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
truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n p._n 47_o sect._n ii_o here_o be_v show_v that_o jesus_n live_v p._n 48_o sect._n iii_o and_o be_v put_v to_o a_o ignominious_a death_n ib._n sect._n iu._n yet_o afterward_o be_v worship_v by_o prudent_a and_o godly_a men._n p._n 49_o sect._n v._n the_o cause_n whereof_o be_v for_o that_o in_o his_o life_n time_n there_o be_v miracle_n do_v by_o he_o p._n 50_o sect._n vi_o which_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v either_o by_o the_o help_n of_o nature_n or_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o mere_o by_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o god_n p._n 51_o sect._n vii_o christ_n resurrection_n prove_v by_o credible_a reason_n p._n 55_o sect._n viii_o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o resurrection_n seem_v impossible_a p._n 60_o sect._n ix_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n be_v grant_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n be_v confirm_v p._n 61_o sect._n x._o christian_a religion_n prefer_v before_o all_o other_o p._n 62_o sect._n xi_o for_o excellency_n of_o reward_n p._n 63_o sect._n xii_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n that_o body_n once_o dead_a can_v be_v revive_v again_o p._n 66_o sect._n xiii_o the_o excellency_n of_o holy_a precept_n give_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n p._n 69_o sect._n fourteen_o concern_v the_o office_n of_o humanity_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o our_o neighbour_n p._n 72_o sect._n xv._o of_o the_o conjunction_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n p._n 74_o sect._n xvi_o touch_v the_o use_n of_o temporal_a good_n p._n 76_o sect._n xvii_o of_o swear_v p._n 79_o sect._n xviii_o of_o other_o matter_n ib._n sect._n xix_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n touch_v the_o controversy_n abound_v among_o christian_n p._n 80_o sect._n xx._n the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v further_o prove_v from_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o author_n p._n 82_o sect._n xxi_o also_o from_o the_o wonderful_a spread_n of_o this_o religion_n p._n 86_o sect._n xxii_o consider_v the_o meekness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o they_o that_o first_o teach_v this_o religion_n p._n 88_o sect._n xxiii_o what_o great_a impediment_n there_o be_v that_o may_v terrify_v man_n from_o the_o embrace_v or_o the_o profess_v hereof_o p._n 90_o sect._n xxiv_o answer_v to_o they_o that_o require_v more_o forcible_a reason_n p._n 94_o the_o content_n of_o the_o three_o book_n sect._n i._o to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n 〈◊〉_d sect._n ii_o here_o be_v know_v that_o such_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n the_o name_n they_o have_v prefix_v p._n 99_o sect._n iii_o some_o book_n be_v ancient_o doubt_v of_o p._n 100_o sect._n iu_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o book_n as_o have_v no_o title_n be_v prove_v from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o writer_n p._n 101_o sect._n v._n these_o penman_n write_v the_o truth_n because_o they_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o what_o they_o write_v p._n 102_o sect._n vi_o as_o also_o because_o they_o will_v not_o lie_v p._n 104_o sect._n vii_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o fidelity_n of_o these_o author_n from_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v p._n 106_o sect._n viii_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o write_n confirm_v from_o hence_o that_o many_o thing_n be_v find_v there_o which_o the_o event_n have_v prove_v to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v p._n 108_o sect._n ix_o as_o also_o from_o god_n care_n in_o preserve_v his_o people_n from_o false_a writing_n p._n 109_o sect._n x._o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n that_o divers_a book_n be_v not_o receive_v by_o all_o p._n 110_o sect._n xi_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n that_o these_o book_n seem_v to_o contain_v thing_n impossible_a p._n 113_o sect._n xii_o or_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n p._n 114_o sect._n xiii_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n that_o some_o of_o these_o book_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o other_o p._n 116_o sect._n fourteen_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n take_v from_o outward_a testimony_n which_o make_v more_o for_o these_o book_n p._n 118_o sect._n xv._o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v change_v p._n 119_o sect._n xvi_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n p._n 123_o the_o content_n of_o the_o four_o book_n sect._n i._n a_o particular_a confutation_n of_o the_o religion_n opposite_a to_o christianity_n p._n 129_o sect._n ii_o and_o first_o of_o paganism_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n create_v spirit_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a the_o good_a not_o to_o be_v honour_v but_o as_o the_o most_o high_a god_n direct_v p._n 131_o sect._n iii_o evil_a spirit_n adore_v by_o pagan_n and_o how_o impious_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v p._n 132_o sect._n iu_o against_o the_o worship_n which_o in_o paganism_n be_v exhibit_v to_o man_n after_o their_o death_n p._n 135_o sect._n v._n against_o worship_v of_o star_n and_o element_n p._n 136_o sect._n vi_o against_o worship_v of_o bruit-beast_n p._n 137_o sect._n vii_o against_o worship_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v no_o