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
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
true_a religion_n explain_v and_o defend_v against_o the_o archenemy_n thereof_o in_o these_o time_n in_o six_o book_n publish_a by_o authority_n for_o the_o common_a good_a buy_v the_o truth_n p_o 〈…〉_z london_n print_v for_o ri._n royston_n in_o ivy_n lane_n 1632_o t_n câ—â—â—ll_v sculp_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o frontispâ—â—â—_n or_o title_n page_n 1._o jehevah_n at_o the_o top_n â—eaching_v out_o 〈…〉_z the_o old_a to_o the_o lieu_n and_o the_o new_a to_o the_o 〈…〉_z former_a with_o a_o promise_n 〈…〉_z the_o lattâ—…_n of_o the_o gentleâ—…_n in_o the_o gospel_n without_o exâ—…â—…on_n of_o any_o hom._n 1â—…_n 2_o religion_n the_o effect_n whereof_o the_o aposâ—…_n jam._n 1._o 2d_o 1_o for_o her_o habit_n she_o have_v a_o 〈◊〉_d garment_n tâ—…_n she_o regard_v not_o the_o transient_o wealth_n and_o â—…ty_n of_o this_o world_n 2_o she_o hold_v the_o book_n in_o her_o hand_n where_o â—n_o the_o lawâ—…_n god_n be_v write_v 3_o her_o breast_n be_v baâ—â—_n to_o show_v her_o canâ—on_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 4_o she_o leave_v upon_o the_o cross_n because_o thereupon_o 〈…〉_z find_v rest_n and_o quiet_a repose_n 5_o winge_a sheis_n to_o reach_v man_n to_o mount_v up_o alâ—…_n 6_o as_o it_o be_v shine_v by_o a_o radiant_a 〈…〉_z that_o she_o dispel_v the_o misty_a darkâ—_n 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o mind_n 7_o the_o bridle_n be_v hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n to_o teach_v man_n how_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o curb_v bridle_n and_o subâ—…_n the_o triâ—â—leâ—â—_n passion_n of_o the_o mind_n 8_o she_o tread_v and_o example_n upon_o death_n because_o sheâ—…_n very_o have_v and_o downfall_n of_o death_n 3_o the_o christian_n kneel_v upon_o the_o cross_n which_o he_o mâ—…_n take_v up_o mat._n 16._o 24._o having_n glory_n shine_a upon_o he_o to_o represent_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o tâ—…_n religion_n 4_o the_o turk_n stand_v with_o his_o sword_n in_o his_o hand_n by_o which_o he_o defend_v his_o religion_n that_o spring_v from_o mahâ—met_n a_o false_a prophet_n foretell_v in_o general_a by_o christ_n mat._n 24._o 5._o 24._o also_o a_o half_a moon_n 5_o the_o lieu_n kneel_v have_v the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law_n by_o which_o he_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v not_o as_o yet_o believe_v in_o christ_n because_o his_o eye_n be_v blind_v isaiah_n 29._o 10._o 6_o the_o pagan_a have_v the_o sun_n before_o he_o which_o together_o with_o other_o creature_n he_o be_v wont_a toworship_n howbeit_o hope_n there_o be_v that_o all_o the_o heatheo_fw-la shall_v become_v the_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n psal_n 72._o 11._o a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o chief_a point_n according_a to_o the_o several_a section_n of_o each_o book_n the_o preface_n show_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o work_n the_o content_n of_o the_o first_o book_n sect_n i._o in_o the_o first_o section_n it_o be_v prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n 2_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n 3_o all_o perfection_n be_v in_o god_n 4_o and_o that_o after_o a_o infinite_a manner_n 5_o god_n be_v eternal_a omnipotent_a omniscient_a and_o absolute_o good_a 6_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n 7_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o evil_a 8_o against_o they_o which_o imagine_v there_o be_v two_o principle_n the_o one_o good_a and_o the_o other_o evil_n 9_o the_o whole_a universe_n be_v govern_v by_o god_n 10_o so_o be_v all_o sublunary_a thing_n yea_o every_o particular_a and_o singular_a thing_n 11_o which_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o preservation_n of_o empire_n 12_o and_o by_o miracle_n 13_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v wrought_v among_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v verify_v by_o the_o long_a continuance_n of_o their_o religion_n 14_o also_o by_o the_o truth_n and_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n 15_o and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o stranger_n and_o alien_n from_o the_o covenans_fw-la 16_o the_o same_o likewise_o be_v confirm_v by_o prediction_n and_o other_o argument_n 17_o a_o objection_n answer_v for_o that_o no_o miracle_n be_v now_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d as_o former_o have_v be_v 18_o and_o that_o iniquity_n so_o greatâ—…nds_v in_o these_o day_n 19_o in_o so_o much_o that_o good_a and_o goâ—dly_a man_n be_v oppress_v abuse_v 20_o but_o this_o be_v retort_v to_o prove_v the_o immortality_n of_o soul_n after_o the_o death_n and_o â—…lution_n of_o body_n 21_o which_o truth_n be_v further_o confirm_v by_o tradition_n 22_o namely_o such_o as_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v allege_v against_o it_o 23_o but_o â—…ther_o many_o argument_n make_v for_o it_o 24_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o end_n of_o man_n be_v his_o happiness_n and_o welfare_n after_o this_o life_n 25_o which_o to_o obtain_v true_a religion_n must_v be_v seek_v for_o the_o same_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o eternity_n the_o content_n of_o the_o second_o book_n sect_n i._o to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o title_n of_o true_a religion_n agree_v to_o christian_a religion_n the_o author_n here_o prove_v first_o that_o jesus_n once_o live_v upon_o earth_n 2_o and_o that_o he_o suffer_v a_o ignominious_a and_o reproachful_a death_n 3_o howbeit_o after_o his_o death_n he_o be_v worship_v and_o adore_v by_o wise_a man_n 4_o the_o cause_n of_o which_o their_o worship_v he_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o for_o the_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o he_o 5_o and_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o any_o efficacy_n