thus_o be_v there_o one_o way_n in_o mathematics_n another_o in_o physics_n a_o three_o in_o matter_n of_o advice_n and_o counsel_n and_o last_o another_o kind_n when_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v in_o question_n wherein_o very_o we_o must_v rest_v content_a when_o the_o testimony_n be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o untruth_n otherwise_o down_o go_v not_o only_o all_o the_o use_n of_o history_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o art_n of_o physic_n but_o all_o the_o piety_n also_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v between_o parent_n and_o child_n which_o can_v be_v know_v other_o way_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o almighty_a god_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v so_o that_o the_o very_a belief_n thereof_o may_v be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o obedience_n shall_v not_o so_o evident_o appear_v as_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v apprehend_v by_o sense_n and_o plain_a demonstration_n but_o only_o be_v so_o far_o forth_o reveal_v as_o may_v beget_v faith_n and_o a_o persuasion_n thereof_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o obstinate_a that_o so_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v as_o a_o touchstone_n whereby_o man_n disposition_n may_v be_v try_v whether_o they_o be_v curable_a or_o not_o for_o see_v these_o argument_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v have_v induce_v so_o many_o honest_a godly_a and_o wise_a man_n to_o approve_v of_o this_o religion_n it_o be_v thereby_o plain_a enough_o that_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n infidelity_n be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a testimony_n but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o have_v that_o to_o be_v have_v and_o embrace_v for_o truth_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o affection_n and_o desire_n it_o be_v that_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o they_o to_o make_v no_o great_a account_n of_o honour_n and_o other_o worldly_a advantage_n which_o they_o must_v do_v if_o they_o receive_v what_o christ_n have_v teach_v and_o so_o become_v engage_v to_o observe_v his_o precept_n which_o be_v discover_v to_o be_v true_a by_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o they_o take_v many_o other_o historical_a narration_n to_o be_v true_a which_o notwithstanding_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o mere_o by_o authority_n and_o not_o by_o any_o such_o footstep_n of_o they_o remain_v at_o this_o day_n as_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n have_v partly_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v now_o in_o be_v and_o partly_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v every_o where_o find_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_a people_n of_o which_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v there_o be_v some_o cause_n last_o see_v the_o long_a duration_n or_o continuance_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o large_a extent_n thereof_o can_v be_v ascribe_v to_o no_o humane_a power_n therefore_o it_o must_v be_v attribute_v to_o miracle_n or_o if_o any_o deny_v that_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v through_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n this_o very_a get_v so_o great_a strength_n and_o power_n without_o a_o miracle_n may_v be_v just_o think_v to_o surpass_v any_o miracle_n the_o three_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n after_o that_o a_o man_n be_v once_o persuade_v by_o the_o reason_n abovesaid_a or_o be_v induce_v by_o any_o other_o argument_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o religion_n which_o christian_n profess_v be_v the_o true_a and_o absolute_o the_o best_a if_o he_o desire_v to_o learn_v all_o the_o part_n thereof_o then_o must_v he_o have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o most_o ancient_a writing_n that_o contain_v the_o same_o religion_n which_o common_o we_o call_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o rather_o new_a covenant_n for_o he_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a who_o deny_v this_o religion_n to_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o book_n as_o all_o christian_n affirm_v since_o it_o be_v but_o equity_n to_o believe_v every_o sect_n be_v it_o good_a or_o be_v it_o bad_a when_o it_o say_v its_o opinion_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o book_n as_o we_o believe_v the_o mahometan_n that_o the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o alcoran_n forasmuch_o then_o as_o we_o have_v before_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v most_o true_a and_o it_o be_v manifest_a withal_o that_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o book_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n yet_o this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v and_o avouch_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n but_o if_o any_o body_n require_v a_o more_o particular_a demonstration_n of_o it_o i_o must_v first_o lay_v down_o this_o rule_n which_o all_o indifferent_a judge_n will_v allow_v that_o it_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o he_o who_o will_v impugn_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o writing_n receive_v for_o many_o age_n to_o produce_v argument_n which_o prove_v that_o write_v to_o be_v false_a which_o if_o he_o can_v do_v that_o book_n be_v to_o be_v defend_v as_o in_o possession_n of_o its_o authority_n sect_n ii_o here_o be_v show_v that_o such_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o have_v prefix_v we_o say_v then_o that_o those_o book_n which_o be_v not_o in_o question_n among_o christian_n and_o carry_v before_o they_o a_o certain_a name_n be_v the_o very_a work_n of_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v