now_o make_v the_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n require_v nothing_o more_o at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o those_o that_o be_v by_o baptism_n receive_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o creed_n common_o call_v the_o apostle_n this_o creed_n be_v recite_v there_o by_o the_o priest_n and_o this_o alone_a when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o font_n and_o he_o interrogate_v the_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v if_o they_o be_v adult_n or_o their_o undertaker_n if_o they_o be_v infant_n about_o no_o other_o belief_n upon_o the_o profession_n of_o which_o he_o bid_v they_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o celestial_a blessing_n from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v a_o part_n with_o he_o and_o with_o his_o saint_n and_o have_v again_o examine_v adult_n person_n ask_v they_o do_v you_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n etc._n 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the_o sun_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o truth_n enlighten_v all_o man_n who_o will_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o neither_o he_o who_o be_v most_o eloquent_a among_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n preach_v any_o thing_n different_a for_o no_o man_n be_v above_o his_o master_n nor_o do_v he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o speech_n lessen_v in_o the_o least_o this_o tradition_n for_o there_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o faith_n he_o that_o have_v most_o to_o say_n can_v enlarge_v it_o nor_o he_o that_o have_v least_o diminish_v it_o thus_o they_o declare_v their_o mind_n in_o those_o early_a day_n when_o there_o be_v no_o catholic_n man_n or_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n require_v to_o believe_v any_o of_o those_o doctrine_n now_o in_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o set_v down_o in_o the_o creed_n of_o pope_n pius_n iv_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o they_o all_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o simple_a belief_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v in_o their_o creed_n the_o great_a man_n in_o the_o church_n deliver_v no_o more_o nor_o the_o mean_a saying_n less_o and_o with_o this_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n satisfy_v themselves_o in_o time_n succeed_v as_o appear_v by_o this_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o st._n hilary_n in_o his_o little_a book_n which_o he_o himself_o deliver_v to_o the_o emperor_n constantius_n where_o he_o thus_o complain_v faith_n be_v now_o inquire_v after_o as_o if_o we_o have_v none_o faith_n must_v be_v set_v down_o in_o write_v as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o heart_n be_v regenerate_v by_o faith_n we_o be_v now_o teach_v what_o to_o believe_v as_o if_o that_o regeneration_n can_v have_v be_v without_o faith_n we_o learn_v christ_n after_o baptism_n as_o if_o there_o can_v have_v be_v any_o baptism_n without_o faith_n in_o christ_n sect_n v._o christianity_n therefore_o be_v not_o there_o in_o its_o purity_n but_o much_o corrupt_v which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o sincere_o preserve_v in_o that_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o withhold_v we_o from_o join_v with_o they_o in_o impose_v thus_o upon_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o thereby_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n and_o turn_v man_n away_o from_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o palpable_a falsity_n and_o absurd_a mixture_n which_o be_v bring_v into_o it_o and_o that_o as_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o adulterate_n of_o which_o we_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o consent_v but_o maintain_v it_o in_o that_o purity_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v it_o to_o their_o successor_n as_o we_o find_v it_o set_v down_o in_o the_o work_v of_o a_o great_a many_o follow_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o name_n i_o forbear_v but_o be_v ready_a at_o hand_n to_o make_v good_a what_o i_o quote_v just_a now_o out_o of_o irenaeus_n who_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o a_o sincere_a christian_a who_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o epiphanius_n recite_v his_o word_n which_o be_v then_o extant_a in_o greek_a that_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o receive_v in_o baptism_n firm_a and_o unmoveable_a he_o can_v be_v a_o heretic_n who_o thus_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n wherein_o the_o nicene_n creed_n not_o add_v any_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o declare_v what_o be_v believe_v from_o the_o beginning_n have_v explain_v the_o word_n but_o they_o be_v schismatic_n who_o call_v he_o so_o and_o will_v not_o admit_v he_o into_o their_o communion_n unless_o he_o consent_v to_o other_o thing_n and_o hold_v they_o to_o be_v equal_o certain_a and_o necessary_a with_o the_o ancient_a rule_n of_o faith_n sect_n vi_o answer_n to_o a_o evasion_n from_o the_o force_n of_o the_o forego_n argument_n to_o pretend_v that_o all_o those_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o now_o impose_v though_o not_o express_o mention_v in_o the_o creed_n yet_o be_v contain_v in_o one_o article_n of_o it_o viz._n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o make_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creed_n unnecessary_a and_o to_o establish_v this_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o for_o if_o by_o believe_v the_o catholic_n church_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v as_o they_o will_v have_v we_o whatsoever_o the_o catholic_n church_n propound_v than_o it_o have_v be_v enough_o to_o have_v say_v to_o those_o catechuman_n that_o come_v for_o baptism_n do_v you_o believe_v in_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n and_o to_o add_v any_o more_o have_v be_v utter_o superfluous_a but_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o further_a appear_v in_o that_o
as_o we_o do_v produce_v concern_v the_o several_a copy_n that_o be_v in_o a_o short_a space_n disperse_v throughout_o the_o world_n and_o that_o not_o as_o the_o koran_n in_o one_o language_n which_o copy_n be_v preserve_v by_o the_o fidelity_n of_o so_o many_o sect_n that_o vary_v much_o about_o other_o matter_n the_o mahometans_n be_v persuade_v that_o in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o st._n john_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o send_v the_o comforter_n there_o have_v be_v something_o register_v concern_v mahumet_n which_o the_o christian_n have_v raze_v out_o but_o here_o let_v i_o ask_v of_o they_o whether_o they_o think_v this_o depravation_n of_o scripture_n be_v commit_v since_o the_o time_n of_o mahumet_n or_o before_o that_o it_o happen_v not_o after_o the_o come_n of_o mahumet_n be_v plain_a because_o ever_o since_o that_o time_n there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n very_o many_o copy_n not_o only_o in_o the_o greek_a language_n but_o in_o the_o syriac_a arabic_a and_o in_o part_n far_o distant_a from_o arabia_n the_o ethiopic_a and_o latin_a tongue_n of_o divers_a translation_n all_o which_o do_v so_o agree_v in_o that_o place_n as_o there_o can_v be_v show_v any_o diversity_n at_o all_o and_o before_o the_o time_n of_o mahumet_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o alteration_n for_o no_o man_n can_v know_v before_o his_o come_n what_o mahumet_n will_v teach_v yea_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o mahumet_n have_v contain_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n the_o christian_n will_v have_v make_v no_o more_o difficulty_n to_o receive_v his_o book_n than_o they_o do_v to_o receive_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o hebrew_n prophet_n or_o suppose_v there_o have_v be_v nothing_o write_v either_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n or_o of_o mahumet_n it_o be_v but_o equity_n that_o that_o be_v receive_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n which_o all_o christian_n general_o agree_v upon_o and_o that_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o mahumet_n which_o all_o mahometans_n do_v allow_v of_o sect_n iv_o by_o compare_v mahumet_n with_o christ_n in_o their_o person_n in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o compare_v the_o adjunct_n and_o quality_n of_o both_o their_o doctrine_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v see_v whether_o of_o the_o two_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o other_o and_o first_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o author_n as_o for_o jesus_n mahumet_n himself_o confess_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n which_o be_v promise_v in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n who_o the_o same_o mahumet_n call_v the_o word_n the_o mind_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n say_v also_o that_o he_o have_v no_o father_n of_o mankind_n but_o mahumet_n as_o his_o own_o follower_n believe_v be_v generate_v and_o beget_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n the_o life_n of_o jesus_n be_v altogether_o unblameable_a there_o be_v no_o crime_n that_o can_v be_v object_v against_o he_o but_o mahumet_n a_o long_a time_n be_v a_o robber_n and_o always_o effeminate_a jesus_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n as_o mahumet_n confess_v but_o mahumet_n lie_v yet_o entomb_v in_o his_o sepulchre_n who_o then_o see_v not_o whether_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v follow_v sect_n v._o and_o in_o their_o deed_n next_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o person_n consider_v we_o their_o