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 holy_a angel_n must_v needs_o be_v kind_a and_o serviceable_a though_o no_o petition_n be_v make_v to_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a who_o have_v reveal_v this_o to_o we_o that_o he_o have_v make_v they_o all_o subject_n to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v send_v forth_o by_o he_o for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o number_n of_o which_o they_o above_o all_o other_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_v to_o be_v who_o have_v so_o great_a a_o respect_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o confidence_n in_o his_o goodness_n that_o for_o fear_n of_o offend_v he_o they_o dare_v worship_n none_o but_o himself_o alone_o rest_v assure_v he_o will_v deal_v well_o with_o they_o even_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o they_o have_v such_o a_o regard_n to_o he_o as_o not_o to_o presume_v without_o his_o warrant_n and_o authority_n so_o much_o as_o to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o he_o by_o any_o angel_n in_o heaven_n though_o never_o so_o great_a but_o by_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n jesus_n christ_n alone_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o they_o all_o and_o who_o he_o have_v consecreated_a to_o be_v our_o perpetual_a intercessor_n with_o he_o the_o like_a we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o worship_n of_o saint_n to_o who_o all_o prayer_n be_v fruitless_a and_o vain_a unless_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v something_o for_o their_o supplicant_n of_o which_o they_o have_v no_o certainty_n nor_o be_v there_o more_o ground_n to_o say_v that_o they_o can_v than_o that_o they_o can_v but_o rather_o less_o ground_n since_o it_o be_v inconceivable_a how_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o hear_v and_o assist_v so_o many_o as_o address_v themselves_o to_o the_o same_o saint_n in_o several_a far_o distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n without_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v equal_a to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o they_o have_v as_o many_o if_o not_o more_o supplicant_n as_o he_o by_o such_o a_o union_n as_o he_o have_v with_o the_o divinity_n they_o worship_v also_o which_o be_v still_o worse_o such_o for_o saint_n as_o never_o be_v in_o be_v and_o other_o who_o saintship_n there_o be_v too_o much_o reason_n to_o question_n be_v apparent_o guilty_a of_o such_o crime_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o it_o for_o instance_n our_o thomas_n à _fw-la becket_n by_o who_o blood_n they_o have_v pray_v our_o lord_n christ_n that_o they_o may_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o do_v still_o pray_v upon_o decemb._n 29._o that_o they_o who_o implore_v his_o help_n may_v have_v the_o save_a effect_n of_o his_o petition_n who_o our_o forefather_n even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o perjure_a person_n and_o as_o a_o traitor_n be_v not_o only_o call_v so_o by_o the_o king_n but_o in_o parliament_n accuse_v of_o treason_n the_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o other_o be_v present_a and_o the_o bishop_n of_o winchester_n pronounce_v the_o sentence_n against_o he_o in_o short_a the_o devotion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v so_o like_o the_o ancient_a idolatry_n that_o the_o cunning_a man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v find_v any_o difference_n without_o a_o great_a many_o nice_a and_o subtle_a distinction_n which_o in_o practice_n make_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o sect_n xi_o another_o be_v the_o way_n of_o promote_a their_o religion_n there_o be_v this_o argument_n also_o against_o it_o as_o grotius_n speak_v of_o paganism_n book_n 4._o sect._n 10._o take_v from_o the_o religion_n itself_o that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o support_v by_o humane_a power_n or_o policy_n immediate_o it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n for_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o wise_a man_n of_o our_o own_o get_v and_o increase_v its_o absolute_a authority_n over_o man_n conscience_n by_o obtrude_a on_o the_o world_n supposititious_a write_n and_o corrupt_v the_o monument_n of_o former_a time_n by_o false_a miracle_n and_o forge_v false_a story_n by_o war_n also_o and_o persecution_n by_o massacre_n treason_n and_o rebellion_n in_o short_a by_o all_o manner_n of_o carnal_a mean_n whether_o violent_a or_o fraudulent_a so_o take_v away_o these_o support_n and_o that_o religion_n can_v stand_v