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
even_o a_o few_o geometrical_a figure_n espy_v on_o the_o seashore_n give_v the_o beholder_n just_a ground_n to_o argue_v that_o some_o man_n have_v be_v there_o it_o be_v evident_a enough_o that_o such_o thing_n can_v not_o proceed_v from_o mere_a chance_n furthermore_o that_o mankind_n be_v not_o from_o all_o eternity_n but_o at_o a_o certain_a time_n have_v a_o common_a beginning_n may_v be_v manifest_v among_o other_o thing_n from_o the_o progress_n of_o art_n and_o science_n yea_o by_o the_o very_a ground_n whereupon_o we_o tread_v which_o be_v ancient_o rude_a and_o untilled_a but_o afterward_o become_v possess_v with_o inhabitant_n which_o also_o the_o language_n speak_v in_o island_n derive_v from_o adjacent_a country_n do_v witness_n the_o same_o be_v apparent_a by_o certain_a ordinance_n so_o general_o receive_v among_o man_n that_o the_o institution_n thereof_o may_v not_o be_v think_v to_o have_v proceed_v so_o much_o from_o the_o instinct_n of_o nature_n or_o evident_a deduction_n of_o reason_n as_o from_o perpetual_a and_o constant_a tradition_n scarce_o interrupt_v in_o a_o few_o place_n either_o by_o the_o malice_n or_o misery_n of_o man_n such_o be_v that_o of_o kill_a beast_n in_o sacrifice_n use_v in_o former_a time_n and_o such_o also_o be_v now_o the_o modesty_n and_o shamefacedness_n about_o venereal_a thing_n the_o solemnity_n of_o marriage_n and_o the_o abhorrence_n of_o all_o incestuous_a embrace_n sect_n vii_o answer_v to_o that_o objection_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o evil_a neither_o ought_v we_o to_o doubt_v of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v because_o we_o see_v many_o evil_a thing_n come_v to_o pass_v the_o source_n and_o cause_n whereof_o can_v be_v ascribe_v unto_o god_n who_o as_o before_o have_v be_v show_v be_v good_a after_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a degree_n of_o goodness_n for_o when_o we_o say_v that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n we_o add_v withal_o that_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o real_o do_v subsist_v and_o no_o absurdity_n that_o i_o see_v will_v follow_v if_o we_o affirm_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v true_a and_o real_a existence_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o some_o certain_a accident_n as_o namely_o of_o action_n or_o the_o like_a the_o almighty_a we_o know_v create_v both_o man_n and_o those_o more_o sublime_a mind_n the_o angel_n endue_v with_o liberty_n of_o action_n which_o liberty_n in_o itself_o be_v not_o sinful_a yet_o by_o its_o power_n some_o sin_n may_v be_v commit_v now_o to_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o these_o evil_n which_o be_v moral_o evil_a be_v no_o better_a than_o blasphemy_n howbeit_o there_o be_v other_o kind_n of_o evil_n so_o call_v because_o they_o afflict_v some_o person_n with_o grief_n or_o loss_n and_o these_o we_o may_v affirm_v to_o be_v inflict_v by_o god_n for_o the_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o some_o sinner_n or_o for_o punishment_n answerable_a to_o a_o offence_n which_o to_o say_v be_v no_o impiety_n since_o that_o such_o evil_n have_v nothing_o in_o they_o contrary_a to_o goodness_n but_o rather_o they_o proceed_v from_o goodness_n itself_o like_o a_o bitter_a potion_n from_o a_o good_a physician_n sect_n viii_o against_o the_o opinion_n of_o two_o principle_n or_o cause_n of_o thing_n here_o by_o the_o way_n it_o may_v be_v note_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o man_n be_v to_o be_v abandon_v and_o avoid_v which_o make_v two_o efficient_a cause_n the_o one_o good_a and_o the_o other_o evil_n for_o from_o two_o principle_n opposite_a to_o each_o other_o there_o may_v follow_v the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n but_o in_o no_o wise_a a_o well_o order_v composition_n of_o thing_n neither_o be_v this_o to_o pass_v for_o truth_n to_o wit_n that_o as_o there_o be_v something_o good_a of_o itself_o so_o likewise_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v something_o absolute_o evil_a in_o itself_o see_v that_o evil_n be_v a_o certain_a defect_n which_o can_v be_v but_o in_o a_o thing_n that_o have_v existence_n which_o very_o have_v of_o existence_n or_o be_v be_v good_a sect_n ix_o that_o god_n do_v govern_v the_o whole_a world_n moreover_o that_o this_o whole_a universe_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v evident_a for_o that_o not_o only_a man_n which_o have_v right_a reason_n and_o understanding_n but_o also_o the_o fowl_n and_o