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
needs_o follow_v as_o the_o jew_n have_v confess_v that_o these_o work_v proceed_v from_o a_o more_o than_o natural_a or_o humane_a power_n that_o be_v from_o some_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n that_o they_o proceed_v not_o from_o any_o evil_a spirit_n may_v be_v prove_v because_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o confirmation_n whereof_o these_o work_n be_v wrought_v be_v quite_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a to_o bad_a spirit_n for_o it_o prohibit_v the_o worship_v of_o evil_a angel_n and_o dissuade_v man_n from_o all_o unclearnesse_n of_o affection_n and_o manner_n wherein_o such_o spirit_n be_v much_o delight_v and_o this_o be_v also_o plain_a for_o that_o wheresoever_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v receive_v and_o establish_v there_o follow_v the_o ruin_n and_o downfall_n of_o idol_n the_o contempt_n and_o detestation_n of_o magical_a art_n together_o with_o a_o serious_a hatred_n of_o all_o diabolical_a worship_n as_o be_v a_o thing_n contrary_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god._n neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v think_v that_o any_o wicked_a spirit_n be_v so_o ignorant_a and_o foolish_a as_o to_o effect_v and_o often_o bring_v to_o pass_v thing_n that_o be_v cause_n of_o its_o own_o hurt_n and_o disgrace_n and_o no_o way_n conduce_v to_o its_o honour_n or_o benefit_n beside_o it_o stand_v no_o way_n with_o the_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o suffer_v so_o harmless_a and_o innocent_a man_n such_o as_o fear_v he_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o delusion_n of_o devil_n and_o such_o be_v the_o first_o follower_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o their_o innocent_a life_n and_o by_o the_o many_o calamity_n which_o they_o endure_v for_o conserence_n sake_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o thou_o affirm_v that_o those_o work_n of_o christ_n proceed_v from_o some_o good_a spirit_n which_o be_v inferior_a to_o god_n in_o so_o say_v thou_o do_v confess_v that_o the_o same_o work_n be_v well_o please_v unto_o god_n and_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n forasmuch_o as_o good_a spirit_n do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v acceptable_a and_o glorious_a unto_o god_n to_o say_v no_o more_o then_o some_o of_o christ_n work_n there_o be_v so_o miraculous_a that_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v god_n himself_o for_o the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o can_v not_o have_v be_v do_v but_o by_o the_o immediate_a finger_n of_o a_o omnipotent_a power_n as_o special_o the_o restore_a divers_a person_n from_o death_n unto_o life_n again_o now_o god_n do_v not_o produce_v any_o miracle_n nor_o suffer_v any_o such_o wonder_n to_o be_v wrought_v without_o just_a cause_n for_o it_o become_v not_o a_o wise_a law_n giver_n to_o forsake_v and_o depart_v from_o his_o own_o law_n unless_o upon_o some_o good_a and_o weighty_a reason_n now_o no_o other_o cause_n of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v give_v than_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v by_o christ_n himself_o namely_o that_o hereby_o his_o doctrine_n may_v be_v verify_v and_o confirm_v and_o doubtless_o they_o that_o be_v spectator_n of_o his_o work_n can_v conceive_v no_o other_o reason_n thereof_o for_o since_o among_o those_o spectator_n and_o beholder_n of_o his_o miracle_n there_o be_v as_o be_v say_v many_o godly_a man_n pious_o and_o devout_o affect_v it_o be_v horrible_a impiety_n to_o imagine_v that_o god_n do_v work_v these_o thing_n only_o to_o delude_v and_o deceive_v they_o and_o this_o be_v one_o or_o the_o only_a cause_n why_o very_a many_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o live_v about_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n even_o such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o relinquish_v or_o omit_v one_o jot_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o jesus_n be_v a_o doctor_n or_o master_n send_v from_o heaven_n sect_n vii_o christ_n resurrection_n prove_v by_o credible_a reason_n beside_o the_o miracle_n that_o christ_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n another_o argument_n may_v be_v take_v from_o his_o wonderful_a resurrection_n to_o life_n again_o after_o that_o he_o be_v crucify_v dead_a and_o bury_v for_o the_o christian_n of_o all_o age_n and_o country_n allege_v the_o same_o not_o only_o for_o a_o truth_n but_o also_o as_o the_o most_o strong_a sortresse_n and_o chief_a foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o those_o that_o first_o teach_v christianity_n do_v persuade_v their_o