and_o forthwith_o from_o the_o roof_n descend_v a_o monstruous_a spider_n to_o his_o blaspemous_a lip_n which_o the_o stander_n by_o can_v hardly_o keep_v from_o run_v into_o his_o mouth_n which_o have_v spit_v worse_a venom_n against_o our_o saviour_n who_o desire_v further_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o particular_a let_v they_o consult_v paschasius_fw-la de_fw-la corp_n &_o sang._n christi_fw-la algerus_n de_fw-fr sacramentis_fw-la among_o the_o more_o ancient_a st._n cyprian_n de_fw-fr lapsis_fw-la prosper_n de_fw-fr predict_v part_n 4._o cap._n 6._o s._n greg._n l._n 2._o dialog_n &_o petrus_n diaconus_fw-la in_o vita_fw-la s._n gregorii_n as_o for_o the_o catholic_n practice_n in_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o intercession_n of_o saint_n glorify_v and_o veneration_n of_o their_o sacred_a relic_n antiquity_n and_o all_o age_n abound_v with_o unquestionable_a miracle_n as_o so_o many_o seal_n set_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o their_o approbation_n st._n austin_n relate_v 33._o de_fw-fr civit._fw-la dei_fw-la l._n 22._o c._n 8._o epist_n 103._o ser._n 31_o 32_o 33._o many_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o some_o of_o they_o be_v convey_v to_o his_o soul_n through_o the_o window_n of_o his_o own_o eye_n the_o rest_n famous_a and_o of_o undoubted_a verity_n see_v also_o greg._n turon_n l._n 1._o de_fw-la gloria_fw-la martyr_n barotom_n 5._o a_o 416._o niceph._n l._n 4._o hist_o eccl._n ca._n 9_o theod._n ser._n de_fw-fr donis_fw-la collatis_fw-la intercessione_n martyrum_fw-la one_o or_o two_o will_v not_o tire_v the_o reader_n there_o be_v one_o martial_a a_o chief_a man_n his_o rank_n age_a and_o much_o abominate_n 8._o s._n aug._n l._n 22._o de_fw-la civ_o c._n 8._o the_o christian_a faith_n who_o be_v dangerous_o sick_a and_o much_o importune_v with_o the_o prayer_n and_o tear_n of_o his_o daughter_n and_o son_n in_o law_n who_o be_v christian_n to_o be_v baptise_a refuse_v and_o in_o sullen_a indignation_n thrust_v they_o from_o he_o his_o son_n in_o law_n think_v good_a to_o go_v to_o st._n stephen_n '_o s_o memory_n or_o shrine_n and_o pray_v there_o earnest_o for_o his_o conversion_n which_o perform_v with_o great_a devotion_n in_o sigh_n and_o tear_n and_o so_o depart_v from_o the_o altar_n take_v some_o flower_n and_o at_o night_n lay_v they_o at_o his_o father_n head_n he_o take_v his_o rest_n and_o behold_v before_o morning_n cry_v out_o to_o send_v for_o the_o bishop_n who_o then_o by_o chance_n be_v with_o i_o at_o hippo_n and_o understand_v he_o be_v absent_a desire_v his_o priest_n to_o come_v to_o he_o they_o come_v he_o confess_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v baptise_a among_o the_o wonder_n and_o joy_n of_o they_o all_o and_o afterward_o as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v for_o he_o live_v not_o long_o after_o he_o still_o have_v in_o his_o mouth_n christ_n receive_v my_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o last_o word_n of_o bless_a stephen_n when_o martyr_a by_o the_o jew_n god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v by_o a_o vision_n to_o st._n ambrose_n where_o the_o body_n of_o the_o holy_a martyr_n gervasius_n and_o protasius_n lie_v bury_v and_o till_o then_o uncorrupted_a in_o a_o place_n not_o well_o befit_v those_o sacred_a relic_n their_o grave_n be_v open_v their_o body_n take_v up_o and_o while_o they_o be_v carry_v in_o solemn_a procession_n to_o be_v honourable_o inter_v in_o the_o cathedral_n of_o that_o city_n many_o possess_v with_o unclean_a spirit_n be_v perfect_o cure_v and_o a_o certain_a citizen_n well_o know_v to_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n who_o have_v be_v blind_a many_o year_n hear_v the_o noise_n ask_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o present_a jubilee_n be_v tell_v it_o he_o leap_v for_o joy_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v lead_v to_o the_o body_n whither_o be_v come_v he_o beg_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o touch_v with_o his_o handkerchief_n the_o bier_n make_v holy_a with_o those_o sacred_a relic_n he_o do_v so_o and_o apply_v it_o to_o his_o eye_n and_o forthwith_o recover_v his_o sight_n to_o his_o exceed_a great_a joy_n and_o admiration_n of_o they_o all_o giving_z glory_n to_o god_n for_o vouchsafe_v such_o honour_n to_o his_o saint_n st._n austin_n mention_n this_o also_o in_o his_o 9th_o book_n of_o confess_v chap._n 7._o and_o de_fw-la unit_fw-la eccl._n c._n 10._o st._n ambr._n epist._n 85._o ad_fw-la sororem_fw-la &_o ser._n 91._o whole_a volume_n may_v be_v write_v of_o undoubted_a relation_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o