law_n together_o with_o inward_a and_o outward_a admonition_n both_o by_o threat_n also_o and_o promise_n nor_o do_v he_o suffer_v the_o effect_n of_o wickedness_n to_o spread_v so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v have_v do_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o all_o kind_n of_o government_n can_v never_o yet_o be_v subvert_v nor_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a law_n utter_o extinguish_v or_o abolish_v neither_o may_v those_o delinquence_n which_o be_v permit_v to_o be_v do_v among_o man_n be_v think_v altogether_o unprofitable_a since_o that_o as_o before_o we_o have_v touch_v they_o may_v be_v use_v either_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o other_o no_o less_o lewd_a transgressor_n or_o for_o the_o chastisement_n of_o such_o as_o sometime_o wander_v from_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n or_o last_o to_o exact_v some_o worthy_a pattern_n of_o patience_n and_o constancy_n from_o such_o as_o have_v make_v good_a proficiency_n in_o the_o school_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n last_o even_o they_o who_o wickedness_n seem_v to_o be_v wink_v at_o for_o a_o time_n be_v wont_a to_o pay_v dear_o for_o it_o at_o last_o and_o to_o be_v reckon_v withal_o the_o more_o severe_o because_o they_o have_v be_v long_o forbear_v in_o so_o much_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o suffer_v what_o god_n will_v who_o have_v do_v what_o he_o will_v not_o sect_n xix_o insomuch_o that_o good_a man_n be_v oppress_v but_o and_o if_o sometime_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o punishment_n at_o all_o inflict_v upon_o profane_a offender_n and_o even_o some_o good_a man_n which_o may_v occasion_v the_o weak_a to_o be_v offend_v be_v sore_o oppress_v by_o the_o insolence_n of_o the_o wicked_a who_o many_o time_n make_v they_o not_o only_o to_o lead_v a_o wearisome_a and_o miserable_a life_n but_o also_o to_o undergo_v a_o disgraceful_a death_n we_o be_v not_o present_o to_o banish_v from_o humane_a affair_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v prove_v as_o we_o have_v now_o say_v by_o strong_a reason_n but_o rather_o as_o the_o wise_a sort_n of_o man_n have_v think_v we_o shall_v conclude_v and_o argue_v thus_o sect_n xx._n the_o same_o argument_n be_v retort_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o soul_n survive_v the_o body_n forasmuch_o as_o god_n have_v a_o eye_n unto_o all_o man_n action_n and_o in_o himself_o be_v most_o just_a suffer_v such_o thing_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v therefore_o we_o must_v expect_v that_o there_o will_v be_v some_o future_a judgement_n after_o this_o life_n to_o the_o end_n such_o notorious_a transgression_n may_v not_o remain_v unpunished_a nor_o well_o deserve_a virtue_n be_v unrecompensed_a with_o due_a comfort_n and_o reward_n sect_n xxi_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o tradition_n further_o to_o confirm_v this_o truth_n it_o must_v necessary_o be_v admit_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v survive_v their_o body_n which_o most_o ancient_a tradition_n be_v derive_v from_o our_o very_a first_o parent_n for_o from_o whence_o else_o can_v it_o proceed_v unto_o almost_o all_o civilise_a people_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o homer_n verse_n and_o by_o philosopher_n not_o only_o of_o the_o grecian_n but_o likewise_o the_o druid_n in_o france_n and_o brahmin_n in_o india_n and_o by_o those_o relation_n also_o which_o many_o writer_n have_v publish_v concern_v the_o egyptian_n and_o thracian_n and_o german_n in_o like_a manner_n touch_v god_n judgement_n to_o come_v after_o this_o life_n many_o thing_n we_o see_v be_v extant_a as_o well_o among_o the_o grecian_n as_o also_o among_o the_o egyptian_n and_o indian_n as_o we_o learn_v out_o of_o strabo_n diogenes_n laertius_n and_o plutarch_n whereunto_o may_v be_v add_v that_o old_a tradition_n of_o the_o consumption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o fire_n which_o be_v ancient_o find_v in_o hystaspis_n and_o the_o sibyl_n and_o now_o also_o in_o ovid_n and_o lucan_n and_o the_o indian_n of_o siam_n of_o which_o thing_n the_o astrologer_n have_v note_v this_o to_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o the_o sun_n draw_v near_a and_o near_o to_o the_o earth_n yea_o when_o the_o canary_n america_n and_o other_o foreign_a place_n be_v first_o discover_v this_o same_o opinion_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o last_o judgement_n be_v find_v among_o the_o inhabitant_n there_o sect_n xxii_o against_o which_o no_o contrary_a reason_n can_v be_v bring_v neither_o can_v there_o any_o reason_n in_o nature_n be_v give_v to_o disprove_v so_o ancient_a and_o common_a receive_v tradition_n for_o every_o thing_n that_o in_o this_o world_n come_v to_o a_o end_n perish_v either_o through_o the_o opposition_n of_o some_o more_o forcible_a contrary_a agent_n as_o coldness_n in_o any_o subject_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o more_o prevalent_a power_n and_o intention_n of_o heat_n or_o through_o the_o substraction_n of_o that_o subject_n whereupon_o it_o depend_v as_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o glass_n when_o the_o glass_n be_v break_v or_o through_o the_o defect_n and_o want_n of_o the_o efficient_a cause_n as_o light_v by_o the_o sunsetting_a now_o none_o of_o all_o these_o can_v be_v say_v to_o happen_v unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n not_o the_o first_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o soul_n nay_o itself_o be_v of_o such_o a_o peculiar_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o receive_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v contrary_a between_o themselves_o at_o the_o same_o time_n together_o after_o its_o own_o that_o be_v after_o a_o spiritual_a and_o intellectual_a manner_n not_o the_o second_o for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o subject_n whereon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v any_o dependence_n if_o there_o be_v in_o all_o probability_n it_o shall_v be_v the_o humane_a body_n but_o that_o this_o can_v be_v it_o be_v manifest_a because_o when_o the_o power_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o body_n be_v tire_v in_o their_o operation_n the_o mind_n alone_o do_v not_o by_o motion_n contract_v any_o weariness_n likewise_o the_o power_n of_o the_o body_n be_v impair_v and_o weaken_v by_o the_o redundancy_n or_o excess_n of_o the_o object_n as_o the_o sense_n of_o see_v by_o the_o full_a splendour_n and_o bright_a face_n of_o the_o sun_n but_o the_o more_o excellent_a object_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v conversant_a about_o as_o about_z universals_z and_o figure_n abstract_v from_o sensible_a matter_n it_o receive_v thereby_o the_o more_o perfection_n again_o the_o power_n that_o depend_v upon_o the_o body_n be_v only_o busy_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v limit_v to_o particular_a time_n and_o place_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o the_o body_n itself_o but_o the_o mind_n have_v a_o more_o noble_a object_n and_o ascend_v to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_a and_o eternal_a wherefore_o then_o see_v that_o the_o soul_n depend_v not_o upon_o the_o body_n in_o its_o operation_n neither_o do_v it_o in_o its_o essence_n for_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o nature_n of_o invisible_a thing_n otherwise_o than_o by_o their_o operation_n neither_o be_v the_o three_o way_n of_o corruption_n incident_a to_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v no_o efficient_a cause_n from_o which_o the_o soul_n proceed_v by_o a_o continual_a emanation_n for_o we_o can_v say_v our_o parent_n be_v such_o a_o cause_n since_o when_o they_o be_v dead_a their_o child_n be_v wont_a to_o live_v but_o if_o we_o will_v needs_o make_v some_o cause_n from_o which_o the_o soul_n proceed_v than_o we_o can_v imagine_v no_o other_o save_o the_o first_o and_o universal_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o as_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o power_n be_v never_o deficient_a so_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o will_n to_o be_v defective_a that_o be_v for_o the_o almighty_a to_o will_v the_o extinction_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o soul_n no_o man_n can_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v sect_n xxiii_o many_o reason_n may_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o nay_o there_o be_v many_o strong_a argument_n for_o the_o contrary_a as_o namely_o the_o dominion_n give_v unto_o man_n over_o his_o own_o action_n the_o natural_a desire_n that_o be_v in_o he_o to_o be_v immortal_a the_o force_n of_o conscience_n comfort_v the_o mind_n for_o well_o do_v action_n though_o very_o troublesome_a and_o support_v it_o with_o a_o certain_a hope_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o sting_n of_o a_o gnaw_a conscience_n at_o the_o remembrance_n of_o ungodly_a and_o wicked_a action_n especial_o when_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n approach_v as_o if_o it_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o a_o imminent_a judgement_n and_o this_o gnaw_a worm_n of_o conscience_n the_o most_o profane_a wretch_n and_o wicked_a tyrant_n have_v not_o be_v able_a oftentimes_o to_o extinguish_v in_o they_o no_o not_o then_o when_o they_o most_o of_o all_o desire_v it_o as_o divers_a example_n do_v testify_v sect_n xxiv_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o end_n of_o
more_o easy_o imprint_v on_o the_o memory_n but_o touch_v the_o affection_n more_o powerful_o and_o to_o the_o very_a quick_a than_o when_o otherwise_o speak_v at_o large_a and_o therefore_o the_o public_a law_n be_v in_o the_o most_o ancient_a time_n thus_o write_v as_o aristotle_n inform_v we_o and_o that_o true_a religion_n may_v be_v more_o easy_o convey_v into_o people_n mind_n and_o fix_v there_o apolinarius_n translate_v all_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n as_o sozomen_n tell_v we_o l._n vi_fw-la cap._n 18._o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n as_o far_o as_o the_o reign_n of_o saul_n into_o heroic_a verse_n in_o imitation_n of_o homer_n poem_n suidas_n say_v he_o put_v the_o whole_a old_a testament_n into_o such_o verse_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a for_o what_o he_o do_v upon_o the_o psalm_n be_v still_o remain_v if_o it_o be_v my_o present_a business_n i_o can_v trace_v this_o way_n of_o instruction_n down_o to_o our_o own_o time_n and_o through_o our_o own_o nation_n in_o which_o it_o have_v be_v very_o effectual_a as_o the_o story_n of_o aldelmus_fw-la sufficient_o inform_v we_o who_o first_o bring_v in_o the_o composition_n of_o latin_a verse_n among_o the_o english_a a_o little_a before_o edward_n the_o confessor_n time_n and_o by_o his_o excellent_a faculty_n in_o sing_v wrought_v such_o wonderful_a effect_n upon_o the_o people_n for_o the_o civilise_n of_o their_o manner_n and_o for_o their_o instruction_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n that_o lanfrank_n by_o his_o own_o authority_n think_v good_a to_o make_v he_o a_o saint_n the_o very_a same_o charm_n grotius_n hope_v will_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n upon_o the_o rude_a seaman_n of_o his_o country_n into_o who_o he_o desire_v by_o his_o rhyme_n not_o only_o to_o instil_v a_o sense_n of_o piety_n but_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o convey_v it_o to_o other_o nation_n with_o who_o they_o trade_v and_o it_o seem_v this_o work_n be_v so_o much_o fame_v that_o it_o move_v the_o curiosity_n of_o a_o great_a man_n in_o france_n into_o which_o grotius_n go_v after_o his_o wonderful_a escape_n 1621._o out_o of_o that_o prison_n or_o rather_o sepulchre_n as_o he_o call_v it_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o friend_n wherein_o it_o be_v first_o project_v to_o ask_v he_o very_o often_o what_o the_o content_n of_o that_o book_n be_v which_o he_o have_v write_v in_o dutch_a upon_o this_o subject_n of_o religion_n who_o he_o satisfy_v by_o translate_n the_o sense_n of_o it_o into_o the_o latin_a tongue_n in_o the_o year_n 1628._o and_o address_v it_o unto_o that_o excellent_a person_n who_o make_v the_o inquiry_n viz._n hieronymus_n bignonius_n who_o together_o with_o grotius_n and_o salmasius_n the_o famous_a cardinal_n richlieu_n a_o notable_a judge_n of_o wit_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v 146._o say_v epist_n cl._n sarravii_fw-la p._n 146._o be_v the_o only_a person_n of_o that_o age_n who_o he_o look_v upon_o as_o arrive_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o learning_n in_o which_o translation_n he_o tell_v sarravius_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o he_o that_o year_n he_o shall_v find_v if_o nothing_o else_o that_o he_o have_v at_o least_o endeavour_v brevity_n with_o perspicuity_n which_o make_v it_o so_o acceptable_a every_o where_n though_o no_o long_o in_o verse_n but_o now_o in_o prose_n that_o in_o the_o