auditor_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o for_o certain_a and_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o induce_v any_o wise_a man_n to_o the_o belief_n hereof_o unless_o they_o can_v very_o affirm_v that_o themselves_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o this_o matter_n for_o without_o such_o a_o ocular_a testimony_n no_o man_n of_o wisdom_n and_o judgement_n will_v willing_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o special_o in_o such_o perilous_a and_o dangerous_a time_n as_o then_o be_v but_o that_o this_o be_v their_o constant_a assertion_n both_o their_o own_o book_n and_o other_o write_n do_v testify_v for_o out_o of_o their_o book_n it_o appear_v that_o they_o appeal_v unto_o five_o hundred_o witness_n that_o have_v behold_v jesus_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a now_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fashion_n of_o liar_n and_o dissembler_n to_o appeal_v to_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o witness_n neither_o can_v it_o possible_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o so_o many_o man_n shall_v agree_v and_o conspire_v together_o to_o bear_v false_a witness_n or_o suppose_v there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o witness_n save_o those_o twelve_o know_a apostle_n the_o first_o publisher_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o this_o have_v be_v sufficient_a no_o man_n be_v a_o leasing-mung_a for_o god-have-mercy_o any_o honour_n for_o their_o lie_v they_o can_v not_o expect_v in_o regard_n that_o all_o kind_n of_o dignity_n and_o promotion_n do_v then_o belong_v unto_o the_o pagan_n or_o jew_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v nothing_o but_o reproach_n and_o ignominy_n neither_o can_v they_o hope_v for_o any_o wealth_n and_o commodity_n because_o this_o profession_n be_v oftentimes_o punish_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o good_n and_o possession_n or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o the_o gospel_n can_v not_o be_v teach_v by_o they_o sincere_o unless_o they_o omit_v or_o neglect_v all_o solicitous_a and_o anxious_a care_n for_o temporal_a commodity_n neither_o can_v the_o hope_n of_o any_o other_o worldly_a profit_n move_v they_o to_o fit_a or_o utter_a untruth_n see_v that_o the_o very_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n do_v expose_v they_o to_o labour_n hunger_n thirst_n stripe_n and_o imprisonment_n to_o get_v credit_n and_o reputation_n only_o among_o their_o own_o country_n man_n be_v not_o so_o much_o worth_n that_o they_o poor_a innocent_a man_n be_v such_o as_o in_o their_o life_n and_o doctrine_n abhor_v losty_a mindedness_n shall_v therefore_o run_v upon_o so_o great_a inconvenience_n neither_o again_o can_v they_o have_v any_o hope_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n wâ—â—_n be_v oppose_v both_o by_o corrupt_a covetous_a nature_n &_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v some_o way_n animate_v and_o encourage_v by_o the_o divine_a promise_n of_o god_n and_o further_o this_o fame_n or_o reputation_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v be_v not_o likely_a to_o continue_v for_o ever_o they_o can_v not_o promise_v to_o themselves_o that_o it_o will_v be_v perpetual_a see_v that_o god_n purposely_o conceal_v his_o counsel_n concern_v the_o end_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n have_v leave_v the_o time_n thereof_o doubtful_a as_o be_v always_o imminent_a at_o hand_n which_o the_o write_n of_o the_o christian_n that_o live_v in_o those_o time_n and_o of_o those_o that_o succeed_v they_o do_v most_o plainâ—â—y_o witness_v it_o remain_v therefore_o â—…f_o they_o lie_v that_o they_o have_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o religion_n how_o beâ—…t_v this_o can_v just_o be_v lay_v against_o they_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v right_o consider_v for_o either_o they_o â—did_v sincere_o believe_v that_o this_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n or_o else_o they_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a nay_o if_o they_o think_v not_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o the_o best_a they_o will_v never_o have_v make_v choice_n hereof_o and_o refuse_v other_o religion_n far_o more_o safe_a and_o commodious_a nay_o further_o though_o they_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v most_o true_a yet_o they_o will_v not_o have_v profess_v it_o unless_o they_o have_v be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o profession_n there_o of_o be_v necessary_a special_o for_o that_o they_o may_v have_v easy_o foresee_v and_o partly_o they_o can_v tell_v by_o experience_n what_o troop_n of_o man_n be_v expose_v to_o death_n for_o this_o profession_n which_o without_o