of_o rature_n or_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o proceed_v only_o from_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 6_o the_o author_n further_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n his_o resurrection_n by_o sufficient_a testimony_n 7_o he_o answer_v a_o doubt_n for_o that_o the_o resurrection_n seem_v impossible_a 8_o this_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n be_v grant_v it_o serve_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n 9_o christian_a religion_n excel_v all_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n 10_o as_o be_v prove_v first_o from_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n which_o be_v promise_v and_o propound_v thereunto_o 11_o whereupon_o by_o the_o way_n a_o objection_n be_v answer_v for_o that_o it_o seem_v impossible_a for_o body_n once_o dissolve_v to_o be_v restore_v again_o to_o their_o former_a integrity_n 12_o second_o the_o former_a truth_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o exact_a holiness_n of_o christian_a precept_n touch_v the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n 13_o also_o from_o those_o courteous_a duty_n of_o humanity_n which_o we_o owe_v and_o aught_o to_o perform_v to_o our_o neighbour_n though_o hurt_n or_o injure_v by_o they_o 14_o also_o from_o the_o union_n and_o love_n of_o man_n and_o wife_n 15_o from_o the_o use_n of_o temporal_a good_n and_o commodity_n 16_o from_o a_o oath_n 17_o and_o from_o other_o christian_a acts._n 18_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n take_v from_o the_o controversy_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n 19_o the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v further_o declare_v from_o the_o dignity_n of_o its_o author_n 20_o from_o the_o wonderful_a propagation_n thereof_o 21_o special_o consider_v the_o weakness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o they_o which_o at_o the_o beginning_n teach_v the_o same_o 22_o together_o with_o the_o great_a impediment_n which_o may_v have_v withhold_v man_n from_o embrace_v it_o or_o deter_v they_o from_o profess_v the_o same_o 23_o answer_v make_v to_o they_o that_o do_v desire_v strong_a argument_n the_o content_n of_o the_o three_o book_n sect_n i._o here_o be_v show_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n 2_o such_o book_n as_o have_v name_n of_o author_n be_v the_o same_o man_n write_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v 3_o concern_v such_o book_n as_o ancient_o be_v question_v the_o doubt_n take_v away_o 4_o those_o book_n that_o have_v no_o name_n prefix_v have_v suâ—…enâ—_n authority_n as_o be_v prove_v from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o write_n themselves_o 5_o the_o holy_a pen_n man_n of_o these_o book_n write_v nothing_o but_o truth_n because_o they_o have_v certain_a notice_n thereof_o 6_o and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o lie_v 7_o this_o be_v also_o evident_a by_o the_o miracle_n they_o wrought_v 8_o and_o likewise_o because_o the_o event_n of_o many_o thing_n therein_o record_v have_v make_v it_o appear_v the_o same_o be_v divine_o inspire_v 9_o and_o last_o from_o the_o care_n god_n be_v to_o have_v that_o counterfeit_a write_n may_v not_o be_v obtrude_v or_o forge_v in_o the_o church_n 10_o a_o objection_n answer_v that_o sundry_a of_o these_o book_n be_v not_o reserve_v by_o all_o 11_o a_o scruple_n take_v away_o for_o that_o some_o impossibility_n sleme_v to_o be_v 〈…〉_z 12_o or_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v râ—…_n pâ—…_n to_o reason_n 13_o another_o doubt_n answer_v touch_v some_o diversity_n â—…rieâ—â—_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o those_o write_n 14_o the_o consideration_n
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
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
many_o copy_n not_o only_o in_o the_o greek_a language_n but_o in_o the_o syriac_a arabic_a ethiopicke_n and_o latin_a tongue_n of_o divers_a translation_n all_o which_o do_v so_o agree_v in_o that_o same_o place_n as_o there_o can_v be_v show_v any_o diversity_n at_o all_o next_o before_o the_o time_n of_o mahumet_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o alteration_n for_o no_o man_n can_v know_v before_o his_o come_n what_o mahumet_n will_v teach_v yea_o if_o the_o doctrine_n oâ—_n mahumet_n have_v contain_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n the_o christian_n will_v have_v make_v no_o more_o ado_n to_o receive_v his_o book_n than_o they_o do_v to_o receive_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o hebrew_n prophet_n or_o suppose_v there_o be_v nothing_o write_v either_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n or_o of_o mahumet_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o equity_n that_o that_o shall_v be_v receive_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n which_o all_o christian_n general_o agree_v upon_o and_o that_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o mahumet_n which_o all_o mahometan_n do_v allow_v of_o sect_n four_o by_o compare_v mahumet_n with_o christ_n in_o their_o person_n in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o compare_v the_o adjunct_n and_o quality_n of_o both_o their_o doctrine_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v see_v whether_o of_o the_o two_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o other_o and_o first_o we_o may_v consider_v the_o dignity_n and_o worth_n of_o the_o author_n as_o for_o jesus_n mahumet_n himself_o confess_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n which_o be_v promise_v in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n who_o the_o same_o mahumet_n call_v the_o word_n the_o mind_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n say_v also_o that_o he_o have_v no_o father_n by_o mankind_n but_o mahumet_n as_o his_o own_o follower_n believe_v be_v generate_v and_o beget_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n the_o life_n of_o jesus_n