because_o those_o primitive_a father_n justin_n irenaeus_n clemens_n and_o other_o after_o they_o do_v quote_v those_o book_n under_o these_o very_a name_n as_o also_o because_o tertullian_n witness_v that_o there_o be_v original_a copy_n of_o some_o of_o those_o book_n extant_a in_o his_o time_n and_o beside_o all_o the_o church_n receive_v those_o book_n for_o authentical_a before_o there_o be_v any_o common_a public_a meeting_n neither_o do_v ever_o the_o pagan_n or_o jew_n raise_v any_o controversy_n about_o this_o as_o if_o these_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o those_o man_n who_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v but_o julian_n himself_o plain_o confess_v that_o those_o be_v the_o writing_n of_o peter_n and_o paul_n matthew_n mark_n and_o luke_n which_o christian_n under_o those_o name_n have_v read_v and_o receive_v for_o as_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n can_v doubt_v that_o those_o write_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o homer_n and_o virgil_n be_v true_o they_o because_o the_o one_o have_v be_v so_o long_a time_n receive_v among_o the_o latin_a and_o the_o other_o among_o the_o greek_a author_n in_o like_a manner_n it_o be_v more_o absurd_a to_o bring_v the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n in_o question_n which_o be_v grant_v almost_o by_o all_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n sect_n iii_o some_o book_n be_v ancient_o doubt_v of_o in_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n there_o be_v some_o book_n indeed_o now_o receive_v which_o be_v not_o so_o receive_v from_o the_o beginning_n as_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n that_o of_o st._n james_n and_o judas_n two_o of_o st._n john_n the_o elder_a the_o revelation_n and_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n yet_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o many_o church_n which_o appear_v sufficient_o from_o hence_o that_o the_o ancient_a christian_n use_v their_o testimony_n as_o sacred_a which_o make_v it_o credible_a that_o such_o church_n as_o from_o the_o beginning_n have_v not_o those_o book_n either_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o or_o doubtful_a yet_o afterward_o when_o they_o be_v better_o inform_v touch_v the_o same_o they_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o canon_n as_o we_o now_o see_v according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o other_o church_n neither_o can_v any_o good_a reason_n be_v give_v why_o any_o man_n shall_v counterfeit_v those_o book_n since_o there_o be_v nothing_o comprise_v in_o they_o neither_o can_v aught_o thence_o be_v collect_v which_o be_v not_o abundant_o express_v in_o other_o book_n unquestioned_a sect_n iv_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o book_n as_o have_v no_o title_n be_v prove_v from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o writer_n and_o here_o let_v no_o man_n mistrust_v the_o verity_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n because_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o be_v unknown_a nor_o doubt_v of_o the_o two_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n and_o the_o revelation_n because_o some_o man_n do_v question_n whether_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v john_n the_o apostle_n or_o some_o other_o of_o that_o name_n for_o the_o name_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o the_o quality_n or_o condition_n of_o writer_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o receive_v many_o book_n of_o history_n who_o author_n be_v to_o we_o unknown_a as_o that_o concern_v the_o alexandrian_a war_n by_o caesar_n because_o we_o may_v perceive_v that_o whosoever_o write_v the_o same_o
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 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 silly_a 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 there_o have_v be_v some_o in_o many_o age_n who_o have_v either_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o profess_v they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o for_o both_o the_o small_a number_n of_o they_o and_o the_o universal_a rejection_n of_o their_o opinion_n as_o soon_o as_o their_o argument_n be_v understand_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o use_n of_o right_a reason_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n but_o either_o from_o the_o affectation_n of_o novelty_n such_o as_o be_v in_o he_o that_o will_v needs_o maintain_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 meat_n 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
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
find_v or_o have_v ancient_o be_v find_v consent_v with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o hebrew_n touch_v joshua_n and_o other_o seeing_z that_o whosoever_o give_v credit_n unto_o moses_n which_o to_o do_v no_o man_n can_v without_o great_a impudence_n refuse_v the_o same_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v indeed_o wonderful_a miracle_n ancient_o wrought_v by_o god_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o here_o chief_o go_v about_o to_o declare_v as_o for_o the_o miracle_n of_o after_o age_n suppose_v of_o elijah_n and_o elisha_n and_o other_o there_o be_v the_o less_o reason_n to_o think_v they_o counterfeit_n because_o in_o those_o time_n judaea_n be_v both_o more_o know_v than_o former_o and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o diversity_n of_o religion_n be_v extreme_o hate_v by_o their_o neighbour_n who_o may_v have_v very_o easy_o blast_v the_o fame_n of_o such_o miracle_n if_o they_o have_v be_v lie_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v spread_v abroad_o the_o history_n of_o jonah_n who_o lie_v three_o day_n in_o the_o whale_n belly_n be_v to_o be_v read_v in_o lycophron_n and_o aeneas_n