can_v be_v nothing_o save_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o truth_n together_o with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n sect_n xxiiii_o answer_v to_o they_o that_o require_v more_o forcible_a reason_n final_o if_o any_o yet_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o these_o argument_n abovesaid_a but_o desire_v more_o forcible_a reason_n for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n let_v such_o know_v that_o as_o there_o be_v variety_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v true_a so_o be_v there_o divers_a way_n of_o prove_v or_o manifest_v the_o truth_n thus_o be_v there_o one_o way_n in_o mathematics_n another_o in_o physics_n a_o three_o in_o ethic_n and_o last_o another_o kind_n when_o a_o mater_fw-la of_o fact_n be_v in_o â—_z wherein_n very_o we_o must_v rest_v content_a with_o such_o testimony_n as_o be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o untruth_n otherwise_o down_o go_v all_o the_o frame_n and_o use_v of_o history_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o art_n of_o physic_n together_o with_o all_o dutifulnesse_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o parent_n and_o child_n for_o matter_n of_o practicâ—_n can_v no_o way_n else_o be_v know_v but_o by_o such_o testimony_n now_o it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o almighty_a god_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v so_o that_o the_o very_a belief_n thereof_o may_v be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o obedience_n shall_v not_o so_o evident_o appear_v as_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v apprehend_v by_o sense_n and_o plain_a demonstration_n but_o only_o be_v so_o far_o forth_o reveal_v as_o may_v beget_v faith_n and_o a_o persuasion_n thereof_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o obstinate_a that_o so_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v as_o a_o touchstine_a for_o trial_n of_o man_n judgement_n whether_o they_o be_v sound_a or_o unsound_a for_o see_v these_o argument_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v have_v induce_v so_o many_o honest_a godly_a and_o wise_a man_n to_o approve_v of_o this_o religion_n it_o be_v thereby_o plain_a enough_o that_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n infidelity_n be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a testimony_n but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o have_v that_o to_o be_v have_v and_o embrace_v for_o truth_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o wilful_a desire_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o they_o to_o relinquish_v their_o honour_n and_o set_v at_o naught_o other_o commodity_n which_o thing_n they_o know_v they_o ought_v to_o do_v if_o they_o admit_v of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o obey_v what_o he_o have_v command_v and_o this_o be_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v note_v of_o they_o for_o that_o many_o other_o historical_a narration_n be_v approve_v by_o they_o to_o be_v true_a which_o notwithstanding_o be_v only_o manifest_a by_o authority_n and_o not_o by_o any_o such_o strong_a proof_n and_o persuasion_n or_o token_n as_o do_v declare_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v evident_a partly_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o those_o jowe_n that_o be_v yet_o alive_a and_o partly_o in_o those_o company_n and_o congregation_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v any_o where_o to_o be_v find_v whereof_o doubtless_o there_o be_v some_o cause_n last_o see_v the_o long_a duration_n or_o continuance_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o large_a oxtent_n thereof_o can_v be_v ascribe_v to_o no_o humane_a power_n therefore_o the_o same_o must_v be_v attribute_v to_o miracle_n or_o if_o any_o deny_v that_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v through_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n this_o very_a get_v so_o great_a strength_n and_o power_n without_o a_o miracle_n may_v be_v think_v to_o surpass_v any_o miracle_n the_o three_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n after_o that_o a_o man_n be_v once_o persuade_v by_o the_o reason_n abovesaid_a or_o be_v induce_v by_o any_o other_o argument_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o same_o religion_n which_o christian_n profess_v be_v the_o true_a and_o absolute_o the_o best_a if_o he_o desire_v more_o distinct_o to_o know_v the_o part_n thereof_o then_o must_v he_o have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o most_o ancient_a write_n that_o contain_v the_o same_o religion_n and_o which_o common_o we_o call_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o new_a covenant_n this_o truth_n no_o man_n can_v just_o deny_v for_o as_o every_o sect_n be_v they_o good_a or_o bad_a shall_v be_v believe_v when_o they_o tell_v we_o true_o in_o what_o book_n or_o write_v their_o opinion_n be_v comprise_v thus_o we_o credit_v the_o turk_n who_o affirm_v that_o the_o religion_n of_o mahumet_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o alcoran_n so_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o say_a book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n since_o the_o same_o be_v general_o agree_v upon_o and_o constant_o have_v red_a by_o all_o christian_n forasmuch_o then_o as_o we_o have_v before_o prove_v that_o this_o religion_n be_v most_o true_a if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n yet_o this_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v and_o avouch_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n aforesaid_a wherein_o the_o same_o religion_n be_v contain_v which_o truth_n to_o demonstrate_v more_o particular_o let_v we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n take_v for_o grant_v by_o all_o indifferent_a man_n that_o he_o who_o go_v about_o to_o disprove_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o book_n or_o writing_n which_o have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n receive_v and_o allow_v of_o must_v use_v such_o argument_n as_o do_v derogate_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o book_n otherwise_o the_o authority_n thereof_o be_v no_o whit_n diminish_v but_o may_v still_o be_v defend_v and_o maintain_v sect_n ii_o here_o be_v show_v that_o such_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o have_v prefix_v we_o say_v then_o that_o those_o book_n which_o be_v not_o in_o question_n among_o christian_n but_o have_v certain_a title_n be_v the_o very_a work_n of_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v to_o wit_n because_o those_o primitive_a father_n justin_n iraeneus_n clemens_n and_o other_o do_v commend_v those_o book_n under_o the_o same_o author_n name_n as_o also_o be_v cause_n tertullian_n witness_v that_o there_o be_v original_a copy_n of_o those_o book_n extant_a in_o his_o time_n and_o beside_o all_o the_o church_n receive_v those_o book_n for_o authentical_a before_o there_o be_v any_o common_a public_a meeting_n neither_o do_v ever_o the_o pagan_n or_o jew_n make_v doubt_v thereof_o but_o judian_n himself_o plain_o confess_v that_o those_o be_v the_o write_n of_o peter_n and_o paul_n matthew_n mark_v and_o luke_n which_o christian_n under_o those_o name_n have_v read_v and_o receive_v for_o as_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o those_o write_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o homer_n and_o virgil_n be_v true_o they_o because_o the_o one_o have_v be_v so_o long_a time_n receive_v among_o the_o latin_n and_o the_o other_o among_o the_o greek_a author_n in_o like_a manner_n it_o be_v more_o absurd_a to_o bring_v the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n in_o question_n which_o be_v grant_v almost_o by_o all_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n sect_n iii_o some_o book_n be_v ancient_o doubt_v of_o in_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n there_o be_v some_o book_n now_o receive_v which_o be_v not_o so_o receive_v from_o the_o beginning_n as_o namely_o the_o one_o epistle_n of_o peter_n that_o of_o james_n and_o jude_n two_o of_o john_n the_o presbyter_n the_o revelation_n and_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o though_o not_o in_o all_o yet_o be_v still_o allow_v by_o most_o church_n as_o be_v very_o probable_a in_o that_o the_o ancient_a christian_n do_v allege_v divers_a testimony_n out_o of_o they_o as_o be_v sacred_a and_o holy_a and_o it_o be_v likely_a too_o that_o such_o church_n as_o from_o the_o beginning_n have_v not_o those_o book_n either_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o or_o doubtful_a yet_o afterward_o when_o they_o be_v better_o inform_v touch_v the_o same_o they_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o canen_n as_o we_o now_o see_v according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o other_o church_n neither_o can_v any_o good_a reason_n be_v give_v why_o we_o shall_v think_v they_o to_o be_v supposititious_a and_o counterfeit_a write_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o comprise_v in_o they_o neither_o can_v aught_o thence_o be_v collect_v which_o be_v not_o abundant_o express_v in_o other_o book_n unquestioned_a sect_n four_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o book_n as_o have_v no_o title_n be_v prove_v from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o writer_n and_o here_o let_v no_o man_n mistrust_v the_o verity_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n because_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o be_v
true_a religion_n explain_v and_o defend_v against_o the_o archenemy_n thereof_o in_o these_o time_n in_o six_o book_n publish_a by_o authority_n for_o the_o common_a good_a buy_v the_o truth_n p_o 〈…〉_z london_n print_v for_o ri._n royston_n in_o ivy_n lane_n 1632_o t_n câ—â—â—ll_v sculp_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o frontispâ—â—â—_n or_o title_n page_n 1._o jehevah_n at_o the_o top_n â—eaching_v out_o 〈…〉_z the_o old_a to_o the_o lieu_n and_o the_o new_a to_o the_o 〈…〉_z former_a with_o a_o promise_n 〈…〉_z the_o lattâ—…_n of_o the_o gentleâ—…_n in_o the_o gospel_n without_o exâ—…â—…on_n of_o any_o hom._n 1â—…_n 2_o religion_n the_o effect_n whereof_o the_o aposâ—…_n jam._n 1._o 2d_o 1_o for_o her_o habit_n she_o have_v a_o 〈◊〉_d garment_n tâ—…_n she_o regard_v not_o the_o transient_o wealth_n and_o â—…ty_n of_o this_o world_n 2_o she_o hold_v the_o book_n in_o her_o hand_n where_o â—n_o the_o lawâ—…_n god_n be_v write_v 3_o her_o breast_n be_v baâ—â—_n to_o show_v her_o canâ—on_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 4_o she_o leave_v upon_o the_o cross_n because_o thereupon_o 〈…〉_z find_v rest_n and_o quiet_a repose_n 5_o winge_a sheis_n to_o reach_v man_n to_o mount_v up_o alâ—…_n 6_o as_o it_o be_v shine_v by_o a_o radiant_a 〈…〉_z that_o she_o dispel_v the_o misty_a darkâ—_n 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o mind_n 7_o the_o bridle_n be_v hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n to_o teach_v man_n how_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o curb_v bridle_n and_o subâ—…_n the_o triâ—â—leâ—â—_n passion_n of_o the_o mind_n 8_o she_o tread_v and_o example_n upon_o death_n because_o sheâ—…_n very_o have_v and_o downfall_n of_o death_n 3_o the_o christian_n kneel_v upon_o the_o cross_n which_o he_o mâ—…_n take_v up_o mat._n 16._o 24._o having_n glory_n shine_a upon_o he_o to_o represent_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o tâ—…_n religion_n 4_o the_o turk_n stand_v with_o his_o sword_n in_o his_o hand_n by_o which_o he_o defend_v his_o religion_n that_o spring_v from_o mahâ—met_n a_o false_a prophet_n foretell_v in_o general_a by_o christ_n mat._n 24._o 5._o 24._o also_o a_o half_a moon_n 5_o the_o lieu_n kneel_v have_v the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law_n by_o which_o he_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v not_o as_o yet_o believe_v in_o christ_n because_o his_o eye_n be_v blind_v isaiah_n 29._o 10._o 6_o the_o pagan_a have_v the_o sun_n before_o he_o which_o together_o with_o other_o creature_n he_o be_v wont_a toworship_n howbeit_o hope_n there_o be_v that_o all_o the_o heatheo_fw-la shall_v become_v the_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n psal_n 72._o 11._o a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o chief_a point_n according_a to_o the_o several_a section_n of_o each_o book_n the_o preface_n show_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o work_n the_o content_n of_o the_o first_o book_n sect_n i._o in_o the_o first_o section_n it_o be_v prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n 2_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n 3_o all_o perfection_n be_v in_o god_n 4_o and_o that_o after_o a_o infinite_a manner_n 5_o god_n be_v eternal_a omnipotent_a omniscient_a and_o absolute_o good_a 6_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n 7_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o evil_a 8_o against_o they_o which_o imagine_v there_o be_v two_o principle_n the_o one_o good_a and_o the_o other_o evil_n 9_o the_o whole_a universe_n be_v govern_v by_o god_n 10_o so_o be_v all_o sublunary_a thing_n yea_o every_o particular_a and_o singular_a thing_n 11_o which_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o preservation_n of_o empire_n 12_o and_o by_o miracle_n 13_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v wrought_v among_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v verify_v by_o the_o long_a continuance_n of_o their_o religion_n 14_o also_o by_o the_o truth_n and_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n 15_o and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o stranger_n and_o alien_n from_o the_o covenans_fw-la 16_o the_o same_o likewise_o be_v confirm_v by_o prediction_n and_o other_o argument_n 17_o a_o objection_n answer_v for_o that_o no_o miracle_n be_v now_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d as_o former_o have_v be_v 18_o and_o that_o iniquity_n so_o greatâ—…nds_v in_o these_o day_n 19_o in_o so_o much_o that_o good_a and_o goâ—dly_a man_n be_v oppress_v abuse_v 20_o but_o this_o be_v retort_v to_o prove_v the_o immortality_n of_o soul_n after_o the_o death_n and_o â—…lution_n of_o body_n 21_o which_o truth_n be_v further_o confirm_v by_o tradition_n 22_o namely_o such_o as_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v allege_v against_o it_o 23_o but_o â—…ther_o many_o argument_n make_v for_o it_o 24_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o end_n of_o man_n be_v his_o happiness_n and_o welfare_n after_o this_o life_n 25_o which_o to_o obtain_v true_a religion_n must_v be_v seek_v for_o the_o same_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o eternity_n the_o content_n of_o the_o second_o book_n sect_n i._o to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o title_n of_o true_a religion_n agree_v to_o christian_a religion_n the_o author_n here_o prove_v first_o that_o jesus_n once_o live_v upon_o earth_n 2_o and_o that_o he_o suffer_v a_o ignominious_a and_o reproachful_a death_n 3_o howbeit_o after_o his_o death_n he_o be_v worship_v and_o adore_v by_o wise_a man_n 4_o the_o cause_n of_o which_o their_o worship_v he_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o for_o the_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o he_o 5_o and_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o any_o efficacy_n of_o rature_n or_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o proceed_v only_o from_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 6_o the_o author_n further_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n his_o resurrection_n by_o sufficient_a testimony_n 7_o he_o answer_v a_o doubt_n for_o that_o the_o resurrection_n seem_v impossible_a 8_o this_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n be_v grant_v it_o serve_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n 9_o christian_a religion_n excel_v all_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n 10_o as_o be_v prove_v first_o from_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n which_o be_v promise_v and_o propound_v thereunto_o 11_o whereupon_o by_o the_o way_n a_o objection_n be_v answer_v for_o that_o it_o seem_v impossible_a for_o body_n once_o dissolve_v to_o be_v restore_v again_o to_o their_o former_a integrity_n 12_o second_o the_o former_a truth_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o exact_a holiness_n of_o christian_a precept_n touch_v the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n 13_o also_o from_o those_o courteous_a duty_n of_o humanity_n which_o we_o owe_v and_o aught_o to_o perform_v to_o our_o neighbour_n though_o hurt_n or_o injure_v by_o they_o 14_o also_o from_o the_o union_n and_o love_n of_o man_n and_o wife_n 15_o from_o the_o use_n of_o temporal_a good_n and_o commodity_n 16_o from_o a_o oath_n 17_o and_o from_o other_o christian_a acts._n 18_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n take_v from_o the_o controversy_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n 19_o the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v further_o declare_v from_o the_o dignity_n of_o its_o author_n 20_o from_o the_o wonderful_a propagation_n thereof_o 21_o special_o consider_v the_o weakness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o they_o which_o at_o the_o beginning_n teach_v the_o same_o 22_o together_o with_o the_o great_a impediment_n which_o may_v have_v withhold_v man_n from_o embrace_v it_o or_o deter_v they_o from_o profess_v the_o same_o 23_o answer_v make_v to_o they_o that_o do_v desire_v strong_a argument_n the_o content_n of_o the_o three_o book_n sect_n i._o here_o be_v show_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n 2_o such_o book_n as_o have_v name_n of_o author_n be_v the_o same_o man_n write_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v 3_o concern_v such_o book_n as_o ancient_o be_v question_v the_o doubt_n take_v away_o 4_o those_o book_n that_o have_v no_o name_n prefix_v have_v suâ—…enâ—_n authority_n as_o be_v prove_v from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o write_n themselves_o 5_o the_o holy_a pen_n man_n of_o these_o book_n write_v nothing_o but_o truth_n because_o they_o have_v certain_a notice_n thereof_o 6_o and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o lie_v 7_o this_o be_v also_o evident_a by_o the_o miracle_n they_o wrought_v 8_o and_o likewise_o because_o the_o event_n of_o many_o thing_n therein_o record_v have_v make_v it_o appear_v the_o same_o be_v divine_o inspire_v 9_o and_o last_o from_o the_o care_n god_n be_v to_o have_v that_o counterfeit_a write_n may_v not_o be_v obtrude_v or_o forge_v in_o the_o church_n 10_o a_o objection_n answer_v that_o sundry_a of_o these_o book_n be_v not_o reserve_v by_o all_o 11_o a_o scruple_n take_v away_o for_o that_o some_o impossibility_n sleme_v to_o be_v 〈…〉_z 12_o or_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v râ—…_n pâ—…_n to_o reason_n 13_o another_o doubt_n answer_v touch_v some_o diversity_n â—…rieâ—â—_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o those_o write_n 14_o the_o consideration_n
the_o contrary_a â—…ly_a the_o dominion_n give_v to_o â—nto_fw-mi man_n over_o his_o own_o action_n â—he_v natural_a desire_n that_o be_v in_o he_o â—o_o be_v immortal_a the_o comfort_n oâ—…â—ood_a conscience_n for_o well_o do_v â—eeds_o though_o such_o be_v accompany_v with_o much_o difficulty_n â—nd_v on_o the_o contrary_a the_o sting_n of_o â—…gnawing_a conscience_n at_o the_o remembrance_n of_o ungodly_a and_o â—…icked_a action_n especial_o when_o â—he_n hour_n of_o death_n approach_v â—nto_o the_o wicked_a who_o do_v then_o â—…eeme_v more_o sensible_a of_o a_o immiâ—…ent_a judgement_n and_o this_o gnaw_a â—…orme_n of_o conscience_n the_o most_o â—…rophane_a wretch_n and_o wicked_a â—…yrants_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o â—tterly_o mortific_a and_o destroy_v in_o they_o no_o not_o then_o when_o they_o most_o of_o all_o desire_a as_o divers_a example_n do_v testify_v sect_n xxiiii_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o eâ—â—_n of_o all_o shall_v be_v man_n happineâ—…_n after_o this_o life_n see_v then_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o 〈…〉_z nature_n that_o in_o itself_o have_v 〈…〉_z ground_n or_o cause_n of_o its_o own_o corruption_n and_o see_v also_o thiâ—_n god_n by_o many_o sign_n and_o tokenâ—…_n have_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v his_o wiâ—…_n the_o same_o soul_n shall_v surviâ—…_n the_o body_n what_o more_o noble_a 〈…〉_z can_v be_v propound_v to_o man_n thaâ—_n the_o state_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o in_o effect_n be_v the_o same_o that_o plato_n and_o the_o pythagoreaâ—â—_n speak_v of_o say_v that_o it_o be_v gooâ—_n for_o man_n if_o he_o can_v become_v moâ—â—_n like_o unto_o god_n sect_n xxv_o â—…hich_v to_o obtain_v man_n must_v get_v the_o true_a religion_n now_o what_o this_o happiness_n be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attaineâ—â—…en_o may_v find_v out_o by_o probable_a â—…iectures_n but_o if_o any_o thing_n concern_v that_o matter_n be_v reveal_v â—…y_a god_n in_o scripture_n the_o same_o â—ust_z be_v hold_v for_o a_o most_o certain_a â—nd_n undoubted_a truth_n which_o â—nce_n that_o religionâ—…emes_v â—…emes_z to_o pretend_v above_o other_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v examine_v in_o the_o next_o â—ooke_n whether_o or_o no_o man_n ought_v â—…o_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o and_o assured_o build_v their_o faith_n thereon_o the_o second_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o our_o purpose_n in_o this_o second_o book_n to_o handle_v all_o the_o point_n of_o christianity_n out_o after_o our_o hearty_a prayer_n make_v to_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o heaven_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v for_o such_o a_o work_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o most_o true_a and_o certain_a religion_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n namely_o as_o follow_v sect_n ii_o here_o be_v show_v that_o jesus_n live_v it_o be_v a_o truth_n most_o stead_n fast_o profess_v by_o all_o the_o christianâ—_n that_o breath_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n that_o jesus_n of_o nazreth_n then_o live_v in_o judea_n wheâ—_n tiberius_n be_v emperor_n of_o the_o roman_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v not_o only_o by_o christian_n but_o also_o by_o all_o the_o jew_n that_o ever_o live_v heretofore_o or_o yet_o survive_v nay_o the_o very_a pagan_a writer_n thâ—…_n be_v such_o as_o be_v neither_o of_o the_o jewish_a nor_o christian_a religion_n namely_o suetonises_n tacitus_n pliny_n the_o young_a and_o many_o more_o after_o they_o do_v testify_v the_o same_o sect_n iii_o and_o be_v put_v to_o a_o igâ—…ious_a death_n moreover_o all_o be_v it_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o death_n may_v be_v think_v inglorious_a and_o dishonourable_a to_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n yet_o all_o christian_n do_v confess_v that_o this_o same_o jesis_n be_v crucify_v by_o pontius_n pilate_n governor_n of_o judea_n the_o jew_n also_o do_v the_o â—ike_a though_o they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a how_o that_o they_o become_v most_o odious_a to_o those_o christiansâ—n_n â—n_z who_o dominion_n they_o live_v because_o of_o this_o murder_n commit_v by_o pilate_n whereof_o their_o ancestor_n be_v the_o chief_a author_n as_o the_o heathenish_a writer_n have_v also_o record_v the_o same_o yea_o these_o act_n of_o pilate_n be_v extant_a a_o long_a time_n after_o whereunto_o the_o christian_n do_v sometime_o make_v their_o