the_o church_n but_o with_o more_o live_a seed_n do_v fill_v and_o thus_o the_o more_o be_v scatter_v more_o do_v spring_v if_o other_o rite_n into_o the_o scale_n we_o bring_v the_o greek_n and_o other_o heathen_n use_v the_o most_o of_o their_o admire_a philosopher_n to_o boast_v bate_v socrates_n gymnosophist_n a_o few_o scarce_a other_o die_v for_o their_o way_n can_v show_v and_o who_o that_o think_v can_v well_o deny_v of_o these_o that_o in_o their_o death_n be_v the_o hope_n of_o praise_n do_v please_v they_o think_v it_o glorious_a to_o survive_v in_o fame_n and_o have_v posterity_n their_o death_n proclaim_v while_o many_o suffer_a for_o the_o christi'an_a name_n be_v man_n in_o fortune_n and_o ambition_n low_a that_o such_o man_n be_v their_o neighbour_n scarce_o do_v know_v woman_n and_o tender_a virgin_n gentle_a youth_n with_o their_o last_o blood_n bear_v witness_v to_o these_o truth_n who_o can_v believe_v of_o these_o a_o vain_a desire_n or_o hope_v of_o last_a fame_n to_o this_o shall_v fire_v beside_o our_o martyrology_n contain_v but_o a_o small_a part_n of_o those_o who_o thus_o be_v slay_v and_o rare_o can_v the_o jew_n a_o martyr_n boast_v beyond_o antiochus_n his_o time_n at_o most_o since_o christ_n religion_n be_v for_o this_o the_o best_a be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v choose_v before_o the_o rest_n when_o the_o vast_a multitude_n we_o due_o weigh_v who_o do_v their_o life_n for_o this_o religion_n pay_v each_o sex_n each_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o every_o age_n we_o needs_o must_v think_v some_o powerful_a cause_n to_o engage_v and_o what_o to_o so_o great_a constancy_n can_v move_v but_o truth_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o above_o if_o by_o the_o argument_n already_o bring_v in_o some_o conviction_n be_v not_o whole_o wrought_v let_v they_o consider_v proof_n in_o several_a way_n as_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n one_o weigh_v one_o sort_n do_v with_o the_o mathematics_n suit_n another_o when_o in_o physics_n we_o dispute_v one_o when_o for_o action_n we_o will_v counsel_n take_v diff'rent_n when_o fact_n do_v the_o only_a question_n make_v and_o this_o be_v always_o yield_v by_o the_o wise_a when_o no_o exception_n '_o against_o the_o witness_n lie_v and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o this_o for_o proof_n admit_v we_o all_o the_o use_n of_o history_n must_v quit_v the_o most_o approve_a medicine_n we_o must_v loose_v that_o piety_n too_o which_o do_v its_o self_n diffuse_v where_o ever_o parent_n be_v and_o child_n know_v for_o want_v of_o evidence_n must_v needs_o be_v go_v it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o power_n most_o high_a the_o thing_n wherein_o he_o will_v have_v our_o faith_n to_o lie_v that_o our_o obedience_n its_o reward_n may_v gain_v shall_v not_o appear_v so_o evident_o plain_a as_o thing_n which_o sense_n or_o demonstrati'on_n show_v yet_o as_o much_o light_n shall_v carry_v as_o be_v due_a for_o raise_v a_o most_o firm_a belief_n in_o those_o who_o will_v not_o pertinaci'ous_o oppose_v hence_o we_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o touchstone_n find_v to_o try_v and_o prove_v which_o be_v the_o upright_a mind_n for_o since_o so_o many_o good_a so_o many_o wise_a embrace_v so_o high_o penal_a verity_n it_o show_v that_o other_o incredulity_n never_o from_o a_o defect_n of_o proof_n can_v be_v but_o that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v that_o pass_v for_o true_a which_o their_o affecti'on_n do_v so_o much_o eschew_v that_o it_o be_v hard_a with_o a_o regardless_a eye_n to_o suffer_v all_o that_o glitter_v here_o to_o lie_v which_o needs_o must_v be_v if_o they_o for_o truth_n will_v hold_v all_o that_o have_v be_v concern_v jesus_n tell_v and_o therefore_o will_v obey_v the_o rule_n he_o give_v a_o evidence_n for_o this_o herein_o we_o have_v these_o many_o history_n for_o true_a receive_v which_o they_o on_o bare_a authority_n believe_v of_o which_o no_o footstep_n at_o this_o day_n be_v know_v as_o for_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n be_v show_v this_o in_o the_o jew_n confessi'on_n we_o many_o trace_n and_o the_o assembly_n which_o these_o truth_n embrace_n of_o which_o some_o cause_n we_o can_v but_o assign_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o thing_n below_o divine_a no_o humane_a force_n can_v it_o so_o long_o maintain_v and_o such_o remote_a and_o spread_a conquest_n gain_v this_o can_v proceed_v from_o miracle_n alone_o but_o if_o we_o be_v resolve_v they_o to_o disown_n that_o without_o they_o it_o shall_v such_o force_n acquire_v be_v what_o we_o ought_v much_o rather_o to_o admire_v lib_fw-la iii_o covenant_n i._o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n he_o who_o these_o argument_n or_o other_o move_z as_o true_a and_o best_a christianity_n to_o approve_v will_v he_o the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o precept_n gain_v must_v search_v those_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o obtain_v the_o name_n of_o testament_n or_o covenant_n new_a where_o we_o the_o whole_a of_o this_o relig'ion_n view_v for_o this_o we_o shall_v not_o scruple_n to_o receive_v what_o christi'ans_n always_o hold_v that_o they_o believe_v to_o man_n of_o every_o sect_n we_o credit_v pay_v as_o to_o the_o book_n they_o show_v we_o of_o their_o way_n and_o thus_o the_o alcoran_n be_v just_o think_v to_o show_v what_o doctrine_n mahomet_n have_v teach_v since_o then_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n religion_n be_v know_v and_o that_o lie_v in_o the_o book_n the_o christi'ans_n own_o if_o any_o a_o more_o special_a proof_n require_v we_o they_o to_o admit_v this_o equal_a rule_n desire_v that_o they_o who_o any_o write_v will_v oppose_v with_o which_o for_o several_a age_n man_n do_v close_o be_v bind_v those_o argument_n first_o to_o maintain_v which_o may_v impeach_v the_o credit_n that_o do_v gain_v till_o which_o of_o full_a authority_n it_o must_v remain_v the_o book_n in_o which_o no_o christian_n disagree_v prefix_v ii_o that_o the_o book_n which_o have_v any_o author_n name_n to_o they_o be_v write_v by_o they_o who_o name_n be_v prefix_v to_o which_o some_o certain_a name_n affix_v we_o see_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v the_o writer_n of_o succeed_a time_n declare_v thus_o justin_n irenaeus_n clement_n show_v with_o other_o man_n of_o age_n that_o ensue_v that_o all_o the_o sacred_a book_n be_v title_v true_a add_v far_o as_o tertullian_n do_v declare_v some_o of_o th'orig'inal_n in_o his_o time_n be_v fair_a and_o every_o christian_a church_n the_o same_o do_v own_o even_o before_o council_n to_o unite_v they_o know_v nor_o do_v the_o jew_n or_o pagan_n ever_o doubt_v but_o they_o be_v they_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v about_o julian_n confess_v in_o term_n by_o no_o mean_n dark_a that_o peter_n paul_n with_o matthew_n luke_n and_o mark_v be_v author_n of_o those_o book_n which_o bear_v their_o name_n thus_o he_o but_o his_o own_o want_n of_o wit_n proclaim_v who_o doubt_v of_o what_o both_o greek_n and_o roman_n think_v to_o have_v be_v by_o homer_n or_o grave_a virgil_n write_v more_o on_o that_o evidence_n shall_v we_o rely_v which_o almost_o every_o nation_n do_v supply_v of_o iii_o the_o doubt_n remove_v from_o book_n ancient_o doubt_v of_o yet_o do_v the_o volume_n now_o in_o use_n contain_v book_n which_o at_o first_o do_v not_o like_a credit_n gain_v thus_o it_o be_v with_o one_o which_o we_o st._n peter_n call_n the_o same_o do_v those_o of_o james_n and_o judas_n befall_v and_o thus_o with_o two_o which_o the_o like_a late_a consent_n from_o john_n the_o elder_a sty_v suppose_v send_v the_o apocalypse_v as_o doubtful_a have_v be_v think_v and_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n write_v however_o that_o many_o church_n they_o receive_v and_o sacred_a their_o authority_n believe_v appear_v in_o that_o christi'ans_n who_o first_o do_v write_v they_o as_o of_o such_o authority_n do_v cite_v which_o may_v in_o reason_n well_o be_v think_v to_o show_v of_o some_o nothing_o at_o first_o some_o church_n know_v however_o the_o truth_n be_v set_v in_o a_o clear_a light_n they_o do_v with_o other_o in_o their_o use_n unite_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o cause_n in_o these_o to_o cheat_v for_o without_o they_o the_o system_n be_v complete_a the_o selfsame_a doctrine_n they_o do_v but_o repeat_v writer_n iv_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o book_n as_o have_v no_o title_n prove_v from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o writer_n nor_o shall_v th'epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n write_v or_o two_o repute_a john_n be_v spurious_a thought_n or_o the_o apocalypse_v of_o doubtful_a fame_n betwixt_o john_n th'apostle_n and_o one_o of_o his_o name_n the_o quality_n of_o book_n be_v most_o esteem_v some_o history_n have_v be_v authentic_a deem_v who_o author_n never_o do_v themselves_o declare_v thus_o the_o account_n of_o the_o alexandrian_a war_n do_v with_o a_o general_n reputati'on_n pass_v