by_o its_o own_o strength_n and_o true_o his_o reason_n in_o the_o three_o section_n of_o the_o same_o book_n against_o the_o paganish_a worship_n that_o it_o be_v from_o evil_a spirit_n because_o they_o instigate_v their_o worshipper_n to_o destroy_v they_o that_o worship_v one_o god_n hold_v good_a still_o if_o there_o be_v any_o force_n in_o it_o to_o prove_v the_o roman_a church_n not_o to_o be_v act_v by_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n because_o they_o will_v not_o let_v those_o live_v have_v they_o sufficient_a power_n who_o worship_n only_o one_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o belief_n before_o mention_v into_o which_o they_o be_v baptise_a not_o presume_v to_o superadd_a any_o thing_n else_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o while_o they_o have_v be_v most_o cruel_a to_o those_o who_o for_o fear_n of_o offend_a god_n dare_v not_o allow_v the_o worship_n they_o give_v to_o saint_n which_o they_o think_v belong_v to_o he_o alone_o nor_o fall_v down_o before_o the_o sacrament_n and_o adore_v it_o as_o very_o god_n himself_o they_o have_v tolerate_v such_o without_o any_o censure_n who_o have_v raise_v st._n francis_n into_o a_o equality_n with_o if_o not_o superiority_n unto_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o make_v the_o bless_a virgin_n a_o kind_n of_o goddess_n nay_o call_v the_o pope_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o lord_n give_v he_o such_o a_o power_n over_o all_o king_n and_o kingdom_n as_o sober_a man_n among_o themselves_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o which_o be_v just_a after_o the_o example_n of_o the_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
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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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 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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 those_o rhythm_n the_o more_o he_o be_v rapt_v both_o into_o love_n and_o admiration_n of_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o which_o be_v not_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o be_v able_a to_o incline_v the_o hard_a heart_n to_o embrace_v this_o holy_a religion_n for_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o determine_v he_o say_v whether_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o the_o clearness_n and_o sweetness_n of_o the_o expression_n be_v most_o to_o be_v commend_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o matter_n not_o at_o all_o hinder_v the_o clearness_n of_o the_o verse_n nor_o its_o be_v tie_v to_o verse_n at_o all_o dilute_v or_o enervate_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o matter_n such_o a_o strife_n there_o be_v between_o these_o two_o with_o equal_a success_n that_o it_o become_v a_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v more_o divine_a to_o be_v able_a to_o have_v a_o solid_a and_o distinct_a conception_n in_o his_o mind_n of_o thing_n so_o difficult_a and_o sublime_a or_o have_v conceive_v they_o to_o clothe_v they_o in_o such_o comely_a and_o perspicuous_a word_n that_o at_o the_o first_o glance_n every_o reader_n understand_v his_o great_a sense_n though_o bind_v up_o and_o fetter_v within_o the_o law_n of_o verse_n which_o way_n i_o suppose_v he_o choose_v because_o it_o be_v the_o ancient_a manner_n of_o deliver_v the_o most_o useful_a thing_n as_o he_o himself_o observe_v in_o his_o prolegomena_n to_o stobaeus_n his_o florilegium_n which_o be_v write_v not_o long_o after_o this_o book_n where_o as_o a_o proof_n of_o it_o he_o allege_v that_o of_o homer_n who_o say_v clytaemnestra_n do_v not_o incline_v to_o vice_n till_o she_o have_v lose_v he_o that_o be_v wont_a to_o sing_v to_o she_o for_o precept_n of_o wisdom_n so_o teach_v be_v exceed_v charm_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o youth_n be_v not_o only_o
more_o easy_o imprint_v on_o the_o memory_n but_o touch_v the_o affection_n more_o powerful_o and_o to_o the_o very_a quick_a than_o when_o otherwise_o speak_v at_o large_a and_o therefore_o the_o public_a law_n be_v in_o the_o most_o ancient_a time_n thus_o write_v as_o aristotle_n inform_v we_o and_o that_o true_a religion_n may_v be_v more_o easy_o convey_v into_o people_n mind_n and_o fix_v there_o apolinarius_n translate_v all_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n as_o sozomen_n tell_v we_o l._n vi_fw-la cap._n 18._o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n as_o far_o as_o the_o reign_n of_o saul_n into_o heroic_a verse_n in_o imitation_n of_o homer_n poem_n suidas_n