v be_v true_o sacred_a and_o valuaable_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o this_o practical_a notion_n be_v engrave_v in_o divine_a and_o legible_a character_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n chap._n vi_o than_o celsus_n say_v that_o all_o the_o power_n which_o the_o christian_n have_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o name_n of_o certain_a daemon_n and_o their_o invocation_n of_o they_o though_o i_o can_v well_o conceive_v what_o shall_v induce_v or_o even_o tempt_v he_o to_o talk_v at_o so_o extravagant_a a_o rate_n i_o suppose_v he_o obscure_o hint_n at_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o some_o who_o cast_v out_o devil_n but_o this_o be_v a_o most_o notorious_a calumny_n for_o the_o power_n which_o the_o christian_n have_v be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o owe_v to_o enchantment_n but_o to_o their_o pronounce_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o make_v mention_n of_o some_o remarkable_a occurrence_n of_o his_o life_n for_o by_o these_o and_o no_o unlawful_a mean_n have_v daemon_n be_v
punish_v by_o god_n be_v a_o ridiculous_a fable_n i_o may_v say_v the_o same_o thing_n of_o the_o assyrian_n who_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v their_o own_o historian_n be_v ancient_o engage_v in_o long_a and_o bloody_a war_n with_o those_o of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o the_o jewish_a writer_n for_o perhaps_o i_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o speak_v from_o prejudice_n if_o i_o shall_v call_v they_o prophet_n make_v frequent_a mention_n of_o their_o war_n with_o the_o assyrian_n see_v therefore_o how_o celsus_n be_v lead_v aside_o by_o prejudice_n which_o he_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o charge_v other_o with_o when_o he_o ready_o believe_v some_o nation_n to_o be_v extreme_o wise_a and_o high_o esteem_v their_o history_n as_o be_v entire_o authentic_a and_o condemn_v those_o of_o other_o nation_n as_o be_v false_a and_o void_a even_o of_o common_a sense_n chap._n xu._n observe_v his_o word_n it_o be_v a_o opinion_n say_v he_o that_o be_v general_o receive_v by_o the_o ancient_n in_o which_o not_o only_o some_o few_o wise_a man_n but_o entire_a nation_n and_o those_o not_o a_o little_a remarkable_a for_o sense_n and_o learning_n have_v ready_o and_o unanimous_o agree_v he_o take_v special_a care_n not_o to_o reckon_v the_o jew_n among_o the_o wise_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o if_o they_o be_v vast_o inferior_a in_o respect_n of_o wisdom_n to_o the_o egyptian_n assyrian_n indian_n persian_n odrysae_n samothracian_o and_o the_o eleusinii_fw-la but_o how_o much_o do_v numenius_n the_o pythagorean_n deserve_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o he_o who_o have_v make_v his_o name_n immortal_a by_o his_o uncommon_a eloquence_n have_v take_v such_o care_n in_o his_o impartial_a inquiry_n into_o truth_n and_o heap_v up_o so_o many_o good_a authority_n to_o confirm_v his_o excellent_a and_o elaborate_a notion_n this_o learned_a author_n in_o his_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d speak_v of_o those_o nation_n that_o hold_v god_n to_o be_v incorporeal_a have_v reckon_v the_o jew_n among_o they_o he_o also_o make_v mention_n of_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o he_o take_v in_o a_o allegorical_a sense_n it_o be_v report_v also_o that_o hermippus_n in_o his_o first_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d acquaint_v we_o that_o pythagoras_n borrow_a his_o philosophy_n from_o the_o jew_n and_o teach_v it_o to_o the_o greek_n and_o there_o be_v extant_a hecataeus_n history_n of_o the_o jew_n wherein_o he_o do_v so_o high_o commend_v the_o wisdom_n of_o that_o people_n that_o herennius_n philo_n in_o a_o book_n that_o he_o have_v write_v concern_v they_o seem_v incline_v to_o think_v it_o spurious_a and_o afterward_o say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v real_o genuine_a it_o be_v probable_a he_o be_v inward_o a_o convert_n to_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v but_o i_o wonder_v in_o my_o heart_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o celsus_n shall_v reckon_v up_o the_o odrysae_n samothracian_o eleusinii_fw-la and_o hyperborei_n as_o be_v famous_a at_o once_o for_o their_o wisdom_n and_o antiquity_n and_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o egyptian_n phoenician_n and_o greek_n do_v by_o their_o own_o history_n give_v sufficient_a and_o ample_a testimony_n to_o the_o antiquity_n of_o that_o people_n which_o i_o think_v it_o be_v needless_a for_o i_o to_o produce_v for_o any_o one_o that_o read_v josephus_n two_o book_n of_o the_o jewish_a antiquity_n may_v see_v there_o a_o long_a catalogue_n of_o author_n who_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n by_o their_o concur_v testimony_n and_o tatian_n who_o write_v after_o he_o have_v make_v a_o learned_a discourse_n against_o the_o gentile_n wherein_o he_o quote_v abundance_n of_o author_n who_o have_v write_v concern_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o moses_n in_o particular_a so_o that_o celsus_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o talk_v at_o this_o extravagant_a rate_n rather_o from_o implacable_a malice_n than_o out_o of_o zeal_n for_o truth_n design_v to_o reproach_v the_o christian_a religion_n which_o have_v so_o close_a a_o connection_n with_o that_o of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o original_a which_o he_o suppose_v to_o be_v late_a and_o mean_v and_o he_o say_v that_o the_o galactophagi_n of_o homer_n the_o druid_n of_o the_o gaul_n and_o the_o getae_n who_o agree_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o some_o opinion_n but_o have_v no_o write_n extant_a that_o i_o know_v of_o be_v remarkable_a for_o their_o wisdom_n and_o antiquity_n but_o he_o level_v all_o his_o malice_n at_o the_o jew_n and_o will_v neither_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v wise_a nor_o ancient_a then_o give_v we_o a_o catalogue_n of_o wise_a and_o ancient_a person_n who_o be_v useful_a to_o their_o contemporary_n by_o their_o bright_a example_n and_o to_o posterity_n by_o their_o admirable_a write_n he_o have_v purposely_o leave_v moses_n out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o man_n remarkable_a for_o their_o wisdom_n though_o linus_n who_o be_v put_v at_o the_o head_n of_o they_o have_v leave_v behind_o he_o no_o law_n nor_o book_n for_o the_o regulation_n of_o society_n or_o reformation_n of_o manner_n whereas_o moses_n law_n be_v diligent_o observe_v by_o a_o entire_a and_o populous_a nation_n by_o who_o mean_n they_o have_v be_v diffuse_v almost_o through_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n take_v notice_n therefore_o of_o the_o unaccountable_a malice_n by_o which_o celsus_n be_v act_v who_o say_v nothing_o of_o moses_n but_o mention_n linus_n musaeus_n orpheus_n pherecydes_n zoroaster_n the_o persian_a and_o pythagoras_n with_o abundance_n of_o honour_n as_o have_v give_v wise_a and_o wholesome_a precept_n to_o mankind_n and_o take_v prudent_a and_o due_a care_n to_o transmit_v they_o to_o posterity_n by_o their_o write_n which_o be_v extant_a at_o this_o very_a day_n and_o i_o suppose_v he_o design_o omit_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o ridiculous_a fable_n especial_o in_o the_o write_n of_o orpheus_n which_o attribute_n humane_a and_o even_o exorbitant_a passion_n to_o their_o pretend_a deity_n chap._n xvi_o than_o he_o find_v great_a fault_n with_o the_o moysaicall_a history_n and_o can_v bear_v by_o any_o mean_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v take_v in_o a_o allegorical_a sense_n but_o one_o may_v ask_v this_o mighty_a man_n who_o call_v his_o book_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o true_a relation_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v the_o most_o profound_a mystery_n in_o the_o strange_a accident_n which_o according_a to_o his_o own_o admire_a poet_n and_o philosopher_n have_v befall_v his_o god_n and_o goddess_n which_o have_v be_v pollute_v with_o incest_n have_v contend_v with_o their_o father_n and_o make_v they_o eunuch_n and_o do_v many_o immodest_a action_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o may_v be_v mention_v if_o occasion_n offer_v but_o when_o moses_n dont_fw-fr say_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v comparable_a to_o this_o of_o the_o great_a god_n who_o he_o adore_v or_o of_o the_o angel_n or_o of_o man_n for_o he_o do_v represent_v even_o they_o as_o make_v such_o a_o bold_a attempt_n as_o that_o of_o saturn_n against_o his_o father_n or_o that_o of_o jupiter_n against_o saturn_n or_o that_o of_o the_o incest_n which_o the_o father_n of_o the_o god_n and_o man_n commit_v with_o his_o daughter_n celsus_n treat_v even_o the_o famous_a lawgiver_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o notorious_a and_o shameful_a impostor_n and_o take_v the_o people_n who_o be_v govern_v by_o his_o law_n to_o be_v weak_a and_o extreme_o credulous_a here_o he_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o act_v like_o thrasymachus_n in_o plato_n who_o will_v not_o suffer_v socrates_n to_o state_n his_o notion_n of_o justice_n but_o say_v have_v a_o care_n how_o you_o say_v that_o expediency_n or_o decency_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v justice_n for_o reproach_v as_o he_o think_v the_o mosaic_a history_n and_o blame_v they_o severe_o who_o take_v it_o in_o a_o allegorical_a sense_n though_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o of_o the_o two_o they_o be_v more_o pardonable_a than_o they_o who_o literal_o interpret_v it_o and_o have_v form_v his_o accusation_n to_o his_o mind_n he_o will_v deny_v we_o the_o just_a liberty_n of_o make_v our_o own_o apology_n but_o we_o open_o challenge_v any_o person_n who_o may_v espouse_v his_o cause_n to_o set_v author_n against_o author_n and_o may_v address_v ourselves_o to_o he_o after_o the_o follow_a manner_n pray_v sir_n be_v please_v to_o produce_v the_o poem_n which_o be_v write_v by_o linus_n musaeus_n and_o orpheus_n and_o the_o history_n which_o be_v publish_v by_o pherecydes_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o law_n which_o moses_n give_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n examine_v which_o have_v the_o great_a and_o most_o general_a influence_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o impartial_o consider_v how_o few_o of_o the_o write_n of_o those_o
other_o innumerable_a excellency_n that_o adorn_v his_o person_n and_o may_v sufficient_o recommend_v he_o to_o the_o world_n he_o did'ned_a act_n like_o a_o tyrant_n who_o by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o prevail_a party_n take_v occasion_n to_o violate_v the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o land_n in_o which_o he_o live_v nor_o like_o a_o robber_n who_o come_v with_o arm_a man_n against_o they_o who_o innocent_o pass_v by_o the_o king_n highway_n about_o their_o necessary_a affair_n or_o like_o a_o wealthy_a man_n who_o by_o the_o help_n of_o bribe_n induce_v person_n to_o come_v over_o to_o his_o interest_n whether_o by_o right_n or_o wrong_n or_o like_o many_o other_o that_o may_v easy_o be_v mention_v who_o proceed_n do_v manifest_o deserve_v our_o censure_n but_o like_o one_o who_o come_v to_o teach_v a_o ignorant_a and_o degenerate_a world_n what_o thought_n they_o shall_v entertain_v of_o god_n and_o how_o they_o may_v so_o regulate_v their_o moral_n as_o to_o maintain_v a_o humble_a and_o familiar_a correspondence_n with_o his_o bless_a majesty_n and_o as_o for_o themistocles_n and_o several_a other_o person_n who_o gain_v a_o more_o than_o common_a reputation_n and_o do_v real_a and_o extraordinary_a service_n to_o their_o native_a country_n this_o must_v be_v say_v to_o draw_v a_o shade_n over_o their_o great_a glory_n that_o every_o thing_n seem_v to_o smile_v on_o their_o just_a and_o honourable_a attempt_n and_o as_o it_o be_v pave_v the_o way_n for_o their_o glorious_a victory_n and_o immortal_a triumph_n but_o as_o for_o our_o bless_a saviour_n beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v which_o upon_o the_o first_o view_n one_o will_v think_v be_v enough_o to_o have_v eternal_o conceal_v or_o shameful_o sully_v the_o name_n of_o the_o great_a hero_n that_o the_o world_n can_v ever_o boast_v of_o the_o ignominious_a death_n which_o he_o suffer_v on_o the_o cross_n if_o he_o have_v have_v the_o fair_a character_n will_v have_v give_v his_o follower_n just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v he_o of_o be_v a_o vile_a impostor_n if_o we_o may_v give_v any_o credit_n to_o our_o adversary_n or_o at_o least_o have_v draw_v a_o most_o dismal_a veil_n over_o the_o few_o bright_a and_o entertain_v scene_n of_o the_o most_o awful_a tragedy_n that_o be_v ever_o act_v chap._n xxviii_o and_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n