hazou_n save_v only_o that_o in_o stead_n of_o jonah_n they_o have_v put_v the_o name_n of_o hercules_n who_o they_o so_o much_o honour_v that_o to_o make_v he_o appear_v the_o more_o illustrious_a they_o be_v wont_a as_o tacitus_n and_o servius_n and_o other_o have_v note_v to_o report_v of_o he_o whatsoever_o magnificent_a thing_n they_o hear_v of_o in_o any_o other_o place_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o julian_n who_o be_v a_o enemy_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o much_o as_o of_o christian_n be_v force_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o history_n to_o confess_v that_o such_o man_n live_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o be_v inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o fire_v descend_v from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o moses_n and_o elias_n and_o very_o it_o be_v well_o worth_a our_o observation_n that_o among_o the_o hebrew_n there_o be_v not_o only_o grievous_a punishment_n appoint_v for_o such_o man_n as_o do_v false_o assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o prophetical_a function_n but_o also_o many_o king_n and_o great_a man_n that_o may_v have_v by_o that_o mean_v purchase_v authority_n to_o themselves_o and_o likewise_o very_a many_o learned_a man_n as_o be_v esdras_n and_o other_o that_o never_o dare_v arrogate_v to_o themselves_o this_o dignity_n nor_o any_o man_n else_o for_o divers_a age_n before_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n sect_n xvi_o the_o same_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o oracle_n and_o prediction_n but_o more_o unlikely_a it_o be_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o people_n shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o the_o avouch_n of_o a_o perpetual_a and_o public_a prodigy_n as_o we_o may_v call_v it_o to_o wit_n the_o holy_a oracle_n which_o after_o a_o resplendent_a manner_n shine_v from_o the_o breastplate_n of_o the_o highpriest_n the_o truth_n whereof_o be_v so_o strong_o believe_v by_o all_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v continue_v until_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o first_o temple_n that_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n their_o ancestor_n have_v certain_a knowledge_n concern_v the_o same_o like_o to_o this_o from_o miracle_n there_o be_v another_o argument_n as_o forcible_a and_o effectual_a to_o prove_v god_n providence_n take_v from_o those_o prediction_n of_o future_a event_n which_o among_o the_o hebrew_n be_v many_o and_o manifest_a such_o be_v that_o prophecy_n of_o his_o be_v make_v childless_a who_o shall_v attempt_v to_o re-edify_a jericho_n and_o that_o of_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o bethel_n by_o a_o king_n name_v josiah_n foretell_v above_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o the_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v so_o likewise_o the_o very_a name_n and_o chief_a act_n of_o cyrus_n foretell_v by_o esaiah_n the_o event_n of_o hierusalems_n siege_n by_o the_o chaldean_n foreshow_v by_o jeremiah_n so_o also_o daniel_n prediction_n touch_v the_o translation_n of_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o assyrian_n unto_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n then_o from_o they_o unto_o alexander_n of_o macedon_n who_o empire_n shall_v afterward_o in_o part_n be_v divide_v among_o the_o successor_n of_o ptolemy_n and_o seleucus_n and_o what_o evil_n also_o the_o hebrew_n nation_n shall_v suffer_v from_o all_o these_o but_o especial_o from_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n which_o be_v so_o clear_o foretell_v that_o porphyry_n who_o compare_v with_o these_o prediction_n such_o grecian_a history_n as_o be_v extant_a in_o his_o time_n can_v not_o otherwise_o tell_v how_o to_o shift_v they_o off_o than_o by_o say_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v father_v upon_o daniel_n be_v write_v after_o such_o time_n as_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o one_o shall_v deny_v that_o that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o time_n of_o augustus_n which_o have_v be_v publish_v in_o virgil_n name_n and_o be_v always_o repute_v for_o virgil_n work_n for_o there_o be_v never_o any_o more_o scruple_n make_v of_o the_o former_a among_o the_o hebrew_n than_o of_o this_o latter_a among_o the_o roman_n to_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v add_v very_o many_o and_o most_o famous_a oracle_n among_o the_o people_n of_o mexico_n and_o peru_n which_o foretell_v the_o come_n of_o the_o spaniard_n into_o those_o country_n and_o the_o calamity_n which_o shall_v thereupon_o follow_v and_o hither_o also_o may_v be_v refer_v not_o a_o few_o dream_n so_o exact_o agree_v with_o the_o event_n which_o both_o in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o cause_n be_v whole_o unknown_a to_o they_o that_o dream_v that_o they_o can_v without_o great_a immodesty_n be_v refer_v to_o chance_v or_o to_o natural_a cause_n of_o which_o kind_a tertullian_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v collect_v illustrious_a example_n out_o of_o the_o most_o approve_a author_n spectre_n also_o or_o apparition_n belong_v to_o this_o head_n which_o have_v be_v not_o only_o see_v but_o hear_v to_o speak_v as_o those_o historian_n relate_v who_o be_v the_o far_a from_o superstitious_a credulity_n and_o be_v report_v by_o witness_n of_o our_o own_o age_n who_o have_v live_v in_o china_n and_o in_o mexico_n and_o other_o part_n of_o america_n nor_o be_v public_a trial_n of_o innocence_n by_o touch_v of_o red_a hot_a ploughshare_n to_o be_v despise_v which_o the_o history_n of_o so_o many_o german_a nation_n and_o the_o law_n themselves_o have_v remember_v sect_n xvii_o the_o objection_n be_v answer_v why_o miracle_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v