since_o part_v of_o what_o he_o write_v the_o author_n plain_o be_v so_o since_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n we_o cite_v live_v in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o which_o they_o write_v and_o as_o they_o add_v themselves_o partaker_n be_v of_o gift_n which_o fall_v to_o a_o apostle_n share_n it_o be_v enough_o our_o full_a belief_n to_o gain_v if_o any_o say_v these_o quality_n they_o feign_v and_o to_o some_o book_n fictiti'ous_a name_n do_v give_v they_o urge_v what_o none_o that_o think_v can_v ever_o believe_v as_o if_o who_o preach_v up_o truth_n and_o piety_n shall_v venture_v without_o any_o cause_n to_o lie_v which_o not_o all_o good_a man_n only_o will_v refuse_v but_o to_o forbid_v by_o law_n the_o roman_n choose_v the_o book_n which_o the_o new_a covenant_n then_o write_v v._o that_o the_o penman_n write_v the_o truth_n because_o they_o have_v knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o write_v declare_v be_v doubtless_o write_v by_o they_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v or_o such_o at_o least_o as_o they_o themselves_o profess_v and_o what_o there_o be_v like_a reason_n to_o confess_v the_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o write_v the_o author_n know_v nor_o can_v desire_v to_o mix_v what_o be_v untrue_a for_o falsehood_n we_o no_o other_o ground_n receive_v than_o ign'rance_n or_o intention_n to_o deceive_v matthew_n john_n peter_n judas_n be_v know_v of_o those_o who_o christ_n t'atte_v his_o word_n and_o action_n choose_v and_o therefore_o needs_o must_v know_v the_o thing_n they_o tell_v and_o this_o to_o james_n may_v be_v apply_v as_o well_o be_v a_o apostle_n or_o to_o christ_n of_o kin_n and_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v be_v advance_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o that_o see_n st._n paul_n from_o error_n must_v have_v be_v as_o free_v when_o what_o he_o learn_v from_o christ_n he_o do_v declare_v be_v rapt_v above_o the_o region_n of_o the_o air_n to_o he_o or_o luke_n who_o always_o close_v his_o side_n for_o what_o christ_n do_v faith_n ought_v not_o be_v deny_v that_o luke_n do_v know_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o suppose_v what_o of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o death_n he_o show_v be_v bear_v hard_o by_o and_o have_v travel_v over_o the_o place_n christ_n have_v visit_v before_o and_o have_v eye-witness_n of_o what_o he_o write_v often_o consult_v as_o himself_o recite_v many_o with_o who_o he_o friendship_n do_v contract_n beside_o apostle_n can_v attest_v the_o fact_n some_o who_o disease_n at_o christ_n word_n have_v flee_v who_o see_v he_o live_v after_o be_v dead_a if_o tac'itus_n and_o suetoni'us_o be_v believe_v in_o thing_n which_o happen_v long_o before_o they_o live_v because_o they_o be_v diligent_a enquirer_n think_v rather_o shall_v one_o esteem_v what_o luke_n have_v write_v of_o mark_v a_o constant_a fame_n be_v know_v to_o pass_v that_o he_o companion_n to_o st._n peter_n be_v and_o what_o he_o write_v shall_v have_v the_o like_a esteem_n as_o if_o st._n peter_n dictate_v to_o he_o and_o far_o hardly_o any_o thing_n be_v there_o but_o what_o th'apostle_n write_n do_v declare_v nor_o can_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o thing_n apocal._n thing_n apocal._n reveal_v when_o god_n large_a fold_n of_o providence_n unseal_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o what_o he_o see_v or_o he_o who_o write_v hebrew_n write_v author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n to_o they_o of_o the_o jewish_a law_n in_o what_o he_o say_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n come_v or_o the_o apostle_n witness_v the_o same_o that_o they_o to_o cheat_v with_o lie_n can_v not_o design_n lie_v vi_o and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o lie_v mention_v before_o we_o always_o shall_v subjoin_v when_o we_o will_v reinforce_v that_o law_n divine_a which_o from_o our_o preach_a king_n at_o first_o be_v spread_v with_o his_o return_n to_o life_n from_o be_v dead_a who_o witness_n of_o ill_a intent'ion_n blame_v the_o ground_n of_o such_o their_o ill_a intent'ion_n name_n here_o can_v be_v none_o if_o any_o say_v they_o feign_v that_o they_o the_o cause_n they_o manage_v may_v maintain_v for_o such_o a_o cause_n why_o shall_v they_o so_o contend_v which_o no_o advantage_n here_o can_v recommend_v nor_o do_v they_o any_o danger_n thereby_o shun_v for_o that_o alone_o they_o do_v all_o hazard_n run_v and_o as_o to_o worldly_a good_n be_v quite_o undo_v no_o man_n can_v therefore_o think_v they_o choose_v this_o cause_n but_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n holy_a law_n which_o will_v not_o have_v encourage_v falsity_n chief_o in_o that_o wherein_o salvation_n lie_v so_o ill_a a_o charge_n these_o thing_n with_o strength_n oppose_v the_o pious_a doctrine_n which_o they_o do_v propose_v their_o life_n unspotted_a and_o so_o free_a from_o blame_n that_o their_o worst_a foe_n their_o ign'rance_n only_a name_n no_o proper_a parent_n of_o invent_a tale_n to_o show_v their_o faithfulness_n this_o shall_v not_o fail_v that_o their_o own_o fault_n they_o leave_v upon_o record_n that_o all_o forsake_v and_o peter_n thrice_o deny_v their_o lord_n but_o god_n himself_o do_v witness_v to_o they_o bear_v wrought_v viii_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o author_n from_o the_o miracle_n they_o wrought_v whilst_o he_o by_o wonder_n do_v their_o truth_n declare_v on_o which_o since_o they_o and_o all_o man_n of_o their_o way_n such_o mighty_a stress_n with_o such_o assurance_n lie_v and_o to_o the_o public_a scrutiny_n advance_v the_o time_n and_o place_n every_o circumstance_n the_o magistrate_n concern_v do_v they_o so_o please_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n may_v have_v learn_v with_o ease_n this_o too_o th'assi_v of_o heaven_n do_v show_v that_o many_o speak_v the_o tongue_n they_o never_o know_v and_o pain_n flee_v sudden_o in_o public_a view_n nor_o be_v they_o terrify_v from_o what_o they_o press_v to_o think_v the_o roll_a jew_n be_v foe_n profess_v nor_o be_v the_o roman_n less_o incline_v to_o close_v with_o what_o may_v they_o for_o novelty_n expose_v nay_o jew_n and_o pagan_n of_o the_o time_n most_o nigh_o that_o these_o have_v wonder_n wrought_v dare_v not_o deny_v st._n peter_n mir'cle_n phlegon_n do_v report_n a_o annalist_n of_o the_o emperor_n adrian_n court_n and_o christian_n plead_v before_o any_o state_n urge_v all_o these_o fact_n as_o be_v past_a debate_n that_o at_o the_o tomb_n of_o martyr_n there_o remain_v a_o wondrous_a power_n they_o public_o maintain_v and_o that_o throughout_o some_o age_n it_o do_v last_o which_o if_o untrue_a they_o may_v with_o shame_n be_v cast_v when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o justify_v their_o cause_n before_o dispenser_n of_o the_o civil_a law_n so_o frequent_a be_v the_o prodigy_n there_o wrought_v of_o they_o such_o uncontested_a proof_n be_v bring_v as_o even_o porphiry_n himself_o confess_v with_o what_o be_v already_o say_v we_o well_o may_v rest_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o heap_n of_o argument_n behind_o which_o may_v commend_v those_o book_n to_o he_o serious_a mind_n heaven_n viii_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o write_n confirm_v in_o that_o they_o contain_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o event_n have_v prove_v to_o be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n in_o they_o be_v many_o thing_n plain_o fore-shown_a which_o no_o man_n can_v by_o natural_a skill_n have_v know_v the_o event_n declare_v they_o for_o god_n alone_o as_o the_o 12.32_o the_o mat._n 13.33_o etc._n etc._n john_n 12.32_o large_a sudden-spreading_a of_o that_o way_n and_o that_o 14.16_o that_o luke_n 1.33_o mat._n 28.20_o john_n 14.16_o no_o age_n shall_v see_v its_o power_n decay_n that_o it_o shall_v etc._n shall_v mat._n 21.43_o etc._n etc._n be_v reject_v by_o the_o jew_n while_o gentile_n far_o remote_a obedience_n choose_v that_o it_o will_v the_o hatred_n of_o the_o 10.17_o the_o mat._n 10.17_o jew_n procure_v what_o cru'lty_n for_o christ_n name_n man_n shall_v endure_v the_o 23.24_o the_o mat._n 10.21.39_o &_o 23.24_o siege_n and_o dismal_a ruin_n to_o invade_v that_o 24._o that_o mat._n 23.37_o 38._o luk._n 21.20_o 24._o city_n where_o the_o jew_n their_o worship_n pay_v that_o there_o the_o temple_n shall_v be_v leave_v forlorn_a with_o the_o etc._n the_o mat._n 23.35_o etc._n etc._n calamity_n still_o to_o be_v bear_v add_v here_o if_o god_n regard_v our_o mortal_a state_n chief_o in_o what_o to_o his_o worship_n do_v relate_v he_o can_v suffer_v error_n to_o abound_v where_o nothing_o but_o his_o honour_n man_n propound_v but_o for_o the_o sacred_a book_n this_o proof_n supply_v book_n ix_o as_o also_o from_o the_o care_n become_v god_n in_o prevent_v supposititious_a book_n that_o of_o all_o christian_a sect_n do_v ere_o arise_v scarce_o any_o have_v be_v find_v that_o these_o deny_v some_o the_o whole_a volume_n for_o authentic_a take_v and_o they_o who_o doubt_v concern_v any_o make_n other_o receive_v which_o do_v with_o they_o agree_v when_o yet_o we_o such_o warm_a difference_n see_v that_o