be_v altogether_o unblameable_a there_o be_v no_o crime_n that_o can_v be_v object_v against_o he_o but_o mahumet_n a_o long_a time_n be_v a_o robber_n and_o always_o effâ—…inate_a jesus_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n as_o mahumet_n confess_v but_o mahumet_n lie_v yet_o entomb_v in_o his_o sepulchre_n who_o then_o see_v not_o whether_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v follow_v sect_n v._o and_o in_o their_o deed_n next_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o person_n consider_v we_o their_o act_n jesus_n give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a health_n to_o they_o that_o be_v sick_a and_o make_v the_o lame_a to_o walk_v yea_o by_o mahumets_n own_o confession_n he_o raise_v some_o from_o the_o dead_a but_o mahumet-saith_a of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v send_v not_o with_o miracle_n but_o with_o feat_n and_o instrument_n of_o war_n howbeit_o some_o of_o his_o follower_n grace_v he_o with_o miracle_n but_o what_o kind_n i_o pray_v only_o such_o as_o may_v be_v do_v by_o humane_a be_v as_o that_o of_o a_o dove_n that_o come_v fly_v to_o his_o ear_n or_o such_o as_o have_v no_o eye-witness_n as_o that_o of_o a_o camel_n which_o be_v say_v to_o have_v have_v some_o conference_n with_o he_o by_o night_n or_o last_o such_o as_o for_o their_o absurdity_n be_v incredible_a and_o so_o need_v no_o further_a confutation_n as_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o moon_n fall_v into_o his_o lap_n or_o into_o his_o sleeve_n and_o he_o to_o preserve_v the_o roundness_n of_o that_o star_n throw_v the_o same_o part_n up_o agoine_n now_o who_o will_v not_o say_v that_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n we_o must_v yield_v rather_o to_o that_o law_n which_o have_v the_o more_o certain_a testimony_n of_o divine_a approbation_n sect_n vi_o also_o such_o as_o first_o embrace_v both_o religion_n next_o let_v we_o see_v who_o and_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o be_v that_o first_o receive_v these_o several_a law_n they_o that_o first_o embrace_v the_o law_n of_o jesus_n be_v such_o as_o fear_v god_n man_n of_o a_o innocent_a life_n now_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v such_o man_n to_o be_v gull_v and_o â—heaâ—â—d_v either_o through_o the_o deâ—…_n of_o cuâ—…ing_a speech_n or_o by_o any_o other_o imposture_n but_o those_o that_o first_o profess_v mahumetanisme_n be_v stark_a thief_n and_o robber_n estrange_v from_o all_o humanity_n and_o godliness_n sect_n vii_o the_o manner_n how_o both_o their_o law_n be_v propagate_v in_o the_o next_o place_n follow_v the_o manner_n how_o both_o their_o several_a religion_n be_v propagate_v and_o spread_v abroad_o as_o for_o christianity_n we_o have_v show_v before_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v enlarge_v and_o amplify_v to_o wit_n by_o the_o miracle_n not_o only_o of_o christ_n but_o also_o of_o his_o disciple_n and_o those_o that_o succeed_v they_o as_o like_o wise_a by_o the_o very_a patient_a endure_v of_o the_o torment_n and_o punishment_n that_o christian_n suffer_v but_o the_o doctor_n of_o mahumetisme_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n at_o all_o neither_o do_v they_o suffer_v any_o grievous_a persecution_n or_o bitter_a kind_n of_o death_n for_o their_o profession_n but_o as_o their_o religion_n be_v breed_v so_o have_v it_o be_v maintain_v by_o war_n they_o have_v no_o better_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n thereof_o than_o their_o good_a success_n in_o their_o martial_a enterprise_n and_o the_o largeness_n of_o their_o empire_n than_o the_o which_o nothing_o in_o this_o point_n be_v more_o deceitful_a and_o uncertain_a they_o condemn_v the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o the_o pagan_a and_o yet_o we_o know_v what_o great_a victory_n the_o pagan_n have_v have_v as_o be_v plain_a of_o the_o persian_n macedâ—niâ—â—s_n and_o roman_n and_o how_o ample_a their_o dominion_n be_v neither_o have_v the_o mahometan_n themselves_o have_v always_o good_a success_n with_o their_o army_n the_o slaughter_n and_o great_a overthrow_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o many_o place_n both_o by_o sea_n and_o by_o land_n be_v not_o unknown_a they_o be_v now_o banish_v quite_o out_o of_o all_o spain_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o suffer_v such_o alteration_n and_o change_a nothing_o that_o may_v be_v common_a both_o to_o good_a and_o bad_a which_o can_v be_v a_o certain_a note_n of_o true_a religion_n much_o less_o can_v their_o warring_n which_o be_v so_o unjust_a that_o oftentimes_o they_o quarrel_n and_o contend_v with_o some_o people_n that_o do_v not_o any_o way_n molest_v or_o offend_v they_o and_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o set_v upon_o such_o as_o offer_v they_o no_o injury_n at_o all_o in_o so_o much_o that_o all_o the_o pretence_n they_o have_v for_o contend_v be_v only_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v a_o most_o ungodly_a thing_n for_o there_o be_v no_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o proceed_v from_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o the_o will_n may_v be_v well_o wrought_v upon_o by_o good_a instruction_n and_o gentle_a persuasion_n but_o not_o so_o well_o by_o rigorous_a threat_n or_o violence_n he_o that_o be_v compel_v to_o believe_v do_v not_o believe_v at_o all_o but_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n and_o feign_v himself_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o may_v escape_v and_o avoid_v some_o danger_n or_o punishment_n and_o he_o that_o by_o awe_n or_o sense_n of_o punishment_n will_v force_v another_o man_n assent_n give_v just_a occasion_n thereby_o to_o suspect_v that_o he_o distrust_v his_o other_o argument_n again_o they_o destroy_v the_o very_a pretence_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o that_o they_o suffer_v any_o people_n that_o live_v under_o their_o dominion_n to_o use_v what_o