it_o very_o easy_o but_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v at_o the_o sepulcher_n i_o speak_v of_o and_o so_o many_o witness_n of_o they_o that_o they_o extort_a even_o from_o porphyry_n a_o confession_n of_o it_o sect_n viii_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o write_n confirm_v from_o hence_o that_o many_o thing_n be_v find_v there_o which_o the_o event_n have_v prove_v to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v these_o thing_n ought_v to_o suffice_v but_o there_o be_v other_o argument_n which_o we_o may_v heap_v upon_o these_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n of_o these_o author_n write_n for_o many_o thing_n be_v therein_o foretell_v which_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n by_o their_o own_o power_n to_o know_v or_o bring_v to_o pass_v yet_o we_o see_v the_o truth_n thereof_o wonderful_o confirm_v by_o the_o event_n thus_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o this_o religion_n shall_v upon_o a_o sudden_a have_v a_o large_a and_o ample_a increase_n that_o it_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o and_o though_o it_o be_v reject_v by_o most_o of_o the_o jew_n yet_o shall_v it_o be_v embrace_v by_o the_o gentile_n thus_o likewise_o be_v foretell_v what_o hatred_n and_o spite_n the_o jew_n will_v bear_v against_o they_o that_o profess_v this_o religion_n and_o what_o grievous_a persecution_n they_o shall_v undergo_v the_o siege_n also_o and_o destruction_n both_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o temple_n together_o with_o the_o miserable_a calamity_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n sect_n ix_o as_o also_o from_o god_n care_n in_o preserve_v his_o people_n from_o false_a writing_n beside_o this_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o god_n out_o of_o his_o providence_n take_v care_n of_o humane_a affair_n special_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o worship_n than_o it_o can_v be_v that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o man_n who_o have_v no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o worship_n god_n after_o a_o holy_a manner_n to_o be_v cheat_v with_o lie_a book_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o since_o the_o time_n that_o so_o many_o sect_n have_v spring_v up_o in_o christianity_n there_o have_v not_o be_v one_o that_o receive_v not_o either_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o those_o book_n except_v some_o few_o that_o contain_v no_o singular_a matter_n differ_v from_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n that_o no_o material_a thing_n can_v be_v object_v against_o these_o writing_n special_o since_o the_o say_a sect_n be_v so_o partial_a and_o spiteful_o bend_v against_o each_o other_o that_o what_o one_o approve_a other_o reject_v even_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o it_o be_v there_o approve_v sect_n x._o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n that_o divers_a book_n be_v not_o receive_v by_o all_o there_o be_v some_o indeed_o though_o very_o few_o among_o those_o that_o will_v be_v call_v christian_n who_o reject_v all_o those_o book_n which_o they_o see_v contradict_v their_o peculiar_a opinion_n such_o for_o instance_n as_o out_o of_o hatred_n of_o the_o jew_n revile_v their_o god_n the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o or_o on_o the_o other_o side_n such_o as_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o evil_n which_o christian_n be_v to_o undergo_v choose_v to_o lurk_v and_o lie_v hide_v under_o the_o name_n of_o jew_n who_o have_v liberty_n without_o any_o danger_n to_o profess_v their_o religion_n but_o these_o very_a man_n be_v renounce_v in_o those_o time_n by_o all_o other_o christian_n throughout_o the_o world_n when_o as_o yet_o all_o that_o differ_v in_o their_o opinion_n with_o the_o safety_n of_o piety_n be_v tolerate_v by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o great_a patience_n as_o for_o the_o former_a kind_n of_o these_o adulterate_a christian_n i_o think_v they_o have_v be_v sufficient_o confute_v both_o by_o that_o which_o we_o have_v say_v before_o when_o we_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a true_a god_n the_o sole_a framer_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o also_o by_o those_o very_a book_n which_o that_o they_o may_v have_v some_o semblance_n of_o christian_n they_o do_v admit_v of_o special_o the_o gospel_n of_o luke_n wherein_o be_v evident_o show_v that_o the_o same_o god_n who_o moses_n and_o the_o hebrew_n worship_v be_v preach_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o other_o sort_n we_o shall_v more_o fit_o confute_v when_o we_o come_v to_o oppugn_v those_o that_o both_o be_v and_o will_v be_v call_v jew_n for_o the_o present_a only_o this_o i_o say_v that_o their_o impudence_n be_v wonderful_a great_a who_o slight_a and_o extenuate_v the_o authority_n of_o paul_n see_v there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n that_o found_v and_o teach_v more_o church_n than_o he_o do_v and_o his_o miracle_n be_v at_o that_o time_n report_v to_o be_v exceed_o numerous_a when_o as_o ever_o while_o we_o say_v there_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v trial_n and_o inquiry_n make_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n if_o then_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o wrought_v wonder_n why_o may_v we_o not_o believe_v he_o concern_v his_o heavenly_a vision_n and_o instruction_n receive_v from_o christ_n himself_o to_o who_o if_o he_o be_v so_o dear_a it_o can_v be_v that_o he_o shall_v teach_v any_o thing_n inglorious_a or_o ingrateful_a unto_o christ_n as_o falsity_n or_o untruth_n will_v have_v be_v and_o as_o touch_v that_o particular_a which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n