heal_v or_o that_o like_a thing_n at_o different_a time_n abound_v or_o name_n ambiguous_a do_v the_o mind_n confound_v or_o have_v one_o man_n or_o place_n name_n more_o than_o one_o and_o suchlike_a circumstance_n now_o unknown_a but_o this_o they_o from_o impute_a fraud_n may_v free_v who_o lie_v by_o compact_n will_v in_o all_o agree_v if_o some_o slight_a disagreement_n still_o appear_v which_o will_v no_o reconciliati'on_n bear_v we_o ought_v not_o therefore_o all_o these_o book_n suspect_v unless_o we_o will_v all_o history_n reject_v for_o we_o as_o much_o may_v of_o that_o kind_n perceive_v in_o those_o which_o we_o without_o dispute_n receive_v polybi'us_o and_o herodotus_n to_o name_n livy_n and_o plutarch_n author_n of_o great_a fame_n how_o much_o more_o equal_a be_v it_o not_o to_o doubt_v when_o it_o appear_v the_o writer_n be_v devout_a and_o think_v it_o criminal_a thing_n false_a to_o tell_v we_o by_o extrinsic_a proof_n may_v such_o refel_v book_n fourteen_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n take_v from_o outward_a testimony_n where_o it_o be_v show_v that_o they_o make_v more_o for_o these_o book_n but_o i_o affirm_v none_o such_o be_v to_o be_v find_v unless_o our_o doubt_n on_o late_a time_n we_o ground_n where_o enemy_n the_o christi'an_a name_n will_v wound_v we_o can_v such_o for_o witness_n receive_v nay_o foreign_a proof_n confirm_v what_o we_o believe_v that_o jesus_n suffer_v jew_n and_o heathen_n teach_v and_o that_o he_o and_o his_o follow'r_n wonder_v wrought_v some_o forty_o year_n from_o christ_n josephus_n write_v who_o do_v in_o term_n the_o most_o perspic'ous_a own_o what_o be_v by_o herod_n pilate_n festus_n do_v foelix_n john_n baptist_n and_o gamali'el_fw-fr name_n and_o how_o jerusalem_n expire_v in_o flame_n the_o talmudist_n the_o same_o full_o relate_v tacitus_n tell_v the_o effect_n of_o nero_n hate_n when_o he_o against_o christi'anity_n do_v rage_n and_o several_a book_n be_v extant_a in_o that_o age_n such_o be_v old_a phlegon_n we_o before_o do_v name_n and_o public_a record_n menti'on_v the_o same_o to_o which_o the_o christi'ans_n common_o appeal_v nor_o be_v the_o star_n point_v at_o christ_n conceal_v they_o name_v the_o earthquake_n and_o eclipse_n o'th'sun_n against_o the_o course_n in_o which_o nature_n have_v run_v when_o yet_o the_o moon_n at_o full_a feel_v not_o the_o loss_n about_o the_o time_n when_o christ_n be_v on_o the_o cross_n no_o other_o difficulty_n i_o can_v name_v change_v xv._o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n about_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v change_v but_o that_o the_o write_n be_v not_o still_o the_o same_o to_o fate_n of_o other_o write_n we_o must_v own_v to_o have_v betide_v these_o may_v here_o be_v show_v the_o copier_n neglect_n or_o faulty_a will_n if_o not_o his_o want_n of_o necessary_a skill_n in_o letter_n syllable_n or_o word_n may_v wrong_v by_o change_n omission_n some_o of_o they_o too_o long_o but_o these_o thing_n shall_v no_o controversy_n raise_v be_v but_o incident_a to_o length_n of_o day_n but_o that_o by_o fraud_n or_o any_o other_o way_n in_o doctrinal_n all_o copy_n vicious_a be_v or_o where_o they_o memorable_a fact_n declare_v do_v or_o by_o book_n or_o witness_v of_o those_o time_n appear_v what_o ever_o of_o that_o kind_n be_v offer_v since_o must_v pass_v for_o rail_a not_o for_o evidence_n this_o may_v be_v think_v enough_o to_o silence_v those_o who_o for_o mutation_n holy_a writ_n oppose_v on_o who_o it_o lie_v not_o to_o object_n but_o prove_v since_o they_o will_v a_o settle_v reputati'on_n move_v but_o we_o their_o vain_a pretence_n may_v soon_o detect_v who_o what_o never_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v here_o object_n before_o we_o prove_v to_o any_o equal_a mind_n the_o book_n be_v they_o who_o name_v affix_v we_o find_v it_o follow_v then_o there_o be_v no_o change_n of_o book_n and_o if_o to_o every_o part_n of_o they_o one_o look_n no_o change_n of_o part_n materi'al_o can_v be_v find_v some_o end_n who_o make_v the_o change_n must_v needs_o propound_v that_o where_o the_o change_n be_v make_v shall_v differ_v more_o from_o those_o remain_a what_o they_o be_v before_o than_o here_o the_o sharp_a search_n can_v ever_o explore_v nay_o as_o before_o be_v in_o this_o tract_n observe_v a_o wonderful_a consent'_v throughout_o preserve_v beside_o when_o any_o of_o th'apostle_n write_v or_o man_n who_o apostolical_a be_v think_v sincere_a professor_n of_o the_o christi'an_a name_n as_o their_o concern_n for_o truth_n it_o well_o become_v must_v needs_o have_v use_v all_o diligence_n to_o gain_v the_o value_v transcript_n of_o what_o they_o maintain_v through_o europe_n asia_n egypt_n these_o diffuse_v for_o the_o greek_a tongue_n among_o all_o these_o be_v use_v can_v not_o but_o spread_v as_o far_o as_o christ_n be_v know_v consider_v far_o as_o before_o be_v show_v that_o some_o original_n be_v see_v to_o last_v until_o the_o second_o century_n be_v pass_v a_o book_n of_o which_o so_o many_o copy_n be_v preserve_v not_o only_o by_o a_o private_a care_n but_o by_o whole_a church_n which_o do_v christ_n obey_v no_o man_n to_o have_v be_v counterfeit_a can_v say_v add_v that_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o sacred_a text_n be_v read_v in_o several_a tongue_n i'th'age_n next_o the_o syriac_a aethiopic_n arabic_n and_o latin_a too_o agree_v with_o the_o greek_a in_o all_o those_o weighty_a thing_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v farther_o their_o write_n to_o our_o hand_n be_v bring_v who_o the_o apostle_n or_o their_o follow'r_n teach_v who_o many_o passage_n from_o they_o do_v quote_v agree_v with_o that_o sense_n which_o now_o we_o note_v nor_o in_o the_o church_n be_v any_o man_n possess_v of_o such_o authority_n above_o the_o rest_n that_o they_o will_v comply_v if_o he_o a_o change_n have_v press_v this_o irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n show_v the_o cyprian_a too_o who_o without_o fear_n withdraw_v from_o those_o who_o then_o be_v most_o repute_v sage_a and_o if_o we_o come_v to_o the_o succeed_a age_n we_o find_v man_n of_o best_a judgement_n great_a part_n wh'had_v run_v their_o stage_n through_o the_o liberal_a art_n after_o the_o utmost_a search_n these_o to_o receive_v and_o of_o orig'nal_a purity_n believe_v in_o proof_n of_o this_o divide_a party_n join_v all_o who_o believe_v the_o world_n a_o work_n divine_a and_o christ_n the_o founder_n of_o a_o sacred_a law_n each_o against_o change_v will_v the_o other_o awe_n nor_o yet_o do_v any_o sect_n that_o licence_n take_v that_o to_o have_v change_v they_o for_o their_o side_n will_v make_v which_o hence_o be_v see_v that_o when_o ever_o they_o dispute_v each_o will_v from_o thence_o his_o opposite_a confute_v what_o be_v urge_v of_o providence_n concern_v for_o all_o to_o every_o part_n of_o these_o alike_o will_v fall_v nor_o ought_v it_o of_o our_o god_n to_o be_v believe_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v man_n to_o be_v deceive_v in_o what_o be_v all_o great_a moment_n to_o the_o mind_n who_o have_v his_o honour_n above_o all_o design_v and_o next_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n will_v find_v for_o many_o thousand_o such_o as_o these_o to_o run_v into_o those_o error_n which_o they_o can_v not_o shun_v this_o may_v be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o maintain_v what_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v there_o contain_v and_o there_o at_o large_a be_v our_o religion_n see_v yet_o since_o the_o almighty_n pleasure_n it_o have_v be_v covenant_n xvi_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n the_o truth_n the_o jew_n believe_v shall_v now_o appear_v which_o no_o small_a light_n to_o our_o religion_n bear_v it_o be_v not_o amiss_o to_o show_v their_o credit_n here_o what_o prove_v those_o other_o book_n be_v title_v right_o will_v serve_v for_o these_o where_o any_o shall_v deny_v it_o the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n the_o jew_n receive_v be_v prophet_n or_o most_o fit_a to_o be_v believe_v such_o esdras_n be_v think_v to_o have_v join_v in_o one_o those_o scatter_a book_n which_o go_v before_o alone_o when_o at_o that_o time_n some_o prophet_n be_v alive_a who_o will_v against_o a_o impositi'on_n strive_v such_o haggai_n malachi_n zach'ry_n be_v know_v to_o pass_v what_o be_v in_o praise_n of_o moses_n show_v pagan_n confirm_v not_o only_o what_o he_o write_v but_o what_o of_o late_a time_n the_o jew_n be_v teach_v so_o the_o phoenician_n annalist_n proclaim_v david_n and_o solomon_n so_o great_a in_o fame_n and_o they_o their_o treaty_n with_o the_o tyri'ans_n name_n nebuchadonozor_n with_o other_o join_v who_o caldee_n rule_v we_o in_o berosus_n find_v egyptian_a vaphre_n jeremy_n do_v name_n and_o aphri'e_n in_o her'odotus_n be_v the_o same_o of_o cyrus_n and_o who_o follow_v in_o his_o charge_n until_o darius_n graeci'ans_n speak_v at_o large_a and_o in_o those_o book_n josephus_n do_v indite_v when_o appian_n to_o