that_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n who_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o enemy_n be_v not_o eye-witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o triumphant_a resurrection_n and_o see_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v common_a and_o even_o contemptible_a in_o his_o person_n shou'dned_a be_v afraid_a to_o imitate_v he_o in_o his_o suffering_n to_o encounter_v the_o most_o imminent_a and_o threat'ning_n danger_n and_o leave_v their_o native_a country_n to_o publish_v the_o doctrine_n which_o their_o crucified_a but_o bless_a lord_n have_v teach_v they_o for_o i_o believe_v that_o no_o person_n who_o lay_v aside_o his_o prejudice_n examine_v these_o matter_n due_o will_v say_v that_o they_o will_v ever_o have_v undergo_v the_o fatigue_n of_o ttinerant_n preach_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o vast_a obligation_n that_o lay_v upon_o they_o both_o from_o reason_n and_o gratitude_n not_o only_o to_o conform_v their_o manner_n to_o the_o holy_a precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o also_o to_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n to_o bring_v many_o other_o under_o the_o same_o honourable_a and_o happy_a bond_n when_o as_o matter_n go_v at_o that_o critical_a juncture_n they_o be_v sure_a to_o incur_v the_o displeasure_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n who_o be_v zealous_a for_o their_o ancient_a law_n and_o custom_n and_o can_o endure_v the_o least_o seem_a innovation_n especial_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o pompous_a ceremony_n of_o their_o religious_a worship_n but_o all_o these_o difficulty_n be_v light_a and_o trivial_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o those_o who_o have_v courage_n not_o only_o to_o prove_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v frequent_o and_o express_o foretell_v by_o their_o own_o prophetic_a oracle_n but_o also_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o other_o as_o occasion_n offer_v that_o this_o very_a person_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n who_o be_v crucify_v but_o other_o day_n and_o willing_o and_o even_o cheerful_o lay_v down_o his_o precious_a life_n for_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o man_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n though_o with_o unspeakable_a advantage_n in_o which_o some_o other_o have_v sacrifice_v all_o that_o be_v near_a and_o dear_a to_o they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o native_a country_n to_o free_v it_o from_o a_o rage_a pestilence_n a_o threat'ning_n famine_n or_o some_o violent_a impend_a tempest_n that_o great_o endanger_v ship_n and_o put_v a_o stop_v even_o to_o navigation_n which_o be_v so_o convenient_z and_o necessary_a for_o promote_a a_o advantageous_a trade_n into_o foreign_n and_o very_o distant_a part_n for_o there_o be_v some_o secret_a reason_n in_o nature_n which_o very_o few_o understand_v why_o the_o death_n of_o one_o virtuous_a man_n who_o ready_o suffer_v the_o great_a evil_n that_o can_v possible_o befall_v he_o for_o the_o real_a and_o perhaps_o last_a welfare_n of_o the_o place_n of_o his_o nativity_n shall_v destroy_v or_o at_o least_o severe_o check_v the_o usurp_a power_n of_o those_o infernal_a daemon_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o plague_n famine_n storm_n and_o the_o like_a evident_a and_o great_a disorder_n which_o frequent_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o they_o who_o dont_fw-fr believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n die_v for_o the_o general_a benefit_n of_o the_o humane_a race_n whether_o they_o will_v give_v easy_a credit_n to_o many_o history_n that_o be_v extant_a both_o of_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n which_o furnish_v we_o with_o frequent_a and_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o person_n who_o have_v free_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o who_o death_n have_v be_v happy_o instrumental_a to_o purge_v away_o those_o threat'ning_n and_o grievous_a calamity_n that_o infect_v city_n and_o perhaps_o whole_a nation_n or_o whither_o on_o the_o supposition_n that_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v in_o the_o least_o improbable_a that_o one_o clothe_v with_o humane_a nature_n shall_v be_v nail_v to_o a_o cross_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o before_o do_v often_o and_o too_o successful_o exercise_v a_o tyrannical_a power_n over_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o men._n our_o saviour_n disciple_n observe_v these_o thing_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n with_o which_o in_o all_o probability_n their_o prudent_a and_o indulgent_a master_n think_v fit_a to_o acquaint_v they_o and_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v not_o inspire_v with_o their_o unusual_a courage_n by_o the_o virgin_n which_o the_o poet_n speak_v of_o but_o by_o the_o true_a wisdom_n of_o god_n they_o make_v haste_n through_o the_o wide_a world_n their_o fame_n to_o spread_v hom._n il._n lib._n 5._o u._n 2_o chap._n xxix_o but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o return_v to_o the_o jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v who_o say_v that_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v big_a with_o child_n be_v divorce_v by_o her_o husband_n the_o carpenter_n for_o commit_v adultery_n with_o one_o panthera_n a_o soldier_n and_o be_v get_v with_o child_n by_o that_o scandalous_a wretch_n let_v we_o see_v therefore_o whether_o the_o inventor_n of_o this_o story_n do_v give_v a_o false_a and_o obscure_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o whether_o by_o all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o say_v they_o be_v able_a to_o overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n miraculous_a conception_n by_o the_o over-shadowing_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o so_o surprise_v a_o passage_n as_o this_o be_v may_v very_o easy_o be_v falsify_v and_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o though_o they_o be_v inward_o convince_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o conceive_v in_o the_o common_a way_n of_o humane_a generation_n and_o methinks_v it_o will_o have_v be_v incongruous_a at_o all_o that_o they_o who_o didn't_fw-mi believe_v or_o rather_o will_o acknowledge_v the_o miracle_n shall_v invent_v a_o fiction_n to_o serve_v their_o malicious_a and_o base_a design_n but_o to_o invent_v one_o that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v a_o plausible_a appearance_n that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o notorious_a untruth_n be_v to_o discover_v their_o weakness_n to_o they_o who_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n for_o do_v it_o stand_v to_o reason_n that_o one_o who_o be_v so_o useful_a to_o the_o world_n in_o general_n and_o express_v a_o most_o tender_a concern_v both_o for_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n that_o they_o may_v reform_v their_o manner_n from_o a_o sense_n
the_o profession_n which_o i_o make_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v build_v on_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n as_o well_o as_o on_o our_o saviour_n apostle_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n but_o i_o will_v eph._n two_o v._o 20._o convince_v he_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a upon_o the_o principle_n in_o which_o we_o both_o agree_v that_o we_o have_v far_o more_o reason_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o report_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o be_v report_v to_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v such_o thing_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v do_v acquaint_v his_o disciple_n with_o the_o vision_n which_o he_o see_v and_o the_o voice_n which_o he_o hear_v from_o heaven_n perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v object_v against_o we_o that_o even_o they_o who_o have_v give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v appear_v in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n and_o of_o the_o voice_n that_o come_v from_o heaven_n hadn_v these_o thing_n so_o much_o as_o from_o our_o saviour_n mouth_n since_o even_o according_a to_o our_o own_o notion_n the_o same_o spirit_n which_o inspire_v moses_n to_o write_v a_o history_n of_o what_o pass_v for_o many_o age_n before_o ever_o he_o be_v bear_v even_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o time_n of_o abraham_n who_o in_o some_o sense_n be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o jewish_a race_n may_v also_o immediate_o reveal_v the_o strange_a passage_n which_o happen_v at_o our_o saviour_n baptism_n to_o the_o four_o evangelist_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o one_o who_o be_v favour_v with_o what_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n can_v easy_o account_v for_o the_o open_v of_o heaven_n and_o assign_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o holy_a spirit_n appear_v to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o shape_n of_o any_o other_o animal_n however_o these_o be_v nicety_n that_o be_v foreign_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n all_o therefore_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v at_o present_a shall_v be_v to_o show_v that_o celsus_n do_v not_o only_o want_v the_o innocence_n of_o the_o dove_n but_o even_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o serpent_n when_o he_o put_v such_o discourse_n as_o this_o into_o the_o mouth_n of_o one_o who_o he_o call_v a_o jew_n who_o if_o he_o be_v not_o false_a to_o his_o pretension_n must_v believe_v several_a thing_n that_o be_v much_o more_o improbable_a than_o any_o thing_n relate_v in_o the_o history_n of_o which_o i_o be_o now_o discourse_v chap._n thirty-nine_o i_o remember_v in_o a_o disputation_n i_o have_v with_o some_o celebrate_a jewish_a doctor_n and_o before_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o learned_a company_n who_o be_v at_o once_o witness_n and_o judge_n of_o what_o i_o say_v i_o use_v this_o argument_n against_o they_o pray_v gentleman_n let_v i_o know_v say_v i_o since_o two_o person_n have_v appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v confident_o report_v to_o have_v do_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v vast_o beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o nature_n viz._n moses_n the_o lawgiver_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v write_v the_o history_n of_o what_o he_o do_v and_o jesus_n our_o master_n who_o have_v not_o leave_v behind_o he_o in_o write_v a_o account_n of_o any_o of_o the_o action_n which_o he_o do_v but_o have_v the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n i_o say_v let_v i_o know_v on_o what_o ground_n you_o can_v justify_v the_o vast_a difference_n which_o you_o make_v between_o they_o that_o we_o must_v believe_v forsooth_o that_o moses_n deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v true_a though_o the_o egyptian_n reproach_n he_o as_o one_o that_o deal_v with_o the_o devil_n but_o must_v look_v upon_o our_o saviour_n as_o a_o vile_a impostor_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o severe_a accusation_n which_o you_o bring_v against_o he_o we_o see_v that_o both_o these_o person_n have_v their_o authority_n support_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o great_a body_n of_o people_n moses_n have_v his_o support_v by_o the_o ready_a and_o joint_a testimony_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o our_o saviour_n his_o by_o the_o general_n suffrage_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o dont_fw-fr deny_v moses_n to_o be_v a_o prophet_n send_v from_o god_n but_o confirm_v the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n even_o by_o the_o sacred_a and_o undisputed_a authority_n of_o your_o celebrate_a moses_n if_o therefore_o you_o desire_v we_o to_o justify_v our_o conduct_n in_o pay_v so_o awful_a a_o regard_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v you_o first_o assign_v some_o reason_n why_o you_o believe_v in_o moses_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n many_o age_n before_o the_o incarnate_a jesus_n and_o then_o it_o may_v be_v time_n to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o rational_a ground_n on_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v build_v but_o if_o you_o refuse_v to_o give_v we_o any_o reason_n why_o you_o believe_v in_o moses_n neither_o shall_v we_o think_v fit_a to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o those_o we_o have_v for_o believe_v in_o our_o saviour_n or_o if_o you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o offer_v any_o demonstrative_a argument_n in_o favour_n of_o your_o just_o celebrate_a moses_n be_v please_v to_o hear_v what_o