act_n jesus_n give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a health_n to_o they_o that_o be_v sick_a and_o make_v the_o lame_a to_o walk_v yea_o by_o mahumet_n own_o confession_n he_o raise_v some_o from_o the_o dead_a but_o mahumet_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v send_v not_o with_o miracle_n but_o with_o arms._n howbeit_o some_o of_o his_o follower_n ascribe_v to_o he_o miracle_n also_o but_o what_o kind_n i_o pray_v only_o such_o as_o may_v either_o be_v do_v by_o humane_a art_n as_o that_o of_o a_o dove_n which_o come_v fly_v to_o his_o ear_n or_o such_o as_o have_v no_o witness_n as_o that_o of_o a_o camel_n which_o be_v say_v to_o have_v have_v some_o conference_n with_o he_o by_o night_n or_o last_o such_o as_o be_v confute_v by_o their_o own_o absurdity_n as_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o moon_n fall_v into_o his_o lap_n or_o into_o his_o sleeve_n which_o he_o to_o restore_v roundness_n to_o that_o star_n send_v back_o again_o to_o it_o now_o who_o will_v not_o say_v that_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n we_o ought_v to_o adhere_v to_o that_o law_n which_o have_v the_o sure_a and_o more_o certain_a testimony_n of_o divine_a approbation_n sect_n vi_o also_o such_o as_o first_o embrace_v both_o religion_n next_o let_v we_o see_v who_o and_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o be_v that_o first_o receive_v these_o several_a law_n they_o that_o first_o embrace_v the_o law_n of_o jesus_n be_v such_o as_o fear_v god_n man_n of_o a_o plain_a and_o innocent_a life_n now_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v such_o man_n to_o be_v gull_v and_o cheat_v either_o by_o bewitch_a speech_n or_o by_o a_o appearance_n of_o miracle_n but_o they_o that_o first_o receive_v mahometism_n be_v thief_n and_o robber_n man_n estrange_v from_o all_o humanity_n and_o piety_n sect_n vii_o the_o manner_n how_o both_o their_o law_n be_v propagate_v in_o the_o next_o place_n follow_v the_o manner_n how_o both_o these_o religion_n be_v propagate_v and_o spread_v abroad_o as_o for_o christianity_n we_o have_v show_v more_o than_o once_o that_o it_o be_v enlarge_v and_o amplify_v by_o the_o miracle_n not_o only_o of_o christ_n but_o also_o of_o his_o disciple_n and_o those_o that_o succeed_v they_o as_o likewise_o by_o the_o very_a patient_a endure_v of_o the_o torment_n and_o punishment_n that_o christian_n suffer_v but_o the_o doctor_n of_o mahumetism_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n at_o all_o neither_o do_v they_o suffer_v any_o grievous_a persecution_n or_o cruel_a kind_n of_o death_n for_o their_o profession_n but_o it_o be_v a_o religion_n which_o follow_v where_o arm_n go_v before_o of_o which_o it_o be_v a_o accessary_a and_o nothing_o of_o itself_o nor_o do_v they_o themselves_o bring_v any_o better_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n thereof_o than_o their_o good_a success_n in_o their_o war_n and_o the_o largeness_n of_o their_o empire_n than_o which_o nothing_o in_o this_o point_n be_v more_o deceitful_a and_o uncertain_a they_o condemn_v the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v what_o great_a victory_n be_v win_v by_o the_o persian_n macedonian_n and_o roman_n and_o how_o ample_a their_o dominion_n be_v neither_o have_v the_o mahometans_n themselves_o have_v always_o good_a success_n with_o their_o army_n the_o slaughter_n and_o great_a overthrow_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o many_o place_n both_o by_o sea_n and_o by_o land_n be_v not_o unknown_a they_o be_v now_o banish_v quite_o out_o of_o all_o spain_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v liable_a to_o such_o uncertain_a alteration_n nothing_o that_o may_v be_v common_a both_o to_o good_a and_o bad_a which_o can_v be_v a_o certain_a note_n of_o true_a religion_n much_o less_o can_v their_o arm_n which_o be_v so_o unjust_a that_o oftentimes_o they_o fall_v upon_o people_n that_o do_v not_o any_o way_n molest_v or_o offend_v they_o nor_o be_v know_v to_o they_o by_o any_o injury_n in_o so_o much_o that_o all_o the_o pretence_n they_o have_v for_o their_o arm_n be_v only_a religion_n which_o be_v most_o irreligious_a for_o there_o be_v no_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o proceed_v from_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o the_o will_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o good_a instruction_n and_o gentle_a persuasion_n but_o not_o by_o threat_n or_o violence_n he_o that_o be_v compel_v to_o believe_v do_v not_o believe_v at_o all_o but_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n and_o feign_v himself_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o may_v escape_v and_o avoid_v some_o danger_n or_o punishment_n and_o he_o that_o by_o threat_n or_o sense_n of_o punishment_n will_v force_v another_o man_n assent_n show_v by_o that_o very_a proceed_n that_o he_o distrust_v his_o argument_n again_o they_o themselves_o destroy_v this_o very_a pretence_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o they_o suffer_v any_o people_n that_o live_v under_o their_o dominion_n to_o use_v what_o religion_n they_o please_v yea_o and_o sometime_o they_o will_v open_o acknowledge_v that_o christian_n may_v be_v save_v by_o their_o own_o law_n sect_n viii_o the_o precept_n of_o both_o religion_n compare_v furthermore_o let_v we_o compare_v the_o several_a commandment_n of_o both_o religion_n the_o one_o whereof_o command_v patience_n yea_o and_o love_v even_o to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o but_o the_o other_o revenge_n in_o the_o one_o the_o bond_n of_o matrimony_n be_v keep_v firm_a and_o inviolable_a between_o the_o marry_a party_n by_o a_o mutual_a bear_n with_o one_o
the_o downfall_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o daemon_n and_o of_o magical_a art_n and_o one_o god_n be_v worship_v with_o a_o detestation_n of_o daemon_n who_o power_n and_o authority_n porphyry_n acknowledge_v be_v break_v by_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v think_v that_o any_o wicked_a spirit_n be_v so_o ignorant_a and_o foolish_a as_o to_o effect_v and_o often_o bring_v to_o pass_v thing_n that_o be_v cause_n of_o its_o own_o hurt_n and_o disgrace_n and_o no_o way_n conduce_v to_o its_o honour_n or_o benefit_n beside_o it_o stand_v no_o way_n with_o the_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v so_o harmless_a and_o innocent_a man_n such_o as_o fear_v he_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o delusion_n of_o devil_n and_o such_o be_v the_o first_o follower_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o their_o innocent_a life_n and_o by_o the_o many_o calamity_n which_o they_o endure_v for_o conscience_n sake_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o thou_o affirm_v that_o those_o work_n of_o christ_n proceed_v from_o some_o good_a spirit_n which_o be_v inferior_a to_o god_n in_o so_o say_v thou_o do_v confess_v that_o the_o same_o work_n be_v well_o please_v unto_o god_n and_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n forasmuch_o as_o good_a spirit_n do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v acceptable_a and_o glorious_a unto_o god_n to_o say_v nothing_o now_o of_o some_o of_o christ_n work_n which_o be_v so_o miraculous_a that_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v god_n himself_o for_o the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o can_v not_o have_v be_v do_v but_o by_o the_o immediate_a finger_n of_o a_o omnipotent_a power_n as_o special_o the_o restore_a divers_a person_n from_o death_n unto_o life_n again_o now_o god_n do_v not_o produce_v any_o miracle_n nor_o suffer_v any_o such_o wonder_n to_o be_v wrought_v without_o just_a cause_n for_o it_o become_v not_o a_o wise_a maker_n of_o law_n to_o forsake_v and_o depart_v from_o his_o own_o law_n unless_o upon_o some_o good_a and_o weighty_a reason_n now_o no_o other_o cause_n of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v give_v than_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v by_o christ_n himself_o namely_o that_o hereby_o his_o doctrine_n may_v be_v verify_v and_o confirm_v and_o doubtless_o they_o that_o be_v spectator_n of_o his_o work_n can_v conceive_v no_o other_o reason_n thereof_o among_o which_o since_o there_o be_v as_o be_v say_v many_o godly_a man_n pious_o and_o devout_o affect_v it_o be_v horrible_a impiety_n to_o imagine_v that_o god_n do_v work_v these_o thing_n only_o to_o delude_v and_o deceive_v they_o and_o this_o be_v one_o cause_n why_o very_a many_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o live_v about_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n even_o such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o relinquish_v or_o omit_v one_o jot_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n such_o as_o those_o who_o be_v call_v nazarenes_n and_o ebionites_n do_v notwithstanding_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o jesus_n be_v a_o doctor_n or_o master_n send_v from_o heaven_n sect_n vii_o christ_n resurrection_n prove_v by_o credible_a reason_n beside_o the_o miracle_n that_o christ_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n another_o like_a argument_n may_v be_v take_v from_o his_o wonderful_a resurrection_n to_o life_n again_o after_o that_o he_o be_v crucify_a dead_a and_o bury_v for_o the_o christian_n of_o all_o age_n and_o country_n allege_v the_o same_o not_o only_o for_o a_o truth_n but_o also_o as_o the_o most_o strong_a ground_n and_o chief_a foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o those_o that_o first_o teach_v christianity_n do_v persuade_v their_o auditor_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o for_o certain_a and_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o induce_v any_o wise_a man_n to_o the_o belief_n