fundamental_a principle_n for_o which_o chief_o we_o have_v commend_v christian_a religion_n the_o certainty_n whereof_o appear_v in_o this_o namely_o that_o those_o which_o out_o of_o mutual_a and_o deadly_a hatred_n seek_v all_o the_o occasion_n and_o matter_n of_o contention_n they_o can_v dare_v not_o for_o all_o that_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o deny_v that_o these_o precept_n be_v command_v by_o christ_n no_o not_o even_o those_o that_o refuse_v to_o frame_v their_o life_n and_o action_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n howbeit_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o as_o will_v contradict_v this_o that_o we_o say_v the_o same_o may_v be_v liken_v to_o those_o philosopher_n that_o deny_v the_o snow_n to_o be_v white_a for_o as_o these_o be_v confute_v by_o sense_n so_o be_v those_o convince_v by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o christian_a nation_n also_o by_o the_o many_o book_n that_o the_o first_o professor_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o they_o which_o follow_v and_o divers_a succeed_a doctor_n have_v write_v as_o also_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o they_o that_o have_v witness_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n by_o their_o death_n for_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o any_o indifferent_a judge_n the_o same_o must_v needs_o be_v repute_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o so_o many_o have_v successive_o acknowledge_v and_o profess_v like_a as_o we_o be_v persuade_v the_o same_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o socrates_n which_o we_o read_v in_o plato_n and_o xenophon_n as_o also_o that_o of_o zene_fw-mi the_o philosopher_n which_o we_o find_v hold_v by_o the_o stoi_n k_v sect_n xx._n the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v further_o prove_v from_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o author_n the_o three_o thing_n wherein_o we_o say_v christian_a religion_n excel_v all_o other_o that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v think_v of_o be_v the_o manner_n whereby_o it_o be_v deliver_v and_o divulge_v where_o first_o we_o shall_v speak_v of_o the_o author_n they_o that_o be_v author_n of_o the_o wisdom_n among_o the_o grecian_n confess_v that_o they_o can_v not_o allege_v almost_o any_o certainty_n in_o their_o doctrine_n because_o quoth_v they_o truth_n lie_v hide_v in_o a_o deep_a pit_n and_o our_o mind_n be_v no_o less_o dazzle_v in_o the_o contemptation_n of_o divine_a thing_n than_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o owl_n in_o behold_v the_o bright_a shine_a of_o the_o sun_n beside_o there_o be_v none_o among_o they_o but_o be_v guilty_a of_o some_o vice_n for_o some_o be_v flatterer_n of_o prince_n other_o addict_v to_o bawdry_n and_o wantonness_n &_o a_o three_o sort_n to_o malapart_n boldness_n a_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o general_a envy_n among_o they_o be_v their_o contention_n about_o word_n and_o matter_n of_o small_a or_o no_o moment_n in_o their_o devotion_n they_o be_v cold_a and_o heartless_a for_o those_o that_o do_v believe_v there_o be_v one_o god_n neglect_v his_o honour_n and_o worship_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o know_v be_v no_o god_n make_v that_o only_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v and_o practise_v in_o public_a touch_v the_o reward_n of_o godliness_n they_o determine_v nothing_o for_o certain_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o last_o farewell_o disputation_n of_o socrates_n at_o his_o death_n mahumet_n another_o author_n of_o another_o religion_n far_o disperse_v in_o these_o time_n throughout_o his_o whole_a life_n be_v incline_v to_o lust_n and_o sensuality_n as_o his_o own_o follower_n can_v deny_v neither_o do_v he_o leave_v any_o testimony_n or_o assurance_n whereby_o his_o promise_n of_o such_o a_o reward_n as_o consist_v in_o the_o free_a use_n of_o junket_n and_o venery_n can_v appear_v to_o be_v true_a after_o his_o return_n since_o that_o his_o body_n be_v not_o yet_o revive_v but_o remain_v at_o medina_n until_o this_o day_n but_o moses_n the_o author_n of_o the_o hebrew_n law_n be_v a_o excellent_a man_n though_o not_o without_o his_o fault_n as_o namely_o when_o with_o some_o discontent_n and_o grumble_a he_o so_o hardly_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o ambassage_n which_o god_n command_v he_o touch_v the_o king_n of_o egypt_n conceive_v also_o some_o distrust_n of_o god_n promise_n for_o bring_v water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n as_o the_o hebrew_n themselves_o confess_v yet_o do_v he_o scarce_o partake_v of_o any_o one_o of_o those_o promise_n which_o by_o the_o law_n he_o make_v unto_o the_o people_n but_o be_v perplex_v with_o continual_a mutâ—…ies_n and_o sedition_n in_o the_o wilderness_n neither_o be_v he_o permit_v to_o enter_v into_o that_o bless_a and_o pleasant_a land_n so_o much_o desire_v but_o above_o all_o these_o christ_n be_v most_o honourable_a in_o that_o neither_o his_o countryman_n nor_o any_o other_o can_v ever_o convince_v he_o of_o sin_n for_o whatsoever_o he_o command_v other_o to_o observe_v the_o same_o do_v he_o observe_v and_o perform_v himself_o and_o the_o commandment_n that_o god_n give_v he_o he_o faithful_o fulfil_v lead_v a_o most_o pure_a and_o upright_a course_n of_o life_n be_v also_o most_o patient_a in_o suffer_v wrong_n and_o abuse_n as_o be_v manifest_a at_o his_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n yea_o so_o affectionate_a be_v he_o towards_o his_o very_a enemy_n that_o he_o pray_v god_n to_o pardon_v even_o those_o that_o put_v he_o to_o death_n as_o for_o the_o reward_n which_o he_o promise_v unto_o