argument_n we_o can_v bring_v even_o from_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o jesus_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o which_o be_v something_o strange_a those_o very_a argument_n which_o we_o bring_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n write_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v a_o divine_a commission_n do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n prove_v that_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v person_n who_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v but_o to_o return_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n abound_v with_o as_o strange_a story_n as_o that_o of_o the_o dove_n that_o appear_v to_o our_o saviour_n at_o his_o baptism_n and_o the_o voice_n that_o come_v to_o he_o out_o of_o heaven_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o appear_v to_o he_o in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n do_v i_o think_v at_o least_o seem_v high_o probable_a from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v which_o celsus_n say_v he_o do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n which_o he_o have_v learn_v in_o egypt_n here_o i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a to_o mention_v not_o only_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o also_o those_o which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v every_o way_n qualify_v for_o that_o great_a work_n in_o which_o their_o master_n do_v engage_v they_o for_o if_o their_o ministry_n have_v be_v accompany_v with_o miracle_n they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v able_a so_o happy_o to_o prevail_v with_o their_o hearer_n to_o renounce_v the_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v bear_v and_o breed_v and_o to_o embrace_v a_o new_a discountenance_a doctrine_n the_o profession_n of_o which_o will_v expose_v they_o to_o the_o great_a danger_n even_o to_o a_o ignominious_a and_o painful_a death_n and_o some_o remarkable_a footstep_n of_o that_o holy_a spirit_n who_o appear_v to_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n do_v remain_v among_o christian_n to_o this_o very_a day_n they_o dispossess_v daemon_n perform_v many_o wonderful_a cure_n and_o sometime_o when_o god_n see_v fit_a they_o foresee_v and_o foretell_v future_a distant_a and_o very_o contingent_a event_n and_o therefore_o let_v celsus_n and_o his_o jew_n ridicule_fw-la we_o as_o much_o as_o ever_o they_o please_v yet_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o i_o think_v undeniable_a that_o many_o person_n have_v embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o force_n of_o prejudice_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v so_o sudden_a and_o so_o powerful_a a_o impression_n on_o their_o mind_n whether_o in_o a_o dream_n or_o vision_n or_o some_o other_o way_n that_o instead_o of_o be_v implacable_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n as_o once_o they_o be_v they_o have_v cheerful_o and_o even_o triumphant_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o seal_v the_o truth_n with_o their_o warm_a blood_n if_o i_o shall_v only_o relate_v those_o thing_n that_o have_v fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o my_o own_o personal_a knowledge_n and_o frequent_a observation_n i_o shall_v furnish_v infidel_n with_o abundant_a matter_n of_o laughter_n who_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o suspect_v we_o christian_n as_o we_o do_v they_o of_o invent_v fiction_n to_o support_v a_o bad_a and_o sink_a cause_n though_o the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n can_v bear_v i_o witness_n that_o my_o design_n and_o endeavour_v be_v not_o to_o maintain_v our_o religion_n by_o fabulous_a and_o ridiculous_a narration_n but_o by_o a_o variety_n of_o proper_a evidence_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n
reason_n than_o you_o can_v say_v it_o of_o yourself_o and_o seem_v to_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o person_n to_o who_o this_o prophecy_n may_v fit_o be_v apply_v as_o well_o in_o all_o respect_n as_o to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n he_o say_v several_a enthusiast_n and_o impostor_n have_v claim_v the_o venerable_a title_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o have_v say_v that_o they_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n though_o i_o know_v not_o what_o ground_n he_o can_v have_v for_o use_v this_o expression_n since_o the_o jew_n do_v strong_o deny_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o several_a prophet_n have_v prophesy_v in_o a_o different_a manner_n concern_v the_o messiah_n some_o by_o obscure_a and_o almost_o unintelligible_a hint_n other_o by_o allegory_n and_o some_o in_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o express_a term_n imaginable_a and_o because_o celsus_n discover_v his_o malice_n and_o excessive_a heat_n in_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n where_o the_o jew_n speak_v to_o those_o of_o his_o own_o nation_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n have_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v that_o the_o prophecy_n which_o be_v apply_v to_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v otherwise_o and_o much_o better_o accommodate_v i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a at_o present_a to_o instance_n in_o some_o few_o of_o they_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a and_o here_o let_v any_o person_n employ_v his_o utmost_a skill_n i_o defy_v he_o to_o shock_v the_o faith_n of_o any_o judicious_a and_o establish_v christian_n as_o for_o the_o place_n of_o our_o saviour_n nativity_n it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o ruler_n shall_v come_v forth_o from_o bethlehem_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n but_o thou_o bethlehem_n mica_n v._o v._n 2._o ephratah_n though_o thou_o be_v little_a among_o the_o thousand_o of_o judah_n yet_o out_o of_o thou_o shall_v he_o come_v forth_o unto_o i_o who_o be_v to_o be_v ruler_n in_o israel_n who_o go_n forth_o have_v be_v from_o of_o old_a from_o everlasting_a this_o prophecy_n can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v apply_v to_o those_o enthusiast_n and_o impostor_n as_o celsus_n call_v they_o who_o say_v they_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n unless_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v come_v forth_o from_o bethlehem_n to_o be_v ruler_n of_o the_o people_n as_o for_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n if_o any_o person_n be_v dissatisfy_v with_o the_o prophecy_n of_o micah_n and_o the_o account_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o evangelist_n let_v he_o only_o consider_v that_o the_o cave_n in_o which_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o the_o manger_n in_o which_o he_o lay_v be_v to_o be_v see_v at_o the_o fore_n mention_v place_n to_o this_o very_a day_n and_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o well_o know_v and_o so_o credible_o attest_v that_o even_o they_o who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v frequent_o hear_v to_o say_v here_o be_v the_o cave_n in_o which_o that_o jesus_n who_o be_v worship_v by_o the_o christian_n be_v bear_v and_o it_o be_v my_o opinion_n that_o before_o our_o saviour_n do_v make_v his_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n the_o chief_a priest_n and_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o people_n open_o confess_v and_o teach_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n and_o that_o even_o the_o common_a people_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v acquaint_v with_o this_o prophecy_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o express_a and_o very_o familiar_a term_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o herod_n inquire_v of_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_z scribes_z where_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v bear_v receive_v this_o answer_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n in_o the_o land_n of_o judaea_n which_o be_v honour_v by_o be_v the_o place_n from_o which_o no_o less_o a_o person_n than_o king_n david_n himself_o do_v spring_v beside_o we_o read_v in_o st._n john_n gospel_n that_o the_o jew_n say_v that_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n which_o be_v in_o the_o native_a country_n of_o the_o forementioned_a king_n but_o when_o our_o saviour_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n those_o person_n who_o leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a to_o oppose_v the_o religion_n which_o he_o introduce_v do_v no_o long_o teach_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n plain_o show_v they_o belong_v to_o the_o fame_n wretched_a fraternity_n with_o they_o who_o prevail_v with_o the_o soldier_n who_o be_v appoint_v to_o guard_v the_o sepulchre_n and_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o triumphant_a resurrection_n to_o say_v his_o disciple_n come_v by_o night_n and_o steal_v matthew_n ●xv_v i._n v._n 13._o v._o 14._o he_o away_o while_o we_o sleep_v and_o say_v to_o they_o if_o this_o come_v to_o the_o governor_n ear_n we_o will_v persuade_v he_o and_o secure_v you_o such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o prejudice_n and_o the_o love_n of_o opposition_n that_o it_o often_o happen_v that_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o most_o apparent_a truth_n and_o be_v loath_a to_o endure_v the_o shame_n which_o attend_v a_o recantation_n of_o those_o false_a and_o dangerous_a principle_n which_o we_o have_v once_o embrace_v and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v every_o jot_n as_o easy_a to_o leave_v any_o bad_a habit_n that_o we_o have_v unhappy_o contract_v though_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v root_v in_o our_o very_a nature_n as_o to_o leave_v the_o opinion_n which_o we_o former_o hold_v and_o which_o be_v very_o dear_a and_o extreme_o familiar_a to_o we_o it_o be_v well_o know_v we_o do_v with_o a_o kind_a of_o secret_a reluctancy_n forsake_v those_o house_n city_n and_o village_n which_o by_o our_o long_a and_o delightful_a continuance_n in_o they_o have_v render_v themselves_o familiar_a and_o even_o natural_a to_o we_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o unaccountable_a prejudice_n even_o the_o common_a people_n among_o the_o jew_n will_o shut_v their_o eve_n as_o they_o manifest_o do_v against_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o scripture-prophecy_n nor_o deny_v the_o extraordinary_a and_o often_o miraculous_a circumstance_n which_o attend_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o that_o prejudice_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a infirmity_n which_o our_o mind_n can_v possible_o labour_v under_o be_v plain_a to_o they_o who_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v with_o no_o small_a difficulty_n and_o regret_n that_o we_o leave_v the_o opinion_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o our_o parent_n though_o perhaps_o they_o may_v be_v such_o as_o on_o mature_a deliberation_n do_v cover_v we_o with_o the_o deep_a shame_n and_o fill_v we_o with_o vexation_n and_o confusion_n so_o talk_v to_o a_o egyptian_a till_o your_o heart_n do_v ache_v and_o your_o breath_n fail_v you_o yet_o he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o renounce_v his_o religion_n that_o he_o will_v persist_v in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a with_o great_a obstinacy_n than_o before_o and_o rather_o die_v than_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o horrid_a a_o profanation_n as_o he_o account_v it_o to_o eat_v and_o pollute_v the_o sacred_a flesh_n of_o animal_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o dwell_v the_o long_o on_o this_o subject_a that_o so_o we_o may_v return_v a_o solid_a answer_n to_o they_o who_o perhaps_o may_v not_o stick_v to_o say_v if_o the_o prophecy_n have_v so_o plain_a a_o reference_n to_o your_o saviour_n as_o you_o say_v they_o have_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o jew_n who_o wisdom_n you_o so_o high_o value_v do_v embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o well_o and_o as_o ready_o as_o you_o and_o regulate_v their_o practice_n by_o those_o precept_n which_o christ_n in_o some_o sense_n have_v leave_v behind_o he_o but_o let_v none_o reproach_v we_o as_o if_o we_o be_v so_o wretched_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o discern_v the_o sophistry_n of_o so_o weak_a a_o argument_n since_o some_o and_o i_o hope_v many_o of_o we_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v upon_o occasion_n that_o christianity_n be_v build_v on_o the_o most_o rational_a and_o solid_a ground_n or_o reflect_v upon_o we_o as_o if_o we_o be_v accountable_a for_o the_o monstrous_a blindness_n and_o extravagant_a practice_n of_o the_o jew_n chap._n xliii_o i_o may_v if_o it_o be_v necessary_a instance_n in_o another_o prophecy_n that_o be_v write_v many_o age_n before_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o which_o jacob_n prophecy_v concern_v all_o his_o child_n and_o speak_v concern_v judah_n have_v these_o remarkable_a word_n the_o sceptre_n gen._n xlix_o v._o 10._o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n nor_o a_o lawgiver_n from_o between_o his_o foot_n till_o shiloh_n come_v and_o unto_o he_o shall_v the_o gather_v of_o the_o people_n be_v
