thus_o be_v there_o one_o way_n in_o mathematics_n another_o in_o physics_n a_o three_o in_o matter_n of_o advice_n and_o counsel_n and_o last_o another_o kind_n when_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v in_o question_n wherein_o very_o we_o must_v rest_v content_a when_o the_o testimony_n be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o untruth_n otherwise_o down_o go_v not_o only_o all_o the_o use_n of_o history_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o art_n of_o physic_n but_o all_o the_o piety_n also_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v between_o parent_n and_o child_n which_o can_v be_v know_v other_o way_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o almighty_a god_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v so_o that_o the_o very_a belief_n thereof_o may_v be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o obedience_n shall_v not_o so_o evident_o appear_v as_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v apprehend_v by_o sense_n and_o plain_a demonstration_n but_o only_o be_v so_o far_o forth_o reveal_v as_o may_v beget_v faith_n and_o a_o persuasion_n thereof_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o obstinate_a that_o so_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v as_o a_o touchstone_n whereby_o man_n disposition_n may_v be_v try_v whether_o they_o be_v curable_a or_o not_o for_o see_v these_o argument_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v have_v induce_v so_o many_o honest_a godly_a and_o wise_a man_n to_o approve_v of_o this_o religion_n it_o be_v thereby_o plain_a enough_o that_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n infidelity_n be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a testimony_n but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o have_v that_o to_o be_v have_v and_o embrace_v for_o truth_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o affection_n and_o desire_n it_o be_v that_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o they_o to_o make_v no_o great_a account_n of_o honour_n and_o other_o worldly_a advantage_n which_o they_o must_v do_v if_o they_o receive_v what_o christ_n have_v teach_v and_o so_o become_v engage_v to_o observe_v his_o precept_n which_o be_v discover_v to_o be_v true_a by_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o they_o take_v many_o other_o historical_a narration_n to_o be_v true_a which_o notwithstanding_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o mere_o by_o authority_n and_o not_o by_o any_o such_o footstep_n of_o they_o remain_v at_o this_o day_n as_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n have_v partly_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v now_o in_o be_v and_o partly_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v every_o where_o find_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_a people_n of_o which_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v there_o be_v some_o cause_n last_o see_v the_o long_a duration_n or_o continuance_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o large_a extent_n thereof_o can_v be_v ascribe_v to_o no_o humane_a power_n therefore_o it_o must_v be_v attribute_v to_o miracle_n or_o if_o any_o deny_v that_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v through_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n this_o very_a get_v so_o great_a strength_n and_o power_n without_o a_o miracle_n may_v be_v just_o think_v to_o surpass_v any_o miracle_n the_o three_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n after_o that_o a_o man_n be_v once_o persuade_v by_o the_o reason_n abovesaid_a or_o be_v induce_v by_o any_o other_o argument_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o religion_n which_o christian_n profess_v be_v the_o true_a and_o absolute_o the_o best_a if_o he_o desire_v to_o learn_v all_o the_o part_n thereof_o then_o must_v he_o have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o most_o ancient_a writing_n that_o contain_v the_o same_o religion_n which_o common_o we_o call_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o rather_o new_a covenant_n for_o he_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a who_o deny_v this_o religion_n to_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o book_n as_o all_o christian_n affirm_v since_o it_o be_v but_o equity_n to_o believe_v every_o sect_n be_v it_o good_a or_o be_v it_o bad_a when_o it_o say_v its_o opinion_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o book_n as_o we_o believe_v the_o mahometan_n that_o the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o alcoran_n forasmuch_o then_o as_o we_o have_v before_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v most_o true_a and_o it_o be_v manifest_a withal_o that_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o