appeal_n and_o further_o neither_o do_v julian_n himself_o nor_o any_o other_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n ever_o make_v doubt_n hereof_o so_o that_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o more_o true_a and_o certain_a story_n than_o this_o which_o we_o see_v may_v be_v confirm_v not_o only_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o few_o man_n but_o also_o by_o the_o approbation_n of_o several_a nation_n otherwise_o disagree_v and_o jar_v among_o themselves_o sect_n iv._o yet_o afterward_o be_v worship_v by_o by_o prudent_a and_o godly_a man_n all_o which_o though_o it_o be_v most_o true_a of_o christ_n ignominious_a death_n yet_o we_o see_v hoâ—_n that_o throughout_o the_o remoâ—…_n part_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v worship_v as_o lord_n and_o that_o not_o in_o our_o day_n only_o but_o ever_o since_o the_o time_n that_o this_o be_v do_v to_o wit_n ever_o since_o the_o reign_n of_o nero_n the_o emperor_n when_o many_o people_n that_o profess_v this_o worship_n of_o christ_n and_o christian_a religion_n be_v for_o that_o cause_n torture_v and_o put_v to_o death_n as_o tacitus_n and_o other_o do_v witness_n sect_n v_o the_o cause_n whereof_o be_v for_o that_o in_o his_o life_n time_n there_o be_v miracle_n do_v by_o he_o now_o among_o such_o as_o profess_a christianity_n there_o be_v many_o judicious_a &_o learned_a man_n for_o to_o say_v nothing_o now_o of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v sergius_n governor_n of_o cyprus_n dionysius_n areopagita_n polycarpus_n justinus_n irenaeus_n athenagoras_n origen_n tertullian_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n with_o divers_a other_o who_o almost_o all_o be_v broughtup_a in_o other_o religion_n neither_o can_v have_v any_o hope_n of_o wealth_n or_o preferment_n in_o christianity_n yet_o become_v worshipper_n of_o this_o man_n that_o die_v so_o ignominious_a a_o death_n and_o exhibit_v due_a honour_n to_o he_o as_o god_n no_o other_o reason_n whereof_o can_v be_v give_v than_o this_o that_o move_v they_o so_o to_o do_v namely_o because_o they_o like_v prudent_a man_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n by_o diligent_a inquiry_n find_v the_o truth_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o same_o which_o be_v bruit_v abroad_o concern_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n as_o the_o heal_n of_o many_o that_o be_v sore_o disease_v with_o his_o word_n only_o the_o restore_n of_o sight_n to_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a the_o feed_n of_o many_o thousand_o with_o some_o few_o loaf_n of_o bread_n the_o restore_n of_o some_o to_o life_n again_o that_o be_v dead_a and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a wonderful_a work_n the_o truth_n whereof_o neither_o celsus_n nor_o julian_n when_o they_o write_v against_o christian_n dare_v dare_v to_o deny_v but_o it_o be_v confess_v both_o by_o they_o and_o also_o most_o plain_o by_o the_o hebrew_n doctor_n that_o be_v author_n of_o the_o talmnd_a sect_n vi_o which_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v either_o by_o the_o help_n of_o nature_n or_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o mere_o by_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o god_n that_o theft_n wondrous_a work_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o any_o natural_a power_n it_o be_v manifest_a because_o they_o be_v call_v wonder_n and_o miracle_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a in_o nature_n that_o any_o grievous_a disease_n and_o infirmity_n shall_v be_v cure_v mere_o by_o a_o man_n voice_n or_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o touch_n and_o that_o even_o upon_o a_o sudden_a and_o it_o be_v likely_a if_o such_o work_n have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n only_o than_o the_o same_o will_v have_v be_v make_v know_v and_o reveal_v either_o by_o those_o that_o be_v profess_a enemy_n of_o christ_n while_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n or_o by_o those_o that_o have_v be_v adversary_n of_o his_o gospel_n since_o his_o death_n by_o the_o same_o argument_n we_o may_v prove_v that_o such_o work_n come_v not_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o power_n and_o deceit_n of_o sataâ—_n or_o by_o any_o diabolical_a enchantment_n because_o they_o be_v do_v open_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o people_n among_o who_o divers_a of_o the_o learned_a sort_n do_v malign_v and_o â—earâ—_n ill_o will_v unto_o christ_n not_o without_o envy_n observe_v all_o that_o he_o do_v add_v further_o that_o the_o same_o work_n be_v often_o iterate_v and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o be_v not_o transitory_a but_o permaneant_fw-la and_o durable_a all_o which_o be_v due_o ponder_v it_o must_v
once_o look_v into_o &_o reveal_v be_v find_v to_o be_v full_a of_o all_o kind_n of_o wantonness_n and_o uncleanness_n as_o clemens_n alex._n &_o other_o have_v show_v at_o large_a those_o festival_n day_n consecrate_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o god_n be_v celebrate_v with_o such_o solemnity_n of_o pageant_n and_o wanton_a show_n that_o grave_n caâ—o_o be_v a_o shame_v to_o be_v present_a at_o they_o but_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n there_o be_v nothing_o unseemly_a nothing_o dishonest_a or_o unlawful_a howbeit_o to_o the_o end_n the_o people_n that_o be_v prone_a to_o idolatry_n may_v not_o decline_v or_o fall_v back_o from_o the_o same_o true_a religion_n it_o be_v load_v and_o burden_v with_o many_o precept_n even_o concern_v such_o thing_n as_o in_o themselves_o be_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a such_o be_v the_o sacrifice_a of_o beast_n the_o circumcision_n a_o exact_a rest_n from_o labour_n upon_o the_o sabbath_n and_o the_o prohibition_n of_o eat_v some_o kind_n of_o meat_n come_v of_o which_o custom_n the_o turk_n have_v borrow_v from_o they_o add_v further_o a_o prohibition_n for_o drink_v wine_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v that_o as_o god_n be_v a_o most_o pure_a spirit_n so_o be_v he_o to_o be_v worship_v with_o pureness_n of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n together_o with_o such_o work_v aâ—…_n their_o own_o nature_n without_o a_o precept_n be_v most_o laudable_a and_o honest_a thus_o the_o professor_n thereof_o be_v not_o to_o circumcise_v the_o flesh_n but_o their_o carnal_a lust_n and_o desire_n they_o be_v not_o to_o keep_v holiday_n and_o refrain_v from_o all_o kind_n of_o work_n whatsoever_o but_o only_o from_o that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a nor_o be_v we_o to_o offeâ—_n unto_o god_n the_o blood_n and_o fat_a of_o beast_n but_o if_o need_v be_v even_o our_o own_o blood_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o what_o bounty_n or_o liberality_n soever_o we_o bestow_v upon_o poor_a and_o necessitous_a person_n the_o same_o we_o must_v think_v be_v give_v to_o god_n himself_o we_o need_v not_o now_o abstain_v from_o any_o kind_n of_o meat_n or_o drink_n but_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o use_v they_o both_o with_o moderation_n so_o that_o our_o health_n be_v not_o thereby_o impair_v sometime_o notwithstanding_o subdue_a our_o body_n to_o our_o mind_n by_o fast_v that_o the_o same_o thereby_o may_v be_v the_o better_o fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o more_o cheerful_a devotion_n but_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o this_o religion_n consist_v in_o a_o holy_a confidence_n whereby_o we_o do_v whole_o yield_v ourselves_o in_o obedience_n unto_o god_n and_o rely_v upon_o his_o promise_n by_o a_o steadfast_a and_o lively_a faith_n whence_o arise_v both_o hope_n and_o true_a love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n and_o hereupon_o it_o be_v that_o we_o do_v observe_v his_o commandment_n not_o after_o a_o servile_a manner_n for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n but_o that_o we_o may_v please_v he_o and_o that_o he_o may_v out_o of_o his_o goodness_n be_v unto_o we_o a_o love_a father_n and_o gracious_a rewarder_n moreover_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o pray_v not_o for_o riches_n or_o honour_n or_o such_o thing_n as_o do_v little_a good_a to_o any_o that_o wish_v for_o they_o but_o in_o our_o prayer_n we_o must_v first_o and_o and_o chief_o crave_v that_o which_o tend_v to_o god_n glory_n then_o such_o necessary_n for_o ourselves_o as_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o sustain_n of_o nature_n rest_v upon_o god_n providence_n for_o temporal_a affair_n be_v not_o too_o much_o solicitous_a how_o the_o same_o shall_v fall_v out_o but_o very_o careful_a and_o desirous_a of_o such_o thing_n as_o lead_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o by_o petition_v pardon_n for_o sin_n bypass_a together_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v hereafter_o in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n against_o all_o peril_n and_o temptation_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o christian_a religion_n than_o the_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v invent_v more_o honourable_a for_o the_o almighty_a sect_n xiiii_o concern_v the_o office_n of_o humanity_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o our_o neighbour_n like_a to_o these_o be_v the_o duty_n we_o owe_v unto_o our_o neighbour_n as_o for_o mahumets_n religion_n it_o be_v hatch_v in_o war_n it_o breathe_v nothing_o but_o war_n it_o be_v propagate_v by_o war_n and_o hostility_n aristotle_n condemn_v the_o law_n &_o statute_n of_o the_o lace_n demonian_n which_o be_v so_o much_o applaud_v among_o the_o grecian_n even_o by_o the_o oracle_n of_o apollo_n yet_o the_o same_o aristotle_n allow_v and_o approve_v of_o war_n against_o the_o barbarian_n for_o a_o thing_n natural_a whereas_o indeed_o the_o contrary_a rather_o be_v true_a namely_o that_o by_o nature_n there_o ought_v friendship_n and_o amity_n to_o be_v establish_v in_o all_o society_n of_o man_n for_o what_o be_v more_o cruel_a than_o to_o delight_v in_o murder_n or_o in_o a_o bravery_n to_o vaunt_v and_o triumph_v in_o the_o slaughter_n of_o nation_n as_o in_o some_o glorious_a exploit_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o custom_n ancient_o among_o the_o roman_n that_o none_o be_v dignify_v with_o the_o title_n of_o any_o honour_n unless_o they_o have_v deserve_v and_o purchase_v the_o same_o in_o war_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v apparent_o unjust_a as_o themselves_o confess_v of_o the_o war_n against_o sardinia_n and_o cyprus_n and_o indeed_o general_o among_o the_o heathen_a it_o be_v account_v no_o disgrace_n no_o crime_n or_o offence_n to_o pilfer_v and_o spoil_v those_o that_o be_v not_o within_o their_o own_o dominion_n as_o we_o find_v it_o record_v by_o worthy_a historian_n aristotle_n and_o cicero_n make_v the_o desire_n of_o revenge_v a_o part_n of_o virtue_n it_o be_v a_o fine_a sport_n and_o public_a recreation_n for_o pagan_n to_o behold_v sword-player_n slash_v and_o wound_v one_o another_o and_o to_o expose_v their_o child_n be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n with_o they_o but_o the_o hebrew_n have_v better_a law_n and_o more_o holy_a discipline_n though_o notwithstanding_o they_o bear_v a_o mortal_a hatred_n against_a all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o opinion_n as_o at_o this_o day_n appear_v by_o their_o prayer_n that_o they_o make_v against_o we_o christian_n and_o yet_o again_o their_o law_n suffer_v they_o to_o render_v like_a for_o like_a and_o to_o have_v equal_a recompense_n for_o any_o hurt_n offer_v and_o thereby_o any_o man_n be_v permit_v in_o his_o own_o person_n to_o kill_v or_o be_v revenge_v upon_o he_o that_o have_v slay_v any_o one_o of_o his_o kindred_n but_o the_o commandment_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n forbid_v we_o to_o revenge_v any_o kind_n of_o injury_n whatsoever_o whether_o it_o be_v offer_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o allow_v that_o wickedness_n in_o ourselves_o which_o we_o condemn_v in_o other_o nay_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o malice_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v be_v kind_a and_o well-affectioned_n unto_o all_o not_o only_o though_o chief_o to_o good_a man_n but_o also_o to_o the_o very_a wicked_a like_a to_o god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n who_o make_v the_o sun_n and_o star_n the_o air_n and_o wind_n the_o rain_n and_o other_o common_a benefit_n to_o descend_v upon_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n good_a and_o bad_a sect_n xv._n of_o the_o bond_n of_o wedlock_n the_o bond_n or_o unity_n of_o man_n &_o wife_n whereby_o mankind_n be_v propagate_v be_v a_o thing_n most_o holy_a and_o honourable_a by_o our_o law_n which_o be_v neglect_v by_o the_o pagan_a be_v no_o marvel_n if_o they_o talk_v of_o the_o whoredom_n and_o adultery_n of_o those_o god_n they_o worship_v by_o who_o example_n they_o think_v it_o not_o unlawful_a for_o one_o man_n to_o have_v the_o filthy_a use_n of_o another_o as_o 〈…〉_z be_v report_v of_o ganymed_n and_o antinous_n which_o filthiness_n at_o this_o day_n be_v ordinary_o practise_v among_o the_o turk_n the_o sinanse_v and_o other_o gentile_n as_o a_o thing_n with_o they_o not_o unlawful_a the_o philosopher_n of_o greece_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o little_a more_o modest_a â—n_n labour_v to_o give_v a_o honest_a â—ame_n to_o so_o lewd_a a_o crime_n and_o indeed_o but_o a_o little_a for_o what_o else_o be_v that_o which_o the_o best_a of_o they_o commend_v touch_v the_o community_n of_o woman_n but_o even_o to_o make_v one_o common_a stew_n or_o bawdy-house_n of_o the_o whole_a commonwealth_n to_o avoid_v which_o turpitude_n and_o confusion_n there_o be_v â—s_v it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o wedlock_n among_o the_o bruit_n beast_n how_o much_o more_o requisite_a be_v this_o league_n or_o bond_n for_o man_n so_o holy_a a_o creature_n to_o the_o end_n there_o may_v not_o be_v a_o mingle_v mangle_v of_o issue_n
fundamental_a principle_n for_o which_o chief_o we_o have_v commend_v christian_a religion_n the_o certainty_n whereof_o appear_v in_o this_o namely_o that_o those_o which_o out_o of_o mutual_a and_o deadly_a hatred_n seek_v all_o the_o occasion_n and_o matter_n of_o contention_n they_o can_v dare_v not_o for_o all_o that_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o deny_v that_o these_o precept_n be_v command_v by_o christ_n no_o not_o even_o those_o that_o refuse_v to_o frame_v their_o life_n and_o action_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n howbeit_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o as_o will_v contradict_v this_o that_o we_o say_v the_o same_o may_v be_v liken_v to_o those_o philosopher_n that_o deny_v the_o snow_n to_o be_v white_a for_o as_o these_o be_v confute_v by_o sense_n so_o be_v those_o convince_v by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o christian_a nation_n also_o by_o the_o many_o book_n that_o the_o first_o professor_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o they_o which_o follow_v and_o divers_a succeed_a doctor_n have_v write_v as_o also_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o they_o that_o have_v witness_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n by_o their_o death_n for_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o any_o indifferent_a judge_n the_o same_o must_v needs_o be_v repute_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o so_o many_o have_v successive_o acknowledge_v and_o profess_v like_a as_o we_o be_v persuade_v the_o same_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o socrates_n which_o we_o read_v in_o plato_n and_o xenophon_n as_o also_o that_o of_o zene_fw-mi the_o philosopher_n which_o we_o find_v hold_v by_o the_o stoi_n k_v sect_n xx._n the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v further_o prove_v from_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o author_n the_o three_o thing_n wherein_o we_o say_v christian_a religion_n excel_v all_o other_o that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v think_v of_o be_v the_o manner_n whereby_o it_o be_v deliver_v and_o divulge_v where_o first_o we_o shall_v speak_v of_o the_o author_n they_o that_o be_v author_n of_o the_o wisdom_n among_o the_o grecian_n confess_v that_o they_o can_v not_o allege_v almost_o any_o certainty_n in_o their_o doctrine_n because_o quoth_v they_o truth_n lie_v hide_v in_o a_o deep_a pit_n and_o our_o mind_n be_v no_o less_o dazzle_v in_o the_o contemptation_n of_o divine_a thing_n than_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o owl_n in_o behold_v the_o bright_a shine_a of_o the_o sun_n beside_o there_o be_v none_o among_o they_o but_o be_v guilty_a of_o some_o vice_n for_o some_o be_v flatterer_n of_o prince_n other_o addict_v to_o bawdry_n and_o wantonness_n &_o a_o three_o sort_n to_o malapart_n boldness_n a_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o general_a envy_n among_o they_o be_v their_o contention_n about_o word_n and_o matter_n of_o small_a or_o no_o moment_n in_o their_o devotion_n they_o be_v cold_a and_o heartless_a for_o those_o that_o do_v believe_v there_o be_v one_o god_n neglect_v his_o honour_n and_o worship_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o know_v be_v no_o god_n make_v that_o only_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v and_o practise_v in_o public_a touch_v the_o reward_n of_o godliness_n they_o determine_v nothing_o for_o certain_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o last_o farewell_o disputation_n of_o socrates_n at_o his_o death_n mahumet_n another_o author_n of_o another_o religion_n far_o disperse_v in_o these_o time_n throughout_o his_o whole_a life_n be_v incline_v to_o lust_n and_o sensuality_n as_o his_o own_o follower_n can_v deny_v neither_o do_v he_o leave_v any_o testimony_n or_o assurance_n whereby_o his_o promise_n of_o such_o a_o reward_n as_o consist_v in_o the_o free_a use_n of_o junket_n and_o venery_n can_v appear_v to_o be_v true_a after_o his_o return_n since_o that_o his_o body_n be_v not_o yet_o revive_v but_o remain_v at_o medina_n until_o this_o day_n but_o moses_n the_o author_n of_o the_o hebrew_n law_n be_v a_o excellent_a man_n though_o not_o without_o his_o fault_n as_o namely_o when_o with_o some_o discontent_n and_o grumble_a he_o so_o hardly_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o ambassage_n which_o god_n command_v he_o touch_v the_o king_n of_o egypt_n conceive_v also_o some_o distrust_n of_o god_n promise_n for_o bring_v water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n as_o the_o hebrew_n themselves_o confess_v yet_o do_v he_o scarce_o partake_v of_o any_o one_o of_o those_o promise_n which_o by_o the_o law_n he_o make_v unto_o the_o people_n but_o be_v perplex_v with_o continual_a mutâ—…ies_n and_o sedition_n in_o the_o wilderness_n neither_o be_v he_o permit_v to_o enter_v into_o that_o bless_a and_o pleasant_a land_n so_o much_o desire_v but_o above_o all_o these_o christ_n be_v most_o honourable_a in_o that_o neither_o his_o countryman_n nor_o any_o other_o can_v ever_o convince_v he_o of_o sin_n for_o whatsoever_o he_o command_v other_o to_o observe_v the_o same_o do_v he_o observe_v and_o perform_v himself_o and_o the_o commandment_n that_o god_n give_v he_o he_o faithful_o fulfil_v lead_v a_o most_o pure_a and_o upright_a course_n of_o life_n be_v also_o most_o patient_a in_o suffer_v wrong_n and_o abuse_n as_o be_v manifest_a at_o his_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n yea_o so_o affectionate_a be_v he_o towards_o his_o very_a enemy_n that_o he_o pray_v god_n to_o pardon_v even_o those_o that_o put_v he_o to_o death_n as_o for_o the_o reward_n which_o he_o promise_v unto_o his_o disciple_n we_o very_o believe_v that_o himself_o be_v make_v partaker_n thereof_o after_o a_o most_o eminent_a and_o excellent_a manner_n for_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o lead_n there_o be_v many_o that_o behold_v and_o hear_v and_o see_v he_o who_o also_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o twelve_o disciple_n where_o he_o obtain_v all_o power_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o that_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n make_v at_o his_o departure_n he_o endue_v they_o that_o be_v his_o follower_n with_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o other_o admirable_a virtue_n all_o which_o may_v be_v a_o sure_a warrant_n for_o we_o not_o to_o doubt_v either_o of_o the_o truth_n or_o possibility_n of_o the_o reward_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o thus_o we_o have_v show_v how_o that_o this_o religion_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o other_o in_o regard_n that_o christ_n the_o author_n of_o it_o have_v himself_o perform_v what_o he_o command_v as_o also_o in_o his_o own_o person_n obtain_v and_o already_o enjoy_v the_o happiness_n that_o he_o promise_v sect_n xxi_o also_o from_o the_o wonderful_a spread_n of_o this_o religion_n let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n descend_v to_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o doctrine_n aforesaid_a which_o doubtless_o be_v well_o weigh_v be_v such_o as_o plain_o declare_v this_o doctrine_n to_o be_v sacred_a and_o divine_a if_o so_o be_v that_o god_n have_v any_o regard_n of_o humane_a affair_n for_o as_o it_o argueda_fw-la divine_a providence_n to_o cause_n thiâ—_n thing_n which_o shall_v be_v best_a of_o all_o to_o be_v of_o most_o large_a and_o ample_a extent_n so_o have_v it_o happen_v to_o christian_a religion_n which_o we_o see_v be_v publish_v and_o teach_v throughout_o all_o europe_n not_o except_v the_o northern_a part_n thereof_o so_o likewise_o throughout_o asia_n together_o with_o the_o island_n in_o the_o ocean_n throughout_o egypt_n also_o â—…iopia_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o african_a and_o last_o in_o america_n thus_o be_v 〈…〉_z â—ow_o and_o thus_o be_v it_o ancient_o as_o be_v witness_v by_o the_o history_n of_o all_o time_n by_o the_o book_n of_o christian_n the_o act_n of_o synod_n and_o by_o â—hat_n old_a tradition_n at_o this_o day_n hold_v â—mong_o the_o barbarian_n concern_v â—he_v travel_n or_o pilgrimage_n of_o thomas_n andrew_n and_o other_o apostle_n clemens_n tertullian_n and_o some_o ancient_n beside_o have_v note_v how_o â—ar_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v among_o the_o briton_n german_n and_o other_o remote_a nation_n in_o their_o time_n and_o certain_o at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v no_o other_o religion_n comparable_a hereunto_o for_o ample_a and_o â—arge_a extent_n paganism_n indeed_o be_v a_o large_a name_n but_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v one_o religion_n since_o that_o it_o be_v not_o agree_v upon_o by_o the_o professor_n thereof_o what_o one_o thing_n they_o shall_v worship_v but_o some_o adore_v the_o star_n other_o the_o element_n and_o a_o three_o sort_n reverence_v their_o cattle_n or_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v no_o subsistence_n neither_o have_v they_o the_o same_o custom_n or_o any_o common_a lord_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v disperse_v and_o scatter_v up_o and_o down_o yet_o remain_v one_o people_n howbeit_o their_o religion_n have_v never_o any_o great_a growth_n or_o increase_n after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o theâ—…_n law_n be_v not_o so_o much_o propagate_v by_o they_o as_o by_o