year_n 1632._o i_o find_v he_o tell_v cordesius_n another_o learned_a man_n in_o france_n 417._o france_n epist_n ad_fw-la gallos_n p._n 331._o 417._o it_o be_v go_v the_o three_o time_n to_o the_o press_n with_o some_o addition_n but_o not_o with_o so_o many_o it_o seem_v as_o some_o desire_a for_o there_o be_v those_o who_o wish_v he_o will_v have_v answer_v a_o book_n of_o bodins_n which_o seem_v to_o impugn_v it_o this_o he_o think_v a_o needless_a pain_n for_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v say_v he_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o same_o person_n 407._o person_n ib._n pag._n 407._o that_o seem_v to_o shake_v the_o foundation_n i_o have_v lay_v upon_o which_o the_o christian_a faith_n rely_v i_o have_v already_o obviate_v it_o as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o persuade_v a_o reader_n that_o be_v not_o pertinacious_a as_o for_o those_o opinion_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v in_o christianity_n but_o without_o the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o which_o we_o may_v be_v christian_n they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o my_o argument_n in_o the_o same_o year_n also_o 1632_o i_o find_v it_o translate_v here_o into_o the_o english_a language_n which_o he_o himself_o afterward_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o gerrard_n vossius_fw-la 1638_o 748._o 1638_o inter_fw-la epist_n praestant_fw-la virorum_fw-la p._n 748._o where_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o there_o be_v beside_o the_o english_a two_o high-dutch_a translation_n of_o this_o book_n one_o french_a and_o that_o the_o english_a embassador_n chaplain_n be_v turn_v it_o into_o greek_a and_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o into_o the_o persian_a tongue_n that_o by_o god_n blessing_n it_o may_v convert_v the_o mahometan_n none_o of_o these_o can_v see_v any_o socinianism_n or_o other_o dangerous_a heresy_n in_o it_o which_o some_o of_o the_o dull_a sort_n of_o learned_a man_n be_v forward_o to_o charge_v it_o with_o all_o because_o he_o do_v not_o direct_o prove_v in_o this_o book_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n of_o which_o he_o give_v this_o account_n in_o the_o forename_a letter_n that_o he_o hear_v a_o great_a man_n who_o be_v franc._n junius_n as_o i_o take_v it_o condemn_v du_fw-fr plessis_n and_o other_o for_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o mystery_n by_o reason_n fetch_v from_o nature_n and_o by_o platonical_a testimony_n sometime_o not_o very_o pertinent_a which_o ought_v not_o to_o come_v into_o a_o disputation_n with_o atheist_n pagan_n jew_n and_o mahometan_n who_o must_v all_o be_v first_o draw_v to_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o from_o thence_o they_o may_v learn_v such_o thing_n as_o can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o divine_a revelation_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n he_o meddle_v not_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n direct_o but_o if_o any_o body_n doubt_v of_o his_o orthodoxy_n in_o this_o point_n they_o may_v see_v he_o tell_v he_o in_o another_o letter_n what_o his_o opinion_n be_v in_o his_o poem_n then_o new_o come_v forth_o and_o the_o large_a explication_n of_o it_o he_o reserve_v to_o his_o note_n and_o for_o the_o same_o cause_n he_o do_v not_o distinct_o treat_v of_o some_o other_o thing_n particular_o about_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o satisfaction_n for_o which_o omission_n this_o book_n be_v blame_v as_o sarravius_n write_v to_o he_o by_o some_o who_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o labour_n of_o other_o to_o which_o grotius_n return_v such_o a_o answer_n as_o not_o only_o give_v he_o he_o tell_v we_o most_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o those_o two_o point_n but_o enable_v he_o to_o silence_v those_o accuser_n he_o do_v not_o intimate_v indeed_o what_o that_o reply_n be_v but_o as_o to_o the_o former_a point_n it_o be_v apparent_a from_o his_o annotation_n that_o he_o believe_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v indeed_o god_n of_o god_n and_o that_o passage_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o xxi_o section_n of_o the_o five_o book_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v call_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o lord_n i_o shall_v have_v translate_v thus_o the_o messiah_n be_v call_v by_o that_o august_n name_n of_o god_n jehovah_n and_o also_o of_o lord_n viz._n elohim_n and_o adonai_n for_o so_o he_o explain_v himself_o i_o have_v since_o take_v notice_n in_o his_o annotation_n and_o add_v this_o observation_n that_o the_o talmud_n in_o taanith_n say_v that_o when_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v speak_v of_o twenty-five_o isa_n 8_o 9_o i._n e._n of_o the_o messiah_n jehovah_n shall_v be_v show_v as_o we_o say_v with_o the_o finger_n that_o be_v man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o point_v other_o to_o he_o say_v lo_o there_o be_v jehovah_n and_o as_o for_o the_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v possible_a his_o answer_n may_v be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n with_o what_o he_o write_v to_o 747._o to_o epist_n praestant_fw-la viror_fw-la p._n 747._o vossius_fw-la in_o which_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o if_o any_o one_o desire_v to_o know_v as_o he_o have_v already_o signify_v in_o a_o letter_n to_o one_o that_o say_v he_o be_v accuse_v of_o socinianism_n what_o his_o opinion_n be_v in_o the_o business_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n even_o since_o crellius_n have_v write_v against_o he_o it_o will_v appear_v plain_o enough_o out_o of_o his_o translation_n of_o the_o liii_o of_o isaiah_n in_o his_o disputation_n against_o the_o jew_n which_o you_o may_v find_v here_o in_o the_o v._o book_n sect._n 19_o and_o
nature_n that_o do_v communicate_v any_o thing_n of_o its_o own_o unto_o god_n neither_o be_v he_o capable_a of_o aught_o that_o any_o other_o thing_n can_v impart_v be_v as_o before_o we_o say_v altogether_o absolute_a and_o necessary_a of_o himself_o sect_n v._o that_o god_n be_v eternal_a omnipotent_a omniscient_a and_o absolute_o good_a again_o forasmuch_o as_o all_o thing_n that_o have_v life_n be_v say_v to_o be_v more_o perfect_a than_o those_o without_o life_n and_o those_o which_o have_v power_n of_o act_v than_o those_o which_o want_v it_o and_o those_o endue_v with_o understanding_n superior_a to_o such_o creature_n as_o lack_v it_o and_o those_o which_o be_v good_a better_o than_o those_o that_o come_v short_a in_o goodness_n it_o follow_v from_o that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v that_o all_o those_o attribute_n be_v in_o god_n and_o that_o after_o a_o infinite_a manner_n therefore_o be_v he_o infinite_a in_o life_n that_o be_v eternal_a infinite_a power_n that_o be_v omnipotent_a so_o likewise_o be_v he_o omniscient_a and_o altogether_o good_a without_o any_o exception_n sect_n vi_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n further_o more_o it_o follow_v from_o that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v that_o what_o thing_n soever_o subsist_v the_o same_o have_v the_o original_n of_o their_o be_v from_o god_n for_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a of_o itself_o can_v be_v but_o one_o whence_o we_o collect_v that_o all_o other_o thing_n beside_o this_o have_v their_o original_n from_o somewhat_o different_a from_o themselves_o now_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v their_o beginning_n from_o another_o we_o have_v see_v before_o how_o that_o either_o in_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o cause_n they_o proceed_v from_o he_o which_o have_v no_o beginning_n that_o be_v from_o god_n neither_o be_v this_o manifest_a by_o reason_n only_o but_o also_o after_o some_o sort_n by_o very_a sense_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o wonderful_a frame_n and_o fashion_n of_o man_n body_n both_z within_z and_o without_o and_o how_o that_o each_o part_n and_o parcel_n thereof_o have_v its_o proper_a use_n without_o the_o study_n or_o industry_n of_o his_o parent_n and_o yet_o with_o such_o art_n that_o the_o most_o accomplish_a philosopher_n and_o physician_n can_v never_o sufficient_o admire_v it_o this_o very_o show_v the_o author_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a mind_n concern_v which_o matter_n galen_n have_v write_v well_o especial_o where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o of_o the_o hand_n yea_o more_o the_o very_a body_n of_o mute_a beast_n do_v testify_v the_o same_o for_o their_o part_n be_v not_o frame_v and_o compose_v by_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o matter_n whereof_o they_o consist_v but_o by_o some_o superior_a and_o high_a cause_n destinate_v they_o to_o a_o certain_a end_n neither_o be_v this_o plain_n by_o man_n and_o beast_n alone_o but_o also_o by_o plant_n and_o herb_n as_o have_v accurate_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o philosopher_n this_o further_a be_v excellent_o note_v by_o strabo_n concern_v the_o situation_n of_o the_o water_n which_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o quality_n of_o their_o matter_n aught_o to_o be_v place_v in_o the_o middle_n between_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o air_n whereas_o they_o be_v now_o include_v and_o disperse_v within_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v be_v no_o hindrance_n either_o to_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o ground_n or_o to_o the_o life_n of_o man._n now_o to_o propose_v that_o or_o any_o other_o end_n to_o any_o action_n be_v the_o peculiar_a property_n of_o a_o understand_a nature_n neither_o be_v all_o thing_n only_o ordain_v for_o their_o peculiar_a end_n but_o also_o for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n as_o appear_v particular_o in_o the_o water_n but_o now_o mention_v which_o against_o its_o own_o proper_a nature_n be_v move_v upward_o lest_o by_o the_o interposition_n of_o a_o vacuity_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o gap_n in_o the_o universe_n which_o be_v so_o frame_v that_o by_o the_o continue_a cohesion_n of_o its_o part_n it_o sustain_v and_o uphold_v itself_o now_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v that_o this_o common_a end_n shall_v be_v thus_o intend_v together_o with_o a_o inclination_n in_o thing_n thereunto_o but_o by_o the_o power_n and_o purpose_n of_o some_o intelligent_a nature_n whereunto_o the_o whole_a universe_n be_v in_o subjection_n moreover_o among_o the_o beast_n there_o be_v certain_a action_n observe_v to_o be_v so_o regular_a and_o orderly_o do_v that_o it_o be_v manifest_a enough_o they_o proceed_v from_o some_o kind_n of_o reason_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o pismire_n and_o especial_o in_o bee_n and_o likewise_o in_o other_o creature_n which_o before_o they_o make_v any_o trial_n do_v natural_o eschew_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v hurtful_a and_o seek_v after_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v profitable_a for_o they_o now_o that_o this_o instinct_n or_o inclination_n of_o find_v and_o judge_v thing_n be_v not_o in_o they_o by_o their_o own_o power_n it_o be_v clear_a for_o that_o they_o do_v always_o operate_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o virtue_n or_o efficacy_n at_o all_o to_o the_o do_v other_o thing_n which_o be_v no_o more_o weighty_a wherefore_o they_o must_v needs_o receive_v their_o power_n from_o some_o reasonable_a external_a agent_n which_o direct_v they_o or_o imprint_n in_o they_o such_o efficacy_n as_o they_o have_v and_o this_o reasonable_a and_o intelligent_a agent_n be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v we_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n as_o most_o eminent_a the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n both_o which_o for_o the_o make_v the_o earth_n fruitful_a and_o preserve_v live_a creature_n in_o their_o health_n and_o vigour_n do_v so_o seasonable_o perform_v their_o course_n of_o motion_n that_o a_o better_a can_v be_v devise_v for_o when_o otherwise_o their_o motion_n through_o the_o aequator_fw-la have_v be_v much_o more_o simple_a we_o see_v that_o they_o have_v another_o motion_n by_o a_o oblique_a circle_n to_o the_o end_n the_o benefit_n of_o their_o favourable_a aspect_n may_v be_v communicate_v to_o more_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n now_o as_o the_o earth_n be_v ordain_v for_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o live_a creature_n so_o be_v all_o terrestrial_a thing_n appoint_v chief_o for_o the_o service_n of_o man_n who_o by_o his_o wit_n and_o reason_n can_v subdue_v the_o most_o furious_a creature_n among_o they_o whence_o the_o very_a stoic_n do_v collect_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v for_o man_n sake_n howbeit_o since_o it_o exceed_v the_o sphere_n of_o humane_a power_n to_o bring_v the_o heavenly_a body_n in_o subjection_n to_o