with_o that_o of_o moses_n be_v ancient_o extant_a in_o phile_n biblius_n out_o of_o sanchuniath_n in_o berosus_n hecataeus_n damascenus_n atrapanus_n epolemus_n demetrius_n and_o partly_o in_o that_o old_a author_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a orphean_a verse_n and_o now_o also_o there_o be_v some_o remainden_v thereof_o in_o justin_n out_o of_o trogus_n pompaeus_fw-la and_o almost_o in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o author_n aforenamed_a there_o be_v some_o mention_n make_v of_o moses_n and_o his_o act_n more_o particular_o how_o he_o be_v take_v out_o oâ—_n the_o water_n and_o preserve_v by_o pharaoh_n daughter_n and_o how_o the_o two_o table_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o of_o god_n be_v plain_o set_v down_o in_o those_o orphean_a verse_n aforesaid_a add_v unto_o these_o the_o testimony_n of_o polemon_n also_o what_o some_o of_o the_o egyptian_n themselves_o have_v record_v to_o wit_n manethon_n lysimachus_n and_o chaeriman_n concern_v the_o departingout_n of_o egypt_n neither_o will_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o wise_a man_n to_o think_v that_o moses_n have_v so_o many_o enemy_n both_o of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o of_o other_o nation_n as_o the_o idumaans_n arabian_n and_o syrian_n will_v dare_v to_o divulge_v aught_o concern_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n and_o other_o ancient_a thing_n which_o either_o can_v be_v confuce_v by_o other_o more_o anesent_a write_n or_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o common-received_n opinion_n in_o those_o time_n neither_o doubtless_o will_v he_o publiâ—…ny_v thing_n touch_v the_o affair_n in_o that_o age_n which_o can_v be_v just_o gainsay_v or_o disprove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o then_o live_v of_o this_o moses_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v by_o diodorus_n 〈◊〉_d strabo_n and_o pliny_n by_o tacitus_n also_o a_o and_o after_o all_o they_o by_o dionysius_n longintus_n in_o his_o book_n concern_v subtlety_n of_o speech_n likewise_o jamnes_n and_o mambres_n that_o resist_v moses_n in_o egypt_n be_v mention_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o talmud_n by_o pliny_n and_o apulesus_n among_o other_o the_o pythagorian_o speak_v much_o of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v give_v by_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o legal_a rite_n both_o strabo_n and_o justin_n out_o of_o trogus_n give_v a_o excellent_a testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a religion_n and_o justice_n insomuch_o that_o here_o i_o think_v it_o be_v needless_a to_o produce_v any_o further_a testimony_n of_o such_o thing_n as_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 〈…〉_z and_o other_o see_v other_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 namely_o of_o elius_n eliseus_n and_o other_o none_o may_v think_v they_o to_o be_v false_a or_o counterse_v it_o because_o in_o those_o time_n when_o they_o 〈◊〉_d wrought_v the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v more_o know_v to_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n by_o who_o for_o the_o diversity_n thereof_o from_o they_o it_o be_v have_v in_o great_a hatred_n and_o disesteem_v so_o as_o if_o any_o untruth_n have_v be_v broach_v therein_o they_o can_v have_v easy_o then_o consâ—ted_v the_o same_o julian_n be_v a_o enemy_n as_o well_o to_o the_o jew_n as_o to_o the_o christian_n yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o very_a evidence_n of_o history_n make_v he_o confess_v that_o such_o man_n live_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o be_v â—nspired_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o 〈…〉_z fâ—re_o 〈◊〉_d on_o deâ—_n from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o moses_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 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 office_n 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 ever_o dare_v arrogate_v 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 perdiction_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 delude_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o continue_a public_a wonder_n 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 high_a priest_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 aneestor_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 calamity_n and_o desolation_n that_o shall_v besâ—â—_n he_o that_o do_v attempt_v to_o reedisâ—e_v 〈…〉_z 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 namely_o by_o iâ—siah_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 like_o wise_a 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 high_a usalem_n siege_n by_o the_o chaldâ—ant_n foreshow_v by_o jereuslah_n so_o also_o daniel_n prediction_n touch_v the_o remove_n of_o the_o empire_n 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 which_o afterward_o be_v quarter_v and_o divide_v unto_o selencin_n and_o other_o successor_n of_o alexander_n likewise_o what_o evil_n the_o hebrews_n shall_v sustain_v of_o each_o of_o these_o but_o chief_o from_o that_o notorious_a tyrant_n antiochus_n in_o all_o be_v so_o clear_a prophecy_n that_o pei_n phyrâ—_n himself_o compare_v here_o with_o such_o grecian_a history_n as_o be_v extant_a in_o his_o time_n can_v no_o otherwise_o tell_v how_o to_o shift_v then_o off_o than_o by_o say_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v father_v up_o on_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 punish_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 helrew_n than_o of_o 〈◊〉_d letter_n among_o the_o roman_n for_o this_o purpose_n also_o we_o may_v rehearse_v those_o many_o dream_n that_o so_o exact_o have_v accord_v with_o the_o event_n which_o to_o the_o dreamer_n be_v altogether_o unknown_a aswell_o in_o themselves_o as_o in_o their_o cause_n so_o that_o without_o immodesty_n they_o 〈…〉_z say_v to_o proceed_v from_o 〈…〉_z or_o from_o any_o natural_a causâ—â—_n the_o like_a be_v say_v of_o certain_a ghost_n that_o have_v not_o only_o appear_v to_o the_o eye_n but_o also_o have_v utâ—â—iâ—â—_n audible_a speech_n as_o be_v relate_v by_o such_o historious_a 〈…〉_z no_o way_n evilly_n of_o superstitious_a and_o dulity_n in_o that_o kind_n sect_n xvii_o the_o objection_n be_v answer_v why_o miracle_n be_v not_o new_a to_o be_v see_v neither_o let_v any_o man_n here_o object_n that_o such_o miracle_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o be_v but_o fabulous_a because_o that_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 prose_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 â—ime_n which_o be_v once_o grant_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o god_n may_v be_v think_v with_o asmuch_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 equity_n that_o those_o law_n which_o be_v general_o ordain_v and_o decree_v concern_v the_o natural_a course_n of_o thing_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o future_a event_n shall_v be_v violate_v always_o 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 indâ—â—_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 impiery_n wherewith_o be_v
most_o of_o all_o admire_v as_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o dead_a unto_o life_n again_o and_o therefore_o that_o objection_n be_v of_o no_o force_n sect_n xii_o or_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n neither_o be_v they_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o assent_v unto_o 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 for_o such_o be_v confute_v first_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o so_o many_o learned_a grave_a judicious_a and_o wise_a nien_z as_o have_v allow_v and_o admit_v of_o these_o book_n for_o authentical_a ever_o since_o the_o primitive_a time_n then_o by_o that_o which_o we_o have_v before_o declare_v in_o the_o first_o book_n to_o be_v consonant_n to_o right_a reason_n as_o namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a and_o 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 beside_o there_o be_v show_v how_o that_o all_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v to_o be_v bridle_v and_o subdue_v 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 which_o be_v most_o plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o say_a book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n now_o we_o know_v how_o unsafe_a it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n beside_o this_o peremptory_o to_o be_v true_a either_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o his_o will_n special_o if_o it_o be_v ground_v only_o upon_o humane_a reason_n and_o further_o we_o may_v guesle_v how_o uncertain_a it_o will_v be_v both_o by_o the_o jar_a opinion_n of_o the_o schoolman_n among_o themselves_o as_o also_o by_o the_o contrary_a conclusion_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n for_o if_o man_n do_v so_o farte_v disagree_v in_o their_o opinion_n touch_v their_o own_o soul_n than_o they_o must_v needs_o much_o more_o dissent_v 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 appiehension_n or_o if_o as_o prudent_a man_n do_v think_v the_o inquiry_n 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 wise_a and_o prudent_a that_o hope_n he_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v reserve_v in_o his_o own_o freedom_n and_o secret_a council_n 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 contrary_n to_o which_o book_n it_o be_v neither_o prove_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o affirm_v by_o any_o that_o god_n ever_o publish_v any_o thing_n concern_v his_o nature_n and_o essence_n neither_o be_v there_o extant_a any_o letter_n revelation_n or_o other_o signification_n of_o his_o will_n that_o can_v be_v believe_v for_o true_a for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n otherwise_o command_v or_o permit_v before_o christ_n time_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v indifferent_a that_o be_v neither_o due_a nor_o dishonest_a yet_o the_o same_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o say_a write_n fince_n that_o in_o such_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n the_o last_o law_n or_o commandment_n that_o be_v give_v do_v abolish_v and_o annul_v the_o former_a 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 some_o do_v further_a object_n that_o in_o these_o book_n there_o be_v some_o diversity_n of_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n but_o for_o answer_v whosoever_o will_v but_o due_o ponder_v this_o matter_n he_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o to_o be_v another_o argument_n beside_o the_o some_o to_o justify_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o say_a book_n namely_o because_o they_o do_v most_o manifest_o and_o apparent_o agree_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o history_n which_o consent_n and_o accord_n can_v elsewhere_o be_v find_v among_o any_o other_o writer_n that_o be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sect_n or_o profession_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o jew_n or_o the_o greek_a philosophess_n the_o physician_n or_o the_o roman_a lawyer_n all_o which_o do_v