thing_n or_o essence_n which_o be_v most_o necessary_a and_o of_o himself_o a_o thing_n be_v say_v to_o be_v necessary_a or_o of_o itself_o not_o consider_v in_o any_o other_o respect_n or_o notion_n but_o true_o as_o it_o be_v according_a to_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o existence_n now_o all_o particular_a thing_n have_v such_o actual_a existence_n and_o be_v but_o if_o so_o be_v thou_o suppose_v or_o grant_v there_o be_v many_o god_n yet_o sure_o thou_o be_v not_o able_a to_o yield_v a_o reason_n why_o cach_n of_o they_o shall_v of_o necessity_n have_v their_o be_v neither_o why_o any_o man_n shall_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v in_o number_n rather_o two_o god_n than_o three_o or_o ten_o then_o five_o 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 exuperancy_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 distinguish_v now_o to_o make_v such_o a_o distinction_n in_o god_n be_v altogether_o needless_a and_o impossible_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 part_n the_o sun_n likewise_o in_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 again_o suppose_v there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o god_n which_o be_v free_a and_o voluntary_a agent_n have_v power_n to_o will_v contrary_a thing_n yet_o hereby_o one_o will_v be_v a_o obstacle_n or_o impediment_n to_o the_o other_o so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o actuate_v and_o bring_v to_o pass_v their_o different_a or_o contrary_a desire_n now_o to_o say_v that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o omnipotent_a power_n can_v be_v hinder_v be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n to_o his_o majesty_n but_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o some_o other_o of_o his_o attribute_n sect_n iii_o that_o all_o perfection_n be_v in_o god_n that_o all_o perfection_n and_o accomplishment_n be_v in_o god_n may_v be_v thus_o demonstrate_v what_o perfection_n soever_o there_o be_v in_o all_o or_o any_o of_o the_o creature_n the_o same_o either_o have_v a_o beginning_n or_o else_o it_o have_v no_o beginning_n to_o have_v no_o beginning_n be_v the_o property_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o whatsoever_o have_v beginning_n the_o same_o must_v needs_o be_v say_v to_o have_v something_o that_o give_v to_o it_o such_o be_v and_o further_o see_v that_o among_o the_o creature_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v be_v generate_v of_o nothing_o it_o follow_v then_o 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 so_o all_o be_v accomplish_v 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 say_v to_o 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 creature_n that_o do_v communicate_v any_o thing_n 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 he_o be_v as_o before_o we_o say_v altogether_o absolute_a entire_a and_o necessary_a of_o himself_o sect_n v._o that_o god_n be_v eternal_a omnipotent_a â—…sâ—…_n 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 motion_n 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 therefore_o from_o that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v it_o follow_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 thus_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 good_a beyond_o all_o compare_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 furthermore_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 their_o original_n and_o first_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 some_o what_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 the_o care_n and_o help_a hand_n of_o his_o parent_n yea_o and_o that_o with_o such_o a_o grace_n as_o that_o the_o most_o excellent_a among_o physician_n and_o philosopher_n can_v never_o sufficient_o admire_v the_o same_o this_o very_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o author_n and_o workman_n of_o nature_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 and_o bruit_n beast_n do_v testify_v the_o same_o for_o their_o part_n be_v not_o frame_v &_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 the_o same_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 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 â—n_n understand_v nature_n neither_o be_v all_o thing_n only_o ordain_v for_o their_o proper_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 that_o their_o shall_v be_v no_o gape_a vacuity_n in_o the_o world_n which_o world_n be_v so_o compose_v that_o the_o part_n thereof_o do_v mutual_o sustain_v and_o uphold_v one_o another_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 of_o thing_n thereunto_o but_o by_o the_o power_n and_o purpose_n of_o some_o inteligent_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