book_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n yet_o this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v and_o avouch_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n but_o if_o any_o body_n require_v a_o more_o particular_a demonstration_n of_o it_o i_o must_v first_o lay_v down_o this_o rule_n which_o all_o indifferent_a judge_n will_v allow_v that_o it_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o he_o who_o will_v impugn_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o writing_n receive_v for_o many_o age_n to_o produce_v argument_n which_o prove_v that_o write_v to_o be_v false_a which_o if_o he_o can_v do_v that_o book_n be_v to_o be_v defend_v as_o in_o possession_n of_o its_o authority_n sect_n ii_o here_o be_v show_v that_o such_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o have_v prefix_v we_o say_v then_o that_o those_o book_n which_o be_v not_o in_o question_n among_o christian_n and_o carry_v before_o they_o a_o certain_a name_n be_v the_o very_a work_n of_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v because_o those_o primitive_a father_n justin_n irenaeus_n clemens_n and_o other_o after_o they_o do_v quote_v those_o book_n under_o these_o very_a name_n as_o also_o because_o tertullian_n witness_v that_o there_o be_v original_a copy_n of_o some_o of_o those_o book_n extant_a in_o his_o time_n and_o beside_o all_o the_o church_n receive_v those_o book_n for_o authentical_a before_o there_o be_v any_o common_a public_a meeting_n neither_o do_v ever_o the_o pagan_n or_o jew_n raise_v any_o controversy_n about_o this_o as_o if_o these_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o those_o man_n who_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v but_o julian_n himself_o plain_o confess_v that_o those_o be_v the_o writing_n of_o peter_n and_o paul_n matthew_n mark_n and_o luke_n which_o christian_n under_o those_o name_n have_v read_v and_o receive_v for_o as_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n can_v doubt_v that_o those_o write_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o homer_n and_o virgil_n be_v true_o they_o because_o the_o one_o have_v be_v so_o long_a time_n receive_v among_o the_o latin_a and_o the_o other_o among_o the_o greek_a author_n in_o like_a manner_n it_o be_v more_o absurd_a to_o bring_v the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n in_o question_n which_o be_v grant_v almost_o by_o all_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n sect_n iii_o some_o book_n be_v ancient_o doubt_v of_o in_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n there_o be_v some_o book_n indeed_o now_o receive_v which_o be_v not_o so_o receive_v from_o the_o beginning_n as_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n that_o of_o st._n james_n and_o judas_n two_o of_o st._n john_n the_o elder_a the_o revelation_n and_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n yet_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o many_o church_n which_o appear_v sufficient_o from_o hence_o that_o the_o ancient_a christian_n use_v their_o testimony_n as_o sacred_a which_o make_v it_o credible_a that_o such_o church_n as_o from_o the_o beginning_n have_v not_o those_o book_n either_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o or_o doubtful_a yet_o afterward_o when_o they_o be_v better_o inform_v touch_v the_o same_o they_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o canon_n as_o we_o now_o see_v according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o other_o church_n neither_o can_v any_o good_a reason_n be_v give_v why_o any_o man_n shall_v counterfeit_v those_o book_n since_o there_o be_v nothing_o comprise_v in_o they_o neither_o can_v aught_o thence_o be_v collect_v which_o be_v not_o abundant_o express_v in_o other_o book_n unquestioned_a sect_n iv_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o book_n as_o have_v no_o title_n be_v prove_v from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o writer_n and_o here_o let_v no_o man_n mistrust_v the_o verity_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n because_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o be_v unknown_a nor_o doubt_v of_o the_o two_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n and_o the_o revelation_n because_o some_o man_n do_v question_n whether_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v john_n the_o apostle_n or_o some_o other_o of_o that_o name_n for_o the_o name_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o the_o quality_n or_o condition_n of_o writer_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o receive_v many_o book_n of_o history_n who_o author_n be_v to_o we_o unknown_a as_o that_o concern_v the_o alexandrian_a war_n by_o caesar_n because_o we_o may_v perceive_v that_o whosoever_o write_v the_o same_o