not_o only_o differ_v much_o among_o themselves_o yea_o even_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o sect_n as_o plato_n and_o xenophon_n but_o oftentimes_o one_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o writer_n to_o affirm_v now_o one_o thing_n than_o another_o as_o if_o he_o be_v forgetful_a of_o himself_o or_o know_v not_o what_o to_o resolve_v upon_o but_o these_o other_o writer_n to_o wit_n the_o holy_a penman_n of_o who_o we_o speak_v do_v inculcate_v and_o express_v the_o same_o point_n of_o faith_n they_o deliver_v the_o same_o commandment_n and_o as_o for_o their_o narration_n of_o the_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n the_o sum_n and_o substance_n in_o they_o all_o be_v the_o very_a same_o as_o touch_v some_o particular_a circumstance_n such_o as_o be_v of_o small_a or_o no_o moment_n happy_o they_o may_v be_v well_o reconcile_v though_o perhaps_o the_o manner_n how_o be_v unknown_a namely_o because_o of_o the_o similitude_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v at_o divers_a time_n or_o for_o the_o doubtful_a signification_n of_o some_o word_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o several_a name_n and_o appellation_n of_o this_o man_n or_o that_o place_n and_o the_o like_a nay_o this_o i_o think_v may_v bee_n motive_n to_o vindicate_v and_o free_v these_o writer_n from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o falsehood_n it_o be_v usual_a with_o those_o that_o will_v have_v lie_n and_o untruth_n credit_v to_o relate_v all_o circumstance_n so_o straight_o and_o trim_o as_o there_o shall_v not_o appear_v any_o colour_n or_o show_v of_o difference_n or_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o for_o any_o small_a difference_n which_o can_v easy_o be_v reconcile_v a_o whole_a book_n shall_v lose_v its_o credit_n then_o i_o trow_v we_o must_v believe_v no_o book_n at_o all_o special_o those_o os_fw-la history_n yet_o we_o see_v that_o polybius_n halicarnassensis_n levy_n and_o plutarch_n for_o the_o substance_n oâ—_n they_o be_v esteem_v authentical_a and_o true_a though_o in_o some_o circumstance_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v faulty_a therefore_o it_o be_v unequal_a that_o sacred_a writer_n shall_v lose_v then_o credit_n for_o one_o or_o two_o seem_a slip_n if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o their_o write_n who_o so_o serious_o desire_v and_o earnest_o endeavour_v to_o express_v both_o truth_n and_o piety_n therein_o sect_n xiiii_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 another_o way_n of_o confirm_v what_o we_o have_v say_v some_o think_v may_v be_v by_o allege_v the_o contrary_a testimony_n of_o those_o that_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n but_o i_o dare_v bold_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o testimony_n to_o be_v find_v unless_o a_o man_n will_v produce_v the_o say_n of_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v a_o long_a time_n after_o who_o do_v open_o profess_v enmity_n against_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o fit_a witness_n for_o this_o matter_n nay_o on_o 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 know_a book_n of_o josephus_n which_o be_v write_v 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 gamliel_n and_o of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o large_a herewith_o all_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 namely_o for_o that_o in_o they_o there_o be_v mention_n make_v of_o the_o star_n that_o appear_v at_o christ_n birth_n and_o
manifest_v his_o nativity_n unto_o the_o wise_a â—én_n also_o of_o the_o earthquake_n and_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n when_o it_o be_v full_a moon_n at_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n passion_n upon_o the_o cross_n sect_n xv._n answer_v to_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v change_v now_o what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o against_o these_o book_n sure_o i_o see_v nothing_o that_o can_v be_v object_v unless_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o remain_v not_o altogether_o the_o same_o that_o they_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o indeed_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v that_o what_o be_v common_a to_o other_o book_n may_v happen_v to_o those_o namely_o that_o by_o the_o carelessness_n or_o corrupt_a deal_n of_o the_o transcriber_n some_o letter_n syllable_n or_o word_n may_v be_v change_v leave_v out_o oâ—_n add_v but_o it_o be_v a_o unjust_a thing_n to_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o book_n or_o evidence_n only_o because_o in_o so_o many_o age_n there_o can_v â—â—e_z but_o he_o great_a variety_n of_o copy_n since_o both_o custom_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o what_o be_v agree_v upon_o by_o the_o great_a number_n and_o most_o ancient_a copy_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o contrary_n now_o that_o all_o the_o copy_n of_o these_o book_n be_v corrupt_v by_o guile_n or_o otherwise_o either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o matter_n of_o history_n it_o will_v never_o be_v prove_v there_o be_v no_o evidence_n or_o testimony_n of_o former_a time_n ever_o to_o evince_v the_o same_o but_o if_o as_o we_o say_v before_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n urge_v by_o those_o that_o bear_v so_o great_a hatred_n against_o the_o writer_n or_o follower_n and_o maintainer_n of_o these_o book_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v for_o a_o reproach_n or_o calumny_n and_o not_o for_o any_o good_a proof_n or_o sufficient_a testimony_n against_o they_o and_o this_o which_o we_o have_v say_v may_v suffice_v in_o answer_n to_o those_o that_o tell_v we_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v change_v which_o whosoever_o affirm_v aught_o to_o make_v good_a their_o assertion_n against_o the_o scripture_n so_o long_a time_n receive_v in_o the_o church_n but_o that_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o objection_n may_v more_o plain_o appear_v we_o will_v show_v that_o what_o they_o imagine_v to_o be_v true_a neither_o do_v nor_o ever_o can_v coâ—e_n to_o pass_v we_o have_v prove_v before_o that_o the_o book_n which_o have_v any_o title_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v which_o be_v grant_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o one_o book_n be_v not_o forge_v or_o put_v into_o the_o place_n of_o another_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o notable_a or_o note_a part_n change_v therein_o for_o in_o such_o a_o mutation_n there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o aim_n or_o intent_n whereby_o that_o part_n may_v have_v easy_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o part_n and_o book_n not_o change_v or_o alter_v which_o can_v now_o any_o where_o be_v discerue_v nay_o as_o we_o say_v there_o be_v every_o where_o a_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o seize_v and_o meaning_n herein_o as_o it_o admirable_a to_o consider_v again_o no_o doubt_n so_o soon_o at_o any_o thing_n by_o or_o concern_v the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n be_v publish_v â—…ghtway_o the_o christian_n with_o great_a diligence_n be_v it_o be_v meet_v and_o oâ—t_v of_o a_o zealous_a desire_n to_o preserve_v and_o propagate_v pity_n and_o truth_n unto_o posterity_n do_v get_v themselves_o many_o copy_n thereof_o which_o they_o disperse_v through_o all_o place_n in_o europe_n asia_n and_o egypt_n where_o christ_n anity_n be_v spread_v and_o the_o greek_a tongue_n speak_v yea_o as_o before_o we_o show_v there_o be_v some_o original_a copy_n keep_v for_o the_o space_n of_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o then_o possible_a or_o probable_a that_o those_o book_n receive_v any_o such_o forgery_n they_o be_v so_o well_o know_v and_o careful_o preserve_v not_o only_o by_o particular_a man_n but_o by_o the_o common_a care_n and_o diligence_n of_o whole_a church_n add_v further_o that_o these_o book_n in_o the_o follow_a â—…ges_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o syâ—â—cke_n ethiopicke_n arabic_a and_o latin_a tongue_n which_o translation_n be_v yet_o extant_a and_o do_v not_o differ_v in_o aught_o to_o speak_v of_o from_o the_o greek_a copy_n themselves_o beside_o we_o have_v the_o write_n of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o by_o their_o disciple_n wherein_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v cite_v out_o of_o these_o book_n to_o the_o same_o sense_n &_o meaning_n which_o now_o we_o read_v they_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o in_o the_o church_n of_o so_o great_a authority_n at_o those_o time_n who_o can_v have_v be_v suffer_v to_o falsify_v or_o change_v any_o thing_n if_o he_o will_v as_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o open_a dissent_n of_o iraeneus_n tertullian_n and_o cyprian_a from_o those_o that_o be_v most_o eminent_a in_o the_o church_n after_o these_o time_n there_o succeed_v many_o 〈…〉_z man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n who_o have_v first_o make_v diligent_a inquiry_n thereof_o receive_v these_o book_n as_o retain_v their_o original_a purity_n hitherto_o also_o may_v be_v refer_v what_o but_o now_o we_o say_v of_o divers_a sect_n of_o crâ—…s_n all_o which_o at_o lest_o such_o as_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n and_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n do_v receive_v and_o use_v these_o book_n according_o as_o we_o do_v the_o same_o and_o if_o any_o have_v attempt_v to_o alter_v or_o pâ—…_n any_o part_n thereof_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v accuse_v by_o the_o rest_n for_o forgery_n and_o false-dealing_a man_n therein_o neither_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o sect_n that_o have_v the_o liberty_n at_o their_o pleasure_n alter_v any_o of_o these_o book_n for_o their_o own_o turn_n in_o asmuch_o as_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o all_o of_o they_o do_v ground_n and_o assume_v argument_n one_o against_o another_o out_o of_o the_o same_o and_o as_o for_o that_o which_o we_o touch_v concern_v divine_a providence_n the_o same_o belong_v no_o less_o unto_o the_o chief_a part_n than_o unto_o the_o whole_a book_n namely_o that_o it_o can_v convenient_o be_v say_v that_o god_n will_v suffer_v so_o many_o man_n which_o sincere_o desire_v to_o be_v godly_a and_o earnest_o seek_v after_o eternal_a life_n to_o be_v lead_v head_n long_o into_o that_o error_n which_o they_o can_v no_o way_n avoid_v and_o thus_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n whence_o alone_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o help_n we_o may_v be_v sufficient_o instruct_v concern_v the_o true_a religion_n sect_n xvi_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o leave_v we_o the_o write_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o be_v ancient_o the_o true_a and_o afford_v divers_a testimonte_n for_o christianity_n therefore_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o justify_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o first_o then_o that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o same_o man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v be_v manifest_a in_o like_a manner_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v of_o we_o before_o of_o the_o new_a covenant_n these_o author_n be_v either_o prophet_n or_o other_o very_a faithful_a and_o credible_a man_n such_o as_o be_v esdras_n who_o compile_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n into_o one_o volume_n during_o the_o life_n time_n of_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n malachy_n and_o zachary_n i_o will_v not_o here_o repeat_v again_o what_o be_v say_v before_o in_o the_o commendation_n of_o moses_n both_o that_o part_n of_o history_n which_o at_o first_o be_v deliver_v by_o he_o as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o book_n and_o that_o also_o which_o be_v collect_v after_o his_o time_n be_v witness_v even_o by_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_a thus_o the_o annal_n of_o the_o phâ—nitian's_n have_v record_v the_o name_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n and_o their_o league_n with_o the_o man_n of_o â—yre_n aswell_o berosus_n as_o the_o hebrew_n writer_n make_v mention_n of_o nabuchadonosor_n and_o of_o other_o chaldean_a king_n he_o who_o jeremy_n call_v vaphres_n king_n of_o egypt_n be_v term_v apries_n by_o herodotus_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o book_n of_o the_o grecian_n be_v replenish_v with_o narration_n concern_v cyrus_n and_o his_o successor_n until_o the_o time_n of_o darius_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n concern_v the_o naâ—â—on_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v relate_v by_o josephus_n in_o his_o book_n against_o appioâ—_n