religion_n they_o please_v yea_o and_o sometime_o they_o will_v open_o acknowledge_v that_o christian_n may_v be_v save_v by_o their_o own_o law_n sect_n viii_o the_o precept_n of_o both_o religion_n compare_v fvrthermore_o let_v we_o compare_v the_o several_a commandment_n of_o both_o religion_n the_o one_o whereof_o command_v patience_n yea_o and_o love_v even_o to_o they_o that_o be_v hateful_a but_o in_o the_o other_o revenge_n be_v allow_v of_o in_o the_o one_o the_o bond_n of_o matrimony_n be_v keep_v firm_a and_o inviolable_a between_o the_o marry_a party_n by_o a_o mutual_a bear_n with_o one_o another_o condition_n but_o in_o the_o other_o there_o be_v licence_n grant_v to_o depart_v and_o be_v divorce_v here_o the_o husband_n perform_v himself_o what_o he_o require_v of_o his_o wife_n and_o by_o his_o own_o example_n teach_v she_o to_o fall_v her_o affection_n upon_o he_o alone_o but_o there_o they_o may_v have_v wife_n after_o wife_n there_o be_v still_o new_a incentives_n and_o fresh_a provocation_n to_o lust_n here_o religion_n be_v plant_v within_o and_o root_v in_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o soul_n to_o the_o end_n the_o same_o may_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n profitable_a for_o mankind_n but_o there_o religion_n consist_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o
fundamental_a principle_n for_o which_o chief_o we_o have_v commend_v christian_a religion_n the_o certainty_n whereof_o appear_v in_o this_o namely_o that_o those_o which_o out_o of_o mutual_a and_o deadly_a hatred_n seek_v all_o the_o occasion_n and_o matter_n of_o contention_n they_o can_v dare_v not_o for_o all_o that_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o deny_v that_o these_o precept_n be_v command_v by_o christ_n no_o not_o even_o those_o that_o refuse_v to_o frame_v their_o life_n and_o action_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n howbeit_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o as_o will_v contradict_v this_o that_o we_o say_v the_o same_o may_v be_v liken_v to_o those_o philosopher_n that_o deny_v the_o snow_n to_o be_v white_a for_o as_o these_o be_v confute_v by_o sense_n so_o be_v those_o convince_v by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o christian_a nation_n also_o by_o the_o many_o book_n that_o the_o first_o professor_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o they_o which_o follow_v and_o divers_a succeed_a doctor_n have_v write_v as_o also_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o they_o that_o have_v witness_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n by_o their_o death_n for_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o any_o indifferent_a judge_n the_o same_o must_v needs_o be_v repute_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o so_o many_o have_v successive_o acknowledge_v and_o profess_v like_a as_o we_o be_v persuade_v the_o same_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o socrates_n which_o we_o read_v in_o plato_n and_o xenophon_n as_o also_o that_o of_o zene_fw-mi the_o philosopher_n which_o we_o find_v hold_v by_o the_o stoi_n k_v sect_n xx._n the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v further_o prove_v from_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o author_n the_o three_o thing_n wherein_o we_o say_v christian_a religion_n excel_v all_o other_o that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v think_v of_o be_v the_o manner_n whereby_o it_o be_v deliver_v and_o divulge_v where_o first_o we_o shall_v speak_v of_o the_o author_n they_o that_o be_v author_n of_o the_o wisdom_n among_o the_o grecian_n confess_v that_o they_o can_v not_o allege_v almost_o any_o certainty_n in_o their_o doctrine_n because_o quoth_v they_o truth_n lie_v hide_v in_o a_o deep_a pit_n and_o our_o mind_n be_v no_o less_o dazzle_v in_o the_o contemptation_n of_o divine_a thing_n than_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o owl_n in_o behold_v the_o bright_a shine_a of_o the_o sun_n beside_o there_o be_v none_o among_o they_o but_o be_v guilty_a of_o some_o vice_n for_o some_o be_v flatterer_n of_o prince_n other_o addict_v to_o bawdry_n and_o wantonness_n &_o a_o three_o sort_n to_o malapart_n boldness_n a_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o general_a envy_n among_o they_o be_v their_o contention_n about_o word_n and_o matter_n of_o small_a or_o no_o moment_n in_o their_o devotion_n they_o be_v cold_a and_o heartless_a for_o those_o that_o do_v believe_v there_o be_v one_o god_n neglect_v his_o honour_n and_o worship_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o know_v be_v no_o god_n make_v that_o only_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v and_o practise_v in_o public_a touch_v the_o reward_n of_o godliness_n they_o determine_v nothing_o for_o certain_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o last_o farewell_o disputation_n of_o socrates_n at_o his_o death_n mahumet_n another_o author_n of_o another_o religion_n far_o disperse_v in_o these_o time_n throughout_o his_o whole_a life_n be_v incline_v to_o lust_n and_o sensuality_n as_o his_o own_o follower_n can_v deny_v neither_o do_v he_o leave_v any_o testimony_n or_o assurance_n whereby_o his_o promise_n of_o such_o a_o reward_n as_o consist_v in_o the_o free_a use_n of_o junket_n and_o venery_n can_v appear_v to_o be_v true_a after_o his_o return_n since_o that_o his_o body_n be_v not_o yet_o revive_v but_o remain_v at_o medina_n until_o this_o day_n but_o moses_n the_o author_n of_o the_o hebrew_n law_n be_v a_o excellent_a man_n though_o not_o without_o his_o fault_n as_o namely_o when_o with_o some_o discontent_n and_o grumble_a he_o so_o hardly_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o ambassage_n which_o god_n command_v he_o touch_v the_o king_n of_o egypt_n conceive_v also_o some_o distrust_n of_o god_n promise_n for_o bring_v water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n as_o the_o hebrew_n themselves_o