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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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
follow_v that_o we_o consider_v by_o what_o mean_v this_o christian_a religion_n have_v its_o augmentation_n and_o increase_n that_o therein_o it_o may_v be_v comparable_a and_o prefer_v before_o other_o we_o see_v it_o common_o true_a of_o most_o man_n that_o they_o will_v easy_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o king_n and_o potentate_n what_o way_n soever_o they_o go_v special_o if_o law_n and_o penalty_n compel_v they_o to_o it_o hereby_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o of_o mahumet_n propagate_v but_o they_o that_o first_o teach_v the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o want_v all_o civil_a power_n and_o authority_n but_o be_v of_o mean_a condition_n no_o better_a than_o poor_a fisherman_n weaver_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o by_o such_o man_n pain_n and_o industry_n that_o doctrine_n within_o the_o space_n of_o thirty_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o be_v publish_v not_o only_o throughout_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n but_o also_o among_o the_o parthian_n 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many_o also_o be_v admirable_a for_o eloquence_n as_o xenophon_n plato_n and_o theophrastus_n but_o the_o first_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n of_o christianity_n be_v endue_v with_o no_o such_o art_n but_o use_v the_o plain_a language_n without_o entice_a word_n only_o after_o a_o bare_a manner_n or_o naked_a form_n of_o speech_n pronounce_v their_o precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n which_o have_v no_o efficacy_n in_o themselves_o proportionable_a to_o such_o a_o progress_n as_o christianity_n make_v we_o must_v needs_o confess_v it_o be_v either_o attend_v by_o miracle_n or_o by_o god_n secret_a power_n assist_v the_o business_n or_o both_o together_o sect_n xxiii_o what_o great_a impediment_n there_o be_v that_o may_v terrify_v man_n from_o the_o embrace_v or_o the_o profess_v hereof_o hereunto_o may_v be_v add_v another_o thing_n considerable_a namely_o that_o they_o who_o receive_v christianity_n from_o those_o teacher_n have_v not_o their_o mind_n void_a of_o a_o certain_a form_n and_o rule_v of_o religion_n and_o so_o be_v not_o by_o that_o mean_v ductile_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v draw_v as_o they_o be_v who_o first_o receive_v the_o paganish_a worship_n and_o mahomet_n law_n much_o less_o be_v their_o mind_n prepare_v for_o it_o by_o some_o antecedent_n institution_n as_o the_o hebrew_n by_o circumcision_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o god_n be_v make_v fit_a to_o accept_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o quite_o contrary_a be_v fill_v with_o opinion_n and_o custom_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o another_o nature_n repugnant_a to_o those_o new_a institution_n be_v educate_v viz._n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o law_n and_o of_o their_o parent_n in_o the_o paganish_a religion_n or_o the_o jewish_a rite_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v another_o impediment_n to_o wit_n the_o most_o grievous_a evil_n which_o they_o who_o undertake_v christianity_n must_v expect_v to_o suffer_v or_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v upon_o that_o account_n for_o see_v that_o humane_a nature_n abhor_v such_o evil_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o evil_n can_v be_v admit_v of_o without_o much_o difficulty_n a_o long_a time_n be_v the_o christian_n deprive_v of_o all_o honour_n and_o dignity_n and_o likewise_o much_o afflict_v with_o divers_a penalty_n with_o confiscation_n of_o good_n and_o banishment_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v all_o but_o flea-bite_n for_o they_o be_v condemn_v to_o dig_v in_o the_o mine_n and_o to_o suffer_v torment_n than_o which_o more_o cruel_a can_v not_o be_v devise_v and_o such_o multitude_n of_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n at_o one_o time_n sweep_v away_o and_o devour_v either_o by_o famine_n or_o pestilence_n or_o war_n as_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o time_n do_v testify_v their_o manner_n and_o kind_n of_o death_n also_o be_v not_o ordinary_a but_o some_o be_v bury_v alive_a other_o crucify_v other_o endure_v punishment_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n which_o can_v be_v read_v or_o think_v of_o without_o the_o great_a horror_n and_o yet_o this_o savage_a cruelty_n which_o continue_v without_o much_o intermission_n and_o that_o not_o every_o where_n till_o almost_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n in_o the_o roman_a world_n and_o in_o other_o place_n endure_v long_o be_v so_o far_o from_o diminish_v the_o number_n of_o christian_n that_o quite_o contrary_a their_o blood_n may_v be_v call_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n there_o spring_v up_o still_o so_o many_o in_o the_o room_n of_o those_o that_o be_v cut_v off_o now_o let_v we_o herein_o also_o compare_v other_o religion_n with_o christianity_n the_o greek_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pagan_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o magnify_v their_o own_o thing_n above_o measure_n yet_o give_v we_o in_o but_o a_o very_a short_a catalogue_n of_o such_o as_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o doctrine_n some_o gymnosophist_n socrates_n not_o many_o more_o be_v all_o they_o can_v number_v and_o in_o those_o eminent_a man_n it_o can_v scarce_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o desire_n of_o transmit_v their_o fame_n to_o posterity_n which_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o business_n but_o among_o those_o christian_n that_o suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o their_o faith_n there_o be_v very_o many_o of_o mean_a rank_n of_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o people_n such_o as_o be_v scarce_o ever_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o know_v to_o their_o neighbour_n that_o live_v hard_o by_o they_o there_o be_v woman_n also_o virgin_n and_o young_a man_n such_o as_o have_v no_o desire_n nor_o any_o probable_a hope_n of_o get_v renown_n in_o future_a time_n by_o their_o suffering_n according_a as_o in_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n we_o find_v the_o name_n but_o of_o a_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v put_v to_o death_n who_o be_v only_o register_v in_o gross_a to_o which_o we_o must_v add_v that_o by_o a_o small_a compliance_n and_o simulation_n suppose_v by_o cast_v a_o little_a frankincense_n upon_o the_o altar_n most_o of_o they_o may_v have_v free_v themselves_o from_o such_o punishment_n which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o those_o philosopher_n who_o whatsoever_o they_o may_v think_v secret_o in_o their_o heart_n in_o all_o their_o apparent_a action_n conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o vulgar_a custom_n so_o that_o to_o have_v suffer_v death_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n can_v well_o be_v attribute_v to_o any_o other_o but_o only_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n and_o not_o to_o the_o jew_n neither_o after_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n nor_o before_o they_o but_o to_o a_o few_o if_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o christian_n more_o of_o which_o suffer_v for_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o some_o one_o province_n than_o the_o jew_n ever_o do_v who_o patience_n in_o this_o kind_n may_v all_o very_o near_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o time_n of_o manasses_n and_o of_o antiochus_n wherefore_o see_v christian_a religion_n in_o this_o particular_a also_o so_o vast_o excel_v all_o other_o it_o ought_v just_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o they_o and_o from_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o all_o kind_n and_o sex_n of_o people_n distinguish_v by_o so_o many_o several_a place_n and_o age_n as_o do_v not_o stick_v to_o die_v for_o this_o religion_n we_o may_v well_o gather_v there_o be_v very_o great_a cause_n of_o such_o constancy_n which_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v any_o other_o but_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god._n sect_n xxiv_o answer_v to_o they_o that_o require_v more_o forcible_a reason_n final_o if_o any_o yet_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o these_o argument_n abovesaid_a but_o desire_v more_o forcible_a reason_n for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v such_o know_v that_o according_a as_o thing_n be_v divers_a they_o must_v also_o have_v divers_a kind_n of_o proof_n 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
a_o kind_n of_o god_n over_o they_o sect_n vii_o against_o worship_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v no_o substance_n we_o find_v also_o that_o the_o grecian_n roman_n and_o other_o worship_v those_o thing_n which_o have_v no_o subsistence_n but_o be_v mere_a accident_n of_o other_o thing_n for_o to_o omit_v those_o uncouth_a deity_n the_o fever_n dame_n impudence_n and_o the_o like_a let_v we_o name_v the_o better_a sort_n such_o be_v health_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o right_a temperature_n of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n good_a fortune_n which_o be_v a_o event_n that_o be_v correspondent_a to_o a_o man_n desire_n the_o affection_n also_o such_o as_o love_v fear_v anger_n hope_v and_o the_o rest_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o something_o that_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n easy_a or_o difficult_a be_v certain_a motion_n or_o passion_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n by_o the_o blood_n especial_o not_o have_v any_o absolute_a power_n of_o themselves_o but_o be_v subordinate_a hand_n maid_n to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o will_n their_o mistress_n at_o least_o in_o their_o continuance_n and_o direction_n then_o for_o virtue_n who_o name_n be_v divers_a prudence_n in_o choose_v what_o be_v profitable_a for_o we_o fortitude_n in_o undertake_v danger_n justice_n in_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o be_v another_o man_n temperance_n in_o the_o moderation_n of_o pleasure_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v certain_a inclination_n and_o propension_n in_o the_o mind_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v right_a grow_v up_o by_o long_a exercise_n and_o practice_n which_o as_o they_o may_v be_v augment_v in_o a_o man_n so_o may_v they_o by_o neglect_n be_v diminish_v nay_o quite_o lose_v and_o abolish_v as_o for_o honour_n whereunto_o we_o read_v there_o be_v temple_n dedicate_v it_o be_v other_o man_n judgement_n or_o good_a opinion_n concern_v one_o who_o they_o suppose_v endue_v with_o virtue_n which_o be_v often_o bestow_v upon_o bad_a man_n as_o well_o as_o good_a by_o the_o natural_a proneness_n there_o be_v in_o man_n to_o err_v in_o their_o judgement_n these_o therefore_o have_v no_o subsistence_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v compare_v in_o dignity_n and_o worth_n with_o thing_n that_o do_v subsist_v nor_o have_v any_o understanding_n of_o man_n prayer_n or_o veneration_n it_o be_v most_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o worship_v they_o as_o god_n when_o for_o this_o very_a thing_n he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v who_o can_v both_o give_v and_o preserve_v they_o sect_n viii_o answer_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o gentile_n