foolish_a and_o so_o dare_v a_o thing_n that_o it_o will_v contend_v for_o the_o victory_n with_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n itself_o this_o passion_n have_v so_o far_o the_o ascendant_n over_o herod_n that_o he_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v bear_v and_o act_v unaccountable_o whether_o his_o notion_n be_v true_a or_o false_a and_o be_v so_o weak_a that_o he_o didn't_fw-mi discern_v that_o either_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o very_a person_n who_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o so_o will_v infallible_o possess_v the_o throne_n or_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v a_o mere_a impostor_n and_o by_o consequence_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o he_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o mind_n by_o any_o jealous_a surmise_n he_o resolve_v to_o destroy_v he_o be_v hurry_v by_o his_o unruly_a passion_n into_o the_o gross_a inconsistency_n and_o stir_v up_o without_o doubt_n by_o the_o devil_n who_o apprehend_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n and_o a_o most_o formidable_a enemy_n to_o his_o usurp_a dominion_n employ_v all_o his_o wit_n malice_n and_o industry_n against_o he_o but_o the_o angel_n warn_v joseph_n to_o go_v with_o the_o young_a child_n and_o his_o mother_n into_o egypt_n and_o how_o improbable_a soever_o this_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v on_o the_o first_o view_n yet_o the_o due_a series_n of_o event_n be_v very_o critical_o observe_v by_o providence_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n herod_n issue_v out_o order_n that_o all_o the_o infant_n that_o be_v in_o bethlehem_n from_o two_o year_n old_a and_z under_z shall_v immediate_o be_v put_v to_o death_n expect_v that_o he_o who_o be_v bear_v king_n of_o the_o jew_n will_v share_v in_o the_o same_o common_a and_o approach_a calamity_n for_o he_o didn't_fw-mi discern_v that_o invisible_a and_o kind_a hand_n of_o providence_n that_o take_v care_n of_o they_o who_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o its_o most_o watchful_a protection_n and_o upon_o who_o safety_n the_o good_a of_o mankind_n do_v so_o evident_o and_o so_o great_o depend_v and_o among_o which_o honourable_a number_n our_o bless_a saviour_n deserve_v to_o be_v esteem_v the_o chief_a as_o be_v one_o who_o vast_o and_o indeed_o infinite_o surpass_v all_o other_o man_n in_o real_a and_o intrinsic_a dignity_n for_o he_o be_v not_o send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o earthly_a king_n as_o herod_n false_o imagine_v but_o to_o enter_v on_o the_o possession_n of_o such_o a_o glorious_a kingdom_n as_o it_o become_v the_o great_a god_n to_o bestow_v on_o one_o who_o be_v to_o procure_v a_o happiness_n for_o his_o subject_n that_o consist_v not_o entire_o or_o chief_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o frequent_o prove_v pernicious_a to_o the_o owner_n and_o be_v to_o govern_v they_o by_o such_o law_n as_o be_v true_o divine_a and_o so_o to_o take_v the_o most_o proper_a method_n to_o render_v they_o complete_o and_o for_o ever_o happy_a therefore_o deny_v that_o he_o be_v a_o earthly_a king_n and_o show_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n he_o say_v if_o my_o kingdom_n be_v of_o this_o joh._n xviii_o v_o 36._o world_n then_o will_v my_o servant_n fight_v that_o i_o shall_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o jew_n but_o now_o be_v my_o kingdom_n not_o from_o hence_o chap._n xlix_o if_o celsus_n have_v be_v aware_a of_o this_o he_o will_v never_o have_v talk_v so_o weak_o and_o so_o impertinent_o as_o he_o do_v if_o say_v he_o herod_n be_v afraid_a that_o when_o you_o come_v to_o a_o fit_a age_n to_o reign_v you_o will_v dispossess_v he_o of_o his_o kingdom_n why_o didn't_fw-mi you_o reign_n when_o you_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o maturity_n on_o the_o contrary_a though_o you_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n yet_o you_o be_v force_v to_o go_v about_o like_o a_o slave_n and_o a_o vagabond_n and_o to_o sneak_v like_o a_o malefactor_n not_o have_v a_o place_n whereon_o you_o may_v comfortable_o lay_v your_o head_n but_o it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o sordid_a spirit_n for_o a_o person_n to_o use_v innocent_a and_o common_a prudence_n that_o he_o may_v happy_o avoid_v the_o danger_n with_o which_o he_o be_v surround_v not_o from_o a_o slavish_a fear_n of_o death_n but_o a_o sincere_a and_o vehement_a desire_n with_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o prolong_v his_o life_n that_o he_o may_v be_v far_a serviceable_a to_o the_o public_a till_o a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o true_a and_o best_a interest_n of_o mankind_n do_v happy_o present_v itself_o that_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n case_n be_v plain_a to_o one_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o design_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n in_o those_o grievous_a suffering_n which_o he_o undergo_v of_o which_o according_a to_o my_o weak_a ability_n i_o have_v already_o and_o i_o hope_v sufficient_o discourse_v chap._n l._n than_o that_o celsus_n with_o all_o his_o knowledge_n didn't_fw-mi so_o much_o as_o hit_v upon_o the_o exact_a number_n of_o the_o apostle_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o follow_a word_n be_v attend_v say_v he_o with_o ten_o or_o eleven_o wicked_a publican_n and_o mariner_n he_o go_v up_o and_o down_o with_o they_o beg_v his_o bread_n from_o door_n to_o door_n like_o a_o base_a and_o most_o miserable_a creature_n let_v i_o therefore_o examine_v what_o he_o say_v and_o return_v he_o such_o a_o answer_n as_o i_o judge_v convenient_a it_o be_v plain_a then_o to_o those_o who_o read_v the_o gospel_n with_o any_o tolerable_a care_n which_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v my_o bold_a but_o blunder_a antagonist_n never_o do_v that_o our_o saviour_n choose_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o publican_n among_o they_o i_o mean_v st._n matthew_n and_o by_o mariner_n as_o he_o promiscuous_o call_v they_o i_o suppose_v he_o may_v mean_v james_n and_o john_n because_o they_o leave_v their_o father_n zebedee_n to_o follow_v their_o bless_a lord_n for_o as_o for_o peter_n and_o andrew_n that_o get_v their_o livelihood_n by_o their_o net_n they_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o mariner_n as_o fishermen_z as_o the_o scripture_n call_v they_o we_o will_v also_o suppose_v that_o levi_n the_o publican_n be_v another_o to_o who_o he_o may_v have_v a_o reference_n though_o according_a to_o some_o copy_n that_o we_o have_v of_o st._n mark_n be_v gospel_n he_o be_v no_o apostle_n as_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o honourable_a fraternity_n we_o know_v not_o what_o employment_n they_o be_v by_o which_o they_o get_v their_o maintenance_n before_o they_o espouse_v the_o interest_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n chap._n li._n so_o that_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o they_o who_o examine_v into_o these_o matter_n with_o that_o judgement_n care_n and_o impartiality_n which_o be_v high_o requisite_a that_o the_o apostle_n be_v act_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a power_n when_o they_o publish_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o world_n and_o make_v the_o carnal_a and_o haughty_a mind_n of_o some_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n submit_v to_o the_o command_a authority_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o this_o wonderful_a effect_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o the_o charm_n of_o humane_a eloquence_n the_o exactness_n of_o their_o method_n or_o those_o other_o artifices_fw-la with_o which_o the_o logic_n and_o rhetoric_n of_o the_o greek_n do_v frequent_o and_o perhaps_o more_o than_o sufficient_o furnish_v too_o many_o subtle_a and_o design_v person_n i_o be_o of_o the_o opinion_n i_o confess_v that_o if_o we_o can_v suppose_v our_o saviour_n to_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o person_n qualify_v with_o the_o bright_a humane_a accomplishment_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n such_o as_o have_v the_o general_a character_n and_o reputation_n of_o man_n of_o profound_a wisdom_n and_o universal_a learning_n who_o by_o the_o help_n of_o sublime_a speculation_n polite_a language_n and_o a_o graceful_a elocution_n can_v win_v upon_o the_o audience_n and_o make_v the_o several_a passion_n of_o their_o hearer_n serve_v their_o sordid_a and_o vainglorious_a purpose_n i_o say_v if_o our_o saviour_n have_v take_v this_o method_n he_o may_v just_o have_v be_v blame_v for_o use_v the_o same_o carnal_a policy_n that_o be_v too_o apparent_a in_o the_o head_n of_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n and_o his_o doctrine_n will_v have_v want_v those_o legible_a character_n of_o its_o divinity_n which_o be_v stamp_v upon_o it_o have_v it_o be_v maintain_v by_o sprightly_a fancy_n proper_a and_o elegant_a language_n and_o harmonious_a cadency_n and_o the_o assent_n give_v to_o it_o will_v too_o near_o have_v resemble_v that_o which_o be_v give_v to_o
conquest_n and_o i_o scarce_o know_v whether_o the_o greek_n can_v produce_v any_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n in_o any_o other_o person_n beside_o phaedon_n and_o polemon_n or_o at_o best_o they_o can_v name_v but_o very_o few_o person_n who_o ever_o leave_v their_o intemperance_n and_o debauchery_n to_o apply_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o entertain_v and_o useful_a study_n of_o philosophy_n but_o in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n who_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v contemporary_a with_o he_o we_o see_v daily_o a_o far_o great_a number_n of_o person_n that_o become_v virtuous_a and_o pious_a and_o join_v in_o a_o bless_a chorus_n acknowledge_v with_o the_o deep_a shame_n and_o sorrow_n the_o many_o false_a and_o almost_o fatal_a step_n which_o former_o they_o take_v we_o ourselves_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v sometime_o tit._n iii._o v._o 3_o 4._o foolish_a and_o disobedient_a deceive_v serve_v diverse_a lust_n and_o pleasure_n live_v in_o malice_n and_o envy_n hateful_a and_o hate_v one_o another_o but_o after_o that_o the_o kindness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n towards_o man_n appear_v not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o by_o the_o wash_v of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o he_o shed_v on_o we_o abundant_o for_o as_o the_o prophetical_a psalmist_n speak_v he_o send_v his_o word_n and_o heal_v they_o and_o deliver_v they_o psal_n cvii_o v._n 20._o from_o their_o destruction_n i_o may_v add_v that_o chrysippus_n in_o a_o book_n which_o he_o have_v write_v entitle_v the_o art_n of_o cure_v the_o disorder_n of_o the_o humane_a passion_n endeavour_n to_o lay_v down_o proper_a and_o effectual_a rule_n for_o the_o management_n of_o those_o which_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o that_o end_n he_o argue_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o several_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n not_o examine_v which_o of_o they_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o truth_n and_o have_v the_o follow_a word_n if_o say_v he_o pleasure_n be_v esteem_v the_o chief_a good_a the_o passion_n may_v and_o aught_o thus_o to_o be_v cure_v and_o if_o there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o good_a they_o be_v to_o be_v cure_v after_o this_o different_a manner_n now_o they_o who_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v wilful_o neglect_v to_o consider_v how_o many_o unruly_a passion_n be_v successful_o govern_v by_o it_o what_o a_o stop_v it_o put_v to_o that_o rapid_a torrent_n of_o vice_n and_o immorality_n which_o be_v too_o visible_a in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o extravagant_a savage_a and_o even_o diabolical_a temper_n it_o have_v frequent_o happy_o and_o very_o sudden_o conquer_v certain_o it_o ought_v to_o raise_v their_o admiration_n and_o constrain_v they_o to_o make_v the_o most_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n to_o almighty_a god_n to_o consider_v what_o vast_a and_o apparent_a advantage_n the_o public_a reap_v from_o those_o proper_a