yet_o protestant_n will_v not_o believe_v but_o follow_v profane_a vigilantius_n say_v st._n austin_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n what_o they_o can_v to_o the_o contrary_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o purgatory_n i_o shall_v insert_v one_o or_o two_o miraculous_a relation_n out_o of_o venerable_a bede_n who_o i_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o because_o our_o countryman_n and_o as_o of_o great_a learning_n so_o of_o singular_a integrity_n which_o other_o circumstance_n concur_v in_o he_o render_v his_o history_n most_o unquestinable_a i_o give_v you_o not_o all_o nor_o always_o his_o word_n but_o be_o faithful_a to_o his_o sense_n and_o meaning_n a_o noble_a young_a man_n by_o name_n imma_n 22._o l._n 4._o hist_o ca._n 22._o in_o a_o battle_n between_o ecgfrid_n king_n of_o north-humb_a and_o edilred_n king_n of_o mercia_n be_v leave_v for_o dead_a among_o the_o slà in_n at_o last_o revive_v and_o seek_v help_n be_v take_v by_o the_o enemy_n and_o carry_v to_o their_o governor_n before_o who_o counterfeit_v himself_o a_o country_n fellow_n that_o bring_v provision_n to_o the_o army_n care_n be_v take_v for_o he_o and_o beginning_n to_o gather_v strength_n command_n be_v give_v to_o fetter_v he_o with_o chain_n that_o he_o may_v not_o escape_v by_o night_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n can_v he_o be_v bind_v see_v no_o soon_o be_v they_o go_v who_o bind_v he_o but_o the_o chain_n loose_v of_o themselves_o for_o he_o have_v a_o brother_n by_o name_n tunna_n a_o priest_n and_o abbot_n who_o hear_v he_o be_v slay_v in_o the_o battle_n come_v to_o seek_v his_o body_n and_o find_v one_o very_o like_o it_o carry_v that_o away_o for_o the_o body_n of_o his_o brother_n to_o his_o monastery_n where_o he_o honourable_o inter_v it_o and_o take_v care_n that_o many_o mass_n shall_v be_v say_v for_o the_o absolution_n of_o his_o soul_n by_o reason_n whereof_o none_o can_v bind_v he_o but_o forthwith_o he_o be_v loose_v the_o noble_a man_n who_o prisoner_n he_o be_v begin_v to_o wonder_v and_o suspect_v magic_n demand_v of_o he_o the_o cause_n thereof_o who_o answer_v i_o have_v a_o brother_n who_o be_v a_o priest_n and_o i_o know_v he_o suppose_v i_o to_o be_v dead_a say_v mass_n often_o for_o i_o as_o if_o i_o be_v in_o another_o life_n where_o my_o soul_n may_v be_v loose_v from_o pain_n by_o his_o intercession_n this_o pass_v on_o and_o be_v perfect_o recover_v he_o sell_v he_o to_o another_o but_o what_o kind_n of_o bond_n soever_o be_v put_v upon_o he_o they_o be_v all_o loose_v but_o most_o common_o after_o the_o three_o hour_n when_o mass_n be_v usual_o celebrate_v all_o which_o he_o relate_v to_o his_o brother_n after_o his_o redemption_n his_o conjecture_n be_v find_v to_o be_v real_a truth_n and_o many_o hear_n these_o thing_n from_o the_o foresay_a man_n be_v inflame_v with_o faith_n and_o devotion_n to_o pray_v to_o give_v alm_n or_o offer_v to_o our_o lord_n sacrifice_n of_o the_o oblation_n for_o the_o deliverauce_n of_o their_o decease_a friend_n for_o they_o understand_v that_o the_o save_a sacrifice_n be_v prevalent_a for_o the_o everlasting_a redemption_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n this_o history_n i_o have_v from_o some_o who_o hear_v it_o from_o the_o person_n himself_o on_o who_o this_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v and_o therefore_o have_v insert_v it_o for_o a_o undoubted_a truth_n the_o other_o be_v in_o the_o 13_o chap._n of_o his_o 5_o book_n of_o the_o foresay_a history_n whereof_o i_o shall_v only_o take_v so_o much_o as_o i_o conceive_v opposite_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n in_o these_o day_n a_o notable_a miracle_n to_o be_v equal_v to_o those_o of_o old_a happen_v for_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o live_n from_o a_o spiritual_a death_n a_o certain_a man_n by_o name_n drithelm_n dead_a for_o some_o time_n be_v raise_v again_o to_o his_o natural_a life_n and_o relate_v many_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v see_v worthy_a to_o be_v remember_v a_o housholder_n he_o be_v in_o the_o county_n of_o north-humb_a live_v religious_o with_o his_o family_n who_o sickness_n seize_v on_o and_o increase_a daily_a at_o last_a agonize_a die_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o night_n but_o revive_v about_o break_v of_o day_n and_o sit_v up_o sudden_o the_o weep_a watcher_n flee_v away_o for_o fear_n his_o wife_n only_o who_o love_n have_v fix_v though_o tremble_v and_o quake_v stay_v behind_o who_o