or_o the_o natural_a and_o mutual_a love_n of_o parent_n and_o child_n be_v utter_o extinguish_v the_o law_n of_o the_o hebrew_n prohibit_v all_o kind_n of_o uncleanness_n yet_o tolerate_v a_o man_n to_o have_v many_o wife_n and_o in_o some_o case_n license_v the_o husband_n to_o put_v away_o his_o wife_n which_o the_o mahumitan_n at_o this_o day_n use_v to_o do_v like_v to_o the_o old_a grecian_n and_o lacineâ—_n yea_o cato_n himself_o who_o be_v wont_a to_o lend_v their_o wife_n one_o to_o another_o for_o a_o season_n but_o the_o most_o perfect_a law_n of_o christ_n strike_v at_o the_o very_a root_n of_o this_o sin_n that_o lie_v lurk_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n account_v he_o that_o only_o cast_v a_o want_n on_o eye_n upon_o a_o woman_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o commit_v adultery_n with_o she_o at_o least_o in_o thought_n namely_o before_o he_o that_o see_v and_o judge_n the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n and_o because_o all_o true_a friendship_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v constant_a and_o indissoluble_a therefore_o by_o this_o law_n it_o be_v appoint_v that_o husband_n and_o wise_n be_v yoke-fellowe_n in_o a_o cohabitation_n and_o union_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n which_o doubtless_o will_v be_v more_o convenient_a and_o behooveful_a for_o the_o education_n of_o their_o child_n the_o german_n roman_n and_o some_o other_o people_n among_o the_o heathen_a be_v content_a with_o one_o wife_n only_o the_o christian_n also_o follow_v this_o custom_n to_o the_o end_n that_o love_a affection_n between_o man_n and_o wife_n may_v be_v mutual_o preserve_v together_o with_o a_o good_a success_n of_o affair_n in_o domestical_a government_n under_o one_o head_n that_o so_o many_o wife_n cause_v not_o strife_n and_o contention_n among_o their_o several_a child_n sect_n xvi_o touch_v the_o use_n of_o temporal_a thing_n in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o good_n and_o temporal_a commodity_n concern_v which_o we_o find_v that_o among_o some_o heathenish_a gentile_n to_o wit_n the_o egyptian_n and_o lacedaemonian_n man_n be_v permit_v to_o filch_v and_o steal_v and_o herein_o they_o seem_v not_o unlike_o the_o roman_n of_o old_a for_o robbing_n and_o deprecation_n of_o who_o their_o orator_n speak_v say_v that_o if_o every_o man_n have_v his_o own_o there_o be_v many_o that_o may_v lodge_v in_o poor_a cottage_n now_o the_o hebrew_n have_v no_o such_o custom_n yet_o their_o law_n that_o it_o may_v seem_v more_o easy_a permit_v they_o to_o take_v usury_n of_o stranger_n among_o other_o thing_n promise_v the_o reward_n of_o richesâ—o_v they_o that_o observe_v the_o same_o law_n but_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n forbid_v not_o only_o all_o kind_n of_o injustice_n but_o also_o it_o prohibit_v we_o to_o take_v any_o cark_n and_o excessive_a care_n for_o these_o transitory_a thing_n because_o our_o mind_n be_v not_o able_a diligent_o and_o due_o to_o attend_v unto_o two_o several_a matter_n either_o of_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o take_v up_o a_o whole_a man_n and_o oftentimes_o drive_v we_o into_o contrary_a thought_n and_o odd_a quandary_n beside_o the_o excessive_a care_n both_o for_o get_v and_o keep_v riches_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o bondage_n and_o anxiety_n which_o blunt_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o comfort_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o a_o moderate_a desire_n and_o hope_n of_o commodity_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o nature_n require_v be_v not_o many_o or_o hard_a to_o be_v obtain_v for_o nature_n be_v content_a with_o a_o little_a yet_o if_o god_n bestow_v any_o overplus_n upon_o we_o so_o that_o we_o have_v some_o what_o to_o spare_v we_o be_v not_o command_v to_o cast_v the_o same_o into_o the_o sea_n as_o some_o philosopher_n unadvised_a have_v do_v neither_o must_v we_o keep_v any_o thing_n unprofitable_o or_o lavish_a it_o out_o wasteful_o burr_n rather_o therewith_o we_o ought_v to_o supply_v the_o want_n and_o â—xigences_n of_o other_o man_n either_o by_o give_v or_o by_o lend_v to_o they_o that_o will_v borrow_v for_o thus_o it_o become_v we_o to_o think_v that_o we_o be_v not_o lord_n and_o master_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o enjoy_v but_o as_o steward_n and_o dispenser_n under_o god_n almighty_a the_o father_n and_o master_n of_o all_o know_v also_o that_o a_o benefit_n well_o bestow_v be_v a_o treasureful_a of_o good_a hope_n which_o neither_o the_o wickedness_n of_o thief_n nor_o any_o casualty_n can_v diminish_v