and_o most_o excellent_a method_n which_o our_o saviour_n take_v for_o the_o reformation_n of_o manner_n and_o one_o will_v think_v that_o if_o they_o will_v allow_v christianity_n to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n yet_o they_o must_v confess_v that_o it_o conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o mank_v and_o which_o be_v more_o have_v a_o immediate_a and_o principal_a regard_n to_o their_o better_a and_o immortal_a part._n chap._n liu._n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v so_o effectual_o consult_v even_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o his_o follower_n that_o he_o will_o have_v they_o to_o be_v rash_a and_o precipitate_v but_o give_v they_o this_o necessary_a lesson_n when_o they_o persecute_v you_o in_o one_o city_n flee_v unto_o another_o and_o teach_v they_o by_o his_o own_o example_n not_o to_o run_v into_o needless_a danger_n celsus_n take_v occasion_n even_o from_o hence_o to_o form_v a_o accusation_n against_o he_o in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o jew_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n you_o run_v up_o and_o down_o with_o your_o disciple_n but_o as_o for_o the_o charge_n which_o be_v here_o bring_v against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n we_o meet_v with_o a_o parallel_n case_n even_o in_o the_o history_n which_o the_o greek_n have_v publish_v for_o aristotle_n that_o famous_a philosopher_n when_o he_o see_v he_o shall_v be_v condemn_v as_o a_o wicked_a person_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o peculiar_a and_o in_o some_o sense_n dangerous_a notion_n he_o advance_v which_o as_o the_o athenian_n think_v do_v give_v too_o great_a encouragement_n to_o licentiousness_n take_v a_o opportunity_n to_o go_v from_o athens_n and_o remove_v his_o school_n to_o chalcis_n make_v the_o follow_a apology_n to_o some_o of_o his_o acquaintance_n let_v we_o leave_v athens_n say_v he_o that_o we_o may_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o athenian_n to_o re-act_n that_o horrid_a impiety_n which_o they_o plain_o discover_v by_o their_o ill_a treatment_n of_o so_o great_a a_o genius_n as_o the_o world_n know_v socrates_n to_o have_v be_v and_o to_o commit_v a_o most_o grievous_a offence_n against_o so_o sacred_a a_o thing_n as_o philosophy_n chap._n lu._n celsus_n add_v that_o our_o saviour_n run_v up_o and_o down_o with_o his_o disciple_n be_v force_v to_o beg_v his_o bread_n like_o a_o sordid_a wretch_n but_o pray_v let_v he_o inform_v we_o where_o he_o have_v rake_v up_o all_o these_o scurrilous_a expression_n i_o confess_v we_o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o certain_a woman_n that_o be_v cure_v of_o their_o infirmity_n among_o which_o be_v susannah_n do_v ready_o distribute_v some_o part_n of_o their_o substance_n to_o furnish_v the_o disciple_n with_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o life_n but_o pray_v what_o philosopher_n who_o employ_v his_o time_n and_o strength_n with_o some_o regard_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o relation_n and_o friend_n and_o indeed_o of_o mankind_n in_o general_n will_v refuse_v to_o have_v his_o want_n supply_v or_o do_v it_o become_v the_o philosopher_n to_o accept_v the_o seasonable_a and_o generous_a assistance_n of_o their_o friend_n and_o other_o but_o argue_v a_o base_a and_o sordid_a spirit_n in_o our_o bless_a lord_n or_o those_o who_o become_v his_o follower_n chap._n lvi_o than_o the_o jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v continue_v his_o discourse_n with_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n what_o necessity_n be_v there_o that_o when_o you_o be_v a_o infant_n you_o shall_v be_v carry_v into_o egypt_n to_o avoid_v be_v kill_v for_o sure_o it_o didn't_fw-mi become_v a_o god_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n a_o angel_n it_o seem_v be_v dispatch_v from_o heaven_n to_o bid_v you_o and_o some_o of_o your_o near_a relation_n betake_v yourselves_o to_o flight_n lest_o you_o shall_v be_v find_v and_o be_v put_v to_o death_n but_o can_o almighty_a god_n who_o as_o we_o be_v tell_v do_v employ_v his_o angel_n for_o your_o direction_n and_o assistance_n preserve_v his_o son_n as_o easy_o in_o judea_n as_o in_o egypt_n celsus_n think_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o extraordinary_a in_o the_o humane_a body_n and_o soul_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o ridicul_v his_o precious_a blood_n that_o be_v shed_v upon_o the_o cross_n he_o say_v it_o be_v not_o such_o blood_n as_o from_o the_o immortal_a god_n do_v hom_o il._n lib._n 5._o v._o 34●_n flow_v but_o we_o who_o give_v credit_n to_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o give_v a_o testimony_n of_o his_o divinity_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n john_n fourteen_o v._o 6._o and_o in_o other_o parallel_n place_n and_o when_o he_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o humanity_n in_o the_o follow_a expression_n now_o you_o seek_v to_o kill_v i_o a_o man_n who_o have_v tell_v you_o the_o truth_n i_o say_v we_o who_o believe_v john_n viij_o v._o 40._o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o speak_v thus_o of_o himself_o do_v assert_v and_o maintain_v that_o he_o have_v two_o nature_n the_o one_o divine_a and_o the_o other_o humane_a and_o that_o since_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o a_o intention_n to_o live_v in_o some_o respect_n like_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n it_o be_v high_o incongruous_a that_o he_o shall_v run_v upon_o a_o precipice_n and_o be_v fond_a of_o misery_n and_o death_n it_o be_v fit_a he_o shall_v be_v direct_v and_o govern_v by_o they_o to_o who_o the_o care_n of_o his_o education_n do_v belong_v and_o that_o the_o angel_n order_n shall_v be_v strict_o and_o religious_o observe_v and_o the_o same_o angel_n which_o say_v at_o first_o joseph_n thou_o son_n of_o david_n fear_v not_o to_o mat._n i._n v._o 20._o take_v unto_o thou_o marry_o thy_o wife_n for_o that_o which_o be_v conceive_v in_o she_o be_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v
when_o he_o say_v if_o any_o person_n have_v foretell_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n he_o be_v one_o of_o our_o own_o prophet_n and_o inspire_v by_o that_o god_n in_o who_o we_o believe_v and_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o it_o tend_v in_o the_o least_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o jew_n for_o it_o do_v follow_v that_o because_o he_o be_v so_o therefore_o all_o who_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n must_v observe_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n chap._n v._n than_o the_o pretend_a jew_n tell_v we_o that_o our_o saviour_n be_v punish_v by_o his_o own_o countryman_n according_a to_o the_o demerit_n of_o his_o horrid_a crime_n but_o i_o think_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o already_o in_o answer_n to_o so_o pityful_a a_o cavil_v and_o therefore_o sha'n_v do_v he_o the_o honour_n to_o imitate_v he_o in_o his_o frequent_a and_o needless_a repetition_n then_o he_o laugh_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n at_o which_o the_o righteous_a will_v be_v reward_v and_o the_o wicked_a punish_v i_o say_v he_o laugh_v at_o it_o as_o be_v in_o his_o opinion_n most_o high_o ridiculous_a and_o he_o say_v that_o the_o christian_n say_v nothing_o even_o on_o these_o important_a subject_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v they_o but_o what_o be_v say_v long_o before_o imagine_v that_o this_o be_v a_o effectual_a argument_n to_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a superstructure_n of_o christianity_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n perceive_v how_o little_a conformity_n there_o be_v between_o the_o live_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o doctrine_n even_o of_o their_o own_o celebrate_a prophet_n think_v fit_a to_o teach_v they_o by_o parable_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v mat._n xxi_o v._o 41._o take_v from_o they_o and_o give_v to_o the_o gentile_n and_o we_o see_v this_o prophecy_n most_o evident_o and_o remarkable_o fulfil_v in_o the_o age_n in_o which_o we_o live_v for_o the_o present_a jew_n not_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o supernatural_a light_n which_o be_v high_o necessary_a to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n abound_v to_o their_o great_a shame_n with_o extravagant_a and_o innumerable_a fancy_n whereas_o the_o christian_n be_v happy_o lead_v into_o the_o spiritual_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o alone_o be_v able_a at_o once_o to_o enlighten_v and_o elevate_v the_o mind_n and_o do_v it_o live_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o member_n of_o a_o earthly_a republic_n but_o like_o worthy_a and_o honourable_a citizen_n of_o that_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n of_o which_o their_o pompous_a worship_n and_o external_a grandeur_n be_v a_o very_a imperfect_a emblem_n this_o be_v evident_a in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o penetrate_v into_o the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o the_o law_n and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o rational_a and_o intelligible_a explication_n of_o they_o to_o any_o person_n who_o may_v modest_o desire_v it_o and_o suppose_v i_o shall_v grant_v that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o observe_v the_o various_a ceremony_n relate_v to_o the_o jewish_a sacrifice_n this_o i_o think_v will_v be_v no_o solid_a argument_n against_o our_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god._n he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o that_o adorable_a majesty_n who_o give_v the_o law_n and_o from_o who_o the_o prophet_n do_v receive_v their_o commission_n and_o we_o who_o be_v christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n do_v wilful_o transgress_v the_o law_n but_o reject_v the_o fable_n of_o the_o jew_n employ_v our_o time_n and_o strength_n in_o search_v into_o the_o spiritual_a and_o mystical_a sense_n which_o we_o think_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n do_v admit_v of_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o themselves_o wou'dn_v have_v we_o rest_n in_o the_o literal_a and_o most_o obvious_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o important_a message_n they_o deliver_v from_o time_n to_o time_n since_o it_o be_v their_o common_a practice_n to_o usher_v in_o their_o prophecy_n with_o some_o such_o introduction_n as_o this_o i_o will_v open_v my_o mouth_n in_o a_o parable_n i_o will_v utter_v dark_a say_n of_o old_a and_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o command_v of_o the_o law_n as_o be_v obscure_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v right_o understand_v without_o divine_a assistance_n they_o put_v up_o this_o earnest_a petition_n to_o almighty_a god_n open_v thou_o my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o thy_o law_n ps_n cxix_o v._o 18._o chap._n vi_o and_o by_o the_o way_n since_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n which_o the_o prophet_n use_v i_o may_v safe_o challenge_v any_o person_n to_o instance_n in_o any_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n that_o be_v vain_a or_o even_o seem_v to_o have_v the_o least_o tincture_n of_o pride_n and_o ostentation_n and_o how_o can_v he_o be_v accuse_v of_o haughtiness_n and_o arrogance_n who_o have_v abundant_a reason_n to_o use_v the_o follow_a word_n learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a of_o heart_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n to_o your_o soul_n mat._n xi_o v._o 29._o he_o i_o say_v who_o after_o he_o have_v sup_v with_o his_o disciple_n lay_v aside_o his_o garment_n and_o take_v a_o towel_n and_o gird_v himself_o and_o pour_v water_n into_o a_o basin_n and_o wash_v their_o foot_n and_o reprove_v one_o of_o the_o company_n who_o will_o suffer_v he_o to_o do_v it_o and_o say_v if_o i_o wash_v thou_o not_o thou_o have_v no_o part_n with_o i_o he_o who_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n john_n xiii_o v._o 8._o i_o be_o among_o you_o as_o he_o that_o serve_v luk._n xxii_o v._n 27_o to_o proceed_v let_v any_o one_o show_n if_o he_o can_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v ever_o advance_v any_o single_a position_n that_o be_v false_a and_o let_v he_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o great_a or_o small_a untruth_n if_o his_o inclination_n prompt_v he_o to_o prove_v he_o a_o notorious_a liar_n though_o to_o speak_v proper_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o degree_n of_o falsehood_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a any_o true_a proposition_n be_v as_o much_o a_o truth_n as_o the_o most_o important_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o why_o shall_v i_o