namely_o that_o prophecy_n in_o the_o four_o eclogue_n of_o virgâ—â—_n take_v out_o of_o the_o sibyl_n verse_n where_o unwitting_o the_o poet_n set_v out_o unto_o we_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n so_o in_o the_o same_o sibyl_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v for_o a_o king_n who_o shall_v be_v our_o king_n indeed_o and_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n and_o have_v dominion_n over_o all_o we_o read_v in_o porphyry_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o apollo_n which_o say_v that_o other_o god_n be_v only_o airy_a spirit_n but_o the_o god_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v only_a to_o be_v worship_v which_o say_v if_o the_o worshipper_n of_o apollo_n have_v obey_v than_o they_o have_v leave_v off_o be_v his_o disciple_n if_o they_o do_v not_o than_o they_o make_v their_o god_n a_o liar_n add_v further_o if_o those_o spirit_n have_v respect_v or_o intend_v the_o good_a of_o mankind_n above_o all_o they_o will_v have_v prescribe_v some_o course_n of_o life_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o also_o promise_v some_o assurance_n of_o reward_n to_o they_o that_o live_v according_o neither_o of_o which_o be_v ever_o do_v by_o they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n oftentimes_o in_o their_o verse_n we_o find_v some_o king_n commond_v which_o be_v wicked_a man_n some_o champion_n extol_v and_o dignify_v with_o divine_a honour_n other_o allure_v to_o immodest_a and_o unlawful_a love_n or_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o filthy_a lucre_n and_o commit_v of_o murder_n as_o may_v be_v show_v by_o many_o example_n sect_n x._o paganism_n decay_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n so_o soon_o as_o humane_a aid_n cease_v beside_o all_o that_o have_v hitherto_o be_v say_v paganism_n itself_o minister_v to_o we_o a_o notable_a argument_n against_o itself_o namely_o because_o that_o wheresoever_o the_o same_o become_v destitute_a of_o humane_a help_n there_o straight_o way_n it_o come_v to_o ruin_v as_o if_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o be_v quite_o overthrow_v for_o if_o we_o behold_v all_o the_o kingdom_n and_o state_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n or_o mahometan_n we_o shall_v find_v no_o mention_n of_o paganism_n but_o in_o book_n nay_o the_o history_n of_o former_a time_n do_v show_v that_o when_o the_o emperor_n go_v about_o to_o uphold_v their_o religion_n either_o by_o violence_n and_o persecution_n as_o do_v the_o first_o of_o they_o or_o by_o learning_n and_o subtlety_n as_o do_v julian_n yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o decay_v daily_o not_o by_o any_o violent_a opposition_n nor_o by_o the_o brightness_n and_o splendour_n of_o christianity_n for_o jesus_n be_v account_v by_o the_o common_a sort_n only_o a_o carpenter_n son_n nor_o by_o the_o flourish_n of_o learning_n which_o they_o that_o teach_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n use_v not_o nor_o by_o gift_n &_o reward_n for_o they_o be_v poor_a nor_o by_o any_o soothe_n and_o slatter_a speech_n for_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o teach_v that_o all_o worldly_a commodity_n must_v be_v despise_v &_o that_o all_o kind_n of_o adversity_n must_v be_v undergo_v for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n see_v then_o how_o weak_a and_o impotent_a paganism_n be_v which_o by_o such_o mean_n come_v to_o ruin_v neither_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n only_o make_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o vanish_v but_o even_o bad_a spirit_n come_v out_o of_o divers_a body_n at_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n they_o become_v dumb_a also_o and_o be_v demand_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o silence_n they_o be_v compel_v to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v upon_o sect_n xi_o answer_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o that_o think_v the_o beginning_n and_o decay_n of_o religion_n depend_v upon_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o star_n there_o be_v some_o philosopher_n that_o do_v ascribe_v the_o beginning_n and_o decay_n of_o every_o religion_n unto_o the_o star_n but_o that_o which_o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o know_v there_o in_o be_v teach_v with_o such_o variety_n and_o diversity_n in_o their_o stargazing_a science_n that_o a_o man_n can_v collect_v nothing_o from_o thence_o for_o certainty_n but_o only_o this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n at_o all_o therein_o i_o do_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o such_o effect_n as_o have_v a_o necessary_a dependence_n upon_o natural_a cause_n but_o of_o those_o that_o proceed_v from_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o of_o itself_o have_v such_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n that_o no_o necessity_n or_o violence_n can_v be_v incident_a thereunto_o from_o without_o for_o if_o the_o assent_n or_o consent_v of_o the_o will_n do_v necessary_o follow_v any_o outward_a impression_n than_o the_o power_n in_o our_o soul_n which_o we_o may_v perceive_v it_o have_v to_o consult_v and_o deliberate_v be_v give_v in_o vain_a also_o the_o equity_n of_o all_o law_n of_o all_o reward_n and_o punishment_n will_v be_v abolish_v see_v there_o can_v be_v neither_o fault_n nor_o merit_n in_o that_o which_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a and_o inevitable_a again_o there_o be_v divers_a evil_a act_n or_o effect_n of_o the_o will_n which_o if_o they_o proceed_v of_o any_o necessity_n from_o the_o heaven_n than_o the_o same_o heaven_n and_o celestial_a body_n must_v needs_o receive_v such_o efficacy_n from_o god_n &_o so_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o god_n who_o be_v most_o perfect_o good_a be_v the_o prime_a cause_n of_o that_o which_o be_v moral_o evil_a and_o see_v that_o in_o his_o law_n he_o prosess_v himself_o to_o abhor_v wickedness_n which_o if_o he_o implant_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o by_o such_o inevitable_a power_n than_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o will_n two_o contrary_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o same_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v and_o not_o be_v do_v also_o a_o man_n shall_v offend_v in_o any_o action_n he_o do_v by_o divine_a instigation_n they_o speak_v more_o probable_o that_o say_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o star_n do_v first_o affect_v the_o air_n than_o our_o body_n with_o such_o quality_n as_o often_o time_n do_v excite_v and_o stir_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n some_o desire_n or_o affection_n answerable_a thereunto_o and_o the_o will_n be_v allure_v or_o entice_v by_o these_o motion_n do_v oftentimes_o yield_v thereunto_o which_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v as_o it_o be_v credible_a for_o truth_n yet_o it_o make_v nothing_o for_o the_o question_n we_o havein_n hand_n for_o see_v that_o christian_a religion_n most_o of_o all_o with_o draw_v man_n from_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v please_v unto_o the_o body_n it_o can_v therefore_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o the_o assection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o consequent_o not_o from_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o star_n which_o as_o but_o now_o we_o say_v have_v no_o power_n over_o the_o mind_n otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o those_o affection_n the_o most_o prudent_a among_o astrologer_n do_v grant_v that_o wiâ—e_n and_o upright_a man_n be_v not_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o star_n and_o such_o very_o be_v they_o that_o first_o profess_v christianity_n as_o their_o life_n do_v show_v or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o efficacy_n in_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n against_o the_o infection_n of_o the_o body_n even_o among_o christian_n there_o be_v ever_o some_o that_o be_v excellent_a in_o this_o particular_a beside_o as_o the_o most_o learned_a do_v confess_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o sâ—arres_n appertain_v to_o certain_a climate_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v only_o for_o a_o season_n but_o this_o religion_n have_v now_o continue_v above_o the_o space_n of_o one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o year_n and_o that_o not_o in_o one_o part_n only_o but_o in_o the_o most_o remote_a place_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o far_o different_a situation_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o star_n sect_n xii_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o christianity_n be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o heathen_a and_o if_o there_o he_o any_o thing_n hâ—t_o scarce_o seem_v crediblos_fw-la herein_o the_o like_a or_o worse_o be_v find_v among_o the_o pagan_n last_o this_o be_v a_o evidence_n which_o make_v much_o against_o the_o pagan_n so_o that_o they_o have_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o object_n against_o christian_a religion_n namely_o because_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o be_v of_o such_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n that_o by_o their_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v convince_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o among_o who_o divers_a do_v teach_v the_o same_o truth_n which_o general_o our_o religion_n admit_v of_o for_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n as_o to_o give_v some_o instance_n true_a religion_n consist_v not_o in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n but_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n he_o be_v a_o adulterer_n that_o have_v but_o only_o a_o desire_n to_o
as_o we_o have_v former_o declare_v the_o point_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v contain_v which_o that_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v we_o beseech_v the_o almighty_a to_o illuminate_v the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o to_o make_v those_o prayer_n effectual_a which_o christ_n himself_o utter_v for_o they_o even_o while_o he_o be_v hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n the_o six_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n 1._o a_o confutation_n of_o mahumetanisme_n the_o beginning_n of_o it_o in_o this_o six_o book_n make_v for_o consutation_n of_o turk_n by_o way_n of_o preface_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o christian_n lead_v we_o to_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o mahumetanismâ—…_n namely_o how_o that_o true_a and_o sincere_a godliness_n which_o flourish_v even_o among_o the_o christian_n that_o be_v grievous_o torment_v and_o oppress_v afterward_o begin_v by_o little_a and_o little_a to_o wax_v cold_a to_o wit_n from_o that_o time_n that_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o constantine_n and_o other_o emperor_n the_o same_o profession_n become_v not_o only_o safe_a but_o also_o honourable_a the_o world_n be_v as_o it_o be_v thrust_v into_o the_o church_n for_o first_o of_o all_o when_o christian_a prince_n may_v have_v enjoy_v peace_n and_o quietness_n then_o will_v they_o needs_o be_v fight_v and_o still_o up_o in_o arm_n among_o the_o bishop_n also_o there_o be_v hot_a and_o bitter_a contention_n about_o the_o chief_a see_v and_o as_o at_o the_o beginning_n very_o much_o hurt_v ensue_v upon_o the_o prefer_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n before_o the_o â—reâ—_n of_o life_n so_o do_v there_o great_a harm_n follow_v in_o these_o time_n when_o curiosity_n of_o knowledge_n be_v more_o regard_v than_o a_o godly_a life_n when_o piety_n and_o religion_n be_v make_v a_o deceitful_a or_o cunning_a art_n for_o afterward_o so_o it_o happen_v as_o to_o they_o that_o build_v the_o tower_n of_o babylon_n the_o indiscreet_a affectation_n of_o high_a matter_n above_o their_o reach_n breed_v nothing_o but_o jar_v and_o confuse_a speech_n together_o with_o disagreement_n in_o opinion_n which_o the_o common_a sort_n observe_v they_o be_v drive_v into_o a_o quandary_n often_o doubt_v what_o to_o think_v or_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v themselves_o lay_v all_o the_o blame_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o begin_v to_o eschew_v they_o as_o hurtful_a and_o dangerous_a then_o begin_v religion_n as_o if_o judaism_n have_v be_v revive_v again_o general_o to_o consist_v more_o in_o â—ites_n and_o ceremony_n than_o in_o the_o purity_n and_o sanctity_n of_o the_o mind_n rather_o in_o bodily_a service_n than_o spiritual_a devotion_n some_o side_v one_o way_n and_o some_o another_o still_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o that_o opinion_n which_o they_o have_v once_o embrace_v till_o at_o length_n it_o come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o in_o each_o place_n there_o be_v many_o christian_n by_o name_n but_o real_o and_o indeed_o very_a few_o god_n do_v not_o wink_v at_o these_o transgression_n of_o his_o people_n but_o from_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o sâ—ythia_n and_o germany_n pour_v out_o like_o a_o flood_n and_o disperse_v great_a troop_n into_o the_o christian_a world_n which_o make_v great_a slaughter_n among_o the_o christian_n howbeit_o this_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o prevail_v not_o to_o work_v those_o christian_n that_o survive_v to_o amendment_n whereupon_o by_o his_o just_a permission_n mahumet_n begin_v to_o plant_v a_o new_a religion_n in_o arabia_n such_o as_o be_v manifest_o opposite_a to_o christian_a religion_n yet_o after_o a_o sort_n in_o word_n it_o do_v express_v the_o life_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n this_o religion_n be_v first_o receive_v by_o the_o saracen_n who_o revolt_v from_o heraclius_n the_o emperor_n and_o in_o a_o short_a space_n by_o their_o martial_a enterprise_n win_v arabia_n syria_n palestina_n egypt_n persia_n africa_n and_o spain_n but_o the_o power_n and_o might_n of_o â—hefe_a saracen_n be_v assuage_v chief_o among_o other_o by_o the_o turk_n a_o people_n very_o litigious_a who_o after_o long_a war_n hold_v against_o the_o say_a saracen_n be_v invite_v to_o peace_n do_v easy_o entertain_v their_o religion_n which_o suit_v well_o with_o their_o condition_n and_o transfer_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o empire_n unto_o themselves_o then_o have_v take_v the_o city_n of_o asia_n and_o greece_n with_o success_n in_o their_o martial_a attempt_n they_o enter_v upon_o hangary_n and_o the_o border_n of_o germany_n sect_n ii_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o mahumetanisme_n in_o deny_v inquiry_n into_o religion_n this_o religion_n be_v full_o frame_v for_o the_o shed_n of_o blood_n abound_v with_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o must_v be_v believe_v without_o all_o liberty_n of_o enquiry_n there_o into_o whence_o the_o vulgar_a be_v prohibit_v to_o read_v the_o book_n that_o be_v account_v holy_a which_o thing_n seem_v a_o manifest_a argument_n of_o the_o iniquity_n thereof_o for_o just_o may_v that_o merchandise_n be_v suspect_v which_o be_v vendible_a only_o upon_o condition_n it_o may_v not_o be_v see_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v not_o in_o all_o man_n a_o like_a capacity_n or_o knowledge_n and_o quick_a insight_n into_o all_o thing_n many_o be_v lead_v into_o error_n by_o pride_n other_o by_o inordinate_a passion_n or_o affection_n and_o some_o by_o custom_n but_o the_o divine_a goodness_n forbid_v we_o to_o think_v that_o those_o man_n may_v not_o know_v and_o find_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n who_o seek_v the_o same_o not_o for_o any_o by-respect_n of_o profit_n or_o honour_n but_o with_o submission_n of_o themselves_o and_o all_o they_o have_v unto_o god_n implore_v his_o assistance_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o same_o and_o since_o that_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o understanding_n there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o truth_n that_o better_a deserve_v the_o employment_n thereof_o than_o that_o which_o can_v be_v unknown_a without_o the_o danger_n of_o lose_v eternal_a salvation_n sect_n iii_o a_o proof_n against_o the_o mahumetanes_n take_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o christian_n which_o be_v not_o corrupt_v it_o be_v grant_v by_o mahumet_n and_o his_o follower_n that_o moses_n be_v send_v of_o god_n so_o like_o wise_a be_v jesus_n and_o those_o holy_a man_n which_o first_o of_o all_o publish_v the_o doctriâ—â—_n of_o jesus_n but_o in_o the_o alcoran_n which_o be_v mahumets_n law_n many_o thing_n be_v record_v plain_a contrary_n to_o what_o be_v teach_v by_o moses_n and_o by_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n thuâ—_n to_o give_v one_o example_n for_o many_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n with_o one_o consent_n do_v testify_v that_o jesus_n be_v crucify_v that_o the_o three_o day_n he_o be_v restore_v to_o life_n again_o and_o after_o that_o be_v see_v of_o many_o but_o mahumet_n teach_v quite_o contrary_a 〈◊〉_d namely_o that_o jesus_n be_v privy_o take_v up_o into_o heaven_n not_o himself_o but_o some_o thing_n in_o his_o likeness_n be_v nail_v to_o the_o cross_n and_o consequent_o he_o do_v not_o die_v but_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v delude_v and_o deceive_v this_o objection_n can_v be_v put_v off_o unless_o mahumet_n say_v as_o he_o do_v that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o christ_n disciple_n have_v not_o remain_v as_o they_o be_v at_o first_o but_o have_v be_v corrupt_v howbeit_o we_o have-confuted_n this_o fiction_n before_o in_o the_o three_o book_n certes_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o the_o koran_n be_v corrupt_v the_o mahometan_n will_v deny_v it_o and_o that_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v for_o a_o answer_n sufficient_a to_o those_o that_o can_v not_o prove_v the_o contrary_n but_o they_o for_o the_o integrity_n of_o their_o book_n can_v allege_v such_o argument_n 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 faithful_a deal_n of_o so_o many_o sect_n that_o vary_v much_o about_o other_o matter_n the_o mahometan_n be_v persuade_v that_o in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o 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
of_o foreign_a testimony_n which_o indeed_o make_v more_o for_o these_o book_n that_o against_o they_o 15_o answer_v make_v to_o that_o objection_n concern_v the_o adulterate_n or_o falsify_v of_o scripture_n 16_o last_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v verify_v the_o content_n of_o the_o four_o book_n sect_n i._o in_o particular_a such_o religion_n as_o be_v repugnant_a to_o christianity_n be_v confute_v 2_o and_o first_o against_o paâ—…nisme_n here_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n that_o create_v mind_n be_v good_a or_o evil_n the_o good_a be_v not_o to_o be_v worship_v but_o according_a to_o god_n prescript_n 3_o the_o bad_a spirit_n be_v worship_v by_o the_o pagan_n which_o be_v a_o odious_a thing_n 4_o against_o the_o pagan_n worshop_v of_o â—en_n decease_v 5_o against_o the_o worship_v of_o star_n and_o element_n 6_o against_o the_o worship_v of_o bruit_n beast_n 7_o last_o against_o the_o worship_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v no_o substance_n 8_o answer_n to_o the_o pagan_n objection_n take_v from_o some_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v among_o they_o 9_o and_o from_o their_o oracle_n 10_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o pagan_n be_v thereby_o confute_v for_o that_o the_o same_o of_o it_o own_o accord_n fade_v away_o as_o soon_o as_o humane_a help_n fail_v 11_o answer_n to_o they_o that_o ascribe_v the_o beginning_n and_o downfall_n of_o any_o religion_n to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o star_n 12_o last_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o pagan_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n seem_v incredible_a therein_o the_o like_a may_v be_v find_v among_o the_o pagan_n the_o content_n of_o the_o five_o book_n sect_n i._o ivdaisme_n be_v confute_v 2_o the_o jew_n ought_v to_o account_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n for_o sufficient_a 3_o answer_n to_o that_o which_o they_o say_v these_o miracle_n be_v do_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o devil_n 4_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o word_n or_o syllable_n 5_o that_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o jesus_n be_v divine_a and_o that_o he_o teach_v the_o worship_n of_o one_o god_n who_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n 6_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n take_v from_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o jesus_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o perfect_a law_n give_v than_o that_o of_o moses_n 7_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v observe_v by_o jesus_n while_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n and_o no_o other_o precept_n be_v afterward_o abolish_v but_o sueâ—…_n be_v not_o essen_v tally_n good_a 8_o such_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n which_o of_o themselves_o be_v neuâ—_n wel-pleasing_a unto_o god_n 9_o also_o the_o difference_n of_o meâ—…_n 10_o and_o of_o day_n 11_o and_o outward_a circumcision_n 12_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n be_v gentle_a in_o the_o permission_n of_o toleration_n thereof_o 13_o a_o argument_n against_o the_o jew_n for_o that_o they_o grant_v tâ—…erâ—_n be_v a_o worthy_a messiah_n promise_v 14_o the_o same_o messiah_n come_v at_o the_o time_n appoint_v 15_o answer_n to_o that_o which_o they_o object_v concern_v the_o defer_v of_o his_o come_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n 16_o also_o from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n compare_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o law_n promise_v 17_o jesus_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n by_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v foretell_v concern_v the_o messiah_n 18_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v say_v of_o some_o thing_n not_o yet_o fulfil_v 19_o also_o to_o that_o which_o be_v object_v touch_v the_o mâ—…e_a state_n and_o miserable_a death_n of_o jesus_n 20_o as_o though_o they_o have_v be_v honest_a man_n that_o put_v he_o to_o death_n 21_o answer_n to_o that_o objection_n of_o many_o god_n which_o they_o say_v be_v worship_v by_o the_o christian_n 22_o also_o that_o the_o humane_a nature_n be_v worship_v 23_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o part_n with_o prayer_n and_o supplication_z to_o god_n for_o the_o jew_n the_o content_n of_o the_o six_o and_o last_o book_n sect_n i._o mahumetanisme_n confute_v the_o original_n thereof_o 〈◊〉_d set_v down_o 2_o the_o ground_n of_o mahumetismâ—_n overthrow_v chief_o for_o that_o the_o make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o man_n theâ—…_n inquire_v into_o their_o religion_n 3_o proof_n against_o the_o mahuâ—…â—ans_n out_o of_o the_o sacred_a wâ—…_n of_o hebrew_n and_o christian_n 4_o mahumet_n compare_v wâ—…_n christ_n in_o their_o person_n 5_o in_o their_o acts._n 6_o the_o first_o professor_n of_o both_o religion_n 7_o the_o manner_n how_o both_o law_n be_v propagate_v and_o publish_v 8_o last_o the_o precept_n of_o both_o compare_v 9_o answer_n to_o that_o which_o mahumetan_n object_n concern_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 10_o sundry_a absurdity_n be_v repeat_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o mahometan_n 11_o a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n direct_v to_o christian_n who_o be_v admonish_v of_o their_o duty_n by_o occasion_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v