say_v he_o put_v the_o whole_a old_a testament_n into_o such_o verse_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a for_o what_o he_o do_v upon_o the_o psalm_n be_v still_o remain_v if_o it_o be_v my_o present_a business_n i_o can_v trace_v this_o way_n of_o instruction_n down_o to_o our_o own_o time_n and_o through_o our_o own_o nation_n in_o which_o it_o have_v be_v very_o effectual_a as_o the_o story_n of_o aldelmus_fw-la sufficient_o inform_v we_o who_o first_o bring_v in_o the_o composition_n of_o latin_a verse_n among_o the_o english_a a_o little_a before_o edward_n the_o confessor_n time_n and_o by_o his_o excellent_a faculty_n in_o sing_v wrought_v such_o wonderful_a effect_n upon_o the_o people_n for_o the_o civilise_n of_o their_o manner_n and_o for_o their_o instruction_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n that_o lanfrank_n by_o his_o own_o authority_n think_v good_a to_o make_v he_o a_o saint_n the_o very_a same_o charm_n grotius_n hope_v will_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n upon_o the_o rude_a seaman_n of_o his_o country_n into_o who_o he_o desire_v by_o his_o rhyme_n not_o only_o to_o instil_v a_o sense_n of_o piety_n but_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o convey_v it_o to_o other_o nation_n with_o who_o they_o trade_v and_o it_o seem_v this_o work_n be_v so_o much_o fame_v that_o it_o move_v the_o curiosity_n of_o a_o great_a man_n in_o france_n into_o which_o grotius_n go_v after_o his_o wonderful_a escape_n 1621._o out_o of_o that_o prison_n or_o rather_o sepulchre_n as_o he_o call_v it_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o friend_n wherein_o it_o be_v first_o project_v to_o ask_v he_o very_o often_o what_o the_o content_n of_o that_o book_n be_v which_o he_o have_v write_v in_o dutch_a upon_o this_o subject_n of_o religion_n who_o he_o satisfy_v by_o translate_n the_o sense_n of_o it_o into_o the_o latin_a tongue_n in_o the_o year_n 1628._o and_o address_v it_o unto_o that_o excellent_a person_n who_o make_v the_o inquiry_n viz._n hieronymus_n bignonius_n who_o together_o with_o grotius_n and_o salmasius_n the_o famous_a cardinal_n richlieu_n a_o notable_a judge_n of_o wit_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v 146._o say_v epist_n cl._n sarravii_fw-la p._n 146._o be_v the_o only_a person_n of_o that_o age_n who_o he_o look_v upon_o as_o arrive_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o learning_n in_o which_o translation_n he_o tell_v sarravius_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o he_o that_o year_n he_o shall_v find_v if_o nothing_o else_o that_o he_o have_v at_o least_o endeavour_v brevity_n with_o perspicuity_n which_o make_v it_o so_o acceptable_a every_o where_n though_o no_o long_o in_o verse_n but_o now_o in_o prose_n that_o in_o the_o year_n 1632._o i_o find_v he_o tell_v cordesius_n another_o learned_a man_n in_o france_n 417._o france_n epist_n ad_fw-la gallos_n p._n 331._o 417._o it_o be_v go_v the_o three_o time_n to_o the_o press_n with_o some_o addition_n but_o not_o with_o so_o many_o it_o seem_v as_o some_o desire_a for_o there_o be_v those_o who_o wish_v he_o will_v have_v answer_v a_o book_n of_o bodins_n which_o seem_v to_o impugn_v it_o this_o he_o think_v a_o needless_a pain_n for_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v say_v he_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o same_o person_n 407._o person_n ib._n pag._n 407._o that_o seem_v to_o shake_v the_o foundation_n i_o have_v lay_v upon_o which_o the_o christian_a faith_n rely_v i_o have_v already_o obviate_v it_o as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o persuade_v a_o reader_n that_o be_v not_o pertinacious_a as_o for_o those_o opinion_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v in_o christianity_n but_o without_o the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o which_o we_o may_v be_v christian_n they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o my_o argument_n in_o the_o same_o year_n also_o 1632_o i_o find_v it_o translate_v here_o into_o the_o english_a language_n which_o he_o himself_o afterward_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o gerrard_n vossius_fw-la 1638_o 748._o 1638_o inter_fw-la epist_n praestant_fw-la virorum_fw-la p._n 748._o where_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o there_o be_v beside_o the_o english_a two_o high-dutch_a translation_n of_o this_o book_n one_o french_a and_o that_o the_o english_a embassador_n chaplain_n be_v turn_v it_o into_o greek_a and_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o into_o the_o persian_a tongue_n that_o by_o god_n blessing_n