talk_v as_o i_o do_v let_v any_o one_o and_o particular_o the_o pretend_a jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n by_o solid_a reason_n if_o he_o can_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v ever_o guilty_a of_o the_o least_o impiety_n be_v it_o a_o crime_n to_o abolish_v the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o ceremonial_a distinction_n of_o meat_n and_o the_o carnal_a observance_n of_o feast_n new-moon_n and_o sabbath_n that_o his_o sincere_a follower_n may_v have_v their_o mind_n gradual_o raise_v to_o the_o spiritual_a and_o full_a sense_n of_o the_o law_n which_o alone_o be_v worthy_a of_o the_o infinite_a purity_n and_o great_a design_n of_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n who_o give_v it_o though_o tisn_v in_o the_o least_o incongruous_a that_o a_o minister_n and_o even_o a_o apostle_n shall_v still_o be_v a_o jew_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o may_v gain_v the_o jew_n be_v under_o the_o law_n as_o it_o be_v to_o gain_v they_o who_o be_v under_o the_o law_n chap._n vii_o the_o jew_n add_v that_o abundance_n of_o person_n beside_o our_o saviour_n have_v lead_v such_o aside_o as_o tame_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o be_v even_o fond_a of_o delusion_n i_o answer_v let_v he_o instance_n in_o any_o one_o person_n if_o he_o can_v who_o ever_o give_v such_o useful_a precept_n to_o the_o world_n as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v leave_v upon_o record_n and_o teach_v they_o a_o doctrine_n which_o have_v as_o great_a a_o virtue_n to_o reform_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n as_o that_o which_o accompany_v the_o successful_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n then_o he_o say_v the_o christian_n find_v fault_n with_o the_o jew_n for_o not_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v god_n but_o this_o i_o have_v already_o answer_v and_o show_v in_o what_o respect_n we_o own_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v god_n and_o in_o what_o sense_n we_o believe_v he_o be_v a_o real_a man._n chap._n viii_o celsvs_n jew_n add_v the_o follow_a word_n how_o can_v any_o one_o imagine_v that_o we_o who_o all_o along_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o god_n will_v send_v a_o person_n to_o punish_v the_o disobedient_a and_o rebellious_a shall_v treat_v he_o so_o base_o when_o he_o come_v in_o compliance_n with_o
study_v the_o same_o excellent_a science_n for_o many_o year_n in_o the_o school_n of_o cleanthes_n whereas_o judas_n have_v continue_v three_o year_n with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o he_o so_o shameful_o betray_v he_o and_o if_o we_o read_v the_o live_v of_o the_o philosopher_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o frequent_a instance_n that_o in_o some_o respect_n resemble_v the_o horrid_a treachery_n of_o judas_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o pythagorean_n build_v tomb_n for_o such_o person_n as_o leave_v the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o different_a and_o less-useful_a course_n of_o life_n but_o i_o suppose_v no_o person_n will_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o reflect_v on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o pythagoras_n or_o the_o solid_a argument_n which_o his_o follower_n use_v in_o its_o defence_n the_o jew_n add_v that_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o say_v with_o respect_n to_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v far_o from_o be_v fair_o represent_v by_o his_o disciple_n he_o choose_v to_o pass_v they_o over_o in_o a_o profound_a silence_n but_o i_o ask_v what_o truth_n be_v these_o that_o be_v misinterpret_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o which_o he_o forbear_v to_o mention_v must_v not_o this_o pass_n for_o a_o rhetorical_a flourish_n to_o make_v we_o believe_v he_o be_v furnish_v with_o a_o great_a stock_n of_o argument_n against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o most_o if_o not_o all_o that_o he_o can_v possible_o say_v if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o material_a be_v borrow_a from_o those_o very_a gospel_n which_o sometime_o he_o so_o much_o despise_v chap._n fourteen_o than_o celsus_n find_v fault_n with_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n for_o say_v that_o he_o foreknow_v and_o foretell_v all_o the_o remarkable_a thing_n that_o ever_o happen_v to_o he_o but_o we_o doubt_v not_o in_o the_o least_o but_o we_o can_v easy_o prove_v by_o a_o enumeration_n of_o particular_n let_v celsus_n say_v what_o he_o please_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v several_a thing_n that_o shall_v befall_v his_o disciple_n some_o considerable_a time_n before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v what_o a_o wonderful_a instance_n of_o this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n matthew_n give_v you_o mat._n x._o v._n 18._o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o my_o sake_n for_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o and_o the_o gentile_n i_o may_v quote_v many_o other_o place_n where_o our_o saviour_n do_v express_o foretell_v the_o grievous_a persecution_n that_o shall_v be_v the_o too_o common_a lot_n of_o christian_n now_o what_o religion_n be_v there_o in_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n that_o want_v the_o advantage_n of_o a_o toleration_n except_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n introduce_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o that_o foolish_a plea_n which_o our_o enemy_n make_v use_v of_o that_o he_o see_v what_o bad_a entertainment_n false_a and_o corrupt_a notion_n will_v natural_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o to_o raise_v his_o reputation_n and_o promote_v his_o interest_n do_v only_o foretell_v those_o thing_n which_o any_o child_n may_v have_v know_v will_v befall_v he_o but_o if_o person_n will_v avoidable_o be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o hold_v false_a and_o wicked_a notion_n one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o epicurean_o who_o disbelieve_v a_o overrule_a povidence_n shall_v be_v bring_v before_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o any_o person_n in_o the_o world_n or_o the_o peripatetic_n who_o think_v that_o the_o prayer_n which_o be_v put_v up_o and_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o god_n be_v whole_o insignificant_a and_o little_a art_n unworthy_a to_o be_v practise_v by_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o learn_v of_o philosopher_n but_o perhaps_o our_o enemy_n may_v object_v that_o the_o samaritan_n be_v persecute_v on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v condemn_v to_o die_v for_o circumcise_n themselves_o in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o law_n which_o permit_v none_o but_o jew_n to_o observe_v this_o celebrate_v and_o ancient_a rite_n and_o we_o do_v find_v that_o the_o judge_n leave_v it_o to_o their_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v obstinate_o persist_v and_o die_v or_o renounce_v their_o religion_n and_o so_o be_v public_o acquit_v but_o if_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v circumcise_a immediate_o they_o must_v suffer_v death_n the_o christian_n be_v the_o only_a person_n in_o the_o world_n who_o though_o they_o be_v persecute_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n prediction_n you_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o my_o sake_n be_v entreat_v to_o the_o last_o breath_n they_o draw_v to_o renounce_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n and_o so_o to_o put_v themselves_o direct_o into_o a_o safe_a and_o happy_a condition_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n see_v therefore_o with_o what_o authority_n our_o bless_a saviour_n speak_v the_o follow_a word_n whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o mat._n x._o v._n 32_o 33._o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n take_v notice_n that_o this_o be_v speak_v by_o he_o a_o considerable_a time_n before_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o be_v true_a in_o fact_n perhaps_o such_o a_o thought_n as_o this_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o dart_v into_o your_o mind_n that_o he_o build_v castle_n in_o the_o air_n and_o what_o he_o prophecy_v do_v look_v at_o all_o as_o if_o the_o event_n will_v be_v answerable_a but_o if_o you_o can_v exercise_v a_o little_a patience_n you_o will_v say_v thus_o to_o yourselves_o if_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v ready_o foretell_v that_o governor_n and_o king_n will_v use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v the_o religion_n he_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n and_o if_o the_o event_n have_v full_o answer_v his_o prediction_n certain_o we_o have_v all_o imaginable_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o receive_v such_o a_o power_n from_o god_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v his_o doctrine_n obtain_v so_o universal_o as_o it_o do_v and_o that_o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n to_o its_o reception_n shall_v be_v happy_o and_o easy_o surmount_v by_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n and_o who_o without_o a_o transport_v of_o holy_a admiration_n can_v set_v our_o saviour_n before_o his_o eye_n express_o foretell_v that_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v mat._n xxiv_o v._n 14_o be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n for_o a_o witness_n unto_o all_o nation_n and_o see_v the_o prediction_n in_o due_a time_n fulfil_v the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n to_o the_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a and_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n be_v bring_v as_o it_o be_v under_o its_o honourable_a and_o happy_a yoke_n beside_o let_v the_o pretend_a jew_n who_o dont_fw-fr believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v do_v afterward_o befall_v he_o i_o say_v let_v he_o consider_v that_o when_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v in_o all_o its_o glory_n and_o the_o pompous_a ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v solemn_o perform_v in_o it_o he_o foretell_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v invade_v and_o ruin_v by_o the_o roman_n i_o suppose_v no_o one_o will_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o say_v that_o they_o who_o be_v his_o familiar_a friend_n and_o constant_a hearer_n do_v satisfy_v themselves_o with_o teach_v viva_n voice_fw-la those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o subject-matter_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o leave_v behind_o they_o a_o history_n of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a transaction_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n st._n luke_n have_v the_o follow_a word_n when_o you_o shall_v see_v jerusalem_n compass_v with_o luke_n 21._o v._o 20._o army_n then_o know_v that_o the_o desolation_n thereof_o be_v nigh_o now_o at_o the_o time_n when_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v there_o be_v no_o suspicion_n of_o a_o siege_n or_o any_o grievous_a calamity_n that_o threaten_v the_o jewish_a church_n and_o state_n it_o be_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o emperor_n nero_n that_o the_o roman_n make_v their_o first_o attack_v on_o this_o once-glorious_a city_n and_o it_o be_v not_o take_v till_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o emperor_n vespasian_n who_o son_n titus_n vespasian_n do_v utter_o destroy_v it_o this_o be_v a_o just_a and_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o for_o kill_v james_n the_o just_a as_o josephus_n will_v fain_o have_v we_o to_o believe_v whereas_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o horrid_a crime_n they_o commit_v in_o embrue_v their_o
