prove_v from_o the_o atestation_n or_o testimony_n both_o of_o the_o sibylls_n and_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o from_o sundry_a of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v no_o christian_n who_o confess_v christ_n do_v by_o consequence_n confess_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v divine_a for_o if_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o fiction_n or_o humane_a invention_n in_o the_o principal_a matter_n and_o subject_n thereof_o which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o divine_a person_n upon_o earth_n indeed_o as_o be_v therein_o describe_v then_o it_o follow_v by_o good_a consequence_n that_o the_o story_n of_o he_o which_o be_v the_o gospel_n be_v also_o divine_a about_o the_o sibylls_n its_o fit_a to_o declare_v first_o who_o and_o what_o they_o be_v and_o then_o to_o rehearse_v their_o testimony_n which_o thereby_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v much_o more_o ponderous_a and_o important_a lactantius_n say_v 22._o say_v lactant_fw-la lib._n de_fw-fr ira_fw-la dei_fw-la cap._n 22._o that_o the_o word_n sibylla_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n be_v consignificant_a with_o vates_fw-la in_o the_o latin_a which_o signify_v a_o prophet_n or_o counsellor_n to_o god_n and_o that_o the_o sibylls_n be_v prophetess_n in_o number_n ten_o live_v in_o divers_a age_n and_o divers_a country_n among_o the_o heathen_a long_o before_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n one_o of_o they_o say_v of_o herself_o fine_a herself_o sibyl_n oracul_fw-la lib._n 3._o in_o fine_a that_o she_o be_v daughter_n in_o law_n to_o noah_n and_o also_o of_o his_o blood_n these_o write_v divers_a poem_n both_o historical_a agree_v with_o moses_n and_o prophetical_a agree_v with_o the_o prophet_n of_o scripture_n in_o many_o particular_n about_o christ_n and_o comprise_v in_o eight_o book_n still_o to_o be_v see_v and_o these_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v inspire_v by_o god_n to_o foreshow_v christ_n to_o the_o heathen_a who_o posterity_n be_v afterto_fw-mi be_v call_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o holy_a prophet_n be_v send_v to_o reveal_v and_o foreshow_v he_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o this_o opinion_n be_v both_o lactantius_n before_o name_v and_o that_o prime_a propugner_n and_o propitious_a defender_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n constantine_n the_o great_a as_o he_o open_o profess_v in_o a_o oration_n that_o he_o make_v to_o certain_a prelate_n of_o the_o church_n which_o eusebius_n have_v rehearse_v in_o the_o story_n of_o his_o life_n fine_a life_n euseb_n de_fw-fr vita_fw-la constan_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 19_o in_o fine_a where_o likewise_o it_o appear_v that_o these_o sibylls_n prophecy_n of_o christ_n take_v deep_a impression_n in_o he_o and_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o confirm_v he_o further_o in_o the_o christian_a faith_n justin_n martyr_n also_o a_o learned_a father_n and_o a_o martyr_n that_o live_v in_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n affirm_v that_o these_o sibylls_n oracle_n seem_v most_o near_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o they_o be_v inspire_v from_o above_o fine_a above_o justin_n mart._n in_o admonitor_n gentium_fw-la lib._n in_o fine_a s._n augustine_n also_o mention_v and_o commend_v some_o verse_n of_o sibylla_n erythraea_n do_v affirm_v of_o she_o that_o she_o seem_v to_o be_v esteem_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o appertain_v to_o the_o city_n of_o god_n 23._o god_n august_n de_fw-fr civit._fw-la dei_fw-la lib._n 18_o cap._n 23._o neither_o may_v this_o seem_v any_o whit_n improbable_a that_o almighty_a god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v this_o divine_a illumination_n to_o these_o heathen_a consider_v we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o his_o save_a grace_n confer_v upon_o divers_a of_o they_o as_o the_o egyptian_a midwife_n rahab_n job_n naaman_n before_o christ_n come_v and_o of_o divine_a revelation_n impart_v to_o other_o of_o they_o at_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n namely_o to_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o come_v from_o the_o east_n to_o worship_v he_o mat._n 2.1_o 2._o verse_n and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o likely_a both_o from_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o sibylls_n verse_n from_o the_o matter_n in_o that_o it_o be_v sacred_a and_o not_o at_o all_o scurrilous_a or_o profane_a which_o induce_v st._n augustine_n to_o have_v that_o good_a esteem_n of_o they_o