it_o may_v convert_v the_o mahometan_n none_o of_o these_o can_v see_v any_o socinianism_n or_o other_o dangerous_a heresy_n in_o it_o which_o some_o of_o the_o dull_a sort_n of_o learned_a man_n be_v forward_o to_o charge_v it_o with_o all_o because_o he_o do_v not_o direct_o prove_v in_o this_o book_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n of_o which_o he_o give_v this_o account_n in_o the_o forename_a letter_n that_o he_o hear_v a_o great_a man_n who_o be_v franc._n junius_n as_o i_o take_v it_o condemn_v du_fw-fr plessis_n and_o other_o for_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o mystery_n by_o reason_n fetch_v from_o nature_n and_o by_o platonical_a testimony_n sometime_o not_o very_o pertinent_a which_o ought_v not_o to_o come_v into_o a_o disputation_n with_o atheist_n pagan_n jew_n and_o mahometan_n who_o must_v all_o be_v first_o draw_v to_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o from_o thence_o they_o may_v learn_v such_o thing_n as_o can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o divine_a revelation_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n he_o meddle_v not_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n direct_o but_o if_o any_o body_n doubt_v of_o his_o orthodoxy_n in_o this_o point_n they_o may_v see_v he_o tell_v he_o in_o another_o letter_n what_o his_o opinion_n be_v in_o his_o poem_n then_o new_o come_v forth_o and_o the_o large_a explication_n of_o it_o he_o reserve_v to_o his_o note_n and_o for_o the_o same_o cause_n he_o do_v not_o distinct_o treat_v of_o some_o other_o thing_n particular_o about_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o satisfaction_n for_o which_o omission_n this_o book_n be_v blame_v as_o sarravius_n write_v to_o he_o by_o some_o who_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o labour_n of_o other_o to_o which_o grotius_n return_v such_o a_o answer_n as_o not_o only_o give_v he_o he_o tell_v we_o most_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o those_o two_o point_n but_o enable_v he_o to_o silence_v those_o accuser_n he_o do_v not_o intimate_v indeed_o what_o that_o reply_n be_v but_o as_o to_o the_o former_a point_n it_o be_v apparent_a from_o his_o annotation_n that_o he_o believe_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v indeed_o god_n of_o god_n and_o that_o passage_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o xxi_o section_n of_o the_o five_o book_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v call_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o lord_n i_o shall_v have_v translate_v thus_o the_o messiah_n be_v call_v by_o that_o august_n name_n of_o god_n jehovah_n and_o also_o of_o lord_n viz._n elohim_n and_o adonai_n for_o so_o he_o explain_v himself_o i_o have_v since_o take_v notice_n in_o his_o annotation_n and_o add_v this_o observation_n that_o the_o talmud_n in_o taanith_n say_v that_o when_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v speak_v of_o twenty-five_o isa_n 8_o 9_o i._n e._n of_o the_o messiah_n jehovah_n shall_v be_v show_v as_o we_o say_v with_o the_o finger_n that_o be_v man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o point_v other_o to_o he_o say_v lo_o there_o be_v jehovah_n and_o as_o for_o the_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v possible_a his_o answer_n may_v be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n with_o what_o he_o write_v to_o 747._o to_o epist_n praestant_fw-la viror_fw-la p._n 747._o vossius_fw-la in_o which_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o if_o any_o one_o desire_v to_o know_v as_o he_o have_v already_o signify_v in_o a_o letter_n to_o one_o that_o say_v he_o be_v accuse_v of_o socinianism_n what_o his_o opinion_n be_v in_o the_o business_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n even_o since_o crellius_n have_v write_v against_o he_o it_o will_v appear_v plain_o enough_o out_o of_o his_o translation_n of_o the_o liii_o of_o isaiah_n in_o his_o disputation_n against_o the_o jew_n which_o you_o may_v find_v here_o in_o the_o v._o book_n sect._n 19_o and_o
