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 matter_n of_o advice_n and_o counsel_n and_o last_o another_o kind_n when_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v in_o question_n wherein_o very_o we_o must_v rest_v content_a when_o the_o testimony_n be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o untruth_n otherwise_o down_o go_v not_o only_o all_o the_o use_n of_o history_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o art_n of_o physic_n but_o all_o the_o piety_n also_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v between_o parent_n and_o child_n which_o can_v be_v know_v other_o way_n and_o indeed_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 word_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v as_o a_o touchstone_n whereby_o man_n disposition_n may_v be_v try_v whether_o they_o be_v curable_a or_o not_o 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 affection_n and_o desire_n it_o be_v that_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o they_o to_o make_v no_o great_a account_n of_o honour_n and_o other_o worldly_a advantage_n which_o they_o must_v do_v if_o they_o receive_v what_o christ_n have_v teach_v and_o so_o become_v engage_v to_o observe_v his_o precept_n which_o be_v discover_v to_o be_v true_a by_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o they_o take_v many_o other_o historical_a narration_n to_o be_v true_a which_o notwithstanding_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o mere_o by_o authority_n and_o not_o by_o any_o such_o footstep_n of_o they_o remain_v at_o this_o day_n as_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n have_v partly_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v now_o in_o be_v and_o partly_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v every_o where_o find_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_a people_n of_o which_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v 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 extent_n thereof_o can_v be_v ascribe_v to_o no_o humane_a power_n therefore_o it_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 just_o think_v to_o surpass_v any_o miracle_n the_o three_o book_n of_o the_o truth_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 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 to_o learn_v all_o the_o part_n thereof_o then_o must_v he_o have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o most_o ancient_a writing_n that_o contain_v the_o same_o religion_n which_o common_o we_o call_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o rather_o new_a covenant_n for_o he_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a who_o deny_v this_o religion_n to_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o book_n as_o all_o christian_n affirm_v since_o it_o be_v but_o equity_n to_o believe_v every_o sect_n be_v it_o good_a or_o be_v it_o bad_a when_o it_o say_v its_o opinion_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o book_n as_o we_o believe_v the_o mahometan_n that_o the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o alcoran_n forasmuch_o then_o as_o we_o have_v before_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v most_o true_a and_o it_o be_v manifest_a withal_o that_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o book_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n yet_o this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v and_o avouch_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n but_o if_o any_o body_n require_v a_o more_o particular_a demonstration_n of_o it_o i_o must_v first_o lay_v down_o this_o rule_n which_o all_o indifferent_a judge_n will_v allow_v that_o it_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o he_o who_o will_v impugn_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o writing_n receive_v for_o many_o age_n to_o produce_v argument_n which_o prove_v that_o write_v to_o be_v false_a which_o if_o he_o can_v do_v that_o book_n be_v to_o be_v defend_v as_o in_o possession_n of_o its_o authority_n 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 and_o carry_v before_o they_o a_o certain_a name_n be_v the_o very_a work_n of_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v because_o those_o primitive_a father_n justin_n irenaeus_n clemens_n and_o other_o after_o they_o do_v quote_v those_o book_n under_o these_o very_a name_n as_o also_o because_o tertullian_n witness_v that_o there_o be_v original_a copy_n of_o some_o 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 raise_v any_o controversy_n about_o this_o as_o if_o these_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o those_o man_n who_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v but_o julian_n himself_o plain_o confess_v that_o those_o be_v the_o writing_n of_o peter_n and_o paul_n matthew_n mark_n 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 in_o his_o wit_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_a 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 indeed_o now_o receive_v which_o be_v not_o so_o receive_v from_o the_o beginning_n as_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n that_o of_o st._n james_n and_o judas_n two_o of_o st._n john_n the_o elder_a the_o revelation_n and_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n yet_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o many_o church_n which_o appear_v sufficient_o from_o hence_o that_o the_o ancient_a christian_n use_v their_o testimony_n as_o sacred_a which_o make_v it_o credible_a 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 canon_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 any_o man_n shall_v counterfeit_v those_o book_n since_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 iv_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 unknown_a nor_o doubt_v of_o the_o two_o epistle_n of_o st._n 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 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 caesar_n because_o we_o may_v perceive_v that_o whosoever_o write_v the_o same_o
all_o shall_v be_v man_n happiness_n after_o this_o life_n see_v then_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o a_o nature_n that_o in_o itself_o have_v no_o ground_n or_o cause_n of_o its_o own_o corruption_n and_o see_v also_o that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o many_o sign_n and_o token_n whereby_o we_o ought_v to_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n the_o soul_n shall_v survive_v the_o body_n what_o more_o noble_a end_n can_v be_v propound_v to_o man_n than_o 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 pythagorean_n speak_v of_o say_v that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o man_n if_o he_o can_v become_v most_o like_a unto_o god_n sect_n xxv_o which_o 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 attain_v man_n may_v search_v by_o probable_a conjecture_n but_o if_o any_o thing_n concern_v this_o matter_n be_v reveal_v by_o god_n that_o must_v be_v hold_v for_o a_o most_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n which_o since_o christian_a religion_n pretend_v to_o bring_v unto_o we_o above_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v examine_v in_o the_o next_o book_n whether_o or_o not_o man_n ought_v to_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o and_o assure_o build_v their_o faith_n thereon_o the_o second_o book_n of_o the_o truth_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 but_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 only_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n itself_o be_v most_o true_a and_o certain_a which_o i_o thus_o begin_v sect_n ii_o here_o be_v show_v that_o jesus_n live_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n who_o live_v heretofore_o in_o judaea_n when_o tiberius_n be_v emperor_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o only_o most_o constant_o profess_v by_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v scatter_v over_o the_o face_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n but_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o jew_n who_o now_o be_v or_o ever_o write_v since_o those_o time_n nay_o the_o very_a pagan_a writer_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v neither_o of_o the_o jewish_a nor_o christian_a religion_n namely_o suetonius_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 ignominious_a death_n that_o the_o same_o jesus_n be_v nail_v to_o a_o cross_n by_o pontius_n pilate_n governor_n of_o judaea_n be_v confess_v also_o by_o all_o christian_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v very_o disgraceful_a to_o they_o to_o be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o such_o a_o lord_n the_o jew_n also_o do_v the_o like_a though_o they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o upon_o this_o account_n they_o be_v very_o odious_a to_o christian_n in_o who_o dominion_n they_o live_v because_o their_o ancestor_n be_v the_o man_n that_o move_v pilate_n and_o persuade_v he_o to_o pass_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n upon_o jesus_n the_o pagan_a writer_n also_o now_o name_v have_v deliver_v the_o same_o to_o posterity_n yea_o the_o act_n of_o pilate_n be_v extant_a a_o long_a time_n after_o from_o whence_o this_o may_v have_v be_v prove_v to_o which_o christian_n never_o make_v their_o appeal_n for_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 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 prudent_a and_o godly_a men._n all_o which_o though_o it_o be_v most_o true_a yet_o we_o see_v how_o that_o throughout_o the_o remote_a 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 or_o those_o which_o be_v late_o pass_v 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 always_o many_o person_n who_o be_v both_o judicious_a and_o not_o unlearned_a such_o as_o to_o say_v nothing_o now_o of_o the_o jew_n 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 bring_v up_o in_o other_o religion_n and_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o any_o wealth_n or_o preferment_n by_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 of_o which_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v but_o this_o alone_a that_o they_o make_v diligent_a enquiry_n as_o become_v prudent_a man_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o find_v that_o what_o be_v bruit_v abroad_o concern_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n be_v true_a and_o rely_v upon_o firm_a witness_n as_o the_o cure_n and_o that_o with_o his_o word_n only_o and_o before_o all_o the_o people_n divers_z grievous_a and_o inveterate_a disease_n the_o restore_n of_o sight_n to_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a the_o multiply_a of_o a_o few_o loaf_n more_o than_o once_o for_o the_o feed_v many_o thousand_o who_o can_v testify_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o recall_v of_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o and_o many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n the_o report_n of_o which_o thing_n have_v then_o such_o a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a original_n that_o neither_o celsus_n nor_o julian_n when_o they_o write_v against_o christian_n dare_v deny_v there_o be_v some_o prodigy_n do_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o hebrew_n in_o the_o talmudical_a book_n do_v open_o confess_v it_o 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 these_o wondrous_a work_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o any_o natural_a power_n it_o be_v manifest_a by_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o they_o be_v call_v wonder_n and_o miracle_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a by_o the_o force_n of_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 if_o such_o work_n can_v have_v any_o way_n be_v ascribe_v to_o a_o natural_a efficacy_n it_o will_v have_v be_v say_v before_o now_o 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 like_a argument_n we_o may_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o juggle_a delusion_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 bear_v ill_a will_n 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 like_a work_n be_v often_o iterate_v and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o be_v not_o transitory_a but_o permanent_a and_o durable_a all_o which_o be_v due_o ponder_v it_o must_v 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 spirit_n either_o good_a or_o evil_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 uncleanness_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
thing_n that_o be_v accompany_v with_o peril_n trouble_n torment_n and_o death_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o follow_v the_o sound_n of_o word_n without_o the_o sense_n of_o thing_n wherefore_o they_o place_v man_n chief_a happiness_n and_o end_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 debase_v man_n who_o be_v advance_v to_o a_o high_a pitch_n and_o throw_v he_o down_o into_o the_o rank_n of_o beast_n which_o stoop_v down_o and_o poor_a upon_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v on_o the_o earth_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 after_o their_o departure_n hence_o a_o life_n not_o only_o without_o death_n without_o sorrow_n and_o trouble_n but_o attend_v with_o the_o high_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 body_n and_o soul_n together_o and_o this_o most_o just_o that_o the_o body_n which_o for_o the_o divine_a law_n must_v often_o suffer_v grievance_n torment_n and_o death_n may_v not_o be_v without_o a_o recompense_n of_o reward_n now_o the_o reward_n and_o promise_a joy_n be_v not_o vile_a and_o base_a as_o good_a cheer_n and_o dainty_a fare_n wherewith_o the_o more_o carnal_a sort_n of_o jew_n feed_v their_o hope_n or_o the_o embrace_n of_o beautiful_a woman_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 best_a be_v but_o help_v or_o remedy_n of_o mortality_n the_o former_a of_o they_o conduce_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o every_o particular_a man_n or_o beast_n 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 even_o 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 and_o a_o will_n free_v from_o all_o turbulence_n of_o passion_n busy_v chief_o about_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 all_o thing_n much_o great_a and_o better_a than_o can_v be_v conceive_v by_o comparison_n with_o the_o best_a and_o great_a thing_n in_o this_o world_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 nake_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 set_v together_o again_o but_o this_o rely_v upon_o no_o reason_n for_o since_o it_o be_v agree_v among_o most_o philosopher_n that_o howsoever_o thing_n be_v change_v there_o remain_v still_o the_o same_o matter_n capable_a of_o divers_a species_n or_o form_n who_o dare_v say_v that_o either_o god_n do_v not_o know_v in_o what_o place_n though_o never_o so_o distant_a the_o part_n of_o that_o matter_n be_v which_o belong_v to_o a_o humane_a body_n or_o that_o he_o want_v power_n to_o reduce_v they_o and_o set_v they_o together_o again_o and_o do_v that_o in_o his_o universe_n which_o we_o see_v chemist_n do_v in_o their_o fornace_n and_o vessel_n gather_v together_o and_o unite_v thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n though_o scatter_v and_o disperse_v and_o that_o a_o thing_n also_o may_v return_v to_o the_o form_n of_o its_o original_n though_o the_o species_n be_v never_o so_o much_o alter_v we_o see_v a_o example_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o in_o the_o seed_n of_o plant_n and_o live_a creature_n neither_o be_v that_o knot_n impossible_a to_o be_v unloose_v which_o be_v tie_v by_o many_o concern_v those_o humane_a body_n which_o pass_v into_o the_o nourishment_n of_o wild_a beast_n or_o cattle_n who_o be_v feed_v with_o they_o become_v again_o the_o food_n of_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 integral_a part_n of_o our_o body_n but_o either_o turn_v into_o excrement_n or_o humour_n of_o the_o body_n as_o fleam_n 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 so_o much_o of_o they_o as_o become_v the_o food_n of_o other_o man_n 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 be_v poison_n or_o physical_a potion_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n natural_o apparent_a that_o humane_a flesh_n be_v not_o intend_v for_o man_n food_n or_o suppose_v it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o something_o which_o have_v make_v a_o accession_n to_o the_o latter_a body_n must_v be_v take_v from_o it_o again_o this_o will_v not_o make_v it_o not_o to_o be_v the_o same_o body_n for_o even_o in_o this_o life_n there_o happen_v great_a change_n of_o particle_n than_o this_o come_v to_o yea_o we_o see_v that_o a_o butterfly_n 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 very_a small_a thing_n from_o whence_o they_o may_v be_v restore_v to_o their_o former_a just_a magnitude_n sure_o since_o both_o these_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n may_v without_o any_o inconvenience_n be_v suppose_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o the_o restitution_n of_o a_o body_n dissolve_v shall_v be_v reckon_v among_o impossible_a thing_n which_o learned_a man_n zoroaster_n among_o the_o chaldaean_n almost_o all_o the_o stoic_n and_o theopompus_n among_o the_o peripatetic_n believe_v not_o only_a might_n but_o shall_v be_v sect_n xiii_o the_o excellency_n of_o holy_a 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 imagine_v be_v the_o great_a holiness_n of_o law_n and_o precept_n both_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o appertain_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o in_o those_o that_o concern_v other_o matter_n the_o holy_a office_n of_o the_o pagan_n throughout_o almost_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o porphyry_n show_v at_o large_a and_o the_o navigation_n of_o our_o time_n have_v discover_v be_v full_a of_o cruelty_n for_o it_o be_v the_o usage_n in_o a_o manner_n every_o where_o to_o appease_v the_o god_n even_o with_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o humane_a blood_n which_o custom_n neither_o the_o greek_a learning_n nor_o the_o roman_a law_n take_v away_o as_o appear_v by_o what_o we_o read_v concern_v the_o victim_n make_v to_o bacchus_n omestes_n among_o the_o greek_n and_o of_o a_o greek_a man_n and_o woman_n and_o a_o man_n and_o woman_n of_o gaul_n which_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o jupiter_n latiaris_n at_o rome_n those_o most_o holy_a mystery_n also_o whether_o of_o ceres_n or_o of_o libre_fw-la pater_fw-la be_v as_o full_a as_o ever_o they_o can_v hold_v of_o filthiness_n and_o obscenity_n as_o appear_v when_o the_o secret_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v once_o lay_v open_a and_o begin_v to_o be_v divulge_v of_o which_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o other_o have_v give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n those_o festival_n day_n also_o which_o be_v consecrate_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o god_n be_v celebrate_v with_o such_o spectacle_n that_o grave_n cato_n be_v ashamed_a 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 lest_o the_o people_n that_o be_v prone_a to_o idolatry_n shall_v decline_v or_o fall_v back_o from_o the_o true_a religion_n it_o be_v load_v and_o burden_v with_o many_o precept_n 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 sundry_a kind_n of_o meat_n some_o 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 as_o in_o 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 not_o to_o keep_v holy_a day_n by_o a_o rest_n 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 offer_v 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 to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o 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 they_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 it_o be_v every_o where_o apparent_a lie_v in_o a_o pious_a confidence_n by_o which_o be_v compose_v to_o a_o faithful_a obedience_n we_o rely_v whole_o upon_o god_n and_o steadfast_o believe_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n whence_o there_o arise_v a_o good_a hope_n and_o a_o true_a love_n both_o of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n which_o make_v we_o obey_v his_o precept_n not_o in_o a_o base_a servile_a manner_n for_o fear_v of_o punishment_n but_o that_o we_o may_v please_v he_o and_o have_v he_o out_o of_o his_o great_a goodness_n our_o father_n and_o 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 many_o time_n do_v hurt_v to_o those_o that_o wish_v much_o for_o they_o but_o first_o and_o chief_o that_o which_o tend_v to_o god_n glory_n then_o for_o ourselves_o so_o much_o of_o these_o perish_a thing_n as_o nature_n desire_v leave_v the_o rest_n to_o divine_a providence_n and_o satisfy_v ourselves_o that_o all_o shall_v be_v well_o which_o way_n soever_o thing_n go_v but_o for_o eternal_a thing_n it_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v with_o the_o most_o earnest_a desire_n viz._n for_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n past_a and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o time_n to_o come_v whereby_o be_v strengthen_v against_o all_o terror_n and_o allurement_n we_o may_v constant_o persist_v in_o a_o pious_a course_n of_o life_n this_o be_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o christian_a religion_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v invent_v more_o worthy_a of_o almighty_a god_n sect_n fourteen_o concern_v the_o office_n of_o humanity_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o our_o neighbour_n like_o to_o these_o be_v the_o duty_n we_o owe_v unto_o our_o neighbour_n as_o for_o mahumet_n religion_n be_v hatch_v in_o war_n it_o breathe_v nothing_o but_o war_n and_o be_v propagate_v by_o war_n and_o hostility_n thus_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n of_o the_o lacedaemonian_n which_o among_o the_o greek_n be_v most_o applaud_v even_o by_o the_o oracle_n of_o apollo_n aristotle_n note_n and_o blame_v they_o for_o it_o be_v whole_o direct_v to_o warlike_a force_n and_o yet_o the_o same_o aristotle_n maintain_v war_n against_o barbarian_n to_o be_v natural_a when_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n make_v to_o friendship_n and_o society_n for_o what_o be_v more_o unjust_a and_o unequal_a than_o for_o single_a murder_n to_o be_v punish_v but_o to_o vaunt_v and_o triumph_v in_o the_o slaughter_n of_o whole_a nation_n as_o in_o a_o glorious_a exploit_n and_o yet_o that_o so_o much_o celebrate_v roman_a commonwealth_n how_o do_v it_o come_v by_o such_o a_o name_n but_o by_o war_n which_o ofttimes_o be_v manifest_o unjust_a as_o they_o themselves_o confess_v those_o be_v against_o sardinia_n and_o cyprus_n and_o true_o general_o as_o the_o best_a historian_n have_v commit_v to_o memory_n most_o nation_n think_v robbery_n and_o plunder_n without_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o own_o country_n to_o be_v no_o disgrace_n at_o all_o to_o they_o the_o exact_v of_o revenge_n aristotle_n and_o cicero_n make_v a_o piece_n of_o virtue_n to_o behold_v sword-player_n cut_v and_o slash_v each_o other_o be_v one_o of_o the_o public_a recreation_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o nothing_o more_o ordinary_a than_o to_o expose_v their_o child_n among_o the_o hebrew_n indeed_o there_o be_v a_o better_a law_n and_o more_o holy_a discipline_n but_o yet_o to_o a_o people_n of_o a_o impotent_a anger_n some_o thing_n be_v connive_v at_o and_o some_o thing_n indulge_v as_o a_o violent_a seizure_n upon_o the_o seven_o nation_n who_o have_v deserve_v it_o with_o which_o not_o content_v they_o prosecute_v all_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o with_o a_o cruel_a hatred_n the_o sign_n and_o mark_n of_o which_o yet_o remain_v in_o the_o prayer_n which_o they_o conceive_v against_o we_o christian_n but_o to_o prosecute_v he_o that_o hurt_v they_o by_o render_v like_a for_o like_a and_o to_o kill_v by_o their_o own_o private_a hand_n him_z that_o have_v slay_v any_o of_o their_o kindred_n be_v permit_v by_o the_o law_n itself_o whereas_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n forbid_v we_o to_o revenge_v any_o injury_n that_o be_v do_v we_o either_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n lest_o that_o wickedness_n which_o we_o condemn_v in_o other_o we_o shall_v again_o allow_v by_o its_o imitation_n it_o will_v have_v we_o do_v good_a to_o all_o to_o the_o good_a indeed_o chief_o but_o to_o the_o wicked_a also_o after_o the_o example_n of_o god_n who_o bestow_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o star_n the_o rain_n the_o wind_n and_o shower_n in_o common_a upon_o all_o man_n whatsoever_o sect_n xv._o of_o the_o conjunction_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n the_o conjunction_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n whereby_o mankind_n be_v propagate_v be_v a_o thing_n most_o worthy_a of_o the_o care_n of_o law_n which_o part_n of_o they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n the_o pagan_n neglect_v when_o they_o tell_v such_o lewd_a story_n of_o the_o whoredom_n and_o adultery_n of_o the_o god_n which_o they_o worship_v nay_o the_o filthy_a and_o abominable_a use_n which_o one_o man_n make_v of_o another_o be_v defend_v by_o the_o example_n of_o their_o go_n into_o who_o number_n upon_o that_o account_n ganymedes_n be_v ancient_o put_v and_o afterward_o antinous_n which_o flagitious_a wickedness_n be_v now_o most_o frequent_a among_o the_o mahometan_n and_o be_v think_v lawful_a by_o the_o chinese_n and_o other_o nation_n yea_o the_o philosopher_n of_o greece_n seem_v to_o have_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o find_v out_o a_o honest_a name_n for_o that_o most_o filthy_a thing_n among_o which_o greek_n philosopher_n the_o most_o excellent_a commend_v community_n of_o woman_n what_o do_v they_o do_v else_o but_o turn_v a_o whole_a city_n into_o one_o common_a brothel-house_n a_o most_o unworthy_a thing_n for_o since_o there_o be_v among_o some_o mute_a animal_n a_o certain_a conjugal_a league_n or_o covenant_n how_o much_o more_o equal_a be_v it_o that_o so_o holy_a a_o creature_n as_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v bear_v of_o uncertain_a seed_n with_o the_o extinction_n of_o all_o those_o mutual_a affection_n which_o be_v natural_o between_o parent_n and_o their_o child_n the_o hebrew_n law_n indeed_o forbid_v all_o filthiness_n but_o both_o allow_v one_o man_n to_o have_v more_o wife_n and_o give_v the_o husband_n also_o a_o right_n for_o any_o cause_n to_o put_v away_o his_o wife_n which_o the_o mahometan_n at_o this_o day_n use_v and_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_n ancient_o with_o such_o licence_n that_o the_o lacedaemonian_n and_o cato_n even_o lend_v their_o wife_n to_o other_o man_n to_o use_v for_o a_o time_n but_o the_o most_o perfect_a law_n of_o christ_n penetrate_v to_o the_o very_a root_n of_o vice_n and_o hold_v he_o who_o only_a attempt_n upon_o the_o chastity_n of_o any_o woman_n or_o look_v lascivious_o upon_o she_o to_o be_v guilty_a before_o god_n the_o judge_n and_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o that_o crime_n which_o though_o not_o act_v yet_o be_v desire_v and_o since_o all_o true_a friendship_n be_v perpetual_a and_o insoluble_a he_o will_v deserve_o have_v that_o to_o be_v such_o which_o with_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 and_o increase_n that_o therein_o it_o may_v be_v comparable_a and_o prefer_v before_o other_o we_o see_v it_o common_o true_a of_o most_o man_n that_o they_o will_v easy_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o king_n and_o potentate_n what_o way_n soever_o they_o go_v special_o if_o law_n and_o penalty_n compel_v they_o to_o it_o hereby_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o of_o mahumet_n propagate_v but_o they_o that_o first_o teach_v the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o want_v all_o civil_a power_n and_o authority_n but_o 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 nor_o be_v it_o thus_o only_o in_o the_o beginning_n but_o for_o almost_o three_o whole_a age_n together_o this_o religion_n be_v so_o promote_v by_o the_o endeavour_n of_o private_a man_n without_o any_o threaten_n without_o any_o worldly_a thing_n to_o invite_v man_n to_o it_o yea_o against_o the_o will_n and_o