a_o rare_a example_n of_o this_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a liberality_n we_o find_v in_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o send_v relief_n out_o of_o macedonia_n and_o achaiah_n to_o succour_v they_o that_o live_v in_o palestine_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a world_n have_v be_v but_o one_o family_n and_o here_o in_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v provide_v that_o no_o hope_n of_o recompense_n or_o honour_n shall_v blemish_v and_o disgrace_v our_o bounty_n which_o will_v be_v little_o set_v by_o in_o god_n sight_n if_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o refer_v to_o his_o glory_n and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v cloak_n his_o covetousness_n as_o many_o use_n to_o do_v by_o fear_v they_o shall_v have_v need_n of_o wealth_n when_o they_o be_v old_a or_o that_o some_o mischance_n may_v fall_v out_o which_o will_v drive_v they_o into_o poverty_n therefore_o the_o law_n promise_v a_o special_a care_n for_o such_o as_o keep_v the_o commandment_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o animate_v and_o encourage_v they_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o feed_v the_o wild_a beast_n and_o cattle_n in_o preserve_v the_o grass_n &_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n now_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o we_o &_o dishonourable_a to_o so_o good_a &_o powerful_a a_o god_n not_o to_o believe_v more_o than_o we_o see_v or_o have_v a_o pawn_n for_o sect_n xvii_o of_o swear_v there_o be_v some_o law_n that_o forbid_v perjury_n but_o this_o law_n of_o christ_n will_v have_v we_o to_o refrain_v from_o all_o kind_n of_o swear_v unless_o we_o be_v lawful_o call_v thereunto_o upon_o necessity_n nay_o such_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n shall_v always_o be_v in_o our_o word_n and_o action_n that_o there_o never_o need_v any_o oath_n be_v exact_v of_o we_o sect_n xviii_o of_o other_o matter_n moreover_o there_o can_v nothing_o be_v find_v commendable_a and_o praiseworthy_a either_o in_o the_o philosophical_a write_n of_o the_o grecian_n or_o in_o the_o say_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o other_o nation_n which_o be_v not_o either_o express_o or_o virtual_o contain_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o christianity_n be_v establish_v by_o divine_a authority_n as_o namely_o concern_v modesty_n temperance_n goodness_n honesty_n prudence_n the_o office_n of_o magistrate_n and_o subject_n parent_n and_o child_n master_n and_o servant_n man_n and_o wife_n between_o themselves_o and_o chief_o the_o eschew_v those_o vice_n which_o among_o many_o of_o the_o grecian_n and_o roman_n go_v under_o the_o name_n and_o colour_n of_o honesty_n such_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o to_o be_v short_a admirable_a be_v the_o substantial_a brevity_n of_o these_o precept_n namely_o comprehend_v in_o these_o few_o word_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o that_o be_v we_o must_v do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o sect_n xix_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n touch_v the_o controversy_n abound_v among_o christian_n but_o here_o peradventure_o some_o will_v object_v against_o this_o which_o we_o speak_v concern_v the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n and_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o great_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n among_o christian_n whereupon_o there_o have_v spring_v so_o many_o sect_n and_o faction_n as_o do_v now_o abound_v in_o the_o church_n for_o answer_v whereunto_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o like_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n happen_v almost_o in_o all_o kind_n of_o art_n and_o science_n to_o wit_n partly_o through_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a apprehension_n and_o partly_o because_o man_n judgement_n be_v hinder_v and_o entangle_v with_o many_o employment_n howbeit_o this_o variety_n of_o opinion_n be_v contain_v within_o certain_a bound_n and_o limit_n for_o there_o be_v some_o common_a principle_n whereof_o it_o be_v agree_v upon_o by_o all_o and_o whereupon_o they_o ground_n their_o doubt_n thus_o in_o mathematics_n it_o be_v question_v whether_o a_o circle_n may_v be_v make_v quadrangular_a but_o not_o whether_o after_o the_o take_n away_o of_o equal_a part_n from_o equal_a the_o residue_n will_v not_o remain_v equal_a the_o same_o may_v be_v see_v in_o natural_a philosophy_n also_o in_o the_o art_n of_o physic_n and_o in_o other_o discipline_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o common_a consent_n and_o agreement_n in_o those_o