or_o conspire_v as_o we_o may_v call_v it_o of_o event_n to_o a_o certain_a end_n be_v a_o manifest_a token_n of_o a_o provident_a direction_n like_o as_o at_o dice_n if_o a_o man_n now_o and_o then_o throw_v a_o lucky_a cast_n which_o win_v all_o it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o chance_n but_o if_o he_o throw_v the_o very_a same_o a_o hundred_o time_n there_o be_v no_o body_n who_o will_v not_o conclude_v that_o this_o proceed_v from_o some_o extraordinary_a art_n sect_n xii_o and_o by_o miracle_n another_o most_o certain_a proof_n of_o god_n providence_n may_v be_v take_v from_o those_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n which_o be_v record_v in_o history_n where_o though_o many_o fabulous_a thing_n be_v relate_v in_o that_o kind_n yet_o those_o that_o be_v testify_v by_o sufficient_a witness_n live_v in_o the_o time_n when_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v such_o i_o mean_v as_o be_v defective_a neither_o in_o judgement_n nor_o in_o honesty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v as_o altogether_o impossible_a for_o in_o as_o much_o as_o god_n be_v both_o omnipotent_a and_o omniscient_a what_o can_v hinder_v he_o from_o signify_v what_o he_o know_v or_o what_o he_o please_v to_o do_v and_o that_o even_o beyond_o the_o common_a course_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v make_v and_o ordain_v by_o he_o become_v subject_a unto_o he_o by_o the_o title_n of_o creation_n now_o if_o any_o do_v object_n that_o such_o thing_n may_v have_v be_v do_v by_o subordinate_a power_n and_o mind_n inferior_a to_o god_n to_o they_o we_o answer_v that_o so_o much_o may_v be_v grant_v indeed_o but_o yet_o this_o make_v way_n that_o the_o same_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o be_v credit_v of_o god_n who_o be_v to_o be_v think_v either_o to_o work_v by_o the_o mediation_n of_o those_o agent_n or_o else_o out_o of_o his_o wisdom_n to_o permit_v they_o when_o they_o bring_v to_o pass_v any_o such_o thing_n for_o in_o well_o order_v kingdom_n there_o be_v nothing_o do_v against_o the_o statute_n and_o common_a law_n but_o by_o the_o arbitrement_n or_o permission_n of_o the_o supreme_a governor_n sect_n xiii_o special_o among_o the_o jew_n whereunto_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a continuance_n of_o their_o religion_n now_o that_o there_o have_v indeed_o be_v some_o miracle_n see_v though_o the_o credit_n of_o other_o history_n shall_v be_v questionable_a yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a enough_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o albeit_o it_o have_v long_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o humane_a help_n yea_o expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o have_v still_o continue_v almost_o in_o all_o the_o climate_n and_o part_n of_o the_o world_n even_o unto_o this_o day_n whereas_o all_o other_o religion_n save_v the_o christian_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o jewish_a have_v either_o vanish_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o imperial_a power_n and_o authority_n be_v withdraw_v whereby_o they_o be_v support_v as_o all_o the_o paganish_a or_o else_o be_v still_o perpetual_o uphold_v by_o the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n as_o mahometism_n now_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v why_o the_o jewish_a religion_n have_v take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o hebrew_n as_o that_o it_o can_v thence_o be_v eradicate_v no_o better_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v or_o conceive_v than_o this_o namely_o that_o those_o jew_n that_o be_v now_o alive_a do_v from_o their_o parent_n as_o those_o parent_n from_o their_o progenitor_n and_o so_o upward_o until_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n and_o joshua_n receive_v those_o miracle_n mention_v in_o scripture_n by_o certain_a and_o constant_a tradition_n which_o miracle_n be_v do_v chief_o at_o the_o depart_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o in_o their_o journey_n through_o the_o wilderness_n and_o entrance_n into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n whereof_o their_o ancestor_n be_v then_o eye-witness_n nor_o be_v it_o at_o all_o credible_a that_o it_o can_v otherwise_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o people_n who_o be_v sufficient_o stiff-necked_a and_o of_o a_o stubborn_a disposition_n shall_v take_v upon_o they_o a_o law_n burden_v with_o so_o many_o rite_n or_o that_o wise_a man_n out_o of_o the_o many_o mark_n of_o religion_n which_o humane_a reason_n can_v have_v invent_v shall_v choose_v circumcision_n which_o can_v not_o be_v receive_v without_o very_o great_a pain_n nor_o retain_v without_o the_o derision_n of_o all_o stranger_n and_o have_v nothing_o in_o it_o to_o recommend_v it_o save_v only_o this_o