beast_n both_o wild_a and_o tame_a which_o have_v in_o they_o some_o thing_n correspondent_a to_o reason_n do_v bear_v a_o kind_n of_o providence_n or_o respectful_a care_n over_o the_o issue_n which_o they_o bring_v forth_o which_o perfection_n since_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o goodness_n must_v needs_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o because_o he_o be_v both_o omniscient_a and_o omnipotent_a so_o that_o he_o can_v no_o way_n be_v ignorant_a of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v do_v or_o to_o be_v do_v and_o can_v easy_o direct_v and_o order_v the_o same_o as_o he_o please_v to_o which_o also_o belong_v that_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o concern_v the_o move_n of_o thing_n contrary_a to_o their_o proper_a nature_n to_o serve_v a_o universal_a end_n sect_n x._o yea_o sublunary_a thing_n and_o that_o they_o be_v much_o out_o of_o the_o way_n who_o shut_v up_o this_o providence_n within_o the_o celestial_a orb_n and_o will_v have_v it_o descend_v no_o low_a than_o the_o moon_n be_v apparent_a both_o from_o the_o reason_n now_o mention_v who_o force_n extend_v to_o all_o create_a thing_n and_o also_o from_o hence_o that_o the_o course_n of_o the_o star_n as_o the_o best_a philosopher_n acknowledge_v and_o experience_n sufficient_o demonstrate_v be_v ordain_v for_o the_o use_n of_o man._n now_o it_o stand_v but_o with_o equity_n that_o that_o creature_n shall_v be_v more_o regard_v for_o who_o sake_n another_o be_v ordain_v than_o that_o which_o be_v appoint_v for_o another_o use_n neither_o be_v they_o less_o erroneous_a that_o say_v this_o providence_n be_v extend_v unto_o universal_a thing_n only_o and_o not_o to_o particular_n for_o if_o they_o will_v have_v god_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o particular_a thing_n as_o some_o of_o they_o have_v profess_v then_o very_o god_n can_v not_o understand_v himself_o neither_o shall_v he_o be_v infinite_a in_o knowledge_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v he_o before_o to_o be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o extend_v unto_o every_o thing_n but_o then_o if_o god_n do_v know_v these_o thing_n why_o can_v he_o not_o also_o have_v care_n of_o they_o especial_o since_o that_o particular_n as_o they_o be_v particular_n be_v appoint_v for_o some_o certain_a end_n both_o special_a and_o general_a and_o the_o common_a essence_n of_o thing_n which_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o say_a author_n be_v preserve_v by_o god_n can_v subsist_v but_o in_o their_o singular_n so_o that_o if_o these_o singular_n be_v forsake_v by_o divine_a providence_n may_v perish_v then_o may_v the_o whole_a kind_n likewise_o sect_n xi_o this_o be_v further_a prove_v by_o the_o preservation_n of_o empire_n another_o forcible_a argument_n of_o divine_a providence_n particular_o over_o humane_a affair_n both_o philosopher_n and_o historian_n acknowledge_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o commonwealth_n first_o in_o general_n for_o that_o wheresoever_o the_o course_n and_o order_n of_o rule_v and_o obey_v be_v once_o admit_v the_o same_o always_o continue_v there_o then_o also_o oftentime_o in_o particular_a it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o long_a continuation_n of_o this_o or_o that_o very_a form_n of_o government_n through_o many_o age_n as_o of_o a_o monarchy_n with_o the_o assyrian_n egyptian_n and_o frank_n of_o a_o aristocracy_n with_o the_o venetian_n and_o the_o like_a for_o although_o man_n wisdom_n and_o policy_n have_v some_o stroke_n in_o point_n of_o governmeut_n yet_o if_o we_o right_o consider_v the_o multitude_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o the_o harm_n that_o may_v proceed_v from_o without_o and_o the_o change_n that_o be_v natural_o incident_a to_o humane_a affair_n it_o may_v seem_v impossible_a for_o any_o state_n so_o long_o to_o subsist_v unless_o it_o be_v uphold_v by_o a_o constant_a particular_a care_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o a_o divine_a hand_n which_o be_v more_o evident_o see_v when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o change_v empire_n and_o translate_v they_o from_o one_o to_o another_o for_o to_o those_o instrument_n who_o he_o think_v good_a to_o use_v in_o that_o business_n as_o a_o thing_n destine_v by_o himself_o suppose_v cyrus_n alexander_n caesar_n the_o dictator_n cingi_fw-la among_o the_o tartar_n namcaa_n among_o the_o chinese_n all_o thing_n whatsoever_o even_o those_o which_o do_v not_o depend_v on_o humane_a prudence_n succeed_v more_o prosperous_o beyond_o their_o own_o wish_n than_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o usual_a variety_n in_o humane_a casualty_n which_o strange_a correspondence_n and_o combination_n