whereof_o they_o accuse_v he_o namely_o his_o doctrine_n of_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n which_o be_v purchase_v for_o the_o hebrew_n from_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v former_o command_v they_o by_o moses_n he_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o teach_v it_o but_o only_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o assert_v for_o he_o himself_o be_v both_o circumcise_v and_o do_v also_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n observe_v very_o many_o thing_n which_o the_o law_n enjoin_v and_o then_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o both_o do_v more_o difficult_a and_o suffer_v hard_a thing_n than_o the_o law_n require_v or_o can_v be_v expect_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o law_n and_o teach_v also_o his_o disciple_n to_o do_v and_o suffer_v the_o like_a whence_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o utter_v no_o flatter_a or_o entice_a speech_n unto_o his_o auditor_n who_o be_v teach_v in_o stead_n of_o the_o sabbath_n to_o keep_v every_o day_n holy_a for_o divine_a worship_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o little_a expense_n which_o the_o law_n require_v to_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o their_o good_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o beast_n to_o consecrate_v their_o own_o blood_n unto_o god_n and_o further_o paul_n himself_o plain_o affirm_v that_o peter_n john_n and_o james_n in_o token_n of_o their_o consent_n with_o he_o give_v he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n which_o he_o never_o dare_v have_v speak_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v true_a because_o the_o same_o man_n be_v then_o alive_a may_v have_v convict_v he_o for_o a_o liar_n these_o therefore_o of_o who_o i_o have_v now_o speak_v be_v exclude_v as_o scarce_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n the_o most_o manifest_a consent_n of_o so_o many_o congregation_n of_o christian_n who_o receive_v these_o book_n add_v to_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o miracle_n which_o the_o writer_n of_o they_o wrought_v and_o the_o singular_a care_n which_o god_n take_v about_o matter_n of_o this_o kind_n aught_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o induce_v any_o indifferent_a man_n to_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o special_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v wont_v common_o to_o credit_v any_o other_o book_n of_o history_n which_o have_v no_o such_o testimony_n unless_o they_o see_v some_o plain_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o of_o those_o book_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v sect_n xi_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n that_o these_o book_n seem_v to_o contain_v thing_n impossible_a for_o if_o any_o body_n say_v that_o some_o thing_n be_v relate_v in_o these_o book_n which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v the_o objection_n vanish_v when_o we_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v before_o discourse_v that_o there_o be_v thing_n which_o can_v indeed_o be_v do_v by_o man_n but_o be_v possible_a with_o god_n such_o that_o be_v as_o include_v in_o themselves_o no_o repugnancy_n or_o contradiction_n as_o we_o speak_v and_o that_o in_o the_o number_n of_o such_o thing_n be_v even_o those_o miraculous_a power_n which_o we_o most_o of_o all_o admire_v and_o the_o recall_v of_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o sect_n xii_o or_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n neither_o be_v they_o to_o be_v more_o regard_v who_o say_v that_o some_o doctrine_n be_v comprise_v in_o these_o book_n which_o be_v disagree_v to_o right_a reason_n
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
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 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the_o contrary_a if_o need_n be_v we_o can_v allege_v many_o testimony_n to_o confirm_v divers_a part_n of_o the_o history_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o say_a book_n thus_o both_o hebrew_n and_o pagan_n report_n that_o jesus_n be_v crucify_v and_o that_o sundry_a miracle_n be_v do_v by_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n those_o most_o famous_a book_n of_o josephus_n which_o be_v set_v forth_o about_o forty_o year_n after_o christ_n ascension_n do_v make_v mention_n of_o herod_n pilate_n festus_n felix_n john_n the_o baptist_n gamaliel_n and_o of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o large_a herewithal_o agree_v that_o which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o talmud_n have_v record_v concern_v those_o time_n tacitus_n relate_v how_o cruel_o nero_n use_v the_o christian_n and_o ancient_o there_o be_v certain_a book_n extant_a not_o only_o of_o private_a man_n as_o of_o phlegon_n and_o other_o but_o also_o some_o public_a act_n whereunto_o the_o christian_n appeal_v for_o that_o in_o 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the_o christian_n work_n and_o reward_n matth._n 11._o 29_o 30._o take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o &_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a &_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a revel_v 2_o 10._o be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 24_o 25._o so_o run_v that_o you_o may_v obtain_v every_o man_n that_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n now_o they_o do_v it_o to_o obtain_v a_o corrupible_a crown_n but_o we_o a_o incorruptible_a the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o six_o book_n write_a in_o latin_a by_o hugo_n grotius_n and_o now_o translate_v into_o english_a with_o the_o addition_n of_o a_o seven_o book_n by_o simon_n patrick_n dean_n of_o