that_o god_n be_v its_o author_n sect_n fourteen_o also_o by_o the_o truth_n and_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n his_o story_n beside_o the_o writing_n of_o moses_n wherein_o those_o miracle_n be_v record_v to_o posterity_n do_v gain_v the_o great_a credit_n thereunto_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v always_o a_o settle_a opinion_n and_o constant_a report_n among_o the_o hebrew_n that_o this_o same_o moses_n be_v commend_v by_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v manifest_a enough_o that_o he_o neither_o affect_v his_o own_o glory_n nor_o desire_v their_o riches_n forasmuch_o as_o himself_o reveal_v his_o own_o fault_n and_o delinquency_n which_o he_o may_v have_v conceal_v and_o also_o he_o assign_v the_o dignity_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o priesthood_n unto_o stranger_n whence_o his_o own_o posterity_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o common_a condition_n of_o levite_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o forge_v untruth_n neither_o do_v he_o use_v any_o dissemble_n or_o allure_a language_n such_o as_o common_o colour_n over_o a_o lie_n but_o he_o speak_v after_o a_o plain_a ingenuous_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o treat_v of_o add_v hereunto_o the_o undoubted_a antiquity_n of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n to_o which_o no_o other_o writing_n be_v therein_o comparable_a a_o argument_n whereof_o be_v for_o that_o the_o grecian_n from_o who_o all_o kind_n of_o learning_n be_v derive_v to_o other_o heathen_n do_v confess_v they_o receive_v their_o very_a letter_n from_o other_o which_o letter_n of_o they_o have_v not_o other_o order_n or_o name_n or_o ancient_a form_n than_o that_o of_o the_o syriac_a or_o hebrew_a tongue_n as_o also_o for_o that_o the_o most_o ancient_a grecian_a law_n whence_o the_o roman_n collect_v they_o have_v their_o original_a from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n sect_n xv._o and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o many_o gentile_n moreover_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v many_o testimony_n of_o such_o as_o be_v alien_n from_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o declare_v that_o the_o most_o ancient_a report_n which_o pass_v for_o truth_n among_o all_o nation_n be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o moses_n have_v relate_v in_o his_o write_n thus_o what_o thing_n he_o relate_v concern_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n the_o same_o be_v find_v also_o record_v in_o the_o most_o ancient_a history_n of_o the_o phoenician_n which_o be_v collect_v by_o sancuniathon_n and_o translate_v by_o philo_n byblius_n and_o partly_o also_o find_v among_o the_o indian_n and_o egyptian_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o linus_n hesiod_n and_o many_o of_o the_o grecian_n mention_n be_v make_v of_o a_o chaos_n which_o some_o have_v intimate_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o egg_n also_o of_o the_o make_n of_o live_a creature_n and_o last_o of_o all_o of_o man_n according_a to_o a_o divine_a image_n and_o of_o man_n dominion_n over_o other_o creature_n all_o which_o may_v be_v read_v in_o sundry_a author_n and_o at_o last_o in_o ovid_n who_o transcribe_v they_o out_o of_o the_o greek_a writer_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v confess_v even_o by_o epicharmus_n and_o the_o platonic_n and_o before_o they_o by_o a_o most_o ancient_a writer_n not_o of_o those_o hymn_n which_o now_o go_v under_o that_o name_n but_o of_o those_o verse_n which_o antiquity_n call_v orphean_a verse_n not_o because_o they_o have_v orpheus_n for_o their_o author_n but_o because_o they_o summary_o comprise_v his_o doctrine_n empedocles_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o sun_n be_v not_o the_o primitive_a light_n but_o a_o fit_a receptacle_n of_o light_n aratus_n and_o catullus_n think_v that_o above_o the_o sphere_n or_o orb_n of_o the_o star_n there_o be_v a_o divine_a habitation_n wherein_o homer_n imagine_v there_o be_v perpetual_a light_n that_o of_o all_o thing_n god_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a because_o not_o beget_v the_o world_n most_o beautiful_a because_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o that_o darkness_n be_v before_o the_o light_n be_v all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o thales_n out_o of_o the_o ancient_a learning_n the_o last_o point_n whereof_o be_v find_v in_o orpheus_n and_o hesiod_n whereupon_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v common_o superstitious_a in_o follow_v
