true_a religion_n explain_v and_o defend_v against_o the_o archenemy_n thereof_o in_o these_o time_n in_o six_o book_n publish_a by_o authority_n for_o the_o common_a good_a buy_v the_o truth_n p_o 〈…〉_z london_n print_v for_o ri._n royston_n in_o ivy_n lane_n 1632_o t_n câ—â—â—ll_v sculp_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o frontispâ—â—â—_n or_o title_n page_n 1._o jehevah_n at_o the_o top_n â—eaching_v out_o 〈…〉_z the_o old_a to_o the_o lieu_n and_o the_o new_a to_o the_o 〈…〉_z former_a with_o a_o promise_n 〈…〉_z the_o lattâ—…_n of_o the_o gentleâ—…_n in_o the_o gospel_n without_o exâ—…â—…on_n of_o any_o hom._n 1â—…_n 2_o religion_n the_o effect_n whereof_o the_o aposâ—…_n jam._n 1._o 2d_o 1_o for_o her_o habit_n she_o have_v a_o 〈◊〉_d garment_n tâ—…_n she_o regard_v not_o the_o transient_o wealth_n and_o â—…ty_n of_o this_o world_n 2_o she_o hold_v the_o book_n in_o her_o hand_n where_o â—n_o the_o lawâ—…_n god_n be_v write_v 3_o her_o breast_n be_v baâ—â—_n to_o show_v her_o canâ—on_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 4_o she_o leave_v upon_o the_o cross_n because_o thereupon_o 〈…〉_z find_v rest_n and_o quiet_a repose_n 5_o winge_a sheis_n to_o reach_v man_n to_o mount_v up_o alâ—…_n 6_o as_o it_o be_v shine_v by_o a_o radiant_a 〈…〉_z that_o she_o dispel_v the_o misty_a darkâ—_n 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o mind_n 7_o the_o bridle_n be_v hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n to_o teach_v man_n how_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o curb_v bridle_n and_o subâ—…_n the_o triâ—â—leâ—â—_n passion_n of_o the_o mind_n 8_o she_o tread_v and_o example_n upon_o death_n because_o sheâ—…_n very_o have_v and_o downfall_n of_o death_n 3_o the_o christian_n kneel_v upon_o the_o cross_n which_o he_o mâ—…_n take_v up_o mat._n 16._o 24._o having_n glory_n shine_a upon_o he_o to_o represent_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o tâ—…_n religion_n 4_o the_o turk_n stand_v with_o his_o sword_n in_o his_o hand_n by_o which_o he_o defend_v his_o religion_n that_o spring_v from_o mahâ—met_n a_o false_a prophet_n foretell_v in_o general_a by_o christ_n mat._n 24._o 5._o 24._o also_o a_o half_a moon_n 5_o the_o lieu_n kneel_v have_v the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law_n by_o which_o he_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v not_o as_o yet_o believe_v in_o christ_n because_o his_o eye_n be_v blind_v isaiah_n 29._o 10._o 6_o the_o pagan_a have_v the_o sun_n before_o he_o which_o together_o with_o other_o creature_n he_o be_v wont_a toworship_n howbeit_o hope_n there_o be_v that_o all_o the_o heatheo_fw-la shall_v become_v the_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n psal_n 72._o 11._o a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o chief_a point_n according_a to_o the_o several_a section_n of_o each_o book_n the_o preface_n show_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o work_n the_o content_n of_o the_o first_o book_n sect_n i._o in_o the_o first_o section_n it_o be_v prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n 2_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n 3_o all_o perfection_n be_v in_o god_n 4_o and_o that_o after_o a_o infinite_a manner_n 5_o god_n be_v eternal_a omnipotent_a omniscient_a and_o absolute_o good_a 6_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n 7_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o evil_a 8_o against_o they_o which_o imagine_v there_o be_v two_o principle_n the_o one_o good_a and_o the_o other_o evil_n 9_o the_o whole_a universe_n be_v govern_v by_o god_n 10_o so_o be_v all_o sublunary_a thing_n yea_o every_o particular_a and_o singular_a thing_n 11_o which_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o preservation_n of_o empire_n 12_o and_o by_o miracle_n 13_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v wrought_v among_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v verify_v by_o the_o long_a continuance_n of_o their_o religion_n 14_o also_o by_o the_o truth_n and_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n 15_o and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o stranger_n and_o alien_n from_o the_o covenans_fw-la 16_o the_o same_o likewise_o be_v confirm_v by_o prediction_n and_o other_o argument_n 17_o a_o objection_n answer_v for_o that_o no_o miracle_n be_v now_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d as_o former_o have_v be_v 18_o and_o that_o iniquity_n so_o greatâ—…nds_v in_o these_o day_n 19_o in_o so_o much_o that_o good_a and_o goâ—dly_a man_n be_v oppress_v abuse_v 20_o but_o this_o be_v retort_v to_o prove_v the_o immortality_n of_o soul_n after_o the_o death_n and_o â—…lution_n of_o body_n 21_o which_o truth_n be_v further_o confirm_v by_o tradition_n 22_o namely_o such_o as_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v allege_v against_o it_o 23_o but_o â—…ther_o many_o argument_n make_v for_o