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 who_o make_v that_o public_a declaration_n mention_v in_o the_o five_o book_n sect._n 14._o concern_v the_o appear_v of_o christ_n 50._o year_n before_o our_o saviour_n to_o this_o effect_n that_o the_o time_n which_o daniel_n have_v prefix_v for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n can_v not_o be_v prolong_v above_o those_o fifty_o year_n which_o he_o tell_v sarravius_n 52._o sarravius_n epist_n claud._n sarrav_n p._n 52._o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o talmud_n in_o the_o title_n sanhedrin_n as_o he_o remember_v and_o he_o think_v also_o in_o abenada_n upon_o daniel_n this_o be_v in_o the_o year_n 1640._o when_o he_o first_o put_v out_o this_o book_n with_o annotation_n contain_v the_o testimony_n of_o those_o author_n in_o word_n at_o length_n who_o he_o have_v allege_v but_o have_v forget_v it_o seem_v to_o set_v down_o where_o he_o have_v this_o passage_n of_o rabbi_n nechumias_n nor_o be_v it_o now_o to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o annotation_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o next_o print_v the_o book_n so_o enlarge_v will_v do_v well_o to_o supply_v it_o from_o hence_o out_o of_o sarravius_n who_o be_v the_o first_o person_n 460._o person_n epist_n ad_fw-la gallos_n p._n 460._o to_o who_o he_o make_v a_o present_a of_o it_o after_o it_o come_v out_o with_o the_o addition_n of_o testimony_n desire_v to_o be_v admonish_v by_o he_o if_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o much_o business_n any_o thing_n have_v escape_v he_o which_o be_v less_o exact_o speak_v while_o he_o study_v to_o serve_v the_o christian_a cause_n to_o which_o he_o reply_v immediate_o that_o as_o he_o can_v not_o but_o esteem_v it_o a_o very_a great_a honour_n to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o belove_v by_o the_o coryphaeus_fw-la of_o all_o learning_n both_o sacred_a and_o profane_a so_o he_o esteem_v this_o as_o a_o golden_a book_n wherein_o grotius_n have_v join_v learn_v together_o with_o piety_n consult_v that_o be_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o age_n to_o who_o palate_n piety_n of_o itself_o have_v 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 memory_n at_o such_o a_o rate_n that_o in_o the_o year_n 1648._o he_o still_o say_v he_o be_v proud_a of_o the_o friendship_n of_o that_o man_n by_o who_o to_o have_v be_v know_v be_v glorious_a and_o who_o will_v be_v reverence_v in_o all_o future_a age_n in_o conclusion_n he_o call_v he_o that_o bless_a soul_n even_o after_o he_o himself_o have_v pronounce_v this_o sentence_n against_o grotius_n 196._o grotius_n ib._n p._n 196._o that_o he_o favour_v the_o papist_n and_o not_o only_o yield_v too_o much_o to_o they_o in_o his_o late_a write_n but_o express_v too_o much_o disaffection_n to_o the_o reform_a in_o those_o country_n all_o this_o he_o candid_o pass_v over_o with_o this_o censure_n 146._o censure_n ib._n p._n 146._o he_o be_v the_o best_a man_n who_o have_v few_o fault_n for_o there_o be_v no_o body_n to_o be_v find_v without_o some_o and_o the_o same_o favourable_a judgement_n i_o suppose_v all_o serious_a and_o consider_a man_n will_v pass_v upon_o he_o now_o and_o not_o be_v hinder_v by_o any_o prejudices_fw-la which_o may_v have_v be_v take_v up_o against_o he_o among_o ourselves_o from_o reap_v that_o benefit_n which_o they_o may_v receive_v by_o read_v this_o excellent_a book_n which_o i_o present_v again_o to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o english_a world_n and_o have_v in_o a_o manner_n make_v a_o new_a translation_n of_o it_o the_o former_a which_o come_v out_o near_o 50._o year_n ago_o be_v so_o defective_a that_o there_o be_v few_o paragraph_n in_o it_o which_o stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o some_o amendment_n and_o in_o a_o great_a number_n the_o sense_n be_v quite_o mistake_v who_o the_o translator_n be_v i_o be_o ignorant_a but_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o either_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o latin_a tongue_n or_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o what_o he_o be_v about_o as_o appear_v by_o innumerable_a instance_n but_o one_o may_v suffice_v in_o the_o three_o book_n sect._n 3._o where_o he_o translate_v altera_fw-la petri_n the_o one_o epistle_n of_o peter_n beside_o there_o be_v plain_a arianism_n in_o his_o translation_n book_n v._n sect._n 21._o for_o he_o say_v the_o son_n be_v not_o uncreate_v as_o the_o father_n be_v when_o in_o grotius_n the_o word_n be_v the_o son_n be_v not_o ingenitus_fw-la unbegotten_a as_o the_o father_n be_v yet_o where_o the_o translation_n be_v passable_a i_o have_v let_v it_o go_v as_o it_o be_v that_o i_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v too_o curious_a a_o censurer_n of_o other_o man_n labour_n and_o i_o have_v add_v such_o passage_n as_o be_v not_o there_o the_o book_n itself_o have_v be_v enlarge_v by_o grotius_n since_o that_o old_a english_a translation_n i_o know_v not_o how_o necessary_a it_o may_v be_v at_o that_o time_n when_o it_o be_v first_o put_v into_o our_o language_n but_o now_o i_o think_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o