before_o mention_v as_o appear_v in_o the_o say_a place_n of_o his_o work_n before_o name_v and_o from_o the_o manner_n in_o that_o they_o aver_v and_o that_o sundry_a time_n as_o do_v the_o prophet_n in_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v inspire_v by_o god_n from_o above_o to_o foreshow_v such_o occult_a and_o hide_a thing_n to_o come_v now_o the_o testimony_n which_o they_o give_v of_o christ_n be_v wonderful_a and_o strange_a for_o they_o reveal_v many_o more_o particular_n to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o then_o the_o prophet_n do_v and_o have_v therein_o jump_v with_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o record_v the_o very_a same_o particular_n to_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v among_o a_o rapfody_n of_o their_o verse_n i_o will_v rehearse_v the_o content_n but_o of_o a_o few_o for_o a_o drop_n of_o the_o sea_n water_n be_v enough_o to_o give_v we_o a_o taste_n of_o the_o whole_a ocean_n and_o because_o i_o will_v not_o vary_v a_o syllable_n from_o the_o greek_a copy_n itself_o i_o will_v render_v they_o in_o prose_n thus_o one_o of_o they_o write_v fine_a write_v sibyl_n oracl_n lib._n n._n in_o fine_a when_o a_o voice_n shall_v come_v by_o the_o way_n of_o the_o desert_n cry_v unto_o man_n to_o make_v their_o path_n straight_o to_o cleanse_v their_o heart_n and_o baptize_v their_o body_n with_o water_n that_o be_v bear_v from_o above_o they_o may_v transgress_v no_o more_o and_o that_o a_o barbarous_a man_n ensnare_v with_o dance_n shall_v give_v this_o voice_n slaughter_v for_o a_o reward_n of_o iniquity_n then_o the_o good_a stone_n preserve_v shall_v come_v from_o egypt_n at_o which_o the_o hebrew_n people_n shall_v stumble_v but_o the_o gentile_n shall_v be_v lead_v by_o his_o conduct_n and_o come_v to_o know_v the_o high_a god_n by_o he_o for_o he_o shall_v show_v eternal_a life_n to_o man_n elect_v but_o he_o shall_v add_v fire_n for_o ever_o to_o the_o disobedient_a and_o then_o he_o shall_v heal_v the_o disease_a whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o the_o blind_a shall_v see_v and_o the_o lame_a shall_v go_v the_o deaf_a shall_v hear_v and_o the_o dumb_a shall_v speak_v he_o shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a he_o shall_v walk_v upon_o the_o flood_n and_o in_o a_o desert_a place_n shall_v feed_v five_o thousand_o with_o five_o loaf_n and_o sea_n fish_n and_o the_o remainder_n of_o these_o shall_v fill_v twelve_o basket_n these_o and_o many_o more_o specialty_n about_o christ_n his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n be_v add_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n agree_v in_o every_o particular_a with_o the_o evangelical_n story_n another_o sibyl_n call_v erythraea_n who_o live_v in_o the_o six_o age_n after_o the_o flood_n of_o noah_n as_o she_o report_v herself_o have_v make_v a_o staff_n of_o acrostic_n verse_n of_o these_o six_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o english_v be_v jesus_n christ_n son_n of_o god_n saviour_n cross_n where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o verse_n as_o there_o be_v letter_n in_o these_o six_o word_n and_o the_o first_o letter_n of_o all_o the_o verse_n read_v together_o in_o order_n as_o they_o be_v place_v one_o under_o another_o make_v the_o aforesaid_a six_o word_n and_o the_o subject_n of_o they_o be_v the_o description_n of_o christ_n most_o sweet_o conspire_v with_o holy_a scripture_n i_o will_v here_o set_v down_o only_o the_o two_o last_o verse_n as_o which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o present_a purpose_n which_o be_v these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v he_o who_o be_v now_o describe_v in_o these_o acrostic_n verse_n be_v our_o god_n a_o immortal_a saviour_n a_o king_n that_o must_v suffer_v for_o we_o there_o remain_v one_o thing_n to_o make_v these_o testimony_n authentical_a and_o creditable_a and_o that_o be_v to_o make_v proof_n of_o these_o sibylls_n verse_n not_o to_o be_v adulterine_n forgery_n as_o some_o have_v be_v of_o opinion_n but_o to_o have_v have_v precedence_n before_o the_o gospel_n wherewith_o they_o so_o conspire_v and_o accord_v and_o this_o be_v very_o evident_o prove_v by_o the_o aforenamed_a emperor_n constantine_n and_o clear_v from_o all_o suspicion_n in_o his_o foresay_a oration_n where_o he_o produce_v as_o most_o sufficient_a witness_n hereof_o sundry_a famous_a writer_n as_o first_o marcus_z varro_z a_o learned_a roman_a who_o live_v above_o a_o hundred_o year_n before_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o make_v frequent_a mention_n of_o they_o in_o his_o history_n and_o withal_o