he_o neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o they_o will_v ever_o submit_v themselves_o to_o man_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o there_o be_v some_o superior_a mind_n or_o spirit_n by_o whole_a sole_a appointment_n those_o fair_a and_o glorious_a body_n do_v perpetual_a service_n unto_o man_n though_o he_o be_v place_v far_o below_o they_o which_o same_o mind_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o framer_n of_o the_o star_n even_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n also_o the_o motion_n of_o these_o star_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v excentrical_a and_o epicyclical_a i._n e._n in_o a_o circle_n within_o the_o orb_n of_o another_o star_n do_v plain_o show_v not_o the_o power_n of_o matter_n but_o the_o appointment_n of_o a_o free_a agent_n the_o same_o do_v the_o position_n of_o the_o star_n testify_v some_o in_o this_o part_n other_o in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o heaven_n together_o with_o the_o so_o unequal_a form_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o of_o the_o sea_n nor_o can_v we_o refer_v it_o to_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o the_o star_n move_v this_o rather_o than_o another_o way_n the_o most_o perfect_a form_n also_o and_o figure_n of_o the_o world_n viz._n roundness_n as_o also_o the_o part_n thereof_o shut_v up_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o dispose_v with_o a_o marvellous_a order_n do_v all_o express_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v not_o tumble_v together_o or_o conjoin_v as_o they_o be_v by_o chance_n but_o wise_o ordain_v by_o such_o a_o understanding_n as_o be_v endue_v with_o supereminent_a excellency_n for_o what_o ninny_n be_v there_o so_o sottish_a as_o to_o expect_v any_o thing_n so_o accurate_a and_o exact_a from_o chance_n he_o may_v as_o well_o believe_v that_o stone_n and_o timber_n get_v casual_o together_o and_o put_v themselves_o into_o the_o form_n of_o a_o house_n or_o that_o out_o of_o letter_n shuffle_v careless_o as_o it_o happen_v there_o come_v forth_o a_o excellent_a poem_n a_o thing_n so_o unlikely_a that_o
for_o the_o love_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o such_o a_o religion_n be_v induce_v to_o tell_v untruth_n beside_o these_o man_n be_v of_o a_o upright_a conversation_n their_o life_n be_v spotless_a and_o unblameable_a even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o adversary_n who_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o they_o save_v their_o simplicity_n which_o of_o all_o other_o disposition_n be_v the_o most_o unlikely_a to_o forge_v a_o lie_n nay_o there_o be_v none_o among_o these_o primitive_a christian_n whereof_o we_o speak_v who_o do_v not_o suffer_v grievous_a torment_n for_o profess_v that_o jesus_n be_v rise_v and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v put_v unto_o most_o exquisite_a pain_n of_o death_n for_o bear_v testimony_n of_o the_o same_o now_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n may_v be_v content_a to_o endure_v such_o thing_n for_o some_o opinion_n which_o he_o have_v conceive_v and_o real_o believe_v in_o his_o mind_n yet_o that_o for_o a_o falsehood_n which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v so_o not_o only_o some_o one_o man_n but_o a_o great_a many_o man_n who_o be_v like_a to_o gain_v nothing_o at_o all_o by_o make_v that_o falsehood_n to_o be_v believe_v shall_v consent_v to_o suffer_v such_o cruel_a torment_n be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o incredible_a now_o that_o these_o be_v not_o madman_n both_o their_o conversation_n and_o their_o writing_n do_v abundant_o testify_v likewise_o what_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o first_o apostle_n may_v also_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n who_o open_o teach_v that_o he_o see_v christ_n sit_v in_o heaven_n who_o also_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o any_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n nor_o may_v he_o have_v want_v dignity_n and_o preferment_n if_o he_o will_v have_v follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o his_o father_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n he_o become_v liable_a to_o the_o hatred_n and_o malignity_n of_o his_o kinsfolk_n and_o engage_v himself_o to_o undertake_v difficult_a dangerous_a and_o laborious_a travel_n through_o the_o world_n and_o last_o of_o all_o to_o undergo_v a_o disgraceful_a death_n and_o torment_n sect_n viii_o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o resurrection_n seem_v impossible_a such_o and_o so_o great_a testimony_n no_o man_n can_v disprove_v or_o gainsay_v unless_o some_o will_v reply_v that_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v for_o so_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n as_o they_o speak_v howbeit_o that_o can_v be_v affirm_v of_o this_o matter_n it_o may_v indeed_o if_o one_o can_v say_v that_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o man_n live_v and_o die_v at_o the_o self_n same_o time_n but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v restore_v from_o death_n to_o life_n especial_o by_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o he_o who_o first_o give_v life_n and_o be_v unto_o man_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v account_v for_o a_o thing_n impossible_a neither_o have_v it_o be_v thought_n impossible_a by_o wise_a man_n for_o plato_n write_v that_o this_o be_v do_v to_o eris_n a_o armenian_a and_o the_o like_a be_v relate_v of_o a_o certain_a woman_n by_o heraclide_n a_o philosopher_n of_o pontus_n of_o aristaeus_n by_o herodotus_n and_o of_o another_o by_o plutarch_n all_o which_o whether_o true_a or_o false_a do_v show_v that_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n the_o thing_n be_v conceive_v to_o be_v possible_a sect_n ix_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n be_v grant_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n be_v confirm_v now_o if_o it_o be_v neither_o impossible_a that_o christ_n shall_v return_v to_o life_n again_o and_o it_o do_v sufficient_o appear_v by_o great_a testimony_n wherewith_o rabbi_n bechai_n a_o master_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o convince_v that_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o thing_n and_o this_o christ_n himself_o also_o as_o both_o his_o disciple_n and_o other_o confess_v do_v publish_v a_o new_a doctrine_n as_o by_o a_o divine_a commandment_n true_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o that_o doctrine_n be_v true_a for_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v with_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o wisdom_n to_o honour_v he_o after_o so_o excellent_a a_o manner_n who_o have_v commit_v the_o crime_n of_o falsify_v in_o so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n especial_o consider_v that_o before_o his_o death_n he_o have_v foretell_v to_o his_o disciple_n both_o his_o death_n and_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o and_o his_o resurrection_n to_o life_n again_o add_v this_o withal_o that_o these_o thing_n shall_v therefore_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o may_v testify_v and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o argument_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o fact_n themselves_o which_o be_v do_v let_v we_o proceed_v to_o those_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o his_o doctrine_n sect_n x._o christian_a religion_n prefer_v before_o all_o other_o and_o here_o true_o we_o must_v say_v that_o either_o all_o kind_n of_o divine_a worship_n whatsoever_o must_v be_v reject_v and_o utter_o banish_v from_o among_o man_n which_o impiety_n will_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o one_o that_o can_v believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o take_v care_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o withal_o consider_v how_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o excellency_n of_o understanding_n and_o liberty_n to_o choose_v what_o be_v moral_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v capable_a as_o of_o reward_n so_o of_o punishment_n or_o else_o this_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o approve_v of_o for_o the_o very_o best_a not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o outward_a testimony_n of_o work_n and_o miracle_n aforesaid_a but_o also_o in_o consideration_n of_o such_o inward_a and_o essential_a property_n as_o be_v agree_v thereunto_o namely_o because_o there_o be_v not_o neither_o ever_o be_v there_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v either_o more_o honourable_a for_o excellency_n of_o reward_n or_o more_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a for_o precept_n or_o more_o admirable_a for_o the_o manner_n according_a to_o which_o it_o be_v command_v to_o be_v propagate_v and_o divulge_v sect_n xi_o for_o excellency_n of_o reward_n for_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o reward_n that_o be_v at_o the_o end_n propound_v to_o man_n which_o though_o it_o be_v the_o last_o in_o fruition_n and_o execution_n yet_o be_v it_o the_o first_o in_o his_o intention_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o plain_a or_o express_v covenant_n of_o the_o law_n we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o there_o promise_v save_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n as_o namely_o a_o fruitful_a land_n abundance_n of_o corn_n and_o victual_n victory_n over_o their_o enemy_n soundness_n of_o body_n length_n of_o day_n the_o comfortable_a blessing_n of_o a_o hopeful_a issue_n and_o survive_a posterity_n and_o the_o like_a for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n beyond_o it_o be_v involve_v in_o dark_a shadow_n or_o must_v be_v collect_v by_o wise_a and_o difficult_a reason_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o many_o in_o particular_a the_o sadducee_n who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v follower_n and_o observer_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n have_v no_o hope_n of_o enjoy_v any_o happiness_n after_o this_o life_n as_o for_o the_o grecian_n who_o receive_v their_o learning_n from_o the_o chaldean_n and_o egyptian_n and_o have_v some_o hope_n in_o another_o world_n after_o this_o life_n be_v end_v they_o speak_v thereof_o after_o a_o very_a doubtful_a manner_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o disputation_n of_o socrates_n by_o the_o write_n of_o tully_n seneca_n and_o other_o and_o the_o argument_n they_o produce_v for_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o uncertainty_n prove_v no_o more_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o man_n than_o of_o a_o beast_n which_o while_o some_o of_o they_o observe_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o imagine_v that_o soul_n be_v translate_v and_o convey_v from_o man_n to_o beast_n and_o again_o from_o beast_n into_o men._n but_o because_o this_o opinion_n be_v not_o confirm_v by_o any_o testimony_n or_o ground_v upon_o certain_a reason_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o there_o be_v some_o end_n propose_v to_o man_n action_n therefore_o other_o be_v induce_v to_o think_v that_o virtue_n be_v the_o end_n or_o reward_v of_o man_n endeavour_n and_o that_o a_o wise_a man_n be_v happy_a enough_o even_o though_o he_o be_v put_v into_o that_o torment_a brazen_a bull_n make_v by_o phalaris_n howbeit_o this_o fancy_n be_v just_o distasteful_a and_o improbable_a to_o another_o sort_n who_o see_v well_o enough_o that_o man_n happiness_n especial_o the_o high_a can_v not_o consist_v in_o any_o