the_o most_o violent_a opposition_n of_o those_o who_o then_o have_v the_o imperial_a power_n that_o before_o constantine_n profess_v christianity_n this_o be_v become_v very_o near_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a world_n among_o the_o grecian_n that_o teach_v morality_n divers_a there_o be_v that_o commend_v themselves_o also_o very_o much_o by_o their_o skill_n in_o other_o arts._n as_o the_o platonist_n be_v famous_a 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 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 as_o xenophon_n plato_n and_o theophrastus_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 the_o plain_a language_n without_o entice_a word_n only_o after_o a_o bare_a manner_n or_o naked_a form_n of_o speech_n pronounce_v their_o precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n which_o have_v no_o efficacy_n in_o themselves_o proportionable_a to_o such_o a_o progress_n as_o christianity_n make_v we_o must_v needs_o confess_v it_o be_v either_o attend_v by_o miracle_n or_o by_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 that_o they_o who_o receive_v christianity_n from_o those_o teacher_n have_v not_o their_o mind_n void_a of_o a_o certain_a form_n and_o rule_v of_o religion_n and_o so_o be_v not_o by_o that_o mean_v ductile_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v draw_v as_o they_o be_v who_o first_o receive_v the_o paganish_a worship_n and_o mahomet_n law_n much_o less_o be_v their_o mind_n prepare_v for_o it_o by_o some_o antecedent_n institution_n as_o the_o hebrew_n by_o circumcision_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o god_n be_v make_v fit_a to_o accept_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o quite_o contrary_a be_v fill_v with_o opinion_n and_o custom_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o another_o nature_n repugnant_a to_o those_o new_a institution_n be_v educate_v viz._n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o law_n and_o of_o their_o parent_n in_o the_o paganish_a religion_n or_o the_o jewish_a rite_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v another_o impediment_n to_o wit_n the_o most_o grievous_a evil_n which_o they_o who_o undertake_v christianity_n must_v expect_v to_o suffer_v or_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v upon_o that_o account_n for_o see_v that_o humane_a nature_n abhor_v such_o evil_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o evil_n can_v be_v admit_v of_o without_o much_o difficulty_n a_o long_a time_n be_v the_o christian_n deprive_v of_o all_o honour_n and_o dignity_n and_o likewise_o much_o afflict_v with_o divers_a penalty_n with_o confiscation_n of_o good_n and_o banishment_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v all_o but_o flea-bite_n for_o they_o be_v condemn_v to_o dig_v in_o the_o mine_n and_o to_o suffer_v torment_n than_o which_o more_o cruel_a can_v not_o be_v devise_v and_o such_o multitude_n of_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n at_o one_o time_n sweep_v away_o and_o devour_v either_o by_o famine_n or_o 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 bury_v alive_a other_o crucify_v other_o endure_v punishment_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n which_o can_v be_v read_v or_o think_v of_o without_o the_o great_a horror_n and_o yet_o this_o savage_a cruelty_n which_o continue_v without_o much_o intermission_n and_o that_o not_o every_o where_n till_o almost_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n in_o the_o roman_a world_n and_o in_o other_o place_n endure_v long_o be_v so_o far_o from_o diminish_v the_o number_n of_o christian_n that_o quite_o contrary_a their_o blood_n may_v be_v call_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n there_o spring_v up_o still_o so_o many_o in_o the_o room_n of_o those_o that_o be_v cut_v off_o now_o let_v we_o herein_o also_o compare_v other_o religion_n with_o christianity_n the_o greek_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pagan_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o magnify_v their_o own_o thing_n above_o measure_n yet_o give_v we_o in_o but_o a_o very_a short_a catalogue_n of_o such_o as_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o doctrine_n some_o gymnosophist_n socrates_n not_o many_o more_o be_v all_o they_o can_v number_v and_o in_o those_o eminent_a man_n it_o can_v scarce_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o desire_n of_o transmit_v their_o fame_n to_o posterity_n which_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o business_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 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 they_o there_o be_v woman_n also_o virgin_n and_o young_a man_n such_o as_o have_v no_o desire_n nor_o any_o probable_a hope_n of_o get_v renown_n in_o future_a time_n by_o their_o suffering_n according_a as_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 who_o be_v only_o register_v in_o gross_a to_o which_o we_o must_v add_v that_o by_o a_o small_a compliance_n and_o simulation_n suppose_v by_o cast_v a_o little_a frankincense_n upon_o the_o altar_n most_o of_o they_o may_v have_v free_v themselves_o from_o such_o punishment_n which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o those_o philosopher_n who_o whatsoever_o they_o may_v think_v secret_o in_o their_o heart_n in_o all_o their_o apparent_a action_n conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o vulgar_a custom_n so_o that_o to_o have_v suffer_v death_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n can_v well_o be_v attribute_v to_o any_o other_o but_o only_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n and_o not_o to_o the_o jew_n neither_o after_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n nor_o before_o they_o but_o to_o a_o few_o if_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o christian_n more_o of_o which_o suffer_v for_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o some_o one_o province_n than_o the_o jew_n ever_o do_v who_o patience_n in_o this_o kind_n may_v all_o very_o near_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o time_n of_o manasses_n and_o of_o antiochus_n wherefore_o see_v christian_a religion_n in_o this_o particular_a also_o so_o vast_o excel_v all_o other_o it_o ought_v just_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o they_o and_o from_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o all_o kind_n and_o sex_n of_o people_n distinguish_v by_o so_o many_o several_a place_n and_o age_n as_o do_v not_o stick_v to_o die_v for_o this_o religion_n we_o may_v well_o gather_v there_o be_v very_o great_a cause_n of_o such_o constancy_n which_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v any_o other_o but_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god._n sect_n xxiv_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 christian_a religion_n let_v such_o know_v that_o according_a as_o thing_n be_v divers_a they_o must_v also_o have_v divers_a kind_n of_o proof_n
he_o ought_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o king_n who_o shall_v be_v our_o king_n indeed_o and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n who_o shall_v 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 aerial_a spirit_n but_o the_o god_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v only_o to_o be_v worship_v which_o say_v if_o the_o worshipper_n of_o apollo_n obey_v than_o they_o must_v cease_v to_o worship_v he_o if_o they_o do_v not_o obey_v it_o than_o they_o make_v their_o god_n a_o jyar_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 thing_n they_o will_v have_v prescribe_v a_o general_a rule_n of_o life_n to_o mankind_n and_o also_o give_v some_o certain_a assurance_n of_o a_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 commend_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 seek_v after_o filthy_a lucre_n or_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 minister_n to_o we_o a_o mighty_a argument_n against_o itself_o because_o that_o wheresoever_o it_o become_v destitute_a of_o humane_a force_n to_o support_v it_o there_o straightway_o 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 take_v a_o view_n of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n and_o state_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n or_o mahometans_n we_o shall_v find_v no_o memory_n of_o paganism_n but_o in_o book_n nay_o history_n tell_v we_o that_o even_o in_o those_o time_n when_o the_o emperor_n endeavour_v to_o uphold_v the_o pagan_a 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 it_o notwithstanding_o decay_a 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 lineage_n and_o descent_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 in_o their_o sermon_n nor_o by_o gift_n and_o bribe_n for_o they_o be_v poor_a nor_o by_o any_o soothe_n and_o flatter_a speech_n for_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o teach_v that_o all_o worldly_a advantage_n must_v be_v despise_v and_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 have_v be_v 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 this_o star-gazeing_a science_n which_o these_o man_n profess_v to_o be_v skill_v in_o be_v deliver_v under_o such_o different_a rule_n that_o one_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o nothing_o 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 follow_v from_o a_o natural_a necessity_n of_o 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 impress_v upon_o it_o from_o without_o for_o if_o the_o consent_n 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 deliberate_a and_o choose_v will_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 take_v away_o 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 and_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 true_a cause_n of_o that_o which_o be_v moral_o evil_a and_o that_o when_o in_o his_o law_n he_o profess_v himself_o to_o abhor_v wickedness_n which_o a_o force_n insert_v by_o he_o into_o thing_n themselves_o will_v inevitable_o produce_v he_o do_v will_n two_o thing_n contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v and_o not_o be_v do_v and_o also_o that_o a_o man_n offend_v in_o a_o action_n which_o 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 oftentimes_o 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 unto_o they_o but_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v grant_v it_o make_v nothing_o for_o the_o question_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n for_o see_v that_o christian_a religion_n most_o of_o all_o withdraws_a 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 affection_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 exempt_v true_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n from_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 star_n respect_v 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 world_n and_o such_o as_o be_v under_o a_o far_o different_a position_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 be_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v believe_v therein_o the_o like_a or_o worse_o be_v find_v among_o the_o pagan_n but_o the_o pagan_n have_v the_o less_o to_o object_n against_o christian_a religion_n because_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o be_v of_o such_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n that_o they_o convince_v man_n mind_n by_o their_o own_o light_n in_o 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sight_n the_o distinction_n of_o meat_n the_o sabbath_n and_o feast-day_n be_v but_o type_n and_o shadow_n of_o thing_n which_o exist_v in_o christ_n and_o in_o christian_n in_o like_a manner_n by_o occasion_n of_o mahumetism_n these_o admonition_n be_v give_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n foretell_v that_o after_o his_o time_n there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n which_o shall_v lie_v and_o say_v they_o be_v send_v of_o god_n but_o suppose_v that_o a_o angel_n shall_v come_v from_o heaven_n yet_o we_o may_v not_o receive_v or_o entertain_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v leave_v we_o confirm_v by_o so_o many_o testimony_n for_o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v unto_o the_o godly_a that_o live_v in_o time_n past_a have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n the_o lord_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n 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and_o right_o understand_v all_o thing_n as_o they_o ought_v than_o their_o weakness_n must_v be_v bear_v with_o that_o so_o without_o any_o brawling_n or_o fall_n out_o they_o may_v be_v sweet_o unite_v and_o knit_v together_o with_o we_o if_o any_o do_v excel_v the_o rest_n in_o understanding_n it_o be_v but_o meet_v also_o that_o they_o surpass_v they_o in_o love_n in_o holy_a affection_n and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v they_o good_a and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o in_o some_o point_n be_v of_o different_a opinion_n from_o such_o as_o hold_v the_o truth_n god_n leisure_n must_v be_v wait_v for_o until_o it_o please_v he_o to_o reveal_v the_o same_o truth_n that_o yet_o lie_v hide_v from_o they_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v agree_v upon_o must_v be_v steadfast_o keep_v and_o due_o practise_v we_o know_v now_o in_o part_n only_o but_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v when_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v know_v most_o plain_o and_o after_o a_o perspicuous_a manner_n this_o also_o i_o beg_v of_o every_o one_o that_o they_o do_v not_o unprofitable_o detain_v the_o talon_n commit_v to_o they_o upon_o trust_n but_o that_o they_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a to_o win_v other_o unto_o christ_n for_o which_o purpose_n we_o must_v not_o only_o use_v good_a exhortation_n and_o wholesome_a speech_n but_o also_o the_o example_n of_o good_a life_n that_o so_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o master_n may_v appear_v by_o his_o servant_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o law_n by_o our_o landable_a action_n last_o my_o discourse_n return_v thither_o where_o it_o begin_v i_o entreat_v such_o reader_n as_o be_v my_o countryman_n that_o if_o hereby_o they_o reap_v any_o good_a they_o will_v give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o it_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v less_o please_v to_o they_o they_o will_v have_v a_o regard_n both_o to_o the_o common_a infirmity_n of_o man_n nature_n that_o be_v prone_a to_o error_n and_o to_o the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o this_o work_n be_v rather_o hasty_o bring_v forth_o than_o elaborate_o compose_v the_o seven_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n against_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n the_o seven_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o a_o introduction_n show_v what_o make_v the_o addition_n of_o another_o book_n necessary_a if_o those_o apostolical_a exhortation_n which_o conclude_v the_o last_o book_n have_v be_v careful_o follow_v there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o say_v any_o more_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o man_n mind_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o the_o unhappy_a difference_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n and_o which_o be_v maintain_v with_o unspeakable_a animosity_n and_o hatred_n nay_o with_o anathema_n also_o which_o one_o part_n pronounce_v against_o the_o rest_n have_v make_v many_o man_n doubtful_a which_o of_o these_o hold_v the_o true_a 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which_o every_o one_o of_o we_o ought_v to_o preserve_v with_o the_o great_a care_n as_o a_o most_o inestimable_a treasure_n for_o as_o this_o be_v common_a to_o every_o religion_n to_o have_v many_o dispute_v about_o it_o and_o different_a opinion_n in_o it_o and_o as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n foretell_v there_o will_v many_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a apostle_n and_o false_a prophet_n arise_v as_o be_v say_v before_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o forego_n book_n who_o will_v lie_v and_o say_v they_o be_v send_v when_o they_o be_v not_o introduce_v false_a doctrine_n and_o call_v they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o as_o they_o give_v we_o a_o good_a reason_n also_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o that_o man_n probity_n and_o sincerity_n may_v be_v try_v and_o bring_v hereby_o to_o the_o touchstone_n and_o that_o their_o diligence_n and_o care_n in_o preserve_a themselves_o may_v be_v exercise_v so_o bless_a be_v our_o lord_n the_o true_a christian_a religion_n 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the_o christian_n work_n and_o reward_n matth._n 11._o 29_o 30._o take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o &_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a &_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a revel_v 2_o 10._o be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 24_o 25._o so_o run_v that_o you_o may_v obtain_v every_o man_n that_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n now_o they_o do_v it_o to_o obtain_v a_o corrupible_a crown_n but_o we_o a_o incorruptible_a the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o six_o book_n write_a in_o latin_a by_o hugo_n grotius_n and_o now_o translate_v into_o english_a with_o the_o addition_n of_o a_o seven_o book_n by_o simon_n patrick_n dean_n of_o peterburgh_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v for_o rich._n royston_n bookseller_n to_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n at_o the_o angel_n in_o amen-corner_n mdclxxx_o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a william_n earl_n of_o bedford_z knight_n of_o the_o most_o noble_a order_n of_o the_o garter_n etc._n etc._n my_o very_a good_a lord_n and_o patron_n my_o lord_n iam_fw-la so_o desirous_a to_o express_v my_o thankfulness_n to_o your_o lordship_n as_o for_o all_o the_o rest_n so_o especial_o for_o the_o last_o favour_n you_o have_v do_v i_o in_o contribute_v so_o free_o to_o the_o give_v i_o some_o ease_n from_o that_o burden_n which_o grow_v too_o heavy_a for_o i_o that_o i_o make_v bold_a to_o prefix_v your_o lordship_n name_n to_o this_o book_n of_o a_o great_a man_n in_o another_o nation_n which_o i_o have_v translate_v and_o will_v live_v i_o believe_v as_o long_o as_o learning_n and_o religion_n shall_v last_v among_o we_o whereby_o your_o lordship_n will_v see_v that_o i_o have_v only_o exchange_v not_o give_v over_o my_o labour_n and_o that_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o be_v less_o diligent_a in_o my_o station_n than_o when_o i_o preach_v more_o but_o rather_o study_v industrious_o to_o serve_v the_o public_a good_a some_o other_o way_n which_o that_o i_o may_v promote_v i_o have_v augment_v this_o work_n of_o grotius_n by_o the_o addition_n of_o another_o book_n not_o equal_a indeed_o in_o strength_n of_o reason_v and_o variety_n of_o read_v to_o the_o forego_n but_o in_o brevity_n and_o perspicuity_n i_o hope_v nothing_o inferior_a and_o be_v a_o building_n rely_v in_o great_a part_n upon_o his_o foundation_n will_v stand_v as_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a as_o those_o which_o excel_v it_o in_o beauty_n and_o neatness_n of_o contrivance_n such_o as_o it_o be_v i_o humble_o present_v it_o to_o your_o lordship_n and_o pray_v god_n that_o the_o whole_a work_n may_v have_v some_o effect_n for_o the_o reclaim_n those_o that_o be_v irreligious_a or_o the_o settle_v those_o who_o be_v waver_a and_o doubtful_a and_o the_o exciting_a we_o all_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n i_o remain_v my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n most_o humble_a and_o oblige_a servant_n s._n patrick_n a_o preface_n give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o author_n and_o of_o this_o work_n the_o name_n of_o this_o author_n have_v be_v so_o illustrious_a in_o these_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o as_o there_o be_v few_o person_n who_o read_v book_n to_o who_o it_o be_v not_o know_v so_o there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o recommend_v this_o work_n and_o procure_v it_o entertainment_n with_o all_o those_o that_o have_v hear_v of_o he_o in_o which_o he_o have_v faithful_o lay_v out_o those_o great_a talent_n of_o reason_n and_o learning_n wherewith_o god_n bless_v he_o above_o most_o other_o man_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o most_o holy_a religion_n which_o he_o have_v serve_v very_o much_o in_o other_o work_n of_o he_o but_o in_o none_o more_o than_o this_o because_o it_o be_v of_o such_o general_n use_v and_o so_o satisfactory_a that_o it_o may_v alone_o merit_v those_o title_n of_o honour_n which_o the_o man_n of_o learning_n have_v bestow_v on_o he_o though_o they_o be_v as_o high_a as_o well_o can_v be_v devise_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ordinary_a in_o our_o selden_n than_o vir_fw-la maximus_fw-la vir_fw-la summus_fw-la the_o great_a the_o chief_a of_o man_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o grotius_n upon_o who_o salmasius_n bestow_v the_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d most_o excellent_a and_o as_o if_o he_o be_v in_o a_o rapture_n when_o he_o think_v of_o he_o cry_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d o_o most_o admirable_a or_o wonderful_a and_o supereminentissime_fw-la most_o supereminent_a grotius_n to_o who_o he_o wish_v much_o rather_o to_o be_v like_a than_o to_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a person_n for_o riches_n and_o honour_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v the_o character_n which_o baudius_n give_v of_o he_o very_o early_o 1612._o in_o a_o scazon_n he_o make_v upon_o he_o where_o he_o thus_o admire_v he_o vir_fw-la magne_fw-la vir_fw-la mirande_fw-la vir_fw-la sine_fw-la exemplo_fw-la in_o english_a o_o thou_o great_a man_n thou_o wonderful_a man_n a_o man_n without_o example_n yet_o as_o great_a a_o man_n as_o he_o be_v he_o fall_v into_o disgrace_n in_o his_o own_o country_n and_o be_v throw_v into_o prison_n every_o body_n know_v in_o the_o castle_n of_o lupstein_n in_o which_o strict_a confinement_n he_o meditate_a many_o profitable_a work_n especial_o in_o thing_n sacred_a for_o during_o his_o long_a imprisonment_n he_o find_v by_o a_o happy_a experience_n as_o he_o write_v to_o barlaeus_n a_o great_a while_n after_o there_o be_v a_o wonderful_a power_n in_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n to_o support_v the_o mind_n and_o to_o keep_v it_o erect_v against_o all_o calamity_n and_o therefore_o for_o his_o own_o solace_n in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o he_o tell_v another_o friend_n he_o set_v himself_o to_o write_v this_o little_a book_n which_o he_o intimate_v both_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o it_o be_v then_o compose_v or_o rather_o hasty_o put_v together_o when_o his_o mind_n be_v more_o free_a than_o his_o body_n and_o therefore_o when_o after_o several_a edition_n he_o set_v it_o forth_o with_o annotation_n 1640._o he_o call_v it_o in_o a_o epistle_n to_o sarravius_n partum_fw-la doloris_fw-la quondam_a mei_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o child_n of_o my_o grief_n in_o time_n past_a now_o a_o monument_n of_o my_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v write_v original_o in_o his_o own_o language_n so_o it_o be_v in_o verse_n that_o it_o may_v be_v more_o popular_a and_o more_o easy_o commit_v to_o memory_n by_o the_o rudes_fw-la people_n such_o as_o mariner_n for_o who_o he_o chief_o intend_v it_o he_o tell_v we_o as_o much_o in_o the_o preface_n but_o we_o may_v learn_v it_o more_o full_o out_o of_o a_o letter_n to_o he_o on_o this_o subject_n from_o 630._o inter_fw-la epist_n praest_n vir_fw-la p._n 630._o episcopius_n who_o say_v that_o the_o often_o he_o read_v over_o 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from_o hence_o also_o that_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o work_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n he_o do_v not_o interpret_v those_o word_n i_o hebr._n 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o present_a tense_n make_v a_o purgation_n or_o expiate_v our_o sin_n as_o socinus_n do_v but_o in_o the_o past_a time_n expiatis_fw-la peccatis_fw-la nostris_fw-la have_v expiate_v or_o purge_v away_o our_o sin_n how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v otherwise_o translate_v in_o his_o annotation_n on_o that_o place_n put_v forth_o since_o his_o death_n i_o can_v give_v no_o account_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n i_o suppose_v he_o satisfy_v another_o doubt_n about_o a_o passage_n in_o this_o book_n which_o sarravius_n desire_v he_o to_o resolve_v though_o i_o can_v find_v his_o answer_n to_o it_o for_o he_o give_v a_o punctual_a answer_n afterward_o to_o a_o question_n propound_v by_o a_o minister_n of_o roven_n who_o ask_v he_o where_o he_o have_v that_o of_o rabbi_n nechumias_n 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little_a savour_n and_o as_o for_o the_o immense_a collection_n of_o testimony_n then_o add_v he_o make_v it_o appear_v by_o they_o that_o in_o all_o his_o study_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n have_v always_o be_v before_o his_o eye_n his_o holy_a diligence_n and_o industry_n have_v discover_v so_o many_o and_o such_o thing_n which_o have_v escape_v the_o sagacious_a eye_n of_o other_o and_o not_o long_o after_o he_o propound_v some_o doubt_n according_a to_o his_o own_o desire_n and_o mention_v some_o exception_n as_o be_v note_v before_o which_o some_o who_o have_v no_o good_a will_n to_o he_o take_v at_o this_o golden_a book_n as_o he_o again_o call_v it_o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o harsh_a censure_n of_o some_o learned_a man_n this_o excellent_a person_n still_o persist_v in_o his_o high_a esteem_n of_o the_o worth_n of_o this_o author_n and_o believe_v all_o unprejudiced_a man_n will_v ever_o look_v upon_o he_o with_o great_a veneration_n so_o he_o tell_v salmasius_n five_o year_n after_o 146._o after_o epist_n claud._n sarrav_n p._n 146._o 1645_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o grotius_n will_v always_o be_v account_v a_o great_a man_n by_o you_o and_o i_o and_o by_o all_o that_o love_n equity_n and_o goodness_n for_o he_o be_v full_a of_o envy_n who_o deny_v due_a praise_n to_o such_o a_o hero_n and_o a_o little_a while_n after_o hear_v of_o the_o news_n of_o his_o death_n he_o most_o sad_o bewail_v it_o 171._o it_o ib._n p._n 171._o as_o the_o extinction_n of_o the_o bright_a star_n of_o that_o age_n who_o name_n will_v be_v great_a as_o long_o as_o either_o book_n or_o learning_n be_v in_o honour_n and_o while_o he_o have_v breath_n he_o say_v he_o will_v glory_v in_o this_o that_o he_o once_o have_v familiar_a acquaintance_n with_o a_o man_n who_o be_v re_fw-mi &_o nomine_fw-la magnus_fw-la no_o less_o great_a indeed_o than_o his_o name_n import_v this_o affection_n he_o seem_v to_o have_v carry_v with_o he_o to_o his_o grave_n and_o honour_v his_o 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it_o be_v deny_v to_o my_o body_n for_o i_o think_v that_o truth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v contend_v for_o but_o only_o with_o truth_n and_o with_o such_o truth_n also_o as_o i_o approve_v in_o my_o own_o mind_n know_v it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o vain_a labour_n to_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v other_o of_o that_o which_o i_o have_v not_o first_o persuade_v myself_o to_o believe_v omit_v therefore_o such_o argument_n as_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v little_a weight_n in_o they_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o book_n as_o i_o either_o know_v or_o suspect_v to_o be_v counterfeit_a i_o select_v those_o both_o out_o of_o the_o ancient_a and_o modern_a time_n which_o appear_v to_o i_o to_o have_v the_o great_a force_n in_o they_o and_o what_o thing_n i_o full_o assent_v unto_o those_o i_o both_o cast_v into_o a_o orderly_a method_n and_o express_v in_o as_o popular_a a_o manner_n as_o i_o can_v invent_v and_o likewise_o include_v in_o verse_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o 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the_o african_n or_o with_o jew_n who_o as_o they_o be_v now_o profess_v enemy_n of_o christian_n so_o be_v disperse_v through_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o there_o will_v always_o be_v store_n of_o impious_a man_n who_o be_v ready_a upon_o occasion_n to_o vent_v the_o poison_n which_o for_o fear_n they_o keep_v conceal_v against_o which_o mischief_n i_o wish_v that_o our_o countryman_n may_v be_v sufficient_o arm_v and_o that_o they_o who_o be_v more_o ingenious_a than_o other_o will_v use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o confute_v error_n and_o the_o rest_n will_v at_o least_o be_v so_o cautious_a as_o not_o to_o be_v overcome_v by_o they_o and_o that_o i_o may_v show_v religion_n be_v no_o frivolous_a thing_n i_o begin_v in_o the_o first_o book_n 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 now_o that_o i_o attempt_v to_o prove_v after_o this_o manner_n the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o truth_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 some_o thing_n which_o 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 contingent_a 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 god_n head_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 utter_o lose_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o good_a manner_n and_o become_v altogether_o wild_a and_o savage_a for_o since_o those_o thing_n which_o proceed_v from_o man_n pleasure_n and_o appointment_n be_v neither_o the_o same_o among_o all_o man_n and_o be_v often_o subject_a to_o change_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o place_n where_o this_o notion_n be_v not_o find_v and_o it_o be_v not_o change_v by_o the_o alteration_n of_o time_n as_o aristotle_n himself_o note_v who_o be_v