see_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n to_o object_n against_o such_o miracle_n because_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a to_o be_v see_v in_o these_o day_n neither_o the_o like_a prediction_n hear_v of_o for_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o divine_a providence_n that_o such_o thing_n do_v come_v to_o pass_v at_o any_o time_n which_o be_v once_o grant_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o god_n may_v be_v believe_v with_o as_o much_o providence_n and_o wisdom_n now_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o surcease_v as_o ancient_o he_o use_v the_o same_o neither_o stand_v it_o with_o reason_n that_o those_o law_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o universe_n concern_v the_o natural_a course_n of_o thing_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o future_a event_n shall_v be_v light_o or_o always_o transgress_v but_o only_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o either_o there_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n as_o when_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v almost_o banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n reside_v only_o in_o a_o little_a part_n thereof_o to_o wit_n in_o judaea_n where_o it_o necessary_o be_v to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v fortify_v with_o new_a aid_n against_o the_o impiety_n wherewith_o it_o be_v compass_v about_o or_o when_o christian_a religion_n whereof_o by_o and_o by_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o particular_o be_v first_o by_o god_n decree_n to_o be_v publish_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n sect_n xviii_o and_o that_o now_o there_o be_v such_o liberty_n in_o offend_v there_o be_v those_o who_o be_v wont_a to_o doubt_v of_o the_o divine_a providence_n because_o they_o see_v so_o much_o wickedness_n have_v like_o a_o deluge_n overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n which_o divine_a providence_n they_o contend_v if_o there_o be_v any_o will_v have_v make_v its_o chief_a business_n to_o restrain_v and_o suppress_v but_o this_o be_v easy_o answer_v consider_v that_o when_o god_n have_v create_v man_n with_o freedom_n to_o do_v good_a and_o evil_n reserve_v absolute_a and_o immutable_a goodness_n to_o himself_o it_o have_v not_o be_v reasonable_a to_o have_v put_v such_o a_o stop_n to_o evil_a action_n as_o shall_v have_v be_v contrary_a to_o that_o liberty_n howbeit_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n god_n use_v every_o kind_n of_o mean_n which_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o liberty_n aforesaid_a such_o be_v the_o ordain_v and_o publish_v of_o the_o
all_o shall_v be_v man_n happiness_n after_o this_o life_n see_v then_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o a_o nature_n that_o in_o itself_o have_v no_o ground_n or_o cause_n of_o its_o own_o corruption_n and_o see_v also_o that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o many_o sign_n and_o token_n whereby_o we_o ought_v to_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n the_o soul_n shall_v survive_v the_o body_n what_o more_o noble_a end_n can_v be_v propound_v to_o man_n than_o the_o state_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o in_o effect_n be_v the_o same_o that_o plato_n and_o the_o pythagorean_n speak_v of_o say_v that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o man_n if_o he_o can_v become_v most_o like_a unto_o god_n sect_n xxv_o which_o to_o obtain_v man_n must_v get_v the_o true_a religion_n now_o what_o this_o happiness_n be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v man_n may_v search_v by_o probable_a conjecture_n but_o if_o any_o thing_n concern_v this_o matter_n be_v reveal_v by_o god_n that_o must_v be_v hold_v for_o a_o most_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n which_o since_o christian_a religion_n pretend_v to_o bring_v unto_o we_o above_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v examine_v in_o the_o next_o book_n whether_o or_o not_o man_n ought_v to_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o and_o assure_o build_v their_o faith_n thereon_o the_o second_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o our_o purpose_n in_o this_o second_o book_n to_o handle_v all_o the_o point_n of_o christianity_n but_o after_o our_o hearty_a prayer_n make_v to_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o heaven_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v for_o such_o a_o work_n we_o shall_v only_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n itself_o be_v most_o true_a and_o certain_a which_o i_o thus_o begin_v sect_n ii_o here_o be_v show_v that_o jesus_n live_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n who_o live_v heretofore_o in_o judaea_n when_o tiberius_n be_v emperor_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o only_o most_o constant_o profess_v by_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v scatter_v over_o the_o face_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n but_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o jew_n who_o now_o be_v or_o ever_o write_v since_o those_o time_n nay_o the_o very_a pagan_a writer_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v neither_o of_o the_o jewish_a nor_o christian_a religion_n namely_o suetonius_n tacitus_n pliny_n the_o young_a and_o many_o more_o after_o they_o do_v testify_v the_o same_o sect_n iii_o and_o be_v put_v to_o a_o ignominious_a death_n that_o the_o same_o jesus_n be_v nail_v to_o a_o cross_n by_o pontius_n pilate_n governor_n of_o judaea_n be_v confess_v also_o by_o all_o christian_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v very_o disgraceful_a to_o they_o to_o be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o such_o a_o lord_n the_o jew_n also_o do_v the_o like_a though_o they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o