follow_v that_o we_o consider_v by_o what_o mean_v this_o christian_a religion_n have_v its_o augmentation_n and_o increase_n that_o therein_o it_o may_v be_v comparable_a and_o prefer_v before_o other_o we_o see_v it_o common_o true_a of_o most_o man_n that_o they_o will_v easy_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o king_n and_o potentate_n what_o way_n soever_o they_o go_v special_o if_o law_n and_o penalty_n compel_v they_o to_o it_o hereby_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o of_o mahumet_n propagate_v but_o they_o that_o first_o teach_v the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o want_v all_o civil_a power_n and_o authority_n but_o be_v of_o mean_a condition_n no_o better_a than_o poor_a fisherman_n weaver_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o by_o such_o man_n pain_n and_o industry_n that_o doctrine_n within_o the_o space_n of_o thirty_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o be_v publish_v not_o only_o throughout_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n but_o also_o among_o the_o parthian_n and_o remote_a indian_n nor_o be_v it_o thus_o only_o in_o the_o beginning_n but_o for_o almost_o three_o whole_a age_n together_o this_o religion_n be_v so_o promote_v by_o the_o endeavour_n of_o private_a man_n without_o any_o threaten_n without_o any_o worldly_a thing_n to_o invite_v man_n to_o it_o yea_o against_o the_o will_n and_o the_o most_o violent_a opposition_n of_o those_o who_o then_o have_v the_o imperial_a power_n that_o before_o constantine_n profess_v christianity_n this_o be_v become_v very_o near_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a world_n among_o the_o grecian_n that_o teach_v morality_n divers_a there_o be_v that_o commend_v themselves_o also_o very_o much_o by_o their_o skill_n in_o other_o arts._n as_o the_o platonist_n be_v famous_a for_o the_o study_n of_o geometry_n the_o peripatetic_n for_o the_o history_n of_o plant_n and_o live_a creature_n the_o stoic_n for_o logical_a subtlety_n the_o pythagorean_n for_o knowledge_n of_o number_n and_o harmony_n many_o also_o be_v admirable_a for_o eloquence_n as_o xenophon_n plato_n and_o theophrastus_n but_o the_o first_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n of_o christianity_n be_v endue_v with_o no_o such_o art_n but_o use_v the_o plain_a language_n without_o entice_a word_n only_o after_o a_o bare_a manner_n or_o naked_a form_n of_o speech_n pronounce_v their_o precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n which_o have_v no_o efficacy_n in_o themselves_o proportionable_a to_o such_o a_o progress_n as_o christianity_n make_v we_o must_v needs_o confess_v it_o be_v either_o attend_v by_o miracle_n or_o by_o god_n secret_a power_n assist_v the_o business_n or_o both_o together_o sect_n xxiii_o what_o great_a impediment_n there_o be_v that_o may_v terrify_v man_n from_o the_o embrace_v or_o the_o profess_v hereof_o hereunto_o may_v be_v add_v another_o thing_n considerable_a namely_o that_o they_o who_o receive_v christianity_n from_o those_o teacher_n have_v not_o their_o mind_n void_a of_o a_o certain_a form_n and_o rule_v of_o religion_n and_o so_o be_v not_o by_o that_o mean_v ductile_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v draw_v as_o they_o be_v who_o first_o receive_v the_o paganish_a worship_n and_o mahomet_n law_n much_o less_o be_v their_o mind_n prepare_v for_o it_o by_o some_o antecedent_n institution_n as_o the_o hebrew_n by_o circumcision_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o god_n be_v make_v fit_a to_o accept_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o quite_o contrary_a be_v fill_v with_o opinion_n and_o custom_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o another_o nature_n repugnant_a to_o those_o new_a institution_n be_v educate_v viz._n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o law_n and_o of_o their_o parent_n in_o the_o paganish_a religion_n or_o the_o jewish_a rite_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v another_o impediment_n to_o wit_n the_o most_o grievous_a evil_n which_o they_o who_o undertake_v christianity_n must_v expect_v to_o suffer_v or_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v upon_o that_o account_n for_o see_v that_o humane_a nature_n abhor_v such_o evil_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o evil_n can_v be_v admit_v of_o without_o much_o difficulty_n a_o long_a time_n be_v the_o christian_n deprive_v of_o all_o honour_n and_o dignity_n and_o likewise_o much_o afflict_v with_o divers_a penalty_n with_o confiscation_n of_o good_n and_o banishment_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v all_o but_o flea-bite_n for_o they_o be_v condemn_v to_o dig_v in_o the_o mine_n and_o to_o suffer_v torment_n than_o which_o more_o cruel_a can_v not_o be_v devise_v and_o such_o multitude_n of_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n at_o one_o time_n sweep_v away_o and_o devour_v either_o by_o famine_n or_o pestilence_n or_o war_n as_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o time_n do_v testify_v their_o manner_n and_o kind_n of_o death_n also_o be_v not_o ordinary_a but_o some_o be_v bury_v alive_a other_o crucify_v other_o endure_v punishment_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n which_o can_v be_v read_v or_o think_v of_o without_o the_o great_a horror_n and_o yet_o this_o savage_a cruelty_n which_o continue_v without_o much_o intermission_n and_o that_o not_o every_o where_n till_o almost_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n in_o the_o roman_a world_n and_o in_o other_o place_n endure_v long_o be_v so_o far_o from_o diminish_v the_o number_n of_o christian_n that_o quite_o contrary_a their_o blood_n may_v be_v call_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n there_o spring_v up_o still_o so_o many_o in_o the_o room_n of_o those_o that_o be_v cut_v off_o now_o let_v we_o herein_o also_o compare_v other_o religion_n with_o christianity_n the_o greek_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pagan_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o magnify_v their_o own_o thing_n above_o measure_n yet_o give_v we_o in_o but_o a_o very_a short_a catalogue_n of_o such_o as_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o doctrine_n some_o gymnosophist_n socrates_n not_o many_o more_o be_v all_o they_o can_v number_v and_o in_o those_o eminent_a man_n it_o can_v scarce_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o desire_n of_o transmit_v their_o fame_n to_o posterity_n which_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o business_n but_o among_o those_o christian_n that_o suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o their_o faith_n there_o be_v very_o many_o of_o mean_a rank_n of_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o people_n such_o as_o be_v scarce_o ever_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o know_v to_o their_o neighbour_n that_o live_v hard_o by_o they_o there_o be_v woman_n also_o virgin_n and_o young_a man_n such_o as_o have_v no_o desire_n nor_o any_o probable_a hope_n of_o get_v renown_n in_o future_a time_n by_o their_o suffering_n according_a as_o in_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n we_o find_v the_o name_n but_o of_o a_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v put_v to_o death_n who_o be_v only_o register_v in_o gross_a to_o which_o we_o must_v add_v that_o by_o a_o small_a compliance_n and_o simulation_n suppose_v by_o cast_v a_o little_a frankincense_n upon_o the_o altar_n most_o of_o they_o may_v have_v free_v themselves_o from_o such_o punishment_n which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o those_o philosopher_n who_o whatsoever_o they_o may_v think_v secret_o in_o their_o heart_n in_o all_o their_o apparent_a action_n conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o vulgar_a custom_n so_o that_o to_o have_v suffer_v death_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n can_v well_o be_v attribute_v to_o any_o other_o but_o only_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n and_o not_o to_o the_o jew_n neither_o after_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n nor_o before_o they_o but_o to_o a_o few_o if_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o christian_n more_o of_o which_o suffer_v for_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o some_o one_o province_n than_o the_o jew_n ever_o do_v who_o patience_n in_o this_o kind_n may_v all_o very_o near_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o time_n of_o manasses_n and_o of_o antiochus_n wherefore_o see_v christian_a religion_n in_o this_o particular_a also_o so_o vast_o excel_v all_o other_o it_o ought_v just_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o they_o and_o from_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o all_o kind_n and_o sex_n of_o people_n distinguish_v by_o so_o many_o several_a place_n and_o age_n as_o do_v not_o stick_v to_o die_v for_o this_o religion_n we_o may_v well_o gather_v there_o be_v very_o great_a cause_n of_o such_o constancy_n which_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v any_o other_o but_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god._n sect_n xxiv_o answer_v to_o they_o that_o require_v more_o forcible_a reason_n final_o if_o any_o yet_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o these_o argument_n abovesaid_a but_o desire_v more_o forcible_a reason_n for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v such_o know_v that_o according_a as_o thing_n be_v divers_a they_o must_v also_o have_v divers_a kind_n of_o proof_n
live_v in_o those_o time_n and_o be_v present_a when_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o like_a manner_n it_o ought_v to_o suffice_v we_o that_o whosoever_o write_v the_o book_n we_o speak_v of_o both_o live_v in_o the_o primitive_a age_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o apostolical_a gift_n for_o if_o any_o body_n will_v say_v that_o these_o quality_n may_v be_v feign_v as_o the_o very_a name_n may_v be_v in_o other_o write_n he_o say_v that_o which_o be_v not_o credible_a viz._n that_o they_o who_o every_o where_o press_v the_o study_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n will_v for_o no_o cause_n at_o all_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o crime_n of_o forgery_n which_o be_v not_o only_o detestable_a among_o all_o good_a man_n but_o by_o the_o roman_a law_n be_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n sect_n v._o these_o penman_n write_v the_o truth_n because_o they_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o what_o they_o write_v this_o therefore_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v write_v by_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v or_o by_o such_o as_o bear_v sufficient_a witness_n of_o themselves_o to_o which_o if_o we_o far_o add_v that_o they_o be_v also_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o matter_n whereof_o they_o write_v and_o have_v no_o purpose_n to_o lie_v or_o dissemble_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o commit_v to_o writing_n be_v both_o certain_a and_o true_a because_o every_o untruth_n proceed_v either_o from_o ignorance_n or_o from_o a_o wicked_a desire_n to_o deceive_v as_o touch_v matthew_n john_n peter_n and_o judas_n they_o be_v all_o of_o the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n of_o those_o twelve_o who_o jesus_n do_v choose_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o want_v notice_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v relate_v the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o james_n who_o be_v either_o a_o apostle_n or_o as_o some_o think_v the_o next_o akin_a to_o jesus_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n consecrate_v bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n paul_n also_o can_v not_o err_v through_o lack_n of_o knowledge_n about_o those_o point_n which_o he_o profess_v be_v reveal_v to_o he_o by_o jesus_n himself_o reign_v in_o heaven_n nor_o can_v he_o or_o luke_n either_o who_o be_v a_o inseparable_a companion_n to_o he_o in_o his_o travel_n be_v deceive_v about_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v by_o himself_o this_o luke_n may_v easy_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o write_v concern_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n for_o he_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o place_n next_o adjoin_v to_o palestina_n through_o which_o country_n when_o he_o travel_v he_o say_v he_o speak_v with_o such_o person_n as_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v for_o doubtless_o beside_o the_o apostle_n with_o who_o he_o have_v familiarity_n there_o live_v many_o other_o at_o that_o time_n who_o have_v be_v cure_v by_o jesus_n and_o have_v see_v he_o both_o before_o his_o death_n and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n if_o we_o will_v give_v credit_n to_o tacitus_n and_o suetonius_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o happen_v a_o long_a time_n before_o they_o be_v bear_v because_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o diligent_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n thereof_o how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o believe_v this_o writer_n who_o say_v that_o he_o receive_v all_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o relate_v from_o they_o that_o have_v see_v the_o same_o it_o be_v credible_o report_v of_o mark_n that_o he_o be_v a_o constant_a companion_n with_o peter_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o he_o write_v be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o dictate_v by_o peter_n who_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o beside_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o he_o write_v be_v almost_o all_o extant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n neither_o can_v the_o author_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v deceive_v or_o delude_v in_o those_o vision_n which_o he_o say_v be_v send_v unto_o he_o from_o heaven_n nor_o he_o that_o write_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n err_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o profess_v either_o to_o be_v inspire_v into_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o else_o teach_v he_o by_o the_o apostle_n sect_n vi_o as_o also_o because_o they_o will_v not_o lie_v the_o other_o reason_n we_o speak_v