whereunto_o we_o may_v add_v what_o before_o we_o have_v touch_v out_o of_o strabo_n and_o trogus_n but_o as_o for_o we_o christian_n we_o be_v not_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o book_n out_o of_o which_o we_o borrow_v many_o testimony_n neither_o do_v we_o find_v when_o christ_n reprehend_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n and_o pharisy_n of_o his_o time_n that_o ever_o he_o accuse_v they_o of_o falsehood_n commit_v against_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o prophet_n or_o that_o they_o have_v alter_v or_o use_v any_o forge_a book_n then_o after_o christ_n time_n it_o can_v be_v prove_v neither_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v corrupt_v in_o matter_n of_o any_o moment_n special_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o same_o book_n be_v preserve_v safe_o by_o the_o jew_n which_o people_n be_v disperse_v far_o and_o wide_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o first_o of_o all_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v lead_v a_o way_n captive_a by_o the_o assyrian_n into_o media_n then_o afterward_o the_o two_o other_o tribe_n and_o after_o that_o cyrus_n grant_v they_o leave_v to_o return_v many_o of_o they_o go_v and_o dwell_v in_o foreign_a country_n the_o macedoniâ—â—s_v invite_v they_o with_o great_a promise_n to_o come_v into_o alexandria_n the_o cruelty_n of_o antiochus_n the_o civil_a war_n of_o the_o asmonaans_n together_o with_o those_o of_o poâ—pey_n and_o sossius_n from_o without_o do_v straggle_v and_o scatter_v abroad_o many_o of_o they_o cyrenaica_n a_o part_n of_o africa_n be_v full_a of_o the_o jew_n so_o be_v the_o city_n of_o asia_n macedonia_n licaonia_n and_o likewise_o the_o isle_n of_o cyprâ—â—_n crete_n and_o other_o also_o what_o a_o number_n of_o they_o there_o be_v at_o rome_n may_v be_v learn_v out_o of_o horace_n juvenal_n and_o marâ—â—al_n now_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o such_o multitude_n so_o far_o distant_a one_o from_o another_o shall_v be_v cozen_v in_o this_o kind_n neither_o can_v they_o ever_o accord_v all_o in_o the_o coin_n of_o a_o untruth_n add_v moreover_o that_o almost_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n at_o the_o appointment_n and_o care_n of_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n those_o book_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o greek_a tongue_n by_o those_o that_o be_v call_v the_o seventy_o interpreter_n so_o as_o then_o the_o grecian_n have_v the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o they_o though_o in_o another_o language_n whereby_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v more_o unlikely_a that_o they_o be_v any_o where_o change_v nay_o more_o these_o book_n be_v translate_v both_o into_o the_o chaldeâ—_n tongue_n as_o also_o into_o the_o language_n speak_v by_o they_o of_o jerusalem_n to_o wit_n a_o little_a before_o and_o a_o little_a after_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n other_o greek_a translation_n afterward_o there_o be_v as_o namely_o by_o aquila_n symachus_n and_o theodo_n i_o on_o all_o which_o origen_n compare_v with_o that_o of_o the_o seventy_o interpreter_n and_o after_o he_o other_o also_o who_o can_v find_v no_o diversity_n of_o history_n or_o of_o any_o matter_n worth_n speak_v of_o philâ—_n live_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o caligula_n and_o josephiâ—_n survive_v the_o time_n of_o both_o the_o vespasâ—ans_n which_o two_o writer_n allege_v out_o of_o the_o hebrew_n book_n the_o same_o thing_n that_o we_o read_v at_o this_o day_n then_o begin_v christian_a religion_n to_o be_v more_o and_o more_o propagate_v be_v profess_v by_o many_o of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o by_o sundry_a person_n that_o have_v learn_v the_o hebrew_n tongue_n who_o if_o the_o jew_n have_v use_v any_o legerdemain_n in_o any_o notable_a part_n can_v thereupon_o quick_o discover_v the_o same_o by_o compare_v more_o ancient_a copy_n and_o so_o have_v make_v it_o public_o know_v but_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v this_o that_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o allege_v many_o testimony_n out_o of_o the_o old_a covenant_n to_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o meaning_n that_o they_o be_v use_v by_o the_o hebrew_n which_o hebrew_n may_v soon_o be_v accuse_v of_o any_o other_o fault_n than_o falsehood_n or_o negligence_n about_o these_o book_n which_o they_o have_v so_o religious_o and_o exact_o describe_v and_o compare_v that_o they_o know_v how_o often_o any_o one_o letter_n be_v sound_v therein_o the_o last_o though_o not_o the_o least_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o purposely_o corrupt_a or_o alter_v the_o scripture_n may_v be_v because_o the_o christian_n out_o of_o the_o very_a book_n which_o be_v read_v by_o the_o jew_n do_v evince_n and_o as_o they_o imagine_v strong_o prove_v that_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n be_v that_o same_o very_a messiah_n which_o be_v ancient_o promise_v to_o the_o jew_n their_o forefather_n which_o doubtless_o they_o will_v have_v be_v careful_a may_v not_o have_v be_v do_v special_o when_o the_o controversy_n arise_v between_o they_o and_o the_o christian_n if_o ever_o it_o have_v be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o have_v change_v what_o they_o list_v the_o four_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o a_o particular_a confutation_n of_o the_o religion_n opposite_a to_o christianity_n many_o man_n there_o be_v who_o behold_v the_o great_a peril_n and_o jeoperdy_o that_o other_o people_n be_v in_o do_v much_o joy_n and_o hug_v themselves_o if_o they_o be_v out_o of_o gunshot_n and_o free_a from_o all_o such_o danger_n but_o christianity_n teach_v another_o lesson_n special_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o four_o book_n it_o shall_v appear_v that_o one_o chief_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o this_o life_n be_v not_o only_o to_o rejoice_v and_o content_v himself_o with_o the_o find_v out_o of_o truth_n but_o also_o to_o lend_v his_o help_a hand_n to_o other_o that_o wander_v in_o the_o labyrinth_n of_o error_n and_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o so_o good_a a_o benefit_n this_o after_o some_o sort_n we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o do_v in_o the_o former_a book_n for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o truth_n imply_v the_o confutation_n of_o error_n yet_o in_o regard_n all_o kind_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v opposite_a to_o christianity_n to_o wit_n paganism_n judaism_n and_o mahumetaâ—isme_n beside_o their_o common_a consent_n have_v their_o proper_a error_n and_o certain_a peculiar_a argâ—me_n be_v which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v object_v against_o we_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o purpose_n particular_o to_o dispute_v against_o each_o of_o these_o first_o desire_v our_o reader_n to_o purge_v their_o mind_n from_o partiality_n and_o all_o impediment_n of_o judge_v aright_o that_o so_o they_o may_v the_o better_o conceive_v the_o truth_n we_o be_v to_o speak_v sect_n ii_o and_o first_o of_o paganism_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n create_v spirit_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a the_o good_a not_o to_o be_v honour_v but_o in_o reference_n to_o god_n to_o begin_v then_o against_o pagan_n if_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a eternal_a and_o coequal_a god_n we_o have_v consute_v this_o opinion_n before_o in_o the_o first_o book_n where_o we_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v but_o only_o one_o god_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n or_o if_o they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n do_v understand_v the_o create_v spirit_n which_o be_v superior_a to_o man_n they_o then_o either_o mean_v the_o good_a or_o the_o bad_a if_o they_o say_v the_o good_a first_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o such_o be_v so_o indeed_o otherwise_o they_o commit_v a_o dangerous_a ertor_n in_o receive_v enemy_n instead_o of_o friend_n and_o traitor_n for_o ambassador_n then_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n they_o put_v a_o evident_a difference_n between_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o these_o spirit_n as_o likewise_o to_o know_v what_o hierarchy_n and_o order_n there_o be_v among_o they_o what_o benefit_n may_v be_v expect_v from_o any_o of_o they_o and_o what_o honour_n by_o god_n permission_n or_o appointment_n be_v to_o be_v exhibit_v to_o they_o all_o which_o since_o they_o have_v not_o positive_o set_v down_o in_o their_o religion_n it_o be_v plain_a how_o uncertain_a the_o same_o religion_n be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v a_o safe_a course_n for_o they_o to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o one_o almighty_a god_n which_o even_o platâ—_n confess_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o wise_a man_n special_o for_o that_o to_o whosoever_o god_n be_v propitious_a and_o favourable_a to_o they_o these_o angel_n must_v be_v serviceable_a and_o gracious_a be_v indeed_o minister_a spirit_n of_o the_o almighty_a sect_n iii_o eviâ—_n spirit_n adore_v by_o pagan_n and_o how_o impious_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v but_o it_o be_v the_o bad_a not_o the_o good_a spirit_n which_o the_o pagan_n do_v worship_v as_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o