and_o to_o make_v it_o of_o large_a use_n i_o have_v add_v also_o a_o seven_o book_n of_o my_o own_o in_o which_o out_o of_o those_o principle_n chief_o which_o grotius_n build_v upon_o in_o his_o six_o book_n i_o have_v show_v that_o christian_a religion_n have_v suffer_v very_o much_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o we_o need_v not_o go_v thither_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n but_o shall_v be_v better_o inform_v in_o our_o own_o church_n by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o such_o work_n as_o these_o i_o have_v not_o quote_v all_o my_o author_n no_o more_o than_o grotius_n do_v in_o the_o first_o edition_n of_o his_o book_n and_o it_o will_v have_v make_v the_o work_n also_o too_o long_o i_o think_v to_o translate_v his_o testimony_n and_o add_v the_o like_a of_o my_o own_o nor_o will_v it_o have_v be_v so_o useful_a to_o common_a reader_n who_o do_v but_o perplex_v themselves_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
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
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 jesus_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n consecrate_v bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n paul_n also_o can_v not_o err_v through_o lack_n of_o knowledge_n about_o those_o point_n which_o he_o profess_v be_v reveal_v to_o he_o by_o jesus_n himself_o reign_v in_o heaven_n nor_o can_v he_o or_o luke_n either_o who_o be_v a_o inseparable_a companion_n to_o he_o in_o his_o travel_n be_v deceive_v about_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v by_o himself_o this_o luke_n may_v easy_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o write_v concern_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n for_o he_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o place_n next_o adjoin_v to_o palestina_n through_o which_o country_n when_o he_o travel_v he_o say_v he_o speak_v with_o such_o person_n as_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v for_o doubtless_o beside_o the_o apostle_n with_o who_o he_o have_v familiarity_n there_o live_v many_o other_o at_o that_o time_n who_o have_v be_v cure_v by_o jesus_n and_o have_v see_v he_o both_o before_o his_o death_n and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n if_o we_o will_v give_v credit_n to_o tacitus_n and_o suetonius_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o happen_v a_o long_a time_n before_o they_o be_v bear_v because_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o diligent_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n thereof_o how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o believe_v this_o writer_n who_o say_v that_o he_o receive_v all_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o relate_v from_o they_o that_o have_v see_v the_o same_o it_o be_v credible_o report_v of_o mark_n that_o he_o be_v a_o constant_a companion_n with_o peter_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o he_o write_v be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o dictate_v by_o peter_n who_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o beside_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o he_o write_v be_v almost_o all_o extant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n neither_o can_v the_o author_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v deceive_v or_o delude_v in_o those_o vision_n which_o he_o say_v be_v send_v unto_o he_o from_o heaven_n nor_o he_o that_o write_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n err_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o profess_v either_o to_o be_v inspire_v into_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o else_o teach_v he_o by_o the_o apostle_n sect_n vi_o as_o also_o because_o they_o will_v not_o lie_v the_o other_o reason_n we_o speak_v of_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o say_v holy_a writer_n because_o they_o have_v no_o will_n to_o tell_v a_o untruth_n be_v twist_v with_o that_o which_o we_o handle_v above_o when_o in_o general_n we_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n those_o that_o will_v accuse_v any_o witness_n for_o the_o pravity_n of_o their_o will_n must_v produce_v something_o by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v think_v credible_a their_o will_n may_v be_v divert_v from_o utter_v the_o truth_n but_o this_o can_v be_v aver_v of_o the_o say_a author_n for_o if_o any_o do_v object_n and_o say_v that_o they_o act_v in_o their_o own_o cause_n and_o do_v their_o own_o business_n we_o must_v see_v why_o this_o shall_v be_v think_v their_o cause_n