find_v or_o have_v ancient_o be_v find_v consent_v with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o hebrew_n touch_v joshua_n and_o other_o seeing_z that_o whosoever_o give_v credit_n unto_o moses_n which_o to_o do_v no_o man_n can_v without_o great_a impudence_n refuse_v the_o same_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v indeed_o wonderful_a miracle_n ancient_o wrought_v by_o god_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o here_o chief_o go_v about_o to_o declare_v as_o for_o the_o miracle_n of_o after_o age_n suppose_v of_o elijah_n and_o elisha_n and_o other_o there_o be_v the_o less_o reason_n to_o think_v they_o counterfeit_n because_o in_o those_o time_n judaea_n be_v both_o more_o know_v than_o former_o and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o diversity_n of_o religion_n be_v extreme_o hate_v by_o their_o neighbour_n who_o may_v have_v very_o easy_o blast_v the_o fame_n of_o such_o miracle_n if_o they_o have_v be_v lie_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v spread_v abroad_o the_o history_n of_o jonah_n who_o lie_v three_o day_n in_o the_o whale_n belly_n be_v to_o be_v read_v in_o lycophron_n and_o aeneas_n hazou_n save_v only_o that_o in_o stead_n of_o jonah_n they_o have_v put_v the_o name_n of_o hercules_n who_o they_o so_o much_o honour_v that_o to_o make_v he_o appear_v the_o more_o illustrious_a they_o be_v wont_a as_o tacitus_n and_o servius_n and_o other_o have_v note_v to_o report_v of_o he_o whatsoever_o magnificent_a thing_n they_o hear_v of_o in_o any_o other_o place_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o julian_n who_o be_v a_o enemy_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o much_o as_o of_o christian_n be_v force_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o history_n to_o confess_v that_o such_o man_n live_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o be_v inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o fire_v descend_v from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o moses_n and_o elias_n and_o very_o it_o be_v well_o worth_a our_o observation_n that_o among_o the_o hebrew_n there_o be_v not_o only_o grievous_a punishment_n appoint_v for_o such_o man_n as_o do_v false_o assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o prophetical_a function_n but_o also_o many_o king_n and_o great_a man_n that_o may_v have_v by_o that_o mean_v purchase_v authority_n to_o themselves_o and_o likewise_o very_a many_o learned_a man_n as_o be_v esdras_n and_o other_o that_o never_o dare_v arrogate_v to_o themselves_o this_o dignity_n nor_o any_o man_n else_o for_o divers_a age_n before_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n sect_n xvi_o the_o same_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o oracle_n and_o prediction_n but_o more_o unlikely_a it_o be_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o people_n shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o the_o avouch_n of_o a_o perpetual_a and_o public_a prodigy_n as_o we_o may_v call_v it_o to_o wit_n the_o holy_a oracle_n which_o after_o a_o resplendent_a manner_n shine_v from_o the_o breastplate_n of_o the_o highpriest_n the_o truth_n whereof_o be_v so_o strong_o believe_v by_o all_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v continue_v until_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o first_o temple_n that_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n their_o ancestor_n have_v certain_a knowledge_n concern_v the_o same_o like_o to_o this_o from_o miracle_n there_o be_v another_o argument_n as_o forcible_a and_o effectual_a to_o prove_v god_n providence_n take_v from_o those_o prediction_n of_o future_a event_n which_o among_o the_o hebrew_n be_v many_o and_o manifest_a such_o be_v that_o prophecy_n of_o his_o be_v make_v childless_a who_o shall_v attempt_v to_o re-edify_a jericho_n and_o that_o of_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o bethel_n by_o a_o king_n name_v josiah_n foretell_v above_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o the_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v so_o likewise_o the_o very_a name_n and_o chief_a act_n of_o cyrus_n foretell_v by_o esaiah_n the_o event_n of_o hierusalems_n siege_n by_o the_o chaldean_n foreshow_v by_o jeremiah_n so_o also_o daniel_n prediction_n touch_v the_o translation_n of_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o assyrian_n unto_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n then_o from_o they_o unto_o alexander_n of_o macedon_n who_o empire_n shall_v afterward_o in_o part_n be_v divide_v among_o the_o successor_n of_o ptolemy_n and_o seleucus_n and_o what_o evil_n also_o the_o hebrew_n nation_n shall_v suffer_v from_o all_o these_o but_o especial_o from_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n which_o be_v so_o clear_o foretell_v that_o porphyry_n who_o compare_v with_o these_o prediction_n such_o grecian_a history_n as_o be_v extant_a in_o his_o time_n can_v not_o otherwise_o tell_v how_o to_o shift_v they_o off_o than_o by_o say_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v father_v upon_o daniel_n be_v write_v after_o such_o time_n as_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o one_o shall_v deny_v that_o that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o time_n of_o augustus_n which_o have_v be_v publish_v in_o virgil_n name_n and_o be_v always_o repute_v for_o virgil_n work_n for_o there_o be_v never_o any_o more_o scruple_n make_v of_o the_o former_a among_o the_o hebrew_n than_o of_o this_o latter_a among_o the_o roman_n to_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v add_v very_o many_o and_o most_o famous_a oracle_n among_o the_o people_n of_o mexico_n and_o peru_n which_o foretell_v the_o come_n of_o the_o spaniard_n into_o those_o country_n and_o the_o calamity_n which_o shall_v thereupon_o follow_v and_o hither_o also_o may_v be_v refer_v not_o a_o few_o dream_n so_o exact_o agree_v with_o the_o event_n which_o both_o in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o cause_n be_v whole_o unknown_a to_o they_o that_o dream_v that_o they_o can_v without_o great_a immodesty_n be_v refer_v to_o chance_v or_o to_o natural_a cause_n of_o which_o kind_a tertullian_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v collect_v illustrious_a example_n out_o of_o the_o most_o approve_a author_n spectre_n also_o or_o apparition_n belong_v to_o this_o head_n which_o have_v be_v not_o only_o see_v but_o hear_v to_o speak_v as_o those_o historian_n relate_v who_o be_v the_o far_a from_o superstitious_a credulity_n and_o be_v report_v by_o witness_n of_o our_o own_o age_n who_o have_v live_v in_o china_n and_o in_o mexico_n and_o other_o part_n of_o america_n nor_o be_v public_a trial_n of_o innocence_n by_o touch_v of_o red_a hot_a ploughshare_n to_o be_v despise_v which_o the_o history_n of_o so_o many_o german_a nation_n and_o the_o law_n themselves_o have_v remember_v sect_n xvii_o the_o objection_n be_v answer_v why_o miracle_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v see_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n to_o object_n against_o such_o miracle_n because_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a to_o be_v see_v in_o these_o day_n neither_o the_o like_a prediction_n hear_v of_o for_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o divine_a providence_n that_o such_o thing_n do_v come_v to_o pass_v at_o any_o time_n which_o be_v once_o grant_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o god_n may_v be_v believe_v with_o as_o much_o providence_n and_o wisdom_n now_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o surcease_v as_o ancient_o he_o use_v the_o same_o neither_o stand_v it_o with_o reason_n that_o those_o law_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o universe_n concern_v the_o natural_a course_n of_o thing_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o future_a event_n shall_v be_v light_o or_o always_o transgress_v but_o only_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o either_o there_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n as_o when_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v almost_o banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n reside_v only_o in_o a_o little_a part_n thereof_o to_o wit_n in_o judaea_n where_o it_o necessary_o be_v to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v fortify_v with_o new_a aid_n against_o the_o impiety_n wherewith_o it_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 first_o by_o god_n decree_n to_o be_v publish_v throughout_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 there_o be_v those_o who_o be_v wont_a to_o doubt_v of_o the_o divine_a providence_n because_o they_o see_v so_o much_o wickedness_n have_v like_o a_o deluge_n overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n which_o divine_a providence_n they_o contend_v if_o there_o be_v any_o will_v have_v make_v its_o chief_a business_n to_o restrain_v and_o suppress_v but_o this_o be_v easy_o answer_v consider_v that_o when_o god_n have_v create_v man_n with_o freedom_n to_o do_v good_a and_o evil_n reserve_v absolute_a and_o immutable_a goodness_n to_o himself_o it_o have_v not_o be_v reasonable_a to_o have_v put_v such_o a_o stop_n to_o evil_a action_n as_o shall_v have_v be_v contrary_a to_o that_o liberty_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
the_o downfall_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o daemon_n and_o of_o magical_a art_n and_o one_o god_n be_v worship_v with_o a_o detestation_n of_o daemon_n who_o power_n and_o authority_n porphyry_n acknowledge_v be_v break_v by_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v think_v that_o any_o wicked_a spirit_n be_v so_o ignorant_a and_o foolish_a as_o to_o effect_v and_o often_o bring_v to_o pass_v thing_n that_o be_v cause_n of_o its_o own_o hurt_n and_o disgrace_n and_o no_o way_n conduce_v to_o its_o honour_n or_o benefit_n beside_o it_o stand_v no_o way_n with_o the_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v so_o harmless_a and_o innocent_a man_n such_o as_o fear_v he_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o delusion_n of_o devil_n and_o such_o be_v the_o first_o follower_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o their_o innocent_a life_n and_o by_o the_o many_o calamity_n which_o they_o endure_v for_o conscience_n sake_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o thou_o affirm_v that_o those_o work_n of_o christ_n proceed_v from_o some_o good_a spirit_n which_o be_v inferior_a to_o god_n in_o so_o say_v thou_o do_v confess_v that_o the_o same_o work_n be_v well_o please_v unto_o god_n and_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n forasmuch_o as_o good_a spirit_n do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v acceptable_a and_o glorious_a unto_o god_n to_o say_v nothing_o now_o of_o some_o of_o christ_n work_n which_o be_v so_o miraculous_a that_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v god_n himself_o for_o the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o can_v not_o have_v be_v do_v but_o by_o the_o immediate_a finger_n of_o a_o omnipotent_a power_n as_o special_o the_o restore_a divers_a person_n from_o death_n unto_o life_n again_o now_o god_n do_v not_o produce_v any_o miracle_n nor_o suffer_v any_o such_o wonder_n to_o be_v wrought_v without_o just_a cause_n for_o it_o become_v not_o a_o wise_a maker_n of_o law_n to_o forsake_v and_o depart_v from_o his_o own_o law_n unless_o upon_o some_o good_a and_o weighty_a reason_n now_o no_o other_o cause_n of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v give_v than_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v by_o christ_n himself_o namely_o that_o hereby_o his_o doctrine_n may_v be_v verify_v and_o confirm_v and_o doubtless_o they_o that_o be_v spectator_n of_o his_o work_n can_v conceive_v no_o other_o reason_n thereof_o among_o which_o since_o there_o be_v as_o be_v say_v many_o godly_a man_n pious_o and_o devout_o affect_v it_o be_v horrible_a impiety_n to_o imagine_v that_o god_n do_v work_v these_o thing_n only_o to_o delude_v and_o deceive_v they_o and_o this_o be_v one_o cause_n why_o very_a many_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o live_v about_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n even_o such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o relinquish_v or_o omit_v one_o jot_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n such_o as_o those_o who_o be_v call_v nazarenes_n and_o ebionites_n do_v notwithstanding_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o jesus_n be_v a_o doctor_n or_o master_n send_v from_o heaven_n sect_n vii_o christ_n resurrection_n prove_v by_o credible_a reason_n beside_o the_o miracle_n that_o christ_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n another_o like_a argument_n may_v be_v take_v from_o his_o wonderful_a resurrection_n to_o life_n again_o after_o that_o he_o be_v crucify_a dead_a and_o bury_v for_o the_o christian_n of_o all_o age_n and_o country_n allege_v the_o same_o not_o only_o for_o a_o truth_n but_o also_o as_o the_o most_o strong_a ground_n and_o chief_a foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o those_o that_o first_o teach_v christianity_n do_v persuade_v their_o auditor_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o for_o certain_a and_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o induce_v any_o wise_a man_n to_o the_o belief_n hereof_o unless_o they_o can_v very_o affirm_v that_o themselves_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o this_o matter_n for_o without_o such_o a_o ocular_a testimony_n no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n will_v have_v give_v credit_n unto_o they_o especial_o in_o such_o time_n when_o to_o believe_v they_o be_v to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o great_a mischief_n and_o danger_n but_o that_o this_o be_v their_o constant_a assertion_n both_o their_o own_o book_n and_o other_o write_n do_v testify_v for_o out_o of_o their_o book_n it_o appear_v that_o they_o appeal_v unto_o five_o hundred_o witness_n that_o have_v behold_v jesus_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a now_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fashion_n of_o liar_n and_o dissembler_n to_o appeal_v to_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o witness_n neither_o can_v it_o possible_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o so_o many_o man_n shall_v agree_v and_o conspire_v together_o to_o bear_v false_a witness_n or_o suppose_v there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o witness_n save_o those_o twelve_o know_a apostle_n the_o first_o publisher_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o this_o have_v be_v sufficient_a no_o man_n be_v wicked_a for_o nothing_o and_o honour_n for_o their_o lie_v they_o can_v not_o expect_v in_o regard_n that_o all_o kind_n of_o dignity_n and_o promotion_n be_v then_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o pagan_n or_o jew_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v nothing_o but_o reproach_n and_o ignominy_n neither_o can_v they_o hope_v for_o any_o wealth_n and_o riches_n because_o this_o profession_n be_v oftentimes_o punish_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o good_n and_o possession_n or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o the_o gospel_n can_v not_o be_v teach_v by_o they_o unless_o they_o omit_v or_o neglect_v all_o care_n about_o worldly_a good_n neither_o can_v the_o hope_n of_o any_o other_o worldly_a advantage_n move_v they_o to_o utter_v untruth_n see_v that_o the_o very_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n do_v expose_v they_o to_o labour_n hunger_n thirst_n stripe_n and_o imprisonment_n to_o get_v credit_n and_o reputation_n only_o among_o their_o own_o countryman_n be_v not_o so_o much_o worth_n that_o they_o poor_a simple_a man_n who_o life_n and_o doctrine_n be_v abhorrent_n from_o all_o pride_n shall_v therefore_o run_v upon_o so_o great_a inconvenience_n neither_o again_o can_v they_o have_v any_o hope_n their_o doctrine_n will_v make_v such_o progress_n as_o to_o win_v they_o any_o fame_n be_v oppose_v both_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n which_o be_v intent_n to_o its_o own_o advantage_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o who_o then_o every_o where_o govern_v unless_o they_o have_v be_v some_o way_n animate_v and_o encourage_v by_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o promise_v themselves_o that_o this_o fame_n such_o as_o it_o may_v prove_v will_v be_v durable_a since_o they_o expect_v god_n on_o purpose_n conceal_v his_o counsel_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o end_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o near_o approach_v which_o both_o their_o own_o write_n and_o the_o writing_n of_o those_o christian_n that_o follow_v they_o make_v most_o evident_a it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o we_o say_v if_o they_o do_v lie_v it_o be_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v right_o consider_v for_o either_o they_o do_v sincere_o believe_v that_o this_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n or_o else_o they_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a nay_o if_o they_o think_v not_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o the_o best_a they_o will_v never_o have_v make_v choice_n hereof_o and_o refuse_v other_o religion_n far_o more_o safe_a and_o commodious_a nay_o further_o though_o they_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v true_a yet_o they_o will_v not_o have_v profess_v it_o unless_o they_o have_v be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o profession_n thereof_o be_v necessary_a special_o for_o that_o they_o may_v have_v easy_o foresee_v and_o partly_o they_o can_v tell_v by_o experience_n what_o troop_n of_o man_n will_v be_v expose_v to_o death_n for_o this_o profession_n which_o without_o just_a cause_n to_o occasion_n be_v no_o better_a than_o plain_a robbery_n or_o murder_n but_o if_o we_o say_v they_o believe_v that_o this_o religion_n be_v true_a and_o the_o very_o best_a and_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v profess_v and_o that_o after_o the_o death_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n sure_o that_o can_v no_o way_n be_v so_o if_o their_o master_n promise_n concern_v his_o resurrection_n have_v deceive_v they_o and_o not_o prove_v true_a for_o that_o have_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n disbelieve_v even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v already_o entertain_v moreover_o all_o religion_n and_o christianity_n more_o than_o any_o other_o forbid_v lie_v in_o bear_v false_a witness_n especial_o in_o divine_a thing_n wherefore_o they_o can_v not_o
for_o the_o love_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o such_o a_o religion_n be_v induce_v to_o tell_v untruth_n beside_o these_o man_n be_v of_o a_o upright_a conversation_n their_o life_n be_v spotless_a and_o unblameable_a even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o adversary_n who_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o they_o save_v their_o simplicity_n which_o of_o all_o other_o disposition_n be_v the_o most_o unlikely_a to_o forge_v a_o lie_n nay_o there_o be_v none_o among_o these_o primitive_a christian_n whereof_o we_o speak_v who_o do_v not_o suffer_v grievous_a torment_n for_o profess_v that_o jesus_n be_v rise_v and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v put_v unto_o most_o exquisite_a pain_n of_o death_n for_o bear_v testimony_n of_o the_o same_o now_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n may_v be_v content_a to_o endure_v such_o thing_n for_o some_o opinion_n which_o he_o have_v conceive_v and_o real_o believe_v in_o his_o mind_n yet_o that_o for_o a_o falsehood_n which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v so_o not_o only_o some_o one_o man_n but_o a_o great_a many_o man_n who_o be_v like_a to_o gain_v nothing_o at_o all_o by_o make_v that_o falsehood_n to_o be_v believe_v shall_v consent_v to_o suffer_v such_o cruel_a torment_n be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o incredible_a now_o that_o these_o be_v not_o madman_n both_o their_o conversation_n and_o their_o writing_n do_v abundant_o testify_v likewise_o what_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o first_o apostle_n may_v also_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n who_o open_o teach_v that_o he_o see_v christ_n sit_v in_o heaven_n who_o also_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o any_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n nor_o may_v he_o have_v want_v dignity_n and_o preferment_n if_o he_o will_v have_v follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o his_o father_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n he_o become_v liable_a to_o the_o hatred_n and_o malignity_n of_o his_o kinsfolk_n and_o engage_v himself_o to_o undertake_v difficult_a dangerous_a and_o laborious_a travel_n through_o the_o world_n and_o last_o of_o all_o to_o undergo_v a_o disgraceful_a death_n and_o torment_n sect_n viii_o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o resurrection_n seem_v impossible_a such_o and_o so_o great_a testimony_n no_o man_n can_v disprove_v or_o gainsay_v unless_o some_o will_v reply_v that_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v for_o so_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n as_o they_o speak_v howbeit_o that_o can_v be_v affirm_v of_o this_o matter_n it_o may_v indeed_o if_o one_o can_v say_v that_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o man_n live_v and_o die_v at_o the_o self_n same_o time_n but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v restore_v from_o death_n to_o life_n especial_o by_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o he_o who_o first_o give_v life_n and_o be_v unto_o man_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v account_v for_o a_o thing_n impossible_a neither_o have_v it_o be_v thought_n impossible_a by_o wise_a man_n for_o plato_n write_v that_o this_o be_v do_v to_o eris_n a_o armenian_a and_o the_o like_a be_v relate_v of_o a_o certain_a woman_n by_o heraclide_n a_o philosopher_n of_o pontus_n of_o aristaeus_n by_o herodotus_n and_o of_o another_o by_o plutarch_n all_o which_o whether_o true_a or_o false_a do_v show_v that_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n the_o thing_n be_v conceive_v to_o be_v possible_a sect_n ix_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n be_v grant_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n be_v confirm_v now_o if_o it_o be_v neither_o impossible_a that_o christ_n shall_v return_v to_o life_n again_o and_o it_o do_v sufficient_o appear_v by_o great_a testimony_n wherewith_o rabbi_n bechai_n a_o master_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o convince_v that_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o thing_n and_o this_o christ_n himself_o also_o as_o both_o his_o disciple_n and_o other_o confess_v do_v publish_v a_o new_a doctrine_n as_o by_o a_o divine_a commandment_n true_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o that_o doctrine_n be_v true_a for_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v with_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o wisdom_n to_o honour_v he_o after_o so_o excellent_a a_o manner_n who_o have_v commit_v the_o crime_n of_o falsify_v in_o so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n especial_o consider_v that_o before_o his_o death_n he_o have_v foretell_v to_o his_o disciple_n both_o his_o death_n and_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o and_o his_o resurrection_n to_o life_n again_o add_v this_o withal_o that_o these_o thing_n shall_v therefore_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o may_v testify_v and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o argument_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o fact_n themselves_o which_o be_v do_v let_v we_o proceed_v to_o those_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o his_o doctrine_n sect_n x._o christian_a religion_n prefer_v before_o all_o other_o and_o here_o true_o we_o must_v say_v that_o either_o all_o kind_n of_o divine_a worship_n whatsoever_o must_v be_v reject_v and_o utter_o banish_v from_o among_o man_n which_o impiety_n will_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o one_o that_o can_v believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o take_v care_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o withal_o consider_v how_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o excellency_n of_o understanding_n and_o liberty_n to_o choose_v what_o be_v moral_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v capable_a as_o of_o reward_n so_o of_o punishment_n or_o else_o this_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o approve_v of_o for_o the_o very_o best_a not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o outward_a testimony_n of_o work_n and_o miracle_n aforesaid_a but_o also_o in_o consideration_n of_o such_o inward_a and_o essential_a property_n as_o be_v agree_v thereunto_o namely_o because_o there_o be_v not_o neither_o ever_o be_v there_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v either_o more_o honourable_a for_o excellency_n of_o reward_n or_o more_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a for_o precept_n or_o more_o admirable_a for_o the_o manner_n according_a to_o which_o it_o be_v command_v to_o be_v propagate_v and_o divulge_v sect_n xi_o for_o excellency_n of_o reward_n for_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o reward_n that_o be_v at_o the_o end_n propound_v to_o man_n which_o though_o it_o be_v the_o last_o in_o fruition_n and_o execution_n yet_o be_v it_o the_o first_o in_o his_o intention_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o plain_a or_o express_v covenant_n of_o the_o law_n we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o there_o promise_v save_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n as_o namely_o a_o fruitful_a land_n abundance_n of_o corn_n and_o victual_n victory_n over_o their_o enemy_n soundness_n of_o body_n length_n of_o day_n the_o comfortable_a blessing_n of_o a_o hopeful_a issue_n and_o survive_a posterity_n and_o the_o like_a for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n beyond_o it_o be_v involve_v in_o dark_a shadow_n or_o must_v be_v collect_v by_o wise_a and_o difficult_a reason_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o many_o in_o particular_a the_o sadducee_n who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v follower_n and_o observer_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n have_v no_o hope_n of_o enjoy_v any_o happiness_n after_o this_o life_n as_o for_o the_o grecian_n who_o receive_v their_o learning_n from_o the_o chaldean_n and_o egyptian_n and_o have_v some_o hope_n in_o another_o world_n after_o this_o life_n be_v end_v they_o speak_v thereof_o after_o a_o very_a doubtful_a manner_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o disputation_n of_o socrates_n by_o the_o write_n of_o tully_n seneca_n and_o other_o and_o the_o argument_n they_o produce_v for_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o uncertainty_n prove_v no_o more_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o man_n than_o of_o a_o beast_n which_o while_o some_o of_o they_o observe_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o imagine_v that_o soul_n be_v translate_v and_o convey_v from_o man_n to_o beast_n and_o again_o from_o beast_n into_o men._n but_o because_o this_o opinion_n be_v not_o confirm_v by_o any_o testimony_n or_o ground_v upon_o certain_a reason_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o there_o be_v some_o end_n propose_v to_o man_n action_n therefore_o other_o be_v induce_v to_o think_v that_o virtue_n be_v the_o end_n or_o reward_v of_o man_n endeavour_n and_o that_o a_o wise_a man_n be_v happy_a enough_o even_o though_o he_o be_v put_v into_o that_o torment_a brazen_a bull_n make_v by_o phalaris_n howbeit_o this_o fancy_n be_v just_o distasteful_a and_o improbable_a to_o another_o sort_n who_o see_v well_o enough_o that_o man_n happiness_n especial_o the_o high_a can_v not_o consist_v in_o any_o