upon_o this_o account_n they_o be_v very_o odious_a to_o christian_n in_o who_o dominion_n they_o live_v because_o their_o ancestor_n be_v the_o man_n that_o move_v pilate_n and_o persuade_v he_o to_o pass_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n upon_o jesus_n the_o pagan_a writer_n also_o now_o name_v have_v deliver_v the_o same_o to_o posterity_n yea_o the_o act_n of_o pilate_n be_v extant_a a_o long_a time_n after_o from_o whence_o this_o may_v have_v be_v prove_v to_o which_o christian_n never_o make_v their_o appeal_n for_o neither_o do_v julian_n himself_o nor_o any_o other_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n ever_o make_v doubt_n hereof_o so_o that_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o more_o certain_a story_n than_o this_o which_o we_o see_v may_v be_v confirm_v not_o only_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o few_o man_n but_o also_o by_o the_o approbation_n of_o several_a nation_n otherwise_o disagree_v and_o jar_v among_o themselves_o sect_n iv_o yet_o afterward_o be_v worship_v by_o prudent_a and_o godly_a men._n all_o which_o though_o it_o be_v most_o true_a yet_o we_o see_v how_o that_o throughout_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v worship_v as_o lord_n and_o that_o not_o in_o our_o day_n only_o or_o those_o which_o be_v late_o pass_v but_o ever_o since_o the_o time_n that_o this_o be_v do_v to_o wit_n ever_o since_o the_o reign_n of_o nero_n the_o emperor_n when_o many_o people_n that_o profess_v this_o worship_n of_o christ_n and_o christian_a religion_n be_v for_o that_o cause_n torture_v and_o put_v to_o death_n as_o tacitus_n and_o other_o do_v witness_n sect_n v._o the_o cause_n whereof_o be_v for_o that_o in_o his_o life_n time_n there_o be_v miracle_n do_v by_o he_o now_o among_o such_o as_o profess_a christianity_n there_o be_v always_o many_o person_n who_o be_v both_o judicious_a and_o not_o unlearned_a such_o as_o to_o say_v nothing_o now_o of_o the_o jew_n sergius_n governor_n of_o cyprus_n dionysius_n areopagita_n polycarpus_n justinus_n irenaeus_n athenagoras_n origen_n tertullian_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n with_o divers_a other_o who_o almost_o all_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o other_o religion_n and_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o any_o wealth_n or_o preferment_n by_o christianity_n yet_o become_v worshipper_n of_o this_o man_n that_o die_v so_o ignominious_a a_o death_n and_o exhibit_v due_a honour_n to_o he_o as_o god_n of_o which_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v but_o this_o alone_a that_o they_o make_v diligent_a enquiry_n as_o become_v prudent_a man_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o find_v that_o what_o be_v bruit_v abroad_o concern_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n be_v true_a and_o rely_v upon_o firm_a witness_n as_o the_o cure_n and_o that_o with_o his_o word_n only_o and_o before_o all_o the_o people_n divers_z grievous_a and_o inveterate_a disease_n the_o restore_n of_o sight_n to_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a the_o multiply_a of_o a_o few_o loaf_n more_o than_o once_o for_o the_o feed_v many_o thousand_o who_o can_v testify_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o recall_v of_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o and_o many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n the_o report_n of_o which_o thing_n have_v then_o such_o a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a original_n that_o neither_o celsus_n nor_o julian_n when_o they_o write_v against_o christian_n dare_v deny_v there_o be_v some_o prodigy_n do_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o hebrew_n in_o the_o talmudical_a book_n do_v open_o confess_v it_o sect_n vi_o which_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v either_o by_o the_o help_n of_o nature_n or_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o mere_o by_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o god._n that_o these_o wondrous_a work_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o any_o natural_a power_n it_o be_v manifest_a by_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o they_o be_v call_v wonder_n and_o miracle_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a by_o the_o force_n of_o nature_n that_o any_o grievous_a disease_n and_o infirmity_n shall_v be_v cure_v mere_o by_o a_o man_n voice_n or_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o touch_n and_o that_o even_o upon_o a_o sudden_a and_o if_o such_o work_n can_v have_v any_o way_n be_v ascribe_v to_o a_o natural_a efficacy_n it_o will_v have_v be_v say_v before_o now_o either_o by_o those_o that_o be_v profess_a enemy_n of_o christ_n while_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n or_o by_o those_o that_o have_v be_v adversary_n of_o his_o gospel_n since_o his_o death_n by_o the_o like_a argument_n we_o may_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o juggle_a delusion_n because_o they_o be_v do_v open_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o people_n among_o who_o divers_a of_o the_o learned_a sort_n do_v malign_v and_o bear_v ill_a will_n unto_o christ_n not_o without_o envy_n observe_v all_o that_o he_o do_v add_v further_o that_o the_o like_a work_n be_v often_o iterate_v and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o be_v not_o transitory_a but_o permanent_a and_o durable_a all_o which_o be_v due_o ponder_v it_o must_v 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 spirit_n either_o good_a or_o evil_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 uncleanness_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
