christian_n then_o for_o mahumetanisme_n it_o be_v possess_v of_o land_n enough_o but_o it_o be_v not_o alone_a for_o christian_a religiâ—â—_n have_v a_o great_a number_n of_o professor_n in_o some_o place_n where_o turk_n domineer_v and_o again_o there_o be_v many_o christian_n in_o most_o quatter_n where_o turk_n or_o mahumâ—…_n have_v no_o foot_n sect_n xxii_o consider_v the_o meekness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o they_o that_o first_o teach_v this_o religion_n it_o 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 â—nd_v increase_v that_o therein_o it_o may_v â—…e_v comparable_a and_o prefer_v beâ—…re_o other_o we_o see_v it_o common_o â—…ue_v of_o most_o man_n that_o they_o will_v â—…llow_v the_o example_n of_o king_n and_o â—…otentates_n what_o way_n soever_o they_o â—…oe_v special_o if_o law_n or_o necessityâ—…ompell_v â—…ompell_z they_o to_o it_o hereby_o be_v â—…he_a religion_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o of_o mahumet_n much_o augment_v but_o â—…las_o they_o that_o first_o teach_v the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o wanâ—…d_v all_o civil_a power_n and_o authority_n â—ut_v 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 after_o this_o beginning_n almost_o for_o three_o several_a age_n together_o this_o same_o religion_n be_v so_o promote_v by_o the_o studious_a endeavour_n of_o some_o private_a man_n not_o with_o any_o threaten_n or_o allure_a promise_n but_o even_o in_o spite_n of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a world_n be_v christian_n before_o that_o constantine_n profess_v christianity_n among_o the_o grecian_n that_o teach_v morality_n divers_a there_o be_v very_o commendable_a in_o other_o art_n and_o discipline_n as_o the_o platonics_n 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 other_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 â—s_a xenophon_n plato_n and_o theophraâ—…us_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 plain_a language_n without_o entice_a word_n only_o after_o a_o bare_a manner_n or_o naâ—ed_a form_n of_o speech_n pronounce_v their_o precept_n promise_n and_o threatening_n which_o see_v they_o have_v no_o such_o efficacy_n in_o themselves_o for_o the_o propagation_n of_o this_o truth_n we_o must_v needs_o thereupon_o think_v that_o there_o be_v either_o a_o miracle_n or_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 how_o they_o who_o receiveâ—_n christianity_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o say_a man_n have_v their_o mindeâ—…_n prepossess_v with_o another_o form_n oâ—_n religion_n and_o therefore_o less_o docile_a or_o capable_a of_o this_o doctrine_n after_o that_o they_o have_v learn_v either_o the_o pagan_n service_n and_o ceremony_n or_o the_o law_n of_o mahumet_n be_v thereby_o no_o way_n prepare_v and_o fit_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o instruction_n as_o the_o hebrew_n be_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n by_o their_o circumcision_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o god_n haâ—â—ng_v their_o mind_n thus_o fill_v with_o preconcerned_a opinion_n concern_v heathenish_a and_o jewish_a rite_n whereunto_o they_o be_v habituate_v by_o custom_n which_o be_v a_o second_o nature_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o they_o entertain_v any_o new_a ordinance_n and_o instruction_n special_o such_o as_o these_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v educate_v and_o confirm_v by_o their_o parent_n authority_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v another_o 〈…〉_z to_o wit_n the_o great_a adversity_n they_o be_v to_o undergo_v and_o the_o most_o grievous_a misery_n which_o they_o suffer_v or_o stand_v in_o â—eare_z of_o for_o profess_v christianity_n for_o see_v that_o humane_a nature_n abhor_v such_o evil_n it_o must_v needs_o â—ollow_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o evils_n can_v be_v admit_v of_o without_o much_o difficulty_n a_o long_a time_n â—ere_z the_o christian_n deprive_v of_o â—ll_a honour_n and_o dignity_n be_v much_o afflict_v with_o divers_a penalty_n with_o confiscation_n of_o good_n â—nd_v banishment_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v all_o but_o flea-bitings_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o cruel_a 〈…〉_z they_o endure_v when_o they_o be_v put_v into_o hot_a scald_a metal_n and_o torment_v with_o the_o most_o grievous_a punishment_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v neither_o do_v this_o happen_v to_o a_o few_o only_o but_o such_o multitude_n of_o they_o be_v thus_o torture_v to_o death_n that_o there_o be_v never_o in_o one_o age_n before_o so_o many_o man_n sweep_v away_o and_o devour_v either_o by_o famine_n oâ—_n 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 burn_v quick_a other_o nail_v upon_o cross_n and_o rack_v most_o of_o they_o put_v to_o such_o grievous_a torment_n as_o can_v be_v read_v or_o conceive_v without_o horror_n and_o wonder_n and_o this_o savage_a cruelty_n against_o christian_n which_o continue_v in_o the_o roman_a world_n and_o else_o where_o scarce_o with_o any_o intermission_n until_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n do_v not_o so_o depopulate_v the_o church_n but_o that_o out_o of_o the_o seed_n thereof_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n there_o spring_v up_o ever_o a_o new_a supply_n of_o professor_n now_o if_o herein_o we_o compare_v christianity_n with_o other_o religious_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o among_o the_o grecian_n and_o other_o pagan_n though_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o magnify_v their_o own_o worthy_n above_o measure_n yet_o be_v there_o but_o a_o short_a catalogue_n of_o such_o as_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o doctrine_n only_o we_o read_v of_o certain_a philosopher_n in_o india_n of_o socrates_n also_o and_o some_o few_o more_o who_o no_o doubt_n be_v the_o most_o eminent_a man_n in_o those_o time_n have_v a_o desire_n to_o perpetuate_v their_o fame_n to_o posterity_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 be_v 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 there_o be_v woman_n also_o wife_n virgin_n and_o young_a man_n such_o as_o it_o be_v probable_a never_o cover_v or_o hope_v for_o any_o renown_n in_o their_o suffering_n whereupon_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 and_o the_o rest_n only_o register_v in_o gross_a add_v further_o that_o the_o heathen_a for_o the_o most_o part_n under_o any_o slight_a pretence_n as_o the_o cast_n of_o some_o frankincense_n upon_o the_o altar_n can_v free_v themselves_o from_o the_o pain_n of_o such_o a_o death_n and_o so_o cozen_v the_o world_n but_o this_o can_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v say_v of_o those_o who_o whatever_o they_o think_v in_o their_o heart_n deal_v plain_o in_o their_o deed_n and_o accommodate_v themselves_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o such_o be_v the_o jew_n and_o christian_n who_o alone_o can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v undergo_v death_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v we_o attribute_v this_o praise_n and_o commendation_n to_o any_o jew_n after_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n who_o also_o before_o christ_n come_v short_a of_o that_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n that_o in_o one_o only_a province_n be_v persecute_v for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a suffering_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v only_o during_o the_o time_n of_o manasses_n and_o antiâ—chus_n wherefore_o see_v that_o christianity_n so_o far_o excel_v all_o other_o religion_n in_o this_o particular_a it_o may_v just_o thereupon_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o and_o see_v likewise_o that_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o man_n of_o every_o rank_n and_o degree_n throughout_o all_o age_n and_o place_n have_v not_o fear_v to_o suffer_v death_n for_o this_o religion_n we_o must_v needs_o conceive_v there_o be_v some_o notable_a ground_n or_o cause_n of_o such_o their_o constancy_n which_o