it_o 24_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o end_n of_o man_n be_v his_o happiness_n and_o welfare_n after_o this_o life_n 25_o which_o to_o obtain_v true_a religion_n must_v be_v seek_v for_o the_o same_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o eternity_n the_o content_n of_o the_o second_o book_n sect_n i._o to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o title_n of_o true_a religion_n agree_v to_o christian_a religion_n the_o author_n here_o prove_v first_o that_o jesus_n once_o live_v upon_o earth_n 2_o and_o that_o he_o suffer_v a_o ignominious_a and_o reproachful_a death_n 3_o howbeit_o after_o his_o death_n he_o be_v worship_v and_o adore_v by_o wise_a man_n 4_o the_o cause_n of_o which_o their_o worship_v he_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o for_o the_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o he_o 5_o and_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o any_o efficacy_n of_o rature_n or_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o proceed_v only_o from_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 6_o the_o author_n further_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n his_o resurrection_n by_o sufficient_a testimony_n 7_o he_o answer_v a_o doubt_n for_o that_o the_o resurrection_n seem_v impossible_a 8_o this_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n be_v grant_v it_o serve_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n 9_o christian_a religion_n excel_v all_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n 10_o as_o be_v prove_v first_o from_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n which_o be_v promise_v and_o propound_v thereunto_o 11_o whereupon_o by_o the_o way_n a_o objection_n be_v answer_v for_o that_o it_o seem_v impossible_a for_o body_n once_o dissolve_v to_o be_v restore_v again_o to_o their_o former_a integrity_n 12_o second_o the_o former_a truth_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o exact_a holiness_n of_o christian_a precept_n touch_v the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n 13_o also_o from_o those_o courteous_a duty_n of_o humanity_n which_o we_o owe_v and_o aught_o to_o perform_v to_o our_o neighbour_n though_o hurt_n or_o injure_v by_o they_o 14_o also_o from_o the_o union_n and_o love_n of_o man_n and_o wife_n 15_o from_o the_o use_n of_o temporal_a good_n and_o commodity_n 16_o from_o a_o oath_n 17_o and_o from_o other_o christian_a acts._n 18_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n take_v from_o the_o controversy_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n 19_o the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v further_o declare_v from_o the_o dignity_n of_o its_o author_n 20_o from_o the_o wonderful_a propagation_n thereof_o 21_o special_o consider_v the_o weakness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o they_o which_o at_o the_o beginning_n teach_v the_o same_o 22_o together_o with_o the_o great_a impediment_n which_o may_v have_v withhold_v man_n from_o embrace_v it_o or_o deter_v they_o from_o profess_v the_o same_o 23_o answer_v make_v to_o they_o that_o do_v desire_v strong_a argument_n the_o content_n of_o the_o three_o book_n sect_n i._o here_o be_v show_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n 2_o such_o book_n as_o have_v name_n of_o author_n be_v the_o same_o man_n write_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v 3_o concern_v such_o book_n as_o ancient_o be_v question_v the_o doubt_n take_v away_o 4_o those_o book_n that_o have_v no_o name_n prefix_v have_v suâ—…enâ—_n authority_n as_o be_v prove_v from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o write_n themselves_o 5_o the_o holy_a pen_n man_n of_o these_o book_n write_v nothing_o but_o truth_n because_o they_o have_v certain_a notice_n thereof_o 6_o and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o lie_v 7_o this_o be_v also_o evident_a by_o the_o miracle_n they_o wrought_v 8_o and_o likewise_o because_o the_o event_n of_o many_o thing_n therein_o record_v have_v make_v it_o appear_v the_o same_o be_v divine_o inspire_v 9_o and_o last_o from_o the_o care_n god_n be_v to_o have_v that_o counterfeit_a write_n may_v not_o be_v obtrude_v or_o forge_v in_o the_o church_n 10_o a_o objection_n answer_v that_o sundry_a of_o these_o book_n be_v not_o reserve_v by_o all_o 11_o a_o scruple_n take_v away_o for_o that_o some_o impossibility_n sleme_v to_o be_v 〈…〉_z 12_o or_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v râ—…_n pâ—…_n to_o reason_n 13_o another_o doubt_n answer_v touch_v some_o diversity_n â—…rieâ—â—_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o those_o write_n 14_o the_o consideration_n
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
