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 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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 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 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curse_a hand_n in_o the_o bloody_a death_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n celsus_n therefore_o may_v every_o jot_n as_o well_o have_v grant_v that_o our_o saviour_n know_v what_o accident_n will_v befall_v he_o and_o yet_o have_v talk_v with_o the_o high_a contempt_n of_o his_o divine_a prescience_n as_o grant_v that_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o work_v such_o miracle_n as_o he_o wrought_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n affirm_v that_o he_o be_v a_o notorious_a and_o vile_a impostor_n and_o he_o may_v with_o all_o his_o learning_n have_v show_v that_o the_o augur_n and_o auspex_n foretell_v future_a event_n by_o the_o fly_a of_o bird_n and_o by_o the_o entrail_n of_o beast_n but_o he_o be_v loath_a it_o seem_v to_o make_v this_o concession_n whereas_o he_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n acknowledge_v that_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v many_o miracle_n and_o yet_o assert_n he_o do_v they_o by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n phlegon_n be_v much_o more_o ingenuous_a who_o in_o the_o 13_o and_o 14_o book_n 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to_o prove_v that_o a_o man_n be_v just_a i_o shall_v instance_n in_o several_a act_n of_o injustice_n that_o he_o have_v do_v or_o to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v free_a from_o passion_n i_o shall_v show_v that_o he_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o murder_n or_o to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v immortal_a shall_v expose_v his_o dead_a body_n to_o view_n and_o after_o all_o put_z people_z off_o with_o this_o frivolous_a pretence_n that_o he_o foresee_v whatsoever_o shall_v befall_v he_o but_o here_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o he_o gross_o misapply_v the_o instance_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o produce_v for_o there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n at_o all_o in_o suppose_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n shall_v propose_v himself_o to_o we_o as_o a_o bright_a example_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o yet_o teach_v we_o to_o sacrifice_v our_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o religion_n we_o embrace_v consider_v also_o that_o the_o death_n which_o he_o suffer_v 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return_v he_o a_o proper_a and_o sufficient_a answer_n i_o have_v resolve_v to_o examine_v every_o material_a article_n though_o i_o can_v observe_v so_o strict_a a_o method_n as_o i_o will_v but_o be_o force_v so_o far_o to_o comply_v even_o with_o the_o folly_n of_o my_o adversary_n as_o to_o trace_v he_o through_o the_o labyrinth_n of_o his_o confuse_a discourse_n let_v we_o see_v then_o what_o he_o have_v to_o offer_v against_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n chap._n xxxvii_o the_o jew_n who_o celsus_n personate_v direct_v his_o discourse_n to_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n you_o pretend_v say_v he_o that_o a_o bird_n appear_v to_o you_o at_o your_o baptism_n but_o can_v you_o produce_v any_o credible_a person_n that_o be_v present_a to_o see_v it_o or_o hear_v the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n by_o which_o you_o say_v you_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n beside_o yourself_o and_o if_o we_o may_v take_v your_o word_n another_o person_n of_o the_o same_o pityful_a class_n but_o before_o i_o return_v he_o a_o direct_a and_o full_a answer_n i_o must_v beg_v leave_v to_o make_v one_o remark_n that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o in_o some_o case_n impossible_a to_o give_v evident_a and_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o undoubted_a matter_n of_o fact_n suppose_v any_o one_o shall_v say_v there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o scene_n of_o action_n as_o the_o trojan_a war_n ground_v his_o bold_a affirmation_n on_o the_o seem_a impossibility_n of_o some_o of_o the_o material_a circumstance_n which_o attend_v it_o and_o not_o conceive_v how_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la such_o a_o person_n as_o achilles_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o the_o son_n of_o peleus_n and_o thetis_n the_o goddess_n of_o the_o sea_n or_o sarpedon_n the_o son_n of_o jupiter_n or_o ascalaphus_n and_o jalmenus_n the_o son_n of_o mars_n or_o aeneas_n the_o son_n of_o venus_n how_o can_v we_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o gross_a mistake_n when_o so_o many_o fable_n be_v interweave_v with_o the_o body_n of_o the_o history_n be_v so_o ready_o and_o so_o universal_o believe_v or_o suppose_v any_o person_n shall_v call_v into_o question_n the_o story_n of_o oedipus_n and_o jocasta_n and_o eteocles_n and_o polynices_n their_o son_n by_o reason_n of_o what_o be_v confident_o relate_v concern_v the_o sphinx_n a_o certain_a monster_n that_o be_v half_o a_o virgin_n how_o can_v we_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o whole_a account_n be_v true_a i_o may_v say_v the_o same_o concern_v the_o second_o theban_a war_n which_o be_v continue_v by_o the_o posterity_n of_o they_o who_o have_v lose_v their_o life_n in_o the_o first_o though_o that_o be_v more_o free_a from_o the_o appearance_n of_o fiction_n than_o the_o former_a story_n and_o concern_v the_o return_n of_o the_o heraclidae_fw-la to_o peloponnesus_n and_o i_o may_v instance_n in_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o greek_n but_o he_o who_o read_v they_o without_o a_o tincture_n of_o