before_o in_o the_o several_a book_n a_o christian_a prayer_n for_o the_o adversary_n of_o true_a religion_n merciful_a god_n who_o have_v make_v all_o man_n and_o hate_v nothing_o that_o thou_o have_v make_v nor_o will_v the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o live_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o lewes_z turk_n infidel_n and_o heretic_n and_o take_v from_o they_o all_o ignorance_n hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o contempt_n of_o thy_o word_n and_o so_o fetch_v they_o home_o bless_a lord_n to_o thy_o flock_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v among_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o true_a israelite_n and_o be_v make_v one_o fâ—ld_v â—nderone_v sleepheard_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n who_o live_v and_o reign_v with_o thou_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n now_o and_o ever_o amen_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n the_o preface_n show_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o work_n i_o have_v eftsoon_o work_n be_v demand_v by_o a_o man_n that_o have_v deserve_v excellent_a well_o of_o his_o country_n and_o of_o learning_n and_o of_o i_o also_o what_o the_o argument_n of_o those_o book_n be_v which_o be_v write_v by_o i_o in_o my_o country_n language_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o christian_a religion_n neither_o do_v i_o wonder_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o question_n for_o he_o that_o with_o so_o good_a judgement_n do_v apply_v himself_o to_o the_o read_n of_o all_o thing_n worthy_a to_o be_v read_v be_v not_o ignorant_a with_o what_o skill_n that_o matter_n have_v be_v handle_v by_o raymond_n sebund_a after_o a_o subtle_a philosophical_a manner_n by_o judovicus_n vives_n in_o divers_a dialogue_n but_o especial_o with_o most_o learning_n and_o eloquence_n by_o their_o famous_a mornay_n wherefore_o the_o translate_n of_o they_o into_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n be_v more_o for_o use_n than_o for_o make_v any_o new_a work_n whereof_o what_o other_o man_n will_v judge_v i_o know_v not_o but_o this_o i_o be_o persuade_v will_v satisfy_v he_o if_o i_o tell_v he_o how_o that_o read_n not_o only_o those_o author_n above_o mention_v but_o also_o the_o write_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o their_o old_a jewish_a and_o also_o of_o christian_n for_o our_o christian_a religion_n i_o think_v good_a withal_o to_o use_v my_o own_o judgement_n such_o as_o it_o be_v and_o give_v some_o freedom_n to_o my_o mind_n which_o my_o body_n want_v when_o i_o write_v that_o work_n for_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o most_o sit_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n only_o with_o truth_n and_o that_o also_o with_o such_o truth_n as_o whereof_o i_o be_v persuade_v full_o in_o my_o own_o mind_n for_o i_o know_v it_o be_v but_o a_o vanity_n in_o i_o to_o go_v about_o to_o teach_v other_o to_o credit_v those_o thing_n that_o i_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v of_o myself_o therefore_o omit_v such_o argument_n as_o in_o my_o judgement_n be_v of_o less_o importance_n as_o also_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n which_o either_o i_o certain_o know_v or_o just_o suspect_v to_o be_v forge_v and_o counterfeit_a i_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o such_o reason_n both_o out_o of_o ancient_a &_o late_a write_n as_o may_v be_v best_a approve_v of_o and_o as_o for_o those_o which_o please_v i_o best_o the_o same_o i_o do_v both_o methodical_o dispose_v and_o also_o expound_v as_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v distinguish_v they_o by_o certain_a verse_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o commit_v to_o memory_n for_o my_o purpose_n be_v to_o benefit_v all_o my_o countryman_n but_o special_o sea-faring-man_n that_o they_o may_v not_o as_o too_o many_o do_v lose_v and_o misspend_v their_o time_n wherefore_o beginning_n with_o the_o commendation_n of_o our_o country_n
which_o for_o skill_n and_o diligence_n in_o navigation_n excel_v the_o jest_n i_o exhort_v they_o to_o use_v that_o art_n not_o only_o for_o their_o own_o proper_a gain_n and_o commodity_n but_o also_o for_o the_o propagation_n of_o true_a christian_a religion_n for_o neither_o be_v there_o want_v matter_n for_o such_o their_o endeavour_n since_o that_o they_o may_v try_v their_o fortune_n abroad_o in_o far_o distant-forren_a country_n and_o make_v incursion_n either_o upon_o the_o pagan_n such_o as_o live_v in_o arabia_n and_o guinea_n or_o upon_o the_o mahometan_n as_o those_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o turk_n the_o persian_a and_o carthaginian_n or_o last_o upon_o the_o jew_n and_o such_o as_o at_o this_o day_n be_v profess_v enemy_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v disperse_v through_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v there_o want_v such_o wicked_a man_n as_o do_v secret_o for_o fear_n harbour_v the_o poison_n of_o error_n and_o publish_v the_o same_o unto_o the_o weak_a sort_n when_o they_o see_v fit_a opportunity_n against_o which_o evil_n my_o desire_n be_v we_o may_v be_v well_o fortify_v with_o truth_n and_o that_o such_o as_o be_v furnish_v with_o learning_n will_v endeavour_v according_a to_o their_o ability_n to_o confute_v error_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n let_v other_o beware_v that_o they_o be_v not_o surprise_v by_o those_o that_o be_v enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o which_o end_n that_o i_o may_v make_v it_o appear_v how_o that_o religion_n be_v no_o vain_a frivolous_a thing_n in_o my_o first_o book_n i_o do_v begin_v at_o the_o ground_n or_o foundation_n thereof_o which_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n this_o truth_n i_o thus_o proceed_v to_o prove_v as_o follow_v the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o there_o be_v somethingsâ—hich_v â—hich_z have_v a_o beginning_n be_v clear_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o howbeit_o those_o thing_n be_v not_o cause_n to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o be_v for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o can_v produce_v any_o thing_n neither_o have_v it_o power_n to_o be_v before_o it_o be_v therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o say_v thing_n have_v their_o beginning_n from_o some_o other_o thing_n different_a from_o themselves_o which_o may_v be_v aver_v not_o only_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o now_o we_o see_v or_o ever_o have_v behold_v but_o of_o such_o also_o as_o give_v original_a unto_o these_o and_o so_o upward_o until_o we_o come_v to_o some_o prime_a cause_n which_o never_o begin_v to_o be_v and_o which_o as_o we_o say_v have_v its_o existence_n by_o necessity_n and_o not_o after_o any_o cont_a nt_v manner_n and_o this_o what_o ever_o it_o be_v whereof_o by_o and_o by_o we_o shall_v speak_v be_v that_o which_o be_v mean_v by_o divine_a power_n or_o godhead_n another_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o divine_a majesty_n be_v take_v from_o the_o most_o manifest_a consent_n of_o all_o nation_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o have_v not_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n altogether_o eclipse_v or_o abolish_v by_o their_o savage_a cruelty_n and_o wild_a affection_n for_o see_v that_o such_o thing_n as_o proceed_v from_o man_n will_n and_o arbitrement_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o all_o man_n but_o often_o subject_a to_o mutability_n yet_o this_o notion_n be_v every_o where_o admit_v of_o and_o never_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o no_o not_o by_o aristotle_n himself_o a_o man_n not_o very_o credulous_a in_o this_o kind_n therefore_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v some_o agent_n that_o extend_v itself_o unto_o all_o mankind_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o either_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n himself_o or_o some_o tradition_n derive_v from_o the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n the_o former_a whereof_o if_o we_o admit_v than_o we_o have_v that_o which_o be_v in_o question_n or_o if_o the_o late_a be_v grant_v yet_o there_o can_v no_o good_a reason_n be_v give_v why_o we_o may_v think_v that_o those_o first_o parent_n shall_v gull_v all_o posterity_n with_o any_o fulsity_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n moreover_o whether_o we_o consider_v those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v ancient_o know_v or_o those_o that_o be_v late_o find_v out_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v as_o we_o have_v say_v any_o relic_n of_o humanity_n there_o certain_o be_v this_o truth_n acknowledge_v as_o well_o by_o such_o heathen_n as_o have_v any_o ingenuity_n and_o wisdom_n as_o also_o by_o those_o that_o be_v of_o a_o more_o dull_a and_o stupid_a disposition_n the_o former_a whereof_o questionless_a can_v not_o all_o be_v deceive_v neither_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o these_o late_a so_o si_fw-mi lie_v and_o simple_a shall_v any_o way_n devise_v how_o to_o deceive_v one_o another_o neither_o let_v any_o man_n here_o object_n that_o in_o sundry_a age_n there_o have_v be_v some_o most_o common_o which_o either_o can_v not_o believe_v or_o else_o will_v not_o profess_v they_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n for_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o number_n of_o such_o atheist_n be_v but_o small_a and_o in_o regard_n that_o straight_o way_n upon_o the_o discuss_n of_o their_o rerson_n their_o opinion_n general_o be_v set_v at_o naught_o thence_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o proceed_v not_o from_o the_o use_n of_o right_a reason_n which_o be_v common_a to_o man_n but_o either_o from_o the_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n such_o as_o be_v in_o he_o that_o will_v needs_o demonstrate_v the_o snow_n to_o be_v black_a or_o from_o a_o corrupt_a mind_n like_v as_o when_o meat_n to_o a_o distemper_a palate_n do_v taste_v otherwise_o than_o indeed_o they_o be_v but_o especial_o because_o both_o history_n and_o other_o write_n declare_v that_o by_o how_o much_o any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o honest_a by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o diligent_o do_v he_o preserve_v and_o increase_v this_o knowledge_n in_o himself_o concern_v god_n and_o further_o that_o this_o conceit_n so_o opposite_a to_o the_o ancient_o receive_v opinion_n chief_o proceed_v from_o the_o bad_a disposition_n of_o those_o who_o it_o will_v most_o of_o all_o profit_n or_o advantage_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n that_o be_v no_o judge_n of_o humane_a action_n it_o be_v evident_a in_o this_o respect_n for_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o conclude_v or_o determine_v whether_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o succession_n of_o some_o lâ—…age_n without_o beginning_n or_o the_o confluence_n of_o moor_n in_o the_o sun_n or_o what_o other_o thing_n soever_o they_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o same_o have_v in_o it_o no_o less_o if_o not_o more_o difficulty_n and_o absurdity_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v to_o any_o man_n that_o do_v but_o with_o indifferency_n ponder_v the_o thing_n more_o credible_a than_o that_o opinion_n which_o be_v already_o receive_v as_o touch_v that_o which_o some_o man_n pretend_v because_o they_o can_v see_v god_n therefore_o they_o can_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v if_o they_o see_v any_o thing_n they_o see_v enough_o to_o convince_v they_o for_o if_o this_o be_v truth_n what_o a_o indignity_n be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v he_o have_v a_o soul_n which_o notwithstanding_o he_o never_o see_v more_o than_o the_o divine_a essence_n of_o god_n neither_o ought_v we_o to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o divine_a nature_n when_o by_o our_o weak_a judgement_n we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o same_o for_o this_o be_v common_a to_o every_o inferior_a creature_n not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o a_o high_a and_o more_o excellent_a nature_n thus_o the_o bruit_n beast_n conceive_v not_o what_o man_n be_v much_o less_o do_v they_o know_v after_o what_o manner_n man_n do_v ordain_v and_o govern_v common_a wealth_n measure_v the_o course_n of_o the_o star_n or_o sail_v upon_o the_o ocean_n for_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v beyond_o and_o above_o their_o reach_n forasmuch_o then_o as_o man_n have_v obtain_v a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n than_o the_o beast_n and_o that_o not_o of_o himself_o thence_o he_o may_v conclude_v that_o that_o same_o thing_n whereby_o he_o be_v advance_v above_o the_o condition_n of_o bruit_n be_v as_o far_o superior_a to_o he_o as_o those_o bruit_n be_v below_o himself_o and_o therefore_o some_o more_o noble_a nature_n there_o be_v which_o transcend_v his_o apprehension_n sect_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v baâ—_n one_o god_n this_o be_v manifest_a then_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o we_o speak_v of_o some_o of_o his_o attribute_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n not_o many_o go_n this_o truth_n may_v be_v declare_v first_o because_o god_n as_o be_v say_v before_o be_v that_o same_o
be_v compass_v about_o or_o when_o christian_a religion_n whereof_o by_o and_o by_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o particular_o be_v by_o god_n decree_n to_o be_v publish_v through_o out_o the_o whole_a world_n sect_n xviii_o and_o that_o now_o there_o be_v such_o liberty_n in_o offend_v some_o man_n there_o be_v who_o behold_v the_o multitude_n of_o iniquity_n which_o abound_v in_o the_o world_n be_v thereby_o move_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o divine_a providential_a a_o chief_a act_n whereof_o they_o think_v if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o divine_a providence_n shall_v shall_v have_v be_v to_o bridle_v and_o restrain_v the_o wickedness_n that_o so_o abound_v but_o this_o be_v easy_o answer_v consider_v that_o wheâ—â—_n god_n have_v create_v man_n with_o freedom_n to_o do_v good_a and_o evil_a reserve_v absolute_a and_o immutable_a goodness_n to_o himself_o it_o have_v not_o be_v equity_n to_o have_v thwart_v that_o liberty_n by_o put_v a_o hindrance_n of_o commit_v evil_a action_n howbeit_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n god_n use_v every_o kind_n of_o mean_n which_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o liberty_n aforesaid_a such_o be_v the_o ordain_v and_o publish_v of_o the_o law_n together_o with_o inward_a and_o outward_a admonition_n both_o by_o threat_n and_o promise_n nor_o do_v ever_o the_o wit_n of_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n prevail_v to_o far_o among_o man_n that_o all_o kind_n of_o government_n and_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a law_n be_v utter_o oâ—t_v inguish_v or_o a_o bolish_v neither_o may_v those_o delinquence_n which_o be_v permit_v to_o be_v do_v among_o man_n be_v think_v altogether_o unfruitful_o since_o that_o as_o before_o we_o 〈◊〉_d we_o touch_v they_o may_v be_v use_v either_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o leâ—d_a â—…ssors_n themselves_o or_o for_o the_o chastisement_n at_o of_o such_o as_o sometime_o wander_v from_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n or_o last_o to_o demonstrate_v some_o worthy_a parent_n of_o patience_n and_o câ—…cy_n namely_o in_o such_o as_o have_v make_v good_a proficiency_n in_o the_o school_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n last_o even_o they_o who_o for_o some_o season_n have_v seem_v to_o cloak_n and_o bidâ—_n their_o fault_n be_v meet_v with_o ofâ—…_n a_o while_n and_o acâ—…ing_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o they_o provoke_v by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o â—…ons_n receive_v the_o due_a reward_n of_o punishment_n sect_n xix_o insomuch_o that_o good_a man_n be_v oppress_v but_o and_o if_o sometime_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o punishment_n at_o all_o inflict_v upon_o profane_a offender_n and_o even_o some_o good_a man_n which_o may_v occasion_v the_o weak_a to_o be_v offend_v be_v sort_n oppress_v by_o the_o insolence_n of_o the_o wicked_a who_o many_o time_n make_v they_o not_o only_o to_o leader_n wear_v some_o and_o miserable_a life_n but_o also_o to_o undergo_v a_o disgraceful_a death_n howbeit_o for_o all_o this_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o divine_a providence_n be_v extend_v unto_o humane_a affair_n as_o before_o we_o have_v prove_v by_o sufficient_a and_o evident_a reason_n but_o rather_o as_o the_o wise_a sort_n of_o man_n have_v think_v we_o may_v conclude_v and_o argue_v thus_o sect_n xx._n the_o same_o argument_n be_v retort_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o soul_n survive_v the_o body_n for_o asmuch_o as_o god_n have_v a_o eye_n unto_o all_o man_n action_n and_o in_o himself_o be_v most_o just_a suffer_v such_o thing_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v therefore_o we_o â—ust_z expect_v that_o there_o will_v be_v â—…e_o future_a judgement_n after_o this_o â—…e_n to_o the_o end_n such_o notorious_a â—…s_n may_v not_o remain_v â—…punished_a nor_o well_o deserve_v 〈…〉_z be_v unrecompensed_a with_o due_a comfort_n and_o reward_n sect_n xxi_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o tradition_n fvrth_o to_o confirm_v this_o truth_n it_o must_v necessary_o be_v admit_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o mâ—n_z do_v survive_v their_o body_n which_o be_v a_o most_o ancient_a tradition_n be_v derive_v from_o our_o very_a first_o parent_n for_o from_o whence_o else_o can_v it_o proceed_v almost_o unto_o all_o sort_n special_o unto_o the_o more_o civil_a and_o tractable_a kind_n of_o peâ—people_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o homoverse_n and_o by_o certain_a philosopher_n not_o only_o of_o the_o grecian_a but_o likewise_o the_o druid_n 〈◊〉_d france_n and_o brachman_n in_o indâ—…_n and_o by_o those_o relation_n also_o which_o many_o writer_n have_v publish_v concern_v the_o egyptian_n and_o thracian_n and_o german_n 〈◊〉_d like_a manner_n touch_v god_n judgement_n to_o come_v after_o this_o life_n many_o thing_n be_v extant_a as_o well_o among_o the_o grecian_n as_o also_o among_o the_o egyptian_n and_o indian_n as_o we_o learn_v out_o of_o strabo_n diogenes_n laertius_n and_o plutarch_n whereas_o to_o may_v be_v add_v that_o old_a tradition_n of_o the_o consumption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o fire_n which_o be_v ancient_o find_v in_o hystastis_fw-la and_o 〈◊〉_d sybals_n and_o now_o also_o in_o quid_fw-la 〈◊〉_d lucas_n yea_o when_o the_o caâ—aâ—…_n america_n and_o other_o foreign_a 〈…〉_z be_v first_o discover_v this_o 〈◊〉_d opinion_n of_o the_o immortality_n 〈…〉_z and_o the_o last_o judgement_n be_v find_v among_o the_o inhaâ—…_n there_o sect_n xxii_o against_o which_o no_o contrary_a reason_n 〈◊〉_d can_v be_v bring_v neither_o can_v there_o any_o reason_n in_o nature_n â—ee_z give_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o ancient_a and_o common_a receive_v 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d â—ything_n that_o we_o can_v behold_v in_o this_o world_n come_v to_o a_o end_n either_o by_o corruption_n through_o the_o opposition_n of_o some_o more_o forcible_a contrary_a agent_n as_o coldness_n in_o any_o subject_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o more_o prevalent_a power_n and_o intention_n of_o heat_n or_o through_o the_o perish_a of_o that_o subject_n where_o upon_o iâ—_n depend_v as_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o glass_n when_o the_o glass_n be_v brokeâ—_n or_o through_o the_o defect_n and_o dereliction_n of_o the_o efficient_a cause_n 〈◊〉_d light_n by_o the_o sunsetting_a noâ—_n none_o of_o all_o these_o can_v be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d happen_v unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n not_o the_o first_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o soul_n nay_o itself_o be_v of_o such_o a_o peculiâ—â—_n nature_n that_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o receiuâ—_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v contrary_a between_o themselves_o at_o the_o samâ—_n time_n together_o that_o be_v after_o spiritual_a and_o intellectual_a manner_n not_o the_o second_o for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o subject_n whereon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v any_o dependence_n if_o there_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o probability_n shall_v be_v some_o humane_a body_n but_o that_o this_o can_v be_v it_o be_v manifest_a because_o the_o power_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o body_n be_v weary_v in_o their_o operation_n â—ut_v the_o activity_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v ever_o subject_a to_o weariness_n likewise_o the_o power_n of_o the_o body_n be_v â—â—paired_v and_o weaken_v by_o the_o redundancy_n or_o excess_n of_o the_o obâ—â—ct_n as_o the_o sense_n of_o see_v by_o the_o â—ull_a splendour_n and_o bright_a face_n of_o â—he_n sunnâ—_n but_o the_o more_o excellent_a object_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v conversant_a about_o as_o about_z universals_z and_o thing_n abstract_v from_o â—ensible_a and_o corrupt_a matter_n it_o â—eceives_v thereby_o the_o more_o perfection_n again_o the_o power_n that_o deâ—end_v upon_o the_o body_n be_v only_o busy_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v limit_v to_o particular_a time_n and_o â—lace_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o the_o body_n itself_o but_o the_o mind_n have_v a_o more_o noble_a object_n and_o ascend_v to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_a and_o eternal_a wherefore_o then_o see_v that_o the_o soul_n depend_v not_o upon_o the_o body_n in_o its_o operation_n much_o less_o do_v it_o in_o its_o essence_n for_o we_o danoor_a discorne_o the_o â—…ture_n of_o invisible_a thing_n other_o wise_a than_o by_o their_o operation_n neither_o be_v the_o three_o way_n of_o corruption_n incident_a to_o the_o sâ—…_n there_o be_v no_o efficico_n cause_n frâ—â—_n which_o the_o soul_n can_v always_o proceed_v thus_o we_o can_v say_v tâ—…_n parâ—ntiâ—re_o â—re_z â—inâ—â—_n that_o commoâ—…_n their_o child_n outlive_v they_o 〈…〉_z if_o we_o will_v needs_o make_v some_o câ—…_n from_o which_o the_o soul_n proceed_v then_o we_o can_v imagine_v no_o othâ—…_n save_o the_o universal_a cause_n of_o 〈◊〉_d thing_n which_o as_o in_o respect_n oâ—_n 〈…〉_z power_n be_v never_o deficient_a so_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o will_n to_o be_v defectiâ—…_n that_o be_v for_o the_o almighty_a to_o 〈…〉_z the_o ruin_n and_o distraction_n of_o tâ—…_n soul_n no_o man_n can_v ever_o be_v able_a 〈…〉_z prove_v sect_n xxiii_o many_o reason_n may_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o nay_o there_o be_v many_o strong_a argument_n for_o