whereunto_o we_o may_v add_v what_o before_o we_o have_v touch_v out_o of_o strabo_n and_o trogus_n but_o as_o for_o we_o christian_n we_o be_v not_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o book_n out_o of_o which_o we_o borrow_v many_o testimony_n neither_o do_v we_o find_v when_o christ_n reprehend_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n and_o pharisy_n of_o his_o time_n that_o ever_o he_o accuse_v they_o of_o falsehood_n commit_v against_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o prophet_n or_o that_o they_o have_v alter_v or_o use_v any_o forge_a book_n then_o after_o christ_n time_n it_o can_v be_v prove_v neither_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v corrupt_v in_o matter_n of_o any_o moment_n special_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o same_o book_n be_v preserve_v safe_o by_o the_o jew_n which_o people_n be_v disperse_v far_o and_o wide_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o first_o of_o all_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v lead_v a_o way_n 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 after_o that_o cyrus_n grant_v they_o leave_v to_o return_v many_o of_o they_o go_v and_o dwell_v in_o foreign_a country_n the_o macedoniâ—â—s_v 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 asmonaans_n together_o with_o those_o of_o poâ—pey_n and_o sossius_n from_o without_o do_v straggle_v and_o scatter_v abroad_o many_o of_o they_o cyrenaica_n a_o part_n of_o africa_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 licaonia_n and_o likewise_o the_o isle_n of_o cyprâ—â—_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 marâ—â—al_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 it_o appear_v to_o be_v more_o unlikely_a that_o they_o be_v any_o where_o change_v nay_o more_o these_o book_n be_v translate_v both_o into_o the_o chaldeâ—_n tongue_n as_o also_o into_o the_o language_n speak_v by_o they_o of_o jerusalem_n to_o wit_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 symachus_n and_o theodo_n i_o on_o 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 philâ—_n live_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o caligula_n and_o josephiâ—_n survive_v the_o time_n of_o both_o the_o vespasâ—ans_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 then_o 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 use_v any_o legerdemain_n in_o any_o notable_a part_n can_v thereupon_o quick_o discover_v the_o same_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 falsehood_n or_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 sound_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_n and_o as_o they_o imagine_v strong_o prove_v 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 doubtless_o they_o will_v have_v be_v careful_a may_v not_o have_v be_v do_v special_o 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 trunesse_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 many_o man_n there_o be_v who_o behold_v the_o great_a peril_n and_o jeoperdy_o that_o other_o people_n be_v in_o do_v much_o joy_n and_o hug_v themselves_o if_o they_o be_v out_o of_o gunshot_n and_o free_a from_o all_o such_o danger_n but_o christianity_n teach_v another_o lesson_n special_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o four_o book_n it_o shall_v appear_v that_o one_o chief_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o this_o life_n be_v not_o only_o to_o rejoice_v and_o content_v himself_o with_o the_o find_v out_o of_o truth_n but_o also_o to_o lend_v his_o help_a hand_n to_o other_o that_o wander_v in_o the_o labyrinth_n of_o error_n and_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o so_o good_a a_o benefit_n this_o after_o some_o sort_n we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o do_v in_o the_o former_a book_n for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o truth_n imply_v the_o confutation_n of_o error_n yet_o in_o regard_n all_o kind_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v opposite_a to_o christianity_n to_o wit_n paganism_n judaism_n and_o mahumetaâ—isme_n beside_o their_o common_a consent_n have_v their_o proper_a error_n and_o certain_a peculiar_a argâ—me_n be_v which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v object_v against_o we_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o purpose_n particular_o to_o dispute_v against_o each_o of_o these_o first_o desire_v our_o reader_n to_o purge_v their_o mind_n from_o partiality_n and_o all_o impediment_n of_o judge_v aright_o that_o so_o they_o may_v the_o better_o conceive_v the_o truth_n we_o be_v to_o speak_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 in_o reference_n to_o god_n 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 consute_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 ertor_n in_o receive_v enemy_n instead_o of_o friend_n and_o traitor_n for_o ambassador_n then_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n they_o put_v a_o evident_a difference_n between_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o these_o spirit_n as_o likewise_o to_o know_v what_o hierarchy_n and_o order_n there_o be_v among_o they_o what_o benefit_n may_v be_v expect_v from_o any_o of_o they_o and_o what_o honour_n by_o god_n permission_n or_o appointment_n be_v to_o be_v exhibit_v to_o they_o all_o which_o since_o they_o have_v not_o positive_o set_v down_o in_o their_o religion_n it_o be_v plain_a how_o uncertain_a the_o same_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 platâ—_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 angel_n must_v be_v serviceable_a and_o gracious_a be_v indeed_o minister_a spirit_n of_o the_o almighty_a sect_n iii_o eviâ—_n 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