death_n of_o the_o body_n for_o as_o the_o soul_n give_v natural_a life_n to_o the_o body_n so_o the_o image_n of_o god_n namely_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n give_v spiritual_a life_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o without_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v spiritual_o dead_a as_o ephes_n 2.1_o &_o colos_n 2.13_o and_o divers_a other_o text_n of_o scripture_n witness_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o a_o death_n in_o sin_n you_o that_o be_v dead_a in_o your_o sin_n and_o the_o uncircumcision_n of_o your_o flesh_n have_v he_o quicken_v etc._n etc._n whence_o by_o undeniable_a consequence_n it_o follow_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o deprivation_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n there_o must_v needs_o follow_v a_o spiritual_a death_n in_o sin_n now_o if_o they_o deny_v grace_n righteousness_n and_o holiness_n to_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n i_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o view_n of_o these_o three_o text_n of_o scripture_n omit_v many_o other_o where_o it_o be_v expresl_o assert_v prov._n 3.21_o 22._o keep_v sound_a wisdom_n and_o discretion_n so_o shall_v they_o be_v life_n unto_o thy_o soul_n and_o rom._n 8.6_o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n but_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v life_n and_o rom._n 8.10_o the_o spirit_n be_v life_n because_o of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v the_o soul_n be_v alive_a spiritual_o because_o of_o righteousness_n argument_n 3._o they_o who_o christ_n come_v to_o save_v be_v sinner_n so_o say_v our_o saviour_n himself_o matth._n 9.13_o i_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o s._n paul_n rom._n 5.6_o christ_n die_v for_o the_o ungodly_a and_o 1_o tim._n 1.15_o christ_n jesus_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o in_o reason_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o saviour_n but_o christ_n come_v to_o save_v infant_n as_o well_o as_o man_n of_o year_n therefore_o they_o be_v sinner_n now_o that_o christ_n come_v to_o save_v infant_n as_o well_o as_o man_n of_o year_n appear_v by_o scripture_n these_o two_o way_n 1._o because_o he_o die_v for_o all_o man_n as_o oft_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v 1_o tim._n 2.6_o he_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o heb._n 2.9_o he_o taste_v death_n for_o every_o man_n for_o whether_o all_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a text_n of_o scripture_n be_v take_v for_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n only_o or_o for_o all_o of_o all_o sort_n infant_n must_v needs_o be_v include_v among_o they_o for_o they_o be_v one_o sort_n of_o man_n 2._o because_o he_o invite_v child_n to_o come_v unto_o he_o or_o to_o be_v bring_v unto_o he_o as_o be_v say_v mark_v 10.14_o which_o intimate_v that_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v they_o as_o well_o as_o man_n of_o year_n i_o will_v add_v one_o argument_n more_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n to_o which_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n though_o prompt_v by_o the_o cunning_a suggestion_n of_o the_o old_a serpent_n can_v devise_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n argument_n 4._o they_o which_o be_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n be_v by_o nature_n sinner_n but_o all_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n so_o say_v the_o apostle_n ephes_n 2.3_o therefore_o all_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n sinner_n and_o so_o consequent_o infant_n the_o first_o proposition_n be_v all_o that_o i_o have_v to_o prove_v for_o the_o assumption_n be_v s._n paul_n own_o affirmation_n and_o i_o find_v it_o the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o holy_a scripture_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o evermore_o teach_v sin_n to_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o wrath_n and_o this_o in_o reason_n must_v needs_o be_v so_o because_o all_o thing_n else_o be_v his_o own_o work_n which_o be_v all_o good_a yea_o very_o good_a as_o we_o read_v in_o gen._n 1.31_o and_o sin_n only_o be_v the_o devil_n work_n the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o all_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o sin_n only_o be_v say_v to_o provoke_v god_n anger_n and_o wrath_n the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n be_v so_o numerous_a for_o this_o that_o i_o will_v name_v but_o this_o one_o of_o a_o thomsand_n rom._n 1.18_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n and_o how_o oft_o god_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v