be_v manifest_a enough_o the_o same_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 bee_n and_o likewise_o in_o other_o creature_n which_o before_o they_o have_v experience_n do_v natural_o eschew_v such_o thing_n that_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 seek_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 to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a or_o above_o their_o ordinary_a course_n of_o operation_n 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 fruitfulness_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o live_a creature_n do_v so_o seasonable_o perform_v their_o course_n of_o motion_n as_o that_o a_o man_n can_v devise_v any_o thing_n better_o for_o though_o their_o motion_n through_o the_o aequator_fw-la be_v much_o much_o more_o simple_a yet_o 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 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 rackle_v and_o impetuous_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 who_o sole_a appointment_n those_o fair_a and_o glorious_a body_n do_v 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 excentricall_a and_o epicycticall_a do_v plain_o show_v that_o their_o establishment_n and_o be_v be_v from_o a_o free_a agent_n not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o they_o moreover_o the_o most_o perfect_a form_n and_o figure_n of_o this_o world_n to_o wit_v its_o 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 what_o man_n so_o foolish_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o so_o complete_a and_o exact_a a_o work_n as_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o haphazard_n he_o may_v aswell_o think_v that_o the_o stone_n and_o tree_n of_o any_o building_n be_v unite_v into_o the_o form_n of_o some_o house_n by_o chance_n or_o scatter_a syllable_n and_o word_n become_v a_o poem_n by_o mere_a fortune_n a_o thing_n so_o unlikely_a that_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 by_o the_o course_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 juhabitant_n which_o also_o the_o language_n speak_v in_o some_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 from_o the_o instinct_n of_o nature_n or_o evidence_n of_o reason_n but_o from_o the_o perpetual_a and_o constant_a tradition_n of_o the_o ancient_n which_o be_v scarce_o ever_o interrupt_v in_o any_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 ordinance_n for_o the_o kill_n of_o 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 shamefastness_n about_o venereal_a thing_n the_o celebration_n of_o marriage_n and_o the_o banishment_n of_o incestuous_a person_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 need_v we_o unsay_v 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 being_n not_o from_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 assirme_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v true_a and_o real_a existence_n may_v 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 honourable_a spirit_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 power_n thereof_o 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 sin_n which_o be_v moral_o evil_a be_v no_o better_a than_o blasphemy_n how_o be_v it_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 the_o punishment_n of_o transgression_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 portion_n from_o a_o good_a physician_n sect_n viii_o against_o the_o occasion_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 contrary_n 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_a 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 it_o 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 have_v in_o they_o some_o thing_n correspondent_a to_o reason_n and_o 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 but_o can_v
the_o contrary_a â—…ly_a the_o dominion_n give_v to_o â—nto_fw-mi man_n over_o his_o own_o action_n â—he_v natural_a desire_n that_o be_v in_o he_o â—o_o be_v immortal_a the_o comfort_n oâ—…â—ood_a conscience_n for_o well_o do_v â—eeds_o though_o such_o be_v accompany_v with_o much_o difficulty_n â—nd_v on_o the_o contrary_a the_o sting_n of_o â—…gnawing_a conscience_n at_o the_o remembrance_n of_o ungodly_a and_o â—…icked_a action_n especial_o when_o â—he_n hour_n of_o death_n approach_v â—nto_o the_o wicked_a who_o do_v then_o â—…eeme_v more_o sensible_a of_o a_o immiâ—…ent_a judgement_n and_o this_o gnaw_a â—…orme_n of_o conscience_n the_o most_o â—…rophane_a wretch_n and_o wicked_a â—…yrants_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o â—tterly_o mortific_a and_o destroy_v in_o they_o no_o not_o then_o when_o they_o most_o of_o all_o desire_a as_o divers_a example_n do_v testify_v sect_n xxiiii_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o eâ—â—_n of_o all_o shall_v be_v man_n happineâ—…_n after_o this_o life_n see_v then_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o 〈…〉_z nature_n that_o in_o itself_o have_v 〈…〉_z ground_n or_o cause_n of_o its_o own_o corruption_n and_o see_v also_o thiâ—_n god_n by_o many_o sign_n and_o tokenâ—…_n have_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v his_o wiâ—…_n the_o same_o soul_n shall_v surviâ—…_n the_o body_n what_o more_o noble_a 〈…〉_z can_v be_v propound_v to_o man_n thaâ—_n 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 pythagoreaâ—â—_n speak_v of_o say_v that_o it_o be_v gooâ—_n for_o man_n if_o he_o can_v become_v moâ—â—_n like_o unto_o god_n sect_n xxv_o â—…hich_v 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 attaineâ—â—…en_o may_v find_v out_o by_o probable_a â—…iectures_n but_o if_o any_o thing_n concern_v that_o matter_n be_v reveal_v â—…y_a god_n in_o scripture_n the_o same_o â—ust_z be_v hold_v for_o a_o most_o certain_a â—nd_n undoubted_a truth_n which_o â—nce_n that_o religionâ—…emes_v â—…emes_z to_o pretend_v above_o other_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v examine_v in_o the_o next_o â—ooke_n whether_o or_o no_o man_n ought_v â—…o_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o and_o assured_o build_v their_o faith_n thereon_o the_o second_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_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 out_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 endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o most_o true_a and_o certain_a religion_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n namely_o as_o follow_v sect_n ii_o here_o be_v show_v that_o jesus_n live_v it_o be_v a_o truth_n most_o stead_n fast_o profess_v by_o all_o the_o christianâ—_n that_o breath_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n that_o jesus_n of_o nazreth_n then_o live_v in_o judea_n wheâ—_n tiberius_n be_v emperor_n of_o the_o roman_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v not_o only_o by_o christian_n but_o also_o by_o all_o the_o jew_n that_o ever_o live_v heretofore_o or_o yet_o survive_v nay_o the_o very_a pagan_a writer_n thâ—…_n be_v such_o as_o be_v neither_o of_o the_o jewish_a nor_o christian_a religion_n namely_o suetonises_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 igâ—…ious_a death_n moreover_o all_o be_v it_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o death_n may_v be_v think_v inglorious_a and_o dishonourable_a to_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n yet_o all_o christian_n do_v confess_v that_o this_o same_o jesis_n be_v crucify_v by_o pontius_n pilate_n governor_n of_o judea_n the_o jew_n also_o do_v the_o â—ike_a though_o they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a how_o that_o they_o become_v most_o odious_a to_o those_o christiansâ—n_n â—n_z who_o dominion_n they_o live_v because_o of_o this_o murder_n commit_v by_o pilate_n whereof_o their_o ancestor_n be_v the_o chief_a author_n as_o the_o heathenish_a writer_n have_v also_o record_v the_o same_o yea_o these_o act_n of_o pilate_n be_v extant_a a_o long_a time_n after_o whereunto_o the_o christian_n do_v sometime_o make_v their_o appeal_n and_o further_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 true_a and_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 by_o prudent_a and_o godly_a man_n all_o which_o though_o it_o be_v most_o true_a of_o christ_n ignominious_a death_n yet_o we_o see_v hoâ—_n that_o throughout_o the_o remoâ—…_n 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 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 many_o judicious_a &_o learned_a man_n for_o to_o say_v nothing_o now_o of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v 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 broughtup_a in_o other_o religion_n neither_o can_v have_v any_o hope_n of_o wealth_n or_o preferment_n in_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 no_o other_o reason_n whereof_o can_v be_v give_v than_o this_o that_o move_v they_o so_o to_o do_v namely_o because_o they_o like_v prudent_a man_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n by_o diligent_a inquiry_n find_v the_o truth_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o same_o which_o be_v bruit_v abroad_o concern_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n as_o the_o heal_n of_o many_o that_o be_v sore_o disease_v with_o his_o word_n only_o the_o restore_n of_o sight_n to_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a the_o feed_n of_o many_o thousand_o with_o some_o few_o loaf_n of_o bread_n the_o restore_n of_o some_o to_o life_n again_o that_o be_v dead_a and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a