namely_o that_o prophecy_n in_o the_o four_o eclogue_n of_o virgâ—â—_n take_v out_o of_o the_o sibyl_n verse_n where_o unwitting_o the_o poet_n set_v out_o unto_o we_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n so_o in_o the_o same_o sibyl_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v for_o a_o king_n who_o shall_v be_v our_o king_n indeed_o and_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n and_o have_v dominion_n over_o all_o we_o read_v in_o porphyry_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o apollo_n which_o say_v that_o other_o god_n be_v only_o airy_a spirit_n but_o the_o god_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v only_a to_o be_v worship_v which_o say_v if_o the_o worshipper_n of_o apollo_n have_v obey_v than_o they_o have_v leave_v off_o be_v his_o disciple_n if_o they_o do_v not_o than_o they_o make_v their_o god_n a_o liar_n add_v further_o if_o those_o spirit_n have_v respect_v or_o intend_v the_o good_a of_o mankind_n above_o all_o they_o will_v have_v prescribe_v some_o course_n of_o life_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o also_o promise_v some_o assurance_n of_o reward_n to_o they_o that_o live_v according_o neither_o of_o which_o be_v ever_o do_v by_o they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n oftentimes_o in_o their_o verse_n we_o find_v some_o king_n commond_v which_o be_v wicked_a man_n some_o champion_n extol_v and_o dignify_v with_o divine_a honour_n other_o allure_v to_o immodest_a and_o unlawful_a love_n or_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o filthy_a lucre_n and_o commit_v of_o murder_n as_o may_v be_v show_v by_o many_o example_n sect_n x._o paganism_n decay_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n so_o soon_o as_o humane_a aid_n cease_v beside_o all_o that_o have_v hitherto_o be_v say_v paganism_n itself_o minister_v to_o we_o a_o notable_a argument_n against_o itself_o namely_o because_o that_o wheresoever_o the_o same_o become_v destitute_a of_o humane_a help_n there_o straight_o way_n it_o come_v to_o ruin_v as_o if_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o be_v quite_o overthrow_v for_o if_o we_o behold_v all_o the_o kingdom_n and_o state_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n or_o mahometan_n we_o shall_v find_v no_o mention_n of_o paganism_n but_o in_o book_n nay_o the_o history_n of_o former_a time_n do_v show_v that_o when_o the_o emperor_n go_v about_o to_o uphold_v their_o religion_n either_o by_o violence_n and_o persecution_n as_o do_v the_o first_o of_o they_o or_o by_o learning_n and_o subtlety_n as_o do_v julian_n yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o decay_v daily_o not_o by_o any_o violent_a opposition_n nor_o by_o the_o brightness_n and_o splendour_n of_o christianity_n for_o jesus_n be_v account_v by_o the_o common_a sort_n only_o a_o carpenter_n son_n nor_o by_o the_o flourish_n of_o learning_n which_o they_o that_o teach_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n use_v not_o nor_o by_o gift_n &_o reward_n for_o they_o be_v poor_a nor_o by_o any_o soothe_n and_o slatter_a speech_n for_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o teach_v that_o all_o worldly_a commodity_n must_v be_v despise_v &_o that_o all_o kind_n of_o adversity_n must_v be_v undergo_v for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n see_v then_o how_o weak_a and_o impotent_a paganism_n be_v which_o by_o such_o mean_n come_v to_o ruin_v neither_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n only_o make_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o vanish_v but_o even_o bad_a spirit_n come_v out_o of_o divers_a body_n at_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n they_o become_v dumb_a also_o and_o be_v demand_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o silence_n they_o be_v compel_v to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v upon_o sect_n xi_o answer_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o that_o think_v the_o beginning_n and_o decay_n of_o religion_n depend_v upon_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o star_n there_o be_v some_o philosopher_n that_o do_v ascribe_v the_o beginning_n and_o decay_n of_o every_o religion_n unto_o the_o star_n but_o that_o which_o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o know_v there_o in_o be_v teach_v with_o such_o variety_n and_o diversity_n in_o their_o stargazing_a science_n that_o a_o man_n can_v collect_v nothing_o from_o thence_o for_o certainty_n but_o only_o this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n at_o all_o therein_o i_o do_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o such_o effect_n as_o have_v a_o necessary_a dependence_n upon_o natural_a cause_n but_o of_o those_o that_o proceed_v from_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o of_o itself_o have_v such_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n that_o no_o necessity_n or_o violence_n can_v be_v incident_a thereunto_o from_o without_o for_o if_o the_o assent_n or_o consent_v of_o the_o will_n do_v necessary_o follow_v any_o outward_a impression_n than_o the_o power_n in_o our_o soul_n which_o we_o may_v perceive_v it_o have_v to_o consult_v and_o deliberate_v be_v give_v in_o vain_a also_o the_o equity_n of_o all_o law_n of_o all_o reward_n and_o punishment_n will_v be_v abolish_v see_v there_o can_v be_v neither_o fault_n nor_o merit_n in_o that_o which_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a and_o inevitable_a again_o there_o be_v divers_a evil_a act_n or_o effect_n of_o the_o will_n which_o if_o they_o proceed_v of_o any_o necessity_n from_o the_o heaven_n than_o the_o same_o heaven_n and_o celestial_a body_n must_v needs_o receive_v such_o efficacy_n from_o god_n &_o so_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o god_n who_o be_v most_o perfect_o good_a be_v the_o prime_a cause_n of_o that_o which_o be_v moral_o evil_a and_o see_v that_o in_o his_o law_n he_o prosess_v himself_o to_o abhor_v wickedness_n which_o if_o he_o implant_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o by_o such_o inevitable_a power_n than_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o will_n two_o contrary_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o same_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v and_o not_o be_v do_v also_o a_o man_n shall_v offend_v in_o any_o action_n he_o do_v by_o divine_a instigation_n they_o speak_v more_o probable_o that_o say_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o star_n do_v first_o affect_v the_o air_n than_o our_o body_n with_o such_o quality_n as_o often_o time_n do_v excite_v and_o stir_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n some_o desire_n or_o affection_n answerable_a thereunto_o and_o the_o will_n be_v allure_v or_o entice_v by_o these_o motion_n do_v oftentimes_o yield_v thereunto_o which_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v as_o it_o be_v credible_a for_o truth_n yet_o it_o make_v nothing_o for_o the_o question_n we_o havein_n hand_n for_o see_v that_o christian_a religion_n most_o of_o all_o with_o draw_v man_n from_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v please_v unto_o the_o body_n it_o can_v therefore_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o the_o assection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o consequent_o not_o from_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o star_n which_o as_o but_o now_o we_o say_v have_v no_o power_n over_o the_o mind_n otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o those_o affection_n the_o most_o prudent_a among_o astrologer_n do_v grant_v that_o wiâ—e_n and_o upright_a man_n be_v not_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o star_n and_o such_o very_o be_v they_o that_o first_o profess_v christianity_n as_o their_o life_n do_v show_v or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o efficacy_n in_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n against_o the_o infection_n of_o the_o body_n even_o among_o christian_n there_o be_v ever_o some_o that_o be_v excellent_a in_o this_o particular_a beside_o as_o the_o most_o learned_a do_v confess_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o sâ—arres_n appertain_v to_o certain_a climate_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v only_o for_o a_o season_n but_o this_o religion_n have_v now_o continue_v above_o the_o space_n of_o one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o year_n and_o that_o not_o in_o one_o part_n only_o but_o in_o the_o most_o remote_a place_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o far_o different_a situation_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o star_n sect_n xii_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o christianity_n be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o heathen_a and_o if_o there_o he_o any_o thing_n hâ—t_o scarce_o seem_v crediblos_fw-la herein_o the_o like_a or_o worse_o be_v find_v among_o the_o pagan_n last_o this_o be_v a_o evidence_n which_o make_v much_o against_o the_o pagan_n so_o that_o they_o have_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o object_n against_o christian_a religion_n namely_o because_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o be_v of_o such_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n that_o by_o their_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v convince_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o among_o who_o divers_a do_v teach_v the_o same_o truth_n which_o general_o our_o religion_n admit_v of_o for_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n as_o to_o give_v some_o instance_n true_a religion_n consist_v not_o in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n but_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n he_o be_v a_o adulterer_n that_o have_v but_o only_o a_o desire_n to_o