his_o grave_n mahomet_n author_n of_o far_o spread_a rite_n as_o be_v confess_v by_o his_o own_o proselyte_n dissolve_v in_o luxury_n and_o lust_n do_v live_v nor_o leave_v he_o the_o least_o earnest_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o reward_n he_o promise_v shall_v be_v find_v perpetua'l_v feast_n and_o lust_n for_o ever_o crown_v when_o his_o own_o body_n never_o have_v life_n again_o and_o do_v entomb_v at_o mecha_n still_o remain_v moses_n who_o have_v the_o jew_n divine_o teach_v though_o a_o brave_a man_n yet_o be_v not_o free_a from_o fault_n when_o god_n will_v send_v he_o to_o the_o egypti'an_a land_n he_o do_v too_o long_o the_o embassy_n withstand_v and_o when_o god_n promise_v water_n from_o the_o rock_n he_o think_v it_o be_v his_o credulity_n to_o mock_v and_o he_o himself_o scarce_o any_o thing_n enjoy_v of_o all_o that_o have_v his_o foll'ower_n faith_n employ_v in_o desert_a place_n with_o their_o faction_n tire_v himself_o debar_v enter_v the_o land_n desire_v that_o christ_n be_v sinless_a his_o disciple_n teach_v nor_o be_v one_o proof_n against_o it_o ever_o bring_v he_o be_v the_o example_n to_o the_o rule_n he_o give_v and_o execute_v all_o that_o god_n will_v have_v patient_n of_o injury_n and_o torment_v too_o as_o on_o the_o cross_n he_o do_v most_o full_o show_v a_o lover_n of_o mankind_n and_o even_o of_o those_o who_o to_o that_o cruel_a death_n do_v he_o expose_v even_o for_o those_o miscre'ant_n he_o to_o god_n do_v pray_v nor_o do_v he_o to_o his_o follower_n promise_v pay_v in_o which_o himself_o have_v not_o first_o lead_v the_o way_n as_o be_v not_o only_o say_v but_o clear_o prove_v his_o visit_n after_o be_v from_o life_n remove_v how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o at_o large_a declare_v who_o he_o have_v touch_v as_o well_o as_o see_v and_o hear_v the_o twelve_o be_v witness_n when_o he_o do_v rise_v and_o be_v receive_v within_o the_o joyful_a sky_n where_o as_o appear_v a_o power_n supreme_a he_o gain_v from_o which_o they_o who_o he_o leave_v behind_o obtain_v not_o only_o tongue_n which_o they_o be_v never_o teach_v but_o power_n for_o other_o thing_n which_o nature_n never_o wrought_v all_o which_o he_o promise_v when_o he_o leave_v this_o life_n and_o which_o shall_v silence_v every_o doubtful_a strife_n whether_o he_o will_v or_o his_o able_a to_o make_v good_a what_o he_o have_v promise_v for_o our_o spirit'ual_a food_n and_o hence_o we_o gather_v his_o religion_n best_a that_o he_o perform_v himself_o what_o ere_o he_o press_v and_o be_v of_o his_o own_o promise_n possess_v if_o then_o we_o view_v his_o doctrine_n in_o the_o effect_n religion_n from_o the_o wonderful_a propagation_n of_o this_o religion_n they_o be_v such_o that_o either_o god_n his_o world_n neglect_v or_o we_o must_v think_v the_o doctrine_n from_o above_o nothing_o more_o worthy_a of_o god_n care_n do_v prove_v than_o that_o what_o be_v best_a shall_v be_v the_o far_a spread_v and_o this_o of_o christ_n religion_n may_v be_v say_v it_o be_v teach_v through_o europe_n and_o even_o far_a north_n all_o asia_n with_o its_o island_n know_v its_o worth_n egyptian_n ethiopian_n african_n be_v join_v in_o this_o with_o the_o american_n nor_o have_v it_o be_v only_o late_o but_o long_o ago_o as_o hist'ry_n of_o successive_a age_n show_v the_o book_n of_o christian_n act_n of_o synod_n too_o among_o barbarian_n a_o tradition_n know_a of_o miracle_n by_o some_o apostle_n show_v the_o life_n and_o journey_n be_v with_o they_o express_v of_o thomas_n andrew_n and_o some_o of_o the_o rest_n clement_n tertullian_n and_o other_o note_n that_o britain_n german_n place_n most_o remote_a do_v in_o their_o time_n christianity_n embrace_v what_o other_o worship_n ever_o reach_v such_o a_o space_n if_o you_o say_v the_o ethnick_n rival_n in_o this_o fame_n it_o be_v not_o one_o religion_n but_o one_o name_n nor_o ever_o all_o of_o they_o worship_v the_o same_o some_o star_n the_o element_n some_o do_v adore_v some_o ani'mal_n some_o what_o no_o subsistence_n bear_v nor_o do_v they_o the_o same_o law_n or_o master_n own_o the_o jew_n a_o scatter_a people_n be_v but_o one_o nor_o have_v their_o law_n be_v much_o observe_v to_o spread_v since_o christ_n his_o beam_n of_o truth_n divine_a do_v shed_v many_o the_o rule_n of_o mahomet_n obey_v yet_o christian_n live_v among_o they_o of_o that_o way_n and_o often_o be_v more_o numerous_a than_o they_o when_o in_o some_o place_n where_o they_o christ_n receive_v not_o one_o mahometan_n be_v know_v to_o live_v religion_n consider_v the_o weakness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o they_o who_o first_o teach_v this_o religion_n man_n ready_o enough_o example_n take_v from_o king_n and_z other_o who_o great_a figure_n make_v especial_o if_o law_n and_o force_v they_o add_v hence_o their_o increase_n th'ethnick_a and_o turkish_a have_v but_o they_o who_o christ_n religion_n first_o profess_v nothing_o of_o empire_n or_o of_o wealth_n possess_v as_o humble_a in_o their_o fortune_n as_o in_o mind_n foll'w_v mean_a trade_n to_o which_o they_o will_v be_v design_v yet_o in_o the_o space_n of_o thirty_o year_n scarce_o more_o they_o this_o disperse_v the_o roman_a empire_n over_o and_o to_o the_o parthian_n this_o and_o indian_n bear_v and_o for_o three_o age_n only_o private_a hand_n do_v carry_v on_o the_o preach_a christ_n command_n without_o external_a promise_n or_o threat_n nay_o even_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o state_n yet_o before_o constantine_n in_o christ_n believe_v through_o most_o of_o the_o roman_a world_n he_o be_v receive_v who_o with_o the_o grecian_n preach_v up_o moral_a rule_n for_o other_o art_n be_v famous_a in_o the_o school_n plato_n for_o the_o art_n of_o measure_v the_o earth_n peripatetic_n how_o the_o growth_n and_o birth_n of_o animal_n and_o plant_n do_v lecture_n read_v and_o with_o what_o subtlety_n dispute_v proceed_v the_o stoic_n in_o their_o labour_a logick_n show_v the_o pythagori'ans_n thou_o be_v of_o number_n know_v plato_n and_o zenophon_n can_v charm_v the_o sense_n so_o theophrastus_n with_o their_o eloquence_n but_o they_o who_o first_o the_o christi'an_a doctrine_n teach_v by_o no_o such_o art_n upon_o their_o hearer_n wrought_v their_o speech_n be_v simple_a without_o any_o snare_n they_o only_o do_v in_o downright_a term_n declare_v what_o their_o great_a master_n give_v they_o in_o command_n and_o how_o the_o threat_n and_o promise_n do_v stand_v this_o progress_n never_o have_v be_v from_o that_o alone_a but_o mir'cle_n or_o god_n blessing_n we_o must_v own_v or_o both_o to_o carry_v it_o so_o strange_o on_o this_o may_v be_v add_v here_o it_o xix_o and_o the_o very_a great_a impediment_n which_o may_v withdraw_v man_n from_o embrace_v or_o detain_v they_o from_o profess_v it_o concern_v those_o who_o first_o with_o christianity_n do_v close_o they_o be_v not_o in_o all_o other_o rite_n untaught_a so_o with_o more_o ease_n to_o that_o religion_n bring_v much_o less_o be_v they_o bring_v up_o in_o any_o way_n which_o may_v dispose_v they_o christ_n for_o lord_n to_o obey_v while_o turk_n and_o pagan_n and_o the_o stubborn_a jew_n have_v something_o prev'ous_a help_v they_o to_o choose_v the_o last_o their_o circumcision_n have_v before_o and_o learn_v only_o one_o deity_n to_o adore_v which_o make_v they_o ready_a moses_n to_o receive_v while_o they_o who_o in_o christ_n jesus_n do_v believe_v have_v many_o obstacle_n which_o will_v withdraw_v custom_n a_o second_o nature_n humane_a law_n parent_n authority_n all_o urge_v to_o have_v keep_v the_o way_n in_o which_o their_o grave_a forefather_n sleep_v be_v jew_n or_o heathen_n breed_v so_o to_o remain_v add_v to_o all_o this_o the_o certainty_n of_o pain_n which_o they_o by_o that_o professi'on_n be_v to_o gain_v pain_n which_o by_o nature_n all_o man_n will_v refuse_v nor_o ready_o will_v what_o procure_v it_o choose_v the_o christian_n long_o debar_v from_o honour_n be_v mulct_n confiscation_n exile_v hard_a to_o bear_v be_v to_o be_v '_o count_v their_o appoint_a share_n these_o thing_n be_v light_a into_o the_o balance_n cast_v with_o torture_n but_o too_o exquisite_a to_o last_v cruel_a as_o witty_a malice_n can_v invent_v and_o life_n be_v often_o in_o the_o conflict_n spend_v as_o the_o histor'ians_n of_o those_o time_n have_v write_v so_o many_o death_n no_o famime_n plague_n or_o war_n have_v bring_v nor_o be_v they_o with_o the_o common_a death_n to_o strive_v but_o put_v into_o consume_a flame_n alive_a or_o look_v for_o crucifixion_n and_o the_o like_a read_v or_o thought_n of_o which_o with_o horror_n strike_v thro'out_v the_o roman_a empire_n these_o do_v last_o till_o their_o religion_n constantine_n embrace_v without_o they_o but_o short_a interval_n be_v pass_v elsewhere_o they_o do_v continue_v long_o still_o yet_o all_o the_o blood_n they_o do_v so_o free_o spill_v