confess_v yet_o do_v he_o scarce_o partake_v of_o any_o one_o of_o those_o promise_n which_o by_o the_o law_n he_o make_v unto_o the_o people_n but_o be_v perplex_v with_o continual_a mutâ—…ies_n and_o sedition_n in_o the_o wilderness_n neither_o be_v he_o permit_v to_o enter_v into_o that_o bless_a and_o pleasant_a land_n so_o much_o desire_v but_o above_o all_o these_o christ_n be_v most_o honourable_a in_o that_o neither_o his_o countryman_n nor_o any_o other_o can_v ever_o convince_v he_o of_o sin_n for_o whatsoever_o he_o command_v other_o to_o observe_v the_o same_o do_v he_o observe_v and_o perform_v himself_o and_o the_o commandment_n that_o god_n give_v he_o he_o faithful_o fulfil_v lead_v a_o most_o pure_a and_o upright_a course_n of_o life_n be_v also_o most_o patient_a in_o suffer_v wrong_n and_o abuse_n as_o be_v manifest_a at_o his_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n yea_o so_o affectionate_a be_v he_o towards_o his_o very_a enemy_n that_o he_o pray_v god_n to_o pardon_v even_o those_o that_o put_v he_o to_o death_n as_o for_o the_o reward_n which_o he_o promise_v unto_o his_o disciple_n we_o very_o believe_v that_o himself_o be_v make_v partaker_n thereof_o after_o a_o most_o eminent_a and_o excellent_a manner_n for_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o lead_n there_o be_v many_o that_o behold_v and_o hear_v and_o see_v he_o who_o also_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o twelve_o disciple_n where_o he_o obtain_v all_o power_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o that_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n make_v at_o his_o departure_n he_o endue_v they_o that_o be_v his_o follower_n with_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o other_o admirable_a virtue_n all_o which_o may_v be_v a_o sure_a warrant_n for_o we_o not_o to_o doubt_v either_o of_o the_o truth_n or_o possibility_n of_o the_o reward_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o thus_o we_o have_v show_v how_o that_o this_o religion_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o other_o in_o regard_n that_o christ_n the_o author_n of_o it_o have_v himself_o perform_v what_o he_o command_v as_o also_o in_o his_o own_o person_n obtain_v and_o already_o enjoy_v the_o happiness_n that_o he_o promise_v sect_n xxi_o also_o from_o the_o wonderful_a spread_n of_o this_o religion_n let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n descend_v to_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o doctrine_n aforesaid_a which_o doubtless_o be_v well_o weigh_v be_v such_o as_o plain_o declare_v this_o doctrine_n to_o be_v sacred_a and_o divine_a if_o so_o be_v that_o god_n have_v any_o regard_n of_o humane_a affair_n for_o as_o it_o argueda_fw-la divine_a providence_n to_o cause_n thiâ—_n thing_n which_o shall_v be_v best_a of_o all_o to_o be_v of_o most_o large_a and_o ample_a extent_n so_o have_v it_o happen_v to_o christian_a religion_n which_o we_o see_v be_v publish_v and_o teach_v throughout_o all_o europe_n not_o except_v the_o northern_a part_n thereof_o so_o likewise_o throughout_o asia_n together_o with_o the_o island_n in_o the_o ocean_n throughout_o egypt_n also_o â—…iopia_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o african_a and_o last_o in_o america_n thus_o be_v 〈…〉_z â—ow_o and_o thus_o be_v it_o ancient_o as_o be_v witness_v by_o the_o history_n of_o all_o time_n by_o the_o book_n of_o christian_n the_o act_n of_o synod_n and_o by_o â—hat_n old_a tradition_n at_o this_o day_n hold_v â—mong_o the_o barbarian_n concern_v â—he_v travel_n or_o pilgrimage_n of_o thomas_n andrew_n and_o other_o apostle_n clemens_n tertullian_n and_o some_o ancient_n beside_o have_v note_v how_o â—ar_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v among_o the_o briton_n german_n and_o other_o remote_a nation_n in_o their_o time_n and_o certain_o at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v no_o other_o religion_n comparable_a hereunto_o for_o ample_a and_o â—arge_a extent_n paganism_n indeed_o be_v a_o large_a name_n but_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v one_o religion_n since_o that_o it_o be_v not_o agree_v upon_o by_o the_o professor_n thereof_o what_o one_o thing_n they_o shall_v worship_v but_o some_o adore_v the_o star_n other_o the_o element_n and_o a_o three_o sort_n reverence_v their_o cattle_n or_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v no_o subsistence_n neither_o have_v they_o the_o same_o custom_n or_o any_o common_a lord_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v disperse_v and_o scatter_v up_o and_o down_o yet_o remain_v one_o people_n howbeit_o their_o religion_n have_v never_o any_o great_a growth_n or_o increase_n after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o theâ—…_n law_n be_v not_o so_o much_o propagate_v by_o they_o as_o by_o
christian_n then_o for_o mahumetanisme_n it_o be_v possess_v of_o land_n enough_o but_o it_o be_v not_o alone_a for_o christian_a religiâ—â—_n have_v a_o great_a number_n of_o professor_n in_o some_o place_n where_o turk_n domineer_v and_o again_o there_o be_v many_o christian_n in_o most_o quatter_n where_o turk_n or_o mahumâ—…_n have_v no_o foot_n sect_n xxii_o consider_v the_o meekness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o they_o that_o first_o teach_v this_o religion_n it_o follow_v that_o we_o consider_v by_o what_o mean_v this_o christian_a religion_n have_v its_o augmentation_n â—nd_v increase_v that_o therein_o it_o may_v â—…e_v comparable_a and_o prefer_v beâ—…re_o other_o we_o see_v it_o common_o â—…ue_v of_o most_o man_n that_o they_o will_v â—…llow_v the_o example_n of_o king_n and_o â—…otentates_n what_o way_n soever_o they_o â—…oe_v special_o if_o law_n or_o necessityâ—…ompell_v â—…ompell_z they_o to_o it_o hereby_o be_v â—…he_a religion_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o of_o mahumet_n much_o augment_v but_o â—…las_o they_o that_o first_o teach_v the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o