peterburgh_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v for_o rich._n royston_n bookseller_n to_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n at_o the_o angel_n in_o amen-corner_n mdclxxx_o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a william_n earl_n of_o bedford_z knight_n of_o the_o most_o noble_a order_n of_o the_o garter_n etc._n etc._n my_o very_a good_a lord_n and_o patron_n my_o lord_n iam_fw-la so_o desirous_a to_o express_v my_o thankfulness_n to_o your_o lordship_n as_o for_o all_o the_o rest_n so_o especial_o for_o the_o last_o favour_n you_o have_v do_v i_o in_o contribute_v so_o free_o to_o the_o give_v i_o some_o ease_n from_o that_o burden_n which_o grow_v too_o heavy_a for_o i_o that_o i_o make_v bold_a to_o prefix_v your_o lordship_n name_n to_o this_o book_n of_o a_o great_a man_n in_o another_o nation_n which_o i_o have_v translate_v and_o will_v live_v i_o believe_v as_o long_o as_o learning_n and_o religion_n shall_v last_v among_o we_o whereby_o your_o lordship_n will_v see_v that_o i_o have_v only_o exchange_v not_o give_v over_o my_o labour_n and_o that_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o be_v less_o diligent_a in_o my_o station_n than_o when_o i_o preach_v more_o but_o rather_o study_v industrious_o to_o serve_v the_o public_a good_a some_o other_o way_n which_o that_o i_o may_v promote_v i_o have_v augment_v this_o work_n of_o grotius_n by_o the_o addition_n of_o another_o book_n not_o equal_a indeed_o in_o strength_n of_o reason_v and_o variety_n of_o read_v to_o the_o forego_n but_o in_o brevity_n and_o perspicuity_n i_o hope_v nothing_o inferior_a and_o be_v a_o building_n rely_v in_o great_a part_n upon_o his_o foundation_n will_v stand_v as_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a as_o those_o which_o excel_v it_o in_o beauty_n and_o neatness_n of_o contrivance_n such_o as_o it_o be_v i_o humble_o present_v it_o to_o your_o lordship_n and_o pray_v god_n that_o the_o whole_a work_n may_v have_v some_o effect_n for_o the_o reclaim_n those_o that_o be_v irreligious_a or_o the_o settle_v those_o who_o be_v waver_a and_o doubtful_a and_o the_o exciting_a we_o all_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n i_o remain_v my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n most_o humble_a and_o oblige_a servant_n s._n patrick_n a_o preface_n give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o author_n and_o of_o this_o work_n the_o name_n of_o this_o author_n have_v be_v so_o illustrious_a in_o these_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o as_o there_o be_v few_o person_n who_o read_v book_n to_o who_o it_o be_v not_o know_v so_o there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o recommend_v this_o work_n and_o procure_v it_o entertainment_n with_o all_o those_o that_o have_v hear_v of_o he_o in_o which_o he_o have_v faithful_o lay_v out_o those_o great_a talent_n of_o reason_n and_o learning_n wherewith_o god_n bless_v he_o above_o most_o other_o man_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o most_o holy_a religion_n which_o he_o have_v serve_v very_o much_o in_o other_o work_n of_o he_o but_o in_o none_o more_o than_o this_o because_o it_o be_v of_o such_o general_n use_v and_o so_o satisfactory_a that_o it_o may_v alone_o merit_v those_o title_n of_o honour_n which_o the_o man_n of_o learning_n have_v bestow_v on_o he_o though_o they_o be_v as_o high_a as_o well_o can_v be_v devise_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ordinary_a in_o our_o selden_n than_o vir_fw-la maximus_fw-la vir_fw-la summus_fw-la the_o great_a the_o chief_a of_o man_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o grotius_n upon_o who_o salmasius_n bestow_v the_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d most_o excellent_a and_o as_o if_o he_o be_v in_o a_o rapture_n when_o he_o think_v of_o he_o cry_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d o_o most_o admirable_a or_o wonderful_a and_o supereminentissime_fw-la most_o supereminent_a grotius_n to_o who_o he_o wish_v much_o rather_o to_o be_v like_a than_o to_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a person_n for_o riches_n and_o honour_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v the_o character_n which_o baudius_n give_v of_o he_o very_o early_o 1612._o in_o a_o scazon_n he_o make_v upon_o he_o where_o he_o thus_o admire_v he_o vir_fw-la magne_fw-la vir_fw-la mirande_fw-la vir_fw-la sine_fw-la exemplo_fw-la in_o english_a o_o thou_o great_a man_n thou_o wonderful_a man_n a_o man_n without_o example_n yet_o as_o great_a a_o man_n as_o he_o be_v he_o fall_v into_o disgrace_n in_o his_o own_o country_n and_o be_v throw_v into_o prison_n every_o body_n know_v in_o the_o castle_n of_o lupstein_n in_o which_o strict_a confinement_n he_o meditate_a many_o profitable_a work_n especial_o in_o thing_n sacred_a for_o during_o his_o long_a imprisonment_n he_o find_v by_o a_o happy_a experience_n as_o he_o write_v to_o barlaeus_n a_o great_a while_n after_o there_o be_v a_o wonderful_a power_n in_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n to_o support_v the_o mind_n and_o to_o keep_v it_o erect_v against_o all_o calamity_n and_o therefore_o for_o his_o own_o solace_n in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o he_o tell_v another_o friend_n he_o set_v himself_o to_o write_v this_o little_a book_n which_o he_o intimate_v both_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o it_o be_v then_o compose_v or_o rather_o hasty_o put_v together_o when_o his_o mind_n be_v more_o free_a than_o his_o body_n and_o therefore_o when_o after_o several_a edition_n he_o set_v it_o forth_o with_o annotation_n 1640._o he_o call_v it_o in_o a_o epistle_n to_o sarravius_n partum_fw-la doloris_fw-la quondam_a mei_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o child_n of_o my_o grief_n in_o time_n past_a now_o a_o monument_n of_o my_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v write_v original_o in_o his_o own_o language_n so_o it_o be_v in_o verse_n that_o it_o may_v be_v more_o popular_a and_o more_o easy_o commit_v to_o memory_n by_o the_o rudes_fw-la people_n such_o as_o mariner_n for_o who_o he_o chief_o intend_v it_o he_o tell_v we_o as_o much_o in_o the_o preface_n but_o we_o may_v learn_v it_o more_o full_o out_o of_o a_o letter_n to_o he_o on_o this_o subject_n from_o 630._o inter_fw-la epist_n praest_n vir_fw-la p._n 630._o episcopius_n who_o say_v that_o the_o often_o he_o read_v over_o 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 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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