the_o first_o christian_n and_o by_o those_o next_o to_o the_o first_o and_o by_o the_o doctor_n which_o follow_v afterward_o even_o those_o that_o 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 that_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_o as_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_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 zeno_n the_o philosopher_n which_o we_o find_v hold_v by_o the_o stoic_n 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 devise_v 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 affirm_v almost_o any_o thing_n for_o certain_a in_o their_o doctrine_n because_o quoth_v they_o truth_n lie_v bid_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 contemplation_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 notorious_o guilty_a of_o some_o vice_n or_o other_o for_o some_o be_v flatterer_n of_o prince_n other_o addict_v to_o the_o impure_a love_n of_o boy_n or_o harlot_n other_o glory_v in_o a_o doglike_a impudence_n and_o that_o they_o all_o envy_v one_o another_o their_o scold_n about_o word_n or_o matter_n of_o no_o moment_n be_v a_o great_a argument_n as_o this_o be_v of_o their_o coldness_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o even_o they_o who_o believe_v one_o god_n set_v he_o aside_o and_o 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founder_n of_o the_o hebrew_n law_n though_o he_o be_v a_o excellent_a person_n yet_o he_o can_v be_v free_v from_o all_o blame_n since_o he_o can_v scarce_o be_v persuade_v with_o much_o rejuctance_n to_o undertake_v the_o embassy_n which_o god_n charge_v he_o withal_o to_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n and_o express_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 and_o he_o do_v 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 mutiny_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 christ_n be_v describe_v by_o his_o disciple_n as_o a_o person_n without_o all_o sin_n nor_o do_v other_o ever_o produce_v any_o testimony_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o least_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o prescribe_v to_o other_o he_o perform_v himself_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o god_n give_v he_o in_o charge_n which_o he_o do_v not_o faithful_o perform_v be_v most_o simple_a and_o void_a of_o guile_n in_o his_o whole_a life_n most_o patient_a of_o injury_n nay_o of_o cruel_a torment_n as_o he_o show_v in_o suffer_v even_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o cross_n most_o love_a and_o kind_n to_o all_o man_n even_o to_o his_o enemy_n yea_o those_o enemy_n who_o put_v he_o to_o death_n on_o who_o he_o have_v such_o compassion_n that_o he_o beseech_v god_n to_o forgive_v they_o as_o for_o the_o reward_n which_o he_o promise_v unto_o his_o disciple_n it_o be_v both_o say_v and_o prove_v by_o undoubted_a argument_n that_o he_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 dead_a there_o be_v many_o that_o behold_v and_o hear_v and_o handle_v and_o feel_v he_o he_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 the_o high_a 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 ability_n to_o speak_v those_o language_n which_o they_o have_v never_o learn_v and_o with_o other_o wonder-working_a power_n which_o will_v not_o let_v we_o doubt_v either_o of_o his_o faithfulness_n nor_o of_o his_o power_n to_o bestow_v upon_o we_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 bring_v by_o he_o to_o the_o world_n which_o if_o they_o be_v well_o weigh_v will_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o that_o if_o god_n have_v any_o care_n of_o humane_a affair_n this_o doctrine_n can_v but_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v divine_a it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o divine_a providence_n to_o make_v that_o which_o be_v best_a to_o be_v of_o the_o great_a and_o large_a extent_n now_o such_o be_v the_o success_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o we_o see_v publish_v and_o teach_v through_o all_o europe_n not_o except_v the_o most_o northern_a province_n and_o no_o less_o through_o all_o asia_n even_o the_o island_n of_o it_o in_o the_o sea_n through_o egypt_n also_o and_o aethiopia_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o africa_n and_o last_o through_o america_n nor_o be_v this_o only_o do_v now_o but_o be_v so_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 that_o old_a tradition_n at_o this_o day_n preserve_v among_o the_o barbarian_n concern_v the_o travel_n and_o miracle_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 far_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v among_o the_o britain_n german_n and_o other_o most_o remote_a nation_n in_o their_o time_n and_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o other_o religion_n comparable_a hereunto_o for_o ample_a and_o large_a extent_n paganism_n indeed_o be_v one_o 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 neither_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 other_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v