wanâ—…d_v all_o civil_a power_n and_o authority_n â—ut_v be_v of_o mean_a condition_n no_o better_a than_o poor_a fisherman_n weaver_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o by_o such_o man_n pain_n and_o industry_n that_o doctrine_n within_o the_o space_n of_o thirty_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o be_v publish_v not_o only_o throughout_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n but_o also_o among_o the_o parthian_n and_o remote_a indian_n after_o this_o beginning_n almost_o for_o three_o several_a age_n together_o this_o same_o religion_n be_v so_o promote_v by_o the_o studious_a endeavour_n of_o some_o private_a man_n not_o with_o any_o threaten_n or_o allure_a promise_n but_o even_o in_o spite_n of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a world_n be_v christian_n before_o that_o constantine_n profess_v christianity_n among_o the_o grecian_n that_o teach_v morality_n divers_a there_o be_v very_o commendable_a in_o other_o art_n and_o discipline_n as_o the_o platonics_n for_o the_o study_n of_o geometry_n the_o peripatetic_n for_o the_o history_n of_o plant_n and_o other_o live_a creature_n the_o stoic_n for_o logical_a subtlety_n the_o pythagorean_n for_o knowledge_n of_o number_n and_o harmony_n many_o also_o be_v admirable_a for_o eloquence_n â—s_a xenophon_n plato_n and_o theophraâ—…us_n but_o the_o first_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n of_o christianity_n be_v endue_v with_o no_o such_o art_n but_o use_v plain_a language_n without_o entice_a word_n only_o after_o a_o bare_a manner_n or_o naâ—ed_a form_n of_o speech_n pronounce_v their_o precept_n promise_n and_o threatening_n which_o see_v they_o have_v no_o such_o efficacy_n in_o themselves_o for_o the_o propagation_n of_o this_o truth_n we_o must_v needs_o thereupon_o think_v that_o there_o be_v either_o a_o miracle_n or_o god_n secret_a power_n assist_v the_o business_n or_o both_o together_o sect_n xxiii_o what_o great_a impediment_n there_o be_v that_o may_v terrify_v man_n from_o the_o embrace_v or_o the_o profess_v hereof_o hereunto_o may_v be_v add_v another_o thing_n considerable_a namely_o how_o they_o who_o receiveâ—_n christianity_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o say_a man_n have_v their_o mindeâ—…_n prepossess_v with_o another_o form_n oâ—_n religion_n and_o therefore_o less_o docile_a or_o capable_a of_o this_o doctrine_n after_o that_o they_o have_v learn_v either_o the_o pagan_n service_n and_o ceremony_n or_o the_o law_n of_o mahumet_n be_v thereby_o no_o way_n prepare_v and_o fit_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o instruction_n as_o the_o hebrew_n be_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n by_o their_o circumcision_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o god_n haâ—â—ng_v their_o mind_n thus_o fill_v with_o preconcerned_a opinion_n concern_v heathenish_a and_o jewish_a rite_n whereunto_o they_o be_v habituate_v by_o custom_n which_o be_v a_o second_o nature_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o they_o entertain_v any_o new_a ordinance_n and_o instruction_n special_o such_o as_o these_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v educate_v and_o confirm_v by_o their_o parent_n authority_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v another_o 〈…〉_z to_o wit_n the_o great_a adversity_n they_o be_v to_o undergo_v and_o the_o most_o grievous_a misery_n which_o they_o suffer_v or_o stand_v in_o â—eare_z of_o for_o profess_v christianity_n for_o see_v that_o humane_a nature_n abhor_v such_o evil_n it_o must_v needs_o â—ollow_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o evils_n can_v be_v admit_v of_o without_o much_o difficulty_n a_o long_a time_n â—ere_z the_o christian_n deprive_v of_o â—ll_a honour_n and_o dignity_n be_v much_o afflict_v with_o divers_a penalty_n with_o confiscation_n of_o good_n â—nd_v banishment_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v all_o but_o flea-bitings_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o cruel_a 〈…〉_z they_o endure_v when_o they_o be_v put_v into_o hot_a scald_a metal_n and_o torment_v with_o the_o most_o grievous_a punishment_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v neither_o do_v this_o happen_v to_o a_o few_o only_o but_o such_o multitude_n of_o they_o be_v thus_o torture_v to_o death_n that_o there_o be_v never_o in_o one_o age_n before_o so_o many_o man_n sweep_v away_o and_o devour_v either_o by_o famine_n oâ—_n pestilence_n or_o war_n as_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o time_n do_v testify_v their_o manner_n and_o kind_n of_o death_n also_o be_v not_o ordinary_a but_o some_o be_v burn_v quick_a other_o nail_v upon_o cross_n and_o rack_v most_o of_o they_o put_v to_o such_o grievous_a torment_n as_o can_v be_v read_v or_o conceive_v without_o horror_n and_o wonder_n and_o this_o savage_a cruelty_n against_o christian_n which_o continue_v in_o the_o roman_a world_n and_o else_o where_o scarce_o with_o any_o intermission_n until_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n do_v not_o so_o depopulate_v the_o church_n but_o that_o out_o of_o the_o seed_n thereof_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n there_o spring_v up_o ever_o a_o new_a supply_n of_o professor_n now_o if_o herein_o we_o compare_v christianity_n with_o other_o religious_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o among_o the_o grecian_n and_o other_o pagan_n though_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o magnify_v their_o own_o worthy_n above_o measure_n yet_o be_v there_o but_o a_o short_a catalogue_n of_o such_o as_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o doctrine_n only_o we_o read_v of_o certain_a philosopher_n in_o india_n of_o socrates_n also_o and_o some_o few_o more_o who_o no_o doubt_n be_v the_o most_o eminent_a man_n in_o those_o time_n have_v a_o desire_n to_o perpetuate_v their_o fame_n to_o posterity_n but_o among_o those_o christian_n that_o suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o their_o faith_n there_o be_v very_o many_o of_o mean_a rank_n be_v of_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o people_n such_o as_o be_v scarce_o ever_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o know_v to_o their_o neighbour_n that_o live_v hard_o by_o there_o be_v woman_n also_o wife_n virgin_n and_o young_a man_n such_o as_o it_o be_v probable_a never_o cover_v or_o hope_v for_o any_o renown_n in_o their_o suffering_n whereupon_o in_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n we_o find_v the_o name_n but_o of_o a_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o the_o rest_n only_o register_v in_o gross_a add_v further_o that_o the_o heathen_a for_o the_o most_o part_n under_o any_o slight_a pretence_n as_o the_o cast_n of_o some_o frankincense_n upon_o the_o altar_n can_v free_v themselves_o from_o the_o pain_n of_o such_o a_o death_n and_o so_o cozen_v the_o world_n but_o this_o can_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v say_v of_o those_o who_o whatever_o they_o think_v in_o their_o heart_n deal_v plain_o in_o their_o deed_n and_o accommodate_v themselves_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o such_o be_v the_o jew_n and_o christian_n who_o alone_o can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v undergo_v death_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v we_o attribute_v this_o praise_n and_o commendation_n to_o any_o jew_n after_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n who_o also_o before_o christ_n come_v short_a of_o that_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n that_o in_o one_o only_a province_n be_v persecute_v for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a suffering_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v only_o during_o the_o time_n of_o manasses_n and_o antiâ—chus_n wherefore_o see_v that_o christianity_n so_o far_o excel_v all_o other_o religion_n in_o this_o particular_a it_o may_v just_o thereupon_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o and_o see_v likewise_o that_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o man_n of_o every_o rank_n and_o degree_n throughout_o all_o age_n and_o place_n have_v not_o fear_v to_o suffer_v death_n for_o this_o religion_n we_o must_v needs_o conceive_v there_o be_v some_o notable_a ground_n or_o cause_n of_o such_o their_o constancy_n which_o
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
for_o iâ—_n the_o same_o thing_n have_v have_v in_o they_o any_o necessary_a ground_n why_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v do_v then_o will_v god_n have_v prescribe_v they_o not_o to_o one_o but_o to_o all_o the_o people_n and_o not_o after_o that_o mankind_n have_v live_v above_o the_o space_n of_o two_o thousand_o year_n but_o even_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o all_o neither_o abel_n enoch_n noah_n me'châ—sedeck_n job_n abxuham_n isaac_n or_o jacob_n though_o all_o of_o they_o be_v godly_a man_n and_o dear_o be_v love_v of_o god_n know_v this_o part_n of_o the_o law_n but_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a or_o very_a little_a acquaint_v there_o with_o yet_o notwithstanding_o for_o all_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o of_o god_n love_n unto_o they_o beside_o neither_o do_v moses_n exhort_v jethro_n his_o father_n in_o law_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o these_o rite_n nor_o do_v jonah_n the_o ninivite_n neither_o do_v any_o other_o prophet_n reprehend_v the_o chaldean_n egyptian_n sydonian_o tyrian_n idumean_n &_o mâ—abites_n for_o not_o admit_v those_o ceremony_n though_o when_o they_o write_v unto_o they_o they_o reckon_v up_o their_o sin_n exact_o enough_o these_o than_o be_v peculiar_a precept_n give_v either_o for_o the_o eschew_v of_o some_o evil_n which_o the_o jew_n be_v prone_a unto_o or_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o obedience_n or_o for_o the_o signification_n of_o some_o future_a thing_n wherefore_o it_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v wonder_v that_o these_o be_v abolish_v than_o if_o any_o king_n shall_v abrogate_v some_o municipal_a statute_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v establish_v one_o law_n within_o his_o dominion_n neither_o can_v there_o any_o reason_n be_v allege_v to_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v so_o bind_v himself_o as_o that_o he_o will_v change_v nothing_o of_o the_o same_o for_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o precept_n be_v perpetual_a the_o same_o word_n man_n oftentimes_o use_v when_o they_o will_v signify_v that_o that_o which_o they_o command_v be_v not_o yearly_a or_o for_o a_o certain_a time_n suppose_v in_o the_o time_n of_o war_n peace_n or_o famine_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o thereby_o hinder_v from_o make_v new_a constitution_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n special_o when_o the_o public_a good_a require_v the_o same_o thus_o in_o like_a manner_n some_o law_n give_v to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v only_o temporary_a during_o the_o people_n abode_n in_o the_o wilderness_n other_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_o appoint_v for_o their_o habitation_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n therefore_o for_o distinction_n sake_n of_o these_o from_o the_o other_o he_o call_v they_o perpetual_a whereby_o may_v be_v understand_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o any_o where_o to_o be_v change_v or_o ever_o intermit_v unless_o god_n signify_v that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n so_o to_o be_v which_o manner_n of_o speak_v since_o it_o be_v common_o use_v by_o all_o people_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o consider_v that_o in_o their_o law_n the_o same_o be_v call_v a_o perpetual_a statute_n and_o a_o perpetual_a bondage_n which_o continue_v only_o from_o one_o jubily_n to_o another_o