provoke_v to_o anger_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n none_o can_v be_v ignorant_a i_o will_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o about_o this_o argument_n and_o so_o i_o will_v conclude_v it_o the_o forename_a text_n in_o eph._n 2.3_o with_o what_o be_v deducible_a from_o it_o where_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o we_o be_v all_o by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n puzle_v the_o anabaptist_n not_o a_o little_a and_o put_v they_o to_o their_o shift_n to_o frame_v such_o a_o exposition_n thereof_o as_o may_v not_o impugn_v their_o own_o false_a tenet_n about_o original_a sin_n this_o may_v appear_v from_o that_o exposition_n which_o the_o forementioned_a mr._n brown_n have_v make_v of_o that_o text_n in_o the_o 6._o page_n of_o his_o book_n that_o i_o name_v before_o where_o he_o thus_o expound_v it_o by_o nature_n say_v he_o be_v understand_v first_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o our_o body_n which_o be_v good_a and_o principal_o the_o light_n that_o god_n have_v place_v in_o man_n now_o that_o this_o be_v a_o novel_a false_a and_o irrational_a interpretation_n of_o this_o text_n i_o thus_o discover_v if_o by_o nature_n here_o be_v understand_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v good_a namely_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o our_o body_n and_o the_o light_n that_o god_n have_v place_v in_o we_o then_o how_o can_v it_o make_v we_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n as_o here_o it_o be_v say_v of_o it_o for_o nothing_o that_o be_v good_a can_v make_v we_o child_n of_o wrath_n it_o be_v sin_n only_o which_o be_v first_o bring_v forth_o by_o satan_n and_o nothing_o else_o that_o provoke_v god_n wrath_n as_o former_o be_v prove_v by_o nature_n therefore_o in_o this_o place_n of_o necessity_n must_v be_v understand_v something_o that_o be_v sinful_a for_o else_o it_o can_v not_o make_v we_o child_n of_o wrath_n as_o have_v be_v show_v which_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o vitiosity_n pravity_n and_o corrupt_a disposition_n which_o from_o our_o first_o birth_n and_o be_v be_v propagate_v into_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n by_o natural_a generation_n for_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o by_o nature_n here_o be_v mean_v the_o substance_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n yet_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v also_o grant_v as_o have_v be_v now_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o they_o not_o as_o pure_a and_o free_a from_o any_o sin_n but_o as_o vitiate_a and_o deprave_a therewith_o from_o their_o first_o union_n and_o conjunction_n together_o into_o one_o individual_a it_o remain_v therefore_o a_o sure_a and_o sacred_a truth_n inviolable_a and_o infringible_a and_o not_o to_o be_v contradict_v but_o by_o obstinacy_n or_o impudence_n itself_o that_o child_n be_v bear_v in_o sin_n the_o six_o controversy_n about_o tithe_n there_o be_v a_o obsteperous_a clamour_n raise_v against_o tithe_n by_o the_o anabaptistical_n teacher_n who_o yet_o for_o the_o most_o part_n lay_v as_o heavy_a a_o burden_n upon_o their_o disciple_n and_o put_v they_o to_o as_o great_a cost_n and_o charge_n as_o be_v equivalent_a to_o tithe_n and_o this_o in_o all_o probability_n they_o have_v broach_v and_o ventilate_v to_o get_v the_o better_a morsel_n for_o themselves_o for_o this_o they_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o way_n to_o insinuate_v with_o the_o common_a people_n and_o to_o wind_v themselves_o into_o their_o bosom_n be_v to_o preach_v please_a thing_n unto_o they_o and_o especial_o such_o as_o sound_v for_o their_o profit_n be_v it_o right_n or_o wrong_n to_o stop_v their_o mouth_n if_o it_o may_v be_v if_o not_o yet_o to_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o pay_v and_o receive_v tithe_n i_o will_v first_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o stand_v with_o equity_n and_o justice_n that_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v allowance_n and_o recompense_n for_o perform_v their_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o such_o a_o allowance_n as_o may_v afford_v they_o a_o competent_a and_o comfortable_a livelihood_n and_o subsistence_n second_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o stand_v with_o equity_n and_o justice_n that_o they_o have_v tithe_n for_o their_o allowance_n 1._o the_o former_a i_o shall_v prove_v both_o by_o scripture_n and_o force_n of_o reason_n by_o scripture_n i_o shall_v prove_v it_o both_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o new_a first_o