wonderful_a work_n the_o truth_n whereof_o neither_o celsus_n nor_o julian_n when_o they_o write_v against_o christian_n dare_v dare_v to_o deny_v but_o it_o be_v confess_v both_o by_o they_o and_o also_o most_o plain_o by_o the_o hebrew_n doctor_n that_o be_v author_n of_o the_o talmnd_a 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 theft_n wondrous_a work_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o any_o natural_a power_n it_o be_v manifest_a because_o they_o be_v call_v wonder_n and_o miracle_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a in_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 it_o be_v likely_a if_o such_o work_n have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n only_o than_o the_o same_o will_v have_v be_v make_v know_v and_o reveal_v 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 same_o argument_n we_o may_v prove_v that_o such_o work_n come_v not_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o power_n and_o deceit_n of_o sataâ—_n or_o by_o any_o diabolical_a enchantment_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 â—earâ—_n ill_o will_v 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 same_o work_n be_v often_o iterate_v and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o be_v not_o transitory_a but_o permaneant_fw-la and_o durable_a all_o which_o be_v due_o ponder_v it_o must_v
be_v not_o confirm_v by_o any_o testimony_n or_o ground_v upon_o certain_a reason_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o there_o be_v some_o â—nd_n propose_v to_o man_n action_n therefore_o other_o be_v induce_v to_o think_v that_o virtue_n be_v the_o end_n or_o reward_v of_o man_n endeavour_n and_o that_o a_o wise_a man_n be_v happy_a enough_o even_o though_o he_o be_v put_v into_o that_o torment_a brazen_a bull_n make_v by_o phalaris_n howbeit_o this_o fancy_n be_v just_o distasteful_a and_o improbable_a to_o another_o sort_n who_o see_v well_o enough_o that_o man_n happiness_n and_o chief_a welfare_n can_v not_o consist_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o include_v or_o be_v accompany_v with_o peril_n trouble_n torment_n and_o death_n unless_o we_o have_v rather_o follow_v the_o sound_n of_o word_n than_o the_o sense_n of_o thing_n wherefore_o they_o place_v man_n chief_a happiness_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v delightful_a and_o please_a to_o sense_n but_o yet_o this_o opinion_n also_o be_v disprove_v and_o sufficient_o confute_v by_o many_o as_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o all_o honesty_n the_o seed_n whereof_o be_v root_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o nature_n as_o also_o because_o it_o make_v man_n who_o be_v bear_v to_o contemplate_v heaven_n and_o heavenly_a matter_n to_o be_v no_o better_o if_o not_o worse_o than_o a_o beast_n that_o pore_n only_o upon_o earthly_a thing_n with_o these_o and_o such_o like_a uncertainty_n and_o doubt_n be_v mankind_n distract_v at_o that_o time_n when_o christ_n bring_v in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o right_a end_n who_o promise_v unto_o his_o follower_n not_o only_a eternity_n without_o all_o sorrow_n and_o tribulation_n but_o also_o such_o a_o life_n hereafter_o as_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v with_o endless_a joy_n and_o happiness_n and_o that_o not_o of_o one_o part_n of_o man_n alone_o to_o wit_n of_o his_o soul_n the_o felicity_n whereof_o after_o this_o life_n partly_o by_o probable_a conjecture_n and_o partly_o from_o tradition_n be_v hope_v for_o before_o but_o also_o of_o his_o whole_a body_n and_o soul_n together_o for_o as_o the_o body_n by_o divine_a appointment_n become_v subject_a and_o liable_a to_o grievance_n hurt_n calamity_n and_o vexation_n be_v unite_v with_o the_o soul_n â—o_o likewise_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v make_v jo_o ynt_a partaker_n of_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n now_o the_o reward_n and_o promise_a joy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v of_o small_a value_n or_o little_a worth_n like_a to_o the_o meat_n or_o good_a cheer_n and_o dainty_a fare_n wherewith_o the_o carnal_a jews_n seed_n their_o gape_a hope_n or_o like_v to_o the_o sleshly_a voluptuousness_n of_o carnal_a copulation_n which_o the_o turk_n expect_v to_o enjoy_v after_o death_n for_o both_o these_o sensuality_n be_v proper_a to_o this_o frail_a life_n at_o the_o bell_n be_v but_o help_v or_o remedy_n of_o mortality_n the_o former_a whereof_o conduce_v after_o some_o sort_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o every_o particular_a man_n or_o beast_n in_o present_a be_v and_o the_o latter_a for_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o same_o creature_n by_o succession_n in_o their_o kind_n but_o by_o the_o happiness_n aforesaid_a our_o body_n shall_v be_v endue_v with_o constant_a vigour_n agility_n strength_n and_o more_o than_o a_o star-like_a beauty_n in_o the_o soul_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o understanding_n without_o error_n a_o behold_v of_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o divine_a providence_n or_o whatsoever_o be_v now_o hide_v from_o we_o the_o will_v shall_v be_v free_v from_o all_o turbulence_n of_o passion_n busy_v about_o nothing_o but_o the_o sight_n the_o admire_a and_o praise_v of_o the_o almighty_a in_o a_o word_n there_o shall_v be_v joy_n and_o tranquillity_n and_o all_o thing_n excellent_a beyond_o compare_n such_o as_o we_o can_v possible_o conceive_v or_o apprehend_v in_o this_o mortal_a life_n sect_n xii_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n that_o body_n once_o dead_a can_v be_v revive_v again_o beside_o the_o doubt_n but_o late_o answer_v there_o be_v another_o difficulty_n object_v against_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n namely_o how_o can_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o humane_a body_n once_o dissolve_v into_o dust_n and_o corruption_n ever_o to_o be_v unite_v and_o joint_v again_o for_o answer_v we_o say_v that_o this_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o see_v it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o most_o part_n of_o philosopher_n that_o the_o same_o substance_n or_o matter_n of_o thing_n however_o diverse_o change_v or_o alter_v do_v remain_v still_o capable_a of_o divers_a form_n who_o can_v say_v then_o that_o the_o divers_a part_n of_o that_o matter_n whereof_o humane_a body_n consist_v though_o the_o same_o be_v fanâ—_n and_o wide_a a_o sunder_a be_v unknown_a to_o god_n or_o that_o he_o have_v not_o power_n to_o recollect_v &_o join_v they_o together_o again_o or_o that_o he_o can_v do_v in_o this_o his_o world_n like_o chemic_n in_o their_o furnace_n and_o vessel_n gather_v into_o one_o and_o râ—…iâ—â—_n thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n beside_o we_o see_v in_o plant_n and_o live_a creature_n though_o the_o â—ormes_n seem_v to_o be_v change_v and_o the_o subject_n be_v resolve_v into_o seed_n its_o principle_n yet_o the_o virtue_n thereof_o remain_v and_o the_o same_o subject_n afterward_o revive_v again_o neither_o be_v it_o a_o hard_a matter_n to_o untie_v that_o knot_n and_o answer_v â—ho_fw-mi doubt_v concern_v humane_a body_n which_o after_o corruption_n and_o transmutation_n become_v food_n for_o beast_n and_o cattle_n then_o again_o the_o same_o beast_n afterward_o become_v food_n for_o man_n for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o great_a portion_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o eat_v be_v not_o convert_v into_o integrall_a part_n of_o our_o body_n but_o either_o the_o same_o be_v turn_v into_o excrement_n or_o become_v addition_n and_o humour_n of_o the_o body_n as_o fleame_z and_o choler_n yea_o much_o of_o that_o which_o become_v our_o nourishment_n be_v waste_v away_o either_o by_o disease_n or_o by_o inward_a natural_a heat_n or_o by_o the_o air_n about_o we_o all_o which_o be_v so_o he_o that_o so_o careful_o regard_v all_o kind_n of_o bruit_n beast_n that_o none_o of_o they_o perish_v the_o same_o god_n with_o a_o more_o special_a providence_n can_v also_o provide_v for_o humane_a body_n that_o though_o by_o traâ—…tation_n they_o become_v meâ—t_v for_o other_o man_n yet_o they_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v convert_v into_o the_o substance_n of_o those_o that_o eat_v they_o than_o aâ—e_a poison_n or_o physical_a poâ—ions_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o as_o receive_v they_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o seem_v unnatural_a for_o man_n to_o feed_v upon_o humane_a flesh_n or_o suppose_v this_o which_o we_o say_v be_v false_a and_o that_o something_o be_v add_v to_o the_o body_n which_o must_v needs_o afterward_o be_v diminish_v yet_o thence_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o