needs_o follow_v as_o the_o jew_n have_v confess_v that_o these_o work_v proceed_v from_o a_o more_o than_o natural_a or_o humane_a power_n that_o be_v from_o some_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n that_o they_o proceed_v not_o from_o any_o evil_a spirit_n may_v be_v prove_v because_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o confirmation_n whereof_o these_o work_n be_v wrought_v be_v quite_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a to_o bad_a spirit_n for_o it_o prohibit_v the_o worship_v of_o evil_a angel_n and_o dissuade_v man_n from_o all_o unclearnesse_n of_o affection_n and_o manner_n wherein_o such_o spirit_n be_v much_o delight_v and_o this_o be_v also_o plain_a for_o that_o wheresoever_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v receive_v and_o establish_v there_o follow_v the_o ruin_n and_o downfall_n of_o idol_n the_o contempt_n and_o detestation_n of_o magical_a art_n together_o with_o a_o serious_a hatred_n of_o all_o diabolical_a worship_n as_o be_v a_o thing_n contrary_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god._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 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 conserence_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 no_o more_o then_o some_o of_o christ_n work_n there_o be_v so_o miraculous_a that_o they_o may_v 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 law_n giver_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 for_o since_o among_o those_o spectator_n and_o beholder_n of_o his_o miracle_n 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 or_o the_o only_a 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 do_v 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 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_v 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 sortresse_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 of_o wisdom_n and_o judgement_n will_v willing_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o special_o in_o such_o perilous_a and_o dangerous_a time_n as_o then_o be_v 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 a_o leasing-mung_a for_o god-have-mercy_o any_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 do_v then_o belong_v unto_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 commodity_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 sincere_o unless_o they_o omit_v or_o neglect_v all_o solicitous_a and_o anxious_a care_n for_o temporal_a commodity_n neither_o can_v the_o hope_n of_o any_o other_o worldly_a profit_n move_v they_o to_o fit_a or_o utter_a 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 country_n man_n be_v not_o so_o much_o worth_n that_o they_o poor_a innocent_a man_n be_v such_o as_o in_o their_o life_n and_o doctrine_n abhor_v losty_a mindedness_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 for_o the_o propagation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n wâ—â—_n be_v oppose_v both_o by_o corrupt_a covetous_a nature_n &_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v some_o way_n animate_v and_o encourage_v by_o the_o divine_a promise_n of_o god_n and_o further_o this_o fame_n or_o reputation_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v be_v not_o likely_a to_o continue_v for_o ever_o they_o can_v not_o promise_v to_o themselves_o that_o it_o will_v be_v perpetual_a see_v that_o god_n purposely_o conceal_v his_o counsel_n concern_v the_o end_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n have_v leave_v the_o time_n thereof_o doubtful_a as_o be_v always_o imminent_a at_o hand_n which_o the_o write_n of_o the_o christian_n that_o live_v in_o those_o time_n and_o of_o those_o that_o succeed_v they_o do_v most_o plainâ—â—y_o witness_v it_o remain_v therefore_o â—…f_o they_o lie_v that_o they_o have_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o religion_n how_o beâ—…t_v this_o can_v just_o be_v lay_v against_o they_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v right_o consider_v for_o either_o they_o â—did_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 most_o 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 there_o of_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 be_v expose_v to_o death_n for_o this_o profession_n which_o without_o