not_o over_o credulous_a in_o such_o matter_n we_o must_v assign_v some_o cause_n of_o it_o that_o extend_v itself_o to_o all_o mankind_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o either_o a_o oracle_n of_o god_n himself_o or_o a_o tradition_n derive_v from_o the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n the_o former_a of_o which_o if_o we_o admit_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n be_v grant_v and_o if_o we_o affirm_v the_o latter_a there_o can_v no_o good_a reason_n be_v give_v why_o we_o shall_v believe_v those_o first_o parent_n do_v deliver_v a_o falsehood_n to_o all_o their_o posterity_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n moreover_o whether_o we_o consider_v those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v ancient_o know_v or_o those_o that_o be_v late_o find_v out_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v as_o we_o have_v say_v any_o relic_n of_o humanity_n there_o certain_o be_v this_o truth_n acknowledge_v as_o well_o by_o such_o heathen_n as_o have_v any_o ingenuity_n and_o wisdom_n as_o 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to_o a_o distemper_a palate_n taste_v quite_o otherwise_o than_o indeed_o they_o be_v especial_o since_o both_o history_n and_o other_o write_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o honest_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o diligent_o do_v he_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o further_o that_o this_o departure_n from_o so_o ancient_o a_o receive_a opinion_n chief_o proceed_v from_o the_o naughty_a disposition_n of_o those_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n that_o be_v no_o judge_n of_o humane_a action_n appear_v even_o from_o hence_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o put_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o whether_o a_o succession_n of_o several_a kind_n of_o thing_n without_o any_o beginning_n or_o a_o concourse_n of_o atom_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o whatsoever_o it_o have_v not_o less_o if_o not_o great_a difficulty_n nor_o be_v at_o all_o more_o credible_a as_o be_v manifest_a to_o any_o man_n that_o vouchsafe_v a_o ordinary_a attention_n to_o the_o matter_n than_o that_o opinion_n which_o be_v already_o receive_v as_o for_o that_o which_o some_o pretend_v that_o they_o can_v believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n because_o they_o can_v see_v he_o if_o they_o see_v any_o thing_n they_o can_v but_o see_v how_o unworthy_a this_o thought_n be_v of_o a_o man_n who_o do_v but_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n which_o he_o never_o see_v no_o more_o than_o he_o do_v the_o essence_n of_o god_n nor_o because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n by_o our_o understanding_n ought_v we_o therefore_o to_o deny_v there_o be_v any_o such_o nature_n for_o this_o be_v proper_a to_o every_o inferior_a creature_n not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v those_o being_n which_o be_v superior_a and_o more_o excellent_a than_o itself_o the_o beast_n can_v conceive_v what_o man_n be_v much_o less_o can_v they_o know_v after_o what_o manner_n man_n institute_v and_o govern_v commonwealth_n measure_v the_o star_n and_o sail_v upon_o the_o sea_n for_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v out_o of_o their_o reach_n from_o which_o very_a thing_n man_n who_o be_v raise_v and_o that_o not_o of_o himself_o by_o the_o nobility_n of_o his_o nature_n above_o the_o beast_n aught_o to_o infer_v that_o that_o be_v by_o who_o he_o be_v make_v superior_a to_o beast_n be_v no_o less_o superior_a to_o he_o than_o he_o himself_o to_o the_o beast_n and_o that_o therefore_o there_o be_v some_o nature_n which_o as_o far_o more_o excellent_a transcend_v his_o comprehension_n sect_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god._n we_o have_v evince_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o follow_v that_o we_o speak_v of_o his_o attribute_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v not_o more_o god_n but_o one_o god_n this_o be_v gather_v from_o hence_o that_o god_n as_o be_v say_v before_o be_v what_o he_o be_v necessary_o and_o of_o himself_o now_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_o or_o of_o itself_o be_v consider_v not_o in_o its_o general_a notion_n but_o as_o actual_o in_o be_v now_o