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44 A CLOUD OF WITNESSES.

God, insomuch that when this Truth appeared on earth in Person, the cry of Crucify him, crucify him, was principally at the instigation of learned critics, deep-read scholars, admired orators, inquisitive philosophers, and especially of what were deemed at the time able expositors of the Divine Oracles. You will be further cautioned by the above words, in your examination of truth, against that servile attachment to great names, and the influence of human authorities, which is ever suggesting the old question. Have any of the rulers believed on him? And remembering that rulers may be deceived, and have been deceived, as well as other people, yea, and are frequently more exposed to deception, as being more exposed to the temptations arising from an overweening conceit of their own wisdom- and prudence, you will assert the freedom of thinking and judging for yourselves in that which so essentially concerns yourselves; and will be bold, in the pursuit of truth, not only to oppose all motives of worldly interest and honor, but even the most respectable powers and authorities amongst men, whensoever they stand in competition with the higher power and authority of that wisdom which is from above.

"Commending you to the guidance of this wisdom in all things, and sincerely wishing you in possession

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