substance_n p._n 139_o sect._n viii_o answer_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o gentile_n take_v from_o miracle_n do_v among_o they_o p._n 141_o sect._n ix_o and_o from_o oracle_n p._n 144_o sect._n x._o paganism_n decay_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n so_o soon_o as_o humane_a aid_n cease_v p._n 146_o sect._n xi_o answer_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o that_o think_v the_o beginning_n and_o decay_n of_o religion_n depend_v upon_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o star_n p._n 147_o sect._n xii_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o christianity_n be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o heathen_a and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v believe_v therein_o the_o like_a or_o worse_o be_v find_v among_o the_o pagan_n p._n 150_o the_o content_n of_o the_o five_o book_n sect._n i._n a_o refutation_n of_o the_o jew_n begin_v with_o a_o speech_n unto_o they_o or_o prayer_n for_o they_o p._n 153_o sect._n ii_o the_o jew_n ought_v to_o account_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n sufficient_o prove_v p._n 154_o sect._n iii_o and_o not_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o devil_n p._n 156_o sect._n iu._n or_o by_o the_o power_n of_o word_n and_o syllable_n p._n 158_o sect._n v._n the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n be_v divine_a because_o he_o teach_v the_o worship_n of_o one_o god_n the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n p._n 159_o sect._n vi_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n take_v from_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o christ_n where_o be_v show_v that_o a_o more_o perfect_a law_n than_o that_o of_o moses_n may_v be_v give_v p._n 160_o sect._n vii_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v observe_v by_o jesus_n who_o abolish_v no_o commandment_n that_o be_v essential_o good_a p._n 163_o sect._n viii_o as_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o of_o themselves_o be_v never_o well-pleasing_a unto_o god_n p._n 167_o sect._n ix_o the_o difference_n of_o meat_n p._n 172_o sect._n x._o and_o of_o day_n p._n 174_o sect._n xi_o also_o of_o outward_a circumcision_n p._n 177_o sect._n xii_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n be_v gentle_a in_o the_o toleration_n of_o these_o thing_n p._n 179_o sect._n xiii_o a_o proof_n against_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o promise_a messiah_n p._n 180_o sect._n fourteen_o who_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v already_o come_v by_o the_o limit_a time_n of_o his_o come_n which_o be_v foretell_v p._n 181_o sect._n xv._o answer_v to_o that_o which_o some_o conceive_v touch_v the_o defer_v of_o his_o come_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n p._n 184_o sect._n xvi_o also_o from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n compare_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o law_n promise_v p._n 185_o sect._n xvii_o jesus_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n by_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v foretell_v concern_v the_o messiah_n p._n 188_o sect._n xviii_o answer_v to_o that_o which_o be_v object_v of_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o fulfil_v p._n 190_o sect._n xix_o and_o to_o that_o which_o be_v object_v of_o the_o mean_a condition_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n p._n 192_o sect._n xx._n and_o as_o though_o they_o be_v honest_a man_n that_o put_v he_o to_o death_n p._n 197_o sect._n xxi_o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n that_o many_o god_n be_v worship_v by_o the_o christian_n p._n 200_o sect._n xxii_o and_o that_o a_o humane_a nature_n be_v worship_v p._n 201_o sect._n xxiii_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o part_n with_o prayer_n for_o the_o jew_n p._n 203_o the_o content_n of_o the_o six_o book_n sect._n i._n a_o confutation_n of_o mahumetanisme_n the_o beginning_n of_o it_o p._n 205_o sect._n ii_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o mahumetanisme_n in_o deny_v inquiry_n into_o religion_n p._n 208_o sect._n iii_o a_o proof_n against_o the_o mahometans_n take_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o christian_n which_o be_v not_o corrupt_v p._n 209_o sect._n iu_o by_o compare_v mahumet_n with_o christ_n in_o their_o person_n p._n 212_o sect._n v._n and_o in_o their_o deed_n p_o 213_o sect._n vi_o also_o such_o as_o first_o embrace_v both_o religion_n p._n 214_o sect._n vii_o the_o manner_n how_o both_o their_o law_n be_v pro_fw-la pagate_v ib._n sect._n viii_o the_o precept_n of_o both_o religion_n compare_v p._n 216_o sect_n ix_o answer_v to_o the_o mahometans_n objection_n concern_v the_o son_n of_o god_n p._n 218_o sect._n x._o many_o absurd_a thing_n in_o the_o book_n of_o mahumetan_n p_o 219_o sect._n xi_o a_o conclusion_n direct_v unto_o christian_n admonish_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o what_o have_v former_o be_v handle_v p._n 220_o the_o content_n of_o the_o seven_o book_n sect._n i._n a_o introduction_n show_v what_o make_v the_o addition_n of_o another_o book_n necessary_a p._n 229_o sect._n ii_o division_n among_o christian_n no_o such_o objection_n against_o christianity_n as_o be_v imagine_v 230_o sect._n iii_o as_o appear_v even_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o have_v give_v the_o great_a scandal_n p._n 232_o sect_n iv_o but_o both_o contradict_v itself_o and_o depart_v from_o the_o ancient_a and_o true_o catholic_n church_n p_o 234_o sect._n v._n christianity_n therefore_o