and_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v call_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o jubily_n or_o the_o great_a jubily_n of_o all_o thus_o in_o the_o hebrew_n prophet_n there_o be_v ancient_o a_o promise_n of_o make_v a_o new_a covenant_n as_o in_o jerem_n 31._o where_o god_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n which_o shall_v be_v put_v into_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v in_o their_o heart_n neither_o shall_v man_n have_v annoe_v that_o one_o shall_v learn_v religion_n of_o another_o for_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v manifest_a unto_o all_o and_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v yea_o further_o tâ—e_v lord_n will_v forgive_v they_o their_o former_a iniquity_n and_o will_v remember_v their_o â—inâ—t_n no_o more_o which_o be_v as_o if_o a_o king_n after_o great_a enmity_n and_o discord_n have_v among_o his_o citizen_n &_o subject_n shall_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n among_o they_o abolish_v divers_a law_n and_o make_v a_o perfectâ—_n 〈◊〉_d common_a to_o they_o all_o promise_v forgiveness_n of_o fault_n bypass_a if_o afterward_o they_o doeamend_v and_o this_o which_o have_v be_v say_v may_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v for_o the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o law_n the_o part_n whereof_o we_o will_v iâ—_n the_o next_o place_n show_n be_v neither_o such_o as_o in_o themselves_o can_v be_v well_o please_v unto_o god_n nor_o ought_v they_o to_o continue_v for_o ever_o sect_n viii_o as_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o of_o themselves_o be_v never_o wel-pleasing_a unto_o god_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o sacrifice_n which_o many_o of_o the_o hebrew_n think_v be_v invent_v by_o man_n before_o that_o they_o be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o true_a it_o be_v indeed_o the_o hebrew_n be_v desirous_a of_o many_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n enjoin_v they_o so_o many_o or_o else_o because_o he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o return_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o fulse_n god_n by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o their_o sojourn_v in_o egypt_n howbeit_o when_o their_o posterity_n make_v so_o great_a reckon_n of_o they_o as_o though_o of_o themselves_o they_o have_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o a_o part_n of_o true_a piety_n then_o do_v the_o prophet_n reprehend_v they_o for_o it_o i_o will_v not_o reprove_v thou_o say_v god_n by_o david_n in_o the_o fifty_o psalm_n for_o thy_o sacrifice_n or_o thy_o burn_a offering_n to_o have_v be_v continual_o before_o i_o i_o will_v take_v no_o bullock_n out_o of_o thy_o house_n nor_o he_o goat_n out_o of_o thy_o fold_n for_o every_o beast_n of_o the_o forest_n be_v i_o and_o so_o be_v the_o cattle_n upon_o a_o thousand_o hill_n i_o know_v all_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o mountain_n and_o the_o wild_a beast_n of_o the_o field_n be_v i_o if_o i_o be_v hungry_a i_o will_v not_o tell_v thou_o for_o the_o world_n be_v i_o and_o the_o fullness_n there_o of_o think_v thou_o that_o i_o â—illâ—â—t_v the_o flesh_n of_o bull_n or_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o goat_n offer_v unto_o god_n thanksgiving_n and_o pay_v thy_o vow_n unto_o the_o most_o high_a some_o there_o be_v among_o the_o hebrew_n who_o think_v that_o this_o be_v speak_v because_o they_o that_o offer_v those_o sacrifice_n be_v of_o a_o impure_a mind_n and_o dishonest_a conversation_n but_o the_o word_n now_o allege_v show_v another_o matter_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o be_v no_o whit_n receptable_a unto_o god_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o whole_a series_n and_o order_n of_o the_o psalm_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n in_o these_o word_n speak_v unto_o the_o godly_a for_o he_o have_v say_v gather_v my_o saint_n together_o unto_o i_o and_o hear_v my_o people_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o a_o teacher_n and_o one_o that_o instruct_v then_o have_v end_v the_o say_n unto_o the_o godly_a as_o his_o manner_n be_v he_o speak_v unto_o the_o wicked_a but_o unto_o the_o wicked_a god_n say_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n we_o may_v cite_v other_o place_n as_o in_o the_o 51._o psal_n thou_o desire_v not_o sacrifice_v else_o will_v i_o give_v it_o thou_o but_o thou_o delight_v not_o in_o burn_a offering_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n be_v a_o break_a spirit_n a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n o_o god_n thou_o will_v not_o despise_v so_o likewise_o in_o the_o forty_o psalm_n sacrifice_n and_o offering_n thou_o do_v not_o desire_n my_o ear_n have_v thou_o open_v burn_v offering_n and_o sin_n offer_v have_v thou_o not_o require_v then_o say_v i_o lo_o i_o come_v in_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o book_n it_o be_v write_v of_o i_o i_o delight_v to_o do_v thy_o will_n o_o my_o god_n yea_o thy_o law_n be_v within_o my_o heart_n i_o have_v preach_v righteousness_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n loe_o i_o have_v not_o refrain_v my_o lip_n o_o lord_n thou_o know_v i_o have_v not_o hide_v thy_o righteousness_n within_o my_o heart_n i_o have_v declare_v thy_o faithfulness_n and_o thy_o salvation_n i_o have_v not_o conceal_v thy_o love_a kindness_n and_o thy_o truth_n from_o the_o great_a congregation_n the_o like_a we_o read_v in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n 〈◊〉_d to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o be_o full_a of_o the_o burn_a offering_n of_o ram_n and_o the_o sit_v of_o say_v beast_n and_o i_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o bullock_n or_o of_o lamb_n or_o of_o begoat_n when_o you_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o i_o who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n to_o tread_v my_o court_n