needs_o follow_v as_o the_o jew_n have_v confess_v that_o these_o work_v proceed_v from_o a_o more_o than_o natural_a or_o humane_a power_n that_o be_v from_o some_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n that_o they_o proceed_v not_o from_o any_o evil_a spirit_n may_v be_v prove_v because_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o confirmation_n whereof_o these_o work_n be_v wrought_v be_v quite_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a to_o bad_a spirit_n for_o it_o prohibit_v the_o worship_v of_o evil_a angel_n and_o dissuade_v man_n from_o all_o unclearnesse_n of_o affection_n and_o manner_n wherein_o such_o spirit_n be_v much_o delight_v and_o this_o be_v also_o plain_a for_o that_o wheresoever_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v receive_v and_o establish_v there_o follow_v the_o ruin_n and_o downfall_n of_o idol_n the_o contempt_n and_o detestation_n of_o magical_a art_n together_o with_o a_o serious_a hatred_n of_o all_o diabolical_a worship_n as_o be_v a_o thing_n contrary_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god._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 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 conserence_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 no_o more_o then_o some_o of_o christ_n work_n there_o be_v so_o miraculous_a that_o they_o may_v 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 law_n giver_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 for_o since_o among_o those_o spectator_n and_o beholder_n of_o his_o miracle_n 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 or_o the_o only_a 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 do_v 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 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_v 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 sortresse_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 of_o wisdom_n and_o judgement_n will_v willing_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o special_o in_o such_o perilous_a and_o dangerous_a time_n as_o then_o be_v 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 a_o leasing-mung_a for_o god-have-mercy_o any_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 do_v then_o belong_v unto_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 commodity_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 sincere_o unless_o they_o omit_v or_o neglect_v all_o solicitous_a and_o anxious_a care_n for_o temporal_a commodity_n neither_o can_v the_o hope_n of_o any_o other_o worldly_a profit_n move_v they_o to_o fit_a or_o utter_a 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 country_n man_n be_v not_o so_o much_o worth_n that_o they_o poor_a innocent_a man_n be_v such_o as_o in_o their_o life_n and_o doctrine_n abhor_v losty_a mindedness_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 for_o the_o propagation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n wâ—â—_n be_v oppose_v both_o by_o corrupt_a covetous_a nature_n &_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v some_o way_n animate_v and_o encourage_v by_o the_o divine_a promise_n of_o god_n and_o further_o this_o fame_n or_o reputation_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v be_v not_o likely_a to_o continue_v for_o ever_o they_o can_v not_o promise_v to_o themselves_o that_o it_o will_v be_v perpetual_a see_v that_o god_n purposely_o conceal_v his_o counsel_n concern_v the_o end_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n have_v leave_v the_o time_n thereof_o doubtful_a as_o be_v always_o imminent_a at_o hand_n which_o the_o write_n of_o the_o christian_n that_o live_v in_o those_o time_n and_o of_o those_o that_o succeed_v they_o do_v most_o plainâ—â—y_o witness_v it_o remain_v therefore_o â—…f_o they_o lie_v that_o they_o have_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o religion_n how_o beâ—…t_v this_o can_v just_o be_v lay_v against_o they_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v right_o consider_v for_o either_o they_o â—did_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 most_o 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 there_o of_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 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 most_o true_a and_o the_o very_o best_a and_o altogether_o 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 why_o 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 have_v un-faithed_a a_o sound_n christian_n and_o make_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o hope_n to_o have_v totter_v moreover_o all_o sort_n of_o religion_n special_o christianity_n altogether_o prohibit_v lie_v and_o bear_v of_o false_a witness_n in_o divine_a thing_n wherefore_o they_o can_v not_o for_o the_o love_n of_o religion_n principal_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 and_o nothing_o can_v be_v object_v against_o they_o save_v their_o honest_a simplicity_n which_o very_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o use_v lie_v and_o dissimulation_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 indeed_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o some_o man_n out_o of_o a_o wilful_a preconceived_n opinion_n to_o endure_v such_o misery_n but_o it_o be_v utter_o incredible_a and_o unlikely_a that_o any_o one_o much_o less_o so_o many_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o suffer_v so_o great_a calamity_n for_o believe_v a_o untruth_n and_o that_o which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v such_o a_o untruth_n as_o the_o belief_n thereof_o can_v in_o no_o wise_a do_v they_o any_o good_a beside_o that_o these_o be_v not_o mad_a man_n both_o their_o conversation_n and_o their_o write_n do_v abundant_o testify_v likewise_o what_o be_v speak_v of_o they_o 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 thereupon_o be_v to_o undertake_v hard_a labour_n dangerous_a and_o toilsome_a travel_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 such_o testimony_n no_o man_n can_v disprove_v or_o gainsay_v unless_o some_o will_v reply_v say_v â—…ch_v a_o thing_n perhaps_o may_v be_v â—ut_v it_o seem_v improbable_a or_o impossible_a and_o this_o as_o they_o say_v imply_v a_o contradiction_n howbeit_o that_o can_v be_v affirm_v of_o his_o matter_n it_o may_v indeed_o if_o â—ne_n can_v say_v that_o one_o and_o the_o alfe_a same_o man_n live_v and_o die_v at_o â—…e_a self_n same_o time_n but_o that_o a_o â—an_v may_v be_v restore_v from_o death_n 〈◊〉_d life_n namely_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 hence_o we_o find_v in_o plato_n that_o the_o same_o thing_n happen_v to_o eris_n a_o armenian_a the_o like_a be_v relate_v of_o a_o certain_a woman_n by_o heraclideâ—_n a_o philosopher_n of_o pontus_n of_o aristoeus_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 since_o then_o as_o have_v be_v show_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v a_o thing_n impossible_a for_o christ_n to_o have_v be_v restore_v to_o life_n again_o see_v also_o that_o this_o very_a christ_n as_o both_o his_o countryman_n and_o other_o do_v confess_v do_v publish_v and_o preach_v a_o new_a doctrine_n warrant_v by_o divine_a au_fw-fr it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o this_o â—…me_a doctrine_n must_v be_v true_a and_o â—ertaine_a for_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o divine_a justice_n and_o wisdom_n to_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v he_o after_o â—o_o excellent_a a_o manner_n who_o shall_v utter_v a_o untruth_n in_o so_o â—…ighty_a abusinesse_n special_o consider_v that_o christ_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n do_v foretell_v unto_o his_o countryman_n what_o death_n â—ee_n shall_v die_v and_o how_o he_o shall_v be_v revive_v again_o adâ—ing_v further_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v for_o the_o establish_n and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n thus_o far_o touch_v those_o argument_n which_o be_v take_v from_o â—…or_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o next_o place_n â—et_v we_o descend_v to_o such_o as_o be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n or_o quality_n of_o his_o doctrine_n sect_n x._o christian_n religion_n prefer_v before_o all_o other_o it_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n 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 that_o govern_v all_o thing_n and_o with_o all_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_a as_o also_o how_o that_o in_o himself_o there_o be_v matter_n both_o of_o reward_n and_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 imagine_v more_o honourable_a for_o excellency_n of_o reward_n more_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a for_o precept_n or_o more_o admirable_a for_o the_o manner_n accord_v 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 fâ—…tion_n &_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 beside_o it_o be_v involve_v in_o dark_a shadow_n require_v a_o lere_n &_o wise_a understanding_n for_o the_o right_a manifestation_n and_o discreet_a apprehension_n thereof_o 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 such_o as_o receive_v their_o learning_n from_o the_o chaldean_n and_o egyptian_n what_o conceit_n or_o opinion_n soever_o they_o have_v of_o future_a wâ—l-fâ—rt_a and_o fâ—l_a city_n yet_o they_o speak_v thereof_o only_o after_o a_o doubtful_a and_o ambiguous_a manner_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o disputation_n of_o socrates_n in_o tusties_n work_n in_o seneca_n and_o other_o and_o the_o argument_n they_o produce_v for_o they_o be_v ground_v upon_o uncertainty_n prove_v no_o more_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o maâ—_n than_o of_o a_o beast_n which_o while_o sâ—…_n 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 mentâ—_n beast_n and_o again_o from_o beast_n into_o man_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 it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o there_o be_v some_o â—nd_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 and_o chief_a welfare_n can_v not_o consist_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o include_v or_o be_v accompany_v with_o peril_n trouble_n torment_n and_o death_n unless_o we_o have_v rather_o follow_v the_o sound_n of_o word_n than_o the_o sense_n of_o thing_n wherefore_o they_o place_v man_n chief_a happiness_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v delightful_a and_o please_a to_o sense_n but_o yet_o this_o opinion_n also_o be_v disprove_v and_o sufficient_o confute_v by_o many_o as_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o all_o honesty_n the_o seed_n whereof_o be_v root_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o nature_n as_o also_o because_o it_o make_v man_n who_o be_v bear_v to_o contemplate_v heaven_n and_o heavenly_a matter_n to_o be_v no_o better_o if_o not_o worse_o than_o a_o beast_n that_o pore_n only_o upon_o earthly_a thing_n with_o these_o and_o such_o like_a uncertainty_n and_o doubt_n be_v mankind_n distract_v at_o that_o time_n when_o christ_n bring_v in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o right_a end_n who_o promise_v unto_o his_o follower_n not_o only_a eternity_n without_o all_o sorrow_n and_o tribulation_n but_o also_o such_o a_o life_n hereafter_o as_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v with_o endless_a joy_n and_o happiness_n and_o that_o not_o of_o one_o part_n of_o man_n alone_o to_o wit_n of_o his_o soul_n the_o felicity_n whereof_o after_o this_o life_n partly_o by_o probable_a conjecture_n and_o partly_o from_o tradition_n be_v hope_v for_o before_o but_o also_o of_o his_o whole_a body_n and_o soul_n together_o for_o as_o the_o body_n by_o divine_a appointment_n become_v subject_a and_o liable_a to_o grievance_n hurt_n calamity_n and_o vexation_n be_v unite_v with_o the_o soul_n â—o_o likewise_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v make_v jo_o ynt_a partaker_n of_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n now_o the_o reward_n and_o promise_a joy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v of_o small_a value_n or_o little_a worth_n like_a to_o the_o meat_n or_o good_a cheer_n and_o dainty_a fare_n wherewith_o the_o carnal_a jews_n seed_n their_o gape_a hope_n or_o like_v to_o the_o sleshly_a voluptuousness_n of_o carnal_a copulation_n which_o the_o turk_n expect_v to_o enjoy_v after_o death_n for_o both_o these_o sensuality_n be_v proper_a to_o this_o frail_a life_n at_o the_o bell_n be_v but_o help_v or_o remedy_n of_o mortality_n the_o former_a whereof_o conduce_v after_o some_o sort_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o every_o particular_a man_n or_o beast_n in_o present_a be_v and_o the_o latter_a for_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o same_o creature_n by_o succession_n in_o their_o kind_n but_o by_o the_o happiness_n aforesaid_a our_o body_n shall_v be_v endue_v with_o constant_a vigour_n agility_n strength_n and_o more_o than_o a_o star-like_a beauty_n in_o the_o soul_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o understanding_n without_o error_n a_o behold_v of_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o divine_a providence_n or_o whatsoever_o be_v now_o hide_v from_o we_o the_o will_v shall_v be_v free_v from_o all_o turbulence_n of_o passion_n busy_v about_o nothing_o but_o the_o sight_n the_o admire_a and_o praise_v of_o the_o almighty_a in_o a_o word_n there_o shall_v be_v joy_n and_o tranquillity_n and_o all_o thing_n excellent_a beyond_o compare_n such_o as_o we_o can_v possible_o conceive_v or_o apprehend_v in_o this_o mortal_a life_n sect_n xii_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n that_o body_n once_o dead_a can_v be_v revive_v again_o beside_o the_o doubt_n but_o late_o answer_v there_o be_v another_o difficulty_n object_v against_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n namely_o how_o can_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o humane_a body_n once_o dissolve_v into_o dust_n and_o corruption_n ever_o to_o be_v unite_v and_o joint_v again_o for_o answer_v we_o say_v that_o this_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o see_v it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o most_o part_n of_o philosopher_n that_o the_o same_o substance_n or_o matter_n of_o thing_n however_o diverse_o change_v or_o alter_v do_v remain_v still_o capable_a of_o divers_a form_n who_o can_v say_v then_o that_o the_o divers_a part_n of_o that_o matter_n whereof_o humane_a body_n consist_v though_o the_o same_o be_v fanâ—_n and_o wide_a a_o sunder_a be_v unknown_a to_o god_n or_o that_o he_o have_v not_o power_n to_o recollect_v &_o join_v they_o together_o again_o or_o that_o he_o can_v do_v in_o this_o his_o world_n like_o chemic_n in_o their_o furnace_n and_o vessel_n gather_v into_o one_o and_o râ—…iâ—â—_n thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n beside_o we_o see_v in_o plant_n and_o live_a creature_n though_o the_o â—ormes_n seem_v to_o be_v change_v and_o the_o subject_n be_v resolve_v into_o seed_n its_o principle_n yet_o the_o virtue_n thereof_o remain_v and_o the_o same_o subject_n afterward_o revive_v again_o neither_o be_v it_o a_o hard_a matter_n to_o untie_v that_o knot_n and_o answer_v â—ho_fw-mi doubt_v concern_v humane_a body_n which_o after_o corruption_n and_o transmutation_n become_v food_n for_o beast_n and_o cattle_n then_o again_o the_o same_o beast_n afterward_o become_v food_n for_o man_n for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o great_a portion_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o eat_v be_v not_o convert_v into_o integrall_a part_n of_o our_o body_n but_o either_o the_o same_o be_v turn_v into_o excrement_n or_o become_v addition_n and_o humour_n of_o the_o body_n as_o fleame_z and_o choler_n yea_o much_o of_o that_o which_o become_v our_o nourishment_n be_v waste_v away_o either_o by_o disease_n or_o by_o inward_a natural_a heat_n or_o by_o the_o air_n about_o we_o all_o which_o be_v so_o he_o that_o so_o careful_o regard_v all_o kind_n of_o bruit_n beast_n that_o none_o of_o they_o perish_v the_o same_o god_n with_o a_o more_o special_a providence_n can_v also_o provide_v for_o humane_a body_n that_o though_o by_o traâ—…tation_n they_o become_v meâ—t_v for_o other_o man_n yet_o they_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v convert_v into_o the_o substance_n of_o those_o that_o eat_v they_o than_o aâ—e_a poison_n or_o physical_a poâ—ions_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o as_o receive_v they_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o seem_v unnatural_a for_o man_n to_o feed_v upon_o humane_a flesh_n or_o suppose_v this_o which_o we_o say_v be_v false_a and_o that_o something_o be_v add_v to_o the_o body_n which_o must_v needs_o afterward_o be_v diminish_v yet_o thence_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o same_o body_n do_v not_o remain_v see_v that_o in_o this_o life_n there_o happen_v great_a mutation_n than_o so_o thus_o the_o butterfly_n may_v be_v in_o a_o worm_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o herb_n or_o wine_n in_o some_o small_a diminutive_a thing_n whence_o they_o may_v be_v re-restored_n to_o their_o former_a just_a magnitude_n and_o existence_n wherefore_o since_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o such_o like_a be_v possible_a there_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o any_o shall_v think_v it_o impossible_a for_o humane_a body_n after_o death_n to_o be_v revive_v again_o forasmuch_o also_o as_o divers_a learned_a man_n to_o wit_n zoroaster_n among_o the_o chaldean_n theopompus_n among_o the_o peripatetikâ—s_n and_o almost_o all_o the_o stoic_n do_v not_o only_o grant_v the_o possibility_n hereof_o but_o be_v assure_o persuade_v it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v indeed_o sect_n xiii_o the_o excellency_n of_o 〈◊〉_d precept_n give_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o second_o thing_n wherein_o christian_a religion_n excel_v all_o other_o that_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v invent_v be_v the_o great_a holiness_n of_o law_n and_o precept_n as_o well_o in_o matter_n pertain_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o likewise_o in_o thing_n concern_v our_o neighbour_n the_o pagan_n in_o their_o divine_a service_n be_v give_v to_o more_o confidence_n and_o credulity_n than_o truth_n as_o porphyry_n show_v at_o large_a and_o some_o late_a navigation_n have_v discover_v for_o with_o they_o it_o be_v a_o common_a receive_v opinion_n that_o the_o god_n may_v be_v appease_v by_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o man_n blood_n which_o in_o humane_a custom_n be_v not_o abolish_v either_o by_o the_o great_a learning_n of_o the_o grecian_n or_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o roman_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o oblation_n offer_v unto_o bacchus_n and_o jupiter_n the_o hide_a and_o most_o holy_a mystery_n of_o the_o goddess_n ceres_n and_o of_o father_n bacchus_n be_v
christian_n then_o for_o mahumetanisme_n it_o be_v possess_v of_o land_n enough_o but_o it_o be_v not_o alone_a for_o christian_a religiâ—â—_n have_v a_o great_a number_n of_o professor_n in_o some_o place_n where_o turk_n domineer_v and_o again_o there_o be_v many_o christian_n in_o most_o quatter_n where_o turk_n or_o mahumâ—…_n have_v no_o foot_n sect_n xxii_o consider_v the_o meekness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o they_o that_o first_o teach_v this_o religion_n it_o follow_v that_o we_o consider_v by_o what_o mean_v this_o christian_a religion_n have_v its_o augmentation_n â—nd_v increase_v that_o therein_o it_o may_v â—…e_v comparable_a and_o prefer_v beâ—…re_o other_o we_o see_v it_o common_o â—…ue_v of_o most_o man_n that_o they_o will_v â—…llow_v the_o example_n of_o king_n and_o â—…otentates_n what_o way_n soever_o they_o â—…oe_v special_o if_o law_n or_o necessityâ—…ompell_v â—…ompell_z they_o to_o it_o hereby_o be_v â—…he_a religion_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o of_o mahumet_n much_o augment_v but_o â—…las_o they_o that_o first_o teach_v the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o wanâ—…d_v all_o civil_a power_n and_o authority_n â—ut_v be_v of_o mean_a condition_n no_o better_a than_o poor_a fisherman_n weaver_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o by_o such_o man_n pain_n and_o industry_n that_o doctrine_n within_o the_o space_n of_o thirty_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o be_v publish_v not_o only_o throughout_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n but_o also_o among_o the_o parthian_n and_o remote_a indian_n after_o this_o beginning_n almost_o for_o three_o several_a age_n together_o this_o same_o religion_n be_v so_o promote_v by_o the_o studious_a endeavour_n of_o some_o private_a man_n not_o with_o any_o threaten_n or_o allure_a promise_n but_o even_o in_o spite_n of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a world_n be_v christian_n before_o that_o constantine_n profess_v christianity_n among_o the_o grecian_n that_o teach_v morality_n divers_a there_o be_v very_o commendable_a in_o other_o art_n and_o discipline_n as_o the_o platonics_n for_o the_o study_n of_o geometry_n the_o peripatetic_n for_o the_o history_n of_o plant_n and_o other_o live_a creature_n the_o stoic_n for_o logical_a subtlety_n the_o pythagorean_n for_o knowledge_n of_o number_n and_o harmony_n many_o also_o be_v admirable_a for_o eloquence_n â—s_a xenophon_n plato_n and_o theophraâ—…us_n but_o the_o first_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n of_o christianity_n be_v endue_v with_o no_o such_o art_n but_o use_v plain_a language_n without_o entice_a word_n only_o after_o a_o bare_a manner_n or_o naâ—ed_a form_n of_o speech_n pronounce_v their_o precept_n promise_n and_o threatening_n which_o see_v they_o have_v no_o such_o efficacy_n in_o themselves_o for_o the_o propagation_n of_o this_o truth_n we_o must_v needs_o thereupon_o think_v that_o there_o be_v either_o a_o miracle_n or_o god_n secret_a power_n assist_v the_o business_n or_o both_o together_o sect_n xxiii_o what_o great_a impediment_n there_o be_v that_o may_v terrify_v man_n from_o the_o embrace_v or_o the_o profess_v hereof_o hereunto_o may_v be_v add_v another_o thing_n considerable_a namely_o how_o they_o who_o receiveâ—_n christianity_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o say_a man_n have_v their_o mindeâ—…_n prepossess_v with_o another_o form_n oâ—_n religion_n and_o therefore_o less_o docile_a or_o capable_a of_o this_o doctrine_n after_o that_o they_o have_v learn_v either_o the_o pagan_n service_n and_o ceremony_n or_o the_o law_n of_o mahumet_n be_v thereby_o no_o way_n prepare_v and_o fit_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o instruction_n as_o the_o hebrew_n be_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n by_o their_o circumcision_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o god_n haâ—â—ng_v their_o mind_n thus_o fill_v with_o preconcerned_a opinion_n concern_v heathenish_a and_o jewish_a rite_n whereunto_o they_o be_v habituate_v by_o custom_n which_o be_v a_o second_o nature_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o they_o entertain_v any_o new_a ordinance_n and_o instruction_n special_o such_o as_o these_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v educate_v and_o confirm_v by_o their_o parent_n authority_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v another_o 〈…〉_z to_o wit_n the_o great_a adversity_n they_o be_v to_o undergo_v and_o the_o most_o grievous_a misery_n which_o they_o suffer_v or_o stand_v in_o â—eare_z of_o for_o profess_v christianity_n for_o see_v that_o humane_a nature_n abhor_v such_o evil_n it_o must_v needs_o â—ollow_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o evils_n can_v be_v admit_v of_o without_o much_o difficulty_n a_o long_a time_n â—ere_z the_o christian_n deprive_v of_o â—ll_a honour_n and_o dignity_n be_v much_o afflict_v with_o divers_a penalty_n with_o confiscation_n of_o good_n â—nd_v banishment_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v all_o but_o flea-bitings_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o cruel_a 〈…〉_z they_o endure_v when_o they_o be_v put_v