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 translation_n before_o he_o for_o in_o that_o edition_n of_o his_o discourse_n where_o he_o have_v add_v the_o three_o book_n of_o this_o work_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n he_o say_v it_o have_v not_o be_v till_o then_o in_o english_a but_o it_o will_v do_v no_o hurt_n though_o the_o same_o good_a thing_n be_v reach_v out_o to_o we_o by_o more_o hand_n than_o one_o and_o so_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o god_n blessing_n upon_o the_o reader_n serious_a perusal_n s._n p._n a_o christian_a prayer_n for_o the_o adversary_n of_o true_a religion_n o_o merciful_a god_n who_o have_v make_v all_o man_n and_o hate_v nothing_o that_o thou_o have_v make_v nor_o will_v the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o live_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o jew_n turk_n infidel_n and_o heretic_n and_o take_v from_o they_o all_o ignorance_n hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o contempt_n of_o thy_o word_n and_o so_o fetch_v they_o home_o bless_a lord_n to_o thy_o flock_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v among_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o true_a israelite_n and_o be_v make_v one_o fold_n under_o one_o shepherd_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n who_o live_v and_o reign_v with_o thou_o and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n one_o god_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n to_o the_o honourable_a hieronymus_n bignonius_n the_o king_n advocate_n in_o the_o supreme_a court_n of_o paris_n sir_n you_o be_v wont_v very_o often_o to_o ask_v i_o who_o be_o sensible_a how_o high_o you_o have_v deserve_v of_o your_o country_n of_o learning_n and_o if_o you_o will_v permit_v i_o to_o add_v that_o of_o i_o also_o what_o the_o argument_n of_o those_o book_n be_v which_o i_o write_v in_o my_o own_o country_n language_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o christian_a religion_n nor_o do_v i_o wonder_v you_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o question_n for_o you_o who_o have_v read_v and_o that_o with_o so_o great_a judgement_n all_o that_o be_v worth_a the_o read_n can_v be_v ignorant_a what_o pain_n have_v be_v already_o take_v in_o this_o matter_n by_o raymundus_n sebundus_fw-la with_o philosophical_a subtlety_n by_o ludovicus_n vice_n with_o variety_n of_o dialogue_n but_o especial_o by_o your_o mornay_n with_o no_o less_o learning_n than_o eloquence_n for_o which_o cause_n it_o may_v seem_v more_o profitable_a to_o translate_v some_o of_o they_o into_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n than_o to_o begin_v a_o new_a work_n upon_o this_o subject_n but_o what_o other_o man_n will_v judge_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o know_v not_o my_o hope_n be_v that_o before_o you_o sir_n who_o be_v so_o fair_a and_o easy_a a_o judge_n i_o may_v be_v absolve_v if_o i_o say_v that_o have_v read_v not_o only_o those_o author_n but_o what_o the_o jew_n have_v write_v for_o the_o old_a judaical_a and_o christian_n for_o our_o religion_n i_o think_v good_a also_o to_o use_v my_o own_o judgement_n such_o as_o it_o be_v and_o to_o allow_v that_o freedom_n to_o my_o mind_n which_o when_o i_o write_v it_o be_v deny_v to_o my_o body_n for_o i_o think_v that_o truth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v contend_v for_o but_o only_o with_o truth_n and_o with_o such_o truth_n also_o as_o i_o approve_v in_o my_o own_o mind_n know_v it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o vain_a labour_n to_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v other_o of_o that_o which_o i_o have_v not_o first_o persuade_v myself_o to_o believe_v omit_v therefore_o such_o argument_n as_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v little_a weight_n in_o they_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o book_n as_o i_o either_o know_v or_o suspect_v to_o be_v counterfeit_a i_o select_v those_o both_o out_o of_o the_o ancient_a and_o modern_a time_n which_o appear_v to_o i_o to_o have_v the_o great_a force_n in_o they_o and_o what_o thing_n i_o full_o assent_v unto_o those_o i_o both_o cast_v into_o a_o orderly_a method_n and_o express_v in_o as_o popular_a a_o manner_n as_o i_o can_v invent_v and_o likewise_o include_v in_o verse_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o 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
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
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
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
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 and_o remote_a indian_n nor_o be_v it_o thus_o only_o in_o the_o beginning_n but_o for_o almost_o three_o whole_a age_n together_o this_o religion_n be_v so_o promote_v by_o the_o endeavour_n of_o private_a man_n without_o any_o threaten_n without_o any_o worldly_a thing_n to_o invite_v man_n to_o it_o yea_o against_o the_o will_n and_o the_o most_o violent_a opposition_n of_o those_o who_o then_o have_v the_o imperial_a power_n that_o before_o constantine_n profess_v christianity_n this_o be_v become_v very_o near_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a world_n among_o the_o grecian_n that_o teach_v morality_n divers_a there_o be_v that_o commend_v themselves_o also_o very_o much_o by_o their_o skill_n in_o other_o arts._n as_o the_o platonist_n be_v famous_a for_o the_o study_n of_o geometry_n the_o peripatetic_n for_o the_o history_n of_o plant_n and_o live_a creature_n the_o stoic_n for_o logical_a subtlety_n the_o pythagorean_n for_o knowledge_n of_o number_n and_o harmony_n 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 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
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 dare_v ever_o deny_v that_o wonder_n be_v wrought_v by_o those_o men._n yea_o the_o miracle_n of_o peter_n be_v mention_v by_o phlegon_n in_o his_o annal_n who_o live_v under_o adrian_n the_o emperor_n moreover_o the_o christian_n themselves_o in_o those_o book_n that_o contain_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o they_o exhibit_v to_o the_o emperor_n to_o the_o senate_n and_o to_o the_o governor_n do_v relate_v these_o thing_n as_o most_o manifest_a and_o unquestionable_a truth_n yea_o they_o open_o report_v that_o there_o continue_v a_o wonderful_a virtue_n of_o work_v strange_a effect_n at_o their_o sepulcher_n for_o some_o age_n after_o their_o death_n which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a they_o know_v that_o to_o their_o shame_n and_o punishment_n the_o magistrate_n can_v have_v confute_v
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