the_o same_o kind_n with_o what_o be_v perform_v by_o a_o power_n that_o be_v truly-supernatural_a and_o divine_a and_o if_o such_o wonderful_a thing_n even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o celsus_n be_v do_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o infernal_a spirit_n may_v we_o not_o rational_o suppose_v that_o thing_n that_o be_v much_o more_o unaccountable_a may_v be_v easy_o do_v by_o the_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o the_o everblessed_n god_n shall_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a be_v find_v among_o man_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v truly-good_a be_v banish_v from_o the_o world_n i_o think_v there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o general_n and_o most_o excellent_a maxim_n that_o wherever_o there_o be_v any_o real_a evil_n under_o the_o disguise_n of_o some_o real_a good_a the_o opposite_a good_a must_v at_o least_o be_v equal_a to_o it_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o degree_n and_o thus_o we_o may_v strong_o argue_v from_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n to_o such_o as_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o special_a assistance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o we_o must_v either_o deny_v that_o any_o good_a or_o evil_a be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n or_o on_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o latter_a must_v allow_v the_o former_a and_o perhaps_o if_o we_o grant_v the_o former_a we_o must_v affirm_v the_o latter_a or_o at_o least_o on_o the_o supposition_n of_o any_o real_a evil_n must_v allow_v a_o equal_a proportion_n of_o that_o real_a good_a to_o which_o the_o real_a evil_n be_v direct_o opposite_a he_o that_o will_v assert_v the_o one_o without_o grant_v the_o other_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o talk_v at_o the_o same_o mad_a rate_n with_o one_o who_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o sophism_n or_o false_a show_n of_o reason_n shall_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o true_a logic_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v wide_o different_a from_o they_o so_o that_o i_o say_v if_o we_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o magic_n which_o have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o wicked_a daemon_n as_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o lend_v their_o ready_a and_o joint_a assistance_n to_o those_o who_o profess_v that_o art_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o almighty_a god_n be_v oblige_v in_o some_o sense_n to_o exert_v his_o power_n in_o perform_v such_o miracle_n as_o carry_v with_o they_o a_o convince_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o be_v design_v to_o attest_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o take_v it_o that_o we_o have_v to_o do_v under_o this_o important_a head_n be_v to_o examine_v into_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v they_o have_v a_o power_n to_o produce_v supernatural_a effect_n and_o to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o wonderful_a operation_n they_o perform_v do_v any_o way_n tend_v to_o the_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a advantage_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o we_o must_v careful_o distinguish_v between_o magician_n who_o hold_v a_o correspondence_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o those_o happy_a person_n who_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o divine_a impression_n they_o experience_v both_o on_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n who_o consult_v the_o true_a and_o best_a interest_n of_o mankind_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v man_n proselyte_n to_o the_o most_o excellent_a religion_n that_o be_v ever_o reveal_v by_o a_o god_n now_o if_o a_o enquiry_n of_o this_o kind_a be_v necessary_a to_o distinguish_v true_a miracle_n from_o those_o which_o be_v false_a to_o prevent_v we_o from_o make_v miracle_n where_o there_o be_v real_o none_o and_o engage_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o when_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n may_v very_o plain_o be_v discover_v than_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o moses_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v owe_v to_o a_o extraordinary_a appearance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n since_o they_o be_v solemn_a seal_n by_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a religion_n be_v confirm_v each_o of_o which_o we_o know_v be_v embrace_v by_o a_o considerable_a body_n of_o very_a wife_n and_o virtuous_a men._n beside_o how_o can_v moses_n law_n which_o forbid_v the_o jew_n to_o worship_n image_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o raise_v their_o mind_n above_o all_o create_a being_n and_o fix_v they_o on_o the_o eternal_a god_n the_o great_a creator_n and_o sovereign_a disposer_n of_o the_o universe_n i_o say_v how_o can_v such_o a_o law_n derive_v its_o original_a from_o the_o horrid_a practice_n of_o magician_n and_o since_o it_o be_v a_o jew_n that_o celsus_n personate_v i_o will_v humble_o desire_v he_o to_o resolve_v the_o follow_a question_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o you_o who_o firm_o believe_v that_o the_o miracle_n which_o moses_n wrought_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o endeavour_v to_o defend_v they_o against_o those_o who_o say_v that_o the_o wife_n man_n of_o egypt_n do_v strange_a thing_n by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n can_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n perform_v his_o miracle_n by_o a_o immediate_a assistance_n from_o above_o but_o be_v so_o strange_o fond_a of_o imitate_v the_o egyptian_n who_o you_o know_v to_o be_v your_o swear_a and_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n for_o if_o we_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o judge_v of_o miracle_n by_o the_o event_n and_o argue_v in_o favour_n of_o your_o justly-celebrated_n moses_n from_o his_o be_v raise_v up_o by_o almighty_a god_n to_o be_v the_o honourable_a founder_n of_o the_o jewish_a polity_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o may_v say_v far_o more_o in_o commendation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n since_o the_o imperfect_a moses_n i_v worthy_a to_o be_v name_v with_o the_o holy_a and_o spotless_a jesus_n for_o as_o for_o moses_n it_o be_v obvious_a to_o remark_n that_o he_o find_v ready_a to_o his_o hand_n such_o person_n among_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n as_o live_v in_o a_o religious_a observance_n of_o circumcision_n that_o initiate_a rite_n and_o many_o approve_a custom_n which_o be_v hand_v down_o by_o tradition_n from_o father_n to_o son_n and_o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n dispose_v to_o receive_v his_o useful_a instruction_n and_o practice_v his_o wholesome_a precept_n when_o it_o be_v he_o under_o god_n who_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n and_o the_o law_n he_o give_v they_o have_v the_o stamp_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n as_o you_o yourself_o acknowledge_v but_o our_o saviour_n make_v in_o some_o sense_n a_o much_o great_a attempt_n introduce_v a_o religion_n that_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n new_a and_o cause_v it_o to_o gain_v ground_n continual_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o root_v prejudices_fw-la of_o a_o different_a education_n and_o if_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o moses_n shall_v convince_v not_o only_o the_o sanhedrim_n but_o also_o the_o common_a people_n among_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o confirm_v it_o with_o those_o miracle_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o there_o be_v at_o least_o equal_a reason_n why_o our_o bless_a saviour_n shall_v take_v the_o same_o method_n to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o mission_n since_o the_o people_n do_v natural_o eager_o and_o very_o just_o expect_v sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o such_o extraordinary_a case_n nay_o it_o be_v evident_o necessary_a he_o shall_v work_v far_o great_a miracle_n than_o moses_n to_o wean_v the_o bigoted_a jew_n from_o their_o humane_a tradition_n and_o prove_v by_o dint_n of_o argument_n and_o plain_a appeal_n to_o sense_n and_o common_a observation_n he_o be_v a_o person_n who_o be_v truly-divine_a and_o in_o a_o far_o more_o noble_a sense_n than_o any_o of_o their_o ancient_n and_o just_o celebrate_v prophet_n and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o when_o the_o manifest_a design_n of_o the_o glorious_a prophecy_n under_o the_o old-testament-dispensation_n be_v obscure_o to_o reveal_v he_o under_o the_o character_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n and_o what_o celsus_n jew_n object_n against_o the_o christian_n may_v every_o whit_n as_o well_o be_v urge_v by_o he_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n viz._n that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o notorious_a and_o vile_a imposture_n the_o jew_n break_v out_o into_o the_o follow_a exclamation_n oh_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n he_o himself_o acquaint_v we_o as_o your_o own_o write_n inform_v we_o that_o many_o shall_v come_v who_o will_v perform_v the_o same_o miracle_n that_o he_o wrought_v himself_o and_o on_o that_o very_a score_n oh_o horrid_a impudence_n he_o have_v the_o face_n to_o charge_v they_o with_o
upon_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o their_o mouth_n will_v be_v for_o ever_o stop_v shall_v we_o upbraid_v they_o but_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v even_o seem_v to_o insult_v they_o and_o shall_v we_o demand_v of_o they_o as_o we_o very_o well_o may_v whether_o the_o dispensation_n of_o divine_a providence_n towards_o they_o do_v bear_v the_o awful_a mark_n of_o his_o severe_a displeasure_n and_o whether_o almighty_a god_n didn't_fw-mi take_v a_o most_o unaccountable_a method_n if_o his_o design_n be_v to_o show_v the_o world_n that_o the_o jew_n be_v still_o his_o peculiar_a people_n though_o too_o far_o from_o be_v zealous_a of_o good_a work_n when_o he_o suffer_v such_o grievous_a calamity_n to_o befall_v they_o when_o their_o metropolis_n be_v take_v and_o they_o be_v at_o once_o deprive_v of_o their_o magnificent_a temple_n and_o all_o their_o pompous_a worship_n and_o whatever_o they_o can_v offer_v to_o allay_v the_o native_a darkness_n of_o this_o mysterious_a scene_n of_o providence_n it_o may_v be_v large_o insist_v on_o and_o improve_v to_o very_o valuable_a purpose_n by_o the_o christian_n who_o admire_v the_o wise_a and_o deep_a design_n of_o god_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o horrid_a impiety_n of_o those_o very_a person_n who_o be_v once_o his_o peculiar_a people_z as_o a_o bless_a occasion_n of_o call_v they_o who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o glorious_a promise_n relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n kingdom_n this_o be_v foretold_a by_o the_o prophet_n viz._n that_o god_n will_v take_v a_o advantage_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o jew_n not_o mere_o to_o call_v any_o single_a nation_n but_o to_o select_v some_o person_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n he_o may_v give_v a_o ignorant_a people_n very_o clear_a discovery_n of_o important_a truth_n take_v his_o kingdom_n from_o the_o jew_n to_o bestow_v it_o on_o the_o despise_a gentile_n and_o i_o shall_v quote_v one_o prophecy_n concern_v this_o surprise_v turn_v of_o providence_n which_o be_v in_o deuteronomy_n where_o the_o prophetical_a historian_n introduce_v god_n speak_v after_o the_o follow_a manner_n they_o have_v move_v deut._n 32._o v._o 21._o i_o to_o jealousy_n with_o that_o which_o be_v not_o god_n they_o have_v prvoke_v i_o to_o anger_n with_o their_o vanity_n and_o i_o will_v move_v they_o to_o jealousy_n with_o these_o who_o be_v not_o a_o people_n i_o will_v provoke_v they_o to_o anger_n with_o a_o foolish_a nation_n chap._n thirty-nine_o than_o the_o jew_n conclude_v with_o the_o follow_a word_n we_o see_v therefore_o say_v he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n like_o one_o of_o we_o as_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v both_o from_o reason_n and_o experience_n but_o i_o can_v for_o my_o life_n conceive_v how_o our_o saviour_n if_o he_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o man_n can_v ever_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o his_o doctrine_n will_v obtain_v and_o much_o less_o meet_v with_o the_o desire_a success_n that_o he_o shall_v honourable_o surmount_v all_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n and_o prove_v in_o the_o event_n superior_a to_o the_o unite_a force_n of_o the_o people_n senate_n and_o emperor_n of_o rome_n and_o all_o foreign_a potentate_n if_o we_o do_v allow_v that_o he_o have_v a_o divine_a as_o well_o as_o a_o humane_a nature_n how_o can_v we_o account_v for_o his_o make_v so_o many_o and_o so_o remarkable_a convert_v on_o a_o sudden_a when_o the_o disadvantage_n be_v so_o great_a which_o he_o labour_v under_o have_v they_o all_o be_v man_n of_o reason_n that_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o i_o confess_v the_o wonder_n will_v sensible_o abate_v but_o the_o great_a part_n by_o far_o be_v void_a of_o reason_n and_o little_o better_a than_o brute_n in_o a_o humane_a shape_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o be_v slave_n to_o their_o unruly_a passion_n and_o on_o that_o account_n it_o be_v far_o more_o difficult_a to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o exorbitant_a vice_n so_o that_o we_o must_v resolve_v this_o matter_n into_o his_o be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n let_v