no_o subsistence_n nor_o be_v this_o worship_n perform_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o law_n nor_o from_o any_o common_a master_n the_o jew_n indeed_o 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 notable_a growth_n or_o increase_n after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o their_o law_n be_v not_o so_o much_o make_v know_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 religion_n be_v also_o profess_a in_o the_o same_o country_n where_o in_o some_o place_n there_o be_v great_a number_n of_o christian_n than_o of_o turk_n who_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v at_o all_o in_o most_o part_n where_o christianity_n be_v plant_v 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
it_o very_o easy_o but_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v at_o the_o sepulcher_n i_o speak_v of_o and_o so_o many_o witness_n of_o they_o that_o they_o extort_a even_o from_o porphyry_n a_o confession_n of_o it_o sect_n viii_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o write_n confirm_v from_o hence_o that_o many_o thing_n be_v find_v there_o which_o the_o event_n have_v prove_v to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v these_o thing_n ought_v to_o suffice_v but_o there_o be_v other_o argument_n which_o we_o may_v heap_v upon_o these_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n of_o these_o author_n write_n for_o many_o thing_n be_v therein_o foretell_v which_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n by_o their_o own_o power_n to_o know_v or_o bring_v to_o pass_v yet_o we_o see_v the_o truth_n thereof_o wonderful_o confirm_v by_o the_o event_n thus_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o this_o religion_n shall_v upon_o a_o sudden_a have_v a_o large_a and_o ample_a increase_n that_o it_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o and_o though_o it_o be_v reject_v by_o most_o of_o the_o jew_n yet_o shall_v it_o be_v embrace_v by_o the_o gentile_n thus_o likewise_o be_v foretell_v what_o hatred_n and_o spite_n the_o jew_n will_v bear_v against_o they_o that_o profess_v this_o religion_n and_o what_o grievous_a persecution_n they_o shall_v undergo_v the_o siege_n also_o and_o destruction_n both_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o temple_n together_o with_o the_o miserable_a calamity_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n sect_n ix_o as_o also_o from_o god_n care_n in_o preserve_v his_o people_n from_o false_a writing_n beside_o this_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o god_n out_o of_o his_o providence_n take_v care_n of_o humane_a affair_n special_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o worship_n than_o it_o can_v be_v that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o man_n who_o have_v no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o worship_n god_n after_o a_o holy_a manner_n to_o be_v cheat_v with_o lie_a book_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o since_o the_o time_n that_o so_o many_o sect_n have_v spring_v up_o in_o christianity_n there_o have_v not_o be_v one_o that_o receive_v not_o either_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o those_o book_n except_v some_o few_o that_o contain_v no_o singular_a matter_n differ_v from_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n that_o no_o material_a thing_n can_v be_v object_v against_o these_o writing_n special_o since_o the_o say_a sect_n be_v so_o partial_a and_o spiteful_o bend_v against_o each_o other_o that_o what_o one_o approve_a other_o reject_v even_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o it_o be_v there_o approve_v sect_n x._o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n that_o divers_a book_n be_v not_o receive_v by_o all_o there_o be_v some_o indeed_o though_o very_o few_o among_o those_o that_o will_v be_v call_v christian_n who_o reject_v all_o those_o book_n which_o they_o see_v contradict_v their_o peculiar_a opinion_n such_o for_o instance_n as_o out_o of_o hatred_n of_o the_o jew_n revile_v their_o god_n the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o or_o on_o the_o other_o side_n such_o as_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o evil_n which_o christian_n be_v to_o undergo_v choose_v to_o lurk_v and_o lie_v hide_v under_o the_o name_n of_o jew_n who_o have_v liberty_n without_o any_o danger_n to_o profess_v their_o religion_n but_o these_o very_a man_n be_v renounce_v in_o those_o time_n by_o all_o other_o christian_n throughout_o the_o world_n when_o as_o yet_o all_o that_o differ_v in_o their_o opinion_n with_o the_o safety_n of_o piety_n be_v tolerate_v by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o great_a patience_n as_o for_o the_o former_a kind_n of_o these_o adulterate_a christian_n i_o think_v they_o have_v be_v