hereof_o unless_o they_o can_v very_o affirm_v that_o themselves_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o this_o matter_n for_o without_o such_o a_o ocular_a testimony_n no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n will_v have_v give_v credit_n unto_o they_o especial_o in_o such_o time_n when_o to_o believe_v they_o be_v to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o great_a mischief_n and_o danger_n but_o that_o this_o be_v their_o constant_a assertion_n both_o their_o own_o book_n and_o other_o write_n do_v testify_v for_o out_o of_o their_o book_n it_o appear_v that_o they_o appeal_v unto_o five_o hundred_o witness_n that_o have_v behold_v jesus_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a now_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fashion_n of_o liar_n and_o dissembler_n to_o appeal_v to_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o witness_n neither_o can_v it_o possible_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o so_o many_o man_n shall_v agree_v and_o conspire_v together_o to_o bear_v false_a witness_n or_o suppose_v there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o witness_n save_o those_o twelve_o know_a apostle_n the_o first_o publisher_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o this_o have_v be_v sufficient_a no_o man_n be_v wicked_a for_o nothing_o and_o honour_n for_o their_o lie_v they_o can_v not_o expect_v in_o regard_n that_o all_o kind_n of_o dignity_n and_o promotion_n be_v then_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o pagan_n or_o jew_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v nothing_o but_o reproach_n and_o ignominy_n neither_o can_v they_o hope_v for_o any_o wealth_n and_o riches_n because_o this_o profession_n be_v oftentimes_o punish_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o good_n and_o possession_n or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o the_o gospel_n can_v not_o be_v teach_v by_o they_o unless_o they_o omit_v or_o neglect_v all_o care_n about_o worldly_a good_n neither_o can_v the_o hope_n of_o any_o other_o worldly_a advantage_n move_v they_o to_o utter_v untruth_n see_v that_o the_o very_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n do_v expose_v they_o to_o labour_n hunger_n thirst_n stripe_n and_o imprisonment_n to_o get_v credit_n and_o reputation_n only_o among_o their_o own_o countryman_n be_v not_o so_o much_o worth_n that_o they_o poor_a simple_a man_n who_o life_n and_o doctrine_n be_v abhorrent_n from_o all_o pride_n shall_v therefore_o run_v upon_o so_o great_a inconvenience_n neither_o again_o can_v they_o have_v any_o hope_n their_o doctrine_n will_v make_v such_o progress_n as_o to_o win_v they_o any_o fame_n be_v oppose_v both_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n which_o be_v intent_n to_o its_o own_o advantage_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o who_o then_o every_o where_o govern_v unless_o they_o have_v be_v some_o way_n animate_v and_o encourage_v by_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o promise_v themselves_o that_o this_o fame_n such_o as_o it_o may_v prove_v will_v be_v durable_a since_o they_o expect_v god_n on_o purpose_n conceal_v his_o counsel_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o end_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o near_o approach_v which_o both_o their_o own_o write_n and_o the_o writing_n of_o those_o christian_n that_o follow_v they_o make_v most_o evident_a it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o we_o say_v if_o they_o do_v lie_v it_o be_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v right_o consider_v for_o either_o they_o do_v sincere_o believe_v that_o this_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n or_o else_o they_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a nay_o if_o they_o think_v not_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o the_o best_a they_o will_v never_o have_v make_v choice_n hereof_o and_o refuse_v other_o religion_n far_o more_o safe_a and_o commodious_a nay_o further_o though_o they_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v true_a yet_o they_o will_v not_o have_v profess_v it_o unless_o they_o have_v be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o profession_n thereof_o be_v necessary_a special_o for_o that_o they_o may_v have_v easy_o foresee_v and_o partly_o they_o can_v tell_v by_o experience_n what_o troop_n of_o man_n will_v be_v expose_v to_o death_n for_o this_o profession_n which_o without_o just_a cause_n to_o occasion_n be_v no_o better_a than_o plain_a robbery_n or_o murder_n but_o if_o we_o say_v they_o believe_v that_o this_o religion_n be_v true_a and_o the_o very_o best_a and_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v profess_v and_o that_o after_o the_o death_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n sure_o that_o can_v no_o way_n be_v so_o if_o their_o master_n promise_n concern_v his_o resurrection_n have_v deceive_v they_o and_o not_o prove_v true_a for_o that_o have_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n disbelieve_v even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v already_o entertain_v moreover_o all_o religion_n and_o christianity_n more_o than_o any_o other_o forbid_v lie_v in_o bear_v false_a witness_n especial_o in_o divine_a thing_n wherefore_o they_o can_v not_o
for_o the_o love_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o such_o a_o religion_n be_v induce_v to_o tell_v untruth_n beside_o these_o man_n be_v of_o a_o upright_a conversation_n their_o life_n be_v spotless_a and_o unblameable_a even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o adversary_n who_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o they_o save_v their_o simplicity_n which_o of_o all_o other_o disposition_n be_v the_o most_o unlikely_a to_o forge_v a_o lie_n nay_o there_o be_v none_o among_o these_o primitive_a christian_n whereof_o we_o speak_v who_o do_v not_o suffer_v grievous_a torment_n for_o profess_v that_o jesus_n be_v rise_v and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v put_v unto_o most_o exquisite_a pain_n of_o death_n for_o bear_v testimony_n of_o the_o same_o now_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n may_v be_v content_a to_o endure_v such_o thing_n for_o some_o opinion_n which_o he_o have_v conceive_v and_o real_o believe_v in_o his_o mind_n yet_o that_o for_o a_o falsehood_n which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v so_o not_o only_o some_o one_o man_n but_o a_o great_a many_o man_n who_o be_v like_a to_o gain_v nothing_o at_o all_o by_o make_v that_o falsehood_n to_o be_v believe_v shall_v consent_v to_o suffer_v such_o cruel_a torment_n be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o incredible_a now_o that_o these_o be_v not_o madman_n both_o their_o conversation_n and_o their_o writing_n do_v abundant_o testify_v likewise_o what_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o first_o apostle_n may_v also_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n who_o open_o teach_v that_o he_o see_v christ_n sit_v in_o heaven_n who_o also_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o any_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n nor_o may_v he_o have_v want_v dignity_n and_o preferment_n if_o he_o will_v have_v follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o his_o father_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n he_o become_v liable_a to_o the_o hatred_n and_o malignity_n of_o his_o kinsfolk_n and_o engage_v himself_o to_o undertake_v difficult_a dangerous_a and_o laborious_a travel_n through_o the_o world_n and_o last_o of_o all_o to_o undergo_v a_o disgraceful_a death_n and_o torment_n sect_n viii_o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o resurrection_n seem_v impossible_a such_o and_o so_o great_a testimony_n no_o man_n can_v disprove_v or_o gainsay_v unless_o some_o will_v reply_v that_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v for_o so_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n as_o they_o speak_v howbeit_o that_o can_v be_v affirm_v of_o this_o matter_n it_o may_v indeed_o if_o one_o can_v say_v that_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o man_n live_v and_o die_v at_o the_o self_n same_o time_n but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v restore_v from_o death_n to_o life_n especial_o by_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o he_o who_o first_o give_v life_n and_o be_v unto_o man_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v account_v for_o a_o thing_n impossible_a neither_o have_v it_o be_v thought_n impossible_a by_o wise_a man_n for_o plato_n write_v that_o this_o be_v do_v to_o eris_n a_o armenian_a and_o the_o like_a be_v relate_v of_o a_o certain_a woman_n by_o heraclide_n a_o philosopher_n of_o pontus_n of_o aristaeus_n by_o herodotus_n and_o of_o another_o by_o plutarch_n all_o which_o whether_o true_a or_o false_a do_v show_v that_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n the_o thing_n be_v conceive_v to_o be_v possible_a sect_n ix_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n be_v grant_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n be_v confirm_v now_o if_o it_o be_v neither_o impossible_a that_o christ_n shall_v return_v to_o life_n again_o and_o it_o do_v sufficient_o appear_v by_o great_a testimony_n wherewith_o rabbi_n bechai_n a_o master_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o convince_v that_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o thing_n and_o this_o christ_n himself_o also_o as_o both_o his_o disciple_n and_o other_o confess_v do_v publish_v a_o new_a doctrine_n as_o by_o a_o divine_a commandment_n true_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o that_o doctrine_n be_v true_a