in_o abundance_n of_o quotation_n and_o must_v after_o all_o believe_v that_o we_o report_v they_o true_o and_o therefore_o may_v as_o well_o believe_v we_o when_o we_o say_v that_o they_o be_v ready_a at_o hand_n to_o attest_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v here_o affirm_v from_o their_o authority_n since_o the_o finish_n of_o this_o little_a labour_n i_o be_v inform_v by_o a_o friend_n that_o mr._n clement_n barksdale_n have_v translate_v part_n of_o this_o work_n into_o english_a and_o upon_o search_n i_o find_v the_o three_o first_o book_n among_o some_o other_o discourse_n print_v 1669._o and_o i_o be_o tell_v further_o by_o another_o friend_n that_o he_o have_v late_o add_v though_o i_o have_v not_o see_v it_o the_o three_o last_o book_n which_o if_o i_o have_v know_v soon_o it_o may_v have_v save_v i_o i_o believe_v most_o if_o not_o all_o of_o the_o pain_n i_o have_v take_v but_o i_o be_v perfect_o ignorant_a of_o it_o as_o i_o perceive_v he_o be_v of_o any_o former_a translation_n before_o he_o for_o in_o that_o edition_n of_o his_o discourse_n where_o he_o have_v add_v the_o three_o book_n of_o this_o work_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n he_o say_v it_o have_v not_o be_v till_o then_o in_o english_a but_o it_o will_v do_v no_o hurt_n though_o the_o same_o good_a thing_n be_v reach_v out_o to_o we_o by_o more_o hand_n than_o one_o and_o so_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o god_n blessing_n upon_o the_o reader_n serious_a perusal_n s._n p._n a_o christian_a prayer_n for_o the_o adversary_n of_o true_a religion_n o_o merciful_a god_n who_o have_v make_v all_o man_n and_o hate_v nothing_o that_o thou_o have_v make_v nor_o will_v the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o live_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o jew_n turk_n infidel_n and_o heretic_n and_o take_v from_o they_o all_o ignorance_n hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o contempt_n of_o thy_o word_n and_o so_o fetch_v they_o home_o bless_a lord_n to_o thy_o flock_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v among_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o true_a israelite_n and_o be_v make_v one_o fold_n under_o one_o shepherd_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n who_o live_v and_o reign_v with_o thou_o and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n one_o god_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n to_o the_o honourable_a hieronymus_n bignonius_n the_o king_n advocate_n in_o the_o supreme_a court_n of_o paris_n sir_n you_o be_v wont_v very_o often_o to_o ask_v i_o who_o be_o sensible_a how_o high_o you_o have_v deserve_v of_o your_o country_n of_o learning_n and_o if_o you_o will_v permit_v i_o to_o add_v that_o of_o i_o also_o what_o the_o argument_n of_o those_o book_n be_v which_o i_o write_v in_o my_o own_o country_n language_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o christian_a religion_n nor_o do_v i_o wonder_v you_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o question_n for_o you_o who_o have_v read_v and_o that_o with_o so_o great_a judgement_n all_o that_o be_v worth_a the_o read_n can_v be_v ignorant_a what_o pain_n have_v be_v already_o take_v in_o this_o matter_n by_o raymundus_n sebundus_fw-la with_o philosophical_a subtlety_n by_o ludovicus_n vice_n with_o variety_n of_o dialogue_n but_o especial_o by_o your_o mornay_n with_o no_o less_o learning_n than_o eloquence_n for_o which_o cause_n it_o may_v seem_v more_o profitable_a to_o translate_v some_o of_o they_o into_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n than_o to_o begin_v a_o new_a work_n upon_o this_o subject_n but_o what_o other_o man_n will_v judge_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o know_v not_o my_o hope_n be_v that_o before_o you_o sir_n who_o be_v so_o fair_a and_o easy_a a_o judge_n i_o may_v be_v absolve_v if_o i_o say_v that_o have_v read_v not_o only_o those_o author_n but_o what_o the_o jew_n have_v write_v for_o the_o old_a judaical_a and_o christian_n for_o our_o religion_n i_o think_v good_a also_o to_o use_v my_o own_o judgement_n such_o as_o it_o be_v and_o to_o allow_v that_o freedom_n to_o my_o mind_n which_o when_o i_o write_v it_o be_v deny_v to_o my_o body_n for_o i_o think_v that_o truth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v contend_v for_o but_o only_o with_o truth_n and_o with_o such_o truth_n also_o as_o i_o approve_v in_o my_o own_o mind_n know_v it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o vain_a labour_n to_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v other_o of_o that_o which_o i_o have_v not_o first_o persuade_v myself_o to_o believe_v omit_v therefore_o such_o argument_n as_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v little_a weight_n in_o they_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o book_n as_o i_o either_o know_v or_o suspect_v to_o be_v counterfeit_a i_o select_v those_o both_o out_o of_o the_o ancient_a and_o modern_a time_n which_o appear_v