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
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 certain_a 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 the_o same_o and_o this_o that_o we_o have_v speak_v may_v suffice_v concern_v the_o author_n sect_n viii_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o write_n connirm_v by_o the_o event_n that_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v according_o as_o they_o be_v reveal_v there_o be_v other_o reason_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n and_o sidelity_n of_o these_o author_n write_n for_o many_o thing_n be_v therein_o fâ—re_v old_a shall_v after_o ward_n happen_v which_o notwithstanding_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n by_o their_o own_o power_n and_o ingeny_n to_o know_v or_o bring_v to_o pass_v yet_o we_o see_v the_o truth_n thereof_o confirm_v by_o the_o event_n which_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v according_o for_o so_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o this_o religion_n shall_v upon_o a_o sudden_a have_v a_o large_a and_o ample_a increase_n that_o it_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o &_o think_v it_o be_v reject_v by_o most_o of_o the_o jew_n yet_o shall_v it_o be_v embrace_v by_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v stranger_n to_o it_o thus_o likewise_o be_v foretell_v what_o hatred_n &_o spite_n the_o jew_n will_v bear_v against_o they_o that_o profess_v this_o religion_n &_o what_o grievous_a persecution_n the_o professor_n thereof_o shall_v undergo_v also_o what_o a_o great_a siege_n and_o destruction_n there_o shall_v be_v both_o of_o jerusalem_n that_o great_a city_n and_o of_o the_o temple_n together_o with_o a_o miserable_a calamity_n among_o the_o jew_n sect_n ix_o as_o also_o from_o god_n care_n in_o preserve_v his_o people_n from_o false_a write_n beside_o this_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o god_n out_o of_o his_o providence_n careful_o respect_v and_o govern_v humane_a affair_n special_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o worship_n than_o it_o can_v be_v that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v so_o great_a a_o multitude_n to_o be_v cheat_v and_o deceive_v with_o lie_a book_n those_o man_n i_o mean_v who_o full_a intent_n and_o purpose_n be_v to_o worship_n god_n after_o a_o holy_a manner_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o among_o so_o many_o sect_n that_o have_v spring_v up_o in_o christianity_n there_o have_v not_o be_v one_o that_o receive_v not_o either_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o those_o book_n except_v some_o few_o that_o contain_v no_o singular_a matter_n above_o the_o rest_n this_o i_o think_v may_v be_v a_o great_a argument_n that_o no_o material_a thing_n can_v be_v object_v against_o these_o write_n special_o since_o the_o say_a sect_n be_v so_o partial_a and_o spiteful_o bend_v against_o another_o that_o what_o one_o approve_a of_o another_o common_o will_v be_v displease_v therewith_o even_o because_o the_o same_o be_v like_v of_o by_o other_o sect_n x._o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n that_o divers_a book_n be_v not_o receive_v by_o all_o indeed_o there_o be_v some_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v christian_n who_o notwithstanding_o refuse_v to_o admit_v of_o such_o book_n as_o they_o do_v perceive_v contain_v any_o thing_n that_o make_v against_o their_o doctrine_n and_o these_o be_v either_o such_o as_o out_o of_o hatred_n against_o the_o jew_n speak_v ill_o of_o their_o law_n and_o reuâ—led_v the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o make_v and_o framer_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o else_o they_o be_v such_o as_o fear_v the_o great_a affliction_n and_o persecution_n that_o christian_n suffer_v and_o thereupon_o think_v it_o the_o safe_a way_n to_o â—urke_v under_o the_o name_n of_o jew_n who_o have_v free_a liberty_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n howbeit_o these_o lurker_n be_v reject_v and_o forsake_v by_o all_o the_o open_a profess_a christian_n that_o live_v in_o those_o time_n when_o as_o all_o that_o any_o way_n disagree_v in_o opinion_n if_o they_o keep_v unity_n of_o affection_n and_o piety_n may_v have_v be_v suffer_v with_o great_a patience_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n commandement_fw-fr as_o for_o the_o former_a kind_n of_o these_o bastard_n or_o counterfeit_n christian_n i_o think_v they_o have_v be_v sufficient_o confute_v both_o by_o that_o which_o we_o have_v say_v before_o when_o we_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a true_a god_n the_o sole_a framer_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o also_o