namely_o that_o prophecy_n in_o the_o four_o eclogue_n of_o virgâ—â—_n take_v out_o of_o the_o sibyl_n verse_n where_o unwitting_o the_o poet_n set_v out_o unto_o we_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n so_o in_o the_o same_o sibyl_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v for_o a_o king_n who_o shall_v be_v our_o king_n indeed_o and_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n and_o 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 only_o airy_a spirit_n but_o the_o god_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v only_a to_o be_v worship_v which_o say_v if_o the_o worshipper_n of_o apollo_n have_v obey_v than_o they_o have_v leave_v off_o be_v his_o disciple_n if_o they_o do_v not_o than_o they_o make_v their_o god_n a_o liar_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 they_o will_v have_v prescribe_v some_o course_n of_o life_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o also_o promise_v some_o assurance_n of_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 commond_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 receive_n of_o filthy_a lucre_n and_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 itself_o minister_v to_o we_o a_o notable_a argument_n against_o itself_o namely_o because_o that_o wheresoever_o the_o same_o become_v destitute_a of_o humane_a help_n there_o straight_o way_n 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 behold_v all_o the_o kingdom_n and_o state_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n or_o mahometan_n we_o shall_v find_v no_o mention_n of_o paganism_n but_o in_o book_n nay_o the_o history_n of_o former_a time_n do_v show_v that_o when_o the_o emperor_n go_v about_o to_o uphold_v their_o 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 yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o decay_v 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 christianity_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 nor_o by_o gift_n &_o reward_n for_o they_o be_v poor_a nor_o by_o any_o soothe_n and_o slatter_a speech_n for_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o teach_v that_o all_o worldly_a commodity_n must_v be_v despise_v &_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 be_v some_o 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 that_o which_o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o know_v there_o in_o be_v teach_v with_o such_o variety_n and_o diversity_n in_o their_o stargazing_a science_n that_o a_o man_n can_v collect_v nothing_o from_o thence_o for_o certainty_n 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 have_v a_o necessary_a dependence_n upon_o natural_a 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 incident_a thereunto_o from_o without_o for_o if_o the_o assent_n or_o consent_v 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 and_o deliberate_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 abolish_v 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 &_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 prime_a cause_n of_o that_o which_o be_v moral_o evil_a and_o see_v that_o in_o his_o law_n he_o prosess_v himself_o to_o abhor_v wickedness_n which_o if_o he_o implant_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o by_o such_o inevitable_a power_n than_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o will_n two_o contrary_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o same_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v and_o not_o be_v do_v also_o a_o man_n shall_v offend_v in_o any_o action_n 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 often_o time_n 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 thereunto_o which_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v as_o it_o be_v credible_a for_o truth_n yet_o it_o make_v nothing_o for_o the_o question_n we_o havein_n hand_n for_o see_v that_o christian_a religion_n most_o of_o all_o with_o draw_v 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 assection_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 do_v grant_v that_o wiâ—e_n and_o upright_a man_n be_v not_o under_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 sâ—arres_n appertain_v to_o 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 whole_a world_n such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o far_o different_a situation_n in_o respect_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 he_o any_o thing_n hâ—t_o scarce_o seem_v crediblos_fw-la herein_o the_o like_a or_o worse_o be_v find_v among_o the_o pagan_n last_o this_o be_v a_o evidence_n which_o make_v much_o against_o the_o pagan_n so_o that_o they_o have_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o object_n against_o christian_a religion_n namely_o because_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o be_v of_o such_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n that_o by_o their_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v convince_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o among_o who_o divers_a do_v teach_v the_o same_o truth_n which_o general_o our_o religion_n admit_v of_o for_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n 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 worship_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n he_o be_v a_o adulterer_n that_o have_v but_o only_o a_o desire_n to_o