and_o interest_n not_o that_o they_o may_v get_v any_o thing_n by_o it_o in_o this_o world_n or_o thereby_o avoid_v any_o danger_n when_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o profession_n they_o both_o lose_v all_o the_o good_n of_o this_o world_n and_o venture_v upon_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n this_o therefore_o be_v not_o their_o cause_n and_o interest_n but_o only_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o god_n which_o sure_o do_v not_o persuade_v man_n to_o lie_v especial_o in_o such_o a_o business_n whereupon_o depend_v the_o everlasting_a salvation_n of_o mankind_n such_o a_o impious_a piece_n of_o villainy_n we_o can_v believe_v they_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o if_o we_o consider_v either_o their_o doctrine_n every_o where_o most_o full_a of_o piety_n or_o their_o life_n which_o be_v never_o yet_o accuse_v of_o any_o wicked_a deed_n no_o not_o by_o their_o great_a enemy_n who_o object_v nothing_o to_o they_o but_o their_o want_n of_o learning_n and_o unskilfulness_n which_o do_v not_o qualify_v they_o sure_o for_o invent_v falsehood_n and_o indeed_o if_o there_o have_v be_v the_o least_o spice_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o fraud_n and_o cheat_v in_o they_o they_o will_v not_o themselves_o have_v record_v their_o own_o fault_n and_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o as_o of_o their_o all_o forsake_v their_o master_n when_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o peter_n denial_n of_o he_o three_o time_n sect_n vii_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o fidelity_n of_o these_o author_n from_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v on_o the_o other_o side_n god_n himself_o give_v illustrious_a testimony_n of_o their_o fidelity_n by_o work_a wonder_n which_o either_o they_o or_o their_o disciple_n with_o great_a boldness_n public_o avouch_v add_v also_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o their_o assertion_n may_v easy_o have_v be_v discover_v by_o the_o inquisition_n of_o the_o magistrate_n among_o which_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n which_o they_o have_v most_o constant_o deliver_v both_o concern_v the_o use_n of_o tongue_n which_o they_o have_v never_o learn_v among_o many_o thousand_o man_n and_o their_o cure_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n upon_o a_o sudden_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o people_n neither_o be_v they_o any_o whit_n dismay_v with_o fear_n either_o of_o the_o jewish_a magistrate_n of_o those_o time_n who_o they_o know_v to_o be_v most_o malicious_o set_v against_o they_o or_o of_o the_o roman_n who_o be_v far_o from_o have_v any_o good_a will_n to_o they_o and_z they_o be_v sure_a will_v lay_v hold_n on_o any_o thing_n on_o which_o they_o may_v ground_v a_o charge_n of_o their_o be_v inventor_n of_o a_o new_a religion_n and_o yet_o neither_o jew_n nor_o pagan_n in_o the_o time_n immediate_o follow_v dare_v ever_o deny_v that_o wonder_n be_v wrought_v by_o those_o men._n yea_o the_o miracle_n of_o peter_n be_v mention_v by_o phlegon_n in_o his_o annal_n who_o live_v under_o adrian_n the_o emperor_n moreover_o the_o christian_n themselves_o in_o those_o book_n that_o contain_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o they_o exhibit_v to_o the_o emperor_n to_o the_o senate_n and_o to_o the_o governor_n do_v relate_v these_o thing_n as_o most_o manifest_a and_o unquestionable_a truth_n yea_o they_o open_o report_v that_o there_o continue_v a_o wonderful_a virtue_n of_o work_v strange_a effect_n at_o their_o sepulcher_n for_o some_o age_n after_o their_o death_n which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a they_o know_v that_o to_o their_o shame_n and_o punishment_n the_o magistrate_n can_v have_v confute_v
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 true_o which_o we_o have_v say_v may_v be_v well_o think_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o those_o who_o object_n a_o change_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o he_o who_o affirm_v that_o especial_o against_o a_o writing_n which_o have_v be_v long_o and_o in_o abundance_n of_o place_n receive_v ought_v himself_o to_o prove_v his_o charge_n but_o to_o make_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o objection_n more_o full_o appear_v we_o will_v show_v that_o what_o they_o feign_v neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v do_v we_o have_v prove_v before_o that_o the_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v which_o be_v grant_v it_o follow_v that_o other_o book_n be_v not_o foist_v into_o