sufficient_o confute_v both_o by_o that_o which_o we_o have_v say_v before_o when_o we_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a true_a god_n the_o sole_a framer_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o also_o by_o those_o very_a book_n which_o that_o they_o may_v have_v some_o semblance_n of_o christian_n they_o do_v admit_v of_o special_o the_o gospel_n of_o luke_n wherein_o be_v evident_o show_v that_o the_o same_o god_n who_o moses_n and_o the_o hebrew_n worship_v be_v preach_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o other_o sort_n we_o shall_v more_o fit_o confute_v when_o we_o come_v to_o oppugn_v those_o that_o both_o be_v and_o will_v be_v call_v jew_n for_o the_o present_a only_o this_o i_o say_v that_o their_o impudence_n be_v wonderful_a great_a who_o slight_a and_o extenuate_v the_o authority_n of_o paul_n see_v there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n that_o found_v and_o teach_v more_o church_n than_o he_o do_v and_o his_o miracle_n be_v at_o that_o time_n report_v to_o be_v exceed_o numerous_a when_o as_o ever_o while_o we_o say_v there_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v trial_n and_o inquiry_n make_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n if_o then_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o wrought_v wonder_n why_o may_v we_o not_o believe_v he_o concern_v his_o heavenly_a vision_n and_o instruction_n receive_v from_o christ_n himself_o to_o who_o if_o he_o be_v so_o dear_a it_o can_v be_v that_o he_o shall_v teach_v any_o thing_n inglorious_a or_o ingrateful_a unto_o christ_n as_o falsity_n or_o untruth_n will_v have_v be_v and_o as_o touch_v that_o particular_a which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n whereof_o they_o accuse_v he_o namely_o his_o doctrine_n of_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n which_o be_v purchase_v for_o the_o hebrew_n from_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v former_o command_v they_o by_o moses_n he_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o teach_v it_o but_o only_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o assert_v for_o he_o himself_o be_v both_o circumcise_v and_o do_v also_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n observe_v very_o many_o thing_n which_o the_o law_n enjoin_v and_o then_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o both_o do_v more_o difficult_a and_o suffer_v hard_a thing_n than_o the_o law_n require_v or_o can_v be_v expect_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o law_n and_o teach_v also_o his_o disciple_n to_o do_v and_o suffer_v the_o like_a whence_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o utter_v no_o flatter_a or_o entice_a speech_n unto_o his_o auditor_n who_o be_v teach_v in_o stead_n of_o the_o sabbath_n to_o keep_v every_o day_n holy_a for_o divine_a worship_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o little_a expense_n which_o the_o law_n require_v to_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o their_o good_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o beast_n to_o consecrate_v their_o own_o blood_n unto_o god_n and_o further_o paul_n himself_o plain_o affirm_v that_o peter_n john_n and_o james_n in_o token_n of_o their_o consent_n with_o he_o give_v he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n which_o he_o never_o dare_v have_v speak_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v true_a because_o the_o same_o man_n be_v then_o alive_a may_v have_v convict_v he_o for_o a_o liar_n these_o therefore_o of_o who_o i_o have_v now_o speak_v be_v exclude_v as_o scarce_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n the_o most_o manifest_a consent_n of_o so_o many_o congregation_n of_o christian_n who_o receive_v these_o book_n add_v to_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o miracle_n which_o the_o writer_n of_o they_o wrought_v and_o the_o singular_a care_n which_o god_n take_v about_o matter_n of_o this_o kind_n aught_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o induce_v any_o indifferent_a man_n to_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o special_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v wont_v common_o to_o credit_v any_o other_o book_n of_o history_n which_o have_v no_o such_o testimony_n unless_o they_o see_v some_o plain_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o of_o those_o book_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v sect_n xi_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n that_o these_o book_n seem_v to_o contain_v thing_n impossible_a for_o if_o any_o 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argument_n one_o against_o another_o out_o of_o the_o same_o and_o as_o for_o that_o which_o we_o touch_v concern_v divine_a providence_n it_o belong_v no_o less_o unto_o the_o