take_v from_o miracle_n do_v among_o they_o the_o pagan_n for_o the_o commendation_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v wont_a to_o allege_v miracle_n but_o such_o as_o in_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v except_v against_o for_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o pagan_n reject_v many_o of_o these_o as_o support_v by_o no_o testimony_n of_o any_o credible_a witness_n but_o plain_o counterfeit_v and_o fabulous_a other_o miracle_n which_o they_o say_v be_v do_v happen_v in_o some_o secret_a place_n in_o the_o night_n before_o one_o or_o two_o who_o eye_n the_o craft_n of_o the_o priest_n may_v easy_o delude_v by_o false_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v other_o which_o raise_v great_a admiration_n and_o pass_v for_o wonder_n mere_o because_o they_o meet_v with_o those_o who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o natural_a thing_n especial_o of_o hide_a property_n as_o for_o instance_n such_o a_o thing_n may_v happen_v if_o one_o shall_v draw_v iron_n with_o the_o loadstone_n among_o people_n who_o know_v nothing_o of_o its_o virtue_n in_o which_o art_n simon_n magus_n and_o apollonius_n as_o many_o have_v record_v be_v very_o skilful_a i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o some_o thing_n great_a than_o these_o be_v see_v which_o by_o man_n power_n alone_o can_v not_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o natural_a cause_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o need_v a_o power_n which_o be_v true_o divine_a that_o be_v omnipotent_a but_o may_v be_v perform_v by_o spirit_n that_o be_v place_v between_o god_n and_o men._n who_o by_o their_o celerity_n efficacy_n subtlety_n and_o diligence_n can_v easy_o carry_v thing_n far_o distant_a from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o and_o compound_v thing_n that_o be_v very_o different_a to_o the_o work_n of_o such_o effect_n as_o shall_v strike_v man_n with_o astonishment_n but_o that_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o this_o be_v effect_v be_v not_o good_a and_o therefore_o neither_o be_v the_o religion_n good_a appear_v already_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v before_o and_o from_o hence_o also_o that_o they_o say_v they_o be_v compel_v to_o do_v thing_n even_o against_o their_o will_n by_o the_o power_n of_o certain_a charm_n when_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o pagan_n agree_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o virtue_n in_o word_n but_o only_o a_o power_n of_o persuasion_n and_o that_o no_o other_o way_n than_o by_o their_o signification_n and_o it_o be_v another_o token_n of_o their_o wickedness_n that_o they_o undertake_v to_o allure_v and_o draw_v this_o or_o that_o body_n though_o never_o so_o backward_o to_o it_o into_o the_o love_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o person_n wherein_o they_o be_v injurious_a to_o they_o either_o in_o their_o vain_a promise_n or_o in_o effect_v what_o they_o promise_v for_o this_o also_o be_v forbid_v by_o humane_a law_n as_o a_o piece_n of_o sorcery_n neither_o need_v any_o man_n wonder_v why_o god_n suffer_v some_o marvel_n to_o be_v wrought_v by_o evil_a spirit_n among_o the_o gentile_n see_v they_o deserve_v to_o be_v cheat_v with_o such_o illusion_n who_o so_o long_a time_n have_v forsake_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n moreover_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o their_o weakeness_n and_o impotency_n that_o their_o work_n never_o bring_v any_o considerable_a good_a along_o with_o they_o for_o if_o any_o seem_v to_o be_v call_v back_o to_o life_n after_o they_o be_v dead_a they_o do_v not_o continue_v alive_a neither_o can_v they_o exercise_v the_o function_n of_o live_a creature_n or_o if_o it_o happen_v that_o any_o thing_n proceed_v happy_o from_o a_o divine_a power_n do_v appear_v to_o the_o pagan_n yet_o the_o same_o be_v not_o foretell_v shall_v come_v to_o pass_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v other_o cause_n and_o far_o different_a reason_n which_o the_o divine_a efficacy_n propound_v to_o itself_o in_o the_o do_v those_o thing_n as_o for_o example_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o vespasian_n restore_v sight_n to_o one_o blind_a this_o be_v do_v that_o he_o be_v thereby_o make_v more_o venerable_a may_v the_o more_o easy_o obtain_v the_o roman_a empire_n to_o which_o he_o be_v choose_v by_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o minister_n of_o his_o judgement_n upon_o the_o jew_n more_o such_o like_a cause_n there_o may_v be_v of_o other_o wonder_n which_o have_v no_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o their_o religion_n sect_n ix_o and_o from_o oracle_n the_o very_a same_o likewise_o in_o a_o manner_n may_v serve_v for_o answer_v to_o that_o which_o they_o object_v concern_v oracle_n especial_o what_o we_o have_v say_v that_o these_o man_n do_v worthy_o deserve_v to_o be_v delude_v for_o contempt_n of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o reason_n or_o ancient_a tradition_n suggest_v to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o then_o again_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oracle_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v ambiguous_a and_o may_v easy_o receive_v a_o interpretation_n from_o any_o event_n whatsoever_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o express_o foretell_v by_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v proceed_v from_o a_o all-knowing_a mind_n for_o it_o be_v either_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o may_v be_v foresee_v by_o natural_a cause_n then_o exist_v as_o some_o physician_n have_v foretell_v disease_n that_o be_v a_o come_n or_o else_o some_o probable_a conjecture_n may_v be_v make_v by_o that_o which_o common_o fall_v out_o and_o