of_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o say_v holy_a writer_n because_o they_o have_v no_o will_n to_o tell_v a_o untruth_n be_v twist_v with_o that_o which_o we_o handle_v above_o when_o in_o general_n we_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n those_o that_o will_v accuse_v any_o witness_n for_o the_o pravity_n of_o their_o will_n must_v produce_v something_o by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v think_v credible_a their_o will_n may_v be_v divert_v from_o utter_v the_o truth_n but_o this_o can_v be_v aver_v of_o the_o say_a author_n for_o if_o any_o do_v object_n and_o say_v that_o they_o act_v in_o their_o own_o cause_n and_o do_v their_o own_o business_n we_o must_v see_v why_o this_o shall_v be_v think_v their_o cause_n and_o interest_n not_o that_o they_o may_v get_v any_o thing_n by_o it_o in_o this_o world_n or_o thereby_o avoid_v any_o danger_n when_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o profession_n they_o both_o lose_v all_o the_o good_n of_o this_o world_n and_o venture_v upon_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n this_o therefore_o be_v not_o their_o cause_n and_o interest_n but_o only_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o god_n which_o sure_o do_v not_o persuade_v man_n to_o lie_v especial_o in_o such_o a_o business_n whereupon_o depend_v the_o everlasting_a salvation_n of_o mankind_n such_o a_o impious_a piece_n of_o villainy_n we_o can_v believe_v they_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o if_o we_o consider_v either_o their_o doctrine_n every_o where_o most_o full_a of_o piety_n or_o their_o life_n which_o be_v never_o yet_o accuse_v of_o any_o wicked_a deed_n no_o not_o by_o their_o great_a enemy_n who_o object_v nothing_o to_o they_o but_o their_o want_n of_o learning_n and_o unskilfulness_n which_o do_v not_o qualify_v they_o sure_o for_o invent_v falsehood_n and_o indeed_o if_o there_o have_v be_v the_o least_o spice_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o fraud_n and_o cheat_v in_o they_o they_o will_v not_o themselves_o have_v record_v their_o own_o fault_n and_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o as_o of_o their_o all_o forsake_v their_o master_n when_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o peter_n denial_n of_o he_o three_o time_n sect_n vii_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o fidelity_n of_o these_o author_n from_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v on_o the_o other_o side_n god_n himself_o give_v illustrious_a testimony_n of_o their_o fidelity_n by_o work_a wonder_n which_o either_o they_o or_o their_o disciple_n with_o great_a boldness_n public_o avouch_v add_v also_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o their_o assertion_n may_v easy_o have_v be_v discover_v by_o the_o inquisition_n of_o the_o magistrate_n among_o which_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n which_o they_o have_v most_o constant_o deliver_v both_o concern_v the_o use_n of_o tongue_n which_o they_o have_v never_o learn_v among_o many_o thousand_o man_n and_o their_o cure_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n upon_o a_o sudden_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o people_n neither_o be_v they_o any_o whit_n dismay_v with_o fear_n either_o of_o the_o jewish_a magistrate_n of_o those_o time_n who_o they_o know_v to_o be_v most_o malicious_o set_v against_o they_o or_o of_o the_o roman_n who_o be_v far_o from_o have_v any_o good_a will_n to_o they_o and_z they_o be_v sure_a will_v lay_v hold_n on_o any_o thing_n on_o which_o they_o may_v ground_v a_o charge_n of_o their_o be_v inventor_n of_o a_o new_a religion_n and_o yet_o neither_o jew_n nor_o pagan_n in_o the_o time_n immediate_o follow_v dare_v ever_o deny_v that_o wonder_n be_v wrought_v by_o those_o men._n yea_o the_o miracle_n of_o peter_n be_v mention_v by_o phlegon_n in_o his_o annal_n who_o live_v under_o adrian_n the_o emperor_n moreover_o the_o christian_n themselves_o in_o those_o book_n that_o contain_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o they_o exhibit_v to_o the_o emperor_n to_o the_o senate_n and_o to_o the_o governor_n do_v relate_v these_o thing_n as_o most_o manifest_a and_o unquestionable_a truth_n yea_o they_o open_o report_v that_o there_o continue_v a_o wonderful_a virtue_n of_o work_v strange_a effect_n at_o their_o sepulcher_n for_o some_o age_n after_o their_o death_n which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a they_o know_v that_o to_o their_o shame_n and_o punishment_n the_o magistrate_n can_v have_v confute_v
the_o keeper_n of_o these_o book_n for_o first_o of_o all_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v lead_v away_o captive_a by_o the_o assyrian_n into_o media_n then_o afterward_o the_o two_o other_o tribe_n and_o many_o of_o these_o also_o after_o cyrus_n grant_v they_o liberty_n to_o return_v settle_v themselves_o in_o foreign_a country_n the_o macedonian_n invite_v they_o with_o great_a promise_n to_o come_v into_o alexandria_n the_o cruelty_n of_o antiochus_n the_o civil_a war_n of_o the_o maccabee_n together_o with_o those_o of_o pompey_n and_o sossius_n from_o without_o do_v disperse_v and_o scatter_v abroad_o many_o of_o they_o the_o part_n of_o africa_n about_o cyrene_n be_v full_a of_o the_o jew_n so_o be_v the_o city_n of_o asia_n macedonia_n lycaonia_n and_o likewise_o the_o isle_n of_o cyprus_n crete_n and_o other_o also_o what_o a_o number_n of_o they_o there_o be_v at_o rome_n may_v be_v learn_v out_o of_o horace_n juvenal_n and_o martial_n now_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o such_o multitude_n so_o far_o distant_a one_o from_o another_o shall_v be_v cozen_v in_o this_o kind_n neither_o can_v they_o ever_o accord_v all_o in_o the_o coin_n of_o a_o untruth_n add_v moreover_o that_o almost_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n at_o the_o appointment_n and_o care_n of_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n those_o book_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o greek_a tongue_n by_o those_o that_o be_v call_v the_o seventy_o interpreter_n so_o as_o then_o the_o grecian_n have_v the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o they_o though_o in_o another_o language_n whereby_o they_o be_v the_o less_o liable_a to_o be_v change_v nay_o more_o these_o book_n be_v translate_v both_o into_o the_o chaldee_n tongue_n and_o into_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v the_o half_a syriac_n a_o little_a before_o and_o a_o little_a after_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n other_o greek_a translation_n afterward_o there_o be_v as_o namely_o by_o aquila_n symmachus_n and_o theodotion_n all_o which_o origen_n compare_v with_o that_o of_o the_o seventy_o interpreter_n and_o after_o he_o other_o also_o who_o can_v find_v no_o diversity_n of_o history_n or_o of_o any_o matter_n worth_n speak_v of_o philo_z live_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o caligula_n and_o josephus_n survive_v the_o time_n of_o both_o the_o vespasian_n which_o two_o writer_n allege_v out_o of_o the_o hebrew_n book_n the_o same_o thing_n that_o we_o read_v at_o this_o day_n now_o in_o these_o very_a time_n begin_v christian_a religion_n to_o be_v more_o and_o more_o propagate_v be_v profess_v by_o many_o of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o by_o sundry_a person_n that_o have_v learn_v the_o hebrew_n tongue_n who_o if_o the_o jew_n have_v falsify_v in_o any_o notable_a part_n can_v have_v quick_o discover_v it_o by_o compare_v more_o ancient_a copy_n and_o so_o have_v make_v it_o public_o know_v but_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v this_o that_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o allege_v many_o testimony_n out_o of_o the_o old_a covenant_n to_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o meaning_n that_o they_o be_v use_v by_o the_o hebrew_n which_o hebrew_n may_v soon_o be_v accuse_v of_o any_o other_o fault_n than_o i_o will_v not_o say_v falsehood_n but_o of_o so_o much_o as_o negligence_n about_o these_o book_n which_o they_o have_v so_o religious_o and_o exact_o describe_v and_o compare_v that_o they_o know_v how_o often_o any_o one_o letter_n be_v find_v therein_o the_o last_o though_o not_o the_o least_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o purposely_o corrupt_a or_o alter_v the_o scripture_n may_v be_v because_o the_o christian_n out_o of_o the_o very_a book_n which_o be_v read_v by_o the_o jew_n do_v evince_v and_o as_o they_o trust_v very_o strong_o that_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n be_v that_o same_o very_a messiah_n which_o be_v ancient_o promise_v to_o the_o jew_n their_o forefather_n which_o above_o all_o thing_n the_o jew_n will_v have_v take_v care_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v do_v when_o the_o controversy_n arise_v between_o they_o and_o the_o christian_n if_o ever_o it_o have_v be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o have_v change_v what_o they_o list_v the_o four_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o a_o particular_a confutation_n of_o the_o religion_n opposite_a to_o christianity_n the_o four_o book_n begin_v with_o that_o pleasure_n which_o many_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o take_v in_o behold_v the_o danger_n wherein_o other_o be_v while_o they_o be_v in_o none_o themselves_o show_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o great_a pleasure_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n in_o this_o life_n not_o only_o to_o rejoice_v and_o bless_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v find_v out_o the_o truth_n but_o to_o lend_v his_o help_n also_o to_o other_o that_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o labyrinth_n of_o error_n and_o to_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n which_o we_o in_o some_o measure_n have_v endeavour_v to_o do_v in_o the_o former_a book_n the_o demonstration_n of_o that_o which_o be_v true_a contain_v in_o itself_o the_o confutation_n of_o what_o be_v false_a yet_o in_o regard_n that_o all_o kind_n of_o religion_n which_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o the_o christian_a viz._n paganism_n judaisme_n and_o mahometism_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o have_v certain_a error_n proper_a to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o and_o their_o peculiar_a argument_n which_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o oppose_v we_o withal_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o make_v a_o particular_a disputation_n against_o every_o one_o of_o these_o first_o beseech_v the_o reader_n to_o free_v their_o judgement_n from_o lean_v to_o a_o party_n and_o from_o long_a custom_n and_o prejudice_n as_o impediment_n of_o a_o good_a mind_n that_o with_o the_o great_a indifferency_n they_o may_v take_v cognizance_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v say_v sect_n ii_o and_o first_o of_o paganism_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n create_v spirit_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a the_o good_a not_o to_o be_v honour_v but_o as_o the_o most_o high_a god_n direct_v to_o begin_v then_o against_o pagan_n if_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a eternal_a and_o coequal_a god_n we_o have_v confute_v this_o opinion_n before_o in_o the_o first_o book_n where_o we_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v but_o only_o one_o god_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n or_o if_o they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n do_v understand_v the_o create_v spirit_n which_o be_v superior_a to_o man_n they_o then_o either_o mean_v the_o good_a or_o the_o bad_a if_o they_o say_v the_o good_a first_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o such_o be_v so_o indeed_o otherwise_o they_o commit_v a_o dangerous_a error_n in_o receive_v enemy_n in_o stead_n of_o friend_n and_o traitor_n for_o ambassador_n then_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v in_o their_o very_a worship_n make_v a_o evident_a difference_n between_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o those_o spirit_n and_o likewise_o be_v satisfy_v what_o order_n there_o be_v among_o they_o what_o good_a may_v be_v expect_v from_o each_o of_o they_o and_o what_o honour_n the_o most_o high_a be_v willing_a shall_v be_v bestow_v on_o every_o one_o of_o they_o all_o which_o being_n want_v in_o their_o religion_n it_o be_v plain_a from_o thence_o how_o uncertain_a that_o religion_n be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v a_o safe_a course_n for_o they_o to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o one_o almighty_a god_n which_o even_o plato_n confess_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o wise_a man_n special_o for_o that_o to_o whosoever_o god_n be_v propitious_a and_o favourable_a to_o they_o these_o good_a angel_n must_v needs_o be_v serviceable_a and_o gracious_a be_v the_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a sect_n iii_o evil_a spirit_n adore_v by_o pagan_n and_o how_o impious_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v but_o it_o be_v the_o bad_a not_o the_o good_a spirit_n which_o the_o pagan_n do_v worship_v as_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o weighty_a reason_n first_o because_o these_o adore_a angel_n do_v not_o throw_v off_o their_o worshipper_n unto_o the_o service_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v labour_v to_o abolish_v the_o same_o or_o at_o least_o in_o every_o respect_n require_v equal_a honour_n with_o the_o almighty_a second_o because_o they_o procure_v all_o the_o mischief_n they_o can_v to_o the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o one_o most_o high_a god_n by_o provoke_v both_o magistrate_n and_o people_n to_o inflict_v punishment_n upon_o they_o for_o when_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o poet_n to_o sing_v of_o the_o murder_n and_o adultery_n commit_v by_o the_o god_n and_o for_o the_o epicure_n to_o take_v away_o all_o divine_a providence_n and_o any_o other_o religion_n though_o never_o