the_o prodigal_n return_v home_o or_o the_o motive_n of_o the_o conversion_n to_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o e._n l._n master_n of_o art_n in_o the_o university_n of_o cambridge_n et_fw-la tu_fw-la conversus_fw-la confirma_fw-la fratres_fw-la tuos_fw-la luc._n 22._o 32._o print_v anno_fw-la domini_fw-la 1684._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o protestant_a reader_n whensoever_o it_o please_v the_o almighty_a goodness_n to_o enlighten_v with_o the_o glorious_a beam_n of_o divine_a truth_n those_o who_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n in_o so_o powerful_a a_o manner_n as_o that_o forsake_v the_o perplex_a labyrinth_n of_o error_n they_o betake_v themselves_o for_o repose_n and_o safety_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n it_o be_v satan_n policy_n by_o his_o agent_n to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o the_o motive_n of_o their_o conversion_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o carnal_a lest_o other_o shall_v follow_v their_o example_n herein_o i_o have_v be_v as_o deep_o censure_v as_o other_o to_o who_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v the_o like_a extraordinary_a mercy_n yet_o true_o whatever_o calumny_n have_v hereupon_o be_v cast_v upon_o i_o by_o some_o who_o have_v imbitter_v spirit_n and_o heart_n swell_v with_o rancour_n against_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o much_o as_o concern_v myself_o i_o shall_v for_o many_o reason_n bave_n content_o sit_v down_o in_o silence_n rejoice_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n if_o the_o good_a of_o those_o upon_o who_o my_o conversion_n may_v have_v most_o influence_n have_v not_o in_o charity_n oblige_v i_o to_o refuse_v no_o pain_n that_o may_v afford_v they_o help_v or_o satisfaction_n in_o a_o business_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n and_o concernment_n this_o be_v the_o press_a consideration_n which_o at_o last_o prevail_v with_o i_o to_o give_v these_o motive_n of_o my_o conversion_n a_o public_a be_v and_o common_a air_n to_o breath_n in_o that_o their_o own_o eye_n may_v be_v judge_n what_o just_a cause_n i_o have_v to_o change_v my_o religion_n and_o how_o much_o reason_n there_o be_v for_o they_o to_o follow_v i_o of_o which_o i_o conceive_v great_a hope_n when_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v impossible_a for_o any_o prudential_a man_n who_o serious_o enter_v into_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o christian_a belief_n with_o a_o soul_n whole_o divest_v of_o all_o prejudices_fw-la and_o self-interest_n whatsoever_o earnest_o implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n and_o direction_n i_o say_v it_o seem_v to_o i_o impossible_a for_o any_o prudential_a man_n in_o these_o circumstance_n not_o at_o last_o to_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o catholic_n religion_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o only_a high-road_n to_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n he_o will_v hear_v a_o divine_a voice_n whisper_v 16._o jerim_n 16._o 16._o to_o he_o this_o be_v the_o old_a path_n walk_v in_o it_o and_o thou_o shall_v find_v rest_n unto_o thy_o soul_n thus_o by_o god_n blessing_n i_o seek_v and_o this_o rest_n at_o last_o i_o find_v and_o never_o find_v it_o till_o after_o much_o pain_n and_o study_n after_o many_o prayer_n and_o tear_n after_o many_o fast_n and_o watch_n after_o many_o toss_n and_o turn_n after_o many_o sad_a delay_n and_o expostulation_n after_o many_o conflict_n and_o agony_n in_o spirit_n my_o resolution_n by_o the_o powerful_a working_n of_o grace_n on_o my_o soul_n break_v through_o all_o difficulty_n do_v effectual_o bring_v i_o into_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o which_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v any_o delusion_n when_o my_o most_o serious_a reflection_n pass_v d_o judgement_n on_o it_o see_v this_o happy_a change_n be_v not_o wrought_v in_o i_o by_o any_o humane_a persuasion_n but_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n do_v by_o his_o immediate_a inspiration_n begin_v this_o work_n of_o mercy_n on_o my_o soul_n when_o have_v no_o thought_n at_o all_o of_o become_v a_o roman_n catholic_n and_o find_v much_o bitterness_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o worldly_a vanity_n i_o be_v earnest_o seek_v of_o god_n what_o course_n i_o may_v best_o take_v how_o to_o please_v he_o and_o save_v my_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n but_o to_o prevent_v all_o fear_n of_o enthusiasm_n pretend_a illumination_n and_o false_a light_n wherewith_o many_o poor_a soul_n in_o our_o nation_n be_v so_o miserable_o mislead_v god_n who_o be_v as_o well_o essential_a reason_n as_o goodness_n do_v not_o only_o move_v my_o will_n but_o also_o