same_o body_n do_v not_o remain_v see_v that_o in_o this_o life_n there_o happen_v great_a mutation_n than_o so_o thus_o the_o butterfly_n may_v be_v in_o a_o worm_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o herb_n or_o wine_n in_o some_o small_a diminutive_a thing_n whence_o they_o may_v be_v re-restored_n to_o their_o former_a just_a magnitude_n and_o existence_n wherefore_o since_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o such_o like_a be_v possible_a there_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o any_o shall_v think_v it_o impossible_a for_o humane_a body_n after_o death_n to_o be_v revive_v again_o forasmuch_o also_o as_o divers_a learned_a man_n to_o wit_n zoroaster_n among_o the_o chaldean_n theopompus_n among_o the_o peripatetikâ—s_n and_o almost_o all_o the_o stoic_n do_v not_o only_o grant_v the_o possibility_n hereof_o but_o be_v assure_o persuade_v it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v indeed_o sect_n xiii_o the_o excellency_n of_o 〈◊〉_d precept_n give_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o second_o thing_n wherein_o christian_a religion_n excel_v all_o other_o that_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v invent_v be_v the_o great_a holiness_n of_o law_n and_o precept_n as_o well_o in_o matter_n pertain_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o likewise_o in_o thing_n concern_v our_o neighbour_n the_o pagan_n in_o their_o divine_a service_n be_v give_v to_o more_o confidence_n and_o credulity_n than_o truth_n as_o porphyry_n show_v at_o large_a and_o some_o late_a navigation_n have_v discover_v for_o with_o they_o it_o be_v a_o common_a receive_v opinion_n that_o the_o god_n may_v be_v appease_v by_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o man_n blood_n which_o in_o humane_a custom_n be_v not_o abolish_v either_o by_o the_o great_a learning_n of_o the_o grecian_n or_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o roman_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o oblation_n offer_v unto_o bacchus_n and_o jupiter_n the_o hide_a and_o most_o holy_a mystery_n of_o the_o goddess_n ceres_n and_o of_o father_n bacchus_n be_v
fundamental_a principle_n for_o which_o chief_o we_o have_v commend_v christian_a religion_n the_o certainty_n whereof_o appear_v in_o this_o namely_o that_o those_o which_o out_o of_o mutual_a and_o deadly_a hatred_n seek_v all_o the_o occasion_n and_o matter_n of_o contention_n they_o can_v dare_v not_o for_o all_o that_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o deny_v that_o these_o precept_n be_v command_v by_o christ_n no_o not_o even_o those_o that_o refuse_v to_o frame_v their_o life_n and_o action_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n howbeit_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o as_o will_v contradict_v this_o that_o we_o say_v the_o same_o may_v be_v liken_v to_o those_o philosopher_n that_o deny_v the_o snow_n to_o be_v white_a for_o as_o these_o be_v confute_v by_o sense_n so_o be_v those_o convince_v by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o christian_a nation_n also_o by_o the_o many_o book_n that_o the_o first_o professor_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o they_o which_o follow_v and_o divers_a succeed_a doctor_n have_v write_v as_o also_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o they_o that_o have_v witness_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n by_o their_o death_n for_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o any_o indifferent_a judge_n the_o same_o must_v needs_o be_v repute_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o so_o many_o have_v successive_o acknowledge_v and_o profess_v like_a as_o we_o be_v persuade_v the_o same_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o socrates_n which_o we_o read_v in_o plato_n and_o xenophon_n as_o also_o that_o of_o zene_fw-mi the_o philosopher_n which_o we_o find_v hold_v by_o the_o stoi_n k_v sect_n xx._n the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v further_o prove_v from_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o author_n the_o three_o thing_n wherein_o we_o say_v christian_a religion_n excel_v all_o other_o that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v think_v of_o be_v the_o manner_n whereby_o it_o be_v deliver_v and_o divulge_v where_o first_o we_o shall_v speak_v of_o the_o author_n they_o that_o be_v author_n of_o the_o wisdom_n among_o the_o grecian_n confess_v that_o they_o can_v not_o allege_v almost_o any_o certainty_n in_o their_o doctrine_n because_o quoth_v they_o truth_n lie_v hide_v in_o a_o deep_a pit_n and_o our_o mind_n be_v no_o less_o dazzle_v in_o the_o contemptation_n of_o divine_a thing_n than_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o owl_n in_o behold_v the_o bright_a shine_a of_o the_o sun_n beside_o there_o be_v none_o among_o they_o but_o be_v guilty_a of_o some_o vice_n for_o some_o be_v flatterer_n of_o prince_n other_o addict_v to_o bawdry_n and_o wantonness_n &_o a_o three_o sort_n to_o malapart_n boldness_n a_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o general_a envy_n among_o they_o be_v their_o contention_n about_o word_n and_o matter_n of_o small_a or_o no_o moment_n in_o their_o devotion_n they_o be_v cold_a and_o heartless_a for_o those_o that_o do_v believe_v there_o be_v one_o god_n neglect_v his_o honour_n and_o worship_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o know_v be_v no_o god_n make_v that_o only_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v and_o practise_v in_o public_a touch_v the_o reward_n of_o godliness_n they_o determine_v nothing_o for_o certain_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o last_o farewell_o disputation_n of_o socrates_n at_o his_o death_n mahumet_n another_o author_n of_o another_o religion_n far_o disperse_v in_o these_o time_n throughout_o his_o whole_a life_n be_v incline_v to_o lust_n and_o sensuality_n as_o his_o own_o follower_n can_v deny_v neither_o do_v he_o leave_v any_o testimony_n or_o assurance_n whereby_o his_o promise_n of_o such_o a_o reward_n as_o consist_v in_o the_o free_a use_n of_o junket_n and_o venery_n can_v appear_v to_o be_v true_a after_o his_o return_n since_o that_o his_o body_n be_v not_o yet_o revive_v but_o remain_v at_o medina_n until_o this_o day_n but_o moses_n the_o author_n of_o the_o hebrew_n law_n be_v a_o excellent_a man_n though_o not_o without_o his_o fault_n as_o namely_o when_o with_o some_o discontent_n and_o grumble_a he_o so_o hardly_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o ambassage_n which_o god_n command_v he_o touch_v the_o king_n of_o egypt_n conceive_v also_o some_o distrust_n of_o god_n promise_n for_o bring_v water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n as_o the_o hebrew_n themselves_o confess_v yet_o do_v he_o scarce_o partake_v of_o any_o one_o of_o those_o promise_n which_o by_o the_o law_n he_o make_v unto_o the_o people_n but_o be_v perplex_v with_o continual_a mutâ—…ies_n and_o sedition_n in_o the_o wilderness_n neither_o be_v he_o permit_v to_o enter_v into_o that_o bless_a and_o pleasant_a land_n so_o much_o desire_v but_o above_o all_o these_o christ_n be_v most_o honourable_a in_o that_o neither_o his_o countryman_n nor_o any_o other_o can_v ever_o convince_v he_o of_o sin_n for_o whatsoever_o he_o command_v other_o to_o observe_v the_o same_o do_v he_o observe_v and_o perform_v himself_o and_o the_o commandment_n that_o god_n give_v he_o he_o faithful_o fulfil_v lead_v a_o most_o pure_a and_o upright_a course_n of_o life_n be_v also_o most_o patient_a in_o suffer_v wrong_n and_o abuse_n as_o be_v manifest_a at_o his_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n yea_o so_o affectionate_a be_v he_o towards_o his_o very_a enemy_n that_o he_o pray_v god_n to_o pardon_v even_o those_o that_o put_v he_o to_o death_n as_o for_o the_o reward_n which_o he_o promise_v unto_o his_o disciple_n we_o very_o believe_v that_o himself_o be_v make_v partaker_n thereof_o after_o a_o most_o eminent_a and_o excellent_a manner_n for_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o lead_n there_o be_v many_o that_o behold_v and_o hear_v and_o see_v he_o who_o also_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o twelve_o disciple_n where_o he_o obtain_v all_o power_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o that_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n make_v at_o his_o departure_n he_o endue_v they_o that_o be_v his_o follower_n with_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o other_o admirable_a virtue_n all_o which_o may_v be_v a_o sure_a warrant_n for_o we_o not_o to_o doubt_v either_o of_o the_o truth_n or_o possibility_n of_o the_o reward_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o thus_o we_o have_v show_v how_o that_o