what_o one_o party_n for_o their_o rule_n have_v choose_v other_o will_v shun_v if_o it_o be_v but_o to_o oppose_v indeed_o some_o christian_n do_v those_o book_n disow_v some_o x._o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n in_o that_o divers_a book_n be_v reject_v by_o some_o which_o be_v against_o their_o darling_n notion_n know_v either_o who_o out_o of_o hatred_n to_o the_o jew_n their_o god_n and_o law_n do_v with_o reproach_n use_v or_o fear_v evil_n christian_n be_v to_o bear_v themselves_o deceitful_o do_v jew_n declare_v but_o by_o all_o christian_n these_o abandon_v be_v while_o as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n teach_v no_o difference_n unkind_a divisi'on_n wrought_v so_o they_o do_v not_o from_o piety_n withdraw_v these_o who_o adulterate_a thus_o the_o christi'an_a law_n may_v meet_v conviction_n in_o what_o be_v say_v above_o where_o that_o there_o be_v 1_o be_v lib._n 1._o sect._n 1_o one_o deity_n we_o prove_v who_o into_o be_v 6._o be_v lib._n 1._o §._o 6._o the_o creation_n speak_v nay_o even_o the_o book_n they_o for_o authentic_a take_v show_v that_o the_o hebrew_n god_n do_v all_o thing_n make_v he_o be_v by_o moses_n represent_v 33.19_o represent_v exod._n 33.19_o good_a but_o be_v through_o jesus_n better_a understand_v the_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n we_o will_v confute_v where_o we_o against_o the_o real_a jew_n dispute_v in_o the_o mean_a while_o this_o wonderful_a may_v seem_v that_o with_o these_o man_n st._n paul_n have_v no_o esteem_n more_o church_n no_o apostle_n do_v erect_v and_o those_o stupendous_a work_n he_o do_v effect_n be_v then_o by_o christian_n public_o maintain_v when_o they_o may_v be_v discover_v if_o they_o feign_v if_o it_o be_v grant_v miracle_n he_o wrought_v what_o colourable_a ground_n can_v then_o be_v bring_v we_o shall_v his_o heavenly_a vision_n disbelieve_v or_o what_o he_o say_v he_o do_v from_o christ_n receive_v but_o if_o on_o christ_n he_o do_v so_o much_o attend_v that_o he_o will_v nothing_o teach_v he_o to_o offend_v dare_v he_o have_v venture_v with_o a_o lie_n to_o impose_v his_o doctrine_n most_o condemn_v who_o can_v oppose_v where_o from_o their_o ritu'al_n jew_n discharge_v he_o show_v nothing_o but_o truth_n its_o self_n can_v this_o procure_v he_o 3.5_o he_o phil._n 3.5_o circumcision_n do_v before_o endure_v 16.3_o endure_v act_n 16.3_o some_o voluntary_a proof_n in_o he_o they_o see_v of_o def'rence_n pay_v unto_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o to_o more_o 12.10_o more_o 2_o cor._n 12.10_o hardship_n do_v for_o christ_n aspire_v than_o do_v the_o rigour_n of_o that_o law_n require_v these_o thing_n by_o no_o mean_n please_v to_o the_o ear_n he_o do_v to_o all_o his_o follower_n declare_v instead_o of_o one_o the_o jew_n no_o more_o afford_v to_o keep_v all_o day_n for_o 5.5_o for_o 1_o tim._n 5.5_o sabbath_n to_o the_o lord_n 5._o lord_n 2_o cor._n 6.4_o 5._o instead_o of_o some_o small_a charge_n do_v they_o befall_v to_o bear_v with_o equal_a mind_n the_o loss_n of_o all_o and_o for_o the_o blood_n of_o beast_n they_o use_v to_o slay_v our_o own_o a_o offer_n to_o our_o god_n to_o pay_v nay_o he_o affirm_v that_o hand_n with_o he_o be_v join_v by_o 2.9_o by_o gal._n 2.9_o peter_n john_n and_o james_n all_o of_o one_o mind_n have_v it_o be_v false_a he_o dare_v not_o this_o proclaim_v when_o they_o may_v have_v deny_v it_o to_o his_o shame_n except_v then_o those_o we_o before_o observe_v who_o scarce_o to_o bear_v the_o christi'an_n name_v deserve_v the_o manifest_a consent_n of_o all_o beside_o who_o with_o these_o book_n as_o sacred_a have_v comply_v join_v to_o the_o miracle_n their_o writer_n wrought_v and_o god_n 9_o god_n sect._n 9_o peculiar_a care_n of_o such_o thing_n teach_v shall_v be_v enough_o to_o quiet_a doubt_v mind_n when_o for_o all_o history_n of_o other_o kind_n which_o be_v not_o of_o such_o proof_n as_o these_o possess_v no_o man_n will_v their_o authority_n contest_v unless_o some_o reason_n do_v against_o they_o weigh_v which_o none_o that_o well_o consider_v here_o can_v say_v if_o any_o say_v these_o book_n such_o thing_n contain_v impossible_a xi_o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n that_o these_o book_n seem_v to_o contain_v thing_n impossible_a which_o as_o impossible_a no_o credit_n gain_v it_o soon_o appear_v that_o the_o objection_n vain_a have_v show_v above_o the_o power_n of_o the_o most_o high_a in_o thing_n that_o carry_v no_o 7._o no_o lib._n 2._o sect._n 7._o repugnancy_n though_o they_o by_o far_o all_o humane_a reach_n exceed_v such_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o admiration_n breed_v those_o hide_a virtue_n nature_n never_o know_v and_o after_o death_n see_v the_o moon_n be_v renew_v nor_o be_v there_o great_a weight_n in_o what_o they_o move_v reason_n xii_o or_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n who_o something_n there_o will_v against_o reason_n prove_v more_o wit_n or_o learning_n can_v such_o man_n pretend_v than_o do_v from_o the_o first_o time_n these_o book_n defend_v what_o ever_o we_o with_o right_a reason_n show_v to_o agree_v in_o lively_a character_n you_o there_o will_v see_v that_o god_n 1._o god_n lib._n 1._o §._o 1._o exist_v and_o be_v in_o essence_n 2._o essence_n sect._n 2._o one_o possess_v of_o all_o 5._o all_o sect._n 3_o 4_o 5._o perfection_n ever_o know_v power_n wisdom_n goodness_n life_n beyond_o degree_n that_o the_o whole_a 6._o whole_a lib._n 1._o §._o 6._o universe_n he_o cause_v to_o be_v that_o he_o alone_o 10._o alone_o ib._n sect._n 10._o preserve_v thing_n what_o they_o be_v but_o 11._o but_o sect._n 11._o chief_o man_n his_o more_o immediate_a care_n that_o he_o both_o 14._o both_o lib._n 2._o sect._n 14._o can_v and_o will_v full_o reward_v those_o who_o he_o only_o as_o their_o end_n regard_n that_o we_o our_o 16._o our_o ib._n sect._n 16._o loose_a desire_n shall_v bridle_v in_o that_o all_o the_o race_n of_o mortal_n be_v of_o 6._o of_o lib._n 1._o §._o 6._o kin_n from_o whence_o a_o argument_n of_o force_n do_v prove_v that_o we_o shall_v one_o another_o true_o love_n reason_n asleep_o guide_v deceitful_a very_o weak_a if_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n beyond_o we_o seek_v or_o of_o god_n nature_n or_o his_o sovereign_a will_n what_o lewd_a dissension_n all_o the_o school_n do_v fill_v while_o best_a philosopher_n betray_v their_o want_n of_o skill_n nor_o need_v this_o be_v a_o wonder_n since_o we_o find_v they_o little_o understand_v of_o humane_a mind_n and_o how_o can_v the_o supreme_a then_o be_v define_v the_o prudent_a know_v that_o it_o much_o danger_n bring_v to_o search_v into_o the_o purpose_n of_o king_n and_o that_o the_o search_v however_o will_v be_v vain_a but_o what_o conjecture_n can_v expect_v to_o attain_v to_o what_o the_o almighty_a free_o do_v ordain_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v know_v plato_n do_v hold_v unless_o a_o oracle_n that_o secret_a tell_v but_o then_o no_o oracle_n that_o ever_o be_v have_v proof_n so_o clear_a as_o the_o new_a cov'enant_n have_v nor_o ever_o yet_o do_v man_n attempt_v to_o prove_v that_o any_o revelati'on_n from_o above_o do_v of_o god_n nature_n or_o his_o will_n make_v know_v what_o be_v repugnant_a to_o what_o there_o be_v show_v some_o thing_n of_o middle_a nature_n we_o may_v view_v which_o of_o themselves_o claim_v no_o obedience_n due_a or_o else_o in_o which_o no_o turpitude_n do_v stand_v which_o before_o christ_n have_v licence_n or_o command_v these_o book_n for_o want_n of_o such_o be_v no_o less_o full_a since_o late_a law_n may_v former_a disannul_v but_o some_o their_o doubt_n concern_v they_o declare_v other_o xiii_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n that_o some_o thing_n in_o these_o book_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o each_o other_o upon_o the_o disagree_a sense_n there_o yet_o this_o shall_v credit_n add_v with_o they_o that_o find_v how_o they_o for_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n be_v conjoin_v so_o as_o in_o other_o write_n never_o be_v see_v among_o the_o learned_a that_o ever_o yet_o have_v be_v whether_o you_o jew_n or_o greek_n or_o roman_n name_n in_o every_o science_n man_n of_o great_a fame_n of_o every_o sect_n some_o man_n will_v disagree_v this_o we_o in_o zenophon_n and_o plato_n see_v man_n from_o themselves_o be_v often_o different_a know_v either_o forget_v what_o before_o have_v go_v or_o be_v doubtful_a what_o to_o fix_v upon_o but_o all_o those_o write_n which_o we_o sacred_a call_n about_o those_o thing_n to_o no_o division_n fall_v which_o do_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n contain_v or_o how_o christ_n live_v &_o die_v and_o live_v again_o and_o they_o agree_v entire_o in_o the_o main_a indeed_o in_o circumstance_n of_o no_o weight_n we_o sometime_o find_v occasion_n of_o debate_n but_o many_o thing_n which_o lie_v from_o we_o conceal_v may_v all_o these_o seem_a diff'rence_n have_v