the_o society_n of_o mind_n contain_v also_o a_o conjunction_n of_o body_n which_o without_o all_o doubt_n be_v most_o profitable_a also_o for_o the_o right_a education_n of_o those_o child_n that_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o that_o conjunction_n among_o the_o pagan_n some_o few_o nation_n be_v content_a with_o one_o wife_n as_o the_o german_n and_o the_o roman_n which_o the_o christian_n now_o follow_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o wife_n be_v entire_o give_v to_o the_o husband_n may_v be_v compensated_a with_o a_o equal_a retribution_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o family_n may_v the_o better_o proceed_v under_o the_o direction_n of_o one_o ruler_n and_o divers_a mother_n may_v not_o bring_v in_o discord_n among_o child_n sect_n xvi_o touch_v the_o use_n of_o temporal_a good_n and_o now_o to_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v vulgar_o call_v good_n we_o find_v that_o theft_n be_v permit_v by_o some_o paganish_a nation_n as_o the_o egyptian_n and_o lacedaemonian_n and_o they_o that_o do_v not_o allow_v this_o to_o private_a man_n do_v public_o little_a else_o as_o the_o roman_n who_o must_v have_v return_v to_o their_o hut_n and_o cottage_n the_o roman_a orator_n say_v if_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v bind_v to_o restore_v to_o every_o body_n his_o own_o the_o hebrew_n indeed_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n yet_o their_o law_n that_o it_o may_v suit_v itself_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o the_o humour_n of_o that_o people_n permit_v they_o to_o take_v usury_n of_o stranger_n among_o other_o thing_n promise_v the_o reward_n of_o riches_n to_o they_o that_o observe_v the_o law_n but_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n for_o bid_v not_o only_o all_o kind_n of_o injustice_n towards_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o also_o prohibit_v we_o to_o take_v any_o cark_n and_o excessive_a care_n for_o these_o transitory_a thing_n because_o our_o mind_n be_v not_o able_a diligent_o and_o due_o to_o attend_v unto_o two_o several_a matter_n either_o of_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o take_v up_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o oftentimes_o draw_v we_o into_o contrary_a thought_n and_o counsel_n beside_o the_o excessive_a care_n both_o for_o get_v and_o keep_v riches_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o bondage_n and_o anxiety_n which_o spoil_v that_o very_a pleasure_n which_o be_v expect_v from_o riches_n whereas_o those_o thing_n that_o nature_n be_v content_a withal_o be_v both_o few_o and_o easy_o acquire_v without_o much_o labour_n or_o charge_n yet_o if_o god_n bestow_v any_o overplus_n upon_o we_o so_o that_o we_o have_v somewhat_o to_o spare_v we_o be_v not_o command_v to_o cast_v the_o same_o into_o the_o sea_n as_o some_o philosopher_n unadvised_o have_v do_v neither_o must_v we_o keep_v it_o unprofitable_o or_o lavish_a it_o out_o wasteful_o but_o rather_o therewith_o we_o ought_v to_o supply_v the_o want_n and_o exigency_n of_o other_o man_n either_o by_o give_v or_o by_o lend_v to_o they_o that_o will_v borrow_v as_o become_v those_o that_o look_v upon_o themselves_o not_o as_o lord_n and_o master_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o enjoy_v but_o as_o steward_n and_o dispenser_n under_o god_n almighty_a the_o father_n and_o master_n of_o all_o know_v also_o that_o a_o benefit_n well_o bestow_v be_v a_o treasure_n full_a of_o good_a hope_n which_o neither_o the_o wickedness_n of_o thief_n nor_o the_o variety_n of_o casualty_n can_v in_o the_o least_o diminish_v a_o rare_a example_n of_o which_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a liberality_n we_o find_v in_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o send_v relief_n as_o far_o as_o from_o macedonia_n and_o achaia_n to_o the_o poor_a that_o live_v in_o palestine_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a world_n have_v be_v but_o one_o family_n and_o here_o in_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n this_o caution_n be_v add_v that_o the_o hope_n of_o be_v pay_v again_o or_o get_v credit_n by_o it_o do_v not_o deflower_v our_o bounty_n who_o beauty_n and_o grace_n be_v quite_o lose_v with_o god_n if_o it_o have_v respect_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o he_o and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v pretend_v for_o a_o cloak_n of_o his_o covetousness_n that_o he_o fear_v he_o may_v have_v need_n of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v when_o he_o grow_v old_a or_o fall_v into_o any_o calamity_n the_o law_n promise_v a_o special_a care_n of_o such_o man_n as_o observe_v these_o precept_n and_o to_o work_v in_o great_a confidence_n in_o they_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o conspicuous_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o feed_v the_o wild_a beast_n and_o cattle_n and_o in_o adorn_v the_o herb_n and_o flower_n and_o represent_v withal_o what_o a_o unworthy_a thing_n it_o will_v be_v if_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v so_o good_a and_o so_o powerful_a a_o god_n but_o deal_v with_o he_o as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o bad_a creditor_n who_o we_o will_v not_o trust_v any_o further_a than_o while_o we_o have_v a_o pawn_n or_o pledge_v in_o our_o hand_n for_o our_o security_n sect_n xvii_o of_o swear_v there_o be_v other_o law_n that_o forbid_v perjury_n but_o this_o law_n of_o christ_n will_v have_v we_o to_o refrain_v also_o from_o all_o kind_n of_o swear_v unless_o we_o be_v lawful_o call_v thereunto_o upon_o necessity_n nay_o enjoin_v such_o faithfulness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o all_o our_o word_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o need_n to_o exact_v a_o oath_n of_o we_o sect_n xviii_o of_o other_o matter_n moreover_o there_o can_v nothing_o be_v find_v commendable_a and_o praiseworthy_a either_o in_o the_o philosophical_a writing_n of_o the_o grecian_n or_o in_o the_o say_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o other_o nation_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o also_o establish_v by_o divine_a authority_n as_o namely_o concern_v modesty_n temperance_n goodness_n decent_a behaviour_n prudence_n the_o office_n of_o magistrate_n and_o subject_n parent_n and_o child_n master_n and_o servant_n man_n and_o wife_n between_o themselves_o and_o chief_o the_o eschew_v those_o vice_n which_o among_o many_o of_o the_o grecian_n and_o roman_n go_v under_o the_o name_n and_o colour_n of_o honesty_n such_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o to_o be_v short_a admirable_a be_v the_o substantial_a brevity_n of_o these_o precept_n comprehend_v in_o these_o few_o word_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o that_o be_v we_o must_v do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o sect_n xix_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n touch_v the_o controversy_n abound_v among_o christian_n but_o here_o peradventure_o some_o will_v object_v against_o this_o which_o we_o speak_v concern_v the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n and_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o great_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n among_o christian_n whereupon_o there_o have_v spring_v so_o many_o sect_n and_o faction_n as_o do_v now_o abound_v in_o the_o church_n for_o answer_v whereunto_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o like_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n happen_v almost_o in_o all_o kind_n of_o art_n and_o science_n to_o wit_n partly_o through_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a apprehension_n and_o partly_o because_o man_n judgement_n be_v hinder_v and_o entangle_v by_o his_o affection_n howbeit_o this_o variety_n of_o opinion_n be_v contain_v within_o certain_a bound_n and_o limit_n for_o there_o be_v some_o common_a principle_n agree_v upon_o by_o all_o and_o whereupon_o they_o ground_n their_o doubt_n thus_o in_o mathematics_n it_o be_v question_v whether_o a_o circle_n may_v be_v make_v quadrangular_a but_o not_o whether_o after_o the_o take_n away_o of_o equal_a part_n from_o equal_a the_o residue_n will_v not_o remain_v equal_a the_o same_o may_v be_v see_v in_o natural_a philosophy_n also_o in_o the_o art_n of_o physic_n and_o in_o other_o discipline_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o common_a consent_n and_o agreement_n in_o those_o 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 but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o man_n that_o will_v contradict_v these_o principle_n he_o be_v to_o be_v account_v like_o 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 and_o of_o the_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o
the_o first_o christian_n and_o by_o those_o next_o to_o the_o first_o and_o by_o the_o doctor_n which_o follow_v afterward_o even_o those_o that_o 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 that_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_o as_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_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 zeno_n the_o philosopher_n which_o we_o find_v hold_v by_o the_o stoic_n 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 devise_v 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 affirm_v almost_o any_o thing_n for_o certain_a in_o their_o doctrine_n because_o quoth_v they_o truth_n lie_v bid_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 contemplation_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 notorious_o guilty_a of_o some_o vice_n or_o other_o for_o some_o be_v flatterer_n of_o prince_n other_o addict_v to_o the_o impure_a love_n of_o boy_n or_o harlot_n other_o glory_v in_o a_o doglike_a impudence_n and_o that_o they_o all_o envy_v one_o another_o their_o scold_n about_o word_n or_o matter_n of_o no_o moment_n be_v a_o great_a argument_n as_o this_o be_v of_o their_o coldness_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o even_o they_o who_o believe_v one_o god_n set_v he_o aside_o and_o not_o only_o worship_v other_o but_o such_o 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 mahomet_n the_o author_n of_o a_o religion_n that_o be_v spread_v very_o far_o his_o own_o follower_n do_v not_o deny_v to_o have_v be_v a_o man_n that_o abandon_v himself_o to_o lust_n throughout_o his_o whole_a life_n but_o give_v no_o assurance_n at_o all_o by_o which_o man_n may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o there_o shall_v indeed_o be_v such_o a_o reward_n as_o he_o promise_v consist_v in_o banquet_v and_o in_o venery_n since_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v that_o his_o body_n be_v raise_v to_o life_n again_o but_o it_o lie_v bury_v at_o medina_n to_o this_o day_n and_o as_o for_o moses_n the_o founder_n of_o the_o hebrew_n law_n though_o he_o be_v a_o excellent_a person_n yet_o he_o can_v be_v free_v from_o all_o blame_n since_o he_o can_v scarce_o be_v persuade_v with_o much_o rejuctance_n to_o undertake_v the_o embassy_n which_o god_n charge_v he_o withal_o to_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n and_o express_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 and_o he_o do_v 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 mutiny_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 christ_n be_v describe_v by_o his_o disciple_n as_o a_o person_n without_o all_o sin_n nor_o do_v other_o ever_o produce_v any_o testimony_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o least_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o prescribe_v to_o other_o he_o perform_v himself_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o god_n give_v he_o in_o charge_n which_o he_o do_v not_o faithful_o perform_v be_v most_o simple_a and_o void_a of_o guile_n in_o his_o whole_a life_n most_o patient_a of_o injury_n nay_o of_o cruel_a torment_n as_o he_o show_v in_o suffer_v even_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o cross_n most_o love_a and_o kind_n to_o all_o man_n even_o to_o his_o enemy_n yea_o those_o enemy_n who_o put_v he_o to_o death_n on_o who_o he_o have_v such_o compassion_n that_o he_o beseech_v god_n to_o forgive_v they_o as_o for_o the_o reward_n which_o he_o promise_v unto_o his_o disciple_n it_o be_v both_o say_v and_o prove_v by_o undoubted_a argument_n that_o he_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 dead_a there_o be_v many_o that_o behold_v and_o hear_v and_o handle_v and_o feel_v he_o he_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 the_o high_a 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 ability_n to_o speak_v those_o language_n which_o they_o have_v never_o learn_v and_o with_o other_o wonder-working_a power_n which_o will_v not_o let_v we_o doubt_v either_o of_o his_o faithfulness_n nor_o of_o his_o power_n to_o bestow_v upon_o we_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 bring_v by_o he_o to_o the_o world_n which_o if_o they_o be_v well_o weigh_v will_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o that_o if_o god_n have_v any_o care_n of_o humane_a affair_n this_o doctrine_n can_v but_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v divine_a it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o divine_a providence_n to_o make_v that_o which_o be_v best_a to_o be_v of_o the_o great_a and_o large_a extent_n now_o such_o be_v the_o success_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o we_o see_v publish_v and_o teach_v through_o all_o europe_n not_o except_v the_o most_o northern_a province_n and_o no_o less_o through_o all_o asia_n even_o the_o island_n of_o it_o in_o the_o sea_n through_o egypt_n also_o and_o aethiopia_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o africa_n and_o last_o through_o america_n nor_o be_v this_o only_o do_v now_o but_o be_v so_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 that_o old_a tradition_n at_o this_o day_n preserve_v among_o the_o barbarian_n concern_v the_o travel_n and_o miracle_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 far_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v among_o the_o britain_n german_n and_o other_o most_o remote_a nation_n in_o their_o time_n and_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o other_o religion_n comparable_a hereunto_o for_o ample_a and_o large_a extent_n paganism_n indeed_o be_v one_o 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 neither_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 other_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v no_o subsistence_n nor_o be_v this_o worship_n perform_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o law_n nor_o from_o any_o common_a master_n the_o jew_n indeed_o 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 notable_a growth_n or_o increase_n after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o their_o law_n be_v not_o so_o much_o make_v know_v by_o they_o as_o by_o 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 religion_n be_v also_o profess_a in_o the_o same_o country_n where_o in_o some_o place_n there_o be_v great_a number_n of_o christian_n than_o of_o turk_n who_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v at_o all_o in_o most_o part_n where_o christianity_n be_v plant_v 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
live_v in_o those_o time_n and_o be_v present_a when_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o like_a manner_n it_o ought_v to_o suffice_v we_o that_o whosoever_o write_v the_o book_n we_o speak_v of_o both_o live_v in_o the_o primitive_a age_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o apostolical_a gift_n for_o if_o any_o body_n will_v say_v that_o these_o quality_n may_v be_v feign_v as_o the_o very_a name_n may_v be_v in_o other_o write_n he_o say_v that_o which_o be_v not_o credible_a viz._n that_o they_o who_o every_o where_o press_v the_o study_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n will_v for_o no_o cause_n at_o all_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o crime_n of_o forgery_n which_o be_v not_o only_o detestable_a among_o all_o good_a man_n but_o by_o the_o roman_a law_n be_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n sect_n v._o these_o penman_n write_v the_o truth_n because_o they_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o what_o they_o write_v this_o therefore_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a 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 sufficient_a witness_n of_o themselves_o to_o which_o if_o we_o far_o add_v that_o they_o be_v also_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o matter_n whereof_o they_o write_v 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 judas_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 want_v notice_n 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 akin_a to_o 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no_o not_o by_o their_o great_a enemy_n who_o object_v nothing_o to_o they_o but_o their_o want_n of_o learning_n and_o unskilfulness_n which_o do_v not_o qualify_v they_o sure_o for_o invent_v falsehood_n and_o indeed_o if_o there_o have_v be_v the_o least_o spice_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o fraud_n and_o cheat_v in_o they_o they_o will_v not_o themselves_o have_v record_v their_o own_o fault_n and_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o as_o of_o their_o all_o forsake_v their_o master_n when_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o peter_n denial_n of_o he_o three_o time_n sect_n vii_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o fidelity_n of_o these_o author_n from_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v on_o the_o other_o side_n god_n himself_o give_v illustrious_a testimony_n of_o their_o fidelity_n by_o work_a wonder_n which_o either_o they_o or_o their_o disciple_n with_o great_a boldness_n public_o avouch_v add_v also_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o their_o assertion_n may_v easy_o have_v be_v discover_v by_o the_o inquisition_n of_o the_o magistrate_n among_o which_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n which_o they_o have_v most_o constant_o deliver_v both_o concern_v the_o use_n of_o tongue_n which_o they_o have_v never_o learn_v among_o many_o thousand_o man_n and_o their_o cure_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n upon_o a_o sudden_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o people_n neither_o be_v they_o any_o whit_n dismay_v with_o fear_n either_o of_o the_o jewish_a magistrate_n of_o those_o time_n who_o they_o know_v to_o be_v most_o malicious_o set_v against_o they_o or_o of_o the_o roman_n who_o be_v far_o from_o have_v any_o good_a will_n to_o they_o and_z they_o be_v sure_a will_v lay_v hold_n on_o any_o thing_n on_o which_o they_o may_v ground_v a_o charge_n of_o their_o be_v inventor_n of_o a_o new_a religion_n and_o yet_o neither_o jew_n nor_o pagan_n in_o the_o time_n immediate_o follow_v dare_v ever_o deny_v that_o wonder_n be_v wrought_v by_o those_o men._n yea_o the_o miracle_n of_o peter_n be_v mention_v by_o phlegon_n in_o his_o annal_n who_o live_v under_o adrian_n the_o emperor_n moreover_o the_o christian_n themselves_o in_o those_o book_n that_o contain_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o they_o exhibit_v to_o the_o emperor_n to_o the_o senate_n and_o to_o the_o governor_n do_v relate_v these_o thing_n as_o most_o manifest_a and_o unquestionable_a truth_n yea_o they_o open_o report_v that_o there_o continue_v a_o wonderful_a virtue_n of_o work_v strange_a effect_n at_o their_o sepulcher_n for_o some_o age_n after_o their_o death_n which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a they_o know_v that_o to_o their_o shame_n and_o punishment_n the_o magistrate_n can_v have_v confute_v
it_o very_o easy_o but_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v at_o the_o sepulcher_n i_o speak_v of_o and_o so_o many_o witness_n of_o they_o that_o they_o extort_a even_o from_o porphyry_n a_o confession_n of_o it_o sect_n viii_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o write_n confirm_v from_o hence_o that_o many_o thing_n be_v find_v there_o which_o the_o event_n have_v prove_v to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v these_o thing_n ought_v to_o suffice_v but_o there_o be_v other_o argument_n which_o we_o may_v heap_v upon_o these_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n of_o these_o author_n write_n for_o many_o thing_n be_v therein_o foretell_v which_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n by_o their_o own_o power_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 wonderful_o confirm_v by_o the_o event_n thus_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 and_o though_o 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 thus_o likewise_o be_v foretell_v what_o hatred_n and_o spite_n the_o jew_n will_v bear_v against_o they_o that_o profess_v this_o religion_n and_o what_o grievous_a persecution_n they_o shall_v undergo_v the_o siege_n also_o and_o destruction_n both_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o temple_n together_o with_o the_o miserable_a calamity_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_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 writing_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 take_v care_n of_o 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 of_o man_n who_o have_v no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o worship_n god_n after_o a_o holy_a manner_n to_o be_v cheat_v with_o lie_a book_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o since_o the_o time_n that_o so_o many_o sect_n 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 differ_v from_o the_o rest_n it_o 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 writing_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 each_o other_o that_o what_o one_o approve_a other_o reject_v even_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o it_o be_v there_o approve_v sect_n x._o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n that_o divers_a book_n be_v not_o receive_v by_o all_o there_o be_v some_o indeed_o though_o very_o few_o among_o those_o that_o will_v be_v call_v christian_n who_o reject_v all_o those_o book_n which_o they_o see_v contradict_v their_o peculiar_a opinion_n such_o for_o instance_n as_o out_o of_o hatred_n of_o the_o jew_n revile_v their_o god_n the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o or_o on_o the_o other_o side_n such_o as_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o evil_n which_o christian_n be_v to_o undergo_v choose_v to_o lurk_v and_o lie_v hide_v under_o the_o name_n of_o jew_n who_o have_v liberty_n without_o any_o danger_n to_o profess_v their_o religion_n but_o these_o very_a man_n be_v renounce_v in_o those_o time_n by_o all_o other_o christian_n throughout_o the_o world_n when_o as_o yet_o all_o that_o differ_v in_o their_o opinion_n with_o the_o safety_n of_o piety_n be_v tolerate_v by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o great_a patience_n as_o for_o the_o former_a kind_n of_o these_o adulterate_a 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 come_v to_o oppugn_v 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 their_o impudence_n be_v wonderful_a great_a who_o slight_a and_o extenuate_v the_o authority_n of_o paul_n see_v there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n that_o found_v and_o teach_v more_o church_n than_o he_o do_v and_o his_o miracle_n be_v at_o that_o time_n report_v to_o be_v exceed_o numerous_a when_o as_o ever_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 wonder_n 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 if_o he_o be_v so_o dear_a 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 which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n 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 he_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o teach_v it_o but_o only_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o assert_v for_o he_o himself_o be_v both_o circumcise_v and_o do_v also_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n observe_v very_o many_o thing_n which_o the_o law_n enjoin_v and_o then_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o both_o do_v more_o difficult_a and_o suffer_v hard_a thing_n than_o the_o law_n require_v or_o can_v be_v expect_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o law_n and_o teach_v also_o his_o disciple_n to_o 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 entice_a speech_n unto_o his_o auditor_n who_o be_v teach_v in_o stead_n of_o the_o sabbath_n 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 of_o 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 these_o therefore_o of_o who_o i_o have_v now_o speak_v be_v exclude_v as_o scarce_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n the_o most_o manifest_a consent_n of_o so_o many_o congregation_n of_o christian_n who_o receive_v these_o book_n add_v to_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o miracle_n which_o the_o writer_n of_o they_o wrought_v and_o the_o singular_a care_n which_o god_n take_v about_o matter_n of_o this_o kind_n aught_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o induce_v any_o indifferent_a man_n to_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o special_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v wont_v common_o to_o credit_v any_o other_o book_n of_o history_n which_o have_v no_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 body_n say_v that_o some_o thing_n be_v relate_v in_o these_o book_n which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v the_o objection_n vanish_v when_o we_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v before_o discourse_v that_o there_o be_v thing_n which_o can_v indeed_o be_v do_v by_o man_n but_o be_v possible_a with_o god_n such_o that_o be_v as_o include_v in_o themselves_o no_o repugnancy_n or_o contradiction_n as_o we_o speak_v and_o that_o in_o the_o number_n of_o such_o thing_n be_v even_o those_o miraculous_a power_n which_o we_o most_o of_o all_o admire_v and_o the_o recall_v of_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o sect_n xii_o or_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n neither_o be_v they_o to_o be_v more_o regard_v who_o say_v that_o some_o doctrine_n be_v comprise_v in_o these_o book_n which_o be_v disagree_v to_o right_a reason_n