this_o religion_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o other_o in_o regard_n that_o christ_n the_o author_n of_o it_o have_v himself_o perform_v what_o he_o command_v as_o also_o in_o his_o own_o person_n obtain_v and_o already_o enjoy_v the_o happiness_n that_o he_o promise_v sect_n xxi_o also_o from_o the_o wonderful_a spread_n of_o this_o religion_n let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n descend_v to_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o doctrine_n aforesaid_a which_o doubtless_o be_v well_o weigh_v be_v such_o as_o plain_o declare_v this_o doctrine_n to_o be_v sacred_a and_o divine_a if_o so_o be_v that_o god_n have_v any_o regard_n of_o humane_a affair_n for_o as_o it_o argueda_fw-la divine_a providence_n to_o cause_n thiâ—_n thing_n which_o shall_v be_v best_a of_o all_o to_o be_v of_o most_o large_a and_o ample_a extent_n so_o have_v it_o happen_v to_o christian_a religion_n which_o we_o see_v be_v publish_v and_o teach_v throughout_o all_o europe_n not_o except_v the_o northern_a part_n thereof_o so_o likewise_o throughout_o asia_n together_o with_o the_o island_n in_o the_o ocean_n throughout_o egypt_n also_o â—…iopia_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o african_a and_o last_o in_o america_n thus_o be_v 〈…〉_z â—ow_o and_o thus_o be_v it_o ancient_o as_o be_v witness_v by_o the_o history_n of_o all_o time_n by_o the_o book_n of_o christian_n the_o act_n of_o synod_n and_o by_o â—hat_n old_a tradition_n at_o this_o day_n hold_v â—mong_o the_o barbarian_n concern_v â—he_v travel_n or_o pilgrimage_n of_o thomas_n andrew_n and_o other_o apostle_n clemens_n tertullian_n and_o some_o ancient_n beside_o have_v note_v how_o â—ar_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v among_o the_o briton_n german_n and_o other_o remote_a nation_n in_o their_o time_n and_o certain_o at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v no_o other_o religion_n comparable_a hereunto_o for_o ample_a and_o â—arge_a extent_n paganism_n indeed_o be_v a_o large_a name_n but_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v one_o religion_n since_o that_o it_o be_v not_o agree_v upon_o by_o the_o professor_n thereof_o what_o one_o thing_n they_o shall_v worship_v but_o some_o adore_v the_o star_n other_o the_o element_n and_o a_o three_o sort_n reverence_v their_o cattle_n or_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v no_o subsistence_n neither_o have_v they_o the_o same_o custom_n or_o any_o common_a lord_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v disperse_v and_o scatter_v up_o and_o down_o yet_o remain_v one_o people_n howbeit_o their_o religion_n have_v never_o any_o great_a growth_n or_o increase_n after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o theâ—…_n law_n be_v not_o so_o much_o propagate_v by_o they_o as_o by_o
can_v be_v nothing_o save_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o truth_n together_o with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n sect_n xxiiii_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 excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n let_v such_o know_v that_o as_o there_o be_v variety_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v true_a so_o be_v there_o divers_a way_n of_o prove_v or_o manifest_v the_o truth_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 ethic_n and_o last_o another_o kind_n when_o a_o mater_fw-la of_o fact_n be_v in_o â—_z wherein_n very_o we_o must_v rest_v content_a with_o such_o testimony_n as_o be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o untruth_n otherwise_o down_o go_v all_o the_o frame_n and_o use_v of_o history_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o art_n of_o physic_n together_o with_o all_o dutifulnesse_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o parent_n and_o child_n for_o matter_n of_o practicâ—_n can_v no_o way_n else_o be_v know_v but_o by_o such_o testimony_n now_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 gospel_n may_v be_v as_o a_o touchstine_a for_o trial_n of_o man_n judgement_n whether_o they_o be_v sound_a or_o unsound_a 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 wilful_a desire_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o they_o to_o relinquish_v their_o honour_n and_o set_v at_o naught_o other_o commodity_n which_o thing_n they_o know_v they_o ought_v to_o do_v if_o they_o admit_v of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o obey_v what_o he_o have_v command_v and_o this_o be_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v note_v of_o they_o for_o that_o many_o other_o historical_a narration_n be_v approve_v by_o they_o to_o be_v true_a which_o notwithstanding_o be_v only_o manifest_a by_o authority_n and_o not_o by_o any_o such_o strong_a proof_n and_o persuasion_n or_o token_n as_o do_v declare_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v evident_a partly_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o those_o jowe_n that_o be_v yet_o alive_a and_o partly_o in_o those_o company_n and_o congregation_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v any_o where_o to_o be_v find_v whereof_o doubtless_o 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 oxtent_n thereof_o can_v be_v ascribe_v to_o no_o humane_a power_n therefore_o the_o same_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 think_v to_o surpass_v any_o miracle_n the_o three_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_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 same_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 more_o distinct_o to_o know_v the_o part_n thereof_o then_o must_v he_o have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o most_o ancient_a write_n that_o contain_v the_o same_o religion_n and_o which_o common_o we_o call_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o new_a covenant_n this_o truth_n no_o man_n can_v just_o deny_v for_o as_o every_o sect_n be_v they_o good_a or_o bad_a shall_v be_v believe_v when_o they_o tell_v we_o true_o in_o what_o book_n or_o write_v their_o opinion_n be_v comprise_v thus_o we_o credit_v the_o turk_n who_o affirm_v that_o the_o religion_n of_o mahumet_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o alcoran_n so_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o say_a book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n since_o the_o same_o be_v general_o agree_v upon_o and_o constant_o have_v red_a by_o all_o christian_n forasmuch_o then_o as_o we_o have_v before_o prove_v that_o this_o religion_n be_v most_o true_a if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n yet_o this_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v and_o avouch_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n aforesaid_a wherein_o the_o same_o religion_n be_v contain_v which_o truth_n to_o demonstrate_v more_o particular_o let_v we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n take_v for_o grant_v by_o all_o indifferent_a man_n that_o he_o who_o go_v about_o to_o disprove_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o book_n or_o writing_n which_o have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n receive_v and_o allow_v of_o must_v use_v such_o argument_n as_o do_v derogate_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o book_n otherwise_o the_o authority_n thereof_o be_v no_o whit_n diminish_v but_o may_v still_o be_v defend_v and_o maintain_v 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 but_o have_v certain_a title_n be_v the_o very_a work_n of_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v to_o wit_n because_o those_o primitive_a father_n justin_n iraeneus_n clemens_n and_o other_o do_v commend_v those_o book_n under_o the_o same_o author_n name_n as_o also_o be_v cause_n tertullian_n witness_v that_o there_o be_v original_a copy_n 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 make_v doubt_v thereof_o but_o judian_n himself_o plain_o confess_v that_o those_o be_v the_o write_n of_o peter_n and_o paul_n matthew_n mark_v 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 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_n 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 now_o receive_v which_o be_v not_o so_o receive_v from_o the_o beginning_n as_o namely_o the_o one_o epistle_n of_o peter_n that_o of_o james_n and_o jude_n two_o of_o john_n the_o presbyter_n the_o revelation_n and_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o though_o not_o in_o all_o yet_o be_v still_o allow_v by_o most_o church_n as_o be_v very_o probable_a in_o that_o the_o ancient_a christian_n do_v allege_v divers_a testimony_n out_o of_o they_o as_o be_v sacred_a and_o holy_a and_o it_o be_v likely_a too_o 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 canen_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 we_o shall_v think_v they_o to_o be_v supposititious_a and_o counterfeit_a write_n for_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 four_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