chief_a part_n than_o unto_o the_o whole_a book_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o it_o that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v so_o many_o thousand_o man_n which_o sincere_o desire_v to_o be_v godly_a and_o earnest_o seek_v after_o eternal_a life_n to_o be_v lead_v headlong_o into_o that_o error_n which_o they_o can_v no_o way_n avoid_v and_o thus_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n whence_o alone_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o help_n we_o may_v be_v sufficient_o instruct_v concern_v the_o true_a religion_n sect_n xvi_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o leave_v we_o also_o the_o writing_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n 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another_o humour_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 fasten_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 that_o it_o be_v well_o cultivate_v may_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n profitable_a for_o mankind_n but_o there_o religion_n spend_v almost_o its_o whole_a force_n in_o circumcision_n and_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n that_o of_o themselves_o be_v neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a final_o here_o in_o christianity_n a_o moderate_a use_n of_o meat_n and_o wine_n be_v allow_v of_o but_o there_o in_o mahumetism_n man_n be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n and_o to_o drink_v wine_n 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in_o the_o book_n of_o mahumetan_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o will_v be_v long_o to_o relate_v how_o many_o thing_n there_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o history_n and_o many_o thing_n very_o ridiculous_a in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o mahometans_n such_o be_v that_o fable_n of_o a_o fair_a and_o beautiful_a woman_n that_o learn_v a_o solemn_a charm_n or_o song_n of_o some_o angel_n that_o be_v drink_v whereby_o she_o be_v wont_a to_o ascend_v into_o the_o sky_n and_o likewise_o descend_v again_o and_o ascend_v once_o a_o great_a height_n into_o heaven_n she_o be_v catch_v of_o god_n and_o there_o fix_v and_o make_v that_o star_n which_o be_v call_v venus_n like_o to_o this_o be_v that_o of_o a_o mouse_n in_o noah_n ark_n that_o be_v breed_v of_o a_o elephant_n dung_n and_o a_o cat_n of_o the_o breath_n of_o a_o lion_n more_o special_o that_o most_o notorious_a fiction_n concern_v death_n to_o be_v change_v into_o a_o ram_n that_o must_v remain_v in_o the_o middle_a space_n between_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o the_o fable_n of_o sweat_v out_o their_o good_a cheer_n in_o the_o other_o life_n when_o likewise_o they_o imagine_v there_o shall_v be_v whole_a troop_n of_o woman_n assign_v to_o every_o man_n for_o pleasure_n of_o carnal_a copulation_n all_o which_o be_v so_o very_o egregious_a absurdity_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v they_o deserve_v to_o be_v stupefy_v and_o give_v over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n for_o his_o iniquity_n special_o such_o a_o one_o as_o life_n where_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v sect_n xi_o a_o conclusion_n direct_v unto_o christian_n admonish_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o what_o have_v former_o be_v handle_v and_o thus_o have_v end_v this_o last_o disputation_n against_o the_o mahometans_n there_o follow_v a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a not_o to_o alien_n or_o stranger_n but_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n of_o what_o name_n nation_n or_o quality_n soever_o they_o be_v show_v brief_o the_o use_n or_o application_n of_o what_o have_v hitherto_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o end_n those_o thing_n may_v be_v follow_v and_o seek_v after_o which_o be_v good_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o evil_n eschew_v first_o of_o all_o that_o they_o lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n and_o heart_n unto_o that_o god_n who_o of_o nothing_o make_v all_o visible_a and_o invisible_a thing_n have_v sure_a confidence_n in_o he_o that_o his_o providence_n and_o care_n watch_v over_o we_o see_v that_o without_o his_o permission_n not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o sparrow_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o let_v they_o not_o fear_v those_o which_o can_v only_o kill_v the_o body_n but_o rather_o let_v they_o fear_v he_o that_o have_v like_o power_n both_o over_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o let_v they_o not_o only_o trust_v in_o god_n the_o father_n but_o also_o in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n upon_o earth_n by_o which_o we_o can_v be_v save_v 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