of_o foreign_a testimony_n which_o indeed_o make_v more_o for_o these_o book_n that_o against_o they_o 15_o answer_v make_v to_o that_o objection_n concern_v the_o adulterate_n or_o falsify_v of_o scripture_n 16_o last_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v verify_v the_o content_n of_o the_o four_o book_n sect_n i._o in_o particular_a such_o religion_n as_o be_v repugnant_a to_o christianity_n be_v confute_v 2_o and_o first_o against_o paâ—…nisme_n here_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n that_o create_v mind_n be_v good_a or_o evil_n the_o good_a be_v not_o to_o be_v worship_v but_o according_a to_o god_n prescript_n 3_o the_o bad_a spirit_n be_v worship_v by_o the_o pagan_n which_o be_v a_o odious_a thing_n 4_o against_o the_o pagan_n worshop_v of_o â—en_n decease_v 5_o against_o the_o worship_v of_o star_n and_o element_n 6_o against_o the_o worship_v of_o bruit_n beast_n 7_o last_o against_o the_o worship_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v no_o substance_n 8_o answer_n to_o the_o pagan_n objection_n take_v from_o some_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v among_o they_o 9_o and_o from_o their_o oracle_n 10_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o pagan_n be_v thereby_o confute_v for_o that_o the_o same_o of_o it_o own_o accord_n fade_v away_o as_o soon_o as_o humane_a help_n fail_v 11_o answer_n to_o they_o that_o ascribe_v the_o beginning_n and_o downfall_n of_o any_o religion_n to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o star_n 12_o last_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o pagan_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n seem_v incredible_a therein_o the_o like_a may_v be_v find_v among_o the_o pagan_n the_o content_n of_o the_o five_o book_n sect_n i._o ivdaisme_n be_v confute_v 2_o the_o jew_n ought_v to_o account_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n for_o sufficient_a 3_o answer_n to_o that_o which_o they_o say_v these_o miracle_n be_v do_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o devil_n 4_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o word_n or_o syllable_n 5_o that_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o jesus_n be_v divine_a and_o that_o he_o teach_v the_o worship_n of_o one_o god_n who_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n 6_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n take_v from_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o jesus_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o perfect_a law_n give_v than_o that_o of_o moses_n 7_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v observe_v by_o jesus_n while_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n and_o no_o other_o precept_n be_v afterward_o abolish_v but_o sueâ—…_n be_v not_o essen_v tally_n good_a 8_o such_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n which_o of_o themselves_o be_v neuâ—_n wel-pleasing_a unto_o god_n 9_o also_o the_o difference_n of_o meâ—…_n 10_o and_o of_o day_n 11_o and_o outward_a circumcision_n 12_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n be_v gentle_a in_o the_o permission_n of_o toleration_n thereof_o 13_o a_o argument_n against_o the_o jew_n for_o that_o they_o grant_v tâ—…erâ—_n be_v a_o worthy_a messiah_n promise_v 14_o the_o same_o messiah_n come_v at_o the_o time_n appoint_v 15_o answer_n to_o that_o which_o they_o object_v concern_v the_o defer_v of_o his_o come_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n 16_o also_o from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n compare_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o law_n promise_v 17_o jesus_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n by_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v foretell_v concern_v the_o messiah_n 18_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v say_v of_o some_o thing_n not_o yet_o fulfil_v 19_o also_o to_o that_o which_o be_v object_v touch_v the_o mâ—…e_a state_n and_o miserable_a death_n of_o jesus_n 20_o as_o though_o they_o have_v be_v honest_a man_n that_o put_v he_o to_o death_n 21_o answer_n to_o that_o objection_n of_o many_o god_n which_o they_o say_v be_v worship_v by_o the_o christian_n 22_o also_o that_o the_o humane_a nature_n be_v worship_v 23_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o part_n with_o prayer_n and_o supplication_z to_o god_n for_o the_o jew_n the_o content_n of_o the_o six_o and_o last_o book_n sect_n i._o mahumetanisme_n confute_v the_o original_n thereof_o 〈◊〉_d set_v down_o 2_o the_o ground_n of_o mahumetismâ—_n overthrow_v chief_o for_o that_o the_o make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o man_n theâ—…_n inquire_v into_o their_o religion_n 3_o proof_n against_o the_o mahuâ—…â—ans_n out_o of_o the_o sacred_a wâ—…_n of_o hebrew_n and_o christian_n 4_o mahumet_n compare_v wâ—…_n christ_n in_o their_o person_n 5_o in_o their_o acts._n 6_o the_o first_o professor_n of_o both_o religion_n 7_o the_o manner_n how_o both_o law_n be_v propagate_v and_o publish_v 8_o last_o the_o precept_n of_o both_o compare_v 9_o answer_n to_o that_o which_o mahumetan_n object_n concern_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 10_o sundry_a absurdity_n be_v repeat_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o mahometan_n 11_o a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n direct_v to_o christian_n who_o be_v admonish_v of_o their_o duty_n by_o occasion_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v before_o in_o the_o several_a book_n a_o christian_a prayer_n for_o the_o adversary_n of_o true_a religion_n merciful_a god_n who_o have_v make_v all_o man_n and_o hate_v nothing_o that_o thou_o have_v make_v nor_o will_v the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o live_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o lewes_z turk_n infidel_n and_o heretic_n and_o take_v from_o they_o all_o ignorance_n hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o contempt_n of_o thy_o word_n and_o so_o fetch_v they_o home_o bless_a lord_n to_o thy_o flock_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v among_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o true_a israelite_n and_o be_v make_v one_o fâ—ld_v â—nderone_v sleepheard_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n who_o live_v and_o reign_v with_o thou_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n now_o and_o ever_o amen_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n the_o preface_n show_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o work_n i_o have_v eftsoon_o work_n be_v demand_v by_o a_o man_n that_o have_v deserve_v excellent_a well_o of_o his_o country_n and_o of_o learning_n and_o of_o i_o also_o what_o the_o argument_n of_o those_o book_n be_v which_o be_v write_v by_o i_o in_o my_o country_n language_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o christian_a religion_n neither_o do_v i_o wonder_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o question_n for_o he_o that_o with_o so_o good_a judgement_n do_v apply_v himself_o to_o the_o read_n of_o all_o thing_n worthy_a to_o be_v read_v be_v not_o ignorant_a with_o what_o skill_n that_o matter_n have_v be_v handle_v by_o raymond_n sebund_a after_o a_o subtle_a philosophical_a manner_n by_o judovicus_n vives_n in_o divers_a dialogue_n but_o especial_o with_o most_o learning_n and_o eloquence_n by_o their_o famous_a mornay_n wherefore_o the_o translate_n of_o they_o into_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n be_v more_o for_o use_n than_o for_o make_v any_o new_a work_n whereof_o what_o other_o man_n will_v judge_v i_o know_v not_o but_o this_o i_o be_o persuade_v will_v satisfy_v he_o if_o i_o tell_v he_o how_o that_o read_n not_o only_o those_o author_n above_o mention_v but_o also_o the_o write_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o their_o old_a jewish_a and_o also_o of_o christian_n for_o our_o christian_a religion_n i_o think_v good_a withal_o to_o use_v my_o own_o judgement_n such_o as_o it_o be_v and_o give_v some_o freedom_n to_o my_o mind_n which_o my_o body_n want_v when_o i_o write_v that_o work_n for_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o most_o sit_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n only_o with_o truth_n and_o that_o also_o with_o such_o truth_n as_o whereof_o i_o be_v persuade_v full_o in_o my_o own_o mind_n for_o i_o know_v it_o be_v but_o a_o vanity_n in_o i_o to_o go_v about_o to_o teach_v other_o to_o credit_v those_o thing_n that_o i_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v of_o myself_o therefore_o omit_v such_o argument_n as_o in_o my_o judgement_n be_v of_o less_o importance_n as_o also_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n which_o either_o i_o certain_o know_v or_o just_o suspect_v to_o be_v forge_v and_o counterfeit_a i_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o such_o reason_n both_o out_o of_o ancient_a &_o late_a write_n as_o may_v be_v best_a approve_v of_o and_o as_o for_o those_o which_o please_v i_o best_o the_o same_o i_o do_v both_o methodical_o dispose_v and_o also_o expound_v as_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v distinguish_v they_o by_o certain_a verse_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o commit_v to_o memory_n for_o my_o purpose_n be_v to_o benefit_v all_o my_o countryman_n but_o special_o sea-faring-man_n that_o they_o may_v not_o as_o too_o many_o do_v lose_v and_o misspend_v their_o time_n wherefore_o beginning_n with_o the_o commendation_n of_o our_o country_n
can_v be_v nothing_o save_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o truth_n together_o with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n sect_n xxiiii_o answer_v to_o they_o that_o require_v more_o forcible_a reason_n final_o if_o any_o yet_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o these_o argument_n abovesaid_a but_o desire_v more_o forcible_a reason_n for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n let_v such_o know_v that_o as_o there_o be_v variety_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v true_a so_o be_v there_o divers_a way_n of_o prove_v or_o manifest_v the_o truth_n thus_o be_v there_o one_o way_n in_o mathematics_n another_o in_o physics_n a_o three_o in_o ethic_n and_o last_o another_o kind_n when_o a_o mater_fw-la of_o fact_n be_v in_o â—_z wherein_n very_o we_o must_v rest_v content_a with_o such_o testimony_n as_o be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o untruth_n otherwise_o down_o go_v all_o the_o frame_n and_o use_v of_o history_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o art_n of_o physic_n together_o with_o all_o dutifulnesse_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o parent_n and_o child_n for_o matter_n of_o practicâ—_n can_v no_o way_n else_o be_v know_v but_o by_o such_o testimony_n now_o it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o almighty_a god_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v so_o that_o the_o very_a belief_n thereof_o may_v be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o obedience_n shall_v not_o so_o evident_o appear_v as_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v apprehend_v by_o sense_n and_o plain_a demonstration_n but_o only_o be_v so_o far_o forth_o reveal_v as_o may_v beget_v faith_n and_o a_o persuasion_n thereof_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o obstinate_a that_o so_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v as_o a_o touchstine_a for_o trial_n of_o man_n judgement_n whether_o they_o be_v sound_a or_o unsound_a for_o see_v these_o argument_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v have_v induce_v so_o many_o honest_a godly_a and_o wise_a man_n to_o approve_v of_o this_o religion_n it_o be_v thereby_o plain_a enough_o that_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n infidelity_n be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a testimony_n but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o have_v that_o to_o be_v have_v and_o embrace_v for_o truth_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o wilful_a desire_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o they_o to_o relinquish_v their_o honour_n and_o set_v at_o naught_o other_o commodity_n which_o thing_n they_o know_v they_o ought_v to_o do_v if_o they_o admit_v of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o obey_v what_o he_o have_v command_v and_o this_o be_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v note_v of_o they_o for_o that_o many_o other_o historical_a narration_n be_v approve_v by_o