rational_o convince_v my_o understanding_n that_o all_o communion_n profess_v christ_n beside_o the_o roman_a be_v more_o or_o less_o erroneous_a and_o she_o only_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n according_a to_o the_o constant_a notion_n of_o antiquity_n out_o of_o which_o ordinary_o salvation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v and_o therefore_o i_o must_v fly_v to_o she_o as_o to_o the_o save_a ark_n that_o i_o may_v not_o perish_v in_o the_o deluge_n of_o my_o sin_n so_o then_o this_o change_n in_o i_o be_v not_o a_o passionate_a distortion_n of_o a_o interest_v will_n push_v forward_o the_o blind_a understanding_n to_o fix_v sudden_o and_o adhere_v pertinacious_o to_o more_o than_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n do_v clear_a up_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o undoubted_o mutatio_fw-la dexterae_fw-la excelsi_fw-la the_o work_n of_o god_n wrought_v in_o my_o heart_n by_o convince_a argument_n as_o the_o follow_a motive_n do_v sufficient_o evidence_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v to_o satisfy_v the_o inclination_n of_o sensual_a nature_n when_o i_o be_v to_o forsake_v my_o relation_n my_o friend_n my_o temporal_a revenue_n and_o preferment_n and_o all_o worldly_a contentment_n to_o take_v up_o my_o cross_n and_o follow_v jesus_n by_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o perpetual_a practice_n of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n and_o happy_a be_v he_o who_o have_v rather_o have_v a_o cross_n with_o christ_n than_o a_o crown_n without_o he_o thus_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n be_v gracious_o please_v by_o a_o efficacious_a call_n to_o bring_v his_o prodigal_a son_n home_o for_o his_o church_n be_v his_o house_n where_o he_o dwell_v among_o his_o saint_n on_o earth_n with_o his_o special_a presence_n to_o govern_v and_o provide_v for_o they_o all_o thing_n conduce_v to_o their_o happiness_n from_o which_o household_n of_o faith_n i_o be_v a_o alien_n while_o i_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n which_o stand_v this_o joint_v from_o catholic_n unity_n by_o a_o schism_n too_o notorious_a to_o be_v justify_v and_o until_o we_o like_o true_a penitent_n return_v unto_o our_o mother_n church_n which_o make_v we_o christian_n we_o like_v prodigal_n feed_v on_o rattle_a husk_n of_o formal_a devotion_n without_o any_o substantial_a nourishment_n to_o our_o soul_n miserable_o misspend_v our_o precious_a time_n on_o which_o inevitable_o depend_v eternity_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v by_o way_n of_o preface_n for_o a_o introduction_n the_o door_n be_v open_a enter_z and_o view_v well_o the_o motive_n and_o the_o eternal_a sun_n of_o righteousness_n who_o be_v the_o true_a light_n of_o the_o world_n open_v thy_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o guide_v thy_o foot_n into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n yet_o before_o the_o lecture_n i_o think_v good_a to_o advise_v whosoever_o shall_v peruse_v these_o paper_n that_o bear_v be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o variety_n of_o argument_n which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o more_o judicious_a controvertist_n but_o a_o true_a narrative_n of_o what_o principal_a motive_n prevail_v with_o i_o to_o forsake_v protestanism_n and_o yield_v myself_o into_o the_o arm_n of_o our_o mother_n church_n and_o yet_o methinks_v they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v the_o able_a head_n if_o they_o have_v but_o heart_n resolve_v to_o yield_v to_o truth_n i_o must_v likewise_o tell_v thou_o good_a reader_n that_o these_o motive_n have_v long_o since_o see_v the_o light_n if_o some_o accidental_a occasion_n have_v not_o retard_v their_o birth_n into_o the_o world_n however_o though_o they_o lose_v their_o choice_a season_n of_o publication_n which_o be_v when_o such_o conversion_n be_v most_o fresh_a in_o memory_n yet_o it_o be_v think_v fit_a by_o person_n as_o well_o judicious_a as_o zealous_a that_o they_o shall_v by_o no_o mean_n live_v any_o long_o in_o obscurity_n but_o be_v set_v upon_o a_o candlestick_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o give_v light_n to_o other_o and_o i_o do_v acquiesae_fw-la in_o their_o judgement_n and_o be_v content_a to_o have_v they_o publish_v for_o the_o common_a good_a read_v they_o impartial_o consider_v they_o serious_o and_o practice_n faithful_o what_o god_n shall_v inspire_v into_o thy_o soul_n and_o remember_v in_o thy_o devotion_n thou_o in_o jesus_n christ_n e._n l._n the_o first_o motive_n contain_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n sect._n