usual_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o we_o read_v of_o some_o person_n well_o skilled_a in_o civil_a affair_n that_o have_v make_v notable_a guess_n at_o future_a event_n again_o suppose_v that_o among_o the_o pagan_n god_n sometime_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o some_o prophet_n to_o foretell_v those_o thing_n which_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a cause_n beside_o the_o will_n of_o god_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o approve_v or_o confirm_v their_o heathenish_a religion_n but_o rather_o overthew_v it_o such_o for_o instance_n be_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o four_o eclogue_n of_o virgil_n take_v out_o of_o the_o sibyl_n verse_n where_o unwitting_o the_o poet_n give_v we_o a_o lively_a description_n of_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n so_o in_o the_o same_o book_n of_o the_o sibyl_n it_o be_v that_o
nature_n that_o do_v communicate_v any_o thing_n of_o its_o own_o unto_o god_n neither_o be_v he_o capable_a of_o aught_o that_o any_o other_o thing_n can_v impart_v be_v as_o before_o we_o say_v altogether_o absolute_a and_o necessary_a of_o himself_o sect_n v._o that_o god_n be_v eternal_a omnipotent_a omniscient_a and_o absolute_o good_a again_o forasmuch_o as_o all_o thing_n that_o have_v life_n be_v say_v to_o be_v more_o perfect_a than_o those_o without_o life_n and_o those_o which_o have_v power_n of_o act_v than_o those_o which_o want_v it_o and_o those_o endue_v with_o understanding_n superior_a to_o such_o creature_n as_o lack_v it_o and_o those_o which_o be_v good_a better_o than_o those_o that_o come_v short_a in_o goodness_n it_o follow_v from_o that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v that_o all_o those_o attribute_n be_v in_o god_n and_o that_o after_o a_o infinite_a manner_n therefore_o be_v he_o infinite_a in_o life_n that_o be_v eternal_a infinite_a power_n that_o be_v omnipotent_a so_o likewise_o be_v he_o omniscient_a and_o altogether_o good_a without_o any_o exception_n sect_n vi_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n further_o more_o it_o follow_v from_o that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v that_o what_o thing_n soever_o subsist_v the_o same_o have_v the_o original_n of_o their_o be_v from_o god_n for_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a of_o itself_o can_v be_v but_o one_o whence_o we_o collect_v that_o all_o other_o thing_n beside_o this_o have_v their_o original_n from_o somewhat_o different_a from_o themselves_o now_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v their_o beginning_n from_o another_o we_o have_v see_v before_o how_o that_o either_o in_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o cause_n they_o proceed_v from_o he_o which_o have_v no_o beginning_n that_o be_v from_o god_n neither_o be_v this_o manifest_a by_o reason_n only_o but_o also_o after_o some_o sort_n by_o very_a sense_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o wonderful_a frame_n and_o fashion_n of_o man_n body_n both_z within_z and_o without_o and_o how_o that_o each_o part_n and_o parcel_n thereof_o have_v its_o proper_a use_n without_o the_o study_n or_o industry_n of_o his_o parent_n and_o yet_o with_o such_o art_n that_o the_o most_o accomplish_a philosopher_n and_o physician_n can_v never_o sufficient_o admire_v it_o this_o very_o show_v the_o author_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a mind_n concern_v which_o matter_n galen_n have_v write_v well_o especial_o where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o of_o the_o hand_n yea_o more_o the_o very_a body_n of_o mute_a beast_n do_v testify_v the_o same_o for_o their_o part_n be_v not_o frame_v and_o compose_v by_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o matter_n whereof_o they_o consist_v but_o by_o some_o superior_a and_o high_a cause_n destinate_v they_o to_o a_o certain_a end_n neither_o be_v this_o plain_n by_o man_n and_o beast_n alone_o but_o also_o by_o plant_n and_o herb_n as_o have_v accurate_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o philosopher_n this_o further_a be_v excellent_o note_v by_o strabo_n concern_v the_o situation_n of_o the_o water_n which_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o quality_n of_o their_o matter_n aught_o to_o be_v place_v in_o the_o middle_n between_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o air_n whereas_o they_o be_v now_o include_v and_o disperse_v within_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v be_v no_o hindrance_n either_o to_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o ground_n or_o to_o the_o life_n of_o man._n now_o to_o propose_v that_o or_o any_o other_o end_n to_o any_o action_n be_v the_o peculiar_a property_n of_o a_o understand_a nature_n neither_o be_v all_o thing_n only_o ordain_v for_o their_o peculiar_a end_n but_o also_o for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n as_o appear_v particular_o in_o the_o water_n but_o now_o mention_v which_o against_o its_o own_o proper_a nature_n be_v move_v upward_o lest_o by_o the_o interposition_n of_o a_o vacuity_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o gap_n in_o the_o universe_n which_o be_v so_o frame_v that_o by_o the_o continue_a cohesion_n of_o its_o part_n it_o sustain_v and_o uphold_v itself_o now_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v that_o this_o common_a end_n shall_v be_v thus_o intend_v together_o with_o a_o inclination_n in_o thing_n thereunto_o but_o by_o the_o power_n and_o purpose_n of_o some_o intelligent_a nature_n whereunto_o the_o whole_a universe_n be_v in_o subjection_n moreover_o among_o the_o beast_n there_o be_v certain_a action_n observe_v to_o be_v so_o regular_a and_o orderly_o do_v that_o it_o be_v manifest_a enough_o they_o proceed_v from_o some_o kind_n of_o reason_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o