by_o those_o very_a book_n which_o that_o they_o may_v have_v some_o semblance_n of_o christian_n they_o do_v admit_v of_o special_o the_o gospel_n of_o luke_n wherein_o be_v evident_o show_v that_o the_o same_o god_n who_o moses_n and_o the_o hebrew_n worship_v be_v preach_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o other_o sort_n we_o shall_v more_o fit_o confute_v when_o we_o speak_v against_o those_o that_o both_o be_v and_o will_v be_v call_v jew_n for_o the_o present_a only_o this_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v great_a impudence_n in_o they_o to_o fleight_n and_o extenuate_v the_o authority_n of_o paul_n see_v very_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n that_o expound_v and_o teach_v more_o charche_n than_o he_o do_v who_o be_v report_v at_o that_o time_n to_o have_v wrought_v many_o miracle_n when_o as_o ere_o while_o we_o say_v there_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v trial_n and_o inquiry_n make_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n if_o then_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o wrought_v wenders_z why_o may_v we_o not_o believe_v he_o concern_v his_o heavenly_a vision_n and_o instruction_n receive_v from_o christ_n himself_o to_o who_o since_o he_o be_v so_o deate_o belove_v it_o can_v be_v that_o he_o shall_v teach_v any_o thing_n inglorious_a or_o ingrateful_a unto_o christ_n as_o falsity_n or_o untruth_n will_v have_v be_v and_o as_o touch_v that_o particular_a whereof_o they_o accuse_v he_o namely_o his_o doctrine_n of_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n which_o be_v purchase_v for_o the_o hebrew_n from_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v former_o command_v they_o by_o moses_n there_o be_v not_o any_o cause_n in_o regard_n of_o himself_o why_o he_o shall_v speak_v any_o thing_n but_o truth_n therein_o for_o both_o he_o be_v circumcise_v and_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n he_o do_v observe_v the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o law_n but_o for_o christian_a religion_n sake_n he_o be_v both_o to_o do_v and_o suffer_v more_o difficult_a matter_n than_o either_o be_v command_v by_o the_o law_n or_o can_v happen_v by_o occasion_n of_o the_o law_n he_o teach_v also_o that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v do_v and_o suffer_v the_o like_a whence_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o utter_v no_o flatter_a or_o enrice_v speech_n unto_o his_o auditor_n who_o be_v teach_v in_o stead_n of_o the_o sab_v to_o keep_v every_o day_n holy_a for_o divine_a worship_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o little_a expense_n which_o the_o law_n require_v to_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o their_o good_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o blood_n beast_n to_o consecrate_v their_o own_o blood_n unto_o god_n and_o further_o paul_n himself_o plain_o affirm_v that_o peter_n john_n and_o james_n in_o token_n of_o their_o consent_n with_o he_o give_v he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n which_o he_o never_o dare_v have_v speak_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v true_a because_o the_o same_o man_n be_v then_o alive_a may_v have_v convict_v he_o for_o a_o liar_n but_o to_o leave_v these_o man_n that_o searce_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n beside_o this_o which_o we_o have_v now_o say_v concern_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o sacred_a pen_n man_n aforesaid_a and_o concern_v the_o singular_a providence_n of_o god_n about_o affair_n of_o this_o kind_n the_o manifest_a consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o all_o other_o christian_a congregation_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o these_o book_n may_v induce_v any_o inidifferent_a man_n to_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o special_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v wont_n common_o to_o credit_v other_o book_n of_o history_n without_o any_o such_o testimony_n unless_o they_o see_v some_o plain_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o of_o those_o book_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v sect_n xi_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n that_o these_o book_n seem_v to_o contain_v thing_n impossible_a for_o if_o any_o do_v object_n say_v that_o divers_a thing_n be_v there_o in_o relate_v which_o seem_v to_o be_v impossible_a ever_o to_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v we_o answer_v as_o before_o have_v be_v intimate_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n impossible_a for_o man_n to_o do_v which_o not_o withstand_v be_v possible_a unto_o god_n such_o as_o include_v in_o they_o no_o contradiction_n or_o contrariety_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v those_o wonderful_a effect_n which_o we_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