fire_n out_o of_o the_o earth_n where_o be_v no_o combustible_a matter_n and_o a_o voice_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v deliver_v the_o jew_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o their_o country_n whereupon_o without_o raise_v any_o force_n he_o by_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o wife_n father_n declare_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n who_o forthwith_o commit_v he_o to_o prison_n but_o the_o prison_n door_n be_v open_v unto_o he_o by_o miracle_n and_o he_o go_v to_o the_o king_n bed_n side_n and_o summon_v he_o again_o to_o obey_v god_n and_o when_o the_o king_n have_v ask_v he_o the_o name_n of_o the_o god_n moses_n tell_v it_o he_o in_o his_o ear_n whereat_o he_o fall_v into_o a_o swoon_n but_o moses_n raise_v he_o up_o again_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o the_o priest_n that_o make_v a_o scoff_n at_o it_o die_v incontinent_o and_o afterward_o this_o author_n declare_v how_o the_o king_n require_v sign_n and_o that_o thereupon_o moses_n turn_v his_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n and_o so_o in_o order_n record_v almost_o all_o the_o wonder_n which_o moses_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n that_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o prophet_n elias_n as_o that_o of_o obtain_v rain_n by_o prayer_n after_o a_o great_a drought_n in_o the_o day_n of_o king_n ahab_n with_o some_o other_o be_v report_v by_o one_o menander_n a_o ephesian_a in_o his_o tyrian_a history_n ibid._n history_n mor._n ibid._n the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v avouch_v by_o a_o number_n and_o that_o both_o in_o general_a and_o in_o particular_a in_o general_n both_o josephus_n in_o the_o place_n before_o cite_v and_o also_o mahomet_n in_o his_o koran_n confess_v our_o saviour_n to_o have_v wrought_v many_o miracle_n though_o mahomet_n deny_v he_o to_o be_v god_n and_o affirm_v that_o christ_n have_v a_o check_n for_o it_o when_o he_o come_v to_o heaven_n as_o mr._n parson_n have_v it_o in_o his_o book_n quote_v here_o in_o the_o margint_n 3._o margint_n pason_a resolut_a part_n 2._o cap._n sect_n 2._o consid_fw-la 3._o in_o particular_a first_o the_o supernatural_a eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n at_o the_o passion_n of_o christ_n be_v record_v by_o a_o old_a astronomer_n call_v aeschylus_n who_o prove_v by_o the_o aspect_n and_o posture_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n at_o that_o time_n that_o that_o eclipse_n can_v not_o be_v natural_a because_o all_o natural_a eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v precise_o at_o the_o change_n of_o the_o moon_n and_o this_o be_v about_o the_o full_a for_o it_o be_v two_o day_n before_o easter_n which_o solemn_a feast_n be_v always_o keep_v by_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o full_a of_o the_o moon_n as_o both_o scripture_n testify_v and_o that_o learned_a and_o credit_v author_n before_o mention_v philo_n judaeus_n 3._o judaeus_n philo_z de_fw-fr vita_fw-la moysis_n lib._n 3._o of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o miracle_n also_o i_o find_v a_o pregnant_a proof_n in_o a_o epistle_n of_o dionysius_n areopagita_n to_o polycarpus_n where_o dionysius_n affirm_v that_o he_o and_o one_o apollophanes_n be_v together_o in_o a_o city_n call_v heliopolis_n at_o the_o time_n of_o this_o eclipse_n observe_v two_o supernatural_a occurrence_n in_o the_o same_o first_o they_o observe_v the_o globe_n of_o the_o moon_n to_o fall_v first_o upon_o that_o part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v towards_o the_o east_n and_o to_o proceed_v to_o a_o total_a obfuscation_n or_o obscuration_n thereof_o and_o then_o to_o withdraw_v itself_o back_o again_o which_o it_o never_o do_v in_o natural_a eclipse_n but_o begin_n to_o enter_v upon_o the_o western_a surface_n of_o the_o sun_n procred_n to_o the_o eastern_a where_o the_o eclipse_n cease_v second_o they_o observe_v again_o that_o by_o nine_o of_o the_o clock_n at_o night_n the_o moon_n be_v withdraw_v to_o a_o diametrous_a opposition_n to_o the_o sun_n which_o by_o course_n of_o nature_n can_v not_o possible_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o that_o space_n of_o time_n be_v but_o six_o hour_n and_o this_o miracle_n dionysius_n entreat_v polycarpus_n to_o urge_v apollophanes_n withal_o to_o win_v he_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o regard_n himself_o be_v a_o eyewitness_n thereof_o again_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n have_v open_a acknowledgement_n both_o from_o josephus_n in_o the_o place_n twice_o above_o mention_v and_o from_o pilate_n himself_o that_o put_v he_o to_o death_n