which_o for_o skill_n and_o diligence_n in_o navigation_n excel_v the_o jest_n i_o exhort_v they_o to_o use_v that_o art_n not_o only_o for_o their_o own_o proper_a gain_n and_o commodity_n but_o also_o for_o the_o propagation_n of_o true_a christian_a religion_n for_o neither_o be_v there_o want_v matter_n for_o such_o their_o endeavour_n since_o that_o they_o may_v try_v their_o fortune_n abroad_o in_o far_o distant-forren_a country_n and_o make_v incursion_n either_o upon_o the_o pagan_n such_o as_o live_v in_o arabia_n and_o guinea_n or_o upon_o the_o mahometan_n as_o those_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o turk_n the_o persian_a and_o carthaginian_n or_o last_o upon_o the_o jew_n and_o such_o as_o at_o this_o day_n be_v profess_v enemy_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v disperse_v through_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v there_o want_v such_o wicked_a man_n as_o do_v secret_o for_o fear_n harbour_v the_o poison_n of_o error_n and_o publish_v the_o same_o unto_o the_o weak_a sort_n when_o they_o see_v fit_a opportunity_n against_o which_o evil_n my_o desire_n be_v we_o may_v be_v well_o fortify_v with_o truth_n and_o that_o such_o as_o be_v furnish_v with_o learning_n will_v endeavour_v according_a to_o their_o ability_n to_o confute_v error_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n let_v other_o beware_v that_o they_o be_v not_o surprise_v by_o those_o that_o be_v enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o which_o end_n that_o i_o may_v make_v it_o appear_v how_o that_o religion_n be_v no_o vain_a frivolous_a thing_n in_o my_o first_o book_n i_o do_v begin_v at_o the_o ground_n or_o foundation_n thereof_o which_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n this_o truth_n i_o thus_o proceed_v to_o prove_v as_o follow_v the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o there_o be_v somethingsâ—hich_v â—hich_z have_v a_o beginning_n be_v clear_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o howbeit_o those_o thing_n be_v not_o cause_n to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o be_v for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o can_v produce_v any_o thing_n neither_o have_v it_o power_n to_o be_v before_o it_o be_v therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o say_v thing_n have_v their_o beginning_n from_o some_o other_o thing_n different_a from_o themselves_o which_o may_v be_v aver_v not_o only_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o now_o we_o see_v or_o ever_o have_v behold_v but_o of_o such_o also_o as_o give_v original_a unto_o these_o and_o so_o upward_o until_o we_o come_v to_o some_o prime_a cause_n which_o never_o begin_v to_o be_v and_o which_o as_o we_o say_v have_v its_o existence_n by_o necessity_n and_o not_o after_o any_o cont_a nt_v manner_n and_o this_o what_o ever_o it_o be_v whereof_o by_o and_o by_o we_o shall_v speak_v be_v that_o which_o be_v mean_v by_o divine_a power_n or_o godhead_n another_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o divine_a majesty_n be_v take_v from_o the_o most_o manifest_a consent_n of_o all_o nation_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o have_v not_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n altogether_o eclipse_v or_o abolish_v by_o their_o savage_a cruelty_n and_o wild_a affection_n for_o see_v that_o such_o thing_n as_o proceed_v from_o man_n will_n and_o arbitrement_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o all_o man_n but_o often_o subject_a to_o mutability_n yet_o this_o notion_n be_v every_o where_o admit_v of_o and_o never_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o no_o not_o by_o aristotle_n himself_o a_o man_n not_o very_o credulous_a in_o this_o kind_n therefore_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v some_o agent_n that_o extend_v itself_o unto_o all_o mankind_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o either_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n himself_o or_o some_o tradition_n derive_v from_o the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n the_o former_a whereof_o if_o we_o admit_v than_o we_o have_v that_o which_o be_v in_o question_n or_o if_o