they_o to_o be_v true_a which_o notwithstanding_o be_v only_o manifest_a by_o authority_n and_o not_o by_o any_o such_o strong_a proof_n and_o persuasion_n or_o token_n as_o do_v declare_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v evident_a partly_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o those_o jowe_n that_o be_v yet_o alive_a and_o partly_o in_o those_o company_n and_o congregation_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v any_o where_o to_o be_v find_v whereof_o doubtless_o there_o be_v some_o cause_n last_o see_v the_o long_a duration_n or_o continuance_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o large_a oxtent_n thereof_o can_v be_v ascribe_v to_o no_o humane_a power_n therefore_o the_o same_o must_v be_v attribute_v to_o miracle_n or_o if_o any_o deny_v that_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v through_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n this_o very_a get_v so_o great_a strength_n and_o power_n without_o a_o miracle_n may_v be_v think_v to_o surpass_v any_o miracle_n the_o three_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n after_o that_o a_o man_n be_v once_o persuade_v by_o the_o reason_n abovesaid_a or_o be_v induce_v by_o any_o other_o argument_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o same_o religion_n which_o christian_n profess_v be_v the_o true_a and_o absolute_o the_o best_a if_o he_o desire_v more_o distinct_o to_o know_v the_o part_n thereof_o then_o must_v he_o have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o most_o ancient_a write_n that_o contain_v the_o same_o religion_n and_o which_o common_o we_o call_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o new_a covenant_n this_o truth_n no_o man_n can_v just_o deny_v for_o as_o every_o sect_n be_v they_o good_a or_o bad_a shall_v be_v believe_v when_o they_o tell_v we_o true_o in_o what_o book_n or_o write_v their_o opinion_n be_v comprise_v thus_o we_o credit_v the_o turk_n who_o affirm_v that_o the_o religion_n of_o mahumet_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o alcoran_n so_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o say_a book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n since_o the_o same_o be_v general_o agree_v upon_o and_o constant_o have_v red_a by_o all_o christian_n forasmuch_o then_o as_o we_o have_v before_o prove_v that_o this_o religion_n be_v most_o true_a if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n yet_o this_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v and_o avouch_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n aforesaid_a wherein_o the_o same_o religion_n be_v contain_v which_o truth_n to_o demonstrate_v more_o particular_o let_v we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n take_v for_o grant_v by_o all_o indifferent_a man_n that_o he_o who_o go_v about_o to_o disprove_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o book_n or_o writing_n which_o have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n receive_v and_o allow_v of_o must_v use_v such_o argument_n as_o do_v derogate_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o book_n otherwise_o the_o authority_n thereof_o be_v no_o whit_n diminish_v but_o may_v still_o be_v defend_v and_o maintain_v sect_n ii_o here_o be_v show_v that_o such_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o have_v prefix_v we_o say_v then_o that_o those_o book_n which_o be_v not_o in_o question_n among_o christian_n but_o have_v certain_a title_n be_v the_o very_a work_n of_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v to_o wit_n because_o those_o primitive_a father_n justin_n iraeneus_n clemens_n and_o other_o do_v commend_v those_o book_n under_o the_o same_o author_n name_n as_o also_o be_v cause_n tertullian_n witness_v that_o there_o be_v original_a copy_n of_o those_o book_n extant_a in_o his_o time_n and_o beside_o all_o the_o church_n receive_v those_o book_n for_o authentical_a before_o there_o be_v any_o common_a public_a meeting_n neither_o do_v ever_o the_o pagan_n or_o jew_n make_v doubt_v thereof_o but_o judian_n himself_o plain_o confess_v that_o those_o be_v the_o write_n of_o peter_n and_o paul_n matthew_n mark_v and_o luke_n which_o christian_n under_o those_o name_n have_v read_v and_o receive_v for_o as_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o those_o write_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o homer_n and_o virgil_n be_v true_o they_o because_o the_o one_o have_v be_v so_o long_a time_n receive_v among_o the_o latin_n and_o the_o other_o among_o the_o greek_a author_n in_o like_a manner_n it_o be_v more_o absurd_a to_o bring_v the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n in_o question_n which_o be_v grant_v almost_o by_o all_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n sect_n iii_o some_o book_n be_v ancient_o doubt_v of_o in_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n there_o be_v some_o book_n now_o receive_v which_o be_v not_o so_o receive_v from_o the_o beginning_n as_o namely_o the_o one_o epistle_n of_o peter_n that_o of_o james_n and_o jude_n two_o of_o john_n the_o presbyter_n the_o revelation_n and_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o though_o not_o in_o all_o yet_o be_v still_o allow_v by_o most_o church_n as_o be_v very_o probable_a in_o that_o the_o ancient_a christian_n do_v allege_v divers_a testimony_n out_o of_o they_o as_o be_v sacred_a and_o holy_a and_o it_o be_v likely_a too_o that_o such_o church_n as_o from_o the_o beginning_n have_v not_o those_o book_n either_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o or_o doubtful_a yet_o afterward_o when_o they_o be_v better_o inform_v touch_v the_o same_o they_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o canen_n as_o we_o now_o see_v according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o other_o church_n neither_o can_v any_o good_a reason_n be_v give_v why_o we_o shall_v think_v they_o to_o be_v supposititious_a and_o counterfeit_a write_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o comprise_v in_o they_o neither_o can_v aught_o thence_o be_v collect_v which_o be_v not_o abundant_o express_v in_o other_o book_n unquestioned_a sect_n four_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o book_n as_o have_v no_o title_n be_v prove_v from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o writer_n and_o here_o let_v no_o man_n mistrust_v the_o verity_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n because_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o be_v
unknown_a nor_o doubt_v of_o the_o two_o epistle_n of_o john_n and_o the_o revelation_n because_o some_o man_n do_v question_n whether_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v john_n the_o apostle_n or_o some_o other_o of_o that_o name_n for_o the_o name_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o the_o quality_n or_o condition_n of_o the_o writer_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o receive_v many_o book_n of_o history_n who_o author_n be_v to_o we_o unknown_a as_o that_o concern_v the_o alexandrian_a war_n by_o cesar_n because_o we_o may_v perceive_v that_o he_o whosoever_o write_v the_o same_o live_v in_o those_o time_n ad_fw-la be_v present_a when_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o like_a manner_n it_o ought_v to_o suffice_v we_o that_o whosoever_o write_v the_o book_n we_o speak_v of_o both_o live_v in_o the_o primitive_a age_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o apostolical_a gift_n for_o he_o speak_v very_o improbable_o that_o say_v these_o quality_n be_v but_o counterfeit_n and_o that_o other_o write_n may_v bear_v the_o name_n of_o these_o author_n who_o every_o where_o press_a truth_n and_o pretty_a can_v be_v think_v to_o play_v the_o â—…ning_a sophister_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o falsehood_n a_o thing_n not_o only_o odious_a among_o all_o good_a man_n but_o by_o the_o roman_a law_n be_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n sect_n v._o these_o penman_n write_v the_o truth_n because_o they_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o what_o they_o write_v thus_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v write_v by_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v or_o by_o such_o as_o bear_v witness_n of_o themselves_o if_o we_o add_v further_o that_o they_o know_v well_o the_o matter_n where_o of_o they_o write_v to_o be_v true_a and_o have_v no_o purpose_n to_o lie_v or_o dissemble_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o commit_v to_o writing_n be_v both_o certain_a and_o true_a because_o every_o untruth_n proceed_v either_o from_o ignorance_n or_o from_o a_o wicked_a desire_n to_o deceive_v as_o touch_v matthew_n john_n peter_n and_o johu_n they_o be_v all_o of_o the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n of_o those_o twelve_o who_o jesus_n do_v choose_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v relate_v the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o james_n who_o be_v either_o a_o apostle_n or_o as_o some_o think_v the_o next_o a_o kin_n to_o jesus_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n consecrate_v bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n paul_n also_o can_v not_o err_v through_o lack_n of_o knowledge_n either_o about_o those_o point_n which_o he_o profess_v be_v reveal_v to_o he_o by_o jesus_n himself_o triumph_v in_o heaven_n orabout_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v by_o he_o have_v luke_n a_o follow_v companion_n with_o he_o in_o his_o journey_n this_o luke_n may_v easy_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o write_v concern_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n for_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v in_o the_o place_n next_o adjoin_v to_o palestina_n through_o which_o country_n when_o he_o travel_v he_o say_v he_o speak_v with_o such_o person_n as_o be_v eyewitness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v for_o doubtless_o beside_o the_o apostle_n with_o who_o he_o have_v familiarity_n there_o live_v many_o other_o at_o that_o time_n who_o have_v be_v cure_v by_o jesus_n who_o they_o see_v both_o before_o his_o death_n and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n if_o we_o will_v give_v credit_n to_o tacitus_n and_o suetoniâ—…_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o happen_v a_o long_a time_n before_o they_o be_v bear_v because_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o diligent_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n thereof_o how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o believe_v this_o writer_n who_o say_v that_o he_o reeive_v all_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o relate_v from_o they_o that_o have_v see_v the_o same_o it_o be_v credible_o report_v of_o mark_n that_o he_o be_v a_o daily_a companion_n with_o peter_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o he_o write_v may_v be_v think_v as_o suggest_v or_o witness_v by_o peter_n who_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o beside_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o he_o write_v be_v almost_o all_o extant_a in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n