by_o a_o letter_n that_o he_o write_v to_o his_o lord_n tiberius_n than_o emperor_n of_o rome_n wherein_o he_o certify_v he_o how_o the_o soldier_n who_o be_v suborn_v and_o hire_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o say_v that_o christ_n disciple_n come_v and_o steal_v he_o away_o in_o the_o night_n have_v confess_v the_o plain_a truth_n unto_o he_o namely_o that_o jesus_n be_v rise_v indeed_o to_o life_n again_o out_o of_o his_o sepulchre_n and_o withal_o he_o send_v to_o tiberius_n the_o particular_a examination_n of_o divers_a other_o person_n which_o he_o have_v take_v about_o the_o same_o business_n who_o avow_v that_o they_o have_v see_v and_o speak_v with_o such_o person_n as_o be_v rise_v from_o death_n at_o that_o time_n with_o jesus_n which_o say_v person_n assure_v they_o also_o of_o his_o resurrection_n this_o letter_n of_o pilat_n be_v lay_v up_o among_o the_o record_n of_o the_o roman_n as_o witness_v both_o aegesippus_n in_o his_o history_n who_o live_v in_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n and_o immediate_o after_o he_o tertullian_n in_o his_o book_n against_o the_o gentile_n where_o he_o profess_v that_o upon_o his_o own_o knowledge_n such_o a_o letter_n there_o be_v to_o be_v see_v among_o the_o record_n of_o the_o roman_n this_o tertullian_n may_v very_o well_o know_v in_o regard_n he_o be_v a_o pleader_n of_o cause_n in_o rome_n divers_a year_n before_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n 2._o christian_n parson_n resol_n part_n 2._o cap._n 4._o sect_n 2._o i_o may_v hereunto_o add_v sundry_a other_o testimony_n out_o of_o author_n of_o adverse_a profession_n to_o christian_a religion_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o these_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a and_o therefore_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o next_o argument_n of_o this_o sort_n argu_n ∣_o ment_fw-mi 3_o which_o may_v be_v the_o infinite_a number_n of_o martyr_n that_o have_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o shed_v their_o blood_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o with_o most_o admirable_a alacrity_n and_o cheerfulness_n and_o with_o most_o inseparable_a courage_n and_o fortitude_n for_o evidence_n hereof_o i_o will_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o these_o story_n first_o for_o the_o martyr_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o a_o very_a short_a story_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o macchabee_n write_v by_o the_o aforenamed_a josephus_n and_o usual_o annex_v to_o his_o other_o book_n agree_v with_o the_o 6._o &_o seven_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o the_o macchabee_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n a_o story_n it_o be_v worth_a the_o read_n perhaps_o it_o may_v extract_v some_o tear_n which_o i_o speak_v out_o of_o experience_n but_o yet_o they_o may_v haply_o be_v sweeten_v with_o a_o mixture_n of_o gladness_n like_o those_o which_o drop_v from_o joseph_n eye_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o brother_n benjamin_n i_o will_v rehearse_v but_o one_o speech_n of_o the_o first_o of_o nine_o martyr_n there_o mention_v name_v eleazar_n who_o when_o he_o have_v tell_v the_o savage_a tyrant_n antiochus_n that_o instigate_v he_o to_o renounce_v moses_n law_n that_o no_o torment_n shall_v make_v he_o forsake_v god_n word_n and_o his_o religion_n with_o undaunted_a courage_n and_o constancy_n turn_v himself_o away_o from_o he_o and_o address_v his_o speech_n as_o it_o be_v to_o his_o bible_n after_o this_o manner_n o_o sacred_a religion_n i_o will_v never_o violate_v thou_o the_o foundation_n of_o my_o salvation_n the_o defence_n of_o the_o believer_n the_o ground_n of_o faith_n never_o will_v i_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n contrary_a to_o thy_o precept_n never_o will_v i_o believe_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v just_a which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o that_o which_o thou_o have_v teach_v i_o and_o whilst_o he_o speak_v thus_o say_v the_o story_n he_o be_v hale_v to_o the_o torment_n for_o the_o martyr_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o be_v numberless_a and_o almost_o in_o every_o ecclesiastical_a history_n as_o in_o eusebius_n socrates_n evagrius_n sozomen_n and_o many_o other_o who_o have_v record_v not_o only_o their_o suffering_n for_o their_o witness_n bear_v unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o manner_n thereof_o to_o have_v be_v in_o such_o sort_n that_o be_v with_o such_o innocency_n hilarity_n courage_n