to_o i_o to_o have_v the_o great_a force_n in_o they_o and_o what_o thing_n i_o full_o assent_v unto_o those_o i_o both_o cast_v into_o a_o orderly_a method_n and_o express_v in_o as_o popular_a a_o manner_n as_o i_o can_v invent_v and_o likewise_o include_v in_o verse_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o commit_v to_o memory_n for_o my_o intention_n be_v to_o do_v some_o good_a service_n hereby_o to_o all_o my_o countryman_n especial_o to_o seafaring_a man_n that_o in_o their_o long_a voyage_n wherein_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v they_o may_v lay_v out_o their_o time_n and_o employ_v it_o rather_o than_o as_o too_o many_o do_v lose_v and_o misspend_v it_o wherefore_o take_v my_o rise_n from_o the_o commendation_n of_o our_o nation_n which_o for_o diligent_a skill_n in_o navigation_n much_o excel_v the_o rest_n i_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o use_v this_o art_n as_o a_o divine_a benefit_n not_o mere_o for_o their_o own_o gain_n but_o for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o true_a that_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n for_o they_o will_v neither_o want_v matter_n for_o such_o endeavour_n when_o in_o their_o long_a voyage_n they_o common_o meet_v either_o with_o pagan_n as_o in_o china_n and_o guinea_n or_o with_o mahometan_n as_o under_o the_o turkish_a empire_n the_o persian_a and_o the_o african_n or_o with_o jew_n who_o as_o they_o be_v now_o profess_v enemy_n of_o christian_n so_o be_v disperse_v through_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o there_o will_v always_o be_v store_n of_o impious_a man_n who_o be_v ready_a upon_o occasion_n to_o vent_v the_o poison_n which_o for_o fear_n they_o keep_v conceal_v against_o which_o mischief_n i_o wish_v that_o our_o countryman_n may_v be_v sufficient_o arm_v and_o that_o they_o who_o be_v more_o ingenious_a than_o other_o will_v use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o confute_v error_n and_o the_o rest_n will_v at_o least_o be_v so_o cautious_a as_o not_o to_o be_v overcome_v by_o they_o and_o that_o i_o may_v show_v religion_n be_v no_o frivolous_a thing_n i_o begin_v in_o the_o first_o book_n at_o the_o ground_n or_o foundation_n thereof_o which_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n now_o that_o i_o attempt_v to_o prove_v after_o this_o manner_n the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o god._n that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o beginning_n be_v clear_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o howbeit_o those_o thing_n be_v not_o cause_n to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o be_v for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o can_v produce_v any_o thing_n neither_o have_v it_o power_n to_o be_v before_o it_o be_v therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o say_v thing_n have_v their_o beginning_n from_o some_o other_o thing_n different_a from_o themselves_o which_o may_v be_v aver_v not_o only_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o now_o we_o see_v or_o ever_o have_v behold_v but_o of_o such_o also_o as_o give_v original_a unto_o these_o and_o so_o upward_o until_o we_o come_v to_o some_o prime_a cause_n which_o never_o begin_v to_o be_v and_o which_o as_o we_o say_v have_v its_o existence_n by_o necessity_n and_o not_o after_o any_o contingent_a manner_n and_o this_o what_o ever_o it_o be_v whereof_o by_o and_o by_o we_o shall_v speak_v be_v that_o which_o be_v mean_v by_o divine_a power_n or_o god_n head_n another_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o divine_a majesty_n be_v take_v from_o the_o most_o manifest_a consent_n of_o all_o nation_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o have_v not_o utter_o lose_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o good_a manner_n and_o become_v altogether_o wild_a and_o savage_a for_o since_o those_o thing_n which_o proceed_v from_o man_n pleasure_n and_o appointment_n be_v neither_o the_o same_o among_o all_o man_n and_o be_v often_o subject_a to_o change_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o place_n where_o this_o notion_n be_v not_o find_v and_o it_o be_v not_o change_v by_o the_o alteration_n of_o time_n as_o aristotle_n himself_o note_v who_o be_v
find_v or_o have_v ancient_o be_v find_v consent_v with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o hebrew_n touch_v joshua_n and_o other_o seeing_z that_o whosoever_o give_v credit_n unto_o moses_n which_o to_o do_v no_o man_n can_v without_o great_a impudence_n refuse_v the_o same_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v indeed_o wonderful_a miracle_n ancient_o wrought_v by_o god_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o here_o chief_o go_v about_o to_o declare_v as_o for_o the_o miracle_n of_o after_o age_n suppose_v of_o elijah_n and_o elisha_n and_o other_o there_o be_v the_o less_o reason_n to_o think_v they_o counterfeit_n because_o in_o those_o time_n judaea_n be_v both_o more_o know_v than_o former_o and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o diversity_n of_o religion_n be_v extreme_o hate_v by_o their_o neighbour_n who_o may_v have_v very_o easy_o blast_v the_o fame_n of_o such_o miracle_n if_o they_o have_v be_v lie_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v spread_v abroad_o the_o history_n of_o jonah_n who_o lie_v three_o day_n in_o the_o whale_n belly_n be_v to_o be_v read_v in_o lycophron_n and_o aeneas_n hazou_n save_v only_o that_o in_o stead_n of_o jonah_n they_o have_v put_v the_o name_n of_o hercules_n who_o they_o so_o much_o honour_v that_o to_o make_v he_o appear_v the_o more_o illustrious_a they_o be_v wont_a as_o tacitus_n and_o servius_n and_o other_o have_v note_v to_o report_v of_o he_o whatsoever_o magnificent_a thing_n they_o hear_v of_o in_o