for_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v with_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o wisdom_n to_o honour_v he_o after_o so_o excellent_a a_o manner_n who_o have_v commit_v the_o crime_n of_o falsify_v in_o so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n especial_o consider_v that_o before_o his_o death_n he_o have_v foretell_v to_o his_o disciple_n both_o his_o death_n and_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o and_o his_o resurrection_n to_o life_n again_o add_v this_o withal_o that_o these_o thing_n shall_v therefore_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o may_v testify_v and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o argument_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o fact_n themselves_o which_o be_v do_v let_v we_o proceed_v to_o those_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o his_o doctrine_n sect_n x._o christian_a religion_n prefer_v before_o all_o other_o and_o here_o true_o we_o must_v say_v that_o either_o all_o kind_n of_o divine_a worship_n whatsoever_o must_v be_v reject_v and_o utter_o banish_v from_o among_o man_n which_o impiety_n will_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o one_o that_o can_v believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o take_v care_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o withal_o consider_v how_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o excellency_n of_o understanding_n and_o liberty_n to_o choose_v what_o be_v moral_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v capable_a as_o of_o reward_n so_o of_o punishment_n or_o else_o this_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o approve_v of_o for_o the_o very_o best_a not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o outward_a testimony_n of_o work_n and_o miracle_n aforesaid_a but_o also_o in_o consideration_n of_o such_o inward_a and_o essential_a property_n as_o be_v agree_v thereunto_o namely_o because_o there_o be_v not_o neither_o ever_o be_v there_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v either_o more_o honourable_a for_o excellency_n of_o reward_n or_o more_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a for_o precept_n or_o more_o admirable_a for_o the_o manner_n according_a to_o which_o it_o be_v command_v to_o be_v propagate_v and_o divulge_v sect_n xi_o for_o excellency_n of_o reward_n for_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o reward_n that_o be_v at_o the_o end_n propound_v to_o man_n which_o though_o it_o be_v the_o last_o in_o fruition_n and_o execution_n yet_o be_v it_o the_o first_o in_o his_o intention_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o plain_a or_o express_v covenant_n of_o the_o law_n we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o there_o promise_v save_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n as_o namely_o a_o fruitful_a land_n abundance_n of_o corn_n and_o victual_n victory_n over_o their_o enemy_n soundness_n of_o body_n length_n of_o day_n the_o comfortable_a blessing_n of_o a_o hopeful_a issue_n and_o survive_a posterity_n and_o the_o like_a for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n beyond_o it_o be_v involve_v in_o dark_a shadow_n or_o must_v be_v collect_v by_o wise_a and_o difficult_a reason_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o many_o in_o particular_a the_o sadducee_n who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v follower_n and_o observer_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n have_v no_o hope_n of_o enjoy_v any_o happiness_n after_o this_o life_n as_o for_o the_o grecian_n who_o receive_v their_o learning_n from_o the_o chaldean_n and_o egyptian_n and_o have_v some_o hope_n in_o another_o world_n after_o this_o life_n be_v end_v they_o speak_v thereof_o after_o a_o very_a doubtful_a manner_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o disputation_n of_o socrates_n by_o the_o write_n of_o tully_n seneca_n and_o other_o and_o the_o argument_n they_o produce_v for_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o uncertainty_n prove_v no_o more_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o man_n than_o of_o a_o beast_n which_o while_o some_o of_o they_o observe_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o imagine_v that_o soul_n be_v translate_v and_o convey_v from_o man_n to_o beast_n and_o again_o from_o beast_n into_o men._n but_o because_o this_o opinion_n be_v not_o confirm_v by_o any_o testimony_n or_o ground_v upon_o certain_a reason_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o there_o be_v some_o end_n propose_v to_o man_n action_n therefore_o other_o be_v induce_v to_o think_v that_o virtue_n be_v the_o end_n or_o reward_v of_o man_n endeavour_n and_o that_o a_o wise_a man_n be_v happy_a enough_o even_o though_o he_o be_v put_v into_o that_o torment_a brazen_a bull_n make_v by_o phalaris_n howbeit_o this_o fancy_n be_v just_o distasteful_a and_o improbable_a to_o another_o sort_n who_o see_v well_o enough_o that_o man_n happiness_n especial_o the_o high_a can_v not_o consist_v in_o any_o
live_v in_o those_o time_n and_o be_v present_a when_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o like_a manner_n it_o ought_v to_o suffice_v we_o that_o whosoever_o write_v the_o book_n we_o speak_v of_o both_o live_v in_o the_o primitive_a age_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o apostolical_a gift_n for_o if_o any_o body_n will_v say_v that_o these_o quality_n may_v be_v feign_v as_o the_o very_a name_n may_v be_v in_o other_o write_n he_o say_v that_o which_o be_v not_o credible_a viz._n that_o they_o who_o every_o where_o press_v the_o study_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n will_v for_o no_o cause_n at_o all_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o crime_n of_o forgery_n which_o be_v not_o only_o detestable_a among_o all_o good_a man_n but_o by_o the_o roman_a law_n be_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n sect_n v._o these_o penman_n write_v the_o truth_n because_o they_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o what_o they_o write_v this_o therefore_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a 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unto_o he_o from_o heaven_n nor_o he_o that_o write_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n err_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o profess_v either_o to_o be_v inspire_v into_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o else_o teach_v he_o by_o the_o apostle_n sect_n vi_o as_o also_o because_o they_o will_v not_o lie_v the_o other_o reason_n we_o speak_v of_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o say_v holy_a writer_n because_o they_o have_v no_o will_n to_o tell_v a_o untruth_n be_v twist_v with_o that_o which_o we_o handle_v above_o when_o in_o general_n we_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n those_o that_o will_v accuse_v any_o witness_n for_o the_o pravity_n of_o their_o will_n must_v produce_v something_o by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v think_v credible_a their_o will_n may_v be_v divert_v from_o utter_v the_o truth_n but_o this_o can_v be_v aver_v of_o the_o say_a author_n for_o if_o any_o do_v object_n and_o say_v that_o they_o act_v in_o their_o own_o cause_n and_o do_v their_o own_o business_n we_o must_v see_v why_o this_o shall_v be_v think_v their_o cause_n and_o interest_n not_o that_o they_o may_v get_v any_o thing_n by_o it_o in_o this_o world_n or_o thereby_o avoid_v any_o danger_n when_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o profession_n they_o both_o lose_v all_o the_o good_n of_o this_o world_n and_o venture_v upon_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n this_o therefore_o be_v not_o their_o cause_n and_o interest_n but_o only_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o god_n which_o sure_o do_v not_o persuade_v man_n to_o lie_v especial_o in_o such_o a_o business_n whereupon_o depend_v the_o everlasting_a salvation_n of_o mankind_n such_o a_o impious_a piece_n of_o villainy_n we_o can_v believe_v they_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o if_o we_o consider_v either_o their_o doctrine_n every_o where_o most_o full_a of_o piety_n or_o their_o life_n which_o be_v never_o yet_o accuse_v of_o any_o wicked_a deed_n no_o not_o by_o their_o great_a enemy_n who_o object_v nothing_o to_o they_o but_o their_o want_n of_o learning_n and_o unskilfulness_n which_o do_v not_o qualify_v they_o sure_o for_o invent_v falsehood_n and_o indeed_o if_o there_o have_v be_v the_o least_o spice_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o fraud_n and_o cheat_v in_o they_o they_o will_v not_o themselves_o have_v record_v their_o own_o fault_n and_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o as_o of_o their_o all_o forsake_v their_o master_n when_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o peter_n denial_n of_o he_o three_o time_n sect_n vii_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o fidelity_n of_o these_o author_n from_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v on_o the_o other_o side_n god_n himself_o give_v illustrious_a testimony_n of_o their_o fidelity_n by_o work_a wonder_n which_o either_o they_o or_o their_o disciple_n with_o great_a boldness_n public_o avouch_v add_v also_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o their_o assertion_n may_v easy_o have_v be_v discover_v by_o the_o inquisition_n of_o the_o magistrate_n among_o which_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n which_o they_o have_v most_o constant_o deliver_v both_o concern_v the_o use_n of_o tongue_n which_o they_o have_v never_o learn_v among_o many_o thousand_o man_n and_o their_o cure_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n upon_o a_o sudden_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o people_n neither_o be_v they_o any_o whit_n dismay_v with_o fear_n either_o of_o the_o jewish_a magistrate_n of_o those_o time_n who_o they_o know_v to_o be_v most_o malicious_o set_v against_o they_o or_o of_o the_o roman_n who_o be_v far_o from_o have_v any_o good_a will_n to_o they_o and_z they_o be_v sure_a will_v lay_v hold_n on_o any_o thing_n on_o which_o they_o may_v ground_v a_o charge_n of_o their_o be_v inventor_n of_o a_o new_a religion_n and_o yet_o neither_o jew_n nor_o pagan_n in_o the_o time_n immediate_o follow_v dare_v ever_o deny_v that_o wonder_n be_v wrought_v by_o those_o men._n yea_o the_o miracle_n of_o peter_n be_v mention_v by_o phlegon_n in_o his_o annal_n who_o live_v under_o adrian_n the_o emperor_n moreover_o the_o christian_n themselves_o in_o those_o book_n that_o contain_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o they_o exhibit_v to_o the_o emperor_n to_o the_o senate_n and_o to_o the_o governor_n do_v relate_v these_o thing_n as_o most_o manifest_a and_o unquestionable_a truth_n yea_o they_o open_o report_v that_o there_o continue_v a_o wonderful_a virtue_n of_o work_v strange_a effect_n at_o their_o sepulcher_n for_o some_o age_n after_o their_o death_n which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a they_o know_v that_o to_o their_o shame_n and_o punishment_n the_o magistrate_n can_v have_v confute_v