thing_n actual_o in_o be_v be_v particular_a but_o if_o you_o suppose_v more_o god_n you_o can_v find_v a_o reason_n in_o each_o of_o they_o why_o they_o shall_v necessary_o be_v nor_o why_o two_o rather_o than_o three_o or_o ten_o rather_o than_o five_o shall_v be_v believe_v beside_o the_o multiplication_n of_o those_o particular_a thing_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n proceed_v from_o the_o exuberancy_n and_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o cause_n whence_o such_o thing_n more_o or_o less_o be_v generate_v but_o of_o god_n there_o be_v neither_o beginning_n nor_o any_o cause_n furthermore_o in_o all_o particular_a thing_n there_o be_v certain_a special_a and_o particular_a property_n whereby_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v several_o do_v inguish_v now_o to_o make_v such_o a_o distinction_n in_o god_n be_v altogether_o needless_a since_o that_o he_o be_v most_o necessary_a and_o simple_a by_o nature_n neither_o can_v any_o man_n perceive_v any_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o the_o plurality_n of_o go_n for_o this_o universal_a sphere_n or_o circumference_n which_o we_o behold_v make_v up_o but_o one_o complete_a world_n wherein_o there_o be_v one_o most_o beautiful_a and_o glorious_a sun_n likewise_o in_o every_o man_n the_o little_a world_n there_o be_v but_o one_o special_a govern_v part_n to_o wit_n his_o soul_n or_o mind_n beside_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v two_o god_n or_o more_o free_o act_v and_o will_v what_o they_o please_v they_o may_v will_v contrary_a thing_n and_o then_o one_o of_o they_o may_v be_v hinder_v by_o the_o other_o from_o effect_v what_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o have_v do_v but_o to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v be_v hinder_v in_o what_o he_o design_n be_v unworthy_a of_o his_o majesty_n sect_n iii_o that_o all_o perfection_n be_v in_o god._n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o rest_n of_o god_n attribute_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o name_n of_o perfection_n which_o word_n we_o must_v be_v content_a to_o use_v since_o our_o language_n furnish_v we_o with_o no_o better_a to_o express_v the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v in_o god_n may_v be_v thus_o prove_v what_o perfection_n soever_o there_o be_v in_o thing_n it_o either_o have_v a_o beginning_n or_o have_v no_o beginning_n that_o which_o have_v no_o beginning_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o that_o which_o have_v a_o beginning_n of_o necessity_n must_v have_v something_o that_o give_v it_o such_o beginning_n and_o since_o nothing_o among_o all_o the_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o be_v be_v make_v of_o nothing_o it_o follow_v that_o those_o perfection_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v in_o any_o effect_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o cause_n thereof_o can_v produce_v any_o thing_n according_o and_o consequent_o be_v all_o in_o the_o first_o cause_n neither_o must_v it_o be_v here_o imagine_v that_o the_o first_o cause_n can_v afterward_o be_v deprive_v of_o its_o perfection_n either_o by_o some_o other_o thing_n different_a from_o itself_o because_o that_o which_o be_v eternal_a have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o any_o other_o thing_n neither_o can_v be_v liable_a and_o subject_a unto_o their_o action_n or_o of_o itself_o because_o every_o nature_n desire_v its_o own_o perfection_n sect_n iv_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o we_o may_v add_v further_o that_o these_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o god_n be_v in_o he_o after_o a_o eminent_a and_o infinite_a manner_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o every_o thing_n be_v finite_a and_o limit_v either_o for_o that_o the_o cause_n whence_o it_o proceed_v have_v communicate_v such_o a_o measure_n or_o degree_n of_o existence_n and_o no_o more_o thereunto_o or_o for_o that_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o further_a perfection_n now_o there_o be_v no_o