into_o hot_a scald_a metal_n and_o torment_v with_o the_o most_o grievous_a punishment_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v neither_o do_v this_o happen_v to_o a_o few_o only_o but_o such_o multitude_n of_o they_o be_v thus_o torture_v to_o death_n that_o there_o be_v never_o in_o one_o age_n before_o so_o many_o man_n sweep_v away_o and_o devour_v either_o by_o famine_n oâ—_n pestilence_n or_o war_n as_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o time_n do_v testify_v their_o manner_n and_o kind_n of_o death_n also_o be_v not_o ordinary_a but_o some_o be_v burn_v quick_a other_o nail_v upon_o cross_n and_o rack_v most_o of_o they_o put_v to_o such_o grievous_a torment_n as_o can_v be_v read_v or_o conceive_v without_o horror_n and_o wonder_n and_o this_o savage_a cruelty_n against_o christian_n which_o continue_v in_o the_o roman_a world_n and_o else_o where_o scarce_o with_o any_o intermission_n until_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n do_v not_o so_o depopulate_v the_o church_n but_o that_o out_o of_o the_o seed_n thereof_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n there_o spring_v up_o ever_o a_o new_a supply_n of_o professor_n now_o if_o herein_o we_o compare_v christianity_n with_o other_o religious_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o among_o the_o grecian_n and_o other_o pagan_n though_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o magnify_v their_o own_o worthy_n above_o measure_n yet_o be_v there_o but_o a_o short_a catalogue_n of_o such_o as_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o doctrine_n only_o we_o read_v of_o certain_a philosopher_n in_o india_n of_o socrates_n also_o and_o some_o few_o more_o who_o no_o doubt_n be_v the_o most_o eminent_a man_n in_o those_o time_n have_v a_o desire_n to_o perpetuate_v their_o fame_n to_o posterity_n but_o among_o those_o christian_n that_o suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o their_o faith_n there_o be_v very_o many_o of_o mean_a rank_n be_v of_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o people_n such_o as_o be_v scarce_o ever_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o know_v to_o their_o neighbour_n that_o live_v hard_o by_o there_o be_v woman_n also_o wife_n virgin_n and_o young_a man_n such_o as_o it_o be_v probable_a never_o cover_v or_o hope_v for_o any_o renown_n in_o their_o suffering_n whereupon_o in_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n we_o find_v the_o name_n but_o of_o a_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o the_o rest_n only_o register_v in_o gross_a add_v further_o that_o the_o heathen_a for_o the_o most_o part_n under_o any_o slight_a pretence_n as_o the_o cast_n of_o some_o frankincense_n upon_o the_o altar_n can_v free_v themselves_o from_o the_o pain_n of_o such_o a_o death_n and_o so_o cozen_v the_o world_n but_o this_o can_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v say_v of_o those_o who_o whatever_o they_o think_v in_o their_o heart_n deal_v plain_o in_o their_o deed_n and_o accommodate_v themselves_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o such_o be_v the_o jew_n and_o christian_n who_o alone_o can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v undergo_v death_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v we_o attribute_v this_o praise_n and_o commendation_n to_o any_o jew_n after_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n who_o also_o before_o christ_n come_v short_a of_o that_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n that_o in_o one_o only_a province_n be_v persecute_v for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a suffering_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v only_o during_o the_o time_n of_o manasses_n and_o antiâ—chus_n wherefore_o see_v that_o christianity_n so_o far_o excel_v all_o other_o religion_n in_o this_o particular_a it_o may_v just_o thereupon_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o and_o see_v likewise_o that_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o man_n of_o every_o rank_n and_o degree_n throughout_o all_o age_n and_o place_n have_v not_o fear_v to_o suffer_v death_n for_o this_o religion_n we_o must_v needs_o conceive_v there_o be_v some_o notable_a ground_n or_o cause_n of_o such_o their_o constancy_n which_o
unknown_a nor_o doubt_v of_o the_o two_o epistle_n of_o john_n and_o the_o revelation_n because_o some_o man_n do_v question_n whether_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v john_n the_o apostle_n or_o some_o other_o of_o that_o name_n for_o the_o name_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o the_o quality_n or_o condition_n of_o the_o writer_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o receive_v many_o book_n of_o history_n who_o author_n be_v to_o we_o unknown_a as_o that_o concern_v the_o alexandrian_a war_n by_o cesar_n because_o we_o may_v perceive_v that_o he_o whosoever_o write_v the_o same_o live_v in_o those_o time_n ad_fw-la 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 he_o speak_v very_o improbable_o that_o say_v these_o quality_n be_v but_o counterfeit_n and_o that_o other_o write_n may_v bear_v the_o name_n of_o these_o author_n who_o every_o where_o press_a truth_n and_o pretty_a can_v be_v think_v to_o play_v the_o â—…ning_a sophister_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o falsehood_n a_o thing_n not_o only_o odious_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 thus_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v write_v by_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v or_o by_o such_o as_o bear_v witness_n of_o themselves_o if_o we_o add_v further_o that_o they_o know_v well_o the_o matter_n where_o of_o they_o write_v to_o be_v true_a and_o have_v no_o purpose_n to_o lie_v or_o dissemble_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o commit_v to_o writing_n be_v both_o certain_a and_o true_a because_o every_o untruth_n proceed_v either_o from_o ignorance_n or_o from_o a_o wicked_a desire_n to_o deceive_v as_o touch_v matthew_n john_n peter_n and_o johu_n they_o be_v all_o of_o the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n of_o those_o twelve_o who_o jesus_n do_v choose_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v relate_v the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o james_n who_o be_v either_o a_o apostle_n or_o as_o some_o think_v the_o next_o a_o kin_n to_o jesus_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n consecrate_v bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n paul_n also_o can_v not_o err_v through_o lack_n of_o knowledge_n either_o about_o those_o point_n which_o he_o profess_v be_v reveal_v to_o he_o by_o jesus_n himself_o triumph_v in_o heaven_n orabout_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v by_o he_o have_v luke_n a_o follow_v companion_n with_o he_o in_o his_o journey_n this_o luke_n may_v easy_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o write_v concern_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n for_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v in_o the_o place_n next_o adjoin_v to_o palestina_n through_o which_o country_n when_o he_o travel_v he_o say_v he_o speak_v with_o such_o person_n as_o be_v eyewitness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v for_o doubtless_o beside_o the_o apostle_n with_o who_o he_o have_v familiarity_n there_o live_v many_o other_o at_o that_o time_n who_o have_v be_v cure_v by_o jesus_n who_o they_o see_v both_o before_o his_o death_n and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n if_o we_o will_v give_v credit_n to_o tacitus_n and_o suetoniâ—…_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o happen_v a_o long_a time_n before_o they_o be_v bear_v because_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o diligent_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n thereof_o how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o believe_v this_o writer_n who_o say_v that_o he_o reeive_v all_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o relate_v from_o they_o that_o have_v see_v the_o same_o it_o be_v credible_o report_v of_o mark_n that_o he_o be_v a_o daily_a companion_n with_o peter_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o he_o write_v may_v be_v think_v as_o suggest_v or_o witness_v by_o peter_n who_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o beside_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o he_o write_v be_v almost_o all_o extant_a in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n neither_o can_v the_o author_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v deceive_v or_o delude_v in_o those_o vision_n which_o he_o say_v be_v reveal_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n no_o more_o can_v 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 be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o will_n or_o desire_v to_o tell_v a_o untruth_n and_o this_o have_v be_v touch_v before_o in_o general_a when_o 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 such_o proof_n and_o evidence_n as_o may_v probable_o make_v it_o appear_v why_o the_o will_n shall_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 speak_v for_o their_o own_o advantage_n upon_o enquiry_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o they_o seek_v after_o no_o such_o by-end_n have_v neither_o hope_n of_o get_v commodity_n or_o of_o eschew_v any_o danger_n but_o rather_o by_o their_o profession_n they_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o lose_v all_o their_o commodity_n and_o be_v liable_a unto_o all_o sort_n of_o peril_n if_o they_o aim_v at_o any_o advantage_n it_o be_v only_o to_o gain_v honour_n unto_o god_n which_o doubtless_o can_v be_v compatible_a with_o lie_v and_o dissemble_v special_o in_o such_o a_o business_n as_o whereon_o depend_v the_o everlasting_a salvation_n of_o mankind_n far_o be_v it_o then_o from_o any_o man_n to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o great_a impiety_n their_o doctrine_n be_v full_o of_o all_o sanctity_n and_o their_o lift_n exemplary_a for_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n free_a from_o the_o accusation_n of_o their_o great_a adversary_n who_o only_o condemn_v they_o for_o lack_v of_o knowledge_n a_o fault_n unlikely_a to_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o falsehood_n no_o if_o they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o never_o so_o little_a fraud_n or_o deceit_n in_o that_o kind_n sure_o they_o will_v not_o have_v record_v to_o posterity_n their_o own_o trespass_n as_o namely_o their_o forsake_v of_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o poters_n denial_n of_o he_o three_o time_n sect_n vii_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o sidelity_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 testimony_n of_o their_o fidelity_n by_o work_a wonder_n which_o both_o they_o and_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 more_o particular_o among_o the_o wonder_n that_o they_o wrought_v we_o may_v note_v as_o most_o sensible_a and_o certain_a the_o use_n of_o tongue_n among_o so_o many_o thousand_o which_o never_o learn_v they_o 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 deal_v very_o unjust_o with_o they_o omit_v no_o fit_a occasion_n that_o may_v be_v matter_n for_o traduce_v or_o accuse_v they_o as_o inventor_n of_o a_o new_a religion_n nay_o the_o very_a jew_n or_o pagan_n in_o the_o time_n immediate_o follow_v dare_v never_o deny_v that_o wonder_n be_v wrought_v by_o those_o man_n for_o so_o much_o be_v confess_v of_o peter_n miracle_n 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 certain_a 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 the_o same_o and_o this_o that_o we_o have_v speak_v may_v suffice_v concern_v the_o author_n sect_n viii_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o write_n connirm_v by_o the_o event_n that_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v according_o as_o they_o be_v reveal_v there_o be_v other_o reason_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n and_o sidelity_n of_o these_o author_n write_n for_o many_o thing_n be_v therein_o fâ—re_v old_a shall_v after_o ward_n happen_v which_o notwithstanding_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n by_o their_o own_o power_n and_o ingeny_n to_o know_v or_o bring_v to_o pass_v yet_o we_o see_v the_o truth_n thereof_o confirm_v by_o the_o event_n which_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v according_o for_o so_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o this_o religion_n shall_v upon_o a_o sudden_a have_v a_o large_a and_o ample_a increase_n that_o it_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o &_o think_v it_o be_v reject_v by_o most_o of_o the_o jew_n yet_o shall_v it_o be_v embrace_v by_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v stranger_n to_o it_o thus_o likewise_o be_v foretell_v what_o hatred_n &_o spite_n the_o jew_n will_v bear_v against_o they_o that_o profess_v this_o religion_n &_o what_o grievous_a persecution_n the_o professor_n thereof_o shall_v undergo_v also_o what_o a_o great_a siege_n and_o destruction_n there_o shall_v be_v both_o of_o jerusalem_n that_o great_a city_n and_o of_o the_o temple_n together_o with_o a_o miserable_a calamity_n among_o the_o jew_n sect_n ix_o as_o also_o from_o god_n care_n in_o preserve_v his_o people_n from_o false_a write_n beside_o this_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o god_n out_o of_o his_o providence_n careful_o respect_v and_o govern_v humane_a affair_n special_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o worship_n than_o it_o can_v be_v that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v so_o great_a a_o multitude_n to_o be_v cheat_v and_o deceive_v with_o lie_a book_n those_o man_n i_o mean_v who_o full_a intent_n and_o purpose_n be_v to_o worship_n god_n after_o a_o holy_a manner_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o among_o so_o many_o sect_n that_o have_v spring_v up_o in_o christianity_n there_o have_v not_o be_v one_o that_o receive_v not_o either_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o those_o book_n except_v some_o few_o that_o contain_v no_o singular_a matter_n above_o the_o rest_n this_o i_o think_v may_v be_v a_o great_a argument_n that_o no_o material_a thing_n can_v be_v object_v against_o these_o write_n special_o since_o the_o say_a sect_n be_v so_o partial_a and_o spiteful_o bend_v against_o another_o that_o what_o one_o approve_a of_o another_o common_o will_v be_v displease_v therewith_o even_o because_o the_o same_o be_v like_v of_o by_o other_o sect_n x._o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n that_o divers_a book_n be_v not_o receive_v by_o all_o indeed_o there_o be_v some_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v christian_n who_o notwithstanding_o refuse_v to_o admit_v of_o such_o book_n as_o they_o do_v perceive_v contain_v any_o thing_n that_o make_v against_o their_o doctrine_n and_o these_o be_v either_o such_o as_o out_o of_o hatred_n against_o the_o jew_n speak_v ill_o of_o their_o law_n and_o reuâ—led_v the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o make_v and_o framer_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o else_o they_o be_v such_o as_o fear_v the_o great_a affliction_n and_o persecution_n that_o christian_n suffer_v and_o thereupon_o think_v it_o the_o safe_a way_n to_o â—urke_v under_o the_o name_n of_o jew_n who_o have_v free_a liberty_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n howbeit_o these_o lurker_n be_v reject_v and_o forsake_v by_o all_o the_o open_a profess_a christian_n that_o live_v in_o those_o time_n when_o as_o all_o that_o any_o way_n disagree_v in_o opinion_n if_o they_o keep_v unity_n of_o affection_n and_o piety_n may_v have_v be_v suffer_v with_o great_a patience_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n commandement_fw-fr as_o for_o the_o former_a kind_n of_o these_o bastard_n or_o counterfeit_n christian_n i_o think_v they_o have_v be_v sufficient_o confute_v both_o by_o that_o which_o we_o have_v say_v before_o when_o we_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a true_a god_n the_o sole_a framer_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o also_o by_o those_o very_a book_n which_o that_o they_o may_v have_v some_o semblance_n of_o christian_n they_o do_v admit_v of_o special_o the_o gospel_n of_o luke_n wherein_o be_v evident_o show_v that_o the_o same_o god_n who_o moses_n and_o the_o hebrew_n worship_v be_v preach_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o other_o sort_n we_o shall_v more_o fit_o confute_v when_o we_o speak_v against_o those_o that_o both_o be_v and_o will_v be_v call_v jew_n for_o the_o present_a only_o this_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v great_a impudence_n in_o they_o to_o fleight_n and_o extenuate_v the_o authority_n of_o paul_n see_v very_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n that_o expound_v and_o teach_v more_o charche_n than_o he_o do_v who_o be_v report_v at_o that_o time_n to_o have_v wrought_v many_o miracle_n when_o as_o ere_o while_o we_o say_v there_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v trial_n and_o inquiry_n make_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n if_o then_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o wrought_v wenders_z why_o may_v we_o not_o believe_v he_o concern_v his_o heavenly_a vision_n and_o instruction_n receive_v from_o christ_n himself_o to_o who_o since_o he_o be_v so_o deate_o belove_v it_o can_v be_v that_o he_o shall_v teach_v any_o thing_n inglorious_a or_o ingrateful_a unto_o christ_n as_o falsity_n or_o untruth_n will_v have_v be_v and_o as_o touch_v that_o particular_a whereof_o they_o accuse_v he_o namely_o his_o doctrine_n of_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n which_o be_v purchase_v for_o the_o hebrew_n from_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v former_o command_v they_o by_o moses_n there_o be_v not_o any_o cause_n in_o regard_n of_o himself_o why_o he_o shall_v speak_v any_o thing_n but_o truth_n therein_o for_o both_o he_o be_v circumcise_v and_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n he_o do_v observe_v the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o law_n but_o for_o christian_a religion_n sake_n he_o be_v both_o to_o do_v and_o suffer_v more_o difficult_a matter_n than_o either_o be_v command_v by_o the_o law_n or_o can_v happen_v by_o occasion_n of_o the_o law_n he_o teach_v also_o that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v do_v and_o suffer_v the_o like_a whence_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o utter_v no_o flatter_a or_o enrice_v speech_n unto_o his_o auditor_n who_o be_v teach_v in_o stead_n of_o the_o sab_v to_o keep_v every_o day_n holy_a for_o divine_a worship_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o little_a expense_n which_o the_o law_n require_v to_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o their_o good_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o blood_n beast_n to_o consecrate_v their_o own_o blood_n unto_o god_n and_o further_o paul_n himself_o plain_o affirm_v that_o peter_n john_n and_o james_n in_o token_n of_o their_o consent_n with_o he_o give_v he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n which_o he_o never_o dare_v have_v speak_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v true_a because_o the_o same_o man_n be_v then_o alive_a may_v have_v convict_v he_o for_o a_o liar_n but_o to_o leave_v these_o man_n that_o searce_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n beside_o this_o which_o we_o have_v now_o say_v concern_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o sacred_a pen_n man_n aforesaid_a and_o concern_v the_o singular_a providence_n of_o god_n about_o affair_n of_o this_o kind_n the_o manifest_a consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o all_o other_o christian_a congregation_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o these_o book_n may_v induce_v any_o inidifferent_a man_n to_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o special_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v wont_n common_o to_o credit_v other_o book_n of_o history_n without_o any_o such_o testimony_n unless_o they_o see_v some_o plain_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o of_o those_o book_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v sect_n xi_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n that_o these_o book_n seem_v to_o contain_v thing_n impossible_a for_o if_o any_o do_v object_n say_v that_o divers_a thing_n be_v there_o in_o relate_v which_o seem_v to_o be_v impossible_a ever_o to_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v we_o answer_v as_o before_o have_v be_v intimate_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n impossible_a for_o man_n to_o do_v which_o not_o withstand_v be_v possible_a unto_o god_n such_o as_o include_v in_o they_o no_o contradiction_n or_o contrariety_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v those_o wonderful_a effect_n which_o we_o