as_o we_o have_v former_o declare_v the_o point_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v contain_v which_o that_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v we_o beseech_v the_o almighty_a to_o illuminate_v the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o to_o make_v those_o prayer_n effectual_a which_o christ_n himself_o utter_v for_o they_o even_o while_o he_o be_v hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n the_o six_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n 1._o a_o confutation_n of_o mahumetanisme_n the_o beginning_n of_o it_o in_o this_o six_o book_n make_v for_o consutation_n of_o turk_n by_o way_n of_o preface_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o christian_n lead_v we_o to_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o mahumetanismâ—…_n namely_o how_o that_o true_a and_o sincere_a godliness_n which_o flourish_v even_o among_o the_o christian_n that_o be_v grievous_o torment_v and_o oppress_v afterward_o begin_v by_o little_a and_o little_a to_o wax_v cold_a to_o wit_n from_o that_o time_n that_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o constantine_n and_o other_o emperor_n the_o same_o profession_n become_v not_o only_o safe_a but_o also_o honourable_a the_o world_n be_v as_o it_o be_v thrust_v into_o the_o church_n for_o first_o of_o all_o when_o christian_a prince_n may_v have_v enjoy_v peace_n and_o quietness_n then_o will_v they_o needs_o be_v fight_v and_o still_o up_o in_o arm_n among_o the_o bishop_n also_o there_o be_v hot_a and_o bitter_a contention_n about_o the_o chief_a see_v and_o as_o at_o the_o beginning_n very_o much_o hurt_v ensue_v upon_o the_o prefer_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n before_o the_o â—reâ—_n of_o life_n so_o do_v there_o great_a harm_n follow_v in_o these_o time_n when_o curiosity_n of_o knowledge_n be_v more_o regard_v than_o a_o godly_a life_n when_o piety_n and_o religion_n be_v make_v a_o deceitful_a or_o cunning_a art_n for_o afterward_o so_o it_o happen_v as_o to_o they_o that_o build_v the_o tower_n of_o babylon_n the_o indiscreet_a affectation_n of_o high_a matter_n above_o their_o reach_n breed_v nothing_o but_o jar_v and_o confuse_a speech_n together_o with_o disagreement_n in_o opinion_n which_o the_o common_a sort_n observe_v they_o be_v drive_v into_o a_o quandary_n often_o doubt_v what_o to_o think_v or_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v themselves_o lay_v all_o the_o blame_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o begin_v to_o eschew_v they_o as_o hurtful_a and_o dangerous_a then_o begin_v religion_n as_o if_o judaism_n have_v be_v revive_v again_o general_o to_o consist_v more_o in_o â—ites_n and_o ceremony_n than_o in_o the_o purity_n and_o sanctity_n of_o the_o mind_n rather_o in_o bodily_a service_n than_o spiritual_a devotion_n some_o side_v one_o way_n and_o some_o another_o still_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o that_o opinion_n which_o they_o have_v once_o embrace_v till_o at_o length_n it_o come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o in_o each_o place_n there_o be_v many_o christian_n by_o name_n but_o real_o and_o indeed_o very_a few_o god_n do_v not_o wink_v at_o these_o transgression_n of_o his_o people_n but_o from_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o sâ—ythia_n and_o germany_n pour_v out_o like_o a_o flood_n and_o disperse_v great_a troop_n into_o the_o christian_a world_n which_o make_v great_a slaughter_n among_o the_o christian_n howbeit_o this_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o prevail_v not_o to_o work_v those_o christian_n that_o survive_v to_o amendment_n whereupon_o by_o his_o just_a permission_n mahumet_n begin_v to_o plant_v a_o new_a religion_n in_o arabia_n such_o as_o be_v manifest_o opposite_a to_o christian_a religion_n yet_o after_o a_o sort_n in_o word_n it_o do_v express_v the_o life_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n this_o religion_n be_v first_o receive_v by_o the_o saracen_n who_o revolt_v from_o heraclius_n the_o emperor_n and_o in_o a_o short_a space_n by_o their_o martial_a enterprise_n win_v arabia_n syria_n palestina_n egypt_n persia_n africa_n and_o spain_n but_o the_o power_n and_o might_n of_o â—hefe_a saracen_n be_v assuage_v chief_o among_o other_o by_o the_o turk_n a_o people_n very_o litigious_a who_o after_o long_a war_n hold_v against_o the_o say_a saracen_n be_v invite_v to_o peace_n do_v easy_o entertain_v their_o religion_n which_o suit_v well_o with_o their_o condition_n