the_o unbelieve_a jew_n and_o the_o learned_a greek_n gnash_v their_o tooth_n as_o much_o as_o they_o please_v or_o produce_v what_o they_o can_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o i_o may_v say_v that_o instance_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n be_v not_o whole_o want_v even_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n we_o shall_v therefore_o not_o only_o continue_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o eternal_a son_n but_o shall_v also_o be_v excite_v by_o a_o holy_a ambition_n to_o endeavour_v to_o convert_v the_o ignorant_a heathenss_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n while_o they_o by_o all_o mean_n will_v have_v it_o that_o we_o true_o be_v the_o person_n who_o ignorance_n deserve_v high_o to_o be_v pity_v though_o we_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o case_n they_o commiserate_v be_v in_o truth_n their_o own_o and_o they_o give_v it_o out_o that_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o imposture_n whereas_o they_o do_v but_o condemn_v their_o own_o frequent_a and_o most_o apparent_a practice_n i_o be_o sure_a if_o we_o lead_v person_n aside_o it_o be_v a_o very_a happy_a seducement_n since_o the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o their_o better_a part_n be_v honest_o aim_v at_o and_o effectual_o consult_v by_o we_o who_o be_v honour_v sometime_o with_o be_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o almighty_n god_n to_o reclaim_v they_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o which_o our_o sincere_a and_o earnest_n though_o weak_a endeavour_n do_v concur_v they_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o leave_v their_o former_a intemperance_n or_o at_o least_o make_v some_o slow_a and_o imperfect_a advances_n towards_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n they_o leave_v their_o unjust_a deal_v or_o at_o least_o approach_n to_o the_o confine_n of_o justice_n they_o renounce_v their_o superstition_n and_o folly_n or_o at_o least_o be_v conduct_v into_o the_o highway_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v that_o lead_v to_o the_o most_o sublime_a and_o most_o useful_a wisdom_n they_o leave_v their_o cowardly_a and_o sordid_a temper_n and_o be_v inspire_v with_o the_o noble_a kind_a of_o courage_n which_o appear_v on_o all_o just_a occasion_n but_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o most_o holy_a religion_n with_o their_o warm_a blood_n to_o conclude_v without_o doubt_n our_o saviour_n be_v already_o come_v who_o be_v express_o foretell_v even_o by_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n my_o antagonist_n therefore_o do_v not_o a_o little_a discover_v his_o ignorance_n in_o make_v his_o jew_n say_v that_o a_o certain_a prophet_n foretell_v the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n but_o because_o celsus_n who_o bring_v in_o his_o jew_n speaking_z as_o he_o imagine_v agreable_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o judaisme_n think_v fit_a that_o he_o shall_v break_v off_o here_o though_o indeed_o he_o add_v a_o sew_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v mention_v i_o shall_v here_o put_v a_o period_n to_o my_o second_o book_n and_o if_o i_o may_v but_o have_v seasonable_a and_o suitable_a assistance_n from_o above_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v in_o my_o three_o book_n to_o answer_v some_o remain_a argument_n if_o they_o may_v be_v so_o call_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o celsus_n think_v fit_a to_o use_v and_o endeavour_n with_o all_o his_o may_v to_o maintain_v finis_fw-la
enter_v upon_o a_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n do_v deserve_v so_o scornful_a a_o title_n as_o that_o which_o the_o jew_n bestow_v upon_o our_o holy_a religion_n celsus_n add_v with_o equal_a inadvertency_n no_o one_o say_v he_o but_o a_o mad_a man_n will_v take_v your_o saviour_n to_o be_v god_n or_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o instead_o of_o carry_v the_o awful_a stamp_n of_o divinity_n bear_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o infamy_n and_o disgrace_n and_o especial_o since_o this_o doctrine_n be_v entire_o build_v on_o some_o force_a and_o even_o ridiculous_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n but_o he_o ought_v to_o produce_v some_o instance_n of_o these_o force_a interpretation_n which_o he_o talk_v of_o and_o these_o mark_n of_o infamy_n as_o he_o think_v which_o do_v so_o much_o disgust_v he_o and_o let_v we_o see_v what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o have_v to_o offer_v against_o we_o that_o so_o the_o christian_n may_v return_v he_o a_o satisfactory_a or_o at_o least_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n if_o they_o think_v the_o matter_n do_v require_v it_o he_o say_v that_o as_o the_o sun_n enlighten_v every_o thing_n by_o its_o pierce_a ray_n do_v immediate_o discover_v itself_o to_o we_o by_o the_o glorious_a light_n which_o it_o transmits_n over_o the_o whole_a sphere_n by_o turn_n so_o your_o pretend_a saviour_n have_v he_o be_v god_n or_o the_o son_n of_o god_n will_v have_v resemble_v that_o glorious_a luminary_n this_o we_o say_v believe_v know_v and_o can_v prove_v he_o do_v for_o when_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n when_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n do_v but_o begin_v to_o shine_v and_o its_o dazzle_a ray_n be_v intercept_v by_o a_o dark_a and_o sullen_a cloud_n justice_n seem_v to_o regain_v its_o native_a seat_n the_o neigh_v of_o horse_n the_o clangor_n of_o trumpet_n the_o clash_v of_o arm_n and_o the_o pierce_a groan_n of_o sick_a and_o wound_a person_n be_v hear_v no_o more_o but_o a_o wonderful_a and_o happy_a calm_v succeed_v the_o late_a dismal_a confusion_n the_o alwise_a god_n so_o order_v matter_n that_o he_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o subject_v entire_a nation_n to_o the_o roman_a empire_n that_o so_o our_o saviour_n apostle_n may_v not_o be_v hinder_v as_o otherwise_o they_o may_v have_v be_v in_o observe_v the_o order_n which_o their_o bless_a lord_n have_v give_v they_o to_o teach_v all_o nation_n for_o how_o will_v this_o have_v be_v practicable_a i_o wo'n_v say_v easy_a to_o be_v do_v if_o people_n of_o different_a country_n have_v live_v under_o prince_n of_o their_o own_o have_v want_v a_o mutual_a and_o fair_a correspondence_n and_o have_v not_o live_v under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o emperor_n augustus_n who_o bring_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n under_o the_o roman_a yoke_n and_o make_v mankind_n almost_o as_o it_o be_v one_o body_n politic_a this_o manifest_o and_o great_o conduce_v to_o the_o spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n not_o only_o as_o it_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o a_o freedom_n of_o commerce_n but_o also_o as_o it_o happy_o prevent_v those_o dreadful_a war_n which_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v will_v avoidable_o have_v happen_v if_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n have_v be_v unite_v under_o one_o common_a empire_n for_o before_o the_o reign_n of_o augustus_n the_o athenian_n wage_v war_n with_o the_o peloponnesian_n and_o many_o parallel_n instance_n if_o it_o be_v needful_a may_v easy_o be_v produce_v from_o history_n and_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o peaceful_a religion_n which_o the_o christian_n embrace_v will_v never_o in_o all_o probability_n have_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n as_o bless_a be_v god_n it_o be_v if_o our_o saviour_n have_v be_v seasonable_o bear_v in_o a_o time_n of_o profound_a and_o universal_a tranquillity_n then_o celsus_n say_v that_o the_o christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o wretched_a sophistry_n when_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v that_o he_o who_o they_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o very_a eternal_a word_n and_o he_o think_v this_o be_v unanswerable_a because_o say_v he_o instead_o of_o that_o pure_a and_o holy_a word_n which_o we_o expect_v they_o will_v give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o they_o only_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o miserable_a man_n and_o scandalous_a wretch_n that_o end_v his_o day_n upon_o a_o cross_n which_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o shameful_a as_o well_o as_o painful_a death_n that_o he_o can_v possible_o have_v sufr_v but_o this_o objection_n have_v be_v already_o answer_v and_o i_o have_v plain_o show_v that_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n be_v please_v to_o assume_v a_o human_a body_n and_o soul_n that_o at_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n god_n give_v a_o positive_a and_o strict_a command_n and_o the_o person_n who_o be_v concern_v in_o its_o honourable_a and_o speedy_a execution_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o live_n and_o coeternal_a word_n and_o since_o my_o business_n at_o present_a be_v to_o talk_v to_o a_o pretend_a jew_n i_o shall_v quote_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n viz._n he_o send_v his_o word_n psal_n 107_o v._o 20._o and_o heal_v they_o and_o deliver_v they_o from_o their_o destruction_n what_o celsus_n add_v in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o jew_n that_o if_o this_o be_v the_o word_n that_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o hearty_o agree_v with_o you_o be_v more_o than_o i_o ever_o hear_v any_o jew_n acknowledge_v though_o i_o have_v frequent_o converse_v and_o dispute_v with_o their_o most_o celebrate_a doctor_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v no_o magician_n nor_o vile_a impostor_n and_o i_o do_v think_v fit_a to_o imitate_v celsus_n in_o his_o frequent_a and_o ridiculous_a tautology_n chap._n xxi_o let_v we_o see_v now_o what_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o the_o genealogy_n of_o our_o saviour_n here_o one_o will_v think_v he_o may_v seasonable_o have_v mention_v the_o dispute_n that_o the_o christian_n themselves_o have_v often_o have_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o seem_a disagreement_n that_o there_o be_v between_o the_o several_a evangelist_n in_o this_o important_a affair_n but_o with_o all_o his_o profound_a knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n he_o hadn_v so_o much_o policy_n it_o seem_v as_o that_o will_v amount_v to_o he_o say_v this_o genealogy_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v orderly_o trace_v up_o to_o the_o repute_a parent_n of_o mankind_n and_o according_a to_o which_o your_o pretend_a saviour_n be_v of_o the_o honourable_a line_n of_o the_o jewish_a king_n be_v a_o fine_a invention_n to_o procure_v he_o great_a kindness_n and_o respect_n from_o those_o weak_a person_n who_o will_v be_v so_o credulous_a as_o to_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o he_o and_o say_v he_o it_o be_v a_o little_a odd_a indeed_o but_o the_o christian_n can_v swallow_v any_o thing_n that_o the_o carpenter_n be_v wife_n be_v descend_v from_o so_o noble_a a_o race_n and_o which_o be_v more_o unaccountable_a that_o she_o herself_o shall_v know_v nothing_o of_o the_o matter_n but_o pray_v what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o affair_n in_o hand_n suppose_v she_o be_v ignorant_a that_o she_o come_v from_o a_o noble_a family_n what_o i_o beseech_v you_o can_v you_o infer_v from_o thence_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o christianity_n may_v it_o not_o be_v true_a that_o she_o be_v remote_o descend_v from_o the_o common_a parent_n of_o mankind_n and_o more_o immediate_o from_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n whether_o she_o know_v it_o or_o no_o and_o perhaps_o celsus_n think_v that_o all_o the_o ancestor_n of_o a_o person_n who_o be_v oppress_v with_o poverty_n must_v of_o course_n resemble_v he_o in_o condition_n and_o that_o all_o the_o ancestor_n of_o a_o king_n do_v infallible_o attain_v to_o royal_a dignity_n but_o it_o will_v be_v loss_n of_o time_n to_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o such_o ridiculous_a discourse_n as_o this_o for_o the_o age_n in_o which_o our_o lot_n be_v cast_v will_v furnish_v we_o with_o innumerable_a instance_n of_o person_n who_o come_v of_o a_o rich_a and_o noble_a family_n and_o yet_o by_o some_o unhappy_a accident_n or_o other_o be_v soon_o reduce_v to_o a_o much_o mean_a condition_n than_o that_o of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n the_o mother_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o who_o outward_a circumstance_n be_v former_o very_o inconsiderable_a have_v be_v advance_v by_o some_o sudden_a and_o remarkable_a turn_v of_o providence_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o external_n grandeur_n chap._n xxii_o than_o he_o ask_v in_o his_o cavil_v way_n pray_v what_o do_v your_o