live_v in_o those_o time_n and_o be_v present_a when_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o like_a manner_n it_o ought_v to_o suffice_v we_o that_o whosoever_o write_v the_o book_n we_o speak_v of_o both_o live_v in_o the_o primitive_a age_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o apostolical_a gift_n for_o if_o any_o body_n will_v say_v that_o these_o quality_n may_v be_v feign_v as_o the_o very_a name_n may_v be_v in_o other_o write_n he_o say_v that_o which_o be_v not_o credible_a viz._n that_o they_o who_o every_o where_o press_v the_o study_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n will_v for_o no_o cause_n at_o all_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o crime_n of_o forgery_n which_o be_v not_o only_o detestable_a among_o all_o good_a man_n but_o by_o the_o roman_a law_n be_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n sect_n v._o these_o penman_n write_v the_o truth_n because_o they_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o what_o they_o write_v this_o therefore_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v write_v by_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v or_o by_o such_o as_o bear_v sufficient_a witness_n of_o themselves_o to_o which_o if_o we_o far_o add_v that_o they_o be_v also_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o matter_n whereof_o they_o write_v and_o have_v no_o purpose_n to_o lie_v or_o dissemble_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o commit_v to_o writing_n be_v both_o certain_a and_o true_a because_o every_o untruth_n proceed_v either_o from_o ignorance_n or_o from_o a_o wicked_a desire_n to_o deceive_v as_o touch_v matthew_n john_n peter_n and_o judas_n they_o be_v all_o of_o the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n of_o those_o twelve_o who_o jesus_n do_v choose_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o want_v notice_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v relate_v the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o james_n who_o be_v either_o a_o apostle_n or_o as_o some_o think_v the_o next_o akin_a to_o jesus_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n consecrate_v bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n paul_n also_o can_v not_o err_v through_o lack_n of_o knowledge_n about_o those_o point_n which_o he_o profess_v be_v reveal_v to_o he_o by_o jesus_n himself_o reign_v in_o heaven_n nor_o can_v he_o or_o luke_n either_o who_o be_v a_o inseparable_a companion_n to_o he_o in_o his_o travel_n be_v deceive_v about_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v by_o himself_o this_o luke_n may_v easy_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o write_v concern_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n for_o he_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o place_n next_o adjoin_v to_o palestina_n through_o which_o country_n when_o he_o travel_v he_o say_v he_o speak_v with_o such_o person_n as_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v for_o doubtless_o beside_o the_o apostle_n with_o who_o he_o have_v familiarity_n there_o live_v many_o other_o at_o that_o time_n who_o have_v be_v cure_v by_o jesus_n and_o have_v see_v he_o both_o before_o his_o death_n and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n if_o we_o will_v give_v credit_n to_o tacitus_n and_o suetonius_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o happen_v a_o long_a time_n before_o they_o be_v bear_v because_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o diligent_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n thereof_o how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o believe_v this_o writer_n who_o say_v that_o he_o receive_v all_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o relate_v from_o they_o that_o have_v see_v the_o same_o it_o be_v credible_o report_v of_o mark_n that_o he_o be_v a_o constant_a companion_n with_o peter_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o he_o write_v be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o dictate_v by_o peter_n who_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o beside_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o he_o write_v be_v almost_o all_o extant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n neither_o can_v the_o author_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v deceive_v or_o delude_v in_o those_o vision_n which_o he_o say_v be_v send_v unto_o he_o from_o heaven_n nor_o he_o that_o write_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n err_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o profess_v either_o to_o be_v inspire_v into_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o else_o teach_v he_o by_o the_o apostle_n sect_n vi_o as_o also_o because_o they_o will_v not_o lie_v the_o other_o reason_n we_o speak_v of_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o say_v holy_a writer_n because_o they_o have_v no_o will_n to_o tell_v a_o untruth_n be_v twist_v with_o that_o which_o we_o handle_v above_o when_o in_o general_n we_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n those_o that_o will_v accuse_v any_o witness_n for_o the_o pravity_n of_o their_o will_n must_v produce_v something_o by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v think_v credible_a their_o will_n may_v be_v divert_v from_o utter_v the_o truth_n but_o this_o can_v be_v aver_v of_o the_o say_a author_n for_o if_o any_o do_v object_n and_o say_v that_o they_o act_v in_o their_o own_o cause_n and_o do_v their_o own_o business_n we_o must_v see_v why_o this_o shall_v be_v think_v their_o cause_n and_o interest_n not_o that_o they_o may_v get_v any_o thing_n by_o it_o in_o this_o world_n or_o thereby_o avoid_v any_o danger_n when_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o profession_n they_o both_o lose_v all_o the_o good_n of_o this_o world_n and_o venture_v upon_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n this_o therefore_o be_v not_o their_o cause_n and_o interest_n but_o only_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o