and_o this_o general_a use_n he_o may_v make_v of_o they_o all_o which_o be_v unknown_a to_o they_o namely_o to_o observe_v the_o proportion_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o situation_n of_o their_o part_n compare_v also_o their_o form_n and_o several_a kind_n whence_o he_o may_v learn_v his_o own_o excellency_n and_o be_v instruct_v how_o fair_a the_o frame_n of_o humane_a body_n surpass_v other_o creature_n for_o perfection_n and_o nobility_n which_o if_o any_o one_o right_o consider_v he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o worship_v these_o beastly_a â—…ds_n that_o he_o will_v rather_o think_v â—…mselfe_n to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o god_n or_o â—…roy_v place_v over_o they_o by_o 〈…〉_z supreme_a god_n of_o all_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 among_o the_o grecian_n roman_n and_o other_o â—…t_v some_o there_o be_v who_o do_v â—…t_a worship_n any_o substance_n but_o â—…rtaine_a accident_n for_o to_o omit_v those_o uncouth_a deiâ—…s_n the_o fever_n dame_n impudenceâ—…d_n â—…d_z the_o like_a let_v we_o name_v the_o betâ—…r_a sort_n such_o be_v health_n which_o 〈…〉_z nothing_o but_o a_o right_a temperature_n of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n â—…od_a fortune_n be_v the_o fitness_n of_o â—…n_a event_n that_o be_v correspondent_a to_o 〈…〉_z man_n desire_n the_o affection_n also_o â—…s_v love_n fear_v anger_n hope_v and_o the_o â—…est_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n easy_a or_o difficult_a and_o these_o be_v certain_a motion_n oâ—_n 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 blood_n not_o have_v any_o absolute_a power_n of_o themselves_o but_o be_v subordinate_a handmaid_n to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o well_o their_o mistress_n at_o least_o in_o their_o continuance_n and_o direction_n then_o for_o virtue_n they_o have_v divers_a name_n as_o prudence_n consist_v in_o the_o election_n or_o choice_n of_o that_o which_o be_v honest_o profitable_a for_o itude_n in_o attempt_v fearful_a danger_n justice_n in_o right_v they_o that_o be_v injure_v temperance_n in_o the_o moderation_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n all_o be_v certain_a inclination_n and_o propension_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v honest_a and_o right_a be_v get_v in_o the_o mind_n by_o long_a custom_n and_o exercise_n which_o as_o they_o may_v be_v increase_v so_o by_o negligence_n they_o may_v be_v diminish_v and_o quite_o abolish_v next_o succeed_v honour_n whereunto_o some_o temple_n be_v dedicate_v and_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o some_o man_n concern_v such_o person_n as_o they_o imagine_v be_v endue_v with_o virtue_n and_o herein_o man_n may_v easy_o err_v in_o honour_v bad_a man_n in_o stead_n of_o good_a since_o then_o none_o of_o all_o these_o be_v substance_n and_o consequent_o not_o comparable_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v subsistence_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v any_o notice_n of_o our_o prayer_n or_o worship_n therefore_o to_o reverence_v they_o for_o god_n be_v a_o thing_n most_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a see_v that_o for_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v who_o can_v both_o give_v and_o preserve_v the_o same_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 only_a as_o in_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v except_v against_o for_o divers_a of_o they_o be_v reject_v by_o the_o wise_a sort_n of_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o as_o counterfeit_v and_o fabulous_a some_o of_o their_o marvel_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o secret_a in_o the_o night_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o one_o or_o two_o who_o eye_n may_v easy_o be_v delude_v by_o the_o juggle_n of_o the_o priest_n other_o thing_n be_v wonder_n only_o to_o those_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o natural_a cause_n special_o of_o occult_a quality_n as_o when_o a_o man_n can_v draw_v iron_n with_o a_o loadstone_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o such_o as_o know_v not_o the_o property_n of_o that_o stone_n in_o such_o â—eats_v simon_n and_o apollonius_n tyaâ—…us_n be_v skilful_a as_o it_o be_v record_v by_o many_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o great_a thing_n than_o these_o may_v be_v see_v which_o though_o they_o transcend_v natural_a cause_n and_o man_n power_n and_o ability_n yet_o need_v they_o not_o any_o divine_a omnipotent_a hand_n but_o the_o spirit_n place_v between_o god_n and_o man_n may_v suffice_v for_o the_o production_n thereof_o which_o spirit_n by_o their_o agility_n and_o subtlety_n may_v easy_o convey_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o thing_n disperse_v and_o work_v such_o strange_a effect_n upon_o they_o as_o will_v affect_v man_n with_o astonishment_n and_o wonder_n but_o the_o ghost_n whereby_o any_o such_o matter_n be_v effect_v be_v no_o good_a spirit_n and_o consequent_o this_o religion_n can_v be_v good_a as_o be_v manifest_a by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v before_o and_o likewise_o in_o that_o which_o they_o tell_v we_o of_o certain_a charm_n and_o enchant_a verse_n whereby_o they_o be_v compel_v thereunto_o where_o as_o not_o withstand_v the_o wise_a sort_n of_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o coufesse_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o efficacy_n in_o the_o bare_a word_n which_o have_v only_o some_o power_n of_o persuasion_n and_o that_o no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o way_n of_o signification_n beside_o this_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o their_o wickedness_n that_o by_o some_o vain_a promise_n or_o villainous_a act_n they_o do_v undertake_v to_o entice_v one_o contrary_o affect_v to_o love_n and_o like_o another_o which_o thing_n be_v prohibit_v by_o humane_a law_n as_o be_v a_o kind_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 which_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 weakness_n and_o impotency_n that_o their_o work_n be_v never_o accompany_v with_o any_o good_a thing_n for_o if_o any_o be_v see_v or_o seem_v to_o be_v revive_v yet_o 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 fore_o tell_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 best_a know_v to_o god_n of_o the_o event_n thereof_o 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 honourable_a may_v the_o more_o easy_o obtain_v the_o roman_a empire_n for_o he_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o his_o judgement_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_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 particular_o we_o may_v resay_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 each_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 according_a to_o divers_a event_n may_v admit_v of_o divers_a interpretation_n 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 the_o same_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 physician_n can_v foretell_v some_o future_a disease_n or_o else_o some_o probable_a and_o true_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 weâ—-skâ—â—d_a 〈◊〉_d civilaffaire_n that_o can_v have_v a_o notable_a guess_n of_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 overthrow_v it_o as_o