a_o kind_n of_o god_n over_o they_o sect_n vii_o against_o worship_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v no_o substance_n we_o find_v also_o that_o the_o grecian_n roman_n and_o other_o worship_v those_o thing_n which_o have_v no_o subsistence_n but_o be_v mere_a accident_n of_o other_o thing_n for_o to_o omit_v those_o uncouth_a deity_n the_o fever_n dame_n impudence_n and_o the_o like_a let_v we_o name_v the_o better_a sort_n such_o be_v health_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o right_a temperature_n of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n good_a fortune_n which_o be_v a_o event_n that_o be_v correspondent_a to_o a_o man_n desire_n the_o affection_n also_o such_o as_o love_v fear_v anger_n hope_v and_o the_o rest_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o something_o that_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n easy_a or_o difficult_a be_v certain_a motion_n or_o passion_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n by_o the_o blood_n especial_o not_o have_v any_o absolute_a power_n of_o themselves_o but_o be_v subordinate_a hand_n maid_n to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o will_n their_o mistress_n at_o least_o in_o their_o continuance_n and_o direction_n then_o for_o virtue_n who_o name_n be_v divers_a prudence_n in_o choose_v what_o be_v profitable_a for_o we_o fortitude_n in_o undertake_v danger_n justice_n in_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o be_v another_o man_n temperance_n in_o the_o moderation_n of_o pleasure_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v certain_a inclination_n and_o propension_n in_o the_o mind_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v right_a grow_v up_o by_o long_a exercise_n and_o practice_n which_o as_o they_o may_v be_v augment_v in_o a_o man_n so_o may_v they_o by_o neglect_n be_v diminish_v nay_o quite_o lose_v and_o abolish_v as_o for_o honour_n whereunto_o we_o read_v there_o be_v temple_n dedicate_v it_o be_v other_o man_n judgement_n or_o good_a opinion_n concern_v one_o who_o they_o suppose_v endue_v with_o virtue_n which_o be_v often_o bestow_v upon_o bad_a man_n as_o well_o as_o good_a by_o the_o natural_a proneness_n there_o be_v in_o man_n to_o err_v in_o their_o judgement_n these_o therefore_o have_v no_o subsistence_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v compare_v in_o dignity_n and_o worth_n with_o thing_n that_o do_v subsist_v nor_o have_v any_o understanding_n of_o man_n prayer_n or_o veneration_n it_o be_v most_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o worship_v they_o as_o god_n when_o for_o this_o very_a thing_n he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v who_o can_v both_o give_v and_o preserve_v they_o sect_n viii_o answer_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o gentile_n take_v from_o miracle_n do_v among_o they_o the_o pagan_n for_o the_o commendation_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v wont_a to_o allege_v miracle_n but_o such_o as_o in_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v except_v against_o for_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o pagan_n reject_v many_o of_o these_o as_o support_v by_o no_o testimony_n of_o any_o credible_a witness_n but_o plain_o counterfeit_v and_o fabulous_a other_o miracle_n which_o they_o say_v be_v do_v happen_v in_o some_o secret_a place_n in_o the_o night_n before_o one_o or_o two_o who_o eye_n the_o craft_n of_o the_o priest_n may_v easy_o delude_v by_o false_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v other_o which_o raise_v great_a admiration_n and_o pass_v for_o wonder_n mere_o because_o they_o meet_v with_o those_o who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o natural_a thing_n especial_o of_o hide_a property_n as_o for_o instance_n such_o a_o thing_n may_v happen_v if_o one_o shall_v draw_v iron_n with_o the_o loadstone_n among_o people_n who_o know_v nothing_o of_o its_o virtue_n in_o which_o art_n simon_n magus_n and_o apollonius_n as_o many_o have_v record_v be_v very_o skilful_a i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o some_o thing_n great_a than_o these_o be_v see_v which_o by_o man_n power_n alone_o can_v not_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o natural_a cause_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o need_v a_o power_n which_o be_v true_o divine_a that_o be_v omnipotent_a but_o may_v be_v perform_v by_o spirit_n that_o be_v place_v between_o god_n and_o men._n who_o by_o their_o celerity_n efficacy_n subtlety_n and_o diligence_n can_v easy_o carry_v thing_n far_o distant_a from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o and_o compound_v thing_n that_o be_v very_o different_a to_o the_o work_n of_o such_o effect_n as_o shall_v strike_v man_n with_o astonishment_n but_o that_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o this_o be_v effect_v be_v not_o good_a and_o therefore_o neither_o be_v the_o religion_n good_a appear_v already_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v before_o and_o from_o hence_o also_o that_o they_o say_v they_o be_v compel_v to_o do_v thing_n even_o against_o their_o will_n by_o the_o power_n of_o certain_a charm_n when_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o pagan_n agree_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o virtue_n in_o word_n but_o only_o a_o power_n of_o persuasion_n and_o that_o no_o other_o way_n than_o by_o their_o signification_n and_o it_o be_v another_o token_n of_o their_o wickedness_n that_o they_o undertake_v to_o allure_v and_o draw_v this_o or_o that_o body_n though_o never_o so_o backward_o to_o it_o into_o the_o love_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o person_n wherein_o they_o be_v injurious_a to_o they_o either_o in_o their_o vain_a promise_n or_o in_o effect_v what_o they_o promise_v for_o this_o also_o be_v forbid_v by_o humane_a law_n as_o a_o piece_n of_o sorcery_n neither_o need_v any_o man_n wonder_v why_o god_n suffer_v some_o marvel_n to_o be_v wrought_v by_o evil_a spirit_n among_o the_o gentile_n see_v they_o deserve_v to_o be_v cheat_v with_o such_o illusion_n who_o so_o long_a time_n have_v forsake_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n moreover_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o their_o weakeness_n and_o impotency_n that_o their_o work_n never_o bring_v any_o considerable_a good_a along_o with_o they_o for_o if_o any_o seem_v to_o be_v call_v back_o to_o life_n after_o they_o be_v dead_a they_o do_v not_o continue_v alive_a neither_o can_v they_o exercise_v the_o function_n of_o live_a creature_n or_o if_o it_o happen_v that_o any_o thing_n proceed_v happy_o from_o a_o divine_a power_n do_v appear_v to_o the_o pagan_n yet_o the_o same_o be_v not_o foretell_v shall_v come_v to_o pass_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v other_o cause_n and_o far_o different_a reason_n which_o the_o divine_a efficacy_n propound_v to_o itself_o in_o the_o do_v those_o thing_n as_o for_o example_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o vespasian_n restore_v sight_n to_o one_o blind_a this_o be_v do_v that_o he_o be_v thereby_o make_v more_o venerable_a may_v the_o more_o easy_o obtain_v the_o roman_a empire_n to_o which_o he_o be_v choose_v by_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o minister_n of_o his_o judgement_n upon_o the_o jew_n more_o such_o like_a cause_n there_o may_v be_v of_o other_o wonder_n which_o have_v no_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o their_o religion_n sect_n ix_o and_o from_o oracle_n the_o very_a same_o likewise_o in_o a_o manner_n may_v serve_v for_o answer_v to_o that_o which_o they_o object_v concern_v oracle_n especial_o what_o we_o have_v say_v that_o these_o man_n do_v worthy_o deserve_v to_o be_v delude_v for_o contempt_n of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o reason_n or_o ancient_a tradition_n suggest_v to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o then_o again_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oracle_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v ambiguous_a and_o may_v easy_o receive_v a_o interpretation_n from_o any_o event_n whatsoever_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o express_o foretell_v by_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v proceed_v from_o a_o all-knowing_a mind_n for_o it_o be_v either_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o may_v be_v foresee_v by_o natural_a cause_n then_o exist_v as_o some_o physician_n have_v foretell_v disease_n that_o be_v a_o come_n or_o else_o some_o probable_a conjecture_n may_v be_v make_v by_o that_o which_o common_o fall_v out_o and_o usual_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o we_o read_v of_o some_o person_n well_o skilled_a in_o civil_a affair_n that_o have_v make_v notable_a guess_n at_o future_a event_n again_o suppose_v that_o among_o the_o pagan_n god_n sometime_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o some_o prophet_n to_o foretell_v those_o thing_n which_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a cause_n beside_o the_o will_n of_o god_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o approve_v or_o confirm_v their_o heathenish_a religion_n but_o rather_o overthew_v it_o such_o for_o instance_n be_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o four_o eclogue_n of_o virgil_n take_v out_o of_o the_o sibyl_n verse_n where_o unwitting_o the_o poet_n give_v we_o a_o lively_a description_n of_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n so_o in_o the_o same_o book_n of_o the_o sibyl_n it_o be_v that_o
he_o ought_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o king_n who_o shall_v be_v our_o king_n indeed_o and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n who_o shall_v have_v dominion_n over_o all_o we_o read_v in_o porphyry_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o apollo_n which_o say_v that_o other_o god_n be_v aerial_a spirit_n but_o the_o god_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v only_o to_o be_v worship_v which_o say_v if_o the_o worshipper_n of_o apollo_n obey_v than_o they_o must_v cease_v to_o worship_v he_o if_o they_o do_v not_o obey_v it_o than_o they_o make_v their_o god_n a_o jyar_n add_v further_o if_o those_o spirit_n have_v respect_v or_o intend_v the_o good_a of_o mankind_n above_o all_o thing_n they_o will_v have_v prescribe_v a_o general_a rule_n of_o life_n to_o mankind_n and_o also_o give_v some_o certain_a assurance_n of_o a_o reward_n to_o they_o that_o live_v according_o neither_o of_o which_o be_v ever_o do_v by_o they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n oftentimes_o in_o their_o verse_n we_o find_v some_o king_n commend_v which_o be_v wicked_a man_n some_o champion_n extol_v and_o dignify_v with_o divine_a honour_n other_o allure_v to_o immodest_a and_o unlawful_a love_n or_o to_o the_o seek_v after_o filthy_a lucre_n or_o commit_v of_o murder_n as_o may_v be_v show_v by_o many_o example_n sect_n x._o paganism_n decay_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n so_o soon_o as_o humane_a aid_n cease_v beside_o all_o that_o have_v hitherto_o be_v say_v paganism_n minister_n to_o we_o a_o mighty_a argument_n against_o itself_o because_o that_o wheresoever_o it_o become_v destitute_a of_o humane_a force_n to_o support_v it_o there_o straightway_o it_o come_v to_o ruin_v as_o if_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o be_v quite_o overthrow_v for_o if_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n and_o state_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n or_o mahometans_n we_o shall_v find_v no_o memory_n of_o paganism_n but_o in_o book_n nay_o history_n tell_v we_o that_o even_o in_o those_o time_n when_o the_o emperor_n endeavour_v to_o uphold_v the_o pagan_a religion_n either_o by_o violence_n and_o persecution_n as_o do_v the_o first_o of_o they_o or_o by_o learning_n and_o subtlety_n as_o do_v julian_n it_o notwithstanding_o decay_a daily_o