and_o apparel_n we_o ought_v to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o so_o much_o as_o will_v suffice_v nature_n and_o the_o like_a or_o if_o happy_o there_o be_v some_o point_n in_o christianity_n hard_a to_o be_v believe_v yet_o the_o like_a also_o be_v find_v among_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o as_o before_o we_o have_v show_v concern_v the_o immortality_n of_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o body_n thus_o plato_n as_o he_o learn_v from_o the_o chaldean_n distinguish_v the_o divine_a nature_n into_o the_o father_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o father_n which_o he_o call_v also_o the_o branch_n of_o god_n the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o soul_n or_o spirit_n which_o keep_v together_o and_o preserve_v all_o thing_n julian_n as_o great_a a_o enemy_n as_o he_o be_v of_o christian_n think_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n may_v be_v join_v to_o the_o humane_a and_o give_v instance_n in_o aesculapius_n who_o he_o imagine_v to_o have_v descend_v from_o heaven_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v teach_v man_n the_o art_n of_o physic_n the_o cross_n of_o christ_n offend_v many_o but_o what_o do_v not_o the_o pagan_a writer_n tell_v of_o their_o god_n that_o some_o of_o they_o wait_v upon_o king_n and_o prince_n other_o be_v thunderstruck_a other_o cut_v in_o sunder_o and_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o say_v that_o the_o more_o it_o cost_v we_o to_o be_v honest_a the_o more_o joy_n and_o delight_v it_o afford_v we_o to_o conclude_v plato_n in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o his_o commonwealth_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o prophet_n say_v for_o a_o man_n to_o appear_v true_o just_a and_o upright_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o his_o virtue_n be_v bereave_v of_o all_o outward_a ornament_n so_o that_o he_o be_v by_o other_o account_v a_o wicked_a wretch_n and_o scoff_v at_o and_o last_o of_o all_o hang_v and_o indeed_o that_o christ_n may_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o great_a patience_n can_v not_o otherwise_o be_v obtain_v the_o five_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o a_o refutation_n of_o the_o jew_n begin_v with_o a_o speech_n unto_o they_o or_o prayer_n for_o they_o just_o like_o that_o glimmer_n between_o light_n and_o darkness_n which_o appear_v to_o those_o who_o by_o little_a and_o little_o be_v endeavour_v to_o get_v out_o of_o a_o dark_a cave_n or_o dungeon_n such_o do_v judaisme_n present_v itself_o to_o we_o who_o be_v step_v out_o of_o the_o thick_a mist_n of_o paganism_n of_o which_o we_o have_v be_v discourse_v as_o a_o part_n and_o beginning_n of_o truth_n i_o request_v the_o jew_n therefore_o not_o to_o be_v averse_a to_o hear_v we_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o they_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o holy_a man_n who_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o visit_v both_o by_o his_o prophet_n and_o by_o his_o angel_n of_o this_o nation_n spring_v our_o messiah_n and_o the_o first_o doctor_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v their_o tree_n whereinto_o we_o be_v ingraff_v they_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o god_n oracle_n which_o we_o do_v reverence_n as_o much_o as_o they_o and_o with_o st._n paul_n sigh_v unto_o god_n for_o they_o and_o pray_v that_o the_o day_n may_v quick_o come_v when_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o which_o hang_v over_o their_o face_n they_o with_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n and_o when_o as_o it_o be_v in_o their_o prophecy_n every_o one_o of_o we_o that_o be_v stranger_n shall_v lay_v hold_n on_o the_o cloak_n of_o he_o that_o be_v a_o hebrew_n desire_v that_o we_o may_v together_o with_o a_o pious_a consent_n worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob._n sect_n ii_o the_o jew_n ought_v to_o account_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n sufficient_o prove_v first_o of_o all_o then_o we_o must_v entreat_v they_o not_o to_o think_v that_o to_o be_v unjust_a in_o another_o man_n case_n which_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v just_a and_o equitable_a in_o their_o own_o if_o any_o pagan_a demand_n of_o they_o why_o they_o believe_v that_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o moses_n they_o can_v give_v no_o other_o answer_n save_v that_o there_o be_v always_o so_o constant_a a_o report_n thereof_o among_o their_o nation_n that_o it_o can_v not_o but_o proceed_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o such_o as_o have_v see_v the_o same_o thus_o that_o the_o widow_n oil_n be_v increase_v by_o elisha_n that_o naaman_n the_o syrian_a be_v sudden_o cure_v of_o the_o leprosy_n that_o the_o woman_n son_n in_o who_o house_n he_o lodge_v be_v restore_v to_o life_n and_o other_o such_o like_a be_v believe_v by_o the_o jew_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o witness_n of_o good_a credit_n have_v record_v to_o posterity_n that_o such_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o they_o believe_v elias_n his_o take_v up_o into_o heaven_n only_o for_o the_o single_a testimony_n of_o elisha_n as_o a_o man_n beyond_o all_o exception_n but_o we_o produce_v twelve_o witness_n of_o unblameable_a life_n to_o testify_v that_o christ_n ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o many_o more_o that_o see_v he_o upon_o the_o earth_n after_o his_o death_n which_o thing_n if_o they_o be_v true_a then_o necessary_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v true_a also_o and_o indeed_o nothing_o at_o all_o can_v be_v allege_v by_o the_o jew_n for_o themselves_o which_o by_o equal_a right_n or_o more_o just_a title_n may_v not_o be_v apply_v to_o we_o also_o but_o to_o omit_v further_a testimony_n it_o be_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o talmud_n and_o other_o jew_n themselves_o that_o strange_a wonder_n be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n which_o ought_v to_o suffice_v for_o this_o particular_a for_o god_n can_v any_o way_n more_o effectual_o gain_v authority_n unto_o a_o doctrine_n publish_v by_o man_n than_o by_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n sect_n iii_o and_o not_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o devil_n these_o miracle_n of_o christ_n some_o say_v be_v do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o devil_n but_o this_o calumny_n have_v be_v confute_v before_o when_o we_o show_v that_o wheresoever_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v teach_v and_o know_v there_o all_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v break_v in_o piece_n other_o reply_v that_o jesus_n learn_v magic_a art_n in_o egypt_n but_o this_o slander_n have_v no_o more_o nay_o not_o so_o much_o colour_n of_o truth_n than_o the_o like_a accusation_n by_o the_o pagan_n frame_v against_o moses_n whereof_o we_o read_v in_o pliny_n and_o apuleius_n for_o that_o ever_o jesus_n be_v in_o egypt_n do_v not_o appear_v save_v only_o out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o his_o disciple_n who_o add_v further_a that_o he_o be_v a_o infant_n when_o he_o return_v thence_o but_o it_o be_v certain_a by_o his_o own_o and_o other_o report_n that_o moses_n live_v a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o time_n after_o he_o be_v grow_v to_o man_n estate_n in_o egypt_n howbeit_o the_o law_n as_o well_o of_o moses_n as_o of_o christ_n free_v they_o both_o from_o this_o crime_n plain_o forbid_v such_o art_n as_o abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o without_o all_o question_n if_o in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n there_o have_v be_v either_o in_o egypt_n or_o any_o where_o else_o any_o such_o magical_a art_n whereby_o man_n may_v have_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v the_o like_a marvel_n as_o be_v relate_v of_o christ_n to_o wit_n give_v speech_n to_o the_o dumb_a on_o a_o sudden_a make_v the_o lame_a to_o walk_v and_o the_o blind_a to_o see_v then_o will_v tiberius_n nero_n and_o other_o emperor_n have_v find_v it_o out_o who_o spare_v no_o cost_n and_o charge_n in_o the_o inquiry_n after_o such_o like_a thing_n nay_o if_o it_o be_v true_a which_o the_o jew_n relate_v how_o that_o the_o senator_n of_o the_o great_a council_n be_v skilled_a in_o magic_a art_n that_o they_o may_v convince_v they_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o iniquity_n then_o sure_o they_o be_v so_o mighty_o incense_v against_o jesus_n as_o they_o be_v and_o envy_v the_o honour_n and_o respect_n which_o he_o obtain_v chief_o by_o his_o miracle_n will_v either_o themselves_o have_v do_v the_o like_a work_n by_o the_o same_o art_n or_o by_o sufficient_a reason_n will_v have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n proceed_v from_o no_o other_o cause_n sect_n iu._n or_o by_o the_o power_n of_o word_n and_o syllable_n moreover_o that_o be_v not_o only_o a_o mere_a fable_n but_o impudent_a lie_n which_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n have_v invent_v concern_v the_o miracle_n do_v by_o christ_n which_o they_o ascribe_v to_o a_o certain_a secret_a name_n which_o as_o they_o say_v be_v place_v in_o the_o temple_n by_o solomon_n be_v preserve_v safe_a by_o two_o lion_n