use_v as_o most_o proportionable_o to_o our_o present_a capacity_n and_o consequent_o most_o likely_a to_o produce_v the_o effect_n for_o which_o it_o be_v intend_v for_o truth_n enter_v into_o the_o the_o closet_n of_o our_o soul_n through_o he_o port_n of_o our_o sense_n as_o by_o the_o innate_a light_n of_o the_o understanding_n with_o a_o ordinary_a concurrence_n of_o the_o prime_a cause_n man_n can_v attain_v to_o some_o degree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o natural_a effect_n and_o be_v utter_o inexcusable_a if_o he_o do_v not_o so_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o thing_n whole_o supernatural_a and_o unattainable_a but_o by_o divine_a revelation_n he_o be_v please_v sometime_o by_o extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a effect_n namely_o miracle_n to_o work_v upon_o our_o sense_n that_o we_o may_v believe_v and_o be_v save_v or_o we_o render_v inexcusable_a when_o unbelief_n shall_v be_v lay_v to_o our_o charge_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d believe_v not_o 16._o mar._n 16._o 16._o be_v condemn_v already_o as_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v for_o themselves_o in_o that_o they_o so_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n in_o sunshine_n that_o they_o may_v not_o see_v and_o be_v convert_v and_o our_o bless_a etc._n joh._n 15._o 22_o etc._n etc._n saviour_n say_v elsewhere_o if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v those_o work_n among_o they_o which_o none_n other_o have_v do_v they_o have_v not_o sin_v but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o excuse_n for_o their_o sin_n but_o as_o miracle_n be_v to_o beget_v faith_n where_o it_o be_v not_o so_o the_o next_o use_n of_o they_o be_v to_o give_v strength_n and_o growth_n to_o it_o where_o it_o be_v already_o plant_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v have_v a_o heart_n of_o infidelity_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n receive_v either_o by_o flat_a apostasy_n which_o more_o rare_o happen_v or_o by_o schism_n and_o heresy_n which_o be_v satan_n common_a snare_n wherein_o he_o catch_v unwary_a soul_n to_o their_o destruction_n what_o can_v they_o say_v for_o themselves_o to_o who_o in_o so_o much_o heavenly_a light_n the_o cross_n become_v a_o stumbling-block_n so_o as_o to_o fall_v away_o from_o their_o stability_n or_o once_o fall_v if_o they_o will_v not_o rise_v again_o and_o be_v recall_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n by_o the_o voice_n of_o such_o wonderful_a work_n cry_v aloud_o after_o they_o even_o sufficient_a to_o engrave_v faith_n in_o a_o rocky-hearted_n jew_n and_o introduce_v belief_n into_o very_a infidel_n from_o whence_o appear_v the_o absurdness_n of_o that_o protestant_a thesis_n that_o all_o miracle_n be_v now_o cease_v in_o the_o church_n for_o beside_o indubitable_a testimony_n from_o cloud_n of_o witness_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o rational_a man_n these_o cause_n yet_o continue_v viz._n infidelity_n heresy_n and_o schism_n god_n will_v also_o still_o continue_v the_o same_o supernatural_a effect_n to_o beget_v or_o confirm_v supernatural_a faith_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n but_o why_o they_o be_v not_o so_o frequent_a as_o in_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o may_v be_v one_o reason_n in_o that_o the_o true_a church_n be_v manifest_v to_o the_o world_n by_o those_o miracle_n which_o more_o or_o less_o in_o every_o age_n be_v wrought_v in_o her_o communion_n and_o her_o be_v only_a entitle_v she_o just_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n confirm_v the_o same_o faith_n which_o other_o can_v claim_v by_o the_o like_a evidence_n for_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o miracle_n be_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o true_a faith_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o the_o world_n either_o to_o give_v it_o birth_n or_o growth_n if_o god_n do_v vouchsafe_v to_o work_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n such_o wonderful_a sign_n and_o prodigy_n by_o any_o person_n in_o other_o communion_n than_o his_o catholic_n church_n they_o can_v not_o be_v sufficient_a testimony_n from_o heaven_n of_o divine_a truth_n but_o be_v instrumental_a likewise_o to_o set_v a_o lustre_n on_o deed_n of_o darkness_n and_o harden_v poor_a seduce_v soul_n in_o erroneous_a worship_n neither_o have_v the_o ancient_a apologist_n for_o the_o christian_a faith_n rational_o make_v use_v of_o miracle_n as_o a_o convince_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o if_o infidel_n or_o other_o can_v have_v produce_v just_o the_o like_a