the_o downfall_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o daemon_n and_o of_o magical_a art_n and_o one_o god_n be_v worship_v with_o a_o detestation_n of_o daemon_n who_o power_n and_o authority_n porphyry_n acknowledge_v be_v break_v by_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v think_v that_o any_o wicked_a spirit_n be_v so_o ignorant_a and_o foolish_a as_o to_o effect_v and_o often_o bring_v to_o pass_v thing_n that_o be_v cause_n of_o its_o own_o hurt_n and_o disgrace_n and_o no_o way_n conduce_v to_o its_o honour_n or_o benefit_n beside_o it_o stand_v no_o way_n with_o the_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v so_o harmless_a and_o innocent_a man_n such_o as_o fear_v he_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o delusion_n of_o devil_n and_o such_o be_v the_o first_o follower_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o their_o innocent_a life_n and_o by_o the_o many_o calamity_n which_o they_o endure_v for_o conscience_n sake_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o thou_o affirm_v that_o those_o work_n of_o christ_n proceed_v from_o some_o good_a spirit_n which_o be_v inferior_a to_o god_n in_o so_o say_v thou_o do_v confess_v that_o the_o same_o work_n be_v well_o please_v unto_o god_n and_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n forasmuch_o as_o good_a spirit_n do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v acceptable_a and_o glorious_a unto_o god_n to_o say_v nothing_o now_o of_o some_o of_o christ_n work_n which_o be_v so_o miraculous_a that_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v god_n himself_o for_o the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o can_v not_o have_v be_v do_v but_o by_o the_o immediate_a finger_n of_o a_o omnipotent_a power_n as_o special_o the_o restore_a divers_a person_n from_o death_n unto_o life_n again_o now_o god_n do_v not_o produce_v any_o miracle_n nor_o suffer_v any_o such_o wonder_n to_o be_v wrought_v without_o just_a cause_n for_o it_o become_v not_o a_o wise_a maker_n of_o law_n to_o forsake_v and_o depart_v from_o his_o own_o law_n unless_o upon_o some_o good_a and_o weighty_a reason_n now_o no_o other_o cause_n of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v give_v than_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v by_o christ_n himself_o namely_o that_o hereby_o his_o doctrine_n may_v be_v verify_v and_o confirm_v and_o doubtless_o they_o that_o be_v spectator_n of_o his_o work_n can_v conceive_v no_o other_o reason_n thereof_o among_o which_o since_o there_o be_v as_o be_v say_v many_o godly_a man_n pious_o and_o devout_o affect_v it_o be_v horrible_a impiety_n to_o imagine_v that_o god_n do_v work_v these_o thing_n only_o to_o delude_v and_o deceive_v they_o and_o this_o be_v one_o cause_n why_o very_a many_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o live_v about_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n even_o such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o relinquish_v or_o omit_v one_o jot_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n such_o as_o those_o who_o be_v call_v nazarenes_n and_o ebionites_n do_v notwithstanding_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o jesus_n be_v a_o doctor_n or_o master_n send_v from_o heaven_n sect_n vii_o christ_n resurrection_n prove_v by_o credible_a reason_n beside_o the_o miracle_n that_o christ_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n another_o like_a argument_n may_v be_v take_v from_o his_o wonderful_a resurrection_n to_o life_n again_o after_o that_o he_o be_v crucify_a dead_a and_o bury_v for_o the_o christian_n of_o all_o age_n and_o country_n allege_v the_o same_o not_o only_o for_o a_o truth_n but_o also_o as_o the_o most_o strong_a ground_n and_o chief_a foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o those_o that_o first_o teach_v christianity_n do_v persuade_v their_o auditor_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o for_o certain_a and_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o induce_v any_o wise_a man_n to_o the_o belief_n hereof_o unless_o they_o can_v very_o affirm_v that_o themselves_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o this_o matter_n for_o without_o such_o a_o ocular_a testimony_n no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n will_v have_v give_v credit_n unto_o they_o especial_o in_o such_o time_n when_o to_o believe_v they_o be_v to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o great_a mischief_n and_o danger_n but_o that_o this_o be_v their_o constant_a assertion_n both_o their_o own_o book_n and_o other_o write_n do_v testify_v for_o out_o of_o their_o book_n it_o appear_v that_o they_o appeal_v unto_o five_o hundred_o witness_n that_o have_v behold_v jesus_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a now_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fashion_n of_o liar_n and_o dissembler_n to_o appeal_v to_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o witness_n neither_o can_v it_o