not_o by_o any_o violent_a opposition_n nor_o by_o the_o brightness_n and_o splendour_n of_o lineage_n and_o descent_n for_o jesus_n be_v account_v by_o the_o common_a sort_n only_o a_o carpenter_n son_n nor_o by_o the_o flourish_n of_o learning_n which_o they_o that_o teach_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n use_v not_o in_o their_o sermon_n nor_o by_o gift_n and_o bribe_n for_o they_o be_v poor_a nor_o by_o any_o soothe_n and_o flatter_a speech_n for_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o teach_v that_o all_o worldly_a advantage_n must_v be_v despise_v and_o that_o all_o kind_n of_o adversity_n must_v be_v undergo_v for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n see_v then_o how_o weak_a and_o impotent_a paganism_n be_v which_o by_o such_o mean_n come_v to_o ruin_v neither_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n only_o make_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o vanish_v but_o even_o bad_a spirit_n come_v out_o of_o divers_a body_n at_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n they_o become_v dumb_a also_o and_o be_v demand_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o silence_n they_o be_v compel_v to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v upon_o sect_n xi_o answer_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o that_o think_v the_o beginning_n and_o decay_n of_o religion_n depend_v upon_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o star_n there_o have_v be_v philosopher_n that_o do_v ascribe_v the_o beginning_n and_o decay_n of_o every_o religion_n unto_o the_o star_n but_o this_o star-gazeing_a science_n which_o these_o man_n profess_v to_o be_v skill_v in_o be_v deliver_v under_o such_o different_a rule_n that_o one_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o nothing_o but_o only_o this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n at_o all_o therein_o i_o do_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o such_o effect_n as_o follow_v from_o a_o natural_a necessity_n of_o cause_n but_o of_o those_o that_o proceed_v from_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o of_o itself_o have_v such_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n that_o no_o necessity_n or_o violence_n can_v be_v impress_v upon_o it_o from_o without_o for_o if_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o will_n do_v necessary_o follow_v any_o outward_a impression_n than_o the_o power_n in_o our_o soul_n which_o we_o may_v perceive_v it_o have_v to_o consult_v deliberate_a and_o choose_v will_v be_v give_v in_o vain_a also_o the_o equity_n of_o all_o law_n of_o all_o reward_n and_o punishment_n will_v be_v take_v away_o see_v there_o can_v be_v neither_o fault_n nor_o merit_n in_o that_o which_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a and_o inevitable_a again_o there_o be_v divers_a evil_a act_n or_o effect_n of_o the_o will_n which_o if_o they_o proceed_v of_o any_o necessity_n from_o the_o heaven_n than_o the_o same_o heaven_n and_o celestial_a body_n must_v needs_o receive_v such_o efficacy_n from_o god_n and_o so_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o god_n who_o be_v most_o perfect_o good_a be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o that_o which_o be_v moral_o evil_a and_o that_o when_o in_o his_o law_n he_o profess_v himself_o to_o abhor_v wickedness_n which_o a_o force_n insert_v by_o he_o into_o thing_n themselves_o will_v inevitable_o produce_v he_o do_v will_n two_o thing_n contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v and_o not_o be_v do_v and_o also_o that_o a_o man_n offend_v in_o a_o action_n which_o he_o do_v by_o divine_a instigation_n they_o speak_v more_o probable_o that_o say_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o star_n do_v first_o affect_v the_o air_n than_o our_o body_n with_o such_o quality_n as_o oftentimes_o do_v excite_v and_o stir_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n some_o desire_n or_o affection_n answerable_a thereunto_o and_o the_o will_n be_v allure_v or_o entice_v by_o these_o motion_n do_v oftentimes_o yield_v unto_o they_o but_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v grant_v it_o make_v nothing_o for_o the_o question_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n for_o see_v that_o christian_a religion_n most_o of_o all_o withdraws_a man_n from_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v please_v unto_o the_o body_n it_o can_v therefore_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o consequent_o not_o from_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o star_n which_o as_o but_o now_o we_o say_v have_v no_o power_n over_o the_o mind_n otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o those_o affection_n the_o most_o prudent_a among_o astrologer_n exempt_v true_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o star_n and_o such_o very_o be_v they_o that_o first_o profess_v christianity_n as_o their_o life_n do_v show_v or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o efficacy_n in_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n against_o the_o infection_n of_o the_o body_n even_o among_o christian_n there_o be_v ever_o some_o that_o be_v excellent_a in_o this_o particular_a beside_o as_o the_o most_o learned_a do_v confess_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o star_n respect_v certain_a climate_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v only_o for_o a_o season_n but_o this_o religion_n have_v now_o continue_v above_o the_o space_n of_o one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o year_n and_o that_o not_o in_o one_o part_n only_o but_o in_o the_o most_o remote_a place_n of_o the_o world_n and_o such_o as_o be_v under_o a_o far_o different_a position_n of_o the_o star_n sect_n xii_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o christianity_n be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o heathen_a and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v believe_v therein_o the_o like_a or_o worse_o be_v find_v among_o the_o pagan_n but_o the_o pagan_n have_v the_o less_o to_o object_n against_o christian_a religion_n because_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o be_v of_o such_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n that_o they_o convince_v man_n mind_n by_o their_o own_o light_n in_o so_o much_o that_o there_o have_v not_o be_v want_v man_n among_o the_o pagan_n also_o who_o have_v here_o and_o there_o say_v every_o one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o our_o religion_n have_v in_o a_o body_n all_o together_o as_o to_o give_v some_o instance_n true_a religion_n consist_v not_o in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n but_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n he_o be_v a_o adulterer_n that_o have_v but_o a_o desire_n to_o commit_v adultery_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o revenge_v injury_n one_o man_n shall_v be_v the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n only_o the_o league_n or_o bond_n of_o matrimony_n ought_v to_o be_v constant_a and_o perpetual_a man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o special_o to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o want_n we_o must_v refrain_v from_o swear_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v and_o as_o for_o our_o food_n
and_o piety_n and_o that_o they_o may_v confirm_v this_o to_o be_v their_o sense_n of_o the_o divinity_n they_o bid_v the_o jesuit_n observe_v one_o part_n of_o the_o altar_n in_o their_o temple_n to_o be_v void_a of_o image_n and_o to_o be_v hide_v in_o a_o obscure_a and_o dark_a place_n which_o they_o say_v be_v the_o proper_a seat_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o can_v not_o be_v represent_v in_o any_o form_n and_o shape_n and_o that_o the_o image_n which_o stand_v about_o that_o place_n be_v the_o representation_n of_o their_o intercessor_n with_o he_o who_o have_v great_a power_n with_o the_o most_o high_a god_n do_v obtain_v many_o gift_n and_o blessing_n for_o those_o that_o invocate_v they_o how_o this_o differ_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n i_o do_v not_o see_v unless_o it_o be_v in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v sometime_o adventure_v to_o represent_v god_n himself_o in_o a_o shape_n otherwise_o the_o worship_n be_v the_o very_a same_o the_o dead_a man_n who_o be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o only_o change_v and_o may_v very_o well_o justify_v we_o if_o we_o say_v and_o therein_o we_o speak_v very_o moderate_o that_o their_o worship_n be_v a_o image_n at_o least_o of_o the_o ancient_a idolatry_n and_o move_v they_o to_o make_v the_o resemblance_n more_o perfect_a unto_o the_o very_a same_o rage_n and_o violence_n which_o be_v in_o the_o pagan_n against_o all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o can_v consent_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o that_o way_n prosecute_a they_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o cruelty_n as_o if_o they_o be_v utter_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o religion_n by_o which_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o only_a true_a christian_n that_o they_o be_v a_o very_a degenerate_a part_n of_o christ_n church_n want_v that_o great_a mark_n of_o his_o faithful_a disciple_n to_o love_v one_o another_o even_o as_o christ_n love_v we_o to_o which_o they_o be_v such_o stranger_n that_o quite_o contrary_a they_o not_o only_o hate_v and_o persecute_v but_o endeavour_n as_o i_o say_v to_o root_v out_o those_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o obedient_o believe_v all_o that_o they_o can_v find_v our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v and_o profess_v they_o be_v ready_a with_o all_o their_o heart_n to_o receive_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o any_o body_n can_v further_o teach_v they_o to_o be_v his_o mind_n nay_o be_v very_o desirous_a and_o diligent_a to_o know_v it_o spare_v no_o pain_n to_o understand_v the_o whole_a truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n sect_n xv._o answer_v to_o what_o they_o say_v about_o miracle_n they_o pretend_v indeed_o abundance_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o their_o church_n as_o a_o sufficient_a condemnation_n of_o those_o who_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o invocate_v saint_n to_o worship_v their_o image_n and_o the_o consecrate_a host_n to_o believe_v purgatory_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o these_o wonder_n be_v allege_v but_o herein_o also_o they_o imitate_v the_o pagan_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o like_a deceit_n and_o the_o same_o answer_n will_v serve_v here_o which_o grotius_n give_v there_o l._n four_o sect._n 8._o in_o his_o confutation_n of_o the_o old_a idolatry_n for_o first_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o they_o have_v reject_v many_o of_o these_o miracle_n as_o not_o support_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o credible_a witness_n nay_o as_o plain_a fiction_n other_o also_o of_o they_o which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v of_o better_a credit_n happen_v in_o some_o private_a place_n in_o the_o night_n before_o one_o or_o two_o person_n who_o eye_n crafty_a priest_n as_o he_o speak_v may_v easy_o delude_v with_o false_a show_n and_o counterfeit_a appearance_n of_o thing_n and_o further_o there_o be_v other_o which_o only_o raise_v admiration_n among_o people_n ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v no_o true_a miracle_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o may_v have_v thing_n be_v do_v among_o they_o which_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v effect_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o yet_o no_o divine_a that_o be_v omnipotent_a power_n be_v needful_a to_o their_o production_n for_o those_o spirit_n which_o be_v interpose_v between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v able_a by_o their_o nimbleness_n cunning_a activity_n and_o strength_n to_o make_v such_o strange_a application_n of_o thing_n very_o distant_a one_o to_o another_o as_o shall_v astonish_v the_o spectator_n with_o wonderful_a effect_n but_o there_o be_v too_o great_a reason_n to_o think_v they_o be_v not_o good_a spirit_n that_o do_v these_o feat_n because_o they_o revive_v hereby_o the_o ancient_a superstition_n or_o uphold_v the_o image_n of_o it_o still_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o endanger_n the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n who_o have_v be_v so_o far_o mislead_v as_o not_o only_o to_o fancy_v great_a virtue_n in_o the_o image_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o cry_v up_o also_o some_o image_n particular_o of_o our_o lady_n of_o loretto_n for_o instance_n as_o endue_v with_o some_o singular_a power_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o other_o but_o to_o honour_v they_o so_o high_o as_o for_o one_o miracle_n say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o crucifix_n