another_o humour_n but_o in_o the_o other_o there_o be_v licence_n grant_v to_o depart_v and_o be_v divorce_v here_o the_o husband_n perform_v himself_o what_o he_o require_v of_o his_o wife_n and_o by_o his_o own_o example_n teach_v she_o to_o fasten_v her_o affection_n upon_o he_o alone_o but_o there_o they_o may_v have_v wife_n after_o wife_n there_o be_v still_o new_a incentives_n and_o fresh_a provocation_n to_o lust_n here_o religion_n be_v plant_v within_o and_o root_v in_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v well_o cultivate_v may_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n profitable_a for_o mankind_n but_o there_o religion_n spend_v almost_o its_o whole_a force_n in_o circumcision_n and_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n that_o of_o themselves_o be_v neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a final_o here_o in_o christianity_n a_o moderate_a use_n of_o meat_n and_o wine_n be_v allow_v of_o but_o there_o in_o mahumetism_n man_n be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n and_o to_o drink_v wine_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v a_o great_a gift_n of_o god_n beneficial_a both_o for_o body_n and_o mind_n if_o it_o be_v sober_o take_v and_o true_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o some_o childish_a rudiment_n be_v teach_v before_o the_o most_o perfect_a law_n as_o that_o of_o christ_n be_v but_o after_o the_o promulgation_n thereof_o to_o return_v again_o to_o type_n and_o figure_n be_v preposterous_a neither_o can_v any_o just_a reason_n be_v give_v why_o after_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v far_o the_o best_a it_o shall_v be_v fit_a that_o any_o other_o shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o sect_n ix_o answer_v to_o the_o mahometans_n objection_n concern_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o mahometans_n tell_v we_o they_o be_v not_o a_o little_a displease_v with_o we_o for_o say_v that_o god_n have_v a_o son_n see_v he_o use_v not_o a_o wife_n as_o though_o the_o word_n son_n can_v not_o have_v a_o more_o divine_a signification_n in_o god_n but_o mahumet_n himself_o attribute_n many_o thing_n as_o dishonourable_a and_o ill-beseeming_a god_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o wife_n thus_o he_o say_v that_o god_n have_v a_o cold_a hand_n which_o himself_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o god_n be_v carry_v in_o a_o chair_n and_o the_o like_a howbeit_o when_o we_o say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o do_v but_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o he_o mean_v when_o he_o call_v he_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o word_n be_v after_o a_o sort_n beget_v of_o the_o mind_n add_v further_o that_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n only_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n supply_v the_o virtue_n or_o efficacy_n of_o a_o father_n that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n he_o be_v carry_v up_o into_o heaven_n all_o which_o be_v confess_v even_o by_o mahumet_n himself_o do_v show_v that_o jesus_n by_o a_o singular_a prerogative_n and_o peculiar_a right_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n sect_n x._o many_o absurd_a thing_n in_o the_o book_n of_o mahumetan_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o will_v be_v long_o to_o relate_v how_o many_o thing_n there_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o history_n and_o many_o thing_n very_o ridiculous_a in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o mahometans_n such_o be_v that_o fable_n of_o a_o fair_a and_o beautiful_a woman_n that_o learn_v a_o solemn_a charm_n or_o song_n of_o some_o angel_n that_o be_v drink_v whereby_o she_o be_v wont_a to_o ascend_v into_o the_o sky_n and_o likewise_o descend_v again_o and_o ascend_v once_o a_o great_a height_n into_o heaven_n she_o be_v catch_v of_o god_n and_o there_o fix_v and_o make_v that_o star_n which_o be_v call_v venus_n like_o to_o this_o be_v that_o of_o a_o mouse_n in_o noah_n ark_n that_o be_v breed_v of_o a_o elephant_n dung_n and_o a_o cat_n of_o the_o breath_n of_o a_o lion_n more_o special_o that_o most_o notorious_a fiction_n concern_v death_n to_o be_v change_v into_o a_o ram_n that_o must_v remain_v in_o the_o middle_a space_n between_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o the_o fable_n of_o sweat_v out_o their_o good_a cheer_n in_o the_o other_o life_n when_o likewise_o they_o imagine_v there_o shall_v be_v whole_a troop_n of_o woman_n assign_v to_o every_o man_n for_o pleasure_n of_o carnal_a copulation_n all_o which_o be_v so_o very_o egregious_a absurdity_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v they_o deserve_v to_o be_v stupefy_v and_o give_v over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n for_o his_o iniquity_n special_o such_o a_o one_o as_o life_n where_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v sect_n xi_o a_o conclusion_n direct_v unto_o christian_n admonish_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o what_o have_v former_o be_v handle_v and_o thus_o have_v end_v this_o last_o disputation_n against_o the_o mahometans_n there_o follow_v a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a not_o to_o alien_n or_o stranger_n but_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n of_o what_o name_n nation_n or_o quality_n soever_o they_o be_v show_v brief_o the_o use_n or_o application_n of_o what_o have_v hitherto_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o end_n those_o thing_n may_v be_v follow_v and_o seek_v after_o which_o be_v good_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o evil_n eschew_v first_o of_o all_o that_o they_o lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n and_o heart_n unto_o that_o god_n who_o of_o nothing_o make_v all_o visible_a and_o invisible_a thing_n have_v sure_a confidence_n in_o he_o that_o his_o providence_n and_o care_n watch_v over_o we_o see_v that_o without_o his_o permission_n not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o sparrow_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o let_v they_o not_o fear_v those_o which_o can_v only_o kill_v the_o body_n but_o rather_o let_v they_o fear_v he_o that_o have_v like_o power_n both_o over_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o let_v they_o not_o only_o trust_v in_o god_n the_o father_n but_o also_o in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n upon_o earth_n by_o which_o we_o can_v be_v save_v and_o this_o they_o may_v right_o do_v if_o they_o be_v very_o persuade_v that_o eternal_a life_n be_v prepare_v not_o for_o such_o as_o in_o word_n only_o call_v god_n their_o father_n and_o jesus_n their_o lord_n but_o for_o such_o as_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o jesus_n and_o their_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n furthermore_o christian_n be_v admonish_v faithful_o and_o with_o due_a care_n to_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o most_o precious_a treasure_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n let_v they_o often_o read_v and_o meditate_v the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whereby_o no_o man_n can_v be_v deceive_v unless_o first_o he_o deceive_v himself_o for_o the_o author_n and_o penman_n of_o those_o write_n be_v more_o just_a and_o full_a of_o divine_a inspiration_n than_o that_o they_o will_v deprive_v we_o of_o necessary_a truth_n or_o cover_v and_o conceal_v the_o same_o with_o any_o cloud_n howbeit_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n hereof_o we_o must_v bring_v a_o mind_n dispose_v and_o prepare_v to_o obedience_n which_o if_o we_o do_v than_o nothing_o shall_v be_v hide_v from_o we_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v hope_v for_o or_o do_v by_o we_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n that_o holy_a spirit_n will_v be_v cherish_v and_o excite_v in_o we_o which_o be_v give_v we_o for_o a_o pledge_n and_o earnest_n of_o our_o future_a happiness_n moreover_o i_o deter_v christian_n from_o imitate_v the_o pagan_n first_o in_o their_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o vain_a name_n which_o evil_a daemon_n use_v to_o alienate_v our_o mind_n and_o affection_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n wherefore_o we_o can_v possible_o participate_v with_o they_o in_o their_o service_n and_o expect_v to_o receive_v benefit_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n second_o neither_o may_v christian_n imitate_v the_o heathen_a in_o their_o licentious_a and_o dissolute_a manner_n of_o life_n have_v no_o other_o law_n than_o what_o be_v suggest_v by_o lust_n and_o prompt_v by_o sensual_a desire_n from_o which_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v far_o remove_v who_o shall_v not_o only_o far_o excel_v the_o vicious_a and_o profane_a pagan_n but_o likewise_o the_o lawyer_n and_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n who_o righteousness_n consist_v only_o in_o some_o outward_a performance_n can_v never_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n circumcision_n that_o be_v make_v with_o hand_n be_v now_o nothing_o worth_a but_o it_o be_v the_o inward_a circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n the_o new_a creature_n faith_n that_o be_v perfect_v in_o love_n which_o make_v man_n know_v to_o be_v true_a israelite_n and_o mystical_a jew_n that_o be_v praiser_n of_o god_n and_o commendable_a in_o his_o