possible_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o so_o many_o man_n shall_v agree_v and_o conspire_v together_o to_o bear_v false_a witness_n or_o suppose_v there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o witness_n save_o those_o twelve_o know_a apostle_n the_o first_o publisher_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o this_o have_v be_v sufficient_a no_o man_n be_v wicked_a for_o nothing_o and_o honour_n for_o their_o lie_v they_o can_v not_o expect_v in_o regard_n that_o all_o kind_n of_o dignity_n and_o promotion_n be_v then_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o pagan_n or_o jew_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v nothing_o but_o reproach_n and_o ignominy_n neither_o can_v they_o hope_v for_o any_o wealth_n and_o riches_n because_o this_o profession_n be_v oftentimes_o punish_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o good_n and_o possession_n or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o the_o gospel_n can_v not_o be_v teach_v by_o they_o unless_o they_o omit_v or_o neglect_v all_o care_n about_o worldly_a good_n neither_o can_v the_o hope_n of_o any_o other_o worldly_a advantage_n move_v they_o to_o utter_v untruth_n see_v that_o the_o very_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n do_v expose_v they_o to_o labour_n hunger_n thirst_n stripe_n and_o imprisonment_n to_o get_v credit_n and_o reputation_n only_o among_o their_o own_o countryman_n be_v not_o so_o much_o worth_n that_o they_o poor_a simple_a man_n who_o life_n and_o doctrine_n be_v abhorrent_n from_o all_o pride_n shall_v therefore_o run_v upon_o so_o great_a inconvenience_n neither_o again_o can_v they_o have_v any_o hope_n their_o doctrine_n will_v make_v such_o progress_n as_o to_o win_v they_o any_o fame_n be_v oppose_v both_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n which_o be_v intent_n to_o its_o own_o advantage_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o who_o then_o every_o where_o govern_v unless_o they_o have_v be_v some_o way_n animate_v and_o encourage_v by_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o promise_v themselves_o that_o this_o fame_n such_o as_o it_o may_v prove_v will_v be_v durable_a since_o they_o expect_v god_n on_o purpose_n conceal_v his_o counsel_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o end_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o near_o approach_v which_o both_o their_o own_o write_n and_o the_o writing_n of_o those_o christian_n that_o follow_v they_o make_v most_o evident_a it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o we_o say_v if_o they_o do_v lie_v it_o be_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v right_o consider_v for_o either_o they_o do_v sincere_o believe_v that_o this_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n or_o else_o they_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a nay_o if_o they_o think_v not_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o the_o best_a they_o will_v never_o have_v make_v choice_n hereof_o and_o refuse_v other_o religion_n far_o more_o safe_a and_o commodious_a nay_o further_o though_o they_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v true_a yet_o they_o will_v not_o have_v profess_v it_o unless_o they_o have_v be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o profession_n thereof_o be_v necessary_a special_o for_o that_o they_o may_v have_v easy_o foresee_v and_o partly_o they_o can_v tell_v by_o experience_n what_o troop_n of_o man_n will_v be_v expose_v to_o death_n for_o this_o profession_n which_o without_o just_a cause_n to_o occasion_n be_v no_o better_a than_o plain_a robbery_n or_o murder_n but_o if_o we_o say_v they_o believe_v that_o this_o religion_n be_v true_a and_o the_o very_o best_a and_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v profess_v and_o that_o after_o the_o death_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n sure_o that_o can_v no_o way_n be_v so_o if_o their_o master_n promise_n concern_v his_o resurrection_n have_v deceive_v they_o and_o not_o prove_v true_a for_o that_o have_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n disbelieve_v even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v already_o entertain_v moreover_o all_o religion_n and_o christianity_n more_o than_o any_o other_o forbid_v lie_v in_o bear_v false_a witness_n especial_o in_o divine_a thing_n wherefore_o they_o can_v not_o
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 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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