evidence_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o their_o false_a religion_n see_v heb._n 2._o for_o 3_o 4._o st._n joh._n 5._o 36._o ch_n 7._o 31._o ch_n 9_o 30._o ch_n 10._o 28._o ch_n 15._o 22_o 24._o hence_o st._n gregory_n quia_fw-la carnales_fw-la adhuc_fw-la etc._n etc._n evan._n hom._n 2._o in_o evan._n because_o the_o disciple_n be_v yet_o carnal_a can_v not_o understand_v his_o mysterious_a word_n he_o proceed_v to_o a_o miracle_n a_o blind_a man_n receive_v his_o sight_n before_o their_o eye_n that_o who_o understand_v not_o the_o word_n of_o divine_a mystery_n heavenly_a deed_n may_v work_v faith_n in_o they_o three_o god_n work_v miracle_n in_o his_o church_n to_o manifest_v the_o extraordinary_a sanctity_n of_o some_o person_n to_o who_o he_o be_v please_v to_o vouchsafe_v a_o special_a honour_n and_o thereby_o propose_v as_o singular_a example_n for_o other_o to_o imitate_v in_o their_o glorious_a walking_n and_o this_o be_v do_v either_o while_n they_o be_v live_v or_o after_o death_n by_o their_o sacred_a relic_n and_o intercession_n and_o sometime_o in_o both_o they_o be_v alike_o glorify_v by_o he_o who_o only_o work_v miracle_n whosoever_o he_o make_v choice_n of_o for_o the_o instrument_n which_o no_o false_a worshipper_n in_o the_o world_n can_v challenge_v to_o their_o profession_n yet_o that_o such_o have_v be_v and_o be_v still_o wrought_v by_o saint_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n there_o be_v as_o good_a proof_n to_o evidence_n it_o to_o the_o world_n as_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o henry_n the_o 8_o once_o king_n of_o england_n which_o certainty_n none_o pretend_v to_o deny_v and_o though_o protestant_n can_v lay_v claim_n to_o any_o true_a miracle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o practice_n yet_o how_o fain_o they_o will_v have_v their_o new_a religion_n so_o attest_v be_v manifest_a in_o that_o they_o greedy_o catch_v at_o shadow_n and_o interpret_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a and_o not_o ordinary_a as_o the_o singular_a act_n of_o god_n in_o their_o behalf_n or_o if_o any_o among_o they_o observe_v some_o austerity_n in_o the_o contempt_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n and_o contentment_n which_o be_v so_o frequent_a among_o catholic_n present_o this_o be_v a_o sanctity_n without_o parallel_n and_o by_o the_o wind_n of_o vainglory_n be_v puff_v up_o to_o the_o prodigious_a greatness_n of_o a_o wonder_n and_o i_o confess_v if_o all_o rare_a thing_n be_v miraculous_a this_o among_o they_o may_v just_o be_v so_o account_v to_o these_o i_o may_v add_v the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o godhead_n and_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n towards_o his_o church_n by_o such_o extraordinary_a working_n beside_o the_o course_n of_o universal_a nature_n to_o make_v up_o the_o number_n of_o his_o elect_n and_o consummate_v they_o in_o glory_n but_o these_o last_o be_v not_o proper_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n and_o the_o former_a relate_a reason_n be_v those_o for_o which_o god_n be_v please_v principal_o to_o work_v miracle_n in_o the_o true_a church_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v operative_a upon_o rational_a soul_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o the_o embrace_v of_o the_o truth_n sect_n v._o some_o undoubted_a and_o most_o famous_a miracle_n relate_v to_o the_o present_a controversy_n between_o we_o and_o protestant_n st_n austin_n have_v relate_v some_o 8._o de_fw-fr civi_fw-la dei_fw-la l._n 22._o c._n 8._o miracle_n wrought_v upon_o devotee_n at_o st._n stephen_n shrine_n by_o his_o special_a intercession_n whereof_o himself_o be_v a_o eye-witness_n affirm_v that_o if_o he_o shall_v record_v all_o that_o he_o know_v to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o those_o territory_n he_o must_v fill_v book_n and_o so_o may_v i_o too_o with_o much_o more_o reason_n if_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o but_o the_o ten_o of_o those_o which_o concern_v the_o present_a controversy_n between_o protestant_n and_o we_o have_v confine_v myself_o to_o no_o less_o limit_n than_o the_o christian_a world_n afford_v innumerable_a miracle_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o can_v just_o be_v question_v because_o deliver_v to_o our_o knowledge_n with_o as_o much_o certainty_n as_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o however_o i_o shall_v be_v brief_a and_o only_o select_v out_o some_o few_o which_o i_o conceive_v most_o convince_a to_o soul_n yet_o harden_v with_o unbelief_n and_o have_v whole_o spare_v this_o labour_n but_o that_o i_o know_v particular_n be_v press_v