god_n which_o sure_o do_v not_o persuade_v man_n to_o lie_v especial_o in_o such_o a_o business_n whereupon_o depend_v the_o everlasting_a salvation_n of_o mankind_n such_o a_o impious_a piece_n of_o villainy_n we_o can_v believe_v they_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o if_o we_o consider_v either_o their_o doctrine_n every_o where_o most_o full_a of_o piety_n or_o their_o life_n which_o be_v never_o yet_o accuse_v of_o any_o wicked_a deed_n no_o not_o by_o their_o great_a enemy_n who_o object_v nothing_o to_o they_o but_o their_o want_n of_o learning_n and_o unskilfulness_n which_o do_v not_o qualify_v they_o sure_o for_o invent_v falsehood_n and_o indeed_o if_o there_o have_v be_v the_o least_o spice_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o fraud_n and_o cheat_v in_o they_o they_o will_v not_o themselves_o have_v record_v their_o own_o fault_n and_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o as_o of_o their_o all_o forsake_v their_o master_n when_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o peter_n denial_n of_o he_o three_o time_n sect_n vii_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o fidelity_n of_o these_o author_n from_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v on_o the_o other_o side_n god_n himself_o give_v illustrious_a testimony_n of_o their_o fidelity_n by_o work_a wonder_n which_o either_o they_o or_o their_o disciple_n with_o great_a boldness_n public_o avouch_v add_v also_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o their_o assertion_n may_v easy_o have_v be_v discover_v by_o the_o inquisition_n of_o the_o magistrate_n among_o which_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n which_o they_o have_v most_o constant_o deliver_v both_o concern_v the_o use_n of_o tongue_n which_o they_o have_v never_o learn_v among_o many_o thousand_o man_n and_o their_o cure_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n upon_o a_o sudden_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o people_n neither_o be_v they_o any_o whit_n dismay_v with_o fear_n either_o of_o the_o jewish_a magistrate_n of_o those_o time_n who_o they_o know_v to_o be_v most_o malicious_o set_v against_o they_o or_o of_o the_o roman_n who_o be_v far_o from_o have_v any_o good_a will_n to_o they_o and_z they_o be_v sure_a will_v lay_v hold_n on_o any_o thing_n on_o which_o they_o may_v ground_v a_o charge_n of_o their_o be_v inventor_n of_o a_o new_a religion_n and_o yet_o neither_o jew_n nor_o pagan_n in_o the_o time_n immediate_o follow_v 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23._o exod._n 35._o 2._o levit._fw-la 23._o 3._o and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o deliverance_n from_o egypt_n be_v make_v the_o reason_n for_o the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n deut._n 5._o 15._o by_o which_o law_n provision_n also_o be_v make_v for_o servant_n against_o the_o severity_n of_o those_o master_n that_o will_v not_o grant_v they_o any_o rest_n or_o relaxation_n from_o daily_a labour_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o place_n aforesaid_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o stranger_n be_v bind_v to_o observe_v this_o law_n because_o it_o be_v meet_v there_o shall_v be_v one_o form_n of_o rest_n among_o all_o the_o people_n but_o this_o law_n of_o so_o exact_a rest_v upon_o the_o sabbath_n be_v not_o give_v to_o other_o people_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o this_o that_o in_o many_o place_n it_o be_v call_v a_o sign_n and_o a_o special_a covenant_n also_o between_o god_n and_o the_o israelite_n as_o in_o exod._n 31._o 13._o &_o 16._o now_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o by_o the_o promise_n 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speak_v unto_o abraham_n gen._n 17._o saying_n i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o the_o land_n wherein_o thou_o be_v a_o stranger_n all_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o a_o everlasting_a possession_n and_o i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o god_n say_v unto_o abraham_n thou_o shall_v keep_v my_o covenant_n therefore_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o every_o manchild_n among_o you_o shall_v be_v circumcise_v but_o now_o we_o know_v by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v that_o in_o the_o place_n of_o this_o covenant_n a_o new_a covenant_n be_v to_o succeed_v which_o shall_v be_v common_a to_o all_o people_n for_o which_o cause_n the_o necessity_n of_o that_o note_n of_o distinction_n aught_o to_o cease_v beside_o in_o the_o precept_n of_o circumcision_n there_o be_v a_o mystical_a and_o more_o excellent_a signification_n contain_v which_o the_o prophet_n do_v plain_o show_v in_o that_o they_o command_v the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o jesus_n aim_n at_o wherefore_o the_o promise_n also_o annex_v to_o circumcision_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n to_o be_v refer_v to_o some_o great_a thing_n as_o that_o of_o earthly_a possession_n to_o the_o revelation_n of_o a_o possession_n true_o eternal_a which_o be_v never_o make_v more_o manifest_a than_o by_o jesus_n so_o that_o promise_n of_o make_v abraham_n a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n have_v reference_n to_o that_o time_n when_o not_o a_o few_o but_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o people_n disperse_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v imitate_v abraham_n faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n which_o be_v so_o often_o mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o this_o never_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o the_o shadow_n of_o a_o intend_a work_n be_v take_v away_o when_o the_o matter_n itself_o be_v accomplish_v last_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o this_o sign_n we_o may_v