neither_o can_v the_o author_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v deceive_v or_o delude_v in_o those_o vision_n which_o he_o say_v be_v reveal_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n no_o more_o can_v he_o that_o write_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n err_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o profess_v either_o to_o be_v inspire_v into_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o else_o teach_v he_o by_o the_o apostle_n sect_n vi_o as_o also_o because_o they_o will_v not_o lie_v the_o other_o reason_n we_o speak_v of_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o say_v holy_a writer_n be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o will_n or_o desire_v to_o tell_v a_o untruth_n and_o this_o have_v be_v touch_v before_o in_o general_a when_o we_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n those_o that_o will_v accuse_v any_o witness_n for_o the_o pravity_n of_o their_o will_n must_v produce_v such_o proof_n and_o evidence_n as_o may_v probable_o make_v it_o appear_v why_o the_o will_n shall_v be_v divert_v from_o utter_v the_o truth_n but_o this_o can_v be_v aver_v of_o the_o say_a author_n for_o if_o any_o do_v object_n and_o say_v that_o they_o speak_v for_o their_o own_o advantage_n upon_o enquiry_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o they_o seek_v after_o no_o such_o by-end_n have_v neither_o hope_n of_o get_v commodity_n or_o of_o eschew_v any_o danger_n but_o rather_o by_o their_o profession_n they_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o lose_v all_o their_o commodity_n and_o be_v liable_a unto_o all_o sort_n of_o peril_n if_o they_o aim_v at_o any_o advantage_n it_o be_v only_o to_o gain_v honour_n unto_o god_n which_o doubtless_o can_v be_v compatible_a with_o lie_v and_o dissemble_v special_o in_o such_o a_o business_n as_o whereon_o depend_v the_o everlasting_a salvation_n of_o mankind_n far_o be_v it_o then_o from_o any_o man_n to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o great_a impiety_n their_o doctrine_n be_v full_o of_o all_o sanctity_n and_o their_o lift_n exemplary_a for_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n free_a from_o the_o accusation_n of_o their_o great_a adversary_n who_o only_o condemn_v they_o for_o lack_v of_o knowledge_n a_o fault_n unlikely_a to_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o falsehood_n no_o if_o they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o never_o so_o little_a fraud_n or_o deceit_n in_o that_o kind_n sure_o they_o will_v not_o have_v record_v to_o posterity_n their_o own_o trespass_n as_o namely_o their_o forsake_v of_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o poters_n denial_n of_o he_o three_o time_n sect_n vii_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o sidelity_n of_o these_o author_n from_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v on_o the_o other_o side_n god_n himself_o give_v testimony_n of_o their_o fidelity_n by_o work_a wonder_n which_o both_o they_o and_o their_o disciple_n with_o great_a boldness_n public_o avouch_v add_v also_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o their_o assertion_n may_v easy_o have_v be_v discover_v by_o the_o inquisition_n of_o the_o magistrate_n more_o particular_o among_o the_o wonder_n that_o they_o wrought_v we_o may_v note_v as_o most_o sensible_a and_o certain_a the_o use_n of_o tongue_n among_o so_o many_o thousand_o which_o never_o learn_v they_o and_o their_o cure_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n upon_o a_o sudden_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o people_n neither_o be_v they_o any_o whit_n dismay_v with_o fear_n either_o of_o the_o jewish_a magistrate_n of_o those_o time_n who_o they_o know_v to_o be_v most_o malicious_o set_v against_o they_o or_o of_o the_o roman_n who_o deal_v very_o unjust_o with_o they_o omit_v no_o fit_a occasion_n that_o may_v be_v matter_n for_o traduce_v or_o accuse_v they_o as_o inventor_n of_o a_o new_a religion_n nay_o the_o very_a jew_n or_o pagan_n in_o the_o time_n immediate_o follow_v dare_v never_o deny_v that_o wonder_n be_v wrought_v by_o those_o man_n for_o so_o much_o be_v confess_v of_o peter_n miracle_n by_o phlegon_n in_o his_o annal_n who_o live_v under_o adrian_n the_o emperor_n moreover_o the_o christian_n themselves_o in_o those_o book_n that_o contain_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o they_o exhibit_v to_o the_o emperor_n to_o the_o senate_n and_o to_o the_o governor_n do_v relate_v these_o thing_n as_o most_o manifest_a and_o unquestionable_a truth_n yea_o they_o open_o report_v that_o
of_o the_o jew_n have_v invent_v concern_v the_o miracle_n do_v by_o christ_n namely_o in_o that_o they_o ascribe_v the_o same_o unto_o a_o mystical_a unknown_a name_n which_o as_o they_o say_v be_v place_v in_o the_o temple_n by_o solomon_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v safe_a by_o two_o lion_n during_o the_o space_n of_o one_o thousand_o year_n and_o more_o afterward_o be_v steal_v away_o by_o jesus_n for_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o those_o lion_n either_o in_o the_o book_n of_o king_n and_o chronicle_n or_o by_o josephus_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o such_o thing_n find_v by_o the_o roman_n who_o accompany_v pompey_n enter_v into_o that_o temple_n before_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n sect_n v._o 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 it_o be_v then_o grant_v as_o the_o jew_n can_v deny_v that_o wonder_n be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n by_o the_o very_a law_n of_o moses_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o must_v be_v believe_v fâ—r_v god_n say_v deuteron_n 18._o that_o 〈…〉_z prophet_n after_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n â—hould_v be_v raise_v up_o of_o god_n to_o who_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v obedient_a or_o otherwise_o become_v liable_a to_o grievous_a punishment_n now_o miracle_n be_v the_o most_o infallible_a mark_n of_o the_o prophet_n than_o the_o which_o more_o certain_a note_n can_v be_v imagine_v but_o in_o deuteron_n 13._o it_o be_v say_v that_o if_o any_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o do_v work_v wonder_n yet_o the_o same_o must_v not_o be_v believe_v if_o he_o go_v about_o to_o entice_v the_o people_n to_o a_o new_a worship_n of_o the_o go_n for_o though_o such_o miracle_n be_v do_v by_o he_o yet_o this_o be_v only_o by_o god_n permission_n for_o trial_n whether_o the_o people_n will_v persist_v constant_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n from_o which_o place_n compare_v together_o the_o hebrew_n interpreter_n do_v right_o collect_v that_o every_o one_o must_v be_v believe_v that_o work_v miracle_n unless_o thereby_o he_o entice_v man_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o in_o that_o case_n only_a miracle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v credit_v though_o in_o show_v most_o glorious_a now_o jesus_n do_v not_o only_o prohibit_v the_o worship_v of_o false_a god_n but_o also_o express_o condemn_v it_o as_o a_o most_o grievous_a crime_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o reverence_v the_o write_n both_o of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n that_o succeed_v he_o wherefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v be_v object_v against_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n sect_n vi_o answer_v 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 as_o touch_v that_o which_o some_o allege_v concern_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n it_o seem_v but_o of_o small_a moment_n for_o the_o hebrew_n doctor_n themselves_o make_v this_o rule_n namely_o that_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o prophet_n who_o work_v miracle_n any_o precept_n whatsoever_o may_v be_v violate_v and_o transgress_v except_o that_o only_o which_o concern_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o sure_o that_o power_n of_o make_v law_n which_o belong_v unto_o god_n when_o he_o give_v the_o commandment_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n go_v not_o from_o he_o neither_o can_v any_o man_n that_o of_o his_o own_o power_n make_v law_n be_v thereby_o hundred_o from_o make_v the_o contrary_a that_o which_o they_o object_n of_o god_n immutability_n be_v nothing_o for_o we_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o god_n nature_n and_o essence_n but_o of_o his_o work_n light_n be_v change_v into_o darkness_n youth_n into_o old_a age_n summer_n into_o winter_n and_o all_o by_o the_o work_n of_o god_n this_o god_n at_o the_o beginning_n give_v adam_n leave_v in_o paradise_n to_o eat_v of_o other_o apple_n but_o he_o forbid_v he_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o one_o tree_n why_o even_o because_o it_o so_o please_v he_o general_o he_o prohibit_v man_n to_o commit_v murder_n yet_o he_o command_v abraham_n to_o kill_v his_o son_n one_o while_o he_o forbid_v to_o offer_v sacrifice_n apart_o from_o the_o tabernacle_n another_o while_n he_o admit_v of_o they_o neither_o will_v it_o follow_v because_o the_o law_n which_o be_v give_v by_o moses_n be_v good_a therefore_o no_o better_o can_v be_v give_v parent_n be_v wont_n to_o babble_n and_o prattle_v with_o infant_n to_o wink_v at_o the_o vice_n of_o their_o childhood_n and_o entice_v they_o to_o learn_v with_o a_o apple_n or_o a_o butter-lep_a but_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o come_v to_o ripe_a age_n their_o speech_n be_v amend_v the_o precept_n of_o virtue_n be_v teach_v they_o by_o degree_n and_o they_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o goodness_n and_o benefit_n of_o honesty_n now_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o precept_n of_o that_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v not_o exact_o perfect_a because_o many_o holy_a man_n of_o those_o time_n lod_fw-mi a_o more_o holy_a life_n than_o those_o commandment_n require_v thus_o moses_n who_o suffer_v the_o revenge_n of_o a_o wrong_a to_o be_v exact_v partly_o by_o blow_n and_o partly_o by_o sentence_n himself_o be_v vex_v with_o most_o bitter_a injury_n become_v a_o intercessor_n for_o his_o enemy_n so_o david_n willing_a to_o have_v his_o rebellious_a son_n to_o be_v spare_v do_v patient_o endure_v reproachful_a speech_n cast_v upon_o himself_o we_o find_v not_o that_o any_o good_a man_n leave_v their_o wife_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v permit_v by_o the_o law_n the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o chief_o be_v because_o those_o law_n be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o people_n therefore_o in_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n they_o be_v in_o it_o be_v meet_v something_o shall_v be_v keep_v have_v and_o reserve_v which_o afterward_o may_v be_v perfect_v when_o god_n by_o a_o great_a efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o choose_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n yea_o all_o the_o reward_n which_o be_v express_o promise_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n belong_v only_o to_o this_o mortal_a life_n