the_o apostle_n of_o the_o saxon_n and_o his_o convert_v in_o some_o few_o external_n rite_n which_o afterward_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n they_o general_o receive_v and_o in_o the_o interim_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v worthy_a of_o acceptation_n while_o the_o fresh_a wound_n of_o deeply-resented_n injury_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o nonconformity_n one_o more_o i_o can_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n because_o i_o conceive_v it_o such_o as_o may_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o conviction_n and_o conversion_n of_o our_o adversary_n it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o life_n of_o st._n bernard_n to_o this_o effect_n in_o the_o part_n of_o france_n about_o thoulouze_n 5._o l._n 3._o c._n 5._o one_o henry_n a_o apostate_n monk_n by_o deceitful_a word_n pervert_v the_o soul_n of_o many_o with_o heretical_a doctrine_n prevail_v so_o far_o that_o every_o where_o thereabouts_o the_o grace_n of_o baptism_n be_v deny_v prayer_n and_o oblation_n for_o the_o dead_a be_v mock_v at_o invocation_n of_o saint_n deride_v excommunication_n of_o priest_n pilgrimage_n of_o the_o faithful_a build_v of_o church_n consecration_n of_o oil_n and_o chrism_n and_o all_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n be_v despise_v our_o cause_n in_o england_n st._n bernard_n be_v entreat_v by_o the_o catholic_n sad_o lament_v to_o see_v so_o many_o poor_a soul_n seduce_v to_o follow_v a_o apostate_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o apostle_n be_v conquer_v by_o their_o prayer_n and_o come_v thither_o to_o hinder_v the_o further_o spread_v of_o so_o contagious_a a_o evil_n and_o to_o try_v his_o skill_n on_o the_o infect_a where_o preach_v with_o wonderful_a demonstration_n of_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o admirable_a eloquence_n he_o in_o a_o short_a time_n instruct_v the_o ignorant_a strengthen_v the_o weak_a recall_v the_o wanderer_n restore_v the_o subvert_v put_v to_o sil_fw-fr nce_n the_o perverter_n god_n confirm_v his_o doctrine_n with_o sign_n follow_v i_o shall_v relate_v but_o one_o so_o home_n and_o evident_a that_o praed_fw-we cap._n 6._o l._n 3._o praed_fw-we it_o be_v enough_o to_o convert_v and_o confound_v all_o contradictor_n during_o these_o his_o travail_n in_o the_o work_n of_o a_o evangelist_n be_v come_v to_o the_o city_n of_o sarlet_n the_o sermon_n end_v they_o bring_v to_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n bread_n to_o be_v blessed_v and_o distribute_v among_o the_o faithful_a as_o be_v the_o custom_n in_o catholic_n church_n which_o he_o blessing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n with_o his_o hand_n elevate_v make_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n say_v by_o this_o you_o shall_v know_v that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o preach_v be_v true_a and_o the_o thing_n which_o heretic_n will_v persuade_v you_o to_o be_v false_a if_o your_o sick_a taste_v this_o bread_n shall_v be_v recover_v a_o venerable_a bishop_n present_a fear_v the_o trial_n say_v they_o shall_v be_v heal_v if_o they_o take_v it_o believe_v to_o who_o the_o holy_a man_n reply_v in_o a_o full_a belief_n of_o the_o event_n i_o say_v not_o so_o but_o such_o as_o taste_v it_o shall_v be_v heal_v and_o thereby_o know_v we_o to_o be_v true_o send_v of_o god_n whereupon_o a_o great_a company_n of_o disease_a person_n taste_v of_o the_o say_a bread_n forthwith_o recover_v pray_v god_n for_o such_o singular_a manifestation_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o the_o fame_n thereof_o spread_v round_o about_o now_o what_o more_o express_a testimony_n by_o deed_n can_v be_v give_v from_o heaven_n for_o prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a and_o mosses_n for_o they_o invocation_n of_o saint_n consecration_n of_o chrism_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v then_o oppose_v by_o those_o heretic_n and_o now_o deny_v by_o the_o protestant_n their_o successor_n in_o false_a doctrine_n against_o the_o conviction_n of_o miracle_n from_o heaven_n and_o now_o i_o have_v do_v with_o this_o motive_n only_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v that_o if_o protestant_n can_v produce_v the_o like_a miracle_n to_o attest_v their_o faith_n and_o practice_n they_o will_v make_v the_o world_n ring_n with_o the_o noise_n of_o they_o in_o every_o place_n and_o cry_v victory_n set_v up_o their_o triumphant_a banner_n with_o this_o or_o some_o such_o like_a inscription_n or_o motto_n god_n with_o we_o against_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o then_o add_v some_o such_o