easy_o discern_v because_o not_o only_o the_o more_o ancient_a but_o abraham_n himself_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o receive_v circumcision_n please_v god_n the_o hebrew_n also_o during_o all_o the_o time_n of_o their_o journey_n through_o the_o desert_n of_o arabia_n omit_v circumcision_n and_o yet_o god_n find_v no_o fault_n with_o they_o for_o it_o sect_n xii_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n be_v gentle_a in_o the_o toleration_n of_o these_o thing_n no_o doubt_n but_o the_o hebrew_n have_v cause_n to_o yield_v many_o thanks_o to_o jesus_n and_o his_o ambassador_n for_o that_o by_o christ_n they_o may_v be_v free_v from_o that_o heavy_a yoke_n of_o ceremony_n and_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o their_o freedom_n both_o by_o gift_n and_o miracle_n such_o as_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o those_o that_o be_v wrought_v by_o moses_n and_o yet_o the_o first_o publisher_n of_o our_o christian_a doctrine_n do_v not_o exact_v so_o much_o of_o they_o as_o to_o 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the_o jew_n that_o in_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n above_o many_o other_o author_n and_o donor_n of_o great_a good_a thing_n to_o the_o hebrew_n there_o be_v one_o man_n promise_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o rest_n who_o they_o call_v by_o a_o name_n common_a to_o other_o but_o in_o the_o high_a sense_n of_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o alone_o the_o messiah_n this_o messiah_n we_o say_v be_v come_v long_o ago_o but_o they_o expect_v he_o as_o yet_o for_o to_o come_v it_o remain_v then_o that_o we_o seek_v for_o a_o decision_n of_o this_o controversy_n out_o of_o those_o book_n the_o authority_n whereof_o we_o both_o do_v joint_o acknowledge_v sect_n fourteen_o who_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v already_o come_v by_o the_o limit_a time_n of_o his_o come_n which_o be_v foretell_v the_o prophet_n daniel_n to_o who_o
in_o abundance_n of_o quotation_n and_o must_v after_o all_o believe_v that_o we_o report_v they_o true_o and_o therefore_o may_v as_o well_o believe_v we_o when_o we_o say_v that_o they_o be_v ready_a at_o hand_n to_o attest_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v here_o affirm_v from_o their_o authority_n since_o the_o finish_n of_o this_o little_a labour_n i_o be_v inform_v by_o a_o friend_n that_o mr._n clement_n barksdale_n have_v translate_v part_n of_o this_o work_n into_o english_a and_o upon_o search_n i_o find_v the_o three_o first_o book_n among_o some_o other_o discourse_n print_v 1669._o and_o i_o be_o tell_v further_o by_o another_o friend_n that_o he_o have_v late_o add_v though_o i_o have_v not_o see_v it_o the_o three_o last_o book_n which_o if_o i_o have_v know_v soon_o it_o may_v have_v save_v i_o i_o believe_v most_o if_o not_o all_o of_o the_o pain_n i_o have_v take_v but_o i_o be_v perfect_o ignorant_a of_o it_o as_o i_o perceive_v he_o be_v of_o any_o former_a 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commit_v to_o memory_n for_o my_o intention_n be_v to_o do_v some_o good_a service_n hereby_o to_o all_o my_o countryman_n especial_o to_o seafaring_a man_n that_o in_o their_o long_a voyage_n wherein_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v they_o may_v lay_v out_o their_o time_n and_o employ_v it_o rather_o than_o as_o too_o many_o do_v lose_v and_o misspend_v it_o wherefore_o take_v my_o rise_n from_o the_o commendation_n of_o our_o nation_n which_o for_o diligent_a skill_n in_o navigation_n much_o excel_v the_o rest_n i_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o use_v this_o art_n as_o a_o divine_a benefit_n not_o mere_o for_o their_o own_o gain_n but_o for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o true_a that_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n for_o they_o will_v neither_o want_v matter_n for_o such_o endeavour_n when_o in_o their_o long_a voyage_n they_o common_o meet_v either_o with_o pagan_n as_o in_o china_n and_o guinea_n or_o with_o mahometan_n as_o under_o the_o turkish_a empire_n the_o persian_a and_o the_o african_n or_o with_o jew_n who_o as_o they_o be_v now_o profess_v enemy_n of_o christian_n so_o be_v disperse_v through_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o there_o will_v always_o be_v store_n of_o impious_a man_n who_o be_v ready_a upon_o occasion_n to_o vent_v the_o poison_n which_o for_o fear_n they_o keep_v conceal_v against_o which_o mischief_n i_o wish_v that_o our_o countryman_n may_v be_v sufficient_o arm_v and_o that_o they_o who_o be_v more_o ingenious_a than_o other_o will_v use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o confute_v error_n and_o the_o rest_n will_v at_o least_o be_v so_o cautious_a as_o not_o to_o be_v overcome_v by_o they_o and_o that_o i_o may_v show_v religion_n be_v no_o frivolous_a thing_n i_o begin_v in_o the_o first_o book_n 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 now_o that_o i_o attempt_v to_o prove_v after_o this_o manner_n the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o truth_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 some_o thing_n which_o 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 contingent_a 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 god_n head_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 utter_o lose_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o good_a manner_n and_o become_v altogether_o wild_a and_o savage_a for_o since_o those_o thing_n which_o proceed_v from_o man_n pleasure_n and_o appointment_n be_v neither_o the_o same_o among_o all_o man_n and_o be_v often_o subject_a to_o change_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o place_n where_o this_o notion_n be_v not_o find_v and_o it_o be_v not_o change_v by_o the_o alteration_n of_o time_n as_o aristotle_n himself_o note_v who_o be_v