his_o way_n he_o will_v invite_v we_o many_o thing_n may_v gather_v in_o a_o throng_n which_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o jew_n belong_v and_o to_o what_o be_v mention_v here_o we_o well_o may_v add_v what_o we_o from_o strabo_n and_o from_o trogus_n have_v but_o we_o who_o in_o our_o suffer_a lord_n believe_v these_o book_n without_o dispute_v shall_v receive_v since_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o book_n but_o we_o do_v cite_v and_o so_o far_o to_o agree_v with_o they_o delight_n and_o when_o christ_n blame_v the_o doctor_n of_o their_o law_n and_o what_o in_o the_o proud_a pharisee_n he_o see_v he_o never_o menti'on_v any_o change_n they_o make_v in_o what_o from_o any_o prophet_n be_v convey_v or_o that_o supposititious_a book_n they_o bring_v nor_o can_v this_o after_o christ_n of_o they_o be_v think_v consider_v how_o the_o wander_a hebrew_n sheep_n scatter_v throughout_o the_o world_n these_o book_n do_v keep_v ten_o of_o the_o tribe_n first_o from_o assyr'ia_n lead_v and_o after_o two_o do_v through_o all_o media_n spread_v and_o after_o cyrus_n do_v the_o jew_n restore_v many_o do_v ramble_v foreign_a nati'on_n over_o these_o man_n the_o macedoni'ans_n do_v invite_v in_o alexandria_n to_o take_v delight_n the_o cruelty_n antiochus_n do_v show_v the_o civil_a war_n the_o asmodaeans_n know_v the_o war_n which_o pompey_n and_o which_o sossius_n make_v do_v force_v the_o jew_n in_o various_a part_n to_o trade_n these_o do_v the_o cyrenaic_a region_n fill_v the_o city_n too_o of_o asia_n see_v their_o skill_n this_o macedonia_n lycaonia_n know_v the_o isle_n of_o crete_n cyprus_n and_o other_o too_o that_o ancient_o at_o rome_n they_o num'rous_a be_v both_o horace_n martial_n juvenal_n declare_v no_o art_n can_v people_n so_o divide_v cheat_n nor_o can_v they_o have_v conspire_v to_o a_o fraud_n so_o great_a almost_o three_o hundred_o year_n ere_o christ_n be_v here_o some_o king_n of_o egypt_n make_v their_o care_n appear_v to_o propagate_v to_o those_o book_n the_o jew_n admire_v whilst_o they_o the_o seventy_n version_n do_v require_v so_o in_o like_a sense_n the_o greek_n do_v they_o receive_v whence_o with_o a_o change_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o deceive_v the_o language_n which_o we_o from_o chaldaean_n take_v and_o that_o which_o at_o jerusalem_n they_o speak_v that_o be_v half_a syriack_n help_v these_o book_n to_o spread_v part_v before_o christ_n part_v after_o he_o be_v dead_a aquila_n sym'chus_n theodosion_n each_o to_o have_v turn_v they_o into_o greek_a be_v know_v which_o with_o the_o seventy_o origin_n do_v view_v with_o other_o in_o the_o main_a all_o of_o they_o true_a in_o thing_n of_o weight_n none_o can_v a_o difference_n show_v philo_z live_v famous_a in_o calig'la_n reign_n josephus_n to_o vespasian_n do_v remain_v both_o cite_v out_o of_o the_o book_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o very_a same_o which_o at_o this_o day_n we_o use_v and_o many_o then_o of_o jew_n christian_n become_v who_o will_v certain_o what_o change_n they_o find_v proclaim_v if_o it_o be_v of_o moment_n which_o they_o may_v compare_v with_o the_o most_o ancient_a copy_n that_o there_o be_v but_o far_o from_o do_v this_o they_o oft_o delight_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o jew_n their_o book_n to_o cite_v but_o any_o crime_n '_o against_o jew_n have_v more_o pretence_n than_o either_o falsehood_n or_o else_o negligence_n with_o such_o devotion_n they_o these_o book_n embrace_v that_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o every_o letter_n place_n add_v yet_o a_o strong_a proof_n which_o last_o we_o range_v these_o book_n the_o jew_n will_v not_o on_o purpose_n change_n since_o thence_o who_o for_o their_o saviour_n christ_n receive_v prove_v strong_o or_o at_o least_o as_o they_o believe_v that_o he_o they_o worship_v that_o messiah_n be_v of_o who_o the_o promise_n to_o the_o jew_n do_v pass_v and_o none_o can_v think_v since_o that_o dispute_n arise_v the_o jew_n will_v have_v they_o power_n a_o change_n have_v choose_v lib_fw-la iv_o to_o see_v man_n peril_n while_o we_o sit_v at_o ease_n christianity_n i._o a_o particular_a confutation_n of_o the_o religion_n opposite_a to_o christianity_n be_v what_o do_v to_o much_o human_a nature_n please_v but_o it_o become_v we_o christi'ans_n to_o rejoice_v not_o only_o at_o our_o happiness_n of_o choice_n but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o our_o power_n to_o free_v those_o who_o be_v toss_v in_o error_n stormy_a sea_n and_o to_o have_v they_o our_o happiness_n partake_v toward_o this_o great_a end_n the_o former_a book_n do_v make_v because_o the_o proof_n of_o truth_n do_v that_o expose_v which_o do_v itself_o against_o that_o truth_n oppose_v but_o since_o all_o other_o worship_n that_o be_v know_v the_o pagan_a jewish_n that_o the_o turk_n do_v own_o beside_o the_o error_n common_a unto_o all_o have_v each_o what_o to_o its_o proper_a share_n do_v fall_v and_o against_o we_o in_o different_a method_n fight_v i_o think_v i_o shall_v do_v truth_n the_o great_a right_n if_o i_o of_o each_o make_v the_o dispute_n entire_a which_o do_v of_o the_o reader_n i_o desire_v that_o lay_v all_o parti'ality_n aside_o and_o what_o ever_o custom_n long_o have_v hold_v they_o tie_v they_o will_v use_v unbiased_a judgement_n for_o their_o guide_n while_o with_o we_o such_o impediment_n have_v place_n we_o go_v with_o fetter_n unto_o truth_n be_v embrace_n first_o then_o against_o the_o pagan_n we_o dispute_v god_n ii_o and_o first_o of_o paganism_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n that_o create_v spirit_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a the_o good_a not_o to_o be_v worship_v without_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o these_o we_o do_v before_o enough_o confute_v if_o they_o believe_v more_o than_o one_o power_n above_o in_o a_o eternal_a equal_a state_n to_o move_v we_o have_v show_v only_o one_o god_n to_o reign_v who_o all_o thing_n of_o himself_o do_v first_o ordain_v if_o of_o create_a mind_n their_o god_n they_o make_v either_o for_o good_a or_o bad_a we_o these_o must_v take_v if_o good_a they_o say_v first_o let_v they_o have_v a_o care_n lest_o they_o be_v cheat_v with_o a_o name_n so_o fair_a for_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a err_v there_o lest_o foe_n they_o take_v for_o friend_n and_o those_o that_o fall_v instead_o of_o those_o who_o shall_v god_n pleasure_n tell_v in_o reason_n too_o we_o shall_v some_o difference_n find_v for_o worship_n pay_v to_o they_o and_o the_o first_o mind_n let_v we_o know_v what_o order_n be_v assign_v to_o each_o what_o good_a respective_o to_o we_o they_o reach_v that_o we_o may_v judge_v what_o honour_n the_o great_a king_n intend_v we_o to_o those_o low_a power_n shall_v bring_v since_o none_o of_o these_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o know_v this_o how_o uncertain_a be_v their_o way_n may_v show_v how_o much_o more_o certain_a they_o be_v not_o to_o err_v if_o to_o the_o chief_a this_o worship_n they_o transfer_v this_o plato_n hold_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o wise_a this_o do_v he_o with_o more_o confidence_n advise_v since_o the_o good_a mind_n be_v servant_n to_o the_o best_a if_o he_o they_o please_v they_o may_v secure_o rest_v of_o their_o good_a office_n they_o can_v but_o be_v possess_v be_v iii_o that_o evil_a spirit_n be_v adore_v by_o pagan_n and_o how_o impious_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v then_o no_o flight_n argument_n belief_n persuade_v that_o unto_o devil_n spirit_n pagan_n pray_v first_o that_o their_o follower_n they_o do_v not_o bring_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o eternal_a king_n nay_o do_v his_o worship_n what_o they_o can_v impair_v or_o strive_v with_o he_o to_o have_v a_o equal_a share_n then_o they_o do_v strong_o magistrate_n incite_v against_o the_o man_n who_o worship_v god_n alright_v and_o the_o misguide_a rabble_n urge_v their_o pain_n when_o yet_o the_o poet_n in_o licenti'ous_a strain_n with_o parricide_n and_o rape_n their_o god_n do_v charge_n and_o epicurus_n that_o thing_n go_v at_o large_a without_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o power_n supreme_a be_v hold_v to_o make_v the_o subject_n of_o his_o theme_n and_o the_o most_o different_a rite_n one_o compound_v make_v egyptian_a phrygian_a greek_a together_o lay_v the_o tuscan_a too_o they_o do_v at_o rome_n persuade_v they_o ridicule_v the_o jewish_a way_n alone_o as_o be_v i'th'epigram_n and_o satyr_n show_v and_o sometime_o banishment_n shorten_v their_o woe_n then_o against_o christi'ans_n persecuti'ons_n rise_v of_o which_o the_o only_a cause_n to_o be_v assign_v be_v that_o they_o worship_v the_o eternal_a mind_n that_o thus_o the_o god_n they_o serve_v their_o honour_n lose_v fearful_a of_o he_o alone_o who_o all_o engross_v the_o three_o exception's_n take_v from_o the_o way_n in_o which_o they_o worship_v those_o they_o do_v obey_v such_o as_o can_v never_o please_v a_o honest_a mind_n thus_o there_o we_o humane_a sacrifice_n