out_o or_o 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 not_o but_o be_v great_a variety_n of_o copy_n since_o both_o custom_n and_o reason_n require_v that_o what_o appear_v in_o the_o most_o and_o most_o ancient_a copy_n be_v prefer_v to_o the_o rest_n but_o that_o either_o by_o fraud_n or_o any_o other_o way_n all_o the_o copy_n be_v corrupt_v and_o that_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o some_o remarkable_a piece_n of_o history_n will_v never_o be_v prove_v for_o there_o be_v neither_o any_o evidence_n nor_o any_o witness_n of_o those_o time_n which_o attest_v it_o but_o if_o as_o be_v say_v before_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n urge_v in_o much_o late_a time_n by_o those_o who_o bear_v a_o implacable_a hatred_n to_o the_o disciple_n of_o these_o book_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o reproach_n not_o as_o a_o testimony_n and_o this_o 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the_o hand_n of_o any_o falsifier_n add_v further_o that_o these_o book_n in_o the_o follow_a age_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o syriac_a ethiopick_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 any_o thing_n of_o moment_n 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 be_v cite_v out_o of_o these_o book_n to_o the_o same_o sense_n and_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 in_o those_o time_n as_o to_o have_v meet_v with_o obedience_n if_o he_o will_v have_v change_v any_o thing_n as_o be_v plain_a enough_o by_o the_o free_a and_o open_a dissent_n of_o irenaeus_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 which_o time_n there_o 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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 it_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 be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o it_o that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v so_o many_o thousand_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 headlong_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 also_o the_o writing_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 no_o small_a testimony_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 be_v think_v to_o have_v collect_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 phoenician_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 tyre_n aswell_o berosus_n as_o the_o hebrew_n writer_n make_v mention_n of_o nobuchadonosor_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 nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v relate_v by_o josephus_n in_o his_o book_n against_o appion_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 can_v in_o the_o least_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o book_n out_o of_o every_o one_o of_o which_o almost_o there_o be_v testimony_n extant_a in_o our_o book_n which_o be_v find_v likewise_o in_o the_o hebrew_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 pharisees_n of_o his_o time_n that_o ever_o he_o accuse_v they_o of_o forgery_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 use_v counterfeit_a book_n or_o such_o as_o be_v change_v 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 if_o we_o consider_v right_o how_o far_o and_o wide_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v spread_v who_o every_o where_o be_v
the_o keeper_n of_o these_o book_n for_o first_o of_o all_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v lead_v away_o 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 many_o of_o these_o also_o after_o cyrus_n grant_v they_o liberty_n to_o return_v settle_v themselves_o in_o foreign_a country_n the_o macedonian_n 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 maccabee_n together_o with_o those_o of_o pompey_n and_o sossius_n from_o without_o do_v disperse_v and_o scatter_v abroad_o many_o of_o they_o the_o part_n of_o africa_n about_o cyrene_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 lycaonia_n and_o likewise_o the_o isle_n of_o cyprus_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 martial_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 they_o be_v the_o less_o liable_a to_o be_v change_v nay_o more_o these_o book_n be_v translate_v both_o into_o the_o chaldee_n tongue_n and_o into_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v the_o half_a syriac_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 symmachus_n and_o theodotion_n 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 philo_z live_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o caligula_n and_o josephus_n survive_v the_o time_n of_o both_o the_o vespasian_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 now_o in_o these_o very_a time_n 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 falsify_v in_o any_o notable_a part_n can_v have_v quick_o discover_v it_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 i_o will_v not_o say_v falsehood_n but_o of_o so_o much_o as_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 find_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_v and_o as_o they_o trust_v very_o strong_o 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 above_o all_o thing_n the_o jew_n will_v have_v take_v care_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v do_v 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 truth_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 the_o four_o book_n begin_v with_o that_o pleasure_n which_o many_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o take_v in_o behold_v the_o danger_n wherein_o other_o be_v while_o they_o be_v in_o none_o themselves_o show_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o great_a pleasure_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n in_o this_o life_n not_o only_o to_o rejoice_v and_o bless_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v find_v out_o the_o truth_n but_o to_o lend_v his_o help_n also_o to_o other_o that_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o labyrinth_n of_o error_n and_o to_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n which_o we_o in_o some_o measure_n have_v endeavour_v to_o do_v in_o the_o former_a book_n the_o demonstration_n of_o that_o which_o be_v true_a contain_v in_o itself_o the_o confutation_n of_o what_o be_v false_a yet_o in_o regard_n that_o all_o kind_n of_o religion_n which_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o the_o christian_a viz._n paganism_n judaisme_n and_o mahometism_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o have_v certain_a error_n proper_a to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o and_o their_o peculiar_a argument_n which_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o oppose_v we_o withal_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o make_v a_o particular_a disputation_n against_o every_o one_o of_o these_o first_o beseech_v the_o reader_n to_o free_v their_o judgement_n from_o lean_v to_o a_o party_n and_o from_o long_a custom_n and_o prejudice_n as_o impediment_n of_o a_o good_a mind_n that_o with_o the_o great_a indifferency_n they_o may_v take_v cognizance_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v say_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 as_o the_o most_o high_a god_n direct_v 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 confute_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 error_n in_o receive_v enemy_n in_o stead_n of_o friend_n and_o traitor_n for_o ambassador_n then_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v in_o their_o very_a worship_n make_v a_o evident_a difference_n between_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o those_o spirit_n and_o likewise_o be_v satisfy_v what_o order_n there_o be_v among_o they_o what_o good_a may_v be_v expect_v from_o each_o of_o they_o and_o what_o honour_n the_o most_o high_a be_v willing_a shall_v be_v bestow_v on_o every_o one_o of_o they_o all_o which_o being_n want_v in_o their_o religion_n it_o be_v plain_a from_o thence_o how_o uncertain_a that_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 plato_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 good_a angel_n must_v needs_o be_v serviceable_a and_o gracious_a be_v the_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a sect_n iii_o evil_a 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 weighty_a reason_n first_o because_o these_o adore_a angel_n do_v not_o throw_v off_o their_o worshipper_n unto_o the_o service_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v labour_v to_o abolish_v the_o same_o or_o at_o least_o in_o every_o respect_n require_v equal_a honour_n with_o the_o almighty_a second_o because_o they_o procure_v all_o the_o mischief_n they_o can_v to_o the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o one_o most_o high_a god_n by_o provoke_v both_o magistrate_n and_o people_n to_o inflict_v punishment_n upon_o they_o for_o when_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o poet_n to_o sing_v of_o the_o murder_n and_o adultery_n commit_v by_o the_o god_n and_o for_o the_o epicure_n to_o take_v away_o all_o divine_a providence_n and_o any_o other_o religion_n though_o never_o
a_o kind_n of_o god_n over_o they_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 also_o that_o the_o grecian_n roman_n and_o other_o worship_v those_o thing_n which_o have_v no_o subsistence_n but_o be_v mere_a accident_n of_o other_o thing_n for_o to_o omit_v those_o uncouth_a deity_n the_o fever_n dame_n impudence_n and_o the_o like_a let_v we_o name_v the_o better_a sort_n such_o be_v health_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o right_a temperature_n of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n good_a fortune_n which_o be_v a_o event_n that_o be_v correspondent_a to_o a_o man_n desire_n the_o affection_n also_o such_o as_o love_v fear_v anger_n hope_v and_o the_o rest_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o something_o that_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n easy_a or_o difficult_a be_v certain_a motion_n or_o 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 the_o blood_n especial_o not_o have_v any_o absolute_a power_n of_o themselves_o but_o be_v subordinate_a hand_n maid_n to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o will_n their_o mistress_n at_o least_o in_o their_o continuance_n and_o direction_n then_o for_o virtue_n who_o name_n be_v divers_a prudence_n in_o choose_v what_o be_v profitable_a for_o we_o fortitude_n in_o undertake_v danger_n justice_n in_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o be_v another_o man_n temperance_n in_o the_o moderation_n of_o pleasure_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v certain_a inclination_n and_o propension_n in_o the_o mind_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v right_a grow_v up_o by_o long_a exercise_n and_o practice_n which_o as_o they_o may_v be_v augment_v in_o a_o man_n so_o may_v they_o by_o neglect_n be_v diminish_v nay_o quite_o lose_v and_o abolish_v as_o for_o honour_n whereunto_o we_o read_v there_o be_v temple_n dedicate_v it_o be_v other_o man_n judgement_n or_o good_a opinion_n concern_v one_o who_o they_o suppose_v endue_v with_o virtue_n which_o be_v often_o bestow_v upon_o bad_a man_n as_o well_o as_o good_a by_o the_o natural_a proneness_n there_o be_v in_o man_n to_o err_v in_o their_o judgement_n these_o therefore_o have_v no_o subsistence_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v compare_v in_o dignity_n and_o worth_n with_o thing_n that_o do_v subsist_v nor_o have_v any_o understanding_n of_o man_n prayer_n or_o veneration_n it_o be_v most_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o worship_v they_o as_o god_n when_o for_o this_o very_a thing_n he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v who_o can_v both_o give_v and_o preserve_v they_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 as_o in_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v except_v against_o for_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o pagan_n reject_v many_o of_o these_o as_o support_v by_o no_o testimony_n of_o any_o credible_a witness_n but_o plain_o counterfeit_v and_o fabulous_a other_o miracle_n which_o they_o say_v be_v do_v happen_v in_o some_o secret_a place_n in_o the_o night_n before_o one_o or_o two_o who_o eye_n the_o craft_n of_o the_o priest_n may_v easy_o delude_v by_o false_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v other_o which_o raise_v great_a admiration_n and_o pass_v for_o wonder_n mere_o because_o they_o meet_v with_o those_o who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o natural_a thing_n especial_o of_o hide_a property_n as_o for_o instance_n such_o a_o thing_n may_v happen_v if_o one_o shall_v draw_v iron_n with_o the_o loadstone_n among_o people_n who_o know_v nothing_o of_o its_o virtue_n in_o which_o art_n simon_n magus_n and_o apollonius_n as_o many_o have_v record_v be_v very_o skilful_a i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o some_o thing_n great_a than_o these_o be_v see_v which_o by_o man_n power_n alone_o can_v not_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o natural_a cause_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o need_v a_o power_n which_o be_v true_o divine_a that_o be_v omnipotent_a but_o may_v be_v perform_v by_o spirit_n that_o be_v place_v between_o god_n and_o men._n who_o by_o their_o celerity_n efficacy_n subtlety_n and_o diligence_n can_v easy_o carry_v thing_n far_o distant_a from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o and_o compound_v thing_n that_o be_v very_o different_a to_o the_o work_n of_o such_o effect_n as_o shall_v strike_v man_n with_o astonishment_n but_o that_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o this_o be_v effect_v be_v not_o good_a and_o therefore_o neither_o be_v the_o religion_n good_a appear_v already_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v before_o and_o from_o hence_o also_o that_o they_o say_v they_o be_v compel_v to_o do_v thing_n even_o against_o their_o will_n by_o the_o power_n of_o certain_a charm_n when_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o pagan_n agree_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o virtue_n in_o word_n but_o only_o a_o power_n of_o persuasion_n and_o that_o no_o other_o way_n than_o by_o their_o signification_n and_o it_o be_v another_o token_n of_o their_o wickedness_n that_o they_o undertake_v to_o allure_v and_o draw_v this_o or_o that_o body_n though_o never_o so_o backward_o to_o it_o into_o the_o love_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o person_n wherein_o they_o be_v injurious_a to_o they_o either_o in_o their_o vain_a promise_n or_o in_o effect_v what_o they_o promise_v for_o this_o also_o be_v forbid_v by_o humane_a law_n as_o a_o piece_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 who_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 weakeness_n and_o impotency_n that_o their_o work_n never_o bring_v any_o considerable_a good_a along_o with_o they_o for_o if_o any_o seem_v to_o be_v call_v back_o to_o life_n after_o they_o be_v dead_a 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 foretell_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 and_o far_o different_a reason_n which_o the_o divine_a efficacy_n propound_v to_o itself_o in_o the_o do_v those_o thing_n 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 venerable_a may_v the_o more_o easy_o obtain_v the_o roman_a empire_n to_o which_o he_o be_v choose_v by_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o minister_n of_o his_o judgement_n upon_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 especial_o what_o we_o have_v say_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 every_o one_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 may_v easy_o receive_v a_o interpretation_n from_o any_o event_n whatsoever_o 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 it_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 some_o physician_n have_v foretell_v disease_n that_o be_v a_o come_n or_o else_o some_o probable_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 well_o skilled_a in_o civil_a affair_n that_o have_v make_v notable_a guess_n at_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 overthew_v it_o such_o for_o instance_n be_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o four_o eclogue_n of_o virgil_n take_v out_o of_o the_o sibyl_n verse_n where_o unwitting_o the_o poet_n give_v we_o a_o lively_a description_n of_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n so_o in_o the_o same_o book_n of_o the_o sibyl_n it_o be_v that_o
and_o apparel_n we_o ought_v to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o so_o much_o as_o will_v suffice_v nature_n and_o the_o like_a or_o if_o happy_o there_o be_v some_o point_n in_o christianity_n hard_a to_o be_v believe_v yet_o the_o like_a also_o be_v find_v among_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o as_o before_o we_o have_v show_v concern_v the_o immortality_n of_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o body_n thus_o plato_n as_o he_o learn_v from_o the_o chaldean_n distinguish_v the_o divine_a nature_n into_o the_o father_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o father_n which_o he_o call_v also_o the_o branch_n of_o god_n the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o soul_n or_o spirit_n which_o keep_v together_o and_o preserve_v all_o thing_n julian_n as_o great_a a_o enemy_n as_o he_o be_v of_o christian_n think_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n may_v be_v join_v to_o the_o humane_a and_o give_v instance_n in_o aesculapius_n who_o he_o imagine_v to_o have_v descend_v from_o heaven_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v teach_v man_n the_o art_n of_o physic_n the_o cross_n of_o christ_n offend_v many_o but_o what_o do_v not_o the_o pagan_a writer_n tell_v of_o their_o god_n that_o some_o of_o they_o wait_v upon_o king_n and_o prince_n other_o be_v thunderstruck_a other_o cut_v in_o sunder_o and_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o say_v that_o the_o more_o it_o cost_v we_o to_o be_v honest_a the_o more_o joy_n and_o delight_v it_o afford_v we_o to_o conclude_v plato_n in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o his_o commonwealth_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o prophet_n say_v for_o a_o man_n to_o appear_v true_o just_a and_o upright_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o his_o virtue_n be_v bereave_v of_o all_o outward_a ornament_n so_o that_o he_o be_v by_o other_o account_v a_o wicked_a wretch_n and_o scoff_v at_o and_o last_o of_o all_o hang_v and_o indeed_o that_o christ_n may_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o great_a patience_n can_v not_o otherwise_o be_v obtain_v the_o five_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o a_o refutation_n of_o the_o jew_n begin_v with_o a_o speech_n unto_o they_o or_o prayer_n for_o they_o just_o like_o that_o glimmer_n between_o light_n and_o darkness_n which_o appear_v to_o those_o who_o by_o little_a and_o little_o be_v endeavour_v to_o get_v out_o of_o a_o dark_a cave_n or_o dungeon_n such_o do_v judaisme_n present_v itself_o to_o we_o who_o be_v step_v out_o of_o the_o thick_a mist_n of_o paganism_n of_o which_o we_o have_v be_v discourse_v as_o a_o part_n and_o beginning_n of_o truth_n i_o request_v the_o jew_n therefore_o not_o to_o be_v averse_a to_o hear_v we_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o they_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o holy_a man_n who_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o visit_v both_o by_o his_o prophet_n and_o by_o his_o angel_n of_o this_o nation_n spring_v our_o messiah_n and_o the_o first_o doctor_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v their_o tree_n whereinto_o we_o be_v ingraff_v they_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o god_n oracle_n which_o we_o do_v reverence_n as_o much_o as_o they_o and_o with_o st._n paul_n sigh_v unto_o god_n for_o they_o and_o pray_v that_o the_o day_n may_v quick_o come_v when_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o which_o hang_v over_o their_o face_n they_o with_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n and_o when_o as_o it_o be_v in_o their_o prophecy_n every_o one_o of_o we_o that_o be_v stranger_n shall_v lay_v hold_n on_o the_o cloak_n of_o he_o that_o be_v a_o hebrew_n desire_v that_o we_o may_v together_o with_o a_o pious_a consent_n worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob._n sect_n ii_o the_o jew_n ought_v to_o account_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n sufficient_o prove_v first_o of_o all_o then_o we_o must_v entreat_v they_o not_o to_o think_v that_o to_o be_v unjust_a in_o another_o man_n case_n which_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v just_a and_o equitable_a in_o their_o own_o if_o any_o pagan_a demand_n of_o they_o why_o they_o believe_v that_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o moses_n they_o can_v give_v no_o other_o answer_n save_v that_o there_o be_v always_o so_o constant_a a_o report_n thereof_o among_o their_o nation_n that_o it_o can_v not_o but_o proceed_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o such_o as_o have_v see_v the_o same_o thus_o that_o the_o widow_n oil_n be_v increase_v by_o elisha_n that_o naaman_n the_o syrian_a be_v sudden_o cure_v of_o the_o leprosy_n that_o the_o woman_n son_n in_o who_o house_n he_o lodge_v be_v restore_v to_o life_n and_o other_o such_o like_a be_v believe_v by_o the_o jew_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o witness_n of_o good_a credit_n have_v record_v to_o posterity_n that_o such_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o they_o believe_v elias_n his_o take_v up_o into_o heaven_n only_o for_o the_o single_a testimony_n of_o elisha_n as_o a_o man_n beyond_o all_o exception_n but_o we_o produce_v twelve_o witness_n of_o unblameable_a life_n to_o testify_v that_o christ_n ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o many_o more_o that_o see_v he_o upon_o the_o earth_n after_o his_o death_n which_o thing_n if_o they_o be_v true_a then_o necessary_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v true_a also_o and_o indeed_o nothing_o at_o all_o can_v be_v allege_v by_o the_o jew_n for_o themselves_o which_o by_o equal_a right_n or_o more_o just_a title_n may_v not_o be_v apply_v to_o we_o also_o but_o to_o omit_v further_a testimony_n it_o be_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o talmud_n and_o other_o jew_n themselves_o that_o strange_a wonder_n be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n which_o ought_v to_o suffice_v for_o this_o particular_a for_o god_n can_v any_o way_n more_o effectual_o gain_v authority_n unto_o a_o doctrine_n publish_v by_o man_n than_o by_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n sect_n iii_o and_o not_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o devil_n these_o miracle_n of_o christ_n some_o say_v be_v do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o devil_n but_o this_o calumny_n have_v be_v confute_v before_o when_o we_o show_v that_o wheresoever_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v teach_v and_o know_v there_o all_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v break_v in_o piece_n other_o reply_v that_o jesus_n learn_v magic_a art_n in_o egypt_n but_o this_o slander_n have_v no_o more_o nay_o not_o so_o much_o colour_n of_o truth_n than_o the_o like_a accusation_n by_o the_o pagan_n frame_v against_o moses_n whereof_o we_o read_v in_o pliny_n and_o apuleius_n for_o that_o ever_o jesus_n be_v in_o egypt_n do_v not_o appear_v save_v only_o out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o his_o disciple_n who_o add_v further_a that_o he_o be_v a_o infant_n when_o he_o return_v thence_o but_o it_o be_v certain_a by_o his_o own_o and_o other_o report_n that_o moses_n live_v a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o time_n after_o he_o be_v grow_v to_o man_n estate_n in_o egypt_n howbeit_o the_o law_n as_o well_o of_o moses_n as_o of_o christ_n free_v they_o both_o from_o this_o crime_n plain_o forbid_v such_o art_n as_o abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o without_o all_o question_n if_o in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n there_o have_v be_v either_o in_o egypt_n or_o any_o where_o else_o any_o such_o magical_a art_n whereby_o man_n may_v have_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v the_o like_a marvel_n as_o be_v relate_v of_o christ_n to_o wit_n give_v speech_n to_o the_o dumb_a on_o a_o sudden_a make_v the_o lame_a to_o walk_v and_o the_o blind_a to_o see_v then_o will_v tiberius_n nero_n and_o other_o emperor_n have_v find_v it_o out_o who_o spare_v no_o cost_n and_o charge_n in_o the_o inquiry_n after_o such_o like_a thing_n nay_o if_o it_o be_v true_a which_o the_o jew_n relate_v how_o that_o the_o senator_n of_o the_o great_a council_n be_v skilled_a in_o magic_a art_n that_o they_o may_v convince_v they_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o iniquity_n then_o sure_o they_o be_v so_o mighty_o incense_v against_o jesus_n as_o they_o be_v and_o envy_v the_o honour_n and_o respect_n which_o he_o obtain_v chief_o by_o his_o miracle_n will_v either_o themselves_o have_v do_v the_o like_a work_n by_o the_o same_o art_n or_o by_o sufficient_a reason_n will_v have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n proceed_v from_o no_o other_o cause_n sect_n iu._n or_o by_o the_o power_n of_o word_n and_o syllable_n moreover_o that_o be_v not_o only_o a_o mere_a fable_n but_o impudent_a lie_n which_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n have_v invent_v concern_v the_o miracle_n do_v by_o christ_n which_o they_o ascribe_v to_o a_o certain_a secret_a name_n which_o as_o they_o say_v be_v place_v in_o the_o temple_n by_o solomon_n be_v preserve_v safe_a by_o two_o lion_n