any_o other_o place_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o julian_n who_o be_v a_o enemy_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o much_o as_o of_o christian_n be_v force_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o history_n to_o confess_v that_o such_o man_n live_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o be_v inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o fire_v descend_v from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o moses_n and_o elias_n and_o very_o it_o be_v well_o worth_a our_o observation_n that_o among_o the_o hebrew_n there_o be_v not_o only_o grievous_a punishment_n appoint_v for_o such_o man_n as_o do_v false_o assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o prophetical_a function_n but_o also_o many_o king_n and_o great_a man_n that_o may_v have_v by_o that_o mean_v purchase_v authority_n to_o themselves_o and_o likewise_o very_a many_o learned_a man_n as_o be_v esdras_n and_o other_o that_o never_o dare_v arrogate_v to_o themselves_o this_o dignity_n nor_o any_o man_n else_o for_o divers_a age_n before_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n sect_n xvi_o the_o same_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o oracle_n and_o prediction_n but_o more_o unlikely_a it_o be_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o people_n shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o the_o avouch_n of_o a_o perpetual_a and_o public_a prodigy_n as_o we_o may_v call_v it_o to_o wit_n the_o holy_a oracle_n which_o after_o a_o resplendent_a manner_n shine_v from_o the_o breastplate_n of_o the_o highpriest_n the_o truth_n whereof_o be_v so_o strong_o believe_v by_o all_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v continue_v until_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o first_o temple_n that_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n their_o ancestor_n have_v certain_a knowledge_n concern_v the_o same_o like_o to_o this_o from_o miracle_n there_o be_v another_o argument_n as_o forcible_a and_o effectual_a to_o prove_v god_n providence_n take_v from_o those_o prediction_n of_o future_a event_n which_o among_o the_o hebrew_n be_v many_o and_o manifest_a such_o be_v that_o prophecy_n of_o his_o be_v make_v childless_a who_o shall_v attempt_v to_o re-edify_a jericho_n and_o that_o of_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o bethel_n by_o a_o king_n name_v josiah_n foretell_v above_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o the_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v so_o likewise_o the_o very_a name_n and_o chief_a act_n of_o cyrus_n foretell_v by_o esaiah_n the_o event_n of_o hierusalems_n siege_n by_o the_o chaldean_n foreshow_v by_o jeremiah_n so_o also_o daniel_n prediction_n touch_v the_o translation_n of_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o assyrian_n unto_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n then_o from_o they_o unto_o alexander_n of_o macedon_n who_o empire_n shall_v afterward_o in_o part_n be_v divide_v among_o the_o successor_n of_o ptolemy_n and_o seleucus_n and_o what_o evil_n also_o the_o hebrew_n nation_n shall_v suffer_v from_o all_o these_o but_o especial_o from_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n which_o be_v so_o clear_o foretell_v that_o porphyry_n who_o compare_v with_o these_o prediction_n such_o grecian_a history_n as_o be_v extant_a in_o his_o time_n can_v not_o otherwise_o tell_v how_o to_o shift_v they_o off_o than_o by_o say_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v father_v upon_o daniel_n be_v write_v after_o such_o time_n as_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o one_o shall_v deny_v that_o that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o time_n of_o augustus_n which_o have_v be_v publish_v in_o virgil_n name_n and_o be_v always_o repute_v for_o virgil_n work_n for_o there_o be_v never_o any_o more_o scruple_n make_v of_o the_o former_a among_o the_o hebrew_n than_o of_o this_o latter_a among_o the_o roman_n to_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v add_v very_o many_o and_o most_o famous_a oracle_n among_o the_o people_n of_o mexico_n and_o peru_n which_o foretell_v the_o come_n of_o the_o spaniard_n into_o those_o country_n and_o the_o calamity_n which_o shall_v thereupon_o follow_v and_o hither_o also_o may_v be_v refer_v not_o a_o few_o dream_n so_o exact_o agree_v with_o the_o event_n which_o both_o in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o cause_n be_v whole_o unknown_a to_o they_o that_o dream_v that_o they_o can_v without_o great_a immodesty_n be_v refer_v to_o chance_v or_o to_o natural_a cause_n of_o which_o kind_a tertullian_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v collect_v illustrious_a example_n out_o of_o the_o most_o approve_a author_n spectre_n also_o or_o apparition_n belong_v to_o this_o head_n which_o have_v be_v not_o only_o see_v but_o hear_v to_o speak_v as_o those_o historian_n relate_v who_o be_v the_o far_a from_o superstitious_a credulity_n and_o be_v report_v by_o witness_n of_o our_o own_o age_n who_o have_v live_v in_o china_n and_o in_o mexico_n and_o other_o part_n of_o america_n nor_o be_v public_a trial_n of_o innocence_n by_o touch_v of_o red_a hot_a ploughshare_n to_o be_v despise_v which_o the_o history_n of_o so_o many_o german_a nation_n and_o the_o law_n themselves_o have_v remember_v sect_n xvii_o the_o objection_n be_v answer_v why_o miracle_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v see_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n to_o object_n against_o such_o miracle_n because_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a to_o be_v see_v in_o these_o day_n neither_o the_o like_a prediction_n hear_v of_o for_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o divine_a