manifest_v his_o nativity_n unto_o the_o wise_a â—én_n also_o of_o the_o earthquake_n and_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n when_o it_o be_v full_a moon_n at_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n passion_n upon_o the_o cross_n sect_n xv._n answer_v to_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v change_v now_o what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o against_o these_o book_n sure_o i_o see_v nothing_o that_o can_v be_v object_v unless_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o remain_v not_o altogether_o the_o same_o that_o they_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o indeed_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v that_o what_o be_v common_a to_o other_o book_n may_v happen_v to_o those_o namely_o that_o by_o the_o carelessness_n or_o corrupt_a deal_n of_o the_o transcriber_n some_o letter_n syllable_n or_o word_n may_v be_v change_v leave_v out_o oâ—_n add_v but_o it_o be_v a_o unjust_a thing_n to_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o book_n or_o evidence_n only_o because_o in_o so_o many_o age_n there_o can_v â—â—e_z but_o he_o great_a variety_n of_o copy_n since_o both_o custom_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o what_o be_v agree_v upon_o by_o the_o great_a number_n and_o most_o ancient_a copy_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o contrary_n now_o that_o all_o the_o copy_n of_o these_o book_n be_v corrupt_v by_o guile_n or_o otherwise_o either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o matter_n of_o history_n it_o will_v never_o be_v prove_v there_o be_v no_o evidence_n or_o testimony_n of_o former_a time_n ever_o to_o evince_v the_o same_o but_o if_o as_o we_o say_v before_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n urge_v by_o those_o that_o bear_v so_o great_a hatred_n against_o the_o writer_n or_o follower_n and_o maintainer_n of_o these_o book_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v for_o a_o reproach_n or_o calumny_n and_o not_o for_o any_o good_a proof_n or_o sufficient_a testimony_n against_o they_o and_o this_o which_o we_o have_v say_v may_v suffice_v in_o answer_n to_o those_o that_o tell_v we_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v change_v which_o whosoever_o affirm_v aught_o to_o make_v good_a their_o assertion_n against_o the_o scripture_n so_o long_a time_n receive_v in_o the_o church_n but_o that_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o objection_n may_v more_o plain_o appear_v we_o will_v show_v that_o what_o they_o imagine_v to_o be_v true_a neither_o do_v nor_o ever_o can_v coâ—e_n to_o pass_v we_o have_v prove_v before_o that_o the_o book_n which_o have_v any_o title_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v which_o be_v grant_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o one_o book_n be_v not_o forge_v or_o put_v into_o the_o place_n of_o another_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o notable_a or_o note_a part_n change_v therein_o for_o in_o such_o a_o mutation_n there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o aim_n or_o intent_n whereby_o that_o part_n may_v have_v easy_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o part_n and_o book_n not_o change_v or_o alter_v which_o can_v now_o any_o where_o be_v discerue_v nay_o as_o we_o say_v there_o be_v every_o where_o a_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o seize_v and_o meaning_n herein_o as_o it_o admirable_a to_o consider_v again_o no_o doubt_n so_o soon_o at_o any_o thing_n by_o or_o concern_v the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n be_v publish_v â—…ghtway_o the_o christian_n with_o great_a diligence_n be_v it_o be_v meet_v and_o oâ—t_v of_o a_o zealous_a desire_n to_o preserve_v and_o propagate_v pity_n and_o truth_n unto_o posterity_n do_v get_v themselves_o many_o copy_n thereof_o which_o they_o disperse_v through_o all_o place_n in_o europe_n asia_n and_o egypt_n where_o christ_n anity_n be_v spread_v and_o the_o greek_a tongue_n speak_v yea_o as_o before_o we_o show_v there_o be_v some_o original_a copy_n keep_v for_o the_o space_n of_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o then_o possible_a or_o probable_a that_o those_o book_n receive_v any_o such_o forgery_n they_o be_v so_o well_o know_v and_o careful_o preserve_v not_o only_o by_o particular_a man_n but_o by_o the_o common_a care_n and_o diligence_n of_o whole_a church_n add_v further_o that_o these_o book_n in_o the_o follow_a â—…ges_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o syâ—â—cke_n ethiopicke_n arabic_a and_o latin_a tongue_n which_o translation_n be_v yet_o extant_a and_o do_v not_o differ_v in_o aught_o to_o speak_v of_o from_o the_o greek_a copy_n themselves_o beside_o we_o have_v the_o write_n of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o by_o their_o disciple_n wherein_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v cite_v out_o of_o these_o book_n to_o the_o same_o sense_n &_o meaning_n which_o now_o we_o read_v they_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o in_o the_o church_n of_o so_o great_a authority_n at_o those_o time_n who_o can_v have_v be_v suffer_v to_o falsify_v or_o change_v any_o thing_n if_o he_o will_v as_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o open_a dissent_n of_o iraeneus_n tertullian_n and_o cyprian_a from_o those_o that_o be_v most_o eminent_a in_o the_o church_n after_o these_o time_n there_o succeed_v many_o 〈…〉_z man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n who_o have_v first_o make_v diligent_a inquiry_n thereof_o receive_v these_o book_n as_o retain_v their_o original_a purity_n hitherto_o also_o may_v be_v refer_v what_o but_o now_o we_o say_v of_o divers_a sect_n of_o crâ—…s_n all_o which_o at_o lest_o such_o as_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n and_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n do_v receive_v and_o use_v these_o book_n according_o as_o we_o do_v the_o same_o and_o if_o any_o have_v attempt_v to_o alter_v or_o pâ—…_n any_o part_n thereof_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v accuse_v by_o the_o rest_n for_o forgery_n and_o false-dealing_a man_n therein_o neither_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o sect_n that_o have_v the_o liberty_n at_o their_o pleasure_n alter_v any_o of_o these_o book_n for_o their_o own_o turn_n in_o asmuch_o as_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o all_o of_o they_o do_v ground_n and_o assume_v argument_n one_o against_o another_o out_o of_o the_o same_o and_o as_o for_o that_o which_o we_o touch_v concern_v divine_a providence_n the_o same_o belong_v no_o less_o unto_o the_o chief_a part_n than_o unto_o the_o whole_a book_n namely_o that_o it_o can_v convenient_o be_v say_v that_o god_n will_v suffer_v so_o many_o man_n which_o sincere_o desire_v to_o be_v godly_a and_o earnest_o seek_v after_o eternal_a life_n to_o be_v lead_v head_n long_o into_o that_o error_n which_o they_o can_v no_o way_n avoid_v and_o thus_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n whence_o alone_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o help_n we_o may_v be_v sufficient_o instruct_v concern_v the_o true_a religion_n sect_n xvi_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o leave_v we_o the_o write_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o be_v ancient_o the_o true_a and_o afford_v divers_a testimonte_n for_o christianity_n therefore_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o justify_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o first_o then_o that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o same_o man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v be_v manifest_a in_o like_a manner_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v of_o we_o before_o of_o the_o new_a covenant_n these_o author_n be_v either_o prophet_n or_o other_o very_a faithful_a and_o credible_a man_n such_o as_o be_v esdras_n who_o compile_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n into_o one_o volume_n during_o the_o life_n time_n of_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n malachy_n and_o zachary_n i_o will_v not_o here_o repeat_v again_o what_o be_v say_v before_o in_o the_o commendation_n of_o moses_n both_o that_o part_n of_o history_n which_o at_o first_o be_v deliver_v by_o he_o as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o book_n and_o that_o also_o which_o be_v collect_v after_o his_o time_n be_v witness_v even_o by_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_a thus_o the_o annal_n of_o the_o phâ—nitian's_n have_v record_v the_o name_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n and_o their_o league_n with_o the_o man_n of_o â—yre_n aswell_o berosus_n as_o the_o hebrew_n writer_n make_v mention_n of_o nabuchadonosor_n and_o of_o other_o chaldean_a king_n he_o who_o jeremy_n call_v vaphres_n king_n of_o egypt_n be_v term_v apries_n by_o herodotus_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o book_n of_o the_o grecian_n be_v replenish_v with_o narration_n concern_v cyrus_n and_o his_o successor_n until_o the_o time_n of_o darius_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n concern_v the_o naâ—â—on_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v relate_v by_o josephus_n in_o his_o book_n against_o appioâ—_n
whereunto_o we_o may_v add_v what_o before_o we_o have_v touch_v out_o of_o strabo_n and_o trogus_n but_o as_o for_o we_o christian_n we_o be_v not_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o book_n out_o of_o which_o we_o borrow_v many_o testimony_n neither_o do_v we_o find_v when_o christ_n reprehend_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n and_o pharisy_n of_o his_o time_n that_o ever_o he_o accuse_v they_o of_o falsehood_n commit_v against_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o prophet_n or_o that_o they_o have_v alter_v or_o use_v any_o forge_a book_n then_o after_o christ_n time_n it_o can_v be_v prove_v neither_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v corrupt_v in_o matter_n of_o any_o moment_n special_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o same_o book_n be_v preserve_v safe_o by_o the_o jew_n which_o people_n be_v disperse_v far_o and_o wide_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o first_o of_o all_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v lead_v a_o way_n captive_a by_o the_o assyrian_n into_o media_n then_o afterward_o the_o two_o other_o tribe_n and_o after_o that_o cyrus_n grant_v they_o leave_v to_o return_v many_o of_o they_o go_v and_o dwell_v in_o foreign_a country_n the_o macedoniâ—â—s_v invite_v they_o with_o great_a promise_n to_o come_v into_o alexandria_n the_o cruelty_n of_o antiochus_n the_o civil_a war_n of_o the_o asmonaans_n together_o with_o those_o of_o poâ—pey_n and_o sossius_n from_o without_o do_v straggle_v and_o scatter_v abroad_o many_o of_o they_o cyrenaica_n a_o part_n of_o africa_n be_v full_a of_o the_o jew_n so_o be_v the_o city_n of_o asia_n macedonia_n licaonia_n and_o likewise_o the_o isle_n of_o cyprâ—â—_n crete_n and_o other_o also_o what_o a_o number_n of_o they_o there_o be_v at_o rome_n may_v be_v learn_v out_o of_o horace_n juvenal_n and_o marâ—â—al_n now_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o such_o multitude_n so_o far_o distant_a one_o from_o another_o shall_v be_v cozen_v in_o this_o kind_n neither_o can_v they_o ever_o accord_v all_o in_o the_o coin_n of_o a_o untruth_n add_v moreover_o that_o almost_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n at_o the_o appointment_n and_o care_n of_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n those_o book_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o greek_a tongue_n by_o those_o that_o be_v call_v the_o seventy_o interpreter_n so_o as_o then_o the_o grecian_n have_v the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o they_o though_o in_o another_o language_n whereby_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v more_o unlikely_a that_o they_o be_v any_o where_o change_v nay_o more_o these_o book_n be_v translate_v both_o into_o the_o chaldeâ—_n tongue_n as_o also_o into_o the_o language_n speak_v by_o they_o of_o jerusalem_n to_o wit_n a_o little_a before_o and_o a_o little_a after_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n other_o greek_a translation_n afterward_o there_o be_v as_o namely_o by_o aquila_n symachus_n and_o theodo_n i_o on_o all_o which_o origen_n compare_v with_o that_o of_o the_o seventy_o interpreter_n and_o after_o he_o other_o also_o who_o can_v find_v no_o diversity_n of_o history_n or_o of_o any_o matter_n worth_n speak_v of_o philâ—_n live_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o caligula_n and_o josephiâ—_n survive_v the_o time_n of_o both_o the_o vespasâ—ans_n which_o two_o writer_n allege_v out_o of_o the_o hebrew_n book_n the_o same_o thing_n that_o we_o read_v at_o this_o day_n then_o begin_v christian_a religion_n to_o be_v more_o and_o more_o propagate_v be_v profess_v by_o many_o of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o by_o sundry_a person_n that_o have_v learn_v the_o hebrew_n tongue_n who_o if_o the_o jew_n have_v use_v any_o legerdemain_n in_o any_o notable_a part_n can_v thereupon_o quick_o discover_v the_o same_o by_o compare_v more_o ancient_a copy_n and_o so_o have_v make_v it_o public_o know_v but_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v this_o that_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o allege_v many_o testimony_n out_o of_o the_o old_a covenant_n to_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o meaning_n that_o they_o be_v use_v by_o the_o hebrew_n which_o hebrew_n may_v soon_o be_v accuse_v of_o any_o other_o fault_n than_o falsehood_n or_o negligence_n about_o these_o book_n which_o they_o have_v so_o religious_o and_o exact_o describe_v and_o compare_v that_o they_o know_v how_o often_o any_o one_o letter_n be_v sound_v therein_o the_o last_o though_o not_o the_o least_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o purposely_o corrupt_a or_o alter_v the_o scripture_n may_v be_v because_o the_o christian_n out_o of_o the_o very_a book_n which_o be_v read_v by_o the_o jew_n do_v evince_n and_o as_o they_o imagine_v strong_o prove_v that_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n be_v that_o same_o very_a messiah_n which_o be_v ancient_o promise_v to_o the_o jew_n their_o forefather_n which_o doubtless_o they_o will_v have_v be_v careful_a may_v not_o have_v be_v do_v special_o when_o the_o controversy_n arise_v between_o they_o and_o the_o christian_n if_o ever_o it_o have_v be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o have_v change_v what_o they_o list_v the_o four_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o a_o particular_a confutation_n of_o the_o religion_n opposite_a to_o christianity_n many_o man_n there_o be_v who_o behold_v the_o great_a peril_n and_o jeoperdy_o that_o other_o people_n be_v in_o do_v much_o joy_n and_o hug_v themselves_o if_o they_o be_v out_o of_o gunshot_n and_o free_a from_o all_o such_o danger_n but_o christianity_n teach_v another_o lesson_n special_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o four_o book_n it_o shall_v appear_v that_o one_o chief_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o this_o life_n be_v not_o only_o to_o rejoice_v and_o content_v himself_o with_o the_o find_v out_o of_o truth_n but_o also_o to_o lend_v his_o help_a hand_n to_o other_o that_o wander_v in_o the_o labyrinth_n of_o error_n and_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o so_o good_a a_o benefit_n this_o after_o some_o sort_n we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o do_v in_o the_o former_a book_n for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o truth_n imply_v the_o confutation_n of_o error_n yet_o in_o regard_n all_o kind_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v opposite_a to_o christianity_n to_o wit_n paganism_n judaism_n and_o mahumetaâ—isme_n beside_o their_o common_a consent_n have_v their_o proper_a error_n and_o certain_a peculiar_a argâ—me_n be_v which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v object_v against_o we_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o purpose_n particular_o to_o dispute_v against_o each_o of_o these_o first_o desire_v our_o reader_n to_o purge_v their_o mind_n from_o partiality_n and_o all_o impediment_n of_o judge_v aright_o that_o so_o they_o may_v the_o better_o conceive_v the_o truth_n we_o be_v to_o speak_v sect_n ii_o and_o first_o of_o paganism_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n create_v spirit_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a the_o good_a not_o to_o be_v honour_v but_o in_o reference_n to_o god_n to_o begin_v then_o against_o pagan_n if_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a eternal_a and_o coequal_a god_n we_o have_v consute_v this_o opinion_n before_o in_o the_o first_o book_n where_o we_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v but_o only_o one_o god_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n or_o if_o they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n do_v understand_v the_o create_v spirit_n which_o be_v superior_a to_o man_n they_o then_o either_o mean_v the_o good_a or_o the_o bad_a if_o they_o say_v the_o good_a first_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o such_o be_v so_o indeed_o otherwise_o they_o commit_v a_o dangerous_a ertor_n in_o receive_v enemy_n instead_o of_o friend_n and_o traitor_n for_o ambassador_n then_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n they_o put_v a_o evident_a difference_n between_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o these_o spirit_n as_o likewise_o to_o know_v what_o hierarchy_n and_o order_n there_o be_v among_o they_o what_o benefit_n may_v be_v expect_v from_o any_o of_o they_o and_o what_o honour_n by_o god_n permission_n or_o appointment_n be_v to_o be_v exhibit_v to_o they_o all_o which_o since_o they_o have_v not_o positive_o set_v down_o in_o their_o religion_n it_o be_v plain_a how_o uncertain_a the_o same_o religion_n be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v a_o safe_a course_n for_o they_o to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o one_o almighty_a god_n which_o even_o platâ—_n confess_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o wise_a man_n special_o for_o that_o to_o whosoever_o god_n be_v propitious_a and_o favourable_a to_o they_o these_o angel_n must_v be_v serviceable_a and_o gracious_a be_v indeed_o minister_a spirit_n of_o the_o almighty_a sect_n iii_o eviâ—_n spirit_n adore_v by_o pagan_n and_o how_o impious_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v but_o it_o be_v the_o bad_a not_o the_o good_a spirit_n which_o the_o pagan_n do_v worship_v as_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o
and_o this_o general_a use_n he_o may_v make_v of_o they_o all_o which_o be_v unknown_a to_o they_o namely_o to_o observe_v the_o proportion_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o situation_n of_o their_o part_n compare_v also_o their_o form_n and_o several_a kind_n whence_o he_o may_v learn_v his_o own_o excellency_n and_o be_v instruct_v how_o fair_a the_o frame_n of_o humane_a body_n surpass_v other_o creature_n for_o perfection_n and_o nobility_n which_o if_o any_o one_o right_o consider_v he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o worship_v these_o beastly_a â—…ds_n that_o he_o will_v rather_o think_v â—…mselfe_n to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o god_n or_o â—…roy_v place_v over_o they_o by_o 〈…〉_z supreme_a god_n of_o all_o sect_n vii_o against_o worship_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v no_o substance_n we_o find_v among_o the_o grecian_n roman_n and_o other_o â—…t_v some_o there_o be_v who_o do_v â—…t_a worship_n any_o substance_n but_o â—…rtaine_a accident_n for_o to_o omit_v those_o uncouth_a deiâ—…s_n the_o fever_n dame_n impudenceâ—…d_n â—…d_z the_o like_a let_v we_o name_v the_o betâ—…r_a sort_n such_o be_v health_n which_o 〈…〉_z nothing_o but_o a_o right_a temperature_n of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n â—…od_a fortune_n be_v the_o fitness_n of_o â—…n_a event_n that_o be_v correspondent_a to_o 〈…〉_z man_n desire_n the_o affection_n also_o â—…s_v love_n fear_v anger_n hope_v and_o the_o â—…est_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n easy_a or_o difficult_a and_o these_o be_v certain_a motion_n oâ—_n passion_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n by_o blood_n not_o have_v any_o absolute_a power_n of_o themselves_o but_o be_v subordinate_a handmaid_n to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o well_o their_o mistress_n at_o least_o in_o their_o continuance_n and_o direction_n then_o for_o virtue_n they_o have_v divers_a name_n as_o prudence_n consist_v in_o the_o election_n or_o choice_n of_o that_o which_o be_v honest_o profitable_a for_o itude_n in_o attempt_v fearful_a danger_n justice_n in_o right_v they_o that_o be_v injure_v temperance_n in_o the_o moderation_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n all_o be_v certain_a inclination_n and_o propension_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v honest_a and_o right_a be_v get_v in_o the_o mind_n by_o long_a custom_n and_o exercise_n which_o as_o they_o may_v be_v increase_v so_o by_o negligence_n they_o may_v be_v diminish_v and_o quite_o abolish_v next_o succeed_v honour_n whereunto_o some_o temple_n be_v dedicate_v and_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o some_o man_n concern_v such_o person_n as_o they_o imagine_v be_v endue_v with_o virtue_n and_o herein_o man_n may_v easy_o err_v in_o honour_v bad_a man_n in_o stead_n of_o good_a since_o then_o none_o of_o all_o these_o be_v substance_n and_o consequent_o not_o comparable_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v subsistence_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v any_o notice_n of_o our_o prayer_n or_o worship_n therefore_o to_o reverence_v they_o for_o god_n be_v a_o thing_n most_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a see_v that_o for_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v who_o can_v both_o give_v and_o preserve_v the_o same_o sect_n viii_o answer_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o gentile_n take_v from_o miracle_n do_v among_o they_o the_o pagan_n for_o the_o commendation_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v wont_a to_o allege_v miracle_n but_o such_o only_a as_o in_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v except_v against_o for_o divers_a of_o they_o be_v reject_v by_o the_o wise_a sort_n of_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o as_o counterfeit_v and_o fabulous_a some_o of_o their_o marvel_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o secret_a in_o the_o night_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o one_o or_o two_o who_o eye_n may_v easy_o be_v delude_v by_o the_o juggle_n of_o the_o priest_n other_o thing_n be_v wonder_n only_o to_o those_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o natural_a cause_n special_o of_o occult_a quality_n as_o when_o a_o man_n can_v draw_v iron_n with_o a_o loadstone_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o such_o as_o know_v not_o the_o property_n of_o that_o stone_n in_o such_o â—eats_v simon_n and_o apollonius_n tyaâ—…us_n be_v skilful_a as_o it_o be_v record_v by_o many_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o great_a thing_n than_o these_o may_v be_v see_v which_o though_o they_o transcend_v natural_a cause_n and_o man_n power_n and_o ability_n yet_o need_v they_o not_o any_o divine_a omnipotent_a hand_n but_o the_o spirit_n place_v between_o god_n and_o man_n may_v suffice_v for_o the_o production_n thereof_o which_o spirit_n by_o their_o agility_n and_o subtlety_n may_v easy_o convey_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o thing_n disperse_v and_o work_v such_o strange_a effect_n upon_o they_o as_o will_v affect_v man_n with_o astonishment_n and_o wonder_n but_o the_o ghost_n whereby_o any_o such_o matter_n be_v effect_v be_v no_o good_a spirit_n and_o consequent_o this_o religion_n can_v be_v good_a as_o be_v manifest_a by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v before_o and_o likewise_o in_o that_o which_o they_o tell_v we_o of_o certain_a charm_n and_o enchant_a verse_n whereby_o they_o be_v compel_v thereunto_o where_o as_o not_o withstand_v the_o wise_a sort_n of_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o coufesse_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o efficacy_n in_o the_o bare_a word_n which_o have_v only_o some_o power_n of_o persuasion_n and_o that_o no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o way_n of_o signification_n beside_o this_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o their_o wickedness_n that_o by_o some_o vain_a promise_n or_o villainous_a act_n they_o do_v undertake_v to_o entice_v one_o contrary_o affect_v to_o love_n and_o like_o another_o which_o thing_n be_v prohibit_v by_o humane_a law_n as_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o sorcery_n neither_o need_v any_o man_n wonder_v why_o god_n suffer_v some_o marvel_n to_o be_v wrought_v by_o evil_a spirit_n among_o the_o gentile_n see_v they_o deserve_v to_o be_v cheat_v with_o such_o illusion_n which_o so_o long_a time_n have_v forsake_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n moreover_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o their_o weakness_n and_o impotency_n that_o their_o work_n be_v never_o accompany_v with_o any_o good_a thing_n for_o if_o any_o be_v see_v or_o seem_v to_o be_v revive_v yet_o they_o do_v not_o continue_v alive_a neither_o can_v they_o exercise_v the_o function_n of_o live_a creature_n or_o if_o it_o happen_v that_o any_o thing_n proceed_v happy_o from_o a_o divine_a power_n do_v appear_v to_o the_o pagan_n yet_o the_o same_o be_v not_o fore_o tell_v shall_v come_v to_o pass_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v other_o cause_n best_a know_v to_o god_n of_o the_o event_n thereof_o as_o for_o example_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o vespasian_n restore_v sight_n to_o one_o blind_a this_o be_v do_v that_o he_o be_v thereby_o make_v more_o honourable_a may_v the_o more_o easy_o obtain_v the_o roman_a empire_n for_o he_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o his_o judgement_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o jew_n more_o such_o like_a cause_n there_o may_v be_v of_o other_o wonder_n which_o have_v no_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o their_o religion_n sect_n ix_o and_o from_o oracle_n the_o very_a same_o likewise_o in_o a_o manner_n may_v serve_v for_o answer_v to_o that_o which_o they_o object_v concern_v oracle_n particular_o we_o may_v resay_v that_o these_o man_n do_v worthy_o deserve_v to_o be_v delude_v for_o contempt_n of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o reason_n or_o ancient_a tradition_n suggest_v to_o each_o of_o they_o then_o again_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oracle_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v ambiguous_a and_o according_a to_o divers_a event_n may_v admit_v of_o divers_a interpretation_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o express_o foretell_v by_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o the_o same_o shall_v proceed_v from_o a_o all-knowing_a mind_n for_o it_o be_v either_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o may_v be_v foresee_v by_o natural_a cause_n then_o exist_v as_o physician_n can_v foretell_v some_o future_a disease_n or_o else_o some_o probable_a and_o true_a conjecture_n may_v be_v make_v by_o that_o which_o common_o fall_v out_o and_o usual_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o we_o read_v of_o some_o person_n weâ—-skâ—â—d_a 〈◊〉_d civilaffaire_n that_o can_v have_v a_o notable_a guess_n of_o future_a event_n again_o suppose_v that_o among_o the_o pagan_n god_n sometime_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o some_o prophet_n to_o foretell_v those_o thing_n which_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a cause_n beside_o the_o will_n of_o god_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o approve_v or_o confirm_v their_o heathenish_a religion_n but_o rather_o overthrow_v it_o as_o