pismire_n and_o especial_o in_o bee_n and_o likewise_o in_o other_o creature_n which_o before_o they_o make_v any_o trial_n do_v natural_o eschew_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v hurtful_a and_o seek_v after_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v profitable_a for_o they_o now_o that_o this_o instinct_n or_o inclination_n of_o find_v and_o judge_v thing_n be_v not_o in_o they_o by_o their_o own_o power_n it_o be_v clear_a for_o that_o they_o do_v always_o operate_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o virtue_n or_o efficacy_n at_o all_o to_o the_o do_v other_o thing_n which_o be_v no_o more_o weighty_a wherefore_o they_o must_v needs_o receive_v their_o power_n from_o some_o reasonable_a external_a agent_n which_o direct_v they_o or_o imprint_n in_o they_o such_o efficacy_n as_o they_o have_v and_o this_o reasonable_a and_o intelligent_a agent_n be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v we_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n as_o most_o eminent_a the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n both_o which_o for_o the_o make_v the_o earth_n fruitful_a and_o preserve_v live_a creature_n in_o their_o health_n and_o vigour_n do_v so_o seasonable_o perform_v their_o course_n of_o motion_n that_o a_o better_a can_v be_v devise_v for_o when_o otherwise_o their_o motion_n through_o the_o aequator_fw-la have_v be_v much_o more_o simple_a we_o see_v that_o they_o have_v another_o motion_n by_o a_o oblique_a circle_n to_o the_o end_n the_o benefit_n of_o their_o favourable_a aspect_n may_v be_v communicate_v to_o more_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n now_o as_o the_o earth_n be_v ordain_v for_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o live_a creature_n so_o be_v all_o terrestrial_a thing_n appoint_v chief_o for_o the_o service_n of_o man_n who_o by_o his_o wit_n and_o reason_n can_v subdue_v the_o most_o furious_a creature_n among_o they_o whence_o the_o very_a stoic_n do_v collect_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v for_o man_n sake_n howbeit_o since_o it_o exceed_v the_o sphere_n of_o humane_a power_n to_o bring_v the_o heavenly_a body_n in_o subjection_n to_o he_o neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o they_o will_v ever_o submit_v themselves_o to_o man_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o there_o be_v some_o superior_a mind_n or_o spirit_n by_o whole_a sole_a appointment_n those_o fair_a and_o glorious_a body_n do_v perpetual_a service_n unto_o man_n though_o he_o be_v place_v far_o below_o they_o which_o same_o mind_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o framer_n of_o the_o star_n even_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n also_o the_o motion_n of_o these_o star_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v excentrical_a and_o epicyclical_a i._n e._n in_o a_o circle_n within_o the_o orb_n of_o another_o star_n do_v plain_o show_v not_o the_o power_n of_o matter_n but_o the_o appointment_n of_o a_o free_a agent_n the_o same_o do_v the_o position_n of_o the_o star_n testify_v some_o in_o this_o part_n other_o in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o heaven_n together_o with_o the_o so_o unequal_a form_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o of_o the_o sea_n nor_o can_v we_o refer_v it_o to_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o the_o star_n move_v this_o rather_o than_o another_o way_n the_o most_o perfect_a form_n also_o and_o figure_n of_o the_o world_n viz._n roundness_n as_o also_o the_o part_n thereof_o shut_v up_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o dispose_v with_o a_o marvellous_a order_n do_v all_o express_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v not_o tumble_v together_o or_o conjoin_v as_o they_o be_v by_o chance_n but_o wise_o ordain_v by_o such_o a_o understanding_n as_o be_v endue_v with_o supereminent_a excellency_n for_o what_o ninny_n be_v there_o so_o sottish_a as_o to_o expect_v any_o thing_n so_o accurate_a and_o exact_a from_o chance_n he_o may_v as_o well_o believe_v that_o stone_n and_o timber_n get_v casual_o together_o and_o put_v themselves_o into_o the_o form_n of_o a_o house_n or_o that_o out_o of_o letter_n shuffle_v careless_o as_o it_o happen_v there_o come_v forth_o a_o excellent_a poem_n a_o thing_n so_o unlikely_a that_o
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
be_v blast_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o giddiness_n be_v fall_v away_o to_o filthy_a fable_n and_o doctrine_n very_o ridiculous_a wherewith_o the_o book_n of_o the_o talmud_n do_v abound_v which_o they_o be_v bold_a to_o call_v the_o law_n give_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o be_v wont_a to_o equal_v or_o prefer_v to_o that_o which_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n for_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v therein_o to_o be_v read_v concern_v god_n weep_v and_o lament_v because_o he_o have_v suffer_v the_o city_n to_o be_v destroy_v of_o his_o daily_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o read_v the_o law_n of_o behemoth_n and_o leviathan_n and_o many_o other_o matter_n be_v so_o absurd_a that_o it_o will_v be_v irksome_a even_o to_o repeat_v they_o howbeit_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o this_o time_n have_v neither_o turn_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n as_o they_o do_v in_o time_n past_a neither_o have_v they_o defile_v themselves_o with_o bloody_a murder_n nor_o be_v they_o accuse_v of_o adultery_n but_o by_o prayer_n and_o fasting_n they_o labour_v to_o appease_v god_n wrath_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o hear_v which_o thing_n be_v so_o one_o of_o these_o two_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v namely_o that_o