the_o late_a be_v grant_v yet_o there_o can_v no_o good_a reason_n be_v give_v why_o we_o may_v think_v that_o those_o first_o parent_n shall_v gull_v all_o posterity_n with_o any_o fulsity_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 also_o by_o those_o that_o be_v of_o a_o more_o dull_a and_o stupid_a disposition_n the_o former_a whereof_o questionless_a can_v not_o all_o be_v deceive_v neither_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o these_o late_a so_o si_fw-mi lie_v and_o simple_a shall_v any_o way_n devise_v how_o to_o deceive_v one_o another_o neither_o let_v any_o man_n here_o object_n that_o in_o sundry_a age_n there_o have_v be_v some_o most_o common_o which_o either_o can_v not_o believe_v or_o else_o will_v not_o profess_v they_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n for_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o number_n of_o such_o atheist_n be_v but_o small_a and_o in_o regard_n that_o straight_o way_n upon_o the_o discuss_n of_o their_o rerson_n their_o opinion_n general_o be_v set_v at_o naught_o thence_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o proceed_v not_o from_o the_o use_n of_o right_a reason_n which_o be_v common_a to_o man_n but_o either_o from_o the_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n such_o as_o be_v in_o he_o that_o will_v needs_o demonstrate_v the_o snow_n to_o be_v black_a or_o from_o a_o corrupt_a mind_n like_v as_o when_o meat_n to_o a_o distemper_a palate_n do_v taste_v otherwise_o than_o indeed_o they_o be_v but_o especial_o because_o both_o history_n and_o other_o write_n declare_v that_o by_o how_o much_o any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o honest_a by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o diligent_o do_v he_o preserve_v and_o increase_v this_o knowledge_n in_o himself_o concern_v god_n and_o further_o that_o this_o conceit_n so_o opposite_a to_o the_o ancient_o receive_v opinion_n chief_o proceed_v from_o the_o bad_a disposition_n of_o those_o who_o it_o will_v most_o of_o all_o profit_n or_o advantage_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n that_o be_v no_o judge_n of_o humane_a action_n it_o be_v evident_a in_o this_o respect_n for_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o conclude_v or_o determine_v whether_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o succession_n of_o some_o lâ—…age_n without_o beginning_n or_o the_o confluence_n of_o moor_n in_o the_o sun_n or_o what_o other_o thing_n soever_o they_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o same_o have_v in_o it_o no_o less_o if_o not_o more_o difficulty_n and_o absurdity_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v to_o any_o man_n that_o do_v but_o with_o indifferency_n ponder_v the_o thing_n more_o credible_a than_o that_o opinion_n which_o be_v already_o receive_v as_o touch_v that_o which_o some_o man_n pretend_v because_o they_o can_v see_v god_n therefore_o they_o can_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v if_o they_o see_v any_o thing_n they_o see_v enough_o to_o convince_v they_o for_o if_o this_o be_v truth_n what_o a_o indignity_n be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v he_o have_v a_o soul_n which_o notwithstanding_o he_o never_o see_v more_o than_o the_o divine_a essence_n of_o god_n neither_o ought_v we_o to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o divine_a nature_n when_o by_o our_o weak_a judgement_n we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o same_o for_o this_o be_v common_a to_o every_o inferior_a creature_n not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o a_o high_a and_o more_o excellent_a nature_n thus_o the_o bruit_n beast_n conceive_v not_o what_o man_n be_v much_o less_o do_v they_o know_v after_o what_o manner_n man_n do_v ordain_v and_o govern_v common_a wealth_n measure_v the_o course_n of_o the_o star_n or_o sail_v upon_o the_o ocean_n for_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v beyond_o and_o above_o their_o reach_n forasmuch_o then_o as_o man_n have_v obtain_v a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n than_o the_o beast_n and_o that_o not_o of_o himself_o thence_o he_o may_v conclude_v that_o that_o same_o thing_n whereby_o he_o be_v advance_v above_o the_o condition_n of_o bruit_n be_v as_o far_o superior_a to_o he_o as_o those_o bruit_n be_v below_o himself_o and_o therefore_o some_o more_o noble_a nature_n there_o be_v which_o transcend_v his_o apprehension_n sect_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v baâ—_n one_o god_n this_o be_v manifest_a then_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o we_o speak_v of_o some_o of_o his_o attribute_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n not_o many_o go_n this_o truth_n may_v be_v declare_v first_o because_o god_n as_o be_v say_v before_o be_v that_o same_o