least_o to_o the_o diminution_n or_o lessen_v of_o the_o glory_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 it_o must_v return_v and_o to_o who_o honour_n also_o it_o minister_n and_o serve_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 or_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 shall_v not_o embrace_v a_o religion_n which_o be_v beautify_v and_o confirm_v with_o so_o many_o wonder_n command_v such_o honest_a thing_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 question_n consult_v those_o book_n wherein_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 truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o a_o confutation_n of_o mahumetanisme_n the_o beginning_n of_o it_o the_o six_o book_n which_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o mahometans_n in_o stead_n of_o a_o preface_n deduce_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o christian_n unto_o the_o very_a beginning_n and_o rise_v of_o mahometism_n show_v that_o be_v how_o that_o sincere_a and_o simple_a piety_n which_o flourish_v among_o christian_n even_o when_o they_o be_v most_o grievous_o vex_v and_o oppress_v begin_v by_o little_a and_o little_a to_o wax_v cold_a from_o the_o time_n that_o by_o the_o favour_n of_o constantine_n and_o the_o follow_a emperor_n that_o profession_n be_v 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 christian_a prince_n will_v needs_o continue_v fight_v and_o make_v no_o end_n of_o their_o war_n even_o then_o when_o they_o may_v have_v enjoy_v peace_n and_o quietness_n among_o the_o bishop_n also_o there_o be_v most_o sharp_a contention_n about_o the_o chief_a see_v and_o as_o at_o the_o beginning_n the_o great_a mischief_n ensue_v upon_o the_o prefer_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n before_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n even_o so_o then_o also_o be_v curious_a learning_n more_o regard_v than_o a_o godly_a life_n and_o religion_n turn_v into_o a_o art_n the_o consequent_a of_o which_o be_v that_o after_o the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o build_v the_o tower_n of_o babel_n a_o rash_a affectation_n of_o thing_n out_o of_o their_o reach_n breed_v jar_v and_o confusion_n in_o their_o language_n together_o with_o discord_n one_o with_o another_o which_o the_o common_a people_n observe_v and_o not_o know_v ofttimes_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v themselves_o they_o throw_v the_o blame_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o begin_v to_o avoid_v they_o as_o hurtful_a and_o dangerous_a religion_n also_o begin_v every_o where_o to_o be_v place_v not_o in_o purity_n of_o mind_n but_o as_o if_o judaisme_n be_v bring_v back_o into_o the_o world_n in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o contain_v rather_o a_o exercise_n of_o the_o body_n than_o any_o amendment_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o in_o a_o eager_a zeal_n for_o that_o party_n and_o side_n which_o they_o have_v once_o choose_v till_o at_o length_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v every_o where_o many_o christian_n in_o name_n but_o very_o few_o in_o deed._n god_n do_v not_o wink_v at_o these_o vice_n of_o his_o people_n but_z out_o of_o the_o innermost_a part_n of_o scythia_n and_o germany_n pour_v forth_o like_o a_o deluge_n immense_a swarm_n of_o barbarous_a people_n into_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o when_o the_o vast_a slaughter_n which_o they_o make_v prove_v not_o sufficient_a to_o correct_v and_o amend_v the_o life_n of_o those_o that_o survive_v mahomet_n by_o god_n just_a permission_n sow_v a_o new_a religion_n in_o arabia_n and_o that_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o which_o in_o word_n express_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o life_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n this_o religion_n be_v first_o entertain_v by_o the_o saracen_n who_o have_v revolt_v from_o heraclius_n the_o emperor_n and_o by_o their_o arm_n subdue_v in_o a_o short_a space_n arabia_n syria_n palestine_n egypt_n persia_n and_o afterward_o possess_v themselves_o of_o africa_n and_o beyond_o the_o sea_n of_o spain_n also_o but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o saracen_n be_v abate_v as_o by_o other_o so_o chief_o by_o the_o turk_n a_o nation_n also_o very_o warlike_a which_o after_o long_a combat_n with_o the_o saracen_n be_v invite_v to_o peace_n easy_o embrace_v a_o religion_n suit_v to_o their_o manner_n and_o transfer_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o empire_n to_o themselves_o the_o city_n of_o asia_n and_o greece_n be_v take_v and_o by_o the_o grow_a success_n of_o their_o arm_n they_o come_v into_o hungary_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 altogether_o contrive_v for_o the_o shed_n of_o blood_n delight_v much_o in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o will_v be_v believe_v without_o all_o liberty_n of_o enquiry_n thereinto_o whence_o the_o vulgar_a be_v prohibit_v to_o read_v their_o book_n that_o be_v account_v holy_a which_o thing_n be_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 obtrude_v upon_o this_o condition_n that_o it_o be_v not_o look_v into_o 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 in_o sight_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 can_v know_v and_o find_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n who_o seek_v it_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 judge_v 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 of_o which_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_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 mahometans_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 mahomet_n and_o his_o follower_n that_o moses_n be_v send_v of_o god_n and_o jesus_n also_o and_o that_o they_o be_v holy_a man_n which_o first_o of_o all_o publish_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n but_o in_o the_o alcoran_n which_o be_v mahumet_n law_n many_o thing_n be_v record_v plain_a contrary_n to_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o moses_n and_o by_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n thus_o 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 namely_o that_o jesus_n be_v privy_o convey_v into_o heaven_n and_o not_o himself_o but_o something_o 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 but_o we_o have_v confute_v this_o fiction_n before_o in_o the_o three_o book_n without_o doubt_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o the_o koran_n be_v corrupt_v the_o mahometans_n will_v deny_v it_o and_o say_v that_o be_v a_o answer_n sufficient_a to_o those_o that_o can_v not_o prove_v the_o contrary_a but_o they_o can_v moreover_o for_o the_o integrity_n of_o their_o book_n 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 fidelity_n of_o so_o many_o sect_n that_o vary_v much_o about_o other_o matter_n the_o mahometans_n be_v persuade_v that_o in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o st._n john_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o send_v the_o comforter_n there_o have_v be_v something_o register_v concern_v mahumet_n which_o the_o christian_n have_v raze_v out_o but_o here_o let_v i_o ask_v of_o they_o whether_o they_o think_v this_o depravation_n of_o scripture_n be_v commit_v since_o the_o time_n of_o mahumet_n or_o before_o that_o it_o happen_v not_o after_o the_o come_n of_o mahumet_n be_v plain_a because_o ever_o since_o that_o time_n there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n very_o many_o copy_n not_o only_o in_o the_o greek_a language_n but_o in_o the_o syriac_a arabic_a and_o in_o part_n far_o distant_a from_o arabia_n the_o ethiopic_a and_o latin_a tongue_n of_o divers_a translation_n all_o which_o do_v so_o agree_v in_o that_o place_n as_o there_o can_v be_v show_v any_o diversity_n at_o all_o and_o before_o the_o time_n of_o mahumet_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o alteration_n for_o no_o man_n can_v know_v before_o his_o come_n what_o mahumet_n will_v teach_v yea_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o mahumet_n have_v contain_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n the_o christian_n will_v have_v make_v no_o more_o difficulty_n to_o receive_v his_o book_n than_o they_o do_v to_o receive_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o hebrew_n prophet_n or_o suppose_v there_o have_v be_v nothing_o write_v either_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n or_o of_o mahumet_n it_o be_v but_o equity_n that_o that_o be_v receive_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n which_o all_o christian_n general_o agree_v upon_o and_o that_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o mahumet_n which_o all_o mahometans_n do_v allow_v of_o sect_n iv_o by_o compare_v mahumet_n with_o christ_n in_o their_o person_n in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o compare_v the_o adjunct_n and_o quality_n of_o both_o their_o doctrine_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v see_v whether_o of_o the_o two_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o other_o and_o first_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o author_n as_o for_o jesus_n mahumet_n himself_o confess_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n which_o be_v promise_v in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n who_o the_o same_o mahumet_n call_v the_o word_n the_o mind_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n say_v also_o that_o he_o have_v no_o father_n of_o mankind_n but_o mahumet_n as_o his_o own_o follower_n believe_v be_v generate_v and_o beget_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n the_o life_n of_o jesus_n be_v altogether_o unblameable_a there_o be_v no_o crime_n that_o can_v be_v object_v against_o he_o but_o mahumet_n a_o long_a time_n be_v a_o robber_n and_o always_o effeminate_a jesus_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n as_o mahumet_n confess_v but_o mahumet_n lie_v yet_o entomb_v in_o his_o sepulchre_n who_o then_o see_v not_o whether_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v follow_v sect_n v._o and_o in_o their_o deed_n next_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o person_n consider_v we_o their_o act_n jesus_n give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a health_n to_o they_o that_o be_v sick_a and_o make_v the_o lame_a to_o walk_v yea_o by_o mahumet_n own_o confession_n he_o raise_v some_o from_o the_o dead_a but_o mahumet_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v send_v not_o with_o miracle_n but_o with_o arms._n howbeit_o some_o of_o his_o follower_n ascribe_v to_o he_o miracle_n also_o but_o what_o kind_n i_o pray_v only_o such_o as_o may_v either_o be_v do_v by_o humane_a art_n as_o that_o of_o a_o dove_n which_o come_v fly_v to_o his_o ear_n or_o such_o as_o have_v no_o witness_n as_o that_o of_o a_o camel_n which_o be_v say_v to_o have_v have_v some_o conference_n with_o he_o by_o night_n or_o last_o such_o as_o be_v confute_v by_o their_o own_o absurdity_n as_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o moon_n fall_v into_o his_o lap_n or_o into_o his_o sleeve_n which_o he_o to_o restore_v roundness_n to_o that_o star_n send_v back_o again_o to_o it_o now_o who_o will_v not_o say_v that_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n we_o ought_v to_o adhere_v to_o that_o law_n which_o have_v the_o sure_a and_o more_o certain_a testimony_n of_o divine_a approbation_n sect_n vi_o also_o such_o as_o first_o embrace_v both_o religion_n next_o let_v we_o see_v who_o and_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o be_v that_o first_o receive_v these_o several_a law_n they_o that_o first_o embrace_v the_o law_n of_o jesus_n be_v such_o as_o fear_v god_n man_n of_o a_o plain_a and_o innocent_a life_n now_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v such_o man_n to_o be_v gull_v and_o cheat_v either_o by_o bewitch_a speech_n or_o by_o a_o appearance_n of_o miracle_n but_o they_o that_o first_o receive_v mahometism_n be_v thief_n and_o robber_n man_n estrange_v from_o all_o humanity_n and_o piety_n sect_n vii_o the_o manner_n how_o both_o their_o law_n be_v propagate_v in_o the_o next_o place_n follow_v the_o manner_n how_o both_o these_o religion_n be_v propagate_v and_o spread_v abroad_o as_o for_o christianity_n we_o have_v show_v more_o than_o once_o that_o it_o be_v enlarge_v and_o amplify_v by_o the_o miracle_n not_o only_o of_o christ_n but_o also_o of_o his_o disciple_n and_o those_o that_o succeed_v they_o as_o likewise_o by_o the_o very_a patient_a endure_v of_o the_o torment_n and_o punishment_n that_o christian_n suffer_v but_o the_o doctor_n of_o mahumetism_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n at_o all_o neither_o do_v they_o suffer_v any_o grievous_a persecution_n or_o cruel_a kind_n of_o death_n for_o their_o profession_n but_o it_o be_v a_o religion_n which_o follow_v where_o arm_n go_v before_o of_o which_o it_o be_v a_o accessary_a and_o nothing_o of_o itself_o nor_o do_v they_o themselves_o bring_v any_o better_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n thereof_o than_o their_o good_a success_n in_o their_o war_n and_o the_o largeness_n of_o their_o empire_n than_o which_o nothing_o in_o this_o point_n be_v more_o deceitful_a and_o uncertain_a they_o condemn_v the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v what_o great_a victory_n be_v win_v by_o the_o persian_n macedonian_n and_o roman_n and_o how_o ample_a their_o dominion_n be_v neither_o have_v the_o mahometans_n themselves_o have_v always_o good_a success_n with_o their_o army_n the_o slaughter_n and_o great_a overthrow_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o many_o place_n both_o by_o sea_n and_o by_o land_n be_v not_o unknown_a they_o be_v now_o banish_v quite_o out_o of_o all_o spain_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v liable_a to_o such_o uncertain_a alteration_n nothing_o that_o may_v be_v common_a both_o to_o good_a and_o bad_a which_o can_v be_v a_o certain_a note_n of_o true_a religion_n much_o less_o can_v their_o arm_n which_o be_v so_o unjust_a that_o oftentimes_o they_o fall_v upon_o people_n that_o do_v not_o any_o way_n molest_v or_o offend_v they_o nor_o be_v know_v to_o they_o by_o any_o injury_n in_o so_o much_o that_o all_o the_o pretence_n they_o have_v for_o their_o arm_n be_v only_a religion_n which_o be_v most_o irreligious_a for_o there_o be_v no_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o proceed_v from_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o the_o will_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o good_a instruction_n and_o gentle_a persuasion_n but_o not_o by_o threat_n or_o violence_n he_o that_o be_v compel_v to_o believe_v do_v not_o believe_v at_o all_o but_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n and_o feign_v himself_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o may_v escape_v and_o avoid_v some_o danger_n or_o punishment_n and_o he_o that_o by_o threat_n or_o sense_n of_o punishment_n will_v force_v another_o man_n assent_n show_v by_o that_o very_a proceed_n that_o he_o distrust_v his_o argument_n again_o they_o themselves_o destroy_v this_o very_a pretence_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o they_o suffer_v any_o people_n that_o live_v under_o their_o dominion_n to_o use_v what_o religion_n they_o please_v yea_o and_o sometime_o they_o will_v open_o acknowledge_v that_o christian_n may_v be_v save_v by_o their_o own_o law_n sect_n viii_o the_o precept_n of_o both_o religion_n compare_v furthermore_o let_v we_o compare_v the_o several_a commandment_n of_o both_o religion_n the_o one_o whereof_o command_v patience_n yea_o and_o love_v even_o to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o but_o the_o other_o revenge_n in_o the_o one_o the_o bond_n of_o matrimony_n be_v keep_v firm_a and_o inviolable_a between_o the_o marry_a party_n by_o a_o mutual_a bear_n with_o one_o
another_o humour_n but_o in_o the_o other_o there_o be_v licence_n grant_v to_o depart_v and_o be_v divorce_v here_o the_o husband_n perform_v himself_o what_o he_o require_v of_o his_o wife_n and_o by_o his_o own_o example_n teach_v she_o to_o fasten_v her_o affection_n upon_o he_o alone_o but_o there_o they_o may_v have_v wife_n after_o wife_n there_o be_v still_o new_a incentives_n and_o fresh_a provocation_n to_o lust_n here_o religion_n be_v plant_v within_o and_o root_v in_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v well_o cultivate_v may_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n profitable_a for_o mankind_n but_o there_o religion_n spend_v almost_o its_o whole_a force_n in_o circumcision_n and_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n that_o of_o themselves_o be_v neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a final_o here_o in_o christianity_n a_o moderate_a use_n of_o meat_n and_o wine_n be_v allow_v of_o but_o there_o in_o mahumetism_n man_n be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n and_o to_o drink_v wine_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v a_o great_a gift_n of_o god_n beneficial_a both_o for_o body_n and_o mind_n if_o it_o be_v sober_o take_v and_o true_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o some_o childish_a rudiment_n be_v teach_v before_o the_o most_o perfect_a law_n as_o that_o of_o christ_n be_v but_o after_o the_o promulgation_n thereof_o to_o return_v again_o to_o type_n and_o figure_n be_v preposterous_a neither_o can_v any_o just_a reason_n be_v give_v why_o after_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v far_o the_o best_a it_o shall_v be_v fit_a that_o any_o other_o shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o sect_n ix_o answer_v to_o the_o mahometans_n objection_n concern_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o mahometans_n tell_v we_o they_o be_v not_o a_o little_a displease_v with_o we_o for_o say_v that_o god_n have_v a_o son_n see_v he_o use_v not_o a_o wife_n as_o though_o the_o word_n son_n can_v not_o have_v a_o more_o divine_a signification_n in_o god_n but_o mahumet_n himself_o attribute_n many_o thing_n as_o dishonourable_a and_o ill-beseeming_a god_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o wife_n thus_o he_o say_v that_o god_n have_v a_o cold_a hand_n which_o himself_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o god_n be_v carry_v in_o a_o chair_n and_o the_o like_a howbeit_o when_o we_o say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o do_v but_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o he_o mean_v when_o he_o call_v he_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o word_n be_v after_o a_o sort_n beget_v of_o the_o mind_n add_v further_o that_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n only_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n supply_v the_o virtue_n or_o efficacy_n of_o a_o father_n that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n he_o be_v carry_v up_o into_o heaven_n all_o which_o be_v confess_v even_o by_o mahumet_n himself_o do_v show_v that_o jesus_n by_o a_o singular_a prerogative_n and_o peculiar_a right_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n sect_n x._o many_o absurd_a thing_n in_o the_o book_n of_o mahumetan_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o will_v be_v long_o to_o relate_v how_o many_o thing_n there_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o history_n and_o many_o thing_n very_o ridiculous_a in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o mahometans_n such_o be_v that_o fable_n of_o a_o fair_a and_o beautiful_a woman_n that_o learn_v a_o solemn_a charm_n or_o song_n of_o some_o angel_n that_o be_v drink_v whereby_o she_o be_v wont_a to_o ascend_v into_o the_o sky_n and_o likewise_o descend_v again_o and_o ascend_v once_o a_o great_a height_n into_o heaven_n she_o be_v catch_v of_o god_n and_o there_o fix_v and_o make_v that_o star_n which_o be_v call_v venus_n like_o to_o this_o be_v that_o of_o a_o mouse_n in_o noah_n ark_n that_o be_v breed_v of_o a_o elephant_n dung_n and_o a_o cat_n of_o the_o breath_n of_o a_o lion_n more_o special_o that_o most_o notorious_a fiction_n concern_v death_n to_o be_v change_v into_o a_o ram_n that_o must_v remain_v in_o the_o middle_a space_n between_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o the_o fable_n of_o sweat_v out_o their_o good_a cheer_n in_o the_o other_o life_n when_o likewise_o they_o imagine_v there_o shall_v be_v whole_a troop_n of_o woman_n assign_v to_o every_o man_n for_o pleasure_n of_o carnal_a copulation_n all_o which_o be_v so_o very_o egregious_a absurdity_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v they_o deserve_v to_o be_v stupefy_v and_o give_v over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n for_o his_o iniquity_n special_o such_o a_o one_o as_o life_n where_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v sect_n xi_o a_o conclusion_n direct_v unto_o christian_n admonish_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o what_o have_v former_o be_v handle_v and_o thus_o have_v end_v this_o last_o disputation_n against_o the_o mahometans_n there_o follow_v a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a not_o to_o alien_n or_o stranger_n but_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n of_o what_o name_n nation_n or_o quality_n soever_o they_o be_v show_v brief_o the_o use_n or_o application_n of_o what_o have_v hitherto_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o end_n those_o thing_n may_v be_v follow_v and_o seek_v after_o which_o be_v good_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o evil_n eschew_v first_o of_o all_o that_o they_o lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n and_o heart_n unto_o that_o god_n who_o of_o nothing_o make_v all_o visible_a and_o invisible_a thing_n have_v sure_a confidence_n in_o he_o that_o his_o providence_n and_o care_n watch_v over_o we_o see_v that_o without_o his_o permission_n not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o sparrow_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o let_v they_o not_o fear_v those_o which_o can_v only_o kill_v the_o body_n but_o rather_o let_v they_o fear_v he_o that_o have_v like_o power_n both_o over_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o let_v they_o not_o only_o trust_v in_o god_n the_o father_n but_o also_o in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n upon_o earth_n by_o which_o we_o can_v be_v save_v and_o this_o they_o may_v right_o do_v if_o they_o be_v very_o persuade_v that_o eternal_a life_n be_v prepare_v not_o for_o such_o as_o in_o word_n only_o call_v god_n their_o father_n and_o jesus_n their_o lord_n but_o for_o such_o as_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o jesus_n and_o their_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n furthermore_o christian_n be_v admonish_v faithful_o and_o with_o due_a care_n to_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o most_o precious_a treasure_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n let_v they_o often_o read_v and_o meditate_v the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whereby_o no_o man_n can_v be_v deceive_v unless_o first_o he_o deceive_v himself_o for_o the_o author_n and_o penman_n of_o those_o write_n be_v more_o just_a and_o full_a of_o divine_a inspiration_n than_o that_o they_o will_v deprive_v we_o of_o necessary_a truth_n or_o cover_v and_o conceal_v the_o same_o with_o any_o cloud_n howbeit_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n hereof_o we_o must_v bring_v a_o mind_n dispose_v and_o prepare_v to_o obedience_n which_o if_o we_o do_v than_o nothing_o shall_v be_v hide_v from_o we_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v hope_v for_o or_o do_v by_o we_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n that_o holy_a spirit_n will_v be_v cherish_v and_o excite_v in_o we_o which_o be_v give_v we_o for_o a_o pledge_n and_o earnest_n of_o our_o future_a happiness_n moreover_o i_o deter_v christian_n from_o imitate_v the_o pagan_n first_o in_o their_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o vain_a name_n which_o evil_a daemon_n use_v to_o alienate_v our_o mind_n and_o affection_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n wherefore_o we_o can_v possible_o participate_v with_o they_o in_o their_o service_n and_o expect_v to_o receive_v benefit_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n second_o neither_o may_v christian_n imitate_v the_o heathen_a in_o their_o licentious_a and_o dissolute_a manner_n of_o life_n have_v no_o other_o law_n than_o what_o be_v suggest_v by_o lust_n and_o prompt_v by_o sensual_a desire_n from_o which_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v far_o remove_v who_o shall_v not_o only_o far_o excel_v the_o vicious_a and_o profane_a pagan_n but_o likewise_o the_o lawyer_n and_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n who_o righteousness_n consist_v only_o in_o some_o outward_a performance_n can_v never_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n circumcision_n that_o be_v make_v with_o hand_n be_v now_o nothing_o worth_a but_o it_o be_v the_o inward_a circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n the_o new_a creature_n faith_n that_o be_v perfect_v in_o love_n which_o make_v man_n know_v to_o be_v true_a israelite_n and_o mystical_a jew_n that_o be_v praiser_n of_o god_n and_o commendable_a in_o his_o
now_o make_v the_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n require_v nothing_o more_o at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o those_o that_o be_v by_o baptism_n receive_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o creed_n common_o call_v the_o apostle_n this_o creed_n be_v recite_v there_o by_o the_o priest_n and_o this_o alone_a when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o font_n and_o he_o interrogate_v the_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v if_o they_o be_v adult_n or_o their_o undertaker_n if_o they_o be_v infant_n about_o no_o other_o belief_n upon_o the_o profession_n of_o which_o he_o bid_v they_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o celestial_a blessing_n from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v a_o part_n with_o he_o and_o with_o his_o saint_n and_o have_v again_o examine_v adult_n person_n ask_v they_o do_v you_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n etc._n etc._n and_o mention_v no_o other_o article_n of_o faith_n he_o baptise_n they_o and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v regenerate_v and_o to_o have_v remission_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o so_o do_v we_o do_v here_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o different_a practice_n in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o every_o where_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o consent_v to_o this_o creed_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o brief_a explication_n what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy-ghost_n in_o who_o name_n we_o be_v baptize_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n beyond_o this_o which_o we_o be_v necessary_o bind_v to_o believe_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v then_o propound_v when_o we_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n for_o baptism_n give_v we_o a_o right_a and_o title_n to_o salvation_n if_o we_o do_v not_o forfeit_v it_o afterward_o by_o apostasy_n or_o by_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o this_o faith_n with_o a_o promise_n to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o give_v we_o a_o right_a to_o baptism_n herein_o indeed_o the_o roman_a church_n contradict_v itself_o in_o decree_a many_o other_o article_n of_o belief_n without_o which_o it_o declare_v man_n can_v be_v save_v and_o yet_o receive_v man_n at_o baptism_n into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n without_o demand_v their_o consent_n to_o any_o such_o article_n but_o so_o they_o do_v in_o many_o other_o thing_n and_o can_v avoid_v it_o while_o they_o forsake_v the_o ancient_a universal_a rule_n and_o set_v up_o their_o own_o private_a authority_n to_o impose_v what_o they_o please_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n sect_n iu._n but_o both_o contradict_v itself_o and_o depart_v from_o the_o ancient_n and_o true_o catholic_n church_n for_o that_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o will_v now_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o believe_v be_v ancient_o exact_v it_o appear_v most_o manifest_o by_o irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n to_o name_n not_o other_o in_o several_a place_n who_o call_v the_o creed_n now_o mention_v the_o rule_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o church_n throughout_o all_o the_o world_n say_v irenaeus_n though_o it_o be_v disperse_v to_o the_o most_o extreme_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o disciple_n and_o believe_v as_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o soul_n and_o one_o heart_n in_o so_o many_o man_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a consent_n preach_v and_o teach_v and_o deliver_v these_o thing_n as_o have_v but_o one_o mouth_n for_o though_o there_o be_v divers_a language_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o one_o and_o the_o same_o tradition_n prevail_v every_o where_n for_o neither_o the_o church_n in_o germany_n believe_v otherways_o or_o deliver_v any_o thing_n else_o nor_o they_o in_o spain_n nor_o they_o in_o france_n nor_o they_o in_o the_o east_n nor_o they_o in_o egypt_n nor_o they_o in_o libya_n nor_o they_o that_o be_v found_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o world_n but_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o truth_n enlighten_v all_o man_n who_o will_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o neither_o he_o who_o be_v most_o eloquent_a among_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n preach_v any_o thing_n different_a for_o no_o man_n be_v above_o his_o master_n nor_o do_v he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o speech_n lessen_v in_o the_o least_o this_o tradition_n for_o there_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o faith_n he_o that_o have_v most_o to_o say_n can_v enlarge_v it_o nor_o he_o that_o have_v least_o diminish_v it_o thus_o they_o declare_v their_o mind_n in_o those_o early_a day_n when_o there_o be_v no_o catholic_n man_n or_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n require_v to_o believe_v any_o of_o those_o doctrine_n now_o in_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o set_v down_o in_o the_o creed_n of_o pope_n pius_n iv_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o they_o all_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o simple_a belief_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v in_o their_o creed_n the_o great_a man_n in_o the_o church_n deliver_v no_o more_o nor_o the_o mean_a saying_n less_o and_o with_o this_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n satisfy_v themselves_o in_o time_n succeed_v as_o appear_v by_o this_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o st._n hilary_n in_o his_o little_a book_n which_o he_o himself_o deliver_v to_o the_o emperor_n constantius_n where_o he_o thus_o complain_v faith_n be_v now_o inquire_v after_o as_o if_o we_o have_v none_o faith_n must_v be_v set_v down_o in_o write_v as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o heart_n be_v regenerate_v by_o faith_n we_o be_v now_o teach_v what_o to_o believe_v as_o if_o that_o regeneration_n can_v have_v be_v without_o faith_n we_o learn_v christ_n after_o baptism_n as_o if_o there_o can_v have_v be_v any_o baptism_n without_o faith_n in_o christ_n sect_n v._o christianity_n therefore_o be_v not_o there_o in_o its_o purity_n but_o much_o corrupt_v which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o sincere_o preserve_v in_o that_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o withhold_v we_o from_o join_v with_o they_o in_o impose_v thus_o upon_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o thereby_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n and_o turn_v man_n away_o from_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o palpable_a falsity_n and_o absurd_a mixture_n which_o be_v bring_v into_o it_o and_o that_o as_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o adulterate_n of_o which_o we_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o consent_v but_o maintain_v it_o in_o that_o purity_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v it_o to_o their_o successor_n as_o we_o find_v it_o set_v down_o in_o the_o work_v of_o a_o great_a many_o follow_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o name_n i_o forbear_v but_o be_v ready_a at_o hand_n to_o make_v good_a what_o i_o quote_v just_a now_o out_o of_o 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they_o now_o impose_v though_o not_o express_o mention_v in_o the_o creed_n yet_o be_v contain_v in_o one_o article_n of_o it_o viz._n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o make_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creed_n unnecessary_a and_o to_o establish_v this_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o for_o if_o by_o believe_v the_o catholic_n church_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v as_o they_o will_v have_v we_o whatsoever_o the_o catholic_n church_n propound_v than_o it_o have_v be_v enough_o to_o have_v say_v to_o those_o catechuman_n that_o come_v for_o baptism_n do_v you_o believe_v in_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n and_o to_o add_v any_o more_o have_v be_v utter_o superfluous_a but_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o further_a appear_v in_o that_o