either_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v give_v by_o moses_n be_v quite_o abolish_v or_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n lie_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o some_o notorious_a crime_n which_o have_v continue_v for_o so_o many_o age_n together_o which_o what_o it_o be_v let_v themselves_o speak_v or_o if_o they_o can_v tell_v then_o let_v they_o believe_v we_o that_o this_o sin_n be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v come_v before_o that_o these_o evil_n begin_v to_o fall_v upon_o they_o sect_n xvii_o jesus_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n by_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v foretell_v concern_v the_o messiah_n by_o this_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o messiah_n come_v many_o age_n ago_o we_o add_v further_o that_o he_o be_v no_o other_o but_o jesus_n for_o what_o other_o person_n soever_o either_o be_v or_o will_v have_v be_v account_v the_o messiah_n they_o have_v leave_v no_o sect_n behind_o they_o to_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v that_o opinion_n there_o be_v not_o any_o at_o this_o day_n that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v follower_n either_o of_o herod_n or_o of_o judas_n gaulonita_n or_o of_o that_o great_a impostor_n barchochebas_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o adrian_n say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o deceive_v some_o even_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a but_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n have_v continue_v from_o the_o time_n that_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n even_o until_o this_o day_n and_o be_v still_o not_o a_o few_o only_o in_o this_o or_o that_o country_n but_o very_o many_o disperse_v as_o far_o as_o the_o world_n extend_v i_o can_v allege_v many_o other_o testimony_n ancient_o foretell_v or_o believe_v concern_v the_o messiah_n which_o we_o believe_v be_v accomplish_v in_o jesus_n since_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o affirm_v of_o any_o other_o as_o namely_o that_o he_o come_v of_o the_o posterity_n of_o david_n and_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n which_o be_v divine_o reveal_v to_o he_o that_o marry_v that_o virgin_n when_o he_o will_v have_v put_v she_o away_o suppose_v she_o have_v be_v get_v with_o child_n by_o another_o also_o that_o this_o messiah_n be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n and_o begin_v first_o to_o publish_v his_o doctrine_n in_o galilee_n heal_v all_o kind_n of_o disease_n give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o make_v the_o lame_a to_o walk_v but_o this_o one_o may_v suffice_v for_o many_o the_o effect_n of_o which_o continue_v unto_o this_o day_n it_o be_v most_o manifest_a by_o the_o prophecy_n of_o david_n isaiah_n zachariah_n and_o hosea_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o instructor_n not_o only_o of_o the_o jew_n but_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_n that_o by_o he_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n shall_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o a_o huge_a multitude_n of_o alien_n and_o stranger_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n before_o jesus_n his_o come_n almost_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v overspread_v with_o false_a worship_n and_o religion_n which_o afterward_o by_o little_a and_o little_o begin_v to_o vanish_v away_o and_o not_o only_o single_a person_n but_o both_o people_n and_o king_n be_v convert_v unto_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o one_o god_n this_o be_v not_o owe_v to_o the_o jewish_a rabbin_n but_o to_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n and_o their_o successor_n thus_o they_o be_v make_v the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o before_o be_v not_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o the_o say_n of_o old_a jacob_n gen._n 49._o be_v fulfil_v that_o before_o all_o civil_a authority_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o judah_n shilo_n shall_v come_v which_o the_o chaldee_n and_o other_o interpreter_n expound_v of_o the_o messiah_n to_o who_o even_o foreign_a nation_n shall_v be_v obedient_a sect_n xviii_o answer_v to_o that_o which_o be_v object_v of_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o fulfil_v the_o jew_n usual_o object_n that_o some_o thing_n be_v foretell_v concern_v the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o fulfil_v but_o for_o answer_v those_o matter_n which_o they_o allege_v be_v obscure_a and_o admit_v of_o divers_a signification_n wherefore_o we_o ought_v not_o because_o of_o they_o to_o forsake_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v manifest_a such_o as_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o jesus_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o the_o perspicuous_a language_n wherein_o it_o be_v propound_v to_o which_o if_o we_o add_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o miracle_n these_o aught_o to_o be_v sufficient_a inducement_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o his_o doctrine_n as_o for_o those_o prophecy_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o shut_v or_o clasp_v book_n oftentimes_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n thereof_o there_o be_v requisite_a some_o divine_a help_n and_o assistance_n which_o they_o be_v worthy_o deprive_v of_o that_o neglect_v manifest_a truth_n the_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o object_n be_v diverse_o expound_v as_o themselves_o can_v deny_v and_o if_o any_o man_n please_v to_o compare_v either_o the_o ancient_a interpreter_n which_o live_v when_o the_o people_n be_v lead_v captive_a into_o babylon_n or_o such_o as_o live_v about_o christ_n time_n with_o those_o that_o write_v after_o that_o