namely_o that_o prophecy_n in_o the_o four_o eclogue_n of_o virgâ—â—_n take_v out_o of_o the_o sibyl_n verse_n where_o unwitting_o the_o poet_n set_v out_o unto_o we_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n so_o in_o the_o same_o sibyl_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v for_o a_o king_n who_o shall_v be_v our_o king_n indeed_o and_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n and_o have_v dominion_n over_o all_o we_o read_v in_o porphyry_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o apollo_n which_o say_v that_o other_o god_n be_v only_o airy_a spirit_n but_o the_o god_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v only_a to_o be_v worship_v which_o say_v if_o the_o worshipper_n of_o apollo_n have_v obey_v than_o they_o have_v leave_v off_o be_v his_o disciple_n if_o they_o do_v not_o than_o they_o make_v their_o god_n a_o liar_n add_v further_o if_o those_o spirit_n have_v respect_v or_o intend_v the_o good_a of_o mankind_n above_o all_o they_o will_v have_v prescribe_v some_o course_n of_o life_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o also_o promise_v some_o assurance_n of_o reward_n to_o they_o that_o live_v according_o neither_o of_o which_o be_v ever_o do_v by_o they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n oftentimes_o in_o their_o verse_n we_o find_v some_o king_n commond_v which_o be_v wicked_a man_n some_o champion_n extol_v and_o dignify_v with_o divine_a honour_n other_o allure_v to_o immodest_a and_o unlawful_a love_n or_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o filthy_a lucre_n and_o commit_v of_o murder_n as_o may_v be_v show_v by_o many_o example_n sect_n x._o paganism_n decay_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n so_o soon_o as_o humane_a aid_n cease_v beside_o all_o that_o have_v hitherto_o be_v say_v paganism_n itself_o minister_v to_o we_o a_o notable_a argument_n against_o itself_o namely_o because_o that_o wheresoever_o the_o same_o become_v destitute_a of_o humane_a help_n there_o straight_o way_n it_o come_v to_o ruin_v as_o if_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o be_v quite_o overthrow_v for_o if_o we_o behold_v all_o the_o kingdom_n and_o state_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n or_o mahometan_n we_o shall_v find_v no_o mention_n of_o paganism_n but_o in_o book_n nay_o the_o history_n of_o former_a time_n do_v show_v that_o when_o the_o emperor_n go_v about_o to_o uphold_v their_o religion_n either_o by_o violence_n and_o persecution_n as_o do_v the_o first_o of_o they_o or_o by_o learning_n and_o subtlety_n as_o do_v julian_n yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o decay_v daily_o not_o by_o any_o violent_a opposition_n nor_o by_o the_o brightness_n and_o splendour_n of_o christianity_n for_o jesus_n be_v account_v by_o the_o common_a sort_n only_o a_o carpenter_n son_n nor_o by_o the_o flourish_n of_o learning_n which_o they_o that_o teach_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n use_v not_o nor_o by_o gift_n &_o reward_n for_o they_o be_v poor_a nor_o by_o any_o soothe_n and_o slatter_a speech_n for_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o teach_v that_o all_o worldly_a commodity_n must_v be_v despise_v &_o that_o all_o kind_n of_o adversity_n must_v be_v undergo_v for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n see_v then_o how_o weak_a and_o impotent_a paganism_n be_v which_o by_o such_o mean_n come_v to_o ruin_v neither_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n only_o make_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o vanish_v but_o even_o bad_a spirit_n come_v out_o of_o divers_a body_n at_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n they_o become_v dumb_a also_o and_o be_v demand_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o silence_n they_o be_v compel_v to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v upon_o sect_n xi_o answer_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o that_o think_v the_o beginning_n and_o decay_n of_o religion_n depend_v upon_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o star_n there_o be_v some_o philosopher_n that_o do_v ascribe_v the_o beginning_n and_o decay_n of_o every_o religion_n unto_o the_o star_n but_o that_o which_o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o know_v there_o in_o be_v teach_v with_o such_o variety_n and_o diversity_n in_o their_o stargazing_a science_n that_o a_o man_n can_v collect_v nothing_o from_o thence_o for_o certainty_n but_o only_o this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n at_o all_o therein_o i_o do_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o such_o effect_n as_o have_v a_o necessary_a dependence_n upon_o natural_a cause_n but_o of_o those_o that_o proceed_v from_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o of_o itself_o have_v such_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n that_o no_o necessity_n or_o violence_n can_v be_v incident_a thereunto_o from_o without_o for_o if_o the_o assent_n or_o consent_v of_o the_o will_n do_v necessary_o follow_v any_o outward_a impression_n than_o the_o power_n in_o our_o soul_n which_o we_o may_v perceive_v it_o have_v to_o consult_v and_o deliberate_v be_v give_v in_o vain_a also_o the_o equity_n of_o all_o law_n of_o all_o reward_n and_o punishment_n will_v be_v abolish_v see_v there_o can_v be_v neither_o fault_n nor_o merit_n in_o that_o which_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a and_o inevitable_a again_o there_o be_v divers_a evil_a act_n or_o effect_n of_o the_o will_n which_o if_o they_o proceed_v of_o any_o necessity_n from_o the_o heaven_n than_o the_o same_o heaven_n and_o celestial_a body_n must_v needs_o receive_v such_o efficacy_n from_o god_n &_o so_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o god_n who_o be_v most_o perfect_o good_a be_v the_o prime_a cause_n of_o that_o which_o be_v moral_o evil_a and_o see_v that_o in_o his_o law_n he_o prosess_v himself_o to_o abhor_v wickedness_n which_o if_o he_o implant_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o by_o such_o inevitable_a power_n than_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o will_n two_o contrary_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o same_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v and_o not_o be_v do_v also_o a_o man_n shall_v offend_v in_o any_o action_n he_o do_v by_o divine_a instigation_n they_o speak_v more_o probable_o that_o say_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o star_n do_v first_o affect_v the_o air_n than_o our_o body_n with_o such_o quality_n as_o often_o time_n do_v excite_v and_o stir_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n some_o desire_n or_o affection_n answerable_a thereunto_o and_o the_o will_n be_v allure_v or_o entice_v by_o these_o motion_n do_v oftentimes_o yield_v thereunto_o which_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v as_o it_o be_v credible_a for_o truth_n yet_o it_o make_v nothing_o for_o the_o question_n we_o havein_n hand_n for_o see_v that_o christian_a religion_n most_o of_o all_o with_o draw_v man_n from_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v please_v unto_o the_o body_n it_o can_v therefore_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o the_o assection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o consequent_o not_o from_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o star_n which_o as_o but_o now_o we_o say_v have_v no_o power_n over_o the_o mind_n otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o those_o affection_n the_o most_o prudent_a among_o astrologer_n do_v grant_v that_o wiâ—e_n and_o upright_a man_n be_v not_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o star_n and_o such_o very_o be_v they_o that_o first_o profess_v christianity_n as_o their_o life_n do_v show_v or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o efficacy_n in_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n against_o the_o infection_n of_o the_o body_n even_o among_o christian_n there_o be_v ever_o some_o that_o be_v excellent_a in_o this_o particular_a beside_o as_o the_o most_o learned_a do_v confess_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o sâ—arres_n appertain_v to_o certain_a climate_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v only_o for_o a_o season_n but_o this_o religion_n have_v now_o continue_v above_o the_o space_n of_o one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o year_n and_o that_o not_o in_o one_o part_n only_o but_o in_o the_o most_o remote_a place_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o far_o different_a situation_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o star_n sect_n xii_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o christianity_n be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o heathen_a and_o if_o there_o he_o any_o thing_n hâ—t_o scarce_o seem_v crediblos_fw-la herein_o the_o like_a or_o worse_o be_v find_v among_o the_o pagan_n last_o this_o be_v a_o evidence_n which_o make_v much_o against_o the_o pagan_n so_o that_o they_o have_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o object_n against_o christian_a religion_n namely_o because_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o be_v of_o such_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n that_o by_o their_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v convince_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o among_o who_o divers_a do_v teach_v the_o same_o truth_n which_o general_o our_o religion_n admit_v of_o for_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n as_o to_o give_v some_o instance_n true_a religion_n consist_v not_o in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n but_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n he_o be_v a_o adulterer_n that_o have_v but_o only_o a_o desire_n to_o