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to_o constitute_v and_o conserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o this_o head_n or_o pastor_n christ_n have_v give_v the_o authority_n of_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o whole_a church_n as_o the_o vicar_n and_o minister_n of_o his_o power_n thus_o that_o catechism_n teach_v in_o the_o first_o part_n the_o ix_o article_n n._n 11_o 12_o 13._o which_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v confute_v by_o the_o plain_a demonstration_n now_o mention_v that_o christ_n have_v a_o catholic_n church_n which_o have_v unity_n in_o itself_o when_o there_o be_v no_o roman_a church_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o constant_a doctrine_n not_o only_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o of_o all_o the_o father_n who_o consent_n they_o false_o boast_v of_o and_o of_o many_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o of_o council_n also_o both_o general_n and_o particular_a even_o of_o the_o council_n of_o lateran_n and_o trent_n which_o by_o approve_v the_o five_o first_o general_n council_n who_o condemn_v this_o supremacy_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n do_v in_o effect_n condemn_v it_o themselves_o sect_n viii_o which_o forbid_v we_o to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o upon_o such_o term_n to_o that_o church_n than_o we_o ought_v to_o adhere_v which_o have_v keep_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n simple_a and_o unmixed_a with_o humane_a invention_n which_o if_o we_o admit_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n we_o betray_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v false_a and_o unjust_a to_o innumerable_a christian_a brethren_n who_o by_o baptism_n be_v admit_v into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n but_o hereby_o unmerciful_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o have_v that_o faith_n which_o make_v they_o true_a member_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o great_a crime_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o may_v suffice_v instead_o of_o all_o other_o demonstration_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v corrupt_v themselves_o and_o depart_v from_o 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all_o exclude_v from_o christian_a communion_n and_o must_v perish_v everlasting_o for_o bellonius_fw-la say_v that_o in_o his_o travel_n he_o meet_v with_o nine_o sort_n of_o christian_n at_o jerusalem_n eight_o of_o which_o nine_o know_v nothing_o of_o this_o universal_a bishop_n or_o do_v not_o regard_v he_o and_o of_o the_o nine_o there_o be_v scarce_o half_a that_o acknowledge_v his_o authority_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v man_n among_o they_o of_o no_o mean_a note_n and_o number_n who_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o declaration_n when_o he_o will_v determine_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v of_o faith_n we_o all_o ought_v to_o receive_v and_o though_o we_o be_v assure_v as_o much_o as_o be_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o st._n peter_n that_o christ_n never_o give_v he_o much_o less_o his_o successor_n any_o authority_n at_o all_o over_o his_o whole_a church_n yet_o now_o to_o deny_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n be_v such_o a_o heresy_n that_o let_v a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o orthodox_n in_o all_o other_o point_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v he_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n witness_v our_o king_n henry_n viii_o who_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o his_o kingdom_n give_v away_o for_o no_o other_o fault_n by_o a_o bull_n of_o paul_n the_o three_o who_o affirm_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o bull_n that_o herein_o he_o act_v by_o divine_a authority_n which_o according_a as_o god_n say_v in_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n have_v set_v he_o over_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n to_o root_v up_o and_o destroy_v as_o well_o as_o to_o build_v and_o plant_v have_v the_o supreme_a power_n over_o all_o king_n and_o people_n throughout_o the_o whole_a earth_n which_o certain_o be_v such_o new_a language_n never_o know_v in_o the_o church_n for_o many_o age_n that_o they_o who_o be_v not_o convince_v thereby_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v their_o eye_n blind_v with_o the_o worldly_a splendour_n of_o it_o sect_n ix_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n not_o to_o slight_v episcopal_a authority_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o enormous_a power_n which_o they_o have_v usurp_v be_v a_o very_a strong_a proof_n of_o the_o high_a authority_n of_o christian_a bishop_n in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o great_a reverence_n that_o be_v pay_v to_o they_o by_o christian_a people_n who_o otherways_o will_v never_o have_v thus_o submit_v to_o their_o will_n and_o pleasure_n have_v not_o the_o obedience_n which_o they_o have_v be_v wont_a always_o to_o yield_v to_o their_o authority_n dispose_v they_o to_o be_v bring_v by_o little_a and_o little_a under_o a_o absolute_a subjection_n nor_o will_v there_o have_v be_v reason_n for_o those_o caution_n which_o st._n peter_n give_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o god_n church_n not_o at_o rome_n but_o elsewhere_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 2_o 3._o not_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v invest_v with_o a_o power_n which_o all_o christian_n reverence_v so_o much_o that_o it_o may_v more_o easy_o be_v abuse_v than_o contemn_v and_o soon_o persuade_v people_n to_o follow_v they_o with_o a_o blind_a obedience_n than_o to_o slight_v their_o judgement_n and_o refuse_v to_o conform_v to_o their_o injunction_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o now_o despise_v all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n we_o may_v be_v sure_o they_o have_v swerve_v from_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o they_o also_o be_v altogether_o inexcusable_a who_o shake_v off_o the_o episcopal_a government_n and_o refuse_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o it_o under_o a_o pretence_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o equality_n among_o christ_n
minister_n which_o as_o it_o be_v against_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o many_o age_n from_o the_o beginning_n so_o direct_o oppose_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n who_o set_v his_o apostle_n in_o a_o superiority_n to_o the_o lxx_o as_o his_o apostle_n set_v such_o man_n as_o timothy_n and_o titus_n in_o a_o superiority_n over_o the_o presbytery_n of_o those_o church_n which_o they_o can_v no_o long_o attend_v themselves_o sect_n x._o argument_n enough_o in_o the_o forego_n book_n to_o prove_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n not_o to_o be_v sincere_o preserve_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n one_o be_v their_o way_n of_o worship_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o show_v how_o much_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v deviate_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o consider_v particular_o the_o falsity_n of_o every_o one_o of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v add_v to_o the_o ancient_a creed_n but_o it_o will_v be_v more_o proper_a in_o so_o short_a a_o treatise_n as_o this_o only_o to_o bring_v to_o the_o reader_n mind_v some_o principle_n in_o the_o forego_n book_n which_o direct_v we_o as_o plain_o to_o reject_v popery_n and_o upon_o the_o very_a same_o ground_n as_o those_o false_a religion_n for_o who_o confutation_n he_o allege_v they_o and_o first_o let_v the_o reader_n again_o weigh_v his_o argument_n against_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o he_o will_v find_v they_o in_o several_a thing_n as_o strong_a against_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n who_o practice_n it_o will_v hereby_o appear_v be_v no_o less_o faulty_a than_o their_o faith_n as_o for_o example_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n for_o the_o former_a they_o shall_v not_o only_o as_o he_o discourse_v there_o book_n iv_o in_o their_o very_a worship_n make_v a_o evident_a difference_n between_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o those_o angel_n to_o who_o they_o commend_v themselves_o which_o they_o do_v not_o do_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o quite_o contrary_a in_o the_o external_a act_n of_o adoration_n have_v none_o that_o be_v appropriate_v to_o god_n alone_o but_o be_v all_o common_a to_o he_o with_o other_o as_o adoration_n invocation_n burn_v incense_n nay_o offering_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n in_o their_o honour_n and_o make_v vow_n to_o they_o but_o be_v satisfy_v also_o what_o order_n there_o be_v among_o the_o angel_n what_o good_a may_v be_v expect_v from_o each_o of_o they_o and_o what_o honour_n the_o most_o high_a god_n be_v willing_a shall_v be_v bestow_v upon_o every_o one_o of_o they_o all_o which_o being_n want_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o reveal_v about_o such_o matter_n it_o be_v plain_a from_o thence_o how_o uncertain_a that_o religion_n be_v and_o how_o much_o safe_o it_o will_v be_v for_o they_o to_o betake_v themselves_o as_o we_o do_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o almighty_a god_n alone_o especial_o for_o that_o to_o whosoever_o he_o be_v favourable_a to_o they_o the_o 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hand_n i_o now_o take_v into_o my_o hand_n to_o present_v unto_o thy_o majesty_n under_o the_o form_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n he_o thou_o can_v not_o reject_v nor_o i_o his_o priest_n who_o offer_v he_o unto_o thou_o etc._n etc._n or_o some_o such_o like_a word_n more_o befit_v their_o present_a notion_n than_o desire_v a_o angel_n may_v carry_v what_o the_o priest_n offer_v and_o present_v it_o unto_o god._n but_o we_o find_v quite_o contrary_a which_o be_v the_o last_o thing_n i_o shall_v observe_v that_o in_o conclusion_n the_o priest_n acknowledge_v that_o by_o christ_n jesus_n god_n always_o create_v and_o sanctify_v and_o quicken_v and_o bless_v make_v a_o cross_n upon_o the_o host_n and_o the_o chalice_n at_o every_o one_o of_o those_o three_o last_o word_n all_o these_o good_a thing_n which_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o nothing_o but_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n consecrate_v to_o the_o commemoration_n and_o representation_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n sacrifice_v for_o we_o for_o christ_n own_o very_a natural_a body_n and_o blood_n can_v in_o any_o tolerable_a sense_n be_v say_v to_o be_v continual_o create_v and_o quicken_v or_o make_v alive_a unless_o you_o will_v suppose_v he_o to_o have_v be_v dead_a before_o nay_o not_o to_o have_v be_v at_o all_o for_o creation_n imply_v the_o thing_n not_o to_o have_v be_v and_o vivification_n not_o to_o have_v be_v then_o alive_a when_o it_o be_v quicken_v yet_o this_o fancy_n of_o christ_n real_a presence_n in_o the_o sacrament_n by_o transubstantiation_n against_o which_o there_o be_v such_o numerous_a testimony_n in_o their_o own_o communion_n service_n be_v now_o become_v the_o main_a article_n of_o their_o religion_n for_o we_o all_o know_v to_o our_o great_a grief_n and_o astonishment_n that_o when_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o this_o realm_n be_v on_o their_o side_n subscription_n be_v not_o urge_v to_o any_o article_n of_o their_o religion_n upon_o such_o violent_a and_o bloody_a term_n as_o unto_o 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absolute_o command_v there_o and_o then_o atheism_n or_o infidelity_n have_v most_o abound_v and_o how_o shall_v it_o do_v otherwise_o when_o as_o he_o observe_v so_o many_o lie_a legend_n have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o man_n belief_n and_o so_o many_o false_a miracle_n forge_v to_o justify_v they_o as_o be_v very_o likely_a to_o make_v suspicious_a man_n question_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o and_o so_o many_o weak_a and_o frivolous_a ceremony_n devise_v and_o such_o abundance_n of_o ridiculous_a observance_n in_o religion_n introduce_v as_o be_v no_o less_o apt_a to_o beget_v a_o secret_a contempt_n and_o scorn_n of_o it_o in_o witty_a man_n and_o consequent_o atheism_n and_o impiety_n if_o they_o have_v this_o persuasion_n settle_v in_o their_o mind_n which_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v root_v in_o they_o from_o their_o childhood_n that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o that_o religion_n they_o be_v as_o good_a be_v of_o none_o at_o all_o and_o when_o a_o great_a part_n also_o of_o the_o doctrine_n now_o mention_v so_o apparent_o make_v for_o the_o temporal_a end_n of_o those_o who_o teach_v they_o that_o sagacious_a man_n can_v scarce_o forbear_v think_v they_o be_v on_o purpose_n devise_v to_o serve_v those_o design_n that_o particular_a doctrine_n also_o of_o transubstantiation_n be_v so_o portentous_a that_o join_v with_o the_o forename_a persuasion_n of_o no_o papist_n no_o christian_n it_o have_v in_o all_o probability_n bring_v more_o than_o averro_n to_o this_o resolution_n since_o christian_n eat_v that_o which_o they_o adore_v let_v my_o soul_n be_v among_o the_o philosopher_n and_o last_o the_o pretence_n which_o be_v so_o common_a that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n but_o their_o church_n infallibility_n and_o yet_o no_o ground_n to_o believe_v their_o church_n infallibility_n but_o some_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v too_o plain_a a_o way_n to_o lead_v those_o who_o discern_v the_o labyrinth_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v neither_o church_n nor_o scripture_n sect_n fourteen_o whereby_o they_o have_v spoil_v christianity_n as_o the_o pagan_n do_v the_o natural_a religion_n these_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v already_o urge_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o our_o church_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o i_o repeat_v here_o again_o because_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o powerful_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o already_o taint_v or_o too_o far_o go_v in_o that_o delusion_n which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o to_o sum_n up_o all_o belong_v to_o this_o head_n we_o may_v safe_o say_v popery_n be_v just_a such_o a_o depravation_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n as_o paganism_n be_v of_o the_o natural_a religion_n there_o can_v be_v a_o right_a conception_n of_o it_o than_o this_o which_o appear_v too_o plain_o in_o the_o absurd_a doctrine_n and_o opinion_n which_o they_o have_v mingle_v with_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o their_o multiply_a superstition_n in_o their_o fabulous_a relation_n of_o the_o saint_n wherein_o they_o have_v surpass_v the_o very_a poet_n themselves_o and_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o rest_n in_o their_o prostrate_v themselves_o before_o image_n and_o give_v religious_a worship_n to_o man_n depart_v which_o last_o instance_n furnish_v the_o pagan_n of_o cochin_n with_o this_o answer_n to_o the_o jesuit_n as_o christoph_n borrus_fw-la one_o of_o that_o order_n relate_v when_o they_o press_v upon_o they_o the_o belief_n of_o one_o god_n and_o no_o more_o we_o do_v believe_v it_o say_v they_o but_o those_o who_o you_o see_v we_o worship_n in_o their_o image_n be_v man_n of_o great_a sanctity_n who_o pious_a people_n therefore_o worship_v according_a to_o their_o merit_n just_a as_o you_o give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n divers_a degree_n of_o honour_n and_o religious_a service_n as_o you_o know_v they_o to_o have_v excel_v in_o virtue_n
and_o piety_n and_o that_o they_o may_v confirm_v this_o to_o be_v their_o sense_n of_o the_o divinity_n they_o bid_v the_o jesuit_n observe_v one_o part_n of_o the_o altar_n in_o their_o temple_n to_o be_v void_a of_o image_n and_o to_o be_v hide_v in_o a_o obscure_a and_o dark_a place_n which_o they_o say_v be_v the_o proper_a seat_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o can_v not_o be_v represent_v in_o any_o form_n and_o shape_n and_o that_o the_o image_n which_o stand_v about_o that_o place_n be_v the_o representation_n of_o their_o intercessor_n with_o he_o who_o have_v great_a power_n with_o the_o most_o high_a god_n do_v obtain_v many_o gift_n and_o blessing_n for_o those_o that_o invocate_v they_o how_o this_o differ_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n i_o do_v not_o see_v unless_o it_o be_v in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v sometime_o adventure_v to_o represent_v god_n himself_o in_o a_o shape_n otherwise_o the_o 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love_v we_o to_o which_o they_o be_v such_o stranger_n that_o quite_o contrary_a they_o not_o only_o hate_v and_o persecute_v but_o endeavour_n as_o i_o say_v to_o root_v out_o those_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o obedient_o believe_v all_o that_o they_o can_v find_v our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v and_o profess_v they_o be_v ready_a with_o all_o their_o heart_n to_o receive_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o any_o body_n can_v further_o teach_v they_o to_o be_v his_o mind_n nay_o be_v very_o desirous_a and_o diligent_a to_o know_v it_o spare_v no_o pain_n to_o understand_v the_o whole_a truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n sect_n xv._o answer_v to_o what_o they_o say_v about_o miracle_n they_o pretend_v indeed_o abundance_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o their_o church_n as_o a_o sufficient_a condemnation_n of_o those_o who_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o invocate_v saint_n to_o worship_v their_o image_n and_o the_o consecrate_a host_n to_o believe_v purgatory_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o these_o wonder_n be_v allege_v but_o herein_o also_o they_o imitate_v the_o pagan_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o like_a deceit_n and_o the_o same_o answer_n will_v serve_v here_o which_o grotius_n give_v there_o l._n four_o sect._n 8._o in_o his_o confutation_n of_o the_o old_a idolatry_n for_o first_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o they_o have_v reject_v many_o of_o these_o miracle_n as_o not_o support_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o credible_a witness_n nay_o as_o plain_a fiction_n other_o also_o of_o they_o which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v of_o better_a credit_n happen_v in_o some_o private_a place_n in_o the_o night_n before_o one_o or_o two_o person_n who_o eye_n crafty_a priest_n as_o he_o speak_v may_v easy_o delude_v with_o false_a show_n and_o counterfeit_a appearance_n of_o thing_n and_o further_o there_o be_v other_o which_o only_o raise_v admiration_n among_o people_n ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v no_o true_a miracle_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o may_v have_v thing_n be_v do_v among_o they_o which_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v effect_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o yet_o no_o divine_a that_o be_v omnipotent_a power_n be_v needful_a to_o their_o production_n for_o those_o spirit_n which_o be_v interpose_v between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v able_a by_o their_o nimbleness_n cunning_a activity_n and_o strength_n to_o make_v such_o strange_a application_n of_o thing_n very_o distant_a one_o to_o another_o as_o shall_v astonish_v the_o spectator_n with_o wonderful_a effect_n but_o there_o be_v too_o great_a reason_n to_o think_v they_o be_v not_o good_a spirit_n that_o do_v these_o feat_n because_o they_o revive_v hereby_o the_o ancient_a superstition_n or_o uphold_v the_o image_n of_o it_o still_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o endanger_n the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n who_o have_v be_v so_o far_o mislead_v as_o not_o only_o to_o fancy_v great_a virtue_n in_o the_o image_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o cry_v up_o also_o some_o image_n particular_o of_o our_o lady_n of_o loretto_n for_o instance_n as_o endue_v with_o some_o singular_a power_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o other_o but_o to_o honour_v they_o so_o high_o as_o for_o one_o miracle_n say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o crucifix_n to_o report_v a_o hundred_o to_o be_v wrought_v at_o such_o or_o such_o a_o shrine_n of_o she_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a also_o to_o omit_v the_o rest_n which_o he_o note_v in_o the_o v._o book_n out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o it_o suppose_v god_n may_v permit_v some_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v only_o for_o their_o trial_n whether_o the_o people_n will_v persist_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o undoubted_a and_o far_o great_a and_o more_o numerous_a miracle_n read_v deuteron_n xiii_o 1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v excellent_o express_v and_o with_o advantage_n by_o a_o great_a man_n of_o our_o own_o in_o these_o word_n or_o to_o this_o effect_n the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o believe_v that_o be_v the_o bible_n have_v be_v confirm_v as_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o side_n by_o innumerable_a supernatural_a and_o true_o divine_a miracle_n and_o consequent_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o in_o many_o point_n be_v plain_o opposite_a to_o the_o bible_n be_v condemn_v by_o they_o i_o mean_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o strange_a thing_n have_v be_v do_v in_o that_o church_n they_o prove_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n which_o foretell_v that_o god_n providence_n permit_v it_o and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o world_n deserve_v it_o strange_a sign_n and_o wonder_n shall_v be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v false_a doctrine_n that_o they_o which_o love_v not_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v give_v over_o to_o strong_a delusion_n so_o that_o now_o we_o have_v reason_n rather_o to_o suspect_v and_o be_v afraid_a of_o pretend_a miracle_n as_o sign_n of_o false_a doctrine_n than_o much_o to_o regard_v they_o as_o certain_a argument_n of_o truth_n neither_o be_v it_o strange_a that_o god_n shall_v permit_v some_o true_a wonder_n to_o be_v do_v to_o delude_v those_o who_o have_v forge_v so_o many_o wonder_n to_o deceive_v the_o world_n sect_n xvi_o answer_v to_o another_o objection_n but_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a they_o say_v that_o religion_n shall_v be_v thus_o deprave_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n because_o their_o ancestor_n be_v man_n of_o great_a virtue_n and_o honesty_n than_o to_o suffer_v the_o least_o alteration_n which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o jew_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o believe_v our_o saviour_n be_v unjust_o condemn_v and_o his_o religion_n reject_v by_o their_o priest_n and_o elder_n as_o grotius_n observe_v in_o the_o vth._n book_n out_o of_o which_o i_o may_v produce_v several_a thing_n as_o i_o have_v do_v out_o of_o the_o forego_n to_o prove_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o romish_a tradition_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o show_v also_o how_o they_o have_v bring_v back_o judaisme_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n by_o the_o vast_a burden_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n wherewith_o they_o have_v encumber_a christian_n religion_n but_o i_o shall_v wave_v all_o this_o because_o i_o will_v make_v this_o book_n as_o short_a as_o the_o rest_n and_o only_o observe_v in_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v now_o pretend_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v consider_v as_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o ancestor_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o kind_n of_o man_n for_o several_a age_n sit_v in_o the_o chair_n of_o rome_n and_o how_o ignorant_a the_o people_n general_o be_v he_o