to_o report_v a_o hundred_o to_o be_v wrought_v at_o such_o or_o such_o a_o shrine_n of_o she_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a also_o to_o omit_v the_o rest_n which_o he_o note_v in_o the_o v._o book_n out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o it_o suppose_v god_n may_v permit_v some_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v only_o for_o their_o trial_n whether_o the_o people_n will_v persist_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o undoubted_a and_o far_o great_a and_o more_o numerous_a miracle_n read_v deuteron_n xiii_o 1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v excellent_o express_v and_o with_o advantage_n by_o a_o great_a man_n of_o our_o own_o in_o these_o word_n or_o to_o this_o effect_n the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o believe_v that_o be_v the_o bible_n have_v be_v confirm_v as_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o side_n by_o innumerable_a supernatural_a and_o true_o divine_a miracle_n and_o consequent_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o in_o many_o point_n be_v plain_o opposite_a to_o the_o bible_n be_v condemn_v by_o they_o i_o mean_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o strange_a thing_n have_v be_v do_v in_o that_o church_n they_o prove_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n which_o foretell_v that_o god_n providence_n permit_v it_o and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o world_n deserve_v it_o strange_a sign_n and_o wonder_n shall_v be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v false_a doctrine_n that_o they_o which_o love_v not_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v give_v over_o to_o strong_a delusion_n so_o that_o now_o we_o have_v reason_n rather_o to_o suspect_v and_o be_v afraid_a of_o pretend_a miracle_n as_o sign_n of_o false_a doctrine_n than_o much_o to_o regard_v they_o as_o certain_a argument_n of_o truth_n neither_o be_v it_o strange_a that_o god_n shall_v permit_v some_o true_a wonder_n to_o be_v do_v to_o delude_v those_o who_o have_v forge_v so_o many_o wonder_n to_o deceive_v the_o world_n sect_n xvi_o answer_v to_o another_o objection_n but_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a they_o say_v that_o religion_n shall_v be_v thus_o deprave_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n because_o their_o ancestor_n be_v man_n of_o great_a virtue_n and_o honesty_n than_o to_o suffer_v the_o least_o alteration_n which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o jew_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o believe_v our_o saviour_n be_v unjust_o condemn_v and_o his_o religion_n reject_v by_o their_o priest_n and_o elder_n as_o grotius_n observe_v in_o the_o vth._n book_n out_o of_o which_o i_o may_v produce_v several_a thing_n as_o i_o have_v do_v out_o of_o the_o forego_n to_o prove_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o romish_a tradition_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o show_v also_o how_o they_o have_v bring_v back_o judaisme_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n by_o the_o vast_a burden_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n wherewith_o they_o have_v encumber_a christian_n religion_n but_o i_o shall_v wave_v all_o this_o because_o i_o will_v make_v this_o book_n as_o short_a as_o the_o rest_n and_o only_o observe_v in_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v now_o pretend_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v consider_v as_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o ancestor_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o kind_n of_o man_n for_o several_a age_n sit_v in_o the_o chair_n of_o rome_n and_o how_o ignorant_a the_o people_n general_o be_v he_o
true_o since_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o man_n mind_n the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o judge_v there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o truth_n that_o better_a deserve_v the_o employment_n of_o this_o faculty_n about_o it_o than_o that_o of_o which_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a without_o hazard_n of_o our_o salvation_n after_o this_o whosoever_o inquire_v with_o a_o godly_a mind_n he_o shall_v not_o dangerous_o err_v and_o where_o shall_v he_o inquire_v after_o it_o but_o in_o god_n most_o holy_a word_n without_o which_o we_o can_v know_v whether_o there_o be_v either_o church_n or_o priest_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o wherein_o they_o will_v have_v we_o trust_v sect_n xix_o and_o refuse_v to_o be_v try_v by_o scripture_n it_o be_v a_o manifest_a sign_n therefore_o of_o imposture_n that_o when_o they_o can_v for_o shame_n but_o sometime_o suffer_v their_o religion_n to_o be_v try_v yet_o they_o will_v not_o have_v it_o try_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o read_n of_o which_o as_o be_v excellent_o say_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o forego_n book_n no_o man_n can_v be_v deceive_v but_o he_o who_o have_v first_o deceive_v himself_o for_o the_o writer_n of_o they_o be_v more_o faithful_a and_o full_a of_o divine_a inspiration_n than_o either_o to_o defraud_v we_o of_o any_o necessary_a part_n of_o divine_a truth_n or_o to_o hide_v it_o in_o a_o cloud_n so_o that_o we_o can_v see_v it_o why_o then_o shall_v any_o body_n decline_v this_o way_n of_o trial_n unless_o they_o see_v themselves_o so_o manifest_o condemn_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o let_v their_o cause_n be_v bring_v into_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n which_o hurt_v indeed_o sore_a eye_n but_o comfort_n and_o delight_v those_o that_o be_v sound_a show_v we_o so_o plain_o what_o we_o be_v to_o embrace_v and_o what_o to_o refuse_v and_o be_v so_o sure_a and_o so_o perfect_a a_o guide_n in_o all_o such_o matter_n that_o s._n hilary_n not_o only_o commend_v and_o admire_v the_o emperor_n constantius_n for_o desire_v a_o faith_n according_a to_o what_o be_v write_v but_o say_v he_o be_v a_o antichrist_n who_o refuse_v this_o and_o a_o anathema_n that_o counterfeit_v it_o and_o thereupon_o call_v to_o he_o in_o this_o manner_n o_o emperor_n thou_o seek_v for_o faith_n harken_v to_o it_o not_o out_o of_o new_a little_a paper_n but_o of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n there_o we_o must_v seek_v for_o it_o if_o we_o mean_v to_o find_v it_o and_o if_o they_o be_v silent_a and_o can_v tell_v we_o nothing_o say_v st._n ambrose_n who_o shall_v dare_v to_o speak_v let_v we_o not_o therefore_o bring_v deceitful_a balance_n they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o s._n austin_n in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o baptism_n chap._n vi_fw-la wherein_o we_o may_v weigh_v what_o we_o listen_v and_o as_o we_o listen_v after_o our_o own_o like_n say_v this_o be_v heavy_a that_o be_v light_a but_o let_v we_o bring_v the_o divine_a balance_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o out_o of_o the_o lord_n treasure_n and_o in_o that_o let_v we_o weigh_v what_o be_v most_o ponderous_a or_o rather_o let_v not_o we_o weigh_v but_o acknowledge_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v already_o weigh_v by_o the_o lord_n yes_o say_v they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o will_v be_v put_v into_o that_o balance_n and_o try_v by_o the_o scripture_n but_o not_o by_o they_o alone_o which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o refuse_v to_o be_v try_v by_o they_o for_o they_o give_v testimony_n to_o their_o own_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n and_o plainness_n too_o in_o thing_n necessary_a and_o so_o do_v all_o other_o christian_a writer_n that_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n who_o do_v not_o send_v we_o to_o turn_v over_o we_o know_v not_o how_o many_o other_o volume_n but_o tell_v we_o here_o we_o may_v be_v abundant_o satisfy_v in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n constantine_n the_o father_n of_o constantius_n now_o mention_v admonish_v the_o bishop_n in_o the_o famous_a council_n of_o nice_a to_o consult_v with_o these_o heavenly_a inspire_a write_n as_o their_o guide_n and_o rule_n in_o all_o their_o debate_n because_o they_o perspicuous_o instruct_v we_o as_o his_o very_a word_n be_v what_o to_o believe_v in_o divine_a thing_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v he_o tell_v they_o to_o fetch_v from_o thence_o the_o resolution_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o shall_v come_v in_o question_n to_o which_o cardinal_n bellarmine_n indeed_o be_v please_v to_o say_v that_o constantine_n true_o be_v a_o great_a emperor_n but_o no_o great_a doctor_n but_o as_o herein_o he_o speak_v too_o scornful_o of_o he_o so_o he_o reflect_v no_o less_o upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n of_o those_o venerable_a father_n assemble_v in_o that_o council_n which_o as_o theodoret_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n be_v compose_v of_o man_n excel_v in_o apostolical_a gift_n and_o many_o of_o they_o carry_v in_o their_o body_n the_o mark_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o be_v for_o the_o far_o great_a part_n a_o multitude_n of_o martyr_n assemble_v together_o who_o all_o consent_v unto_o and_o follow_v this_o wholesome_a counsel_n of_o the_o emperor_n as_o he_o there_o testify_v know_v he_o do_v but_o speak_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o true_o catholic_n church_n which_o do_v not_o mere_o bid_v man_n hear_v it_o and_o bring_v all_o doctrine_n to_o its_o touchstone_n but_o confess_v plain_o that_o even_o the_o church_n itself_o must_v be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v the_o express_a sentence_n of_o the_o same_o s._n austin_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n where_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n he_o say_v the_o question_n than_o be_v as_o it_o be_v now_o where_o be_v the_o church_n now_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v say_v he_o seek_v for_o it_o in_o our_o own_o word_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o head_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n i_o think_v we_o ought_v to_o seek_v it_o rather_o in_o his_o word_n who_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o best_a know_v his_o own_o body_n and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n thus_o proceed_v let_v we_o not_o hear_v thus_o say_v i_o and_o thus_o say_v thou_o but_o let_v we_o hear_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o lord_n book_n there_o be_v certain_o to_o who_o authority_n we_o both_o consent_n we_o both_o believe_v we_o both_o yield_v obedience_n there_o let_v we_o seek_v the_o church_n there_o let_v we_o discuss_v our_o cause_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o the_o author_n of_o the_o imperfect_a work_n upon_o st._n matthew_n carry_v the_o name_n of_o s._n chrysostome_n declare_v this_o so_o full_o that_o it_o leave_v no_o doubt_n in_o we_o what_o course_n they_o take_v for_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o business_n heretofore_o say_v he_o there_o be_v many_o way_n whereby_o one_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o be_v gentilism_n but_o now_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o the_o scripture_n why_o so_o because_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o belong_v proper_o to_o christ_n in_o truth_n and_o reality_n those_o heresy_n have_v also_o in_o show_n and_o in_o appearance_n they_o have_v scripture_n baptism_n eucharist_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n even_o christ_n himself_o like_o as_o we_o have_v therefore_o if_o any_o one_o will_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n how_o shall_v he_o know_v it_o in_o such_o a_o confusion_n of_o multitude_n but_o only_o by_o the_o scripture_n which_o he_o repeat_v over_o again_o a_o little_a after_o he_o therefore_o that_o will_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n how_o shall_v he_o know_v it_o but_o by_o the_o scripture_n to_o they_o let_v we_o go_v and_o in_o they_o let_v we_o rest_v and_o if_o you_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v we_o say_v to_o the_o romanist_n as_o athanasius_n do_v to_o the_o follower_n of_o apolinarius_n in_o his_o book_n about_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o speak_v unrighteous_o against_o the_o lord_n but_o walk_v in_o what_o be_v write_v and_o do_v but_o if_o you_o will_v talk_v of_o different_a thing_n from_o what_o be_v write_v why_o do_v you_o contend_v with_o we_o who_o dare_v not_o hear_v nor_o speak_v beside_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v our_o lord_n tell_v we_o if_o you_o abide_v in_o the_o word_n even_o in_o my_o word_n you_o shall_v be_v free_a indeed_o what_o immodest_a frenzy_n be_v this_o to_o speak_v thing_n which_o be_v not_o write_v and_o to_o devise_v thing_n which_o be_v stranger_n to_o piety_n to_o which_o if_o we_o faithful_o adhere_v there_o be_v this_o to_o be_v add_v for_o our_o encouragement_n that_o though_o we_o