fundamental_a principle_n for_o which_o chief_o we_o have_v commend_v christian_a religion_n the_o certainty_n whereof_o appear_v in_o this_o namely_o that_o those_o which_o out_o of_o mutual_a and_o deadly_a hatred_n seek_v all_o the_o occasion_n and_o matter_n of_o contention_n they_o can_v dare_v not_o for_o all_o that_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o deny_v that_o these_o precept_n be_v command_v by_o christ_n no_o not_o even_o those_o that_o refuse_v to_o frame_v their_o life_n and_o action_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n howbeit_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o as_o will_v contradict_v this_o that_o we_o say_v the_o same_o may_v be_v liken_v to_o those_o philosopher_n that_o deny_v the_o snow_n to_o be_v white_a for_o as_o these_o be_v confute_v by_o sense_n so_o be_v those_o convince_v by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o christian_a nation_n also_o by_o the_o many_o book_n that_o the_o first_o professor_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o they_o which_o follow_v and_o divers_a succeed_a doctor_n have_v write_v as_o also_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o they_o that_o have_v witness_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n by_o their_o death_n for_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o any_o indifferent_a judge_n the_o same_o must_v needs_o be_v repute_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o so_o many_o have_v successive_o acknowledge_v and_o profess_v like_a as_o we_o be_v persuade_v the_o same_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o socrates_n which_o we_o read_v in_o plato_n and_o xenophon_n as_o also_o that_o of_o zene_fw-mi the_o philosopher_n which_o we_o find_v hold_v by_o the_o stoi_n k_v sect_n xx._n the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v further_o prove_v from_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o author_n the_o three_o thing_n wherein_o we_o say_v christian_a religion_n excel_v all_o other_o that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v think_v of_o be_v the_o manner_n whereby_o it_o be_v deliver_v and_o divulge_v where_o first_o we_o shall_v speak_v of_o the_o author_n they_o that_o be_v author_n of_o the_o wisdom_n among_o the_o grecian_n confess_v that_o they_o can_v not_o allege_v almost_o any_o certainty_n in_o their_o doctrine_n because_o quoth_v they_o truth_n lie_v hide_v in_o a_o deep_a pit_n and_o our_o mind_n be_v no_o less_o dazzle_v in_o the_o contemptation_n of_o divine_a thing_n than_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o owl_n in_o behold_v the_o bright_a shine_a of_o the_o sun_n beside_o there_o be_v none_o among_o they_o but_o be_v guilty_a of_o some_o vice_n for_o some_o be_v flatterer_n of_o prince_n other_o addict_v to_o bawdry_n and_o wantonness_n &_o a_o three_o sort_n to_o malapart_n boldness_n a_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o general_a envy_n among_o they_o be_v their_o contention_n about_o word_n and_o matter_n of_o small_a or_o no_o moment_n in_o their_o devotion_n they_o be_v cold_a and_o heartless_a for_o those_o that_o do_v believe_v there_o be_v one_o god_n neglect_v his_o honour_n and_o worship_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o know_v be_v no_o god_n make_v that_o only_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v and_o practise_v in_o public_a touch_v the_o reward_n of_o godliness_n they_o determine_v nothing_o for_o certain_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o last_o farewell_o disputation_n of_o socrates_n at_o his_o death_n mahumet_n another_o author_n of_o another_o religion_n far_o disperse_v in_o these_o time_n throughout_o his_o whole_a life_n be_v incline_v to_o lust_n and_o sensuality_n as_o his_o own_o follower_n can_v deny_v neither_o do_v he_o leave_v any_o testimony_n or_o assurance_n whereby_o his_o promise_n of_o such_o a_o reward_n as_o consist_v in_o the_o free_a use_n of_o junket_n and_o venery_n can_v appear_v to_o be_v true_a after_o his_o return_n since_o that_o his_o body_n be_v not_o yet_o revive_v but_o remain_v at_o medina_n until_o this_o day_n but_o moses_n the_o author_n of_o the_o hebrew_n law_n be_v a_o excellent_a man_n though_o not_o without_o his_o fault_n as_o namely_o when_o with_o some_o discontent_n and_o grumble_a he_o so_o hardly_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o ambassage_n which_o god_n command_v he_o touch_v the_o king_n of_o egypt_n conceive_v also_o some_o distrust_n of_o god_n promise_n for_o bring_v water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n as_o the_o hebrew_n themselves_o confess_v yet_o do_v he_o scarce_o partake_v of_o any_o one_o