prejudice_n and_o with_o a_o sincere_a desire_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v deceive_v will_v judge_v how_o far_o he_o be_v require_v to_o yield_v his_o ready_a and_o firm_a assent_n what_o passage_n he_o must_v take_v in_o a_o allegorical_a sense_n and_o what_o he_o must_v reject_v as_o be_v write_v in_o favour_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n and_o will_v endeavour_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a and_o full_a mean_v of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o original_a author_n of_o these_o story_n which_o the_o greek_n who_o be_v a_o learned_a nation_n do_v so_o general_o believe_v i_o will_v lay_v down_o this_o praeliminary_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o entire_a and_o amaze_a history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n as_o it_o be_v impartial_o relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o i_o do_v mention_v this_o as_o if_o i_o will_v have_v the_o more_o intelligent_a and_o learned_a sort_n of_o people_n to_o take_v thing_n on_o trust_n but_o to_o show_v that_o the_o reader_n have_v great_a need_n of_o candour_n join_v with_o a_o severe_a application_n and_o must_v penetrate_v if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v into_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o the_o author_n if_o he_o will_v take_v their_o write_n in_o their_o true_a sense_n and_o utmost_a latitude_n i_o answer_v then_o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o if_o the_o person_n who_o reject_v the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v appear_v to_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n be_v a_o follower_n of_o epicurus_n democritus_n or_o aristotle_n there_o will_v be_v some_o plausible_a ground_n for_o his_o incredulity_n because_o then_o i_o confess_v he_o will_v observe_v his_o character_n chap._n xxxviii_o but_o celsus_n with_o all_o his_o wisdom_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v quite_o forget_v that_o all_o this_o while_n he_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o jew_n who_o we_o must_v suppose_v to_o yield_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o many_o passage_n in_o the_o prophet_n that_o will_v soon_o be_v liable_a to_o shock_v our_o reason_n 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 for_o one_o may_v ask_v this_o pretend_a jew_n who_o wo'n_v believe_v that_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 pray_v sir_n how_o will_v you_o be_v ever_o capable_a of_o give_v evident_a and_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o god_n speak_v to_o adam_n eve_n cain_n noah_n abraham_n isaac_n or_o jacob_n as_o your_o scripture_n do_v plain_o assert_v he_o do_v and_o to_o set_v history_n against_o history_n i_o will_v address_v this_o jew_n after_o the_o follow_a manner_n dear_a sir_n you_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o ezekiel_n who_o be_v one_o of_o your_o own_o celebrate_a prophet_n have_v these_o very_a word_n the_o heaven_n be_v open_v and_o i_o see_v vision_n of_o ezek._n i._n v._o 1._o god_n and_o he_o add_v this_o be_v the_o appearance_n ezek._n i._n v._o 28_o of_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o say_v to_o i_o now_o if_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v relate_v of_o our_o saviour_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v false_a because_o as_o you_o think_v they_o have_v not_o sufficient_a extrinsic_a evidence_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o world_n since_o you_o affirm_v they_o be_v see_v and_o hear_v by_o no_o person_n but_o himself_o and_o another_o of_o the_o same_o pityful_a class_n have_v we_o not_o more_o reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o ezekiel_n impose_v upon_o we_o when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o heaven_n be_v open_a to_o his_o view_n and_o though_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n say_v i_o see_v the_o lord_n sit_v upon_o a_o throne_n high_a and_o lift_v up_o above_o it_o stand_v isa_n vi_fw-la v._o 1._o the_o seraphim_n each_o one_o have_v six_o wing_n pray_v sir_n what_o rational_a assurance_n have_v you_o that_o he_o real_o see_v this_o entertain_v and_o amaze_a sight_n you_o believe_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o neither_o can_v be_v deceive_v nor_o will_v deceive_v we_o and_o be_v persuade_v not_o only_o that_o the_o prophet_n see_v they_o but_o also_o that_o he_o be_v divinely-inspired_a when_o he_o commit_v these_o thing_n to_o write_v but_o i_o ask_v which_o of_o these_o three_o be_v it_o most_o fit_a we_o shall_v believe_v ezekiel_n isaiah_n or_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o two_o former_a do_v nothing_o that_o deserve_v to_o be_v compare_v or_o even_o mention_v with_o what_o the_o latter_a have_v do_v who_o power_n be_v not_o only_o most_o glorious_o display_v when_o he_o appear_v and_o dwell_v on_o earth_n but_o shine_v with_o a_o happy_a and_o remarkable_a lustre_n at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n in_o the_o conversion_n and_o exemplary_a reformation_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o god_n 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as_o be_v derive_v from_o no_o other_o than_o a_o divine_a original_a and_o since_o it_o be_v a_o pretend_a jew_n who_o call_v in_o question_n the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o dove_n one_o may_v well_o demand_v who_o be_v it_o that_o say_v thus_o in_o isaiah_n prophecy_n now_o the_o lord_n god_n isa_n xlviii_o v._n 16._o have_v send_v i_o and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o word_n be_v ambiguous_a and_o may_v either_o signify_v that_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n send_v our_o bless_a saviour_n or_o that_o the_o son_n and_o spirit_n be_v both_o send_v