invective_n as_o this_o in_o their_o popular_a sermon_n see_v what_o hard-hearted_a wretch_n the_o papist_n be_v who_o whole_o give_v over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n will_v not_o acknowledge_v our_o doctrine_n to_o be_v glorious_a and_o reveal_v truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o he_o have_v witness_v for_o such_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n by_o the_o thunder_a voice_n of_o divine_a miracle_n the_o five_o motive_n that_o the_o eminent_a sanctity_n teach_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o heretical_a communion_n divide_v from_o she_o be_v a_o manifest_a mark_n that_o she_o only_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n sect_n i._o a_o introduction_n from_o work_n of_o wonder_n we_o pass_v to_o work_n of_o piety_n to_o point_v out_o to_o we_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n which_o though_o less_o admire_v yet_o be_v far_o more_o precious_a as_o be_v that_o divine_a seed_n the_o fruit_n whereof_o be_v eternal_a glory_n for_o we_o spiritual_a traveller_n can_v come_v to_o rest_v ourselves_o in_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n but_o by_o walk_v perseverant_o in_o the_o path_n of_o holiness_n now_o this_o holiness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v but_o in_o the_o true_a church_n who_o attribute_n be_v not_o only_a catholic_n but_o also_o holy_a as_o we_o profess_v in_o the_o creed_n and_o distinguishable_a by_o it_o in_o the_o effect_n from_o all_o different_a communion_n whatsoever_o who_o though_o they_o may_v cloak_v their_o deformity_n with_o angelical_a appearance_n yet_o in_o reality_n be_v synagogue_n of_o satan_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v though_o by_o sad_a experience_n i_o find_v that_o the_o protestant_a church_n especial_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o i_o judge_v more_o pure_a in_o doctrine_n can_v not_o lay_v claim_n to_o much_o sanctity_n still_o cry_v down_o the_o puritan_n for_o mere_a hypocrite_n who_o zeal_n in_o their_o way_n do_v shine_v far_o bright_a to_o dazzle_v vulgar_a eye_n yet_o such_o prejudice_n i_o have_v conceive_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o my_o education_n in_o a_o contrary_a religion_n that_o i_o think_v she_o real_o antichristian_a and_o holiness_n to_o have_v no_o more_o agreement_n with_o she_o then_o light_a with_o darkness_n or_o christ_n with_o belial_n so_o that_o after_o the_o divine_a goodness_n by_o strew_v thorn_n in_o my_o indirect_a way_n have_v make_v i_o sensible_a what_o a_o bitter_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o forsake_v he_o the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n for_o break_a cistern_n and_o have_v put_v i_o upon_o a_o serious_a inquisition_n to_o find_v out_o truth_n and_o holiness_n to_o follow_v they_o it_o be_v no_o less_o wonder_n than_o satisfaction_n to_o i_o to_o meet_v with_o such_o heavenly_a doctrine_n and_o such_o holiness_n of_o life_n in_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n and_o no_o other_o communion_n divide_v from_o she_o and_o i_o plain_o discover_v that_o protestant_a leader_n can_v not_o detain_v their_o follower_n in_o schism_n and_o heresy_n but_o by_o keep_v they_o in_o ignorance_n of_o the_o right_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o lay_v to_o her_o charge_n such_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v not_o just_o imputable_a unto_o she_o yet_o this_o motive_n be_v set_v more_o home_n to_o my_o heart_n when_o my_o eye_n be_v make_v happy_a spectator_n of_o some_o of_o that_o innumerable_a company_n of_o her_o member_n who_o in_o the_o continual_a exercise_n of_o most_o sublime_a spirituality_n live_v more_o like_a angel_n then_o man_n though_o in_o mortal_a body_n but_o most_o of_o all_o when_o our_o lord_n be_v please_v so_o to_o shine_v upon_o i_o with_o the_o extraordinary_a light_n of_o his_o countenance_n as_o to_o bless_v my_o weak_a endeavour_n in_o follow_v though_o afar_o off_o those_o star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n beautisy_v his_o heaven_n on_o earth_n in_o their_o glorious_a course_n and_o true_o i_o have_v from_o hence_o such_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n wrought_v in_o my_o soul_n that_o be_v there_o no_o other_o motive_n to_o confirm_v i_o in_o the_o catholic_n religion_n my_o heart_n very_o much_o deceive_v i_o if_o i_o shall_v not_o upon_o this_o score_n rather_o forgo_v my_o life_n then_o forsake_v my_o present_a faith_n to_o become_v a_o protestant_n thus_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n this_o wrought_v on_o i_o and_o that_o it_o may_v work_v on_o other_o i_o thus_o