of_o those_o promise_n which_o by_o the_o law_n he_o make_v unto_o the_o people_n but_o be_v perplex_v with_o continual_a mutâ—…ies_n and_o sedition_n in_o the_o wilderness_n neither_o be_v he_o permit_v to_o enter_v into_o that_o bless_a and_o pleasant_a land_n so_o much_o desire_v but_o above_o all_o these_o christ_n be_v most_o honourable_a in_o that_o neither_o his_o countryman_n nor_o any_o other_o can_v ever_o convince_v he_o of_o sin_n for_o whatsoever_o he_o command_v other_o to_o observe_v the_o same_o do_v he_o observe_v and_o perform_v himself_o and_o the_o commandment_n that_o god_n give_v he_o he_o faithful_o fulfil_v lead_v a_o most_o pure_a and_o upright_a course_n of_o life_n be_v also_o most_o patient_a in_o suffer_v wrong_n and_o abuse_n as_o be_v manifest_a at_o his_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n yea_o so_o affectionate_a be_v he_o towards_o his_o very_a enemy_n that_o he_o pray_v god_n to_o pardon_v even_o those_o that_o put_v he_o to_o death_n as_o for_o the_o reward_n which_o he_o promise_v unto_o his_o disciple_n we_o very_o believe_v that_o himself_o be_v make_v partaker_n thereof_o after_o a_o most_o eminent_a and_o excellent_a manner_n for_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o lead_n there_o be_v many_o that_o behold_v and_o hear_v and_o see_v he_o who_o also_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o twelve_o disciple_n where_o he_o obtain_v all_o power_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o that_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n make_v at_o his_o departure_n he_o endue_v they_o that_o be_v his_o follower_n with_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o other_o admirable_a virtue_n all_o which_o may_v be_v a_o sure_a warrant_n for_o we_o not_o to_o doubt_v either_o of_o the_o truth_n or_o possibility_n of_o the_o reward_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o thus_o we_o have_v show_v how_o that_o this_o religion_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o other_o in_o regard_n that_o christ_n the_o author_n of_o it_o have_v himself_o perform_v what_o he_o command_v as_o also_o in_o his_o own_o person_n obtain_v and_o already_o enjoy_v the_o happiness_n that_o he_o promise_v sect_n xxi_o also_o from_o the_o wonderful_a spread_n of_o this_o religion_n let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n descend_v to_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o doctrine_n aforesaid_a which_o doubtless_o be_v well_o weigh_v be_v such_o as_o plain_o declare_v this_o doctrine_n to_o be_v sacred_a and_o divine_a if_o so_o be_v that_o god_n have_v any_o regard_n of_o humane_a affair_n for_o as_o it_o argueda_fw-la divine_a providence_n to_o cause_n thiâ—_n thing_n which_o shall_v be_v best_a of_o all_o to_o be_v of_o most_o large_a and_o ample_a extent_n so_o have_v it_o happen_v to_o christian_a religion_n which_o we_o see_v be_v publish_v and_o teach_v throughout_o all_o europe_n not_o except_v the_o northern_a part_n thereof_o so_o likewise_o throughout_o asia_n together_o with_o the_o island_n in_o the_o ocean_n throughout_o egypt_n also_o â—…iopia_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o african_a and_o last_o in_o america_n thus_o be_v 〈…〉_z â—ow_o and_o thus_o be_v it_o ancient_o as_o be_v witness_v by_o the_o history_n of_o all_o time_n by_o the_o book_n of_o christian_n the_o act_n of_o synod_n and_o by_o â—hat_n old_a tradition_n at_o this_o day_n hold_v â—mong_o the_o barbarian_n concern_v â—he_v travel_n or_o pilgrimage_n of_o thomas_n andrew_n and_o other_o apostle_n clemens_n tertullian_n and_o some_o ancient_n beside_o have_v note_v how_o â—ar_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v among_o the_o briton_n german_n and_o other_o remote_a nation_n in_o their_o time_n and_o certain_o at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v no_o other_o religion_n comparable_a hereunto_o for_o ample_a and_o â—arge_a extent_n paganism_n indeed_o be_v a_o large_a name_n but_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v one_o religion_n since_o that_o it_o be_v not_o agree_v upon_o by_o the_o professor_n thereof_o what_o one_o thing_n they_o shall_v worship_v but_o some_o adore_v the_o star_n other_o the_o element_n and_o a_o three_o sort_n reverence_v their_o cattle_n or_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v no_o subsistence_n neither_o have_v they_o the_o same_o custom_n or_o any_o common_a lord_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v disperse_v and_o scatter_v up_o and_o down_o yet_o remain_v one_o people_n howbeit_o their_o religion_n have_v never_o any_o great_a growth_n or_o increase_n after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o theâ—…_n law_n be_v not_o so_o much_o propagate_v by_o they_o as_o by_o