their_o room_n nor_o be_v any_o notable_a part_n of_o they_o change_v for_o since_o that_o change_n must_v needs_o have_v some_o design_n that_o part_n will_v notorious_o differ_v from_o the_o other_o part_n and_o book_n which_o be_v not_o change_v which_o can_v now_o any_o where_o be_v discern_v nay_o there_o be_v a_o admirable_a agreement_n as_o we_o say_v in_o their_o sense_n beside_o as_o soon_o as_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n publish_v any_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o christian_n with_o great_a diligence_n as_o become_v their_o piety_n and_o care_v to_o preserve_v and_o propagate_v truth_n to_o posterity_n take_v from_o thence_o many_o copy_n for_o their_o use_n which_o therefore_o be_v disperse_v as_o far_o as_o the_o christian_a name_n through_o europe_n asia_n and_o egypt_n in_o which_o place_n the_o greek_a language_n be_v speak_v and_o more_o than_o this_o the_o original_a copy_n also_o as_o we_o say_v before_o be_v preserve_v till_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n now_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o any_o book_n diffuse_v into_o so_o many_o copy_n and_o keep_v not_o only_o by_o the_o private_a diligence_n of_o particular_a person_n but_o the_o common_a care_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v alter_v by_o 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 succeed_v many_o other_o man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n who_o have_v first_o make_v diligent_a inquiry_n thereof_o receive_v these_o book_n as_o retain_v their_o original_a purity_n hitherto_o also_o may_v be_v refer_v what_o but_o now_o we_o say_v of_o divers_a sect_n of_o christian_n all_o which_o at_o least_o such_o as_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n and_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o new_a law_n do_v receive_v and_o use_v these_o book_n according_o as_o we_o do_v the_o same_o and_o if_o any_o have_v attempt_v to_o alter_v or_o put_v any_o thing_n new_a into_o any_o part_n thereof_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v accuse_v by_o the_o rest_n for_o forgery_n and_o false-dealing_a therein_o neither_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o sect_n that_o have_v the_o liberty_n at_o their_o pleasure_n to_o alter_v any_o of_o these_o book_n for_o their_o own_o turn_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o all_o of_o they_o do_v draw_v their_o 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
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
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 irenaeus_n who_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o a_o sincere_a christian_a who_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o epiphanius_n recite_v his_o word_n which_o be_v then_o extant_a in_o greek_a that_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o receive_v in_o baptism_n firm_a and_o unmoveable_a he_o can_v be_v a_o heretic_n who_o thus_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n wherein_o the_o nicene_n creed_n not_o add_v any_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o declare_v what_o be_v believe_v from_o the_o beginning_n have_v explain_v the_o word_n but_o they_o be_v schismatic_n who_o call_v he_o so_o and_o will_v not_o admit_v he_o into_o their_o communion_n unless_o he_o consent_v to_o other_o thing_n and_o hold_v they_o to_o be_v equal_o certain_a and_o necessary_a with_o the_o ancient_a rule_n of_o faith_n sect_n vi_o answer_n to_o a_o evasion_n from_o the_o force_n of_o the_o forego_n argument_n to_o pretend_v that_o all_o those_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o now_o impose_v though_o not_o express_o mention_v in_o the_o creed_n yet_o be_v contain_v in_o one_o article_n of_o it_o viz._n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o make_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creed_n unnecessary_a and_o to_o establish_v this_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o for_o if_o by_o believe_v the_o catholic_n church_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v as_o they_o will_v have_v we_o whatsoever_o the_o catholic_n church_n propound_v than_o it_o have_v be_v enough_o to_o have_v say_v to_o those_o catechuman_n that_o come_v for_o baptism_n do_v you_o believe_v in_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n and_o to_o add_v any_o more_o have_v be_v utter_o superfluous_a but_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o further_a appear_v in_o that_o
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 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