christianity_n begin_v to_o be_v hateful_a and_o odious_a unto_o the_o jew_n he_o shall_v find_v new_a exposition_n purposely_o invent_v to_o cross_v those_o former_a that_o well_o agree_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o christian_n they_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o must_v be_v understand_v by_o a_o figure_n and_o not_o in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n as_o when_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v descend_v and_o to_o have_v a_o mouth_n ear_n eye_n and_o nostril_n and_o why_o may_v not_o we_o likewise_o expound_v divers_a thing_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o that_o the_o wolf_n shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o leopard_n shall_v lie_v down_o with_o the_o kid_n and_o the_o calf_n and_o the_o young_a lion_n and_o the_o fatle_a together_o and_o the_o suck_a child_n shall_v play_v with_o the_o serpent_n and_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o other_o mountain_n whither_o stranger_n shall_v come_v and_o worship_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n promise_v which_o by_o antecedent_n or_o consequent_a word_n or_o by_o the_o very_a sense_n imply_v a_o tacit_a condition_n in_o they_o thus_o god_n promise_v many_o thing_n unto_o the_o hebrew_n upon_o condition_n they_o will_v receive_v the_o messiah_n that_o be_v send_v and_o obey_v he_o which_o same_o thing_n if_o they_o come_v not_o to_o pass_v according_o than_o may_v they_o blame_v themselves_o that_o be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o again_o other_o matter_n be_v promise_v determine_o and_o without_o all_o condition_n which_o if_o they_o be_v not_o already_o accomplish_v yet_o may_v be_v hope_v for_o hereafter_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a even_o among_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o time_n or_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n must_v endure_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n sect_n xix_o and_o to_o that_o which_o be_v object_v of_o the_o mean_a condition_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n many_o do_v take_v exception_n at_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a condition_n of_o jesus_n but_o unjust_o because_o in_o sacred_a writ_n it_o be_v often_o say_v that_o god_n will_v exalt_v the_o humble_a but_o cast_v down_o the_o proud_a jacob_n when_o he_o pass_v
true_o since_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o man_n mind_n the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o judge_v there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o truth_n that_o better_a deserve_v the_o employment_n of_o this_o faculty_n about_o it_o than_o that_o of_o which_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a without_o hazard_n of_o our_o salvation_n after_o this_o whosoever_o inquire_v with_o a_o godly_a mind_n he_o shall_v not_o dangerous_o err_v and_o where_o shall_v he_o inquire_v after_o it_o but_o in_o god_n most_o holy_a word_n without_o which_o we_o can_v know_v whether_o there_o be_v either_o church_n or_o priest_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o wherein_o they_o will_v have_v we_o trust_v sect_n xix_o and_o refuse_v to_o be_v try_v by_o scripture_n it_o be_v a_o manifest_a sign_n therefore_o of_o imposture_n that_o when_o they_o can_v for_o shame_n but_o sometime_o suffer_v their_o religion_n to_o be_v try_v yet_o they_o will_v not_o have_v it_o try_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o read_n of_o which_o as_o be_v excellent_o say_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o forego_n book_n no_o man_n can_v be_v deceive_v but_o he_o who_o have_v first_o deceive_v himself_o for_o the_o writer_n of_o they_o be_v more_o faithful_a and_o full_a of_o divine_a inspiration_n than_o either_o to_o defraud_v we_o of_o any_o necessary_a part_n of_o divine_a truth_n or_o to_o hide_v it_o in_o a_o cloud_n so_o that_o we_o can_v see_v it_o why_o then_o shall_v any_o body_n decline_v this_o way_n of_o trial_n unless_o they_o see_v themselves_o so_o manifest_o condemn_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o let_v their_o cause_n be_v bring_v into_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n which_o hurt_v indeed_o sore_a eye_n but_o comfort_n and_o delight_v those_o that_o be_v sound_a show_v we_o so_o plain_o what_o we_o be_v to_o embrace_v and_o what_o to_o refuse_v and_o be_v so_o sure_a and_o so_o perfect_a a_o guide_n in_o all_o such_o matter_n that_o s._n hilary_n not_o only_o commend_v and_o admire_v the_o emperor_n constantius_n for_o desire_v a_o faith_n according_a to_o what_o be_v write_v but_o say_v he_o be_v a_o antichrist_n who_o refuse_v this_o and_o a_o anathema_n that_o counterfeit_v it_o and_o thereupon_o call_v to_o he_o in_o this_o manner_n o_o emperor_n thou_o seek_v for_o faith_n harken_v to_o it_o not_o out_o of_o new_a little_a paper_n but_o of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n there_o we_o must_v seek_v for_o it_o if_o we_o mean_v to_o find_v it_o and_o if_o they_o be_v silent_a and_o can_v tell_v we_o nothing_o say_v st._n ambrose_n who_o shall_v dare_v to_o speak_v let_v we_o not_o therefore_o bring_v deceitful_a balance_n they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o s._n austin_n in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o baptism_n chap._n vi_fw-la wherein_o we_o may_v weigh_v what_o we_o listen_v and_o as_o we_o listen_v after_o our_o own_o like_n say_v this_o be_v heavy_a that_o be_v light_a but_o let_v we_o bring_v the_o divine_a balance_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o out_o of_o the_o lord_n treasure_n and_o in_o that_o let_v we_o weigh_v what_o be_v most_o ponderous_a or_o rather_o let_v not_o we_o weigh_v but_o acknowledge_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v already_o weigh_v by_o