providence_n that_o such_o thing_n do_v come_v to_o pass_v at_o any_o time_n which_o be_v once_o grant_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o god_n may_v be_v believe_v with_o as_o much_o providence_n and_o wisdom_n now_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o surcease_v as_o ancient_o he_o use_v the_o same_o neither_o stand_v it_o with_o reason_n that_o those_o law_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o universe_n concern_v the_o natural_a course_n of_o thing_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o future_a event_n shall_v be_v light_o or_o always_o transgress_v but_o only_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o either_o there_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n as_o when_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v almost_o banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n reside_v only_o in_o a_o little_a part_n thereof_o to_o wit_n in_o judaea_n where_o it_o necessary_o be_v to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v fortify_v with_o new_a aid_n against_o the_o impiety_n wherewith_o it_o be_v compass_v about_o or_o when_o christian_a religion_n whereof_o by_o and_o by_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o particular_o be_v first_o by_o god_n decree_n to_o be_v publish_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n sect_n xviii_o and_o that_o now_o there_o be_v such_o liberty_n in_o offend_v there_o be_v those_o who_o be_v wont_a to_o doubt_v of_o the_o divine_a providence_n because_o they_o see_v so_o much_o wickedness_n have_v like_o a_o deluge_n overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n which_o divine_a providence_n they_o contend_v if_o there_o be_v any_o will_v have_v make_v its_o chief_a business_n to_o restrain_v and_o suppress_v but_o this_o be_v easy_o answer_v consider_v that_o when_o god_n have_v create_v man_n with_o freedom_n to_o do_v good_a and_o evil_n reserve_v absolute_a and_o immutable_a goodness_n to_o himself_o it_o have_v not_o be_v reasonable_a to_o have_v put_v such_o a_o stop_n to_o evil_a action_n as_o shall_v have_v be_v contrary_a to_o that_o liberty_n howbeit_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n god_n use_v every_o kind_n of_o mean_n which_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o liberty_n aforesaid_a such_o be_v the_o ordain_v and_o publish_v of_o the_o
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
true_o since_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o man_n mind_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 of_o this_o faculty_n about_o it_o than_o that_o of_o which_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a without_o hazard_n of_o our_o salvation_n after_o this_o whosoever_o inquire_v with_o a_o godly_a mind_n he_o shall_v not_o dangerous_o err_v and_o where_o shall_v he_o inquire_v after_o it_o but_o in_o god_n most_o holy_a word_n without_o which_o we_o can_v know_v whether_o there_o be_v either_o church_n or_o priest_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o wherein_o they_o will_v have_v we_o trust_v sect_n xix_o and_o refuse_v to_o be_v try_v by_o scripture_n it_o be_v a_o manifest_a sign_n therefore_o of_o imposture_n that_o when_o they_o can_v for_o shame_n but_o sometime_o suffer_v their_o religion_n to_o be_v try_v yet_o they_o will_v not_o have_v it_o try_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o read_n of_o which_o as_o be_v excellent_o say_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o forego_n book_n no_o man_n can_v be_v deceive_v but_o he_o who_o have_v first_o deceive_v himself_o for_o the_o writer_n of_o they_o be_v more_o faithful_a and_o full_a of_o divine_a inspiration_n than_o either_o to_o defraud_v we_o of_o any_o necessary_a part_n of_o divine_a truth_n or_o to_o hide_v it_o in_o a_o cloud_n so_o that_o we_o can_v see_v it_o why_o then_o shall_v any_o body_n decline_v this_o way_n of_o trial_n unless_o they_o see_v themselves_o so_o manifest_o condemn_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o let_v their_o cause_n be_v bring_v into_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n which_o hurt_v indeed_o sore_a eye_n but_o comfort_n and_o delight_v those_o that_o be_v sound_a show_v we_o so_o plain_o what_o we_o be_v to_o embrace_v and_o what_o to_o refuse_v and_o be_v so_o sure_a and_o so_o perfect_a a_o guide_n in_o all_o such_o matter_n that_o s._n hilary_n not_o only_o commend_v and_o admire_v the_o emperor_n constantius_n for_o desire_v a_o faith_n according_a to_o what_o be_v write_v but_o say_v he_o be_v a_o antichrist_n who_o refuse_v this_o and_o a_o anathema_n that_o counterfeit_v it_o and_o thereupon_o call_v to_o he_o in_o this_o manner_n o_o emperor_n thou_o seek_v for_o faith_n harken_v to_o it_o not_o out_o of_o new_a little_a paper_n but_o of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n there_o we_o must_v seek_v for_o it_o if_o we_o mean_v to_o find_v it_o and_o if_o they_o be_v silent_a and_o can_v tell_v we_o nothing_o say_v st._n ambrose_n who_o shall_v dare_v to_o speak_v let_v we_o not_o therefore_o bring_v deceitful_a balance_n they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o s._n austin_n in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o baptism_n chap._n vi_fw-la wherein_o we_o may_v weigh_v what_o we_o listen_v and_o as_o we_o listen_v after_o our_o own_o like_n say_v this_o be_v heavy_a that_o be_v light_a but_o let_v we_o bring_v the_o divine_a balance_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o out_o of_o the_o lord_n treasure_n and_o in_o that_o let_v we_o weigh_v what_o be_v most_o ponderous_a or_o rather_o let_v not_o we_o weigh_v but_o acknowledge_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v already_o weigh_v by_o the_o lord_n yes_o say_v