which_o be_v plain_o and_o perspicuous_o enough_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n without_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o church_n infallible_a authority_n which_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o teach_v but_o by_o place_n far_o more_o doubtful_a sect_n xxii_o it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n therefore_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o scripture_n to_o this_o rule_n then_o let_v we_o stick_v keep_v those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n always_o in_o mind_n iii._o joh._n 21_o 22._o he_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v but_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n let_v that_o be_v his_o guide_n who_o will_v not_o go_v astray_o in_o dangerous_a path_n into_o which_o he_o can_v fall_v who_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n wherein_o all_o necessary_a truth_n be_v set_v down_o as_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o best_a doctor_n unanimous_o agree_v we_o be_v certain_a every_o way_n by_o believe_v they_o to_o believe_v all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o if_o our_o life_n be_v according_o without_o which_o they_o tell_v we_o our_o belief_n will_v be_v vain_a it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v fail_v of_o everlasting_a salvation_n to_o these_o alone_a as_o st._n austin_n speak_v for_o himself_o in_o his_o book_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n we_o owe_v a_o absolute_a consent_n without_o refuse_v any_o thing_n they_o propound_v to_o we_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v as_o his_o word_n be_v in_o his_o cxii_o epistle_n that_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o perspicuous_a authority_n of_o the_o divine_a scripture_n those_o viz._n which_o be_v canonical_a in_o the_o church_n it_o must_v be_v believe_v without_o any_o doubt_n but_o as_o for_o any_o other_o witness_n or_o testimony_n to_o which_o thou_o be_v persuade_v to_o give_v credit_n thou_o may_v believe_v they_o or_o not_o believe_v they_o according_a as_o thou_o perceive_v they_o to_o deserve_v or_o not_o deserve_v to_o be_v rely_v on_o a_o great_a reverence_n be_v due_a to_o the_o church_n and_o its_o testimony_n though_o less_o to_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n than_o other_o because_o it_o have_v so_o gross_o abuse_v the_o world_n by_o false_a record_n and_o forge_a miracle_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n yet_o only_o as_o to_o a_o humane_a testimony_n which_o can_v equal_v that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sect_n xxiii_o which_o have_v more_o manifest_a note_n of_o certainty_n than_o the_o church_n for_o if_o we_o take_v their_o own_o way_n and_o method_n to_o assure_v our_o mind_n that_o we_o follow_v a_o infallible_a guide_n there_o be_v no_o note_n which_o they_o give_v of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o they_o say_v aught_o to_o be_v our_o guide_n but_o plead_v far_o more_o strong_o for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o we_o shall_v rather_o follow_v they_o and_o give_v a_o undoubted_a credit_n to_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o run_v over_o all_o those_o note_n nor_o examine_v the_o certainty_n of_o they_o but_o only_o brief_o name_v some_o of_o they_o and_o show_v that_o if_o they_o prove_v any_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n above_o the_o church_n first_o they_o say_v the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v venerable_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v regard_v but_o as_o that_o name_n be_v not_o proper_a to_o they_o alone_o so_o if_o there_o be_v any_o power_n in_o name_n to_o make_v we_o respect_v any_o thing_n what_o more_o awful_a than_o the_o name_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o be_v always_o give_v to_o these_o book_n to_o which_o we_o advise_v all_o christian_n to_o adhere_v the_o next_o note_n which_o be_v antiquity_n be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o scripture_n also_o which_o more_o just_o claim_v to_o be_v ancient_a than_o all_o other_o book_n which_o pretend_v to_o any_o divinity_n than_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v claim_v to_o be_v ancient_a than_o all_o other_o society_n which_o call_v themselves_o by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n nay_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o must_v be_v suppose_v as_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v before_o the_o church_n which_o be_v make_v by_o belief_n and_o profession_n of_o that_o doctrine_n and_o the_o old_a testament_n certain_o write_v long_o before_o the_o church_n be_v make_v catholic_n as_o for_o unity_n in_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o comparable_a to_o the_o scripture_n who_o agreement_n and_o consent_n of_o part_n be_v admirable_a and_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o sure_a bond_n of_o true_a catholic_n unity_n it_o be_v as_o manifest_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o and_o preserve_v we_o in_o it_o if_o we_o adhere_v to_o they_o by_o keep_v we_o close_o to_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o have_v usurp_v the_o name_n of_o catholic_n make_v this_o bless_a unity_n impossible_a for_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n to_o it_o either_o that_o we_o all_o agree_v in_o our_o opinion_n about_o religion_n or_o that_o while_o we_o differ_v it_o be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o communion_n they_o have_v make_v the_o latter_a as_o impossible_a as_o the_o former_a because_o they_o make_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o communion_n and_o salvation_n to_o believe_v in_o every_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o holiness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o doctrine_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o church_n speak_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n sanctity_n of_o the_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o can_v be_v know_v but_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o glory_n of_o miracle_n the_o light_n of_o prophecy_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o touch_v upon_o one_o more_o the_o amplitude_n and_o universality_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o make_v their_o boast_n but_o herein_o the_o scripture_n most_o evident_o excel_v their_o authority_n be_v there_o sacred_a where_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o note_n these_o be_v be_v not_o know_v or_o not_o regard_v for_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n of_o whatsoever_o sect_n they_o be_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n whereas_o they_o alone_o say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n all_o christian_n beside_o who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o pretence_n of_o they_o absolute_o deny_v it_o and_o maintain_v the_o divinity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n against_o all_o their_o cavil_n sect_n xxiv_o the_o great_a encouragement_n we_o have_v to_o do_v so_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n then_o we_o follow_v the_o sure_a guide_n by_o their_o own_o confession_n for_o first_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o be_v certain_o lead_v by_o god_n but_o by_o follow_v the_o church_n we_o be_v only_o lead_v by_o men._n and_o consequent_o the_o faith_n we_o build_v upon_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o divine_a faith_n but_o the_o faith_n we_o build_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n mere_o can_v be_v no_o more_o than_o humane_a for_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_o and_o ample_o prove_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n by_o all_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v allege_v in_o the_o three_o book_n of_o this_o work_n the_o like_a to_o which_o can_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n which_o can_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v that_o god_n have_v bid_v we_o believe_v it_o but_o by_o send_v we_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o whence_o it_o derive_v all_o its_o authority_n which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o here_o i_o will_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o transcribe_v part_n of_o the_o discourse_n of_o a_o great_a man_n on_o this_o subject_a with_o some_o addition_n that_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o follow_v that_o which_o they_o themselves_o be_v force_v to_o follow_v as_o be_v note_v before_o and_o on_o which_o they_o entire_o depend_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o their_o own_o authority_n on_o which_o they_o will_v have_v we_o entire_o depend_v who_o have_v reason_n rather_o to_o rely_v on_o that_o which_o they_o rely_v and_o in_o so_o do_v tacit_o confess_v the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o that_o they_o be_v sure_a of_o their_o truth_n than_o of_o the_o church_n infallibility_n and_o three_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o follow_v that_o which_o must_v be_v true_a if_o their_o church_n which_o they_o will_v have_v we_o follow_v have_v any_o truth_n in_o it_o for_o their_o church_n can_v but_o give_v attestation_n to_o they_o whereas_o if_o we_o follow_v their_o church_n we_o must_v follow_v that_o which_o