warm_a prayer_n may_v efficac'ious_a prove_v utter_v for_o they_o by_o christ_n when_o he_o do_v hence_o remove_v lib_fw-la vi_o rise_n a_o refutation_n of_o mahometism_n it_o be_v rise_n since_o now_o with_o that_o religi'on_n we_o engage_v which_o mahomet_n set_v up_o in_o a_o blind_a age_n it_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o count_v those_o judgement_n here_o draw_v down_o by_o christian_n ere_o he_o do_v appear_v while_o presecuti'on_n do_v the_o church_n enclose_v more_o florid_n like_o the_o branch_a palm_n it_o rise_v piety_n sparkle_v through_o its_o humble_a state_n grow_v cold_a and_o stiff_a when_o favour_v by_o the_o great_a when_o constantine_n and_o other_o of_o like_a power_n pale_v in_o and_o cherish_v this_o celestial_a flower_n the_o church_n become_v a_o garden_n of_o delight_n and_o thither_o humane_a honour_n do_v invite_v the_o world_n come_v crowd_v in_o at_o the_o large_a gate_n and_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o admit_v of_o some_o debate_n whether_o the_o state_n be_v in_o the_o church_n or_o church_n in_o state_n secular_a interest_n than_o begin_v to_o sway_v the_o strong_a prince_n on_o the_o weak_a do_v prey_n boundless_a ambiti'on_n urge_v they_o to_o war_n sometime_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o trumpeter_n often_o the_o clergy_n quarrel_n for_o the_o see_v divide_v man_n under_o one_o polity_n the_o laymen_n life_n be_v offering_n for_o the_o priest_n when_o by_o the_o rout_n o'th'one_v the_o tumult_n cease_v in_o curi'ous_a questi'on_n they_o spin_v out_o that_o ease_n and_o study_v more_o themselves_o than_o god_n to_o please_v they_o choose_v like_o adam_n tempt_v by_o his_o wife_n the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n for_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n religi'on_n frame_v by_o god_n for_o common_a use_n become_v a_o sci'ence_n and_o a_o art_n abstruse_a vain_a affectati'on_n of_o thing_n most_o sublime_a like_o they_o who_o do_v to_o build_v proud_a babel_n climb_v to_o discord_n and_o divide_v tongue_n do_v draw_v which_o when_o the_o thus_o confound_v vulgar_a see_v scarce_o know_v where_o the_o stream_n of_o life_n do_v lie_v the_o very_a scripture_n they_o as_o taint_v fly_v then_o specious_a rite_n engross_v religi'on_n name_n instead_o of_o piety_n that_o heav'n-born_a flame_n juda'ism_n one_o will_v have_v think_v again_o return_v as_o if_o the_o mind_n be_v but_o the_o least_o concern_v bodily_a exercise_n religi'on_n seem_v with_o zeal_n in_o cry_v up_o a_o man_n or_o side_n esteem_v religi'on_n than_o dwindle_v to_o outward_a show_n many_o be_v christi'ans_n call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v at_o this_o do_v god_n just_a indignati'on_n show_v from_o scythi'a_n thence_o and_o germany_n he_o draw_v legion_n of_o barbarous_a enemy_n who_o come_v like_o inundati'on_n over_o the_o christi'an_a name_n they_o who_o survive_v this_o so_o devour_a loss_n not_o be_v purge_v from_o their_o contract_a dross_n sink_v under_o mah'met_n fighting_z '_o against_o the_o cross_n arabi'a_o see_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o that_o weed_n which_o spring_v up_o thick_a and_o choke_v the_o sacred_a seed_n in_o word_n it_o often_o suit_v the_o christian_a life_n with_o it_o in_o truth_n nothing_o be_v more_o at_o strife_n the_o saracen_n these_o precept_n first_o obey_v who_o a_o defecti'on_n from_o heracli'us_n make_v these_o do_v arabi'a_n syr'ia_n palestine_n invade_v egypt_n and_o persi'a_n feel_v their_o dread_a alarm_n from_o africa_n to_o spain_n they_o waft_v over_o their_o arm_n though_o other_o they_o do_v warm_o entertain_v the_o turk_n do_v the_o most_o equal_a war_n maintain_v and_o after_o mutu'al_a various_a chance_n pass_v they_o strike_v air_n undivided_a league_n at_o last_o then_o a_o conformity_n of_o manner_n bring_v the_o turk_n to_o close_a with_o what_o the_o other_o teach_v friendship_n prevail_v where_o force_n do_v fruitless_a prove_v so_o much_o more_o powerful_a be_v the_o bond_n of_o love_n of_o empire_n with_o the_o turk_n remain_v the_o seat_n take_v in_o partner_n they_o become_v more_o great_a city_n of_o as'ia_n and_o renown_a greece_n they_o soon_o compel_v to_o render_v up_o their_o key_n their_o prosperous_a arm_n in_o hungary_n be_v crown_v and_o they_o break_v through_o the_o stubborn_a german_a bind_v overthrow_v ii_o the_o foundation_n of_o mahometism_n concern_v not_o inquire_v into_o religion_n overthrow_v this_o doctrine_n set_v up_o to_o encourage_v fight_v be_v flare_o dress_v out_o with_o gaudy_a rite_n their_o book_n call_v holy_a from_o the_o vulgar_a hide_v all_o free_a enquiry_n after_o truth_n forbid_v nothing_o more_o just_o may_v suspiti'on_n breed_v than_o that_o they_o be_v prohibit_v to_o read_v who_o will_v not_o think_v that_o a_o adulterate_a ware_n for_o which_o who_o put_v it_o off_o take_v mighty_a care_n that_o none_o shall_v view_v the_o purchase_n he_o have_v make_v this_o be_v the_o conditi'on_n of_o the_o trade_n all_o man_n indeed_o can_v equal_o be_v bring_v to_o understand_v all_o object_n of_o their_o thought_n pride_n affectati'on_n custom_n may_v misguide_v but_o that_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v deny_v to_o they_o who_o seek_v it_o without_o by-respect_n themselves_o and_o all_o thing_n else_o to_o god_n subject_n with_o this_o the_o aid_n divine_a warm_o implore_v will_v cloud_v the_o goodness_n of_o he_o we_o adore_v and_o since_o a_o judge_a power_n adorn_v the_o mind_n what_o of_o that_o power_n can_v we_o more_o worthy_a find_v but_o that_o those_o thing_n shall_v exercise_v it_o most_o through_o ignorance_n of_o which_o eternal_a life_n be_v lose_v moses_n so-pow'rful_a with_o his_o wondrous_a rod_n corrupt_v iii_o proof_n against_o mahometan_n from_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o jew_n and_o christian_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o corrupt_v mahometan_n confess_v be_v send_v from_o god_n this_o they_o of_o jesus_n own_o nor_o stick_v to_o say_v that_o holy_a man_n first_o spread_v about_o his_o way_n yet_o in_o their_o alch'ran_n many_o thing_n do_v lie_v differ_v from_o moses_n and_o the_o christi'an_a verity_n here_o that_o i_o may_v but_o one_o example_n name_n that_o on_o the_o cross_n christ_n die_v scripture_n proclaim_v that_o the_o three_o day_n he_o come_v to_o life_n again_o without_o delusion_n see_v of_o many_o man_n o'th'other_n side_n by_o mahomet_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v private_o to_o heaven_n convey_v upon_o the_o cross_a th'effigy_n only_o lay_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n he_o plain_o thus_o deny_v and_o will_v not_o have_v the_o jew_n believe_v their_o eye_n th'objection_n can_v no_o other_o answer_n bear_v but_o that_o the_o book_n remain_v not_o what_o they_o be_v the_o contrary_a to_o which_o we_o have_v make_v appear_v 3._o vid._n lib._n 3._o if_o any_o this_o against_o their_o alch'ran_n urge_v the_o bare_a denial_n will_v be_v think_v to_o purge_v but_o they_o for_o that_o can_v never_o such_o proof_n pretend_v as_o have_v be_v show_v on_o holy_a writ_n to_o attend_v as_o that_o it_o soon_o throughout_o the_o world_n do_v pass_v not_o in_o a_o single_a tongue_n as_o the_o alch'ran_n be_v faithful_o keep_v by_o each_o divide_a sect_n who_o one_o another_o fraud_n must_v needs_o detect_v christ_n welcome_a promise_n enter_v by_o st._n john_n to_o send_v the_o comforter_n when_o he_o be_v go_v mahometan_n suppose_v to_o have_v curtail_v be_v that_o something_o there_o of_o mahomet_n be_v see_v but_o that_o the_o christi'ans_n to_o suppress_v this_o light_n blot_v the_o passage_n of_o malicious_a slight_n on_o which_o this_o question_n may_v a_o answer_n need_n be_v it_o after_o mahomet_n or_o do_v precede_v after_o it_o can_v not_o be_v since_o then_o be_v find_v copy_n disperse_v throughout_o the_o world_n to_o abound_v the_o greek_a the_o syri'ac_n arabic_a be_v know_v aethi'opic_n and_o in_o latin_n more_o than_o one_o but_o in_o that_o place_n these_o all_o be_v know_v to_o agree_v nor_o can_v we_o the_o least_o vari'ous_a vers'ion_n see_v no_o cause_n of_o change_n before_o that_o can_v be_v think_v none_o can_v foresee_v what_o will_v by_o he_o be_v teach_v though_o nothing_o contrary_a to_o christ_n he_o bring_v who_o can_v of_o those_o who_o follow_v christ_n believe_v they_o shall_v the_o book_n of_o mahomet_n receive_v before_o what_o moses_n and_o the_o hebrew_n prophet_n leave_v suppose_v on_o neither_o side_n a_o write_n be_v that_o might_n what_o christ_n or_o mah'met_n teach_v declare_v reason_n will_v teach_v that_o that_o for_o christ_n shall_v pass_v which_o that_o esteem_n among_o the_o christian_n have_v mahomet_n iv_o a_o comparison_n of_o jesus_n and_o of_o mahomet_n for_o mahomet_n that_o which_o so_o his_o follower_n take_v of_o both_o now_o the_o comparison_n let_v we_o make_v while_o we_o the_o adjunct_n and_o affecti'on_n view_v whence_o which_o deserve_v the_o pref'rence_n we_o may_v show_v first_o for_o the_o author_n the_o other_a side_n agree_v man_n do_v in_o jesus_n that_o messiah_n see_v of_o who_o the_o promise_n in_o the_o