it_o it_o will_v be_v expedient_a for_o i_o to_o premise_v certain_a theological_a conclusion_n or_o principle_n which_o all_o orthodox_n divine_v unanimous_o and_o univocal_o have_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v undoubted_a truth_n as_o praecognita_fw-la and_o canon_n to_o have_v recourse_n unto_o for_o the_o decision_n and_o determination_n of_o any_o controversy_n as_o need_n shall_v require_v which_o if_o they_o deny_v to_o assent_v unto_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v dispute_v with_o as_o the_o proverb_n speak_v contra_fw-la negantem_fw-la principia_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la disputandum_fw-la there_o be_v no_o disputation_n to_o be_v hold_v with_o he_o that_o will_v deny_v the_o principle_n of_o art_n the_o principle_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o premise_v be_v these_o four_o 1._o that_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v authentical_a and_o creditable_a of_o itself_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n 3._o that_o the_o same_o make_v and_o so_o by_o consequence_n allow_v to_o be_v make_v distinction_n between_o thing_n that_o sometime_o in_o scripture_n have_v the_o same_o denomination_n this_o appear_v by_o many_o instance_n in_o scripture_n whereof_o i_o will_v name_v these_o three_o fear_v faith_n and_o sorrow_n first_o about_o fear_n the_o scripture_n mention_v a_o fear_n which_o be_v gracious_a and_o godly_a which_o the_o learned_a have_v term_v filial_a and_o a_o fear_v which_o be_v graceless_a which_o the_o learned_a have_v term_v servile_a of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o example_n in_o 2_o king_n 17.33_o 34._o where_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o babylonian_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n that_o they_o fear_v god_n and_o then_o in_o the_o latter_a verse_n that_o they_o fear_v he_o not_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o distinction_n must_v be_v make_v of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n whereof_o some_o be_v a_o gracious_a fear_n and_o some_o a_o graceless_a otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v a_o contradiction_n between_o the_o two_o verse_n which_o scripture_n admit_v not_o second_o about_o faith_n the_o scripture_n do_v distinguish_v it_o into_o these_o two_o sort_n namely_o a_o faith_n that_o have_v work_n and_o a_o faith_n that_o be_v without_o work_n which_o it_o also_o call_v a_o dead_a faith_n james_n 2.17_o i'faith_o if_o it_o have_v no_o work_n be_v dead_a be_v alone_o three_o about_o sorrow_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o a_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o a_o worldly_a sorrow_n in_o 2_o cor._n 7.10_o godly_a sorrow_n work_v repentance_n to_o salvation_n but_o the_o sorrow_n of_o the_o world_n work_v death_n hereby_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o a_o distinction_n be_v sometime_o to_o be_v make_v betwixt_o thing_n that_o have_v the_o same_o denomination_n the_o four_o principle_n which_o i_o shall_v premise_v be_v this_o that_o seem_a contradiction_n in_o scripture_n be_v so_o to_o be_v expound_v by_o help_n of_o other_o text_n either_o speak_v of_o the_o same_o point_n or_o otherwise_o that_o they_o may_v symphonize_v and_o accord_v together_o which_o help_v the_o scripture_n afford_v in_o one_o place_n or_o other_o if_o our_o adversary_n will_v yield_v to_o be_v try_v about_o the_o forementioned_a controversy_n by_o these_o old_a canon_n which_o have_v be_v universal_o receive_v for_o undoubted_a truth_n by_o all_o christian_a church_n in_o primitive_a time_n when_o the_o water_n run_v clear_a from_o under_o the_o threshold_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n i_o shall_v adventure_v to_o bear_v the_o disgrace_n if_o i_o do_v not_o convince_v they_o of_o error_n about_o each_o controversy_n that_o i_o have_v before_o name_v the_o first_o controversy_n handle_v about_o election_n their_o first_o error_n that_o i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o confute_v be_v their_o assertion_n that_o god_n election_n of_o man_n unto_o salvation_n be_v ground_v upon_o his_o foresight_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n or_o sanctification_n and_o good_a work_n that_o be_v that_o he_o elect_v such_o and_o such_o man_n to_o life_n and_o salvation_n because_o he_o forsee_v that_o they_o will_v believe_v and_o walk_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o commandment_n this_o assertion_n i_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o error_n by_o these_o four_o argument_n the_o first_o argument_n if_o man_n shall_v therefore_o believe_v because_o they_o be_v elect_v and_o ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n