they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o will_v be_v put_v into_o that_o balance_n and_o try_v by_o the_o scripture_n but_o not_o by_o they_o alone_o which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o refuse_v to_o be_v try_v by_o they_o for_o they_o give_v testimony_n to_o their_o own_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n and_o plainness_n too_o in_o thing_n necessary_a and_o so_o do_v all_o other_o christian_a writer_n that_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n who_o do_v not_o send_v we_o to_o turn_v over_o we_o know_v not_o how_o many_o other_o volume_n but_o tell_v we_o here_o we_o may_v be_v abundant_o satisfy_v in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n constantine_n the_o father_n of_o constantius_n now_o mention_v admonish_v the_o bishop_n in_o the_o famous_a council_n of_o nice_a to_o consult_v with_o these_o heavenly_a inspire_a write_n as_o their_o guide_n and_o rule_n in_o all_o their_o debate_n because_o they_o perspicuous_o instruct_v we_o as_o his_o very_a word_n be_v what_o to_o believe_v in_o divine_a thing_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v he_o tell_v they_o to_o fetch_v from_o thence_o the_o resolution_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o shall_v come_v in_o question_n to_o which_o cardinal_n bellarmine_n indeed_o be_v please_v to_o say_v that_o constantine_n true_o be_v a_o great_a emperor_n but_o no_o great_a doctor_n but_o as_o herein_o he_o speak_v too_o scornful_o of_o he_o so_o he_o reflect_v no_o less_o upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n of_o those_o venerable_a father_n assemble_v in_o that_o council_n which_o as_o theodoret_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n be_v compose_v of_o man_n excel_v in_o apostolical_a gift_n and_o many_o of_o they_o carry_v in_o their_o body_n the_o mark_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o be_v for_o the_o far_o great_a part_n a_o multitude_n of_o martyr_n assemble_v together_o who_o all_o consent_v unto_o and_o follow_v this_o wholesome_a counsel_n of_o the_o emperor_n as_o he_o there_o testify_v know_v he_o do_v but_o speak_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o true_o catholic_n church_n which_o do_v not_o mere_o bid_v man_n hear_v it_o and_o bring_v all_o doctrine_n to_o its_o touchstone_n but_o confess_v plain_o that_o even_o the_o church_n itself_o must_v be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v the_o express_a sentence_n of_o the_o same_o s._n austin_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n where_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n he_o say_v the_o question_n than_o be_v as_o it_o be_v now_o where_o be_v the_o church_n now_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v say_v he_o seek_v for_o it_o in_o our_o own_o word_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o head_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n i_o think_v we_o ought_v to_o seek_v it_o rather_o in_o his_o word_n who_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o best_a know_v his_o own_o body_n and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n thus_o proceed_v let_v we_o not_o hear_v thus_o say_v i_o and_o thus_o say_v thou_o but_o let_v we_o hear_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o lord_n book_n there_o be_v certain_o to_o who_o authority_n we_o both_o consent_n we_o both_o believe_v we_o both_o yield_v obedience_n there_o let_v we_o seek_v the_o church_n there_o let_v we_o discuss_v our_o cause_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o the_o author_n of_o the_o imperfect_a work_n upon_o st._n matthew_n carry_v the_o name_n of_o s._n chrysostome_n declare_v this_o so_o full_o that_o it_o leave_v no_o doubt_n in_o we_o what_o course_n they_o take_v for_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o business_n heretofore_o say_v he_o there_o be_v many_o way_n whereby_o one_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o be_v gentilism_n but_o now_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o the_o scripture_n why_o so_o because_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o belong_v proper_o to_o christ_n in_o truth_n and_o reality_n those_o heresy_n have_v also_o in_o show_n and_o in_o appearance_n they_o have_v scripture_n baptism_n eucharist_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n even_o christ_n himself_o like_o as_o we_o have_v therefore_o if_o any_o one_o will_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n how_o shall_v he_o know_v it_o in_o such_o a_o confusion_n of_o multitude_n but_o only_o by_o the_o scripture_n which_o he_o repeat_v over_o again_o a_o little_a after_o he_o therefore_o that_o will_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n how_o shall_v he_o know_v it_o but_o by_o the_o scripture_n to_o they_o let_v we_o go_v and_o in_o they_o let_v we_o rest_v and_o if_o you_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v we_o say_v to_o the_o romanist_n as_o athanasius_n do_v to_o the_o follower_n of_o apolinarius_n in_o his_o book_n about_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o speak_v unrighteous_o against_o the_o lord_n but_o walk_v in_o what_o be_v write_v and_o do_v but_o if_o you_o will_v talk_v of_o different_a thing_n from_o what_o be_v write_v why_o do_v you_o contend_v with_o we_o who_o dare_v not_o hear_v nor_o speak_v beside_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v our_o lord_n tell_v we_o if_o you_o abide_v in_o the_o word_n even_o in_o my_o word_n you_o shall_v be_v free_a indeed_o what_o immodest_a frenzy_n be_v this_o to_o speak_v thing_n which_o be_v not_o write_v and_o to_o devise_v thing_n which_o be_v stranger_n to_o piety_n to_o which_o if_o we_o faithful_o adhere_v there_o be_v this_o to_o be_v add_v for_o our_o encouragement_n that_o though_o we_o