they_o with_o the_o help_n of_o lot_n 295._o cic._n de_fw-fr diu._n lib._n 2._o f._n 295._o and_o tully_n take_v notice_n of_o a_o decree_n of_o the_o senate_n against_o the_o read_n of_o those_o book_n as_o obsolete_a and_o antiquate_v but_o think_v it_o reasonable_a that_o this_o decree_n shall_v be_v revive_v to_o prevent_v superstition_n but_o then_o there_o be_v no_o restraint_n to_o keep_v tully_n and_o the_o other_o enquirer_n of_o that_o age_n from_o satisfy_v their_o curiosity_n about_o these_o 15._o vid._n petau._n rat._n temp_n p._n 361._o lactantius_n lib._n 4._o c._n 15._o and_o several_a of_o their_o verse_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o author_n of_o those_o time_n agreeable_o to_o which_o lactantius_n who_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o three_o century_n say_v that_o the_o sibylline_a verse_n which_o the_o christian_n then_o urge_v against_o the_o heathen_n be_v take_v out_o of_o tully_n varro_n and_o other_o ancient_n who_o die_v before_o christ_n be_v bear_v and_o that_o these_o verse_n be_v in_o many_o hand_n before_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o second_o century_n after_o our_o saviour_n be_v evident_a in_o justin_n martyr_n who_o impute_v it_o to_o the_o prevalence_n of_o devil_n or_o daemon_n that_o the_o sibylline_a book_n among_o other_o be_v then_o prohibit_v 64._o just_a mart._n apol._n 2._o p._n 64._o yet_o say_v he_o we_o not_o only_o possess_v they_o without_o fear_n but_o as_o you_o see_v offer_v they_o to_o your_o view_n which_o show_v that_o the_o prohibition_n extend_v only_o to_o man_n of_o their_o own_o rite_n and_o the_o decree_n against_o the_o read_n of_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v revive_v to_o prevent_v the_o spread_a of_o christianity_n not_o that_o it_o be_v always_o enforce_v justin_n say_v the_o reading_z of_o these_o be_v make_v capital_a mart._n just_a mart._n that_o by_o fear_n they_o may_v turn_v away_o man_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o believe_v the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o that_o they_o may_v keep_v they_o slave_n to_o themselves_o upon_o three_o account_n it_o be_v easy_o to_o be_v conceive_v how_o the_o sibyl_n verse_n shall_v have_v be_v public_a 1._o it_o may_v have_v be_v through_o the_o treachery_n of_o officer_n entrust_v with_o they_o augusti_fw-la vid._n short_a discourse_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n ed._n an._n 1662._o p._n 16._o vid._n livy_n throughout_o tully_n de_fw-fr diu._n qouty_n senatus_n decemviros_fw-la ad_fw-la libros_fw-la ire_n jussit_fw-la etc._n etc._n vid._n diony_n halicarn_n lib._n 4._o f._n 259._o who_o live_v about_o 26_o year_n before_o christ_n vid._n etiam_fw-la vandale_n p._n 364._o disquis_fw-la touch_v the_o sibyl_n pag._n 169._o quicquid_fw-la fatidicorum_fw-la librorum_fw-la graeci_fw-la latinique_n generis_fw-la etc._n etc._n suet._n in_o vitâ_fw-la augusti_fw-la who_o may_v have_v private_o transcribe_v they_o as_o attilius_n do_v who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o two_o entrust_v with_o the_o collection_n then_o make_v and_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o trust_v suffer_v as_o parricide_n 2._o the_o occasion_n of_o consult_v these_o verse_n be_v very_o frequent_a and_o numerous_a and_o the_o verse_n which_o be_v then_o make_v public_a be_v no_o doubt_n careful_o preserve_v and_o communicate_v from_o one_o to_o another_o 3._o those_o write_n which_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o capitol_n before_o augustus_n his_o time_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n transcript_n from_o what_o be_v record_v in_o several_a part_n of_o greece_n from_o among_o these_o and_o other_o augustus_n make_v his_o collection_n and_o as_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a thing_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o those_o place_n from_o whence_o any_o of_o they_o have_v be_v transcribe_v no_o more_o be_v it_o to_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n which_o among_o the_o verse_n so_o record_v be_v transcribe_v and_o carry_v into_o the_o capitol_n upon_o which_o consideration_n i_o shall_v think_v it_o no_o more_o strange_a that_o many_o sibylline_a write_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o christian_n while_o the_o capitol_n stand_v agree_v with_o verse_n there_o record_v than_o that_o several_a copy_n of_o any_o book_n shall_v agree_v with_o the_o same_o original_a and_o as_o the_o christian_n by_o quote_v the_o sibyl_n to_o the_o heathen_n show_v their_o assurance_n that_o the_o quotation_n be_v right_a and_o of_o such_o write_n as_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o receive_v for_o authority_n so_o their_o not_o be_v disprove_v in_o particular_a instance_n show_n that_o that_o assurance_n be_v well_o ground_v and_o this_o will_v be_v further_a evident_a if_o any_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n at_o any_o time_n use_v these_o authority_n either_o to_o heathen_n or_o christian_n for_o though_o this_o argument_n be_v not_o so_o necessary_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n inspire_v to_o know_v the_o content_n of_o these_o verse_n before_o they_o come_v to_o their_o hand_n yet_o we_o can_v think_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n will_v suffer_v they_o to_o quote_v any_o thing_n adulterate_a nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o christian_n then_o can_v have_v counterfeit_v these_o verse_n and_o not_o be_v discover_v etc._n serom._n lib._n 6._o pag._n 639._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n clement_n of_o alexandria_n speak_v of_o god_n mercy_n not_o only_o to_o the_o then_o christian_n and_o jew_n but_o to_o the_o gentile_n also_o and_o of_o his_o have_v raise_v up_o prophet_n among_o they_o say_z beside_o the_o preach_a of_o st._n peter_n st._n paul_n manifest_v or_o will_v manifest_v the_o same_o who_o say_v observe_v the_o sibyl_n how_o she_o declare_v one_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o come_v take_v and_o read_v histaspes_n and_o there_o you_o will_v find_v it_o much_o more_o clear_o and_o plain_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o this_o passage_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o write_n of_o st._n paul_n now_o extant_a be_v not_o of_o itself_o of_o great_a weight_n than_o if_o any_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n shall_v have_v mention_v some_o expression_n or_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n of_o which_o a_o clear_a tradition_n than_o run_v though_o it_o be_v not_o record_v by_o any_o of_o the_o evangelist_n whereas_o st._n john_n conclude_v his_o gospel_n say_v 21.25_o john_n 21.25_o and_o there_o be_v many_o other_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v the_o which_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v write_v every_o one_o i_o suppose_v the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o quotation_n that_o what_o clement_n cite_v as_o st._n paul_n word_n be_v among_o they_o to_o who_o he_o write_v as_o much_o account_v st._n paul_n as_o any_o passage_n which_o he_o cite_v from_o st._n peter_n be_v think_v to_o be_v he_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o this_o objection_n than_o that_o this_o have_v not_o be_v transmit_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o s._n paul_n write_n but_o circumstance_n consider_v we_o be_v not_o here_o so_o much_o as_o to_o examine_v whether_o clement_n who_o mention_n this_o be_v one_o of_o integrity_n but_o the_o only_a question_n will_v be_v whether_o he_o and_o other_o of_o that_o time_n may_v have_v sufficient_a evidence_n whether_o any_o write_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o any_o apostle_n be_v in_o truth_n his_o who_o name_n they_o then_o bear_v nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o great_a question_n of_o this_o here_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o clement_n finish_v his_o book_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o emperor_n severus_n who_o die_v anno_fw-la christi_fw-la 212_o st._n paul_n die_v about_o the_o year_n 67_o or_o 69_o petau._n vid._n euseb_n cluu._n epit._n petau._n so_o that_o here_o be_v but_o 145_o year_n at_o the_o most_o to_o preserve_v the_o tradition_n and_o not_o 100_o to_o clement_n be_v of_o year_n of_o understanding_n and_o polycarp_n a_o disciple_n of_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n live_v till_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 168._o so_o that_o with_o he_o at_o least_o clement_n table_n vid._n talent_n table_n and_o other_o then_o alive_a may_v have_v converse_v and_o possible_o with_o some_o of_o st._n paul_n own_o follower_n chap._n ii_o clement_n quotation_n of_o st._n paul_n vindicate_v from_o vandale_n objection_n and_o his_o authority_n from_o tully_n turn_v upon_o he_o several_a objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sibylline_a write_n have_v be_v heretofore_o make_v by_o isaac_n casaubon_n david_n blondel_n and_o other_o who_o be_v full_o answer_v by_o my_o learned_a friend_n dr._n twisden_n sibyl_n vid._n disquis_fw-la touch_v the_o sibyl_n who_o treatise_n on_o this_o subject_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o silence_v the_o most_o sceptical_a but_o late_o one_o vandale_n