be_v not_o there_o in_o its_o purity_n but_o much_o corrupt_v p._n 236_o sect._n vi_o answer_n to_o a_o evasion_n from_o the_o force_n of_o the_o forego_n argument_n p._n 237_o sect._n vii_o their_o absurd_a explication_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n p._n 239_o sect._n viii_o which_o forbid_v we_o to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o upon_o such_o term_n p._n 240_o sect._n ix_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n not_o to_o slight_v episcopal_a authority_n p._n 243_o sect._n x._o argument_n enough_o in_o the_o forego_n book_n to_o prove_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n not_o to_o be_v sincere_o preserve_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n one_o be_v their_o way_n of_o worship_n p._n 244_o sect._n xi_o another_o be_v the_o way_n of_o promote_a their_o religion_n p_o 248_o sect_n xii_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o overthrow_v their_o own_o religion_n p._n 250_o sect_n xiii_o other_o instance_n of_o it_o p._n 256_o sect_n fourteen_o whereby_o they_o have_v spoil_v christianity_n as_o the_o pagan_n do_v the_o natural_a religion_n p._n 259_o sect._n xv._o answer_v to_o what_o they_o say_v about_o miracle_n p._n 262_o sect._n xvi_o answer_v to_o another_o objection_n p_o 265_o sect._n xvii_o popery_n and_o mahometisin_n have_v the_o same_o original_a p._n 268_o sect._n xviii_o and_o support_v its_o self_n by_o the_o same_o mean_n p._n 269_o sect_n xix_o and_o refuse_v to_o be_v try_v by_o scripture_n p._n 272_o sect._n xx._n the_o vanity_n of_o their_o appeal_n to_o tradition_n p._n 277_o sect._n xxi_o and_o their_o guilt_n in_o what_o they_o say_v about_o the_o holy_a scripture_n p._n 279_o sect_n xxii_o it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n therefore_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o scripture_n p._n 283_o sect_n xxiii_o which_o have_v more_o manifest_a note_n of_o certainty_n than_o the_o church_n p._n 284_o sect._n xxiv_o the_o great_a encouragement_n we_o have_v to_o do_v so_o p._n 287_o sect._n xxv_o conclusion_n of_o all_o p._n 294_o the_o end_n
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
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
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 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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
for_o this_o be_v confute_v first_o by_o such_o a_o vast_a multitude_n of_o man_n who_o want_v no_o wit_n learning_n or_o wisdom_n as_o have_v follow_v the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n ever_o since_o the_o first_o time_n and_o then_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v show_v in_o the_o first_o book_n to_o be_v consonant_n to_o right_a reason_n for_o instance_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a infinite_a in_o virtue_n life_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o who_o all_o thing_n that_o have_v any_o be_v be_v make_v who_o care_n and_o providence_n reach_v over_o all_o his_o work_n especial_o unto_o man_n and_o who_o can_v after_o this_o life_n bountiful_o reward_n all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o bridle_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n that_o among_o man_n there_o be_v kindred_n and_o alliance_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o love_v one_o another_o with_o sincere_a affection_n all_o these_o you_o shall_v find_v most_o plain_o deliver_v in_o these_o book_n but_o to_o assert_v any_o thing_n for_o certain_a beyond_o these_o either_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o about_o his_o will_n by_o the_o mere_a conduct_n of_o humane_a reason_n the_o contrary_a resolution_n not_o only_o of_o the_o school_n among_o themselves_o but_o of_o particular_a philosopher_n may_v teach_v we_o how_o unsafe_a and_o fallacious_a it_o be_v and_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n for_o if_o man_n do_v so_o far_o disagree_v in_o their_o opinion_n when_o they_o dispute_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n than_o they_o must_v needs_o much_o more_o dissent_n when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o determine_v any_o thing_n not_o reveal_v concern_v the_o high_a mind_n and_o the_o most_o supreme_a spirit_n which_o so_o far_o transcend_v our_o weak_a apprehension_n if_o as_o prudent_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o counsel_n of_o king_n be_v dangerous_a and_o not_o to_o be_v attempt_v or_o attain_v by_o we_o who_o then_o be_v there_o so_o sagacious_a that_o he_o shall_v hope_v to_o be_v able_a by_o his_o own_o conjecture_n to_o find_v out_o what_o god_n will_n be_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o may_v will_v free_o as_o he_o please_v wherefore_o plato_n say_v very_o well_o that_o none_o of_o these_o hide_a mystery_n can_v be_v know_v without_o a_o oracle_n now_o there_o can_v no_o oracle_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o oracle_n indeed_o by_o any_o clear_a testimony_n than_o those_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o say_a book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o assert_v that_o god_n do_v ever_o reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o man_n concern_v his_o nature_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o these_o book_n nor_o can_v there_o any_o late_a signification_n of_o his_o will_n which_o be_v credible_a be_v produce_v for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n otherwise_o command_v or_o permit_v before_o the_o time_n 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