commit_v adultery_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o revenge_v injury_n a_o man_n may_v be_v the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n only_o and_o the_o league_n or_o bond_n of_o matrimony_n ought_v to_o be_v constant_a and_o perpetual_a man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o special_o to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o want_n we_o must_v refrain_v from_o swear_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v and_o as_o for_o our_o food_n and_o apparel_n we_o ought_v to_o content_v our_o self_n 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 not_o altogether_o so_o credible_a 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 plate_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 both_o the_o council_n and_o branch_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n as_o also_o the_o soul_n or_o spirit_n which_o preserve_v all_o thing_n iâ—lian_n so_o great_a a_o enemy_n of_o christian_n think_v that_o the_o assumption_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v possible_a for_o god_n as_o he_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 yet_o be_v there_o not_o worse_o relate_v by_o the_o heathen_a writer_n concern_v their_o godâ—_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v attendant_n unto_o king_n and_o prince_n other_o slay_v with_o lightning_n other_o cut_v in_o sunder_o and_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o say_v that_o any_o honest_a thing_n be_v the_o more_o joyous_a and_o delightsome_a by_o how_o much_o it_o cost_v they_o the_o dear_a to_o conclude_v plato_n in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o his_o common_a wealth_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 become_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 and_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 it_o can_v no_o otherwise_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o five_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_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 as_o those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o a_o dark_a dungeon_n by_o little_a &_o little_o perceive_v some_o brightness_n and_o glimmer_n between_o light_n and_o darkness_n so_o have_v do_v with_o the_o think_v miss_v of_o paganism_n and_o enter_v upon_o judaism_n we_o behold_v some_o beam_n and_o light_n of_o truth_n wherefore_o i_o request_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o will_v hear_v we_o patient_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a how_o that_o they_o be_v the_o of_o spring_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 holy_a prophet_n and_o bless_a 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 they_o be_v the_o tree_n wherinto_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 asmuch_o as_o they_o even_o make_v sigh_n unto_o god_n for_o they_o &_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 shall_v lay_v hold_n on_o the_o cloak_n of_o the_o hebrew_n man_n desire_v that_o we_o may_v together_o with_o a_o holy_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 intre_n at_o they_o not_o to_o think_v that_o to_o be_v unjust_a in_o another_o man_n â—ase_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 belceve_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 elisaus_n that_o naamâ—d_v the_o syrian_a be_v sudden_o cure_v of_o the_o leprosy_n that_o the_o hostess_n daughter_n 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 hiâ—_n take_v up_o into_o heaven_n only_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o elizaeus_n a_o man_n beyond_o all_o exception_n but_o we_o can_v produce_v twelve_o witness_n oâ—…_n honest_a report_n to_o testify_v that_o christ_n ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n after_o he_o have_v be_v see_v upon_o earth_n after_o his_o death_n by_o many_o more_o person_n which_o thing_n iâ—…_n 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 belong_v not_o unto_o we_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 under_z be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n which_o may_v suffice_v for_o this_o particular_a neither_o can_v god_n any_o way_n more_o effectual_o gain_v authority_n unto_o his_o doctrine_n which_o be_v 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 vanish_v away_o 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 then_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 can_v be_v prove_v save_o 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 other_o proof_n that_o moses_n live_v the_o most_o part_n of_o his_o youth_n in_o egypt_n howbeit_o the_o law_n aswell_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 be_v 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 the_o cure_n of_o the_o speechless_a the_o heal_n of_o the_o lame_a the_o give_a sight_n to_o the_o blind_a then_o will_v tiberius_n nero_n and_o other_o emperor_n have_v have_v notice_n thereof_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 seâ—…_n of_o the_o great_a council_n be_v child_n 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 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 four_o or_o by_o the_o power_n of_o word_n and_o syllable_n moreover_o that_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a fable_n or_o impudenâ—lye_v which_o certain_a
favour_n beck_n or_o sway_v of_o great_a man_n neither_o be_v the_o priest_n elect_v for_o term_n of_o life_n but_o obtain_v the_o dignity_n of_o priesthood_n only_o from_o year_n to_o year_n and_o that_o oftentimes_o for_o money_n we_o need_v not_o then_o wonder_v if_o man_n that_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o pride_n be_v boundless_a in_o their_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n do_v break_v out_o into_o fury_n and_o madness_n when_o they_o behold_v a_o man_n that_o by_o his_o holy_a precept_n and_o upright_a behaviour_n reprove_v their_o far_a different_a life_n and_o vicious_a conversation_n neither_o do_v it_o happen_v otherwise_o to_o he_o in_o point_n of_o reproach_n and_o mis-usage_n than_o to_o the_o best_a of_o the_o prophet_n that_o live_v long_o before_o thus_o that_o micaiah_n that_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o jehosaphat_n be_v cast_v into_o prison_n because_o he_o bold_o speak_v the_o truth_n against_o the_o opinion_n and_o sentence_n of_o four_o hundred_o lie_a prophet_n ahab_n upbraid_v eliâ—ah_n just_a as_o the_o priest_n do_v jesus_n say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o man_n that_o trouble_v the_o peace_n of_o israel_n so_o likewise_o jeremy_n be_v accuse_v as_o well_o as_o jesus_n for_o prophesy_v against_o the_o temple_n add_v moreover_o what_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o hebrew_n foretell_v namely_o how_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n there_o shall_v be_v man_n like_o to_o bruit_v beast_n in_o their_o currish_a churlish_a disposition_n in_o their_o asslike_a stubbornness_n and_o inhuman_a cruelty_n god_n himself_o foresee_v long_o before_o how_o most_o of_o the_o jew_n will_v stand_v affect_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n say_v it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o shall_v become_v his_o people_n who_o be_v not_o his_o people_n and_o of_o all_o the_o city_n and_o town_n of_o the_o jew_n scarce_o one_o or_o two_o will_v go_v to_o the_o holy_a mountain_n howbeit_o that_o which_o be_v defective_a in_o their_o number_n shall_v be_v supply_v by_o stranger_n also_o that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v a_o downfall_n to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o this_o stone_n which_o the_o builder_n refuse_v shall_v be_v put_v in_o the_o chief_a place_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o work_n sect_n xxi_o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n that_o many_o god_n be_v worship_v by_o the_o christian_n there_o remain_v yet_o two_o objection_n to_o be_v answer_v which_o the_o jew_n allege_v both_o against_o our_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n the_o first_o be_v in_o that_o they_o say_v we_o christian_n do_v worship_v many_o go_n but_o we_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o force_a exposition_n of_o another_o opinion_n out_o of_o hatred_n for_o why_o shall_v this_o be_v more_o object_v against_o we_o christian_n than_o against_o philo_n the_o jew_n who_o oftentimes_o make_v three_o power_n or_o virtue_n to_o be_v in_o god_n and_o call_v the_o reason_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o name_n of_o god_n the_o maker_n of_o the_o woâ—ld_n neither_o uncreate_v as_o be_v god_n the_o father_n of_o all_o nor_o so_o beget_v as_o other_o man_n be_v or_o against_o the_o cabalist_n who_o distinguish_v god_n into_o three_o light_n by_o the_o same_o name_n that_o christian_n do_v to_o wit_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o son_n or_o the_o word_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o not_o to_o omit_v what_o be_v agree_v upon_o by_o all_o the_o hebrew_n the_o same_o spirit_n wherewith_o the_o prophet_n be_v move_v and_o inspire_v be_v not_o any_o create_a thing_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o sender_n thereof_o as_o also_o that_o which_o they_o common_o call_v schecina_fw-la other_o the_o name_n of_o god_n as_o philo_n and_o other_o his_o visage_n or_o countenance_n moses_n the_o son_n of_o nehemaâ—…s_n as_o also_o philo_n call_v it_o the_o archangel_n or_o chief_a ambassador_n that_o regard_v the_o world_n and_o sometime_o god_n now_o many_o of_o the_o hebrew_n have_v teach_v that_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o they_o term_v wisdom_n shall_v dwell_v in_o the_o messiah_n whence_o by_o the_o chaldee_n paraphrast_n the_o messiah_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o like_o wise_a the_o messiah_n by_o david_n isaiah_n and_o other_o be_v style_v by_o those_o renown_a name_n of_o god_n and_o lord_n sect_n xxii_o and_o that_o a_o humane_a nature_n be_v worship_v with_o like_a facility_n may_v we_o answer_v the_o other_o objection_n which_o they_o allege_v against_o we_o say_v that_o we_o exhibit_v unto_o the_o creature_n that_o worship_n and_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o god_n the_o creator_n for_o we_o say_v that_o no_o other_o honour_n or_o worship_n be_v give_v by_o we_o unto_o the_o messiah_n than_o be_v require_v by_o the_o eleven_o and_o the_o hundred_o and_o ten_o psalm_n the_o former_a whereof_o after_o a_o sort_n be_v fulfil_v in_o david_n but_o after_o a_o more_o excellent_a manner_n belong_v unto_o the_o messiah_n as_o david_n kimhi_n himself_o a_o great_a adversary_n of_o christian_n do_v acknowledge_v and_o the_o latter_a can_v be_v expound_v of_o no_o other_o but_o of_o the_o messiah_n for_o that_o which_o some_o late_a jew_n have_v feign_v and_o imagine_v of_o abraham_n david_n and_o hezekiah_n be_v but_o vain_a and_o â—…ous_a â—he_v say_v psalm_n be_v david_n as_o the_o hebrew_n â—…scription_n do_v show_v that_o than_o which_o david_n say_v the_o lord_n say_v unto_o my_o lord_n can_v neither_o be_v apply_v to_o david_n himself_o nor_o to_o hezekiah_n who_o among_o david_n posterity_n do_v excel_v david_n in_o nothing_o and_o abraham_n have_v no_o singular_a priesthood_n but_o be_v bless_v of_o melchisedeck_n as_o the_o less_o of_o the_o great_a likewise_o that_o which_o follow_v concern_v the_o sceptre_n that_o shall_v go_v out_o of_o zion_n and_o come_v to_o the_o uttermost_a coast_n do_v plain_o appertain_v unto_o the_o messiah_n as_o be_v manifest_a by_o other_o like_a place_n which_o doubtless_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o messiah_n be_v no_o otherwise_o receive_v by_o the_o more_o ancient_a hebrew_n and_o paraphrast_n now_o i_o may_v as_o well_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n in_o who_o proper_o these_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v be_v induce_v thereunto_o by_o the_o singular_a integrity_n and_o honesty_n of_o his_o disciple_n who_o constant_o affirm_v the_o same_o as_o the_o jew_n believe_v moses_n in_o those_o matter_n which_o without_o any_o other_o witness_n himself_o affirm_v be_v deliver_v to_o he_o of_o god_n but_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v many_o forcible_a argument_n of_o that_o most_o excellent_a power_n which_o we_o say_v jesus_n have_v obtain_v as_o namely_o in_o that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o many_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o many_o behold_v he_o when_o he_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n devil_n also_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o disease_n be_v cure_v only_o by_o his_o name_n so_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n which_o jesus_n himself_o promise_v shall_v be_v sign_n of_o his_o kingdom_n add_v unto_o these_o that_o his_o sceptre_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v go_v out_o of_o zion_n be_v spread_v abroad_o to_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n not_o by_o man_n might_n but_o only_o by_o divine_a power_n the_o nation_n also_o and_o king_n be_v subdue_v unto_o he_o as_o the_o say_a psalm_n do_v plain_o foretell_v the_o jewish_a cabalist_n place_v a_o certain_a son_n of_o eâ—â—ch_n as_o a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n yet_o with_o no_o token_n or_o evident_a mark_n of_o such_o power_n how_o much_o more_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o horror_n he_o that_o give_v such_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n and_o might_n neither_o do_v this_o tend_v to_o lessen_v or_o diminish_v the_o dignity_n of_o god_n the_o father_n from_o who_o this_o power_n of_o jesus_n do_v proceed_v to_o who_o also_o it_o must_v return_v and_o to_o who_o honour_n the_o same_o do_v appertain_v sect_n xxiii_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o part_n with_o prayer_n for_o the_o jew_n but_o it_o be_v not_o our_o purpose_n in_o this_o work_n to_o make_v any_o further_a curious_a inquiry_n into_o these_o matter_n neither_o have_v we_o speak_v hereof_o but_o only_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o wicked_a of_o absurd_a point_n in_o our_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o any_o one_o can_v pretend_v why_o he_o may_v not_o embrace_v our_o religion_n which_o be_v beautify_v and_o confirm_v with_o so_o many_o wonder_n have_v so_o many_o honest_a and_o holy_a câ—…andements_n and_o promise_v such_o excellent_a reward_n for_o he_o that_o have_v once_o receive_v and_o embrace_v the_o same_o must_v for_o further_a instruction_n in_o special_a and_o particular_a â—_z read_v and_o meditate_v those_o book_n wherein_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 ethiopicke_n 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 same_o place_n as_o there_o can_v be_v show_v any_o diversity_n at_o all_o next_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 oâ—_n 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 ado_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 be_v nothing_o write_v either_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n or_o of_o mahumet_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o equity_n that_o that_o shall_v 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 mahometan_n do_v allow_v of_o sect_n four_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 we_o may_v consider_v the_o dignity_n and_o worth_n of_o 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 by_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 effâ—…inate_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 mahumets_n own_o confession_n he_o raise_v some_o from_o the_o dead_a but_o mahumet-saith_a of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v send_v not_o with_o miracle_n but_o with_o feat_n and_o instrument_n of_o war_n howbeit_o some_o of_o his_o follower_n grace_v he_o with_o miracle_n but_o what_o kind_n i_o pray_v only_o such_o as_o may_v be_v do_v by_o humane_a be_v as_o that_o of_o a_o dove_n that_o come_v fly_v to_o his_o ear_n or_o such_o as_o have_v no_o eye-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 for_o their_o absurdity_n be_v incredible_a and_o so_o need_v no_o further_a confutation_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 and_o he_o to_o preserve_v the_o roundness_n of_o that_o star_n throw_v the_o same_o part_n up_o agoine_n now_o who_o will_v not_o say_v that_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n we_o must_v yield_v rather_o to_o that_o law_n which_o have_v the_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 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 â—heaâ—â—d_v either_o through_o the_o deâ—…_n of_o cuâ—…ing_a speech_n or_o by_o any_o other_o imposture_n but_o those_o that_o first_o profess_v mahumetanisme_n be_v stark_a thief_n and_o robber_n estrange_v from_o all_o humanity_n and_o godliness_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 their_o several_a religion_n be_v propagate_v and_o spread_v abroad_o as_o for_o christianity_n we_o have_v show_v before_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v enlarge_v and_o amplify_v to_o wit_n 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 like_o wise_a 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 mahumetisme_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 bitter_a kind_n of_o death_n for_o their_o profession_n but_o as_o their_o religion_n be_v breed_v so_o have_v it_o be_v maintain_v by_o war_n they_o have_v no_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 martial_a enterprise_n and_o the_o largeness_n of_o their_o empire_n than_o the_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_a and_o yet_o we_o know_v what_o great_a victory_n the_o pagan_n have_v have_v as_o be_v plain_a of_o the_o persian_n macedâ—niâ—â—s_n and_o roman_n and_o how_o ample_a their_o dominion_n be_v neither_o have_v the_o mahometan_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 suffer_v such_o alteration_n and_o change_a 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 warring_n which_o be_v so_o unjust_a that_o oftentimes_o they_o quarrel_n and_o contend_v with_o some_o people_n that_o do_v not_o any_o way_n molest_v or_o offend_v they_o and_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o set_v upon_o such_o as_o offer_v they_o no_o injury_n at_o all_o in_o so_o much_o that_o all_o the_o pretence_n they_o have_v for_o contend_v be_v only_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v a_o most_o ungodly_a thing_n 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 may_v be_v well_o wrought_v upon_o by_o good_a instruction_n and_o gentle_a persuasion_n but_o not_o so_o well_o by_o rigorous_a 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 awe_n or_o sense_n of_o punishment_n will_v force_v another_o man_n assent_n give_v just_a occasion_n thereby_o to_o suspect_v that_o he_o distrust_v his_o other_o argument_n again_o they_o destroy_v the_o very_a pretence_n of_o their_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 fvrthermore_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 be_v hateful_a but_o in_o the_o other_o revenge_n be_v allow_v of_o 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 another_o condition_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 fall_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 to_o the_o end_n the_o same_o may_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n profitable_a for_o mankind_n but_o there_o religion_n consist_v for_o the_o most_o part_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 mahumetisme_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 it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o some_o childish_a rudiment_n be_v teach_v before_o so_o perfect_a a_o 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 prepostetous_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 clear_o the_o best_a there_o shall_v any_o other_o be_v propound_v and_o teach_v sect_n ix_o answer_v to_o the_o mahometan_n objection_n concern_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o mahometan_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 generate_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 esticacy_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 write_n of_o the_o mahometan_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 th'army_n or_o enchant_v verse_n of_o some_o angel_n that_o be_v merry_a with_o wine_n 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 make_v fast_o and_o so_o be_v call_v the_o star_n of_o 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 the_o most_o notorious_a fiction_n of_o all_o be_v that_o concern_v death_n which_o shall_v 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 such_o also_o be_v the_o fable_n of_o their_o delicate_a meat_n which_o they_o say_v shall_v be_v purge_v out_o by_o sweat_n in_o the_o other_o life_n which_o be_v to_o come_v 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 their_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 mahometan_n there_o remain_v only_o a_o conclusion_n or_o exhortation_n 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 wherein_o we_o shall_v very_o brief_o show_v 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 than_o let_v christian_n be_v exhort_v to_o lift_v up_o prire_n hand_n and_o heart_n unto_o that_o god_n which_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 kiâ—l_v the_o body_n but_o rather_o let_v then_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 can_v 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 may_v hereby_o be_v admonish_v faithful_o and_o with_o due_a care_n to_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o 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