than_o they_o be_v not_o elect_v and_o ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n because_o they_o will_v believe_v this_o consequence_n can_v be_v deny_v by_o any_o intelligent_a man_n but_o man_n shall_v therefore_o believe_v because_o they_o be_v elect_v and_o ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o elect_v and_o ordain_v to_o it_o because_o they_o will_v believe_v the_o assumption_n i_o prove_v out_o of_o act_n 13.48_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n believe_v here_o faith_n be_v make_v the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o election_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v the_o cause_n and_o effect_v too_o of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n my_o second_o argument_n be_v this_o if_o man_n be_v elect_v or_o choose_v that_o they_o may_v be_v holy_a than_o their_o election_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o their_o holiness_n and_o sanctification_n but_o man_n be_v elect_v that_o they_o may_v be_v holy_a so_o say_v the_o scripture_n ephes_n 1.4_o he_o have_v choose_v we_o in_o he_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_n before_o he_o in_o love_n therefore_o election_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o holiness_n or_o sanctification_n and_o not_o holiness_n the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o election_n the_o three_o argument_n if_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n will_v be_v the_o ground_n and_o first_o cause_n of_o man_n election_n and_o predestination_n to_o salvation_n than_o god_n foresight_n of_o their_o sanctification_n and_o good_a work_n can_v be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o ground_n thereof_o this_o consequence_n be_v undeniable_a but_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n will_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o ground_n of_o man_n election_n and_o predestination_n to_o salvation_n therefore_o god_n foresight_n of_o their_o sanctification_n and_o good_a work_n can_v be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o ground_n thereof_o the_o a_o sumption_n i_o prove_v from_o these_o two_o text_n of_o scripture_n pass_v by_o many_o other_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n rom._n 9.11_o s._n paul_n there_o affirm_v that_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n according_a to_o election_n stand_v not_o of_o work_n but_o of_o he_o that_o call_v where_o work_n be_v deny_v and_o god_n will_v affirm_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o election_n and_o ephes_n 1.5_o and_o again_o verse_n 11._o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n will_n be_v make_v the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o man_n election_n to_o salvation_n the_o word_n in_o the_o five_o verse_n be_v these_o have_v predestinate_v we_o to_o the_o adoption_n of_o child_n by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o word_n in_o the_o 11._o verse_n be_v these_o in_o who_o also_o we_o have_v obtain_v a_o inheritance_n be_v predestinate_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o he_o who_o work_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o council_n of_o his_o own_o will_n if_o the_o adversary_n answer_v that_o election_n may_v be_v according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n will_n and_o yet_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n may_v not_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o election_n to_o this_o i_o reply_v that_o the_o apostle_n make_v it_o plain_a in_o the_o 11._o verse_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n will_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o election_n by_o the_o addition_n of_o these_o last_o word_n in_o the_o verse_n who_o work_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n for_o if_o he_o work_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n than_o election_n be_v necessary_o one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o work_v after_o the_o council_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o therefore_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o the_o four_o argument_n be_v this_o if_o good_a work_n be_v no_o cause_n of_o salvation_n then_o neither_o of_o election_n unto_o salvation_n this_o be_v plain_a because_o election_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n but_o good_a work_n be_v no_o cause_n of_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o no_o cause_n of_o election_n the_o minor_a proposition_n or_o assumption_n be_v prove_v by_o ephes_n 2.8_o &_o 9_o verses_z where_o the_o apostle_n say_v by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o