though_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a may_v be_v false_a nay_o which_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a must_v be_v false_a because_o the_o scripture_n testify_v against_o it_o further_o 4thly_a to_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o have_v god_n express_a warrant_n and_o commandment_n without_o any_o colour_n for_o any_o prohibition_n but_o to_o believe_v their_o church_n infallible_a we_o have_v no_o commandment_n much_o less_o any_o express_a commandment_n nay_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v we_o be_v prohibit_v so_o to_o do_v in_o such_o word_n as_o those_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n which_o require_v we_o to_o examine_v before_o we_o trust_v and_o consequent_o not_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o blindfold_a to_o those_o who_o confident_o claim_v the_o infallibility_n of_o st._n peter_n but_o can_v produce_v any_o evidence_n of_o it_o again_o 5thly_a by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v keep_v to_o that_o which_o be_v always_o believe_v and_o every_o where_o receive_v but_o by_o follow_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o shall_v make_v ourselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o change_n and_o alteration_n which_o they_o have_v make_v as_o another_o great_a champion_n of_o our_o church_n have_v observe_v in_o the_o apostolical_a creed_n by_o make_v a_o new_a one_o contain_v thing_n that_o hold_v no_o conformity_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o the_o apostolical_a succession_n by_o engross_a the_o whole_a succession_n to_o rome_n and_o make_v other_o bishop_n to_o be_v but_o the_o pope_n deputy_n as_o to_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o in_o the_o apostolical_a government_n by_o erect_v a_o new_a and_o universal_a monarchy_n in_o the_o church_n and_o last_o in_o the_o apostolical_a communion_n by_o excommunicate_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n by_o 6thly_a follow_v the_o roman_a church_n also_o we_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o hold_v many_o thing_n not_o only_o above_o reason_n but_o against_o it_o whereas_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v only_o believe_v some_o mystery_n but_o no_o impossibility_n some_o thing_n above_o reason_n but_o nothing_o contrary_a to_o it_o for_o though_o there_o be_v thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o have_v they_o not_o be_v reveal_v reason_n can_v not_o have_v discover_v yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o there_o which_o be_v reveal_v can_v by_o true_a reason_n be_v confute_v 7thly_a contrary_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n indeed_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n &_o therefore_o by_o follow_v they_o we_o shall_v believe_v a_o religion_n which_o notwithstanding_o that_o great_a prejudice_n which_o man_n have_v to_o it_o prevail_v and_o enlarge_v itself_o over_o the_o world_n in_o a_o short_a time_n without_o any_o assistance_n from_o worldly_a power_n wit_n or_o policy_n nay_o against_o all_o these_o whereas_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v get_v all_o its_o authority_n over_o man_n conscience_n by_o no_o other_o mean_n than_o by_o devise_v false_a record_n false_a miracle_n and_o report_n as_o be_v say_v before_o and_o by_o comply_v with_o man_n corrupt_a affection_n or_o by_o persecute_v those_o that_o will_v not_o comply_v and_o by_o all_o other_o such_o like_a worldly_a mean_n whether_o of_o policy_n or_o force_n 8thly_a to_o which_o add_v that_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v believe_v a_o religion_n who_o first_o preacher_n and_o professor_n can_v have_v no_o worldly_a end_n to_o serve_v as_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v in_o the_o forego_n book_n but_o rather_o be_v to_o expect_v as_o they_o every_o where_n find_v nothing_o but_o disgrace_n vile_a nay_o cruel_a usage_n by_o all_o manner_n of_o punishment_n whereas_o the_o head_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n it_o be_v even_o palpable_a make_v their_o religion_n the_o instrument_n of_o his_o ambition_n and_o seek_v thereby_o to_o entitle_v himself_o direct_o or_o indirect_o to_o the_o monarchy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o beside_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o he_o that_o have_v but_o half_a a_o eye_n as_o we_o say_v that_o most_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v add_v to_o the_o scripture_n make_v one_o way_n or_o other_o for_o the_o honour_n or_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o the_o teacher_n of_o they_o 9thly_a again_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v embrace_v a_o religion_n of_o admirable_a simplicity_n whereas_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o doctrine_n be_v even_o load_v with_o a_o infinity_n of_o weak_a childish_a unsavoury_a superstition_n and_o ceremony_n under_o which_o its_o own_o child_n have_v groan_v and_o heavy_o complain_v 10thly_a those_o holy_a book_n also_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o promise_v ourselves_o salvation_n unless_o we_o effectual_o mortify_v all_o our_o evil_a affection_n and_o lust_n and_o forsake_v every_o sin_n whatsoever_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n but_o the_o roman_a church_n open_v a_o easy_a and_o broad_a way_n to_o salvation_n permit_v at_o least_o this_o to_o be_v teach_v for_o as_o good_a and_o catholic_n doctrine_n as_o any_o other_o that_o though_o a_o man_n have_v continue_v all_o his_o life_n long_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o virtue_n he_o may_v notwithstanding_o be_v let_v into_o heaven_n by_o a_o act_n of_o attrition_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n if_o join_v with_o confession_n or_o by_o a_o act_n of_o contrition_n without_o confession_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o and_o several_a other_o regard_v the_o religion_n of_o that_o church_n be_v not_o so_o holy_a as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o be_v not_o so_o likely_a to_o come_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n 11thly_a but_o whatsoever_o way_n they_o be_v please_v to_o devise_v to_o humour_v man_n deprave_a appetite_n we_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o advantage_n by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n which_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o by_o follow_v their_o church_n that_o if_o we_o happen_v to_o entertain_v a_o erroneous_a opinion_n ground_v as_o we_o think_v upon_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v implicit_o retract_v and_o condemn_v by_o our_o precedent_n full_a and_o entire_a assent_n to_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o our_o general_a resolution_n to_o hold_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o they_o nor_o admit_v any_o thing_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o they_o which_o make_v the_o error_n that_o we_o unwitting_o and_o unwilling_o hold_v against_o the_o scripture_n less_o dangerous_a because_o our_o adherence_n to_o the_o scripture_n be_v near_o close_o and_o firm_a than_o it_o be_v to_o our_o particular_a error_n whereas_o by_o follow_v their_o church_n not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v whether_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o people_n in_o that_o communion_n or_o a_o general_n council_n or_o the_o pope_n in_o or_o out_o of_o a_o council_n we_o shall_v have_v no_o such_o excuse_n for_o our_o error_n but_o they_o will_v be_v rather_o much_o aggravate_v by_o our_o adhere_n so_o strict_o to_o a_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a rule_n unto_o which_o the_o people_n in_o that_o communion_n stick_v close_o than_o they_o do_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o lessen_v the_o value_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o believe_v and_o double_v the_o guilt_n of_o all_o their_o error_n and_o last_o as_o this_o be_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n to_o ourselves_o so_o there_o be_v this_o to_o be_v add_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o other_o also_o that_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v learn_v to_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o in_o our_o different_a opinion_n about_o thing_n which_o can_v thereby_o be_v determine_v nay_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o direct_o against_o it_o or_o wherein_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o sufficient_o instruct_v but_o by_o follow_v the_o roman_a church_n we_o shall_v be_v teach_v to_o pass_v the_o heavy_a sentence_n upon_o all_o those_o that_o believe_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o we_o do_v nay_o to_o take_v the_o severe_a course_n with_o they_o though_o they_o be_v man_n of_o the_o most_o innocent_a and_o useful_a life_n conform_v themselves_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o governor_n for_o his_o sake_n where_o it_o do_v not_o manifest_o contradict_v he_o to_o conclude_v this_o we_o for_o our_o part_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n even_o towards_o they_o which_o grotius_n before_o observe_v the_o apostle_n be_v of_o towards_o the_o jew_n from_o who_o say_v he_o and_o let_v the_o word_n be_v take_v as_o if_o speak_v by_o we_o to_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o exact_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o happiness_n in_o be_v