the_o lord_n yes_o say_v they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o will_v be_v put_v into_o that_o balance_n and_o try_v by_o the_o scripture_n but_o not_o by_o they_o alone_o which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o refuse_v to_o be_v try_v by_o they_o for_o they_o give_v testimony_n to_o their_o own_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n and_o plainness_n too_o in_o thing_n necessary_a and_o so_o do_v all_o other_o christian_a writer_n that_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n who_o do_v not_o send_v we_o to_o turn_v over_o we_o know_v not_o how_o many_o other_o volume_n but_o tell_v we_o here_o we_o may_v be_v abundant_o satisfy_v in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n constantine_n the_o father_n of_o constantius_n now_o mention_v admonish_v the_o bishop_n in_o the_o famous_a council_n of_o nice_a to_o consult_v with_o these_o heavenly_a inspire_a write_n as_o their_o guide_n and_o rule_n in_o all_o their_o debate_n because_o they_o perspicuous_o instruct_v we_o as_o his_o very_a word_n be_v what_o to_o believe_v in_o divine_a thing_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v he_o tell_v they_o to_o fetch_v from_o thence_o the_o resolution_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o shall_v come_v in_o question_n to_o which_o cardinal_n bellarmine_n indeed_o be_v please_v to_o say_v that_o constantine_n true_o be_v a_o great_a emperor_n but_o no_o great_a doctor_n but_o as_o herein_o he_o speak_v too_o scornful_o of_o he_o so_o he_o reflect_v no_o less_o upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n of_o those_o venerable_a father_n assemble_v in_o that_o council_n which_o as_o theodoret_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n be_v compose_v of_o man_n excel_v in_o apostolical_a gift_n and_o many_o of_o they_o carry_v in_o their_o body_n the_o mark_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o be_v for_o the_o far_o great_a part_n a_o multitude_n of_o martyr_n assemble_v together_o who_o all_o consent_v unto_o and_o follow_v this_o wholesome_a counsel_n of_o the_o emperor_n as_o he_o there_o testify_v know_v he_o do_v but_o speak_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o true_o catholic_n church_n which_o do_v not_o mere_o bid_v man_n hear_v it_o and_o bring_v all_o doctrine_n to_o its_o touchstone_n but_o confess_v plain_o that_o even_o the_o church_n itself_o must_v be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v the_o express_a sentence_n of_o the_o same_o s._n austin_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n where_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n he_o say_v the_o question_n than_o be_v as_o it_o be_v now_o where_o be_v the_o church_n now_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v say_v he_o seek_v for_o it_o in_o our_o own_o word_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o head_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n i_o think_v we_o ought_v to_o seek_v it_o rather_o in_o his_o word_n who_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o best_a know_v his_o own_o body_n and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n thus_o proceed_v let_v we_o not_o hear_v thus_o say_v i_o and_o thus_o say_v thou_o but_o let_v we_o hear_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o lord_n book_n there_o be_v certain_o to_o who_o authority_n we_o both_o consent_n we_o both_o believe_v we_o both_o yield_v obedience_n there_o let_v we_o seek_v the_o church_n there_o let_v we_o discuss_v our_o cause_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o the_o author_n of_o the_o imperfect_a work_n upon_o st._n matthew_n carry_v the_o name_n of_o s._n chrysostome_n declare_v this_o so_o full_o that_o it_o leave_v no_o doubt_n in_o we_o what_o course_n they_o take_v for_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o business_n heretofore_o say_v he_o there_o be_v many_o way_n whereby_o one_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o be_v gentilism_n but_o now_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o the_o scripture_n why_o so_o because_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o belong_v proper_o to_o christ_n in_o truth_n and_o reality_n those_o heresy_n have_v also_o in_o show_n and_o in_o appearance_n they_o have_v scripture_n baptism_n eucharist_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n even_o christ_n himself_o like_o as_o we_o have_v therefore_o if_o any_o one_o will_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n how_o shall_v he_o know_v it_o in_o such_o a_o confusion_n of_o multitude_n but_o only_o by_o the_o scripture_n which_o he_o repeat_v over_o again_o a_o little_a after_o he_o therefore_o that_o will_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n how_o shall_v he_o know_v it_o but_o by_o the_o scripture_n to_o they_o let_v we_o go_v and_o in_o they_o let_v we_o rest_v and_o if_o you_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v we_o say_v to_o the_o romanist_n as_o athanasius_n do_v to_o the_o follower_n of_o apolinarius_n in_o his_o book_n about_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o speak_v unrighteous_o against_o the_o lord_n but_o walk_v in_o what_o be_v write_v and_o do_v but_o if_o you_o will_v talk_v of_o different_a thing_n from_o what_o be_v write_v why_o do_v you_o contend_v with_o we_o who_o dare_v not_o hear_v nor_o speak_v beside_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v our_o lord_n tell_v we_o if_o you_o abide_v in_o the_o word_n even_o in_o my_o word_n you_o shall_v be_v free_a indeed_o what_o immodest_a frenzy_n be_v this_o to_o speak_v thing_n which_o be_v not_o write_v and_o to_o devise_v thing_n which_o be_v stranger_n to_o piety_n to_o which_o if_o we_o faithful_o adhere_v there_o be_v this_o to_o be_v add_v for_o our_o encouragement_n that_o though_o we_o