can_v wonder_v at_o the_o corruption_n of_o which_o we_o complain_v let_v he_o but_o read_v first_o the_o censure_n which_o their_o own_o author_n have_v pass_v upon_o several_a pope_n as_o mere_a epicure_n and_o man_n void_a of_o all_o religion_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o the_o bitter_a complaint_n which_o st._n bernard_n himself_o make_v and_o that_o while_o he_o write_v to_o a_o pope_n of_o the_o vice_n which_o be_v then_o annex_v even_o to_o the_o very_a papacy_n and_o further_o the_o description_n which_o such_o man_n as_o marsilius_n of_o milan_n make_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o which_o he_o say_v be_v so_o infect_v by_o the_o plenitude_n of_o power_n which_o be_v allow_v to_o the_o pope_n that_o it_o may_v be_v more_o true_o call_v a_o shop_n of_o traffic_n nay_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n than_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o come_v near_o to_o our_o own_o time_n the_o forwardness_n of_o their_o people_n even_o since_o the_o reformation_n to_o worship_v man_n as_o saint_n before_o they_o be_v canonize_v by_o the_o pope_n and_o he_o will_v not_o think_v there_o have_v be_v always_o such_o care_n and_o caution_n use_v about_o that_o and_o such_o like_a matter_n as_o they_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v we_o have_v a_o memorable_a instance_n of_o this_o thing_n last_o mention_v to_o meddle_v with_o no_o other_o in_o the_o founder_n of_o the_o jesuit_n order_n ignatius_n loiola_n by_o who_o merit_n people_n recommend_v themselves_o to_o god_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o pope_n himself_o before_o he_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v a_o saint_n so_o urban_n viii_o inform_v we_o in_o his_o very_a bull_n or_o decretal_a letter_n for_o his_o canonization_n where_o several_a miraculous_a work_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v do_v for_o those_o who_o flee_v to_o his_o help_n and_o religious_o worship_v his_o image_n and_o commend_v themselves_o to_o he_o as_o the_o word_n be_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n he_o be_v make_v indeed_o a_o beato_n by_o the_o precede_a pope_n but_o the_o like_a story_n be_v tell_v of_o xavier_n one_o of_o ignatius_n his_o companion_n unto_o who_o intercession_n the_o people_n apply_v themselves_o and_o hope_v in_o his_o merit_n as_o the_o bull_n for_o his_o saint_n tell_v we_o even_o before_o he_o be_v make_v a_o beato_n so_o exceed_v prone_a they_o have_v be_v of_o late_a to_o run_v into_o superstition_n as_o they_o be_v more_o long_o ago_o in_o the_o day_n of_o st._n martin_n who_o break_v down_o a_o altar_n which_o have_v be_v set_v up_o by_o former_a bishop_n themselves_o in_o honour_n of_o a_o martyr_n as_o the_o people_n call_v he_o who_o prove_v to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o highwayman_n as_o st._n martin_n discover_v that_o have_v be_v execute_v for_o his_o robbery_n and_o there_o bury_v sect_n xvii_o popery_n and_o mahometism_n have_v the_o same_o original_a we_o may_v safe_o therefore_o affirm_v that_o the_o account_n which_o grotius_n give_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o vi_o book_n of_o the_o rise_n of_o mahometism_n may_v serve_v as_o well_o for_o the_o original_a of_o popery_n which_o take_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o great_a decay_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o the_o vain_a jangle_n that_o fall_v out_o among_o christian_a people_n by_o employ_v their_o time_n in_o curious_a question_n which_o make_v the_o vulgar_a at_o last_o not_o know_v what_o to_o believe_v and_o to_o lay_v the_o fault_n upon_o the_o scripture_n nay_o to_o avoid_v they_o as_o hurtful_a and_o dangerous_a and_o then_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o lead_v they_o any_o whither_o when_o they_o have_v for_o saken_a the_o light_n which_o show_v they_o their_o way_n and_o begin_v also_o to_o place_n religion_n not_o in_o purity_n of_o mind_n but_o in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o such_o thing_n as_o serve_v rather_o to_o exercise_v the_o body_n than_o to_o amend_v the_o soul_n in_o short_a that_o false_a prophet_n mahomet_n and_o a_o universal_a bishop_n spring_v up_o both_o together_o very_o near_o the_o same_o time_n as_o treason_n and_o idolatry_n settle_v themselves_o also_o together_o at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o the_o age_n follow_v for_o the_o pope_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o retain_v image_n which_o the_o constantinopolitan_a emperor_n destroy_v revolt_v from_o he_o deny_v he_o the_o tribute_n that_o be_v wont_a till_o then_o to_o be_v pay_v he_o even_o out_o of_o rome_n itself_o as_o well_o as_o other_o place_n and_o deny_v he_o all_o obedience_n plain_o thrust_v he_o out_o of_o italy_n this_o account_n zonaras_n and_o other_o give_v of_o gregory_n the_o ii.'s_n proceed_v against_o leo_n isaurus_n and_o thus_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n by_o his_o papal_a authority_n become_v the_o first_o author_n of_o defection_n from_o a_o lawful_a prince_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n sect_n xviii_o and_o support_v its_o self_n by_o the_o same_o mean_n if_o we_o look_v further_o into_o what_o be_v say_v before_o about_o mahometism_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o popery_n stand_v and_o uphold_v itself_o by_o the_o very_a same_o shameful_a mean_n which_o keep_v up_o the_o religion_n of_o that_o false_a prophet_n by_o force_n that_o be_v and_o violence_n compel_v man_n where_o they_o have_v any_o power_n to_o consent_v to_o what_o they_o say_v or_o rather_o to_o feign_v a_o consent_n to_o what_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v which_o discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o that_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o for_o he_o that_o extort_v assent_v as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o book_n forego_v by_o sense_n of_o pain_n or_o fear_v of_o punishment_n plain_o confess_v by_o that_o very_a proceed_n that_o he_o distrust_v his_o argument_n at_o the_o best_a they_o require_v belief_n of_o man_n without_o all_o liberty_n of_o inquire_v into_o religion_n for_o the_o vulgar_a just_a as_o in_o turkey_n be_v prohibit_v to_o read_v the_o book_n which_o be_v account_v holy_a which_o be_v a_o manifest_a sign_n of_o its_o iniquity_n as_o he_o there_o speak_v of_o the_o turkish_a religion_n for_o just_o may_v that_o merchandise_n be_v suspect_v which_o be_v obtrude_v upon_o this_o condition_n that_o it_o must_v not_o be_v look_v into_o not_o examine_v this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o gross_a deceiver_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o a_o trial_n and_o refuse_v to_o give_v any_o account_n but_o will_v have_v we_o submit_v to_o their_o authority_n and_o take_v what_o such_o man_n as_o they_o say_v upon_o trust_n which_o be_v the_o method_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o put_v doubt_v of_o any_o part_n of_o their_o doctrine_n among_o mortal_a sin_n and_o so_o for_o fear_v what_o the_o issue_n may_v be_v will_v not_o suffer_v their_o people_n to_o try_v their_o religion_n with_o indifference_n that_o be_v with_o true_a liberty_n of_o judgement_n and_o with_o a_o resolution_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o if_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o appear_v upon_o examination_n to_o be_v uncertain_a and_o to_o leave_v it_o if_o they_o prove_v apparent_o false_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o as_o it_o there_o follow_v there_o be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n the_o like_a capacity_n of_o knowledge_n and_o quicksightedness_n to_o discern_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n many_o also_o be_v carry_v away_o 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 and_o imitation_n or_o by_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o forwardness_n to_o judge_v without_o due_a consideration_n or_o advice_n with_o their_o proper_a guide_n but_o those_o very_a book_n which_o the_o roman_a church_n pretend_v may_v mislead_v man_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o let_v they_o use_v teach_v they_o in_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a place_n to_o purge_v themselves_o from_o all_o naughty_a affection_n and_o then_o to_o be_v sober-minded_n and_o not_o too_o forward_o to_o determine_v thing_n on_o their_o own_o head_n but_o to_o reverence_v their_o judgement_n who_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o to_o pretend_v to_o religion_n nor_o imagine_v they_o can_v judge_v a-right_a till_o they_o be_v humble_a and_o meek_a and_o without_o any_o other_o design_n than_o this_o alone_a of_o save_v their_o soul_n now_o the_o divine_a goodness_n forbid_v we_o to_o think_v that_o such_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o find_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n who_o seek_v for_o it_o in_o god_n own_o word_n and_o in_o this_o manner_n without_o any_o by-respect_n to_o honour_n or_o worldly_a advantage_n and_o with_o entire_a submission_n of_o themselves_o and_o all_o they_o have_v to_o he_o implore_v his_o assistance_n that_o they_o may_v attain_v it_o which_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o very_a word_n of_o justin_n martyr_n and_o origen_n and_o
deliver_v from_o the_o heavy_a yoke_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o lay_v upon_o they_o but_o if_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v full_a of_o all_o goodness_n easy_o permit_v they_o to_o follow_v what_o course_n of_o life_n they_o please_v in_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n provide_v they_o will_v not_o impose_v the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v they_o upon_o other_o sect_n xxv_o conclusion_n of_o all_o upon_o these_o term_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o agree_v with_o they_o and_o i_o conclude_v all_o with_o this_o memorable_a proposal_n which_o erasmus_n make_v in_o a_o letter_n to_o johannes_n slechta_n a_o friend_n of_o he_o in_o bohemia_n at_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n md_o xix_o this_o will_v reconcile_v people_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n if_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o particular_o define_v and_o make_v a_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o will_v have_v to_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o those_o only_o which_o be_v evident_o express_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o without_o which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v any_o way_n to_o be_v save_v to_o this_o purpose_n a_o few_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a and_o a_o few_o thing_n may_v be_v soon_o persuade_v than_o a_o great_a many_o now_o out_o of_o one_o article_n we_o make_v six_o hundred_o some_o of_o which_o be_v such_o that_o without_o endanger_n piety_n we_o may_v either_o be_v ignorant_a or_o doubt_v of_o they_o and_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n that_o what_o be_v once_o define_v we_o hold_v tooth_n and_o nail_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n part_n with_o it_o but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o sum_n of_o christian_a philosophy_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o we_o understand_v all_o our_o hope_n to_o be_v place_v in_o god_n who_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n by_o his_o son_n jesus_n by_o who_o death_n we_o be_v redeem_v into_o who_o body_n we_o be_v plant_v by_o baptism_n that_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o lust_n of_o this_o world_n we_o may_v live_v according_a to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o example_n not_o only_o abstain_v from_o all_o evil_a but_o endeavour_v to_o deserve_v well_o of_o every_o body_n assd_v that_o if_o any_o adversity_n happen_v we_o bear_v it_o courageous_o in_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n which_o without_o all_o doubt_n wait_v for_o all_o pious_a person_n at_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o we_o make_v such_o progress_n from_o virtue_n to_o virtue_n as_o notwithstanding_o to_o arrogate_v nothing_o to_o ourselves_o but_o to_o ascribe_v all_o the_o good_a that_o be_v in_o we_o or_o that_o we_o can_v do_v unto_o god._n these_o thing_n chief_o be_v to_o be_v inculcate_v and_o beat_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o that_o they_o become_v as_o it_o be_v their_o nature_n but_o if_o any_o will_v search_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o abstruse_a about_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o hypostasis_fw-la of_o christ_n or_o the_o sacrament_n that_o they_o may_v raise_v their_o mind_n the_o high_a and_o draw_v they_o from_o thing_n here_o below_o let_v they_o do_v so_o provide_v that_o every_o body_n be_v not_o compely_v present_o to_o believe_v what_o seem_v good_a to_o this_o or_o that_o person_n for_o as_o out_o of_o large_a deed_n arise_v soon_o lawsuit_n so_o be_v difference_n beget_v by_o very_a many_o definition_n and_o let_v we_o not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o answer_v to_o some_o thing_n god_n know_v how_o it_o may_v be_v do_v it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v do_v i_o know_v that_o christ_n pure_a body_n and_o blood_n be_v to_o be_v pure_o receive_v by_o those_o that_o be_v pure_a and_o that_o he_o will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v a_o most_o holy_a token_n and_o pledge_n both_o of_o his_o love_n to_o we_o and_o of_o our_o christian_a concord_n among_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v examine_v myself_o and_o make_v a_o strict_a search_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o i_o that_o ill_o agree_v with_o christ_n whether_o any_o discord_n with_o my_o neighbour_n but_o how_o the_o ten_o predicament_n be_v there_o how_o the_o bread_n be_v transubstantiate_v by_o the_o mystical_a word_n or_o as_o he_o explain_v himself_o in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o book_n upon_o lxxxiv_o psal_n how_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v there_o whether_o under_o the_o substance_n of_o bread_n or_o under_o the_o species_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n and_o such_o like_a do_v not_o much_o conduce_v in_o my_o judgement_n to_o proficiency_n in_o piety_n etc._n etc._n by_o these_o and_o other_o such_o innumerable_a disputation_n in_o which_o some_o triumph_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v call_v away_o from_o those_o thing_n which_o alone_o be_v to_o the_o purpose_n to_o conclude_v it_o will_v be_v of_o great_a moment_n to_o establish_v the_o concord_n of_o the_o world_n if_o all_o secular_a prince_n and_o especial_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n will_v abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o tyranny_n and_o of_o covetousness_n for_o man_n easy_o start_v back_o when_o they_o see_v slavery_n be_v prepare_v for_o they_o when_o they_o see_v they_o be_v not_o invite_v to_o piety_n but_o inveigle_v to_o be_v make_v a_o prey_n if_o they_o perceive_v we_o to_o be_v harmless_a to_o be_v beneficent_a they_o will_v most_o easy_o credit_v we_o and_o intrust_v themselves_o with_o we_o thus_o he._n it_o will_v not_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o make_v a_o long_a book_n on_o this_o subject_a but_o this_o be_v sufficient_a as_o grotius_n speak_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o convince_v those_o who_o understanding_n be_v right_o dispose_v and_o be_v not_o pertinacious_o set_v against_o all_o further_a information_n but_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v find_v of_o force_n enough_o to_o convince_v a_o froward_a will_n and_o persuade_v perverse_a affection_n which_o make_v man_n uncapable_a of_o moral_a truth_n most_o of_o all_o of_o divine_a which_o will_v not_o enter_v as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v into_o a_o malicious_a soul_n nor_o dwell_v in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v subject_a unto_o sin_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o discipline_n will_v flee_v deceit_n and_o remove_v from_o thought_n that_o be_v without_o understanding_n and_o will_v not_o abide_v when_o unrighteousness_n come_v in_o the_o end_n a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o principal_a thing_n handle_v in_o this_o work_n according_a to_o the_o several_a section_n of_o each_o book_n the_o content_n of_o the_o first_o book_n the_o preface_n show_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o work_n sect._n i._o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n p._n 1_o sect._n ii_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n p._n 5_o sect._n iii_o that_o all_o perfection_n be_v in_o god_n p._n 7_o sect._n iu_o god_n be_v infinite_a p._n 8_o sect._n v._n that_o god_n be_v eternal_a omnipotent_a omniscient_a and_o absolute_o good_a p._n 9_o sect._n vi_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n &_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n ib._n sect._n vii_o answer_v to_o that_o objection_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o evil_a p._n 15_o sect._n viii_o against_o the_o opinion_n of_o two_o principle_n or_o cause_n of_o thing_n p._n 16_o sect._n ix_o that_o god_n do_v govern_v the_o whole_a world_n p._n 17_o sect._n x._o yea_o sublunary_a thing_n p._n 18_o sect._n xi_o this_o be_v further_a prove_v by_o the_o preservation_n of_o empire_n p._n 19_o sect._n xii_o and_o by_o miracle_n p._n 21_o sect._n xiii_o special_o among_o the_o jew_n whereunto_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a continuance_n of_o their_o religion_n p._n 22_o sect._n fourteen_o also_o by_o the_o truth_n and_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n his_o story_n p._n 24_o sect._n xv._o and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o many_o gentile_n p._n 25_o sect._n xvi_o the_o same_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o oracle_n and_o prediction_n p._n 34_o sect._n xvii_o the_o objection_n be_v answer_v why_o miracle_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v see_v p._n 36_o sect._n xviii_o and_o that_o now_o there_o be_v such_o liberty_n in_o offend_v p._n 37_o sect._n xix_o insomuch_o that_o good_a man_n be_v oppress_v p._n 39_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 p._n 40_o sect._n xxi_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o tradition_n ib._n sect._n xxii_o against_o which_o no_o contrary_a reason_n can_v be_v bring_v p._n 41_o sect._n xxiii_o many_o reason_n may_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o p._n 44_o sect._n xxiv_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o end_n of_o all_o shall_v be_v man_n happiness_n after_o this_o life_n p._n 45_o sect._n xxv_o which_o to_o obtain_v man_n must_v get_v the_o true_a religion_n ib._n the_o content_n of_o the_o second_o book_n sect._n i._o to_o prove_v the_o
truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n p._n 47_o sect._n ii_o here_o be_v show_v that_o jesus_n live_v p._n 48_o sect._n iii_o and_o be_v put_v to_o a_o ignominious_a death_n ib._n sect._n iu._n yet_o afterward_o be_v worship_v by_o prudent_a and_o godly_a men._n p._n 49_o sect._n v._n 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 p._n 50_o 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 p._n 51_o sect._n vii_o christ_n resurrection_n prove_v by_o credible_a reason_n p._n 55_o sect._n viii_o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o resurrection_n seem_v impossible_a p._n 60_o 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 p._n 61_o sect._n x._o christian_a religion_n prefer_v before_o all_o other_o p._n 62_o sect._n xi_o for_o excellency_n of_o reward_n p._n 63_o 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 p._n 66_o sect._n xiii_o the_o excellency_n of_o holy_a precept_n give_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n p._n 69_o sect._n fourteen_o concern_v the_o office_n of_o humanity_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o our_o neighbour_n p._n 72_o sect._n xv._o of_o the_o conjunction_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n p._n 74_o sect._n xvi_o touch_v the_o use_n of_o temporal_a good_n p._n 76_o sect._n xvii_o of_o swear_v p._n 79_o sect._n xviii_o of_o other_o matter_n ib._n sect._n xix_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n touch_v the_o controversy_n abound_v among_o christian_n p._n 80_o 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 p._n 82_o sect._n xxi_o also_o from_o the_o wonderful_a spread_n of_o this_o religion_n p._n 86_o 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 p._n 88_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 p._n 90_o sect._n xxiv_o answer_v to_o they_o that_o require_v more_o forcible_a reason_n p._n 94_o the_o content_n of_o the_o three_o book_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 〈◊〉_d sect._n ii_o here_o be_v know_v that_o such_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n the_o name_n they_o have_v prefix_v p._n 99_o sect._n iii_o some_o book_n be_v ancient_o doubt_v of_o p._n 100_o sect._n iu_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 p._n 101_o sect._n v._n 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 p._n 102_o sect._n vi_o as_o also_o because_o they_o will_v not_o lie_v p._n 104_o sect._n vii_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o fidelity_n of_o these_o author_n from_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v p._n 106_o sect._n viii_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o write_n confirm_v from_o hence_o that_o many_o thing_n be_v find_v there_o which_o the_o event_n have_v prove_v to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v p._n 108_o 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 writing_n p._n 109_o sect._n x._o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n that_o divers_a book_n be_v not_o receive_v by_o all_o p._n 110_o 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 p._n 113_o sect._n xii_o or_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n p._n 114_o sect._n xiii_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n that_o some_o of_o these_o book_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o other_o p._n 116_o sect._n fourteen_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n take_v from_o outward_a testimony_n which_o make_v more_o for_o these_o book_n p._n 118_o sect._n xv._o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v change_v p._n 119_o sect._n xvi_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n p._n 123_o the_o content_n of_o the_o four_o book_n sect._n i._n a_o particular_a confutation_n of_o the_o religion_n opposite_a to_o christianity_n p._n 129_o 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 as_o the_o most_o high_a god_n direct_v p._n 131_o sect._n iii_o evil_a spirit_n adore_v by_o pagan_n and_o how_o impious_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v p._n 132_o sect._n iu_o against_o the_o worship_n which_o in_o paganism_n be_v exhibit_v to_o man_n after_o their_o death_n p._n 135_o sect._n v._n against_o worship_v of_o star_n and_o element_n p._n 136_o sect._n vi_o against_o worship_v of_o bruit-beast_n p._n 137_o sect._n vii_o against_o worship_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v no_o substance_n p._n 139_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 p._n 141_o sect._n ix_o and_o from_o oracle_n p._n 144_o 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 p._n 146_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 p._n 147_o 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 be_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v believe_v therein_o the_o like_a or_o worse_o be_v find_v among_o the_o pagan_n p._n 150_o the_o content_n of_o the_o five_o book_n sect._n i._n 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 p._n 153_o 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 p._n 154_o 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 p._n 156_o sect._n iu._n or_o by_o the_o power_n of_o word_n and_o syllable_n p._n 158_o sect._n v._n the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n be_v divine_a because_o he_o teach_v the_o worship_n of_o one_o god_n the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n p._n 159_o sect._n vi_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n take_v from_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o christ_n where_o be_v show_v that_o a_o more_o perfect_a law_n than_o that_o of_o moses_n may_v be_v give_v p._n 160_o sect._n vii_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v observe_v by_o jesus_n who_o abolish_v no_o commandment_n that_o be_v essential_o good_a p._n 163_o sect._n viii_o as_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o of_o themselves_o be_v never_o well-pleasing_a unto_o god_n p._n 167_o sect._n ix_o the_o difference_n of_o meat_n p._n 172_o sect._n x._o and_o of_o day_n p._n 174_o sect._n xi_o also_o of_o outward_a circumcision_n p._n 177_o sect._n xii_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n be_v gentle_a in_o the_o toleration_n of_o these_o thing_n p._n 179_o sect._n xiii_o a_o proof_n against_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o promise_a messiah_n p._n 180_o sect._n fourteen_o who_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v already_o come_v by_o the_o limit_a time_n of_o his_o come_n which_o be_v foretell_v p._n 181_o sect._n xv._o answer_v to_o that_o which_o some_o conceive_v touch_v the_o defer_v of_o his_o come_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n p._n 184_o sect._n xvi_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 p._n 185_o sect._n xvii_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 p._n 188_o sect._n xviii_o answer_v to_o that_o which_o be_v object_v of_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o fulfil_v p._n 190_o sect._n xix_o and_o to_o that_o which_o be_v object_v of_o the_o mean_a condition_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n p._n 192_o sect._n xx._n and_o as_o though_o they_o be_v honest_a man_n that_o put_v he_o to_o death_n p._n 197_o 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 p._n 200_o sect._n xxii_o and_o that_o a_o humane_a nature_n be_v worship_v p._n 201_o sect._n xxiii_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o part_n with_o prayer_n for_o the_o jew_n p._n 203_o the_o content_n of_o the_o six_o book_n sect._n i._n a_o confutation_n of_o mahumetanisme_n the_o beginning_n of_o it_o p._n 205_o 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 p._n 208_o sect._n iii_o a_o proof_n against_o the_o mahometans_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 p._n 209_o sect._n iu_o by_o compare_v mahumet_n with_o christ_n in_o their_o person_n p._n 212_o sect._n v._n and_o in_o their_o deed_n p_o 213_o sect._n vi_o also_o such_o as_o first_o embrace_v both_o religion_n p._n 214_o sect._n vii_o the_o manner_n how_o both_o their_o law_n be_v pro_fw-la pagate_v ib._n sect._n viii_o the_o precept_n of_o both_o religion_n compare_v p._n 216_o sect_n ix_o answer_v to_o the_o mahometans_n objection_n concern_v the_o son_n of_o god_n p._n 218_o sect._n x._o many_o absurd_a thing_n in_o the_o book_n of_o mahumetan_n p_o 219_o sect._n xi_o a_o conclusion_n direct_v unto_o christian_n admonish_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o what_o have_v former_o be_v handle_v p._n 220_o the_o content_n of_o the_o seven_o book_n sect._n i._n a_o introduction_n show_v what_o make_v the_o addition_n of_o another_o book_n necessary_a p._n 229_o sect._n ii_o division_n among_o christian_n no_o such_o objection_n against_o christianity_n as_o be_v imagine_v 230_o sect._n iii_o as_o appear_v even_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o have_v give_v the_o great_a scandal_n p._n 232_o sect_n iv_o but_o both_o contradict_v itself_o and_o depart_v from_o the_o ancient_a and_o true_o catholic_n church_n p_o 234_o sect._n v._n christianity_n therefore_o be_v not_o there_o in_o its_o purity_n but_o much_o corrupt_v p._n 236_o sect._n vi_o answer_n to_o a_o evasion_n from_o the_o force_n of_o the_o forego_n argument_n p._n 237_o sect._n vii_o their_o absurd_a explication_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n p._n 239_o sect._n viii_o which_o forbid_v we_o to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o upon_o such_o term_n p._n 240_o sect._n ix_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n not_o to_o slight_v episcopal_a authority_n p._n 243_o sect._n x._o argument_n enough_o in_o the_o forego_n book_n to_o prove_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n not_o to_o be_v sincere_o preserve_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n one_o be_v their_o way_n of_o worship_n p._n 244_o sect._n xi_o another_o be_v the_o way_n of_o promote_a their_o religion_n p_o 248_o sect_n xii_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o overthrow_v their_o own_o religion_n p._n 250_o sect_n xiii_o other_o instance_n of_o it_o p._n 256_o sect_n fourteen_o whereby_o they_o have_v spoil_v christianity_n as_o the_o pagan_n do_v the_o natural_a religion_n p._n 259_o sect._n xv._o answer_v to_o what_o they_o say_v about_o miracle_n p._n 262_o sect._n xvi_o answer_v to_o another_o objection_n p_o 265_o sect._n xvii_o popery_n and_o mahometisin_n have_v the_o same_o original_a p._n 268_o sect._n xviii_o and_o support_v its_o self_n by_o the_o same_o mean_n p._n 269_o sect_n xix_o and_o refuse_v to_o be_v try_v by_o scripture_n p._n 272_o sect._n xx._n the_o vanity_n of_o their_o appeal_n to_o tradition_n p._n 277_o sect._n xxi_o and_o their_o guilt_n in_o what_o they_o say_v about_o the_o holy_a scripture_n p._n 279_o sect_n xxii_o it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n therefore_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o scripture_n p._n 283_o sect_n xxiii_o which_o have_v more_o manifest_a note_n of_o certainty_n than_o the_o church_n p._n 284_o sect._n xxiv_o the_o great_a encouragement_n we_o have_v to_o do_v so_o p._n 287_o sect._n xxv_o conclusion_n of_o all_o p._n 294_o the_o end_n