year_n shall_v be_v expire_v after_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o deâ—ree_a touch_v the_o restore_n of_o the_o city_n jerusalem_n the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v but_o now_o since_o that_o time_n above_o two_o thousand_o year_n have_v pass_v and_o yet_o he_o who_o the_o jew_n expect_v be_v not_o come_v neither_o can_v tâ—ey_v name_n any_o other_o person_n to_o who_o that_o space_n or_o time_n can_v be_v right_o apply_v which_o notwithstanding_o agree_v so_o fit_o unto_o jesus_n as_o that_o nehâ—mias_n a_o rabbi_n doctor_n who_o live_v about_o fifty_o year_n before_o christ_n plain_o say_v then_o that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n foretell_v by_o daniel_n can_v not_o be_v protract_v beyond_o those_o fifty_o year_n then_o next_o ensue_v and_o with_o this_o note_n of_o time_n agree_v another_o note_n which_o we_o have_v touch_v before_o to_o wit_n concern_v the_o dominion_n over_o all_o nation_n by_o divine_a power_n after_o that_o the_o posterity_n of_o seleveus_n and_o laguâ—_n have_v cease_v to_o reign_v the_o latter_a whereof_o end_v in_o cleopatra_n a_o little_a before_o jesus_n be_v bear_v the_o three_o note_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o foresay_a chapter_n of_o daniel_n namely_o that_o after_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n shall_v be_v overthrow_v which_o prophecy_n of_o the_o city_n destruction_n josephus_n himself_o refer_v unto_o his_o time_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o time_n appoint_v for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v then_o already_o past_a hereunto_o likewise_o belong_v that_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n where_o god_n by_o the_o prophet_n incourage_v zerubbabel_n the_o son_n of_o shealtiel_n governor_n of_o judah_n and_o joshuah_n the_o son_n of_o josedech_n the_o high_a priest_n comfort_v they_o with_o this_o promise_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o latter_a house_n shall_v be_v great_a than_o the_o former_a which_o certain_o can_v neither_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o work_n nor_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o building_n nor_o of_o the_o fabric_n and_o artificial_a structure_n nor_o of_o the_o beauty_n of_o that_o temple_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n both_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o in_o josephus_n compare_v with_o that_o of_o the_o temple_n of_o solomon_n but_o god_n show_v wherein_o the_o latter_a temple_n shall_v excel_v the_o former_a when_o he_o promise_v as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o certain_a covenant_n to_o establish_v his_o peace_n that_o be_v his_o mercy_n and_o love_a kindness_n in_o that_o temple_n whereof_o thâ—_n prophet_n malachy_n speak_v more_o full_o in_o his_o three_o chapter_n behold_v i_o will_v send_v my_o messenger_n and_o he_o shall_v prepare_v the_o way_n before_o i_o now_o malachy_n live_v when_o the_o latter_a temple_n be_v build_v and_o the_o lord_n who_o you_o seek_v shall_v sudden_o come_v to_o his_o temple_n even_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o you_o delight_v in_o wherefore_o the_o messiah_n ought_v to_o come_v while_o the_o second_o temple_n stand_v which_o as_o the_o hebrew_n note_n be_v during_o the_o space_n between_o zerubbabel_n and_o vespasian_n for_o in_o the_o time_n of_o herod_n the_o great_a the_o temple_n be_v not_o re-edify_v out_o of_o its_o old_a râ—ines_n but_o by_o little_a and_o little_a it_o be_v repair_v bear_v still_o the_o name_n of_o the_o same_o temple_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v so_o firm_a a_o opinion_n among_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o neighbour_a people_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v sure_o to_o come_v in_o those_o time_n that_o many_o take_v herod_n other_o judas_n gaulonite_n and_o a_o three_o sort_n some_o that_o live_v about_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n sect_n xv._n answer_v to_o that_o which_o some_o conceive_v touch_v the_o defor_v of_o his_o come_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n some_o of_o the_o jew_n perceive_v themselves_o to_o be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o by_o these_o argument_n concern_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n do_v go_v about_o to_o shift_v off_o the_o same_o by_o tell_v we_o that_o their_o fin_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o he_o do_v not_o come_v at_o the_o promise_a time_n but_o for_o answer_v to_o omit_v what_o be_v show_v in_o the_o prophecy_n aforesaid_a touch_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o decree_n without_o all_o exception_n or_o uncertainty_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o this_o come_n shall_v be_v defer_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o sin_n see_v also_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o because_o of_o the_o many_o and_o heinous_a transgression_n of_o the_o people_n the_o great_a city_n shall_v be_v lay_v waste_v a_o little_a after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n moreover_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v be_v that_o he_o may_v both_o administer_v a_o medicine_n to_o the_o wicked_a world_n and_o procure_v pardon_n for_o offence_n withal_o give_v good_a rule_n for_o reformation_n of_o life_n whereupon_o in_o the_o thirteen_o chapter_n of_o zachary_n it_o be_v mean_v of_o his_o time_n when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o fountain_n open_v to_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o sin_n and_o for_o uncleanness_n and_o it_o be_v affirm_v by_o the_o hebrew_n themselves_o shall_v be_v call_v ish_n copher_n that_o be_v a_o reconciler_n or_o peacemaker_n but_o it_o be_v against_o all_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v defer_v for_o that_o disease_n to_o which_o it_o be_v precise_o destinate_a and_o appoint_v sect_n xvi_o also_o from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n compare_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o law_n promise_v touch_v this_o which_o we_o affirm_v of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n long_v since_o into_o the_o world_n the_o jew_n be_v convince_v by_o very_a sense_n god_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o moses_n and_o promise_v to_o they_o the_o happy_a possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o palestina_n so_o long_o as_o they_o shall_v lead_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n but_o contrary_o he_o threaten_v banishment_n and_o such_o like_a calamity_n to_o come_v upon_o they_o if_o they_o do_v grievous_o transgress_v the_o same_o yet_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o be_v afflict_v with_o misery_n and_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n return_v unto_o obedience_n then_o will_v he_o be_v move_v to_o have_v mercy_n upon_o the_o people_n and_o cause_n that_o though_o they_o be_v scatter_v to_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o shall_v they_o return_v again_o into_o their_o own_o countreyâ—_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o deut._n 30_o &_o nehem._n 1._o and_o elsewhere_o but_o now_o for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o thousand_o five_o hundred_o year_n and_o more_o the_o jew_n have_v want_v a_o country_n and_o a_o temple_n which_o when_o they_o will_v have_v build_v anew_o they_o be_v always_o hinder_v by_o some_o empediment_n or_o other_o when_o this_o people_n in_o time_n past_a have_v defile_v themselves_o with_o abominable_a wickedness_n every_o where_o sacrifice_v even_o their_o child_n unto_o saturn_n account_v adultery_n to_o be_v no_o sin_n oppress_v and_o spoil_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n and_o shed_v the_o innocent_a blood_n in_o great_a abundance_n all_o which_o the_o prophet_n do_v upbraid_v they_o with_o then_o do_v they_o sufferexile_a yet_o only_o for_o the_o space_n of_o seventy_o year_n during_o which_o time_n god_n do_v not_o neglect_v to_o speak_v unto_o they_o by_o his_o prophet_n and_o to_o comfort_v they_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o return_n point_v also_o at_o the_o very_a time_n thereof_o but_o now_o ever_o since_o they_o be_v expel_v out_o of_o their_o country_n they_o continue_v banish_v and_o contemptible_a no_o prophet_n come_v unto_o they_o there_o be_v no_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o their_o return_n their_o master_n and_o ring-â—…ers_a as_o if_o they_o be_v blast_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o giddinesseâ—_n be_v fall_v away_o to_o filthy_a fable_n and_o doctrine_n very_o ridiculous_a where_o with_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 the_o same_o to_o that_o which_o be_v deliver_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 tedious_a and_o irksome_a 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