by_o the_o father_n the_o latter_a of_o which_o two_o interpretation_n seem_v to_o i_o i_o confess_v to_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a and_o because_o our_o saviour_n be_v send_v first_o and_o then_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o the_o prophecy_n may_v be_v fulfil_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o which_o be_v reserve_v for_o future_a age_n for_o that_o reason_n 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the_o heaven_n be_v open_v and_o that_o he_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o thence_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o all_o who_o believe_v a_o overrule_a providence_n acknowledge_v there_o have_v be_v preternatural_a vision_n and_o such_o wherein_o future_a event_n relate_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n have_v be_v more_o clear_o or_o more_o obscure_o represent_v to_o the_o warm_a imagination_n i_o say_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o assertor_n of_o providence_n acknowledge_v that_o such_o vision_n have_v be_v see_v by_o person_n in_o their_o sleep_n and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o conceive_v upon_o this_o hypothesis_n that_o the_o same_o impression_n may_v be_v make_v on_o the_o imagination_n when_o a_o person_n be_v awake_a whether_o they_o be_v design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o private_a benefit_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n or_o to_o promote_v the_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_n and_o as_o in_o 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v_o 5._o and_o that_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o it_o be_v such_o as_o follow_v viz._n a_o sight_n adapt_v to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o object_n that_o be_v beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o unassisted_a nature_n such_o as_o cherubim_n and_o seraphim_n a_o hear_v suit_v to_o the_o perception_n of_o sound_n vast_o different_a from_o those_o which_o be_v form_v in_o the_o air_n a_o taste_n that_o can_v relish_v the_o live_a bread_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n a_o smell_n that_o can_v distinguish_v that_o heavenly_a perfume_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v we_o be_v unto_o god_n a_o sweet_a savour_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o touch_n of_o which_o 2_o cor._n two_o v._o 15._o st._n john_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o i_o john_n i_o v._n i._n life_n the_o bless_a prophet_n therefore_o be_v partaker_n of_o these_o divine_a sensation_n and_o see_v hear_v taste_v and_o smell_v in_o a_o way_n that_o be_v perfect_o 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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 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a_o vigorous_a opposition_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o as_o he_o vain_o think_v to_o expose_v it_o to_o the_o high_a contempt_n imaginable_a chap._n iu._n the_o jew_n continue_v his_o discourse_n it_o be_v but_o other_o day_n say_v he_o that_o we_o severe_o punish_v the_o person_n who_o lead_v you_o aside_o like_o a_o company_n of_o silly_a sheep_n and_o by_o consequence_n it_o be_v very_o late_o and_o on_o a_o sudden_a that_o you_o renounce_v the_o law_n of_o your_o father_n but_o to_o this_o i_o have_v already_o return_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n what_o he_o add_v i_o confess_v carry_v with_o it_o a_o much_o great_a force_n with_o what_o face_n say_v he_o or_o colour_n of_o reason_n can_v you_o despise_v those_o sacred_a rite_n which_o not_o long_o ago_o you_o hold_v in_o very_o great_a esteem_n and_o especial_o when_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o foundation_n on_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o your_o jesus_n be_v build_v as_o you_o yourselves_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v found_v on_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o prophet_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v what_o i_o ready_o confess_v but_o we_o must_v also_o consider_v that_o they_o natural_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o mystery_n which_o be_v hide_v from_o age_n but_o be_v now_o make_v manifest_a eph._n iii._o v._o 9_o by_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o we_o do_v despise_v the_o law_n because_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a revelation_n but_o instead_o of_o that_o have_v the_o great_a veneration_n for_o it_o and_o endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o depth_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n there_o be_v even_o in_o the_o legal_a dispensation_n which_o the_o jew_n themselves_o know_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v found_v on_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n when_o our_o saviour_n speak_v to_o those_o that_o refuse_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o have_v the_o follow_a word_n have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o john_n v._o v._n 46._o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o john_n v._o v._n 46._o i_o but_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o his_o write_n how_o shall_v you_o believe_v my_o word_n and_o the_o evangelist_n st._n mark_n begin_v his_o gospel_n thus_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v write_v mark_v i_o v._o 1._o in_o the_o prophet_n behold_v i_o send_v thy_o messenger_n before_o thy_o face_n which_o shall_v prepare_v thy_o way_n before_o thou_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v found_v on_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n itself_o i_o can_v conceive_v therefore_o what_o celsus_n jew_n propose_v to_o himself_o
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