and_o transfer_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o empire_n unto_o themselves_o then_o have_v take_v the_o city_n of_o asia_n and_o greece_n with_o success_n in_o their_o martial_a attempt_n they_o enter_v upon_o hangary_n and_o the_o border_n of_o germany_n sect_n ii_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o mahumetanisme_n in_o deny_v inquiry_n into_o religion_n this_o religion_n be_v full_o frame_v for_o the_o shed_n of_o blood_n abound_v with_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o must_v be_v believe_v without_o all_o liberty_n of_o enquiry_n there_o into_o whence_o the_o vulgar_a be_v prohibit_v to_o read_v the_o book_n that_o be_v account_v holy_a which_o thing_n seem_v a_o manifest_a argument_n of_o the_o iniquity_n thereof_o for_o just_o may_v that_o merchandise_n be_v suspect_v which_o be_v vendible_a only_o upon_o condition_n it_o may_v not_o be_v see_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v not_o in_o all_o man_n a_o like_a capacity_n or_o knowledge_n and_o quick_a insight_n into_o all_o thing_n many_o be_v lead_v into_o error_n by_o pride_n other_o by_o inordinate_a passion_n or_o affection_n and_o some_o by_o custom_n but_o the_o divine_a goodness_n forbid_v we_o to_o think_v that_o those_o man_n may_v not_o know_v and_o find_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n who_o seek_v the_o same_o not_o for_o any_o by-respect_n of_o profit_n or_o honour_n but_o with_o submission_n of_o themselves_o and_o all_o they_o have_v unto_o god_n implore_v his_o assistance_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o same_o and_o since_o that_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o understanding_n there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o truth_n that_o better_a deserve_v the_o employment_n thereof_o than_o that_o which_o can_v be_v unknown_a without_o the_o danger_n of_o lose_v eternal_a salvation_n sect_n iii_o a_o proof_n against_o the_o mahumetanes_n take_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o christian_n which_o be_v not_o corrupt_v it_o be_v grant_v by_o mahumet_n and_o his_o follower_n that_o moses_n be_v send_v of_o god_n so_o like_o wise_a be_v jesus_n and_o those_o holy_a man_n which_o first_o of_o all_o publish_v the_o doctriâ—â—_n of_o jesus_n but_o in_o the_o alcoran_n which_o be_v mahumets_n law_n many_o thing_n be_v record_v plain_a contrary_n to_o what_o be_v teach_v by_o moses_n and_o by_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n thuâ—_n to_o give_v one_o example_n for_o many_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n with_o one_o consent_n do_v testify_v that_o jesus_n be_v crucify_v that_o the_o three_o day_n he_o be_v restore_v to_o life_n again_o and_o after_o that_o be_v see_v of_o many_o but_o mahumet_n teach_v quite_o contrary_a 〈◊〉_d namely_o that_o jesus_n be_v privy_o take_v up_o into_o heaven_n not_o himself_o but_o some_o thing_n in_o his_o likeness_n be_v nail_v to_o the_o cross_n and_o consequent_o he_o do_v not_o die_v but_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v delude_v and_o deceive_v this_o objection_n can_v be_v put_v off_o unless_o mahumet_n say_v as_o he_o do_v that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o christ_n disciple_n have_v not_o remain_v as_o they_o be_v at_o first_o but_o have_v be_v corrupt_v howbeit_o we_o have-confuted_n this_o fiction_n before_o in_o the_o three_o book_n certes_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o the_o koran_n be_v corrupt_v the_o mahometan_n will_v deny_v it_o and_o that_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v for_o a_o answer_n sufficient_a to_o those_o that_o can_v not_o prove_v the_o contrary_n but_o they_o for_o the_o integrity_n of_o their_o book_n can_v allege_v such_o argument_n as_o we_o do_v produce_v concern_v the_o several_a copy_n that_o be_v in_o a_o short_a space_n disperse_v throughout_o the_o world_n and_o that_o not_o as_o the_o koran_n in_o one_o language_n which_o copy_n be_v preserve_v by_o the_o faithful_a deal_n of_o so_o many_o sect_n that_o vary_v much_o about_o other_o matter_n the_o mahometan_n be_v persuade_v that_o in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o john_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o send_v the_o comforter_n there_o have_v be_v something_o register_v concern_v mahumet_n which_o the_o christian_n have_v raze_v out_o but_o here_o let_v i_o ask_v of_o they_o whether_o they_o think_v this_o depravation_n of_o scripture_n be_v commit_v since_o the_o time_n of_o mahumet_n or_o before_o that_o it_o happen_v not_o after_o the_o come_n of_o mahumet_n be_v plain_a because_o ever_o since_o that_o time_n there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n very_o