wherefore_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o there_o may_v some_o better_a law_n be_v give_v whereby_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n shall_v be_v promise_v not_o under_o any_o shadow_n but_o in_o plain_a and_o express_v term_n which_o we_o see_v be_v do_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n sect_n vii_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v observe_v by_o jesus_n who_o abolish_v â—o_o commandment_n that_o be_v essential_o good_a and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o jew_n it_o must_v be_v note_v that_o those_o jew_n who_o live_v in_o christ_n time_n use_v he_o most_o base_o and_o punish_v he_o most_o severe_o when_o as_o yet_o there_o can_v no_o just_a accusation_n be_v lay_v against_o he_o for_o transgress_v the_o law_n he_o be_v circumcise_v he_o use_v the_o same_o food_n and_o apparel_n that_o the_o jew_n use_v those_o that_o be_v heal_v of_o leper_n he_o send_v unto_o the_o priest_n the_o passeover_n and_o other_o festival_n day_n he_o religious_o observe_v though_o he_o do_v cure_v some_o upon_o the_o sabbath_n day_n yet_o he_o show_v both_o by_o the_o law_n and_o by_o the_o common_a receive_v opinion_n that_o such_o work_n be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v upon_o the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o then_o chief_o begin_v he_o to_o publish_v the_o abrogation_n of_o some_o law_n when_o after_o his_o triumphover_n death_n he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n adorn_v his_o disciple_n upon_o earth_n with_o gracious_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o he_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o have_v obtain_v a_o regal_a power_n which_o include_v the_o authority_n of_o make_v a_o law_n and_o that_o according_a to_o daniel_n prophecy_n ch_n 3._o &_o 7._o compare_v with_o chap._n 8._o &_o 11._o where_o he_o foretell_v how_o that_o a_o little_a after_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o syria_n and_o egypt_n the_o latter_a whereof_o happen_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o augustus_n god_n will_v give_v the_o kingdom_n to_o a_o man_n which_o shall_v seem_v but_o simple_a and_o necessitous_a to_o a_o people_n choose_v out_o of_o all_o nation_n and_o language_n which_o kingdom_n shall_v never_o have_v a_o end_n now_o that_o part_n of_o the_o law_n the_o necessity_n whereof_o be_v take_v away_o by_o christ_n contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v honest_a in_o â—â—s_o own_o nature_n but_o consist_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v indifferent_a in_o themselves_o and_o consequent_o not_o immutable_a
during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o many_o travel_n which_o these_o last_o perform_v we_o read_v 〈◊〉_d any_o where_o that_o they_o cease_v or_o intermit_v their_o journey_n for_o the_o sabbath_n which_o after_o they_o 〈…〉_z out_o of_o egypt_n thou_o shall_v always_o find_v for_o after_o that_o the_o people_n be_v bring_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o have_v happy_o pass_v over_o the_o red_a sea_n the_o first_o day_n be_v celebrate_v a_o sabbath_n of_o rest_n and_o safety_n wherein_o they_o sing_v a_o song_n of_o triumph_n and_o rejoice_v from_o which_o time_n that_o exact_a rest_n upon_o the_o sabbath_n be_v command_v which_o be_v first_o mention_v upon_o occasion_n of_o gather_v the_o manna_n exod._n 16._o 23._o exod._n 35._o 2._o levit._fw-la 23._o 3._o and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o deliverance_n from_o egypt_n be_v render_v to_o be_v a_o reason_n for_o the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n deut._n 5._o 15._o by_o which_o law_n it_o be_v provide_v also_o for_o servant_n against_o the_o severity_n of_o those_o master_n that_o will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o coase_v from_o daily_a labour_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o place_n aforesaid_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o stranger_n be_v bind_v to_o observe_v this_o law_n because_o it_o be_v meet_v there_o shall_v be_v one_o form_n of_o rest_n among_o all_o the_o people_n but_o this_o law_n of_o so_o exact_a rest_v upon_o the_o sabbath_n be_v not_o give_v to_o other_o people_n as_o may_v appear_v for_o that_o in_o many_o place_n it_o be_v call_v a_o sâ—gâ—e_n and_o a_o special_a covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o israelite_n as_o in_o exod._n 31._o 13._o &_o 16._o now_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o far_o great_a benefit_n that_o the_o ordinance_n which_o be_v institute_v for_o a_o memorial_n of_o the_o come_n out_o from_o egypt_n be_v not_o such_o as_o ought_v never_o to_o cease_v add_v moreover_o if_o the_o law_n concern_v the_o rest_n upon_o the_o sabbath_n have_v be_v give_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n that_o it_o never_o may_v be_v abolish_v then_o sure_o the_o same_o have_v oversway_v in_o cope_a with_o other_o law_n which_o now_o make_v against_o it_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o infant_n may_v be_v right_o circumcise_v upon_o the_o sabbath_n like_v as_o during_o the_o time_n that_o the_o temple_n stand_v there_o be_v beast_n kill_v for_o sacrifice_n aswell_o upon_o the_o sabbath_n as_o upon_o other_o day_n yea_o the_o hebrew_a master_n themselves_o show_v the_o mutability_n of_o this_o law_n when_o they_o say_v that_o by_o the_o prophet_n appointment_n and_o command_v a_o work_n may_v be_v right_o do_v upon_o the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o this_o they_o prove_v by_o the_o take_n of_o jerico_fw-la upon_o the_o sabbath_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o joshuah_n and_o some_o of_o they_o not_o unfit_o show_v that_o the_o distinction_n of_o day_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n namely_o from_o that_o place_n in_o isaiah_n chap._n 66._o 〈…〉_z it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d it_o shall_v câ—me_v to_o pass_v that_o from_o one_o new_a moon_n to_o another_o from_o one_o sabbath_n to_o another_o all_o flesh_n shall_v come_v to_o worship_n before_o the_o lord_n sect_n xi_o also_o of_o outward_a circumcision_n in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o come_v to_o circumcision_n which_o certain_o be_v elder_a than_o moses_n for_o it_o be_v give_v in_o command_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n howbeit_o the_o commandment_n thereof_o be_v the_o introduction_n oâ—_n beginning_n of_o the_o covenant_n publish_v by_o moses_n for_o thus_o we_o read_v that_o god_n speak_v unto_o abraham_n gen._n 17._o saying_n i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o the_o land_n wherein_o thou_o be_v a_o stranger_n all_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o a_o everlasting_a possession_n and_o i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o god_n say_v unto_o abraham_n thou_o shall_v keep_v my_o covenant_n therefore_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o every_o manchild_n among_o you_o shall_v be_v circumciseâ—_n but_o now_o we_o know_v by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v that_o in_o the_o place_n of_o this_o covenant_n a_o new_a covenant_n be_v to_o succeed_v which_o shall_v be_v common_a to_o all_o people_n wherefore_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o which_o be_v the_o note_n of_o distinction_n aught_o to_o cease_v beside_o in_o the_o precept_n of_o circumcision_n there_o be_v a_o mystical_a and_o more_o excellent_a signification_n contain_v which_o the_o prophet_n do_v plain_o show_v in_o that_o they_o command_v the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o jesus_n aim_v at_o wherefore_o the_o promise_n annex_v to_o the_o circumcision_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n to_o be_v refer_v to_o some_o great_a thing_n as_o namely_o that_o of_o earthly_a possession_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o eteruity_n in_o the_o heaven_n which_o be_v never_o make_v more_o manifest_a than_o by_o jesus_n so_o that_o promise_n of_o make_v abraham_n a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n have_v reference_n to_o that_o time_n when_o not_o a_o few_o only_o but_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o people_n disperse_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v imitate_v abraham_n faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n which_o be_v so_o often_o mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o this_o can_v only_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o â—â—e_z gospel_n now_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o the_o shadow_n of_o a_o intend_a matter_n be_v take_v away_o when_o the_o matter_n itself_o be_v accomplish_v last_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o this_o sign_n we_o may_v easy_o discern_v because_o not_o only_o the_o ancient_n but_o abraham_n himself_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o receive_v circumcision_n please_v god_n the_o hebrew_n also_o dine_a all_o the_o time_n of_o their_o journey_n through_o the_o desert_n of_o arabia_n omit_v circumcision_n and_o yet_o god_n find_v no_o fault_n with_o they_o for_o it_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 no_o doubt_n but_o the_o hebrew_n have_v cause_n to_o yield_v many_o thanks_n to_o jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n or_o ambassador_n for_o that_o by_o christ_n they_o may_v be_v free_v from_o that_o heavy_a yoke_n of_o ceremony_n and_o shall_v be_v assure_v of_o this_o their_o freedom_n both_o by_o gift_n and_o miracle_n such_o as_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o those_o that_o be_v wrought_v by_o moses_n aforesaid_a neither_o do_v the_o first_o publisher_n of_o our_o christian_a doctrine_n exact_v so_o much_o of_o they_o as_o to_o acknowledge_v this_o their_o happiness_n but_o if_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v full_a of_o all_o honesty_n they_o free_o and_o willing_o suffer_v they_o to_o follow_v what_o course_n of_o life_n they_o please_v in_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n thus_o neither_o be_v the_o stranger_n to_o who_o this_o law_n of_o rite_n be_v never_o give_v bind_v of_o necessity_n to_o observe_v the_o same_o which_o one_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o jew_n do_v unjust_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n under_o that_o pretence_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n have_v then_o answer_v this_o objection_n which_o chief_o be_v allege_v against_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n we_o will_v now_o come_v to_o other_o argument_n which_o may_v fit_o serve_v for_o the_o consutation_n of_o the_o jew_n sect_n xiii_o a_o proof_n against_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o promise_a messiah_n it_o be_v agree_v upon_o between_o we_o and_o the_o jew_n about_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o among_o the_o many_o author_n and_o donor_n of_o great_a good_a thing_n to_o the_o hebrew_n there_o be_v one_o man_n promise_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o rest_n who_o by_o a_o common_a name_n they_o call_v a_o messiah_n which_o 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