his_o disciple_n we_o very_o believe_v that_o himself_o be_v make_v partaker_n thereof_o after_o a_o most_o eminent_a and_o excellent_a manner_n for_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o lead_n there_o be_v many_o that_o behold_v and_o hear_v and_o see_v he_o who_o also_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o twelve_o disciple_n where_o he_o obtain_v all_o power_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o that_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n make_v at_o his_o departure_n he_o endue_v they_o that_o be_v his_o follower_n with_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o other_o admirable_a virtue_n all_o which_o may_v be_v a_o sure_a warrant_n for_o we_o not_o to_o doubt_v either_o of_o the_o truth_n or_o possibility_n of_o the_o reward_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o thus_o we_o have_v show_v how_o that_o this_o religion_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o other_o in_o regard_n that_o christ_n the_o author_n of_o it_o have_v himself_o perform_v what_o he_o command_v as_o also_o in_o his_o own_o person_n obtain_v and_o already_o enjoy_v the_o happiness_n that_o he_o promise_v sect_n xxi_o also_o from_o the_o wonderful_a spread_n of_o this_o religion_n let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n descend_v to_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o doctrine_n aforesaid_a which_o doubtless_o be_v well_o weigh_v be_v such_o as_o plain_o declare_v this_o doctrine_n to_o be_v sacred_a and_o divine_a if_o so_o be_v that_o god_n have_v any_o regard_n of_o humane_a affair_n for_o as_o it_o argueda_fw-la divine_a providence_n to_o cause_n thiâ—_n thing_n which_o shall_v be_v best_a of_o all_o to_o be_v of_o most_o large_a and_o ample_a extent_n so_o have_v it_o happen_v to_o christian_a religion_n which_o we_o see_v be_v publish_v and_o teach_v throughout_o all_o europe_n not_o except_v the_o northern_a part_n thereof_o so_o likewise_o throughout_o asia_n together_o with_o the_o island_n in_o the_o ocean_n throughout_o egypt_n also_o â—…iopia_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o african_a and_o last_o in_o america_n thus_o be_v 〈…〉_z â—ow_o and_o thus_o be_v it_o ancient_o as_o be_v witness_v by_o the_o history_n of_o all_o time_n by_o the_o book_n of_o christian_n the_o act_n of_o synod_n and_o by_o â—hat_n old_a tradition_n at_o this_o day_n hold_v â—mong_o the_o barbarian_n concern_v â—he_v travel_n or_o pilgrimage_n of_o thomas_n andrew_n and_o other_o apostle_n clemens_n tertullian_n and_o some_o ancient_n beside_o have_v note_v how_o â—ar_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v among_o the_o briton_n german_n and_o other_o remote_a nation_n in_o their_o time_n and_o certain_o at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v no_o other_o religion_n comparable_a hereunto_o for_o ample_a and_o â—arge_a extent_n paganism_n indeed_o be_v a_o large_a name_n but_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v one_o religion_n since_o that_o it_o be_v not_o agree_v upon_o by_o the_o professor_n thereof_o what_o one_o thing_n they_o shall_v worship_v but_o some_o adore_v the_o star_n other_o the_o element_n and_o a_o three_o sort_n reverence_v their_o cattle_n or_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v no_o subsistence_n neither_o have_v they_o the_o same_o custom_n or_o any_o common_a lord_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v disperse_v and_o scatter_v up_o and_o down_o yet_o remain_v one_o people_n howbeit_o their_o religion_n have_v never_o any_o great_a growth_n or_o increase_n after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o theâ—…_n law_n be_v not_o so_o much_o propagate_v by_o they_o as_o by_o
be_v compass_v about_o or_o when_o christian_a religion_n whereof_o by_o and_o by_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o particular_o be_v by_o god_n decree_n to_o be_v publish_v through_o out_o the_o whole_a world_n sect_n xviii_o and_o that_o now_o there_o be_v such_o liberty_n in_o offend_v some_o man_n there_o be_v who_o behold_v the_o multitude_n of_o iniquity_n which_o abound_v in_o the_o world_n be_v thereby_o move_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o divine_a providential_a a_o chief_a act_n whereof_o they_o think_v if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o divine_a providence_n shall_v shall_v have_v be_v to_o bridle_v and_o restrain_v the_o wickedness_n that_o so_o abound_v but_o this_o be_v easy_o answer_v consider_v that_o wheâ—â—_n god_n have_v create_v man_n with_o freedom_n to_o do_v good_a and_o evil_a reserve_v absolute_a and_o immutable_a goodness_n to_o himself_o it_o have_v not_o be_v equity_n to_o have_v thwart_v that_o liberty_n by_o put_v a_o hindrance_n of_o commit_v evil_a action_n howbeit_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n god_n use_v every_o kind_n of_o mean_n which_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o liberty_n aforesaid_a such_o be_v the_o ordain_v and_o publish_v of_o the_o law_n together_o with_o inward_a and_o outward_a admonition_n both_o by_o threat_n and_o promise_n nor_o do_v ever_o the_o wit_n of_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n prevail_v to_o far_o among_o man_n that_o all_o kind_n of_o government_n and_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a law_n be_v utter_o oâ—t_v inguish_v or_o a_o bolish_v neither_o may_v those_o delinquence_n which_o be_v permit_v to_o be_v do_v among_o man_n be_v think_v altogether_o unfruitful_o since_o that_o as_o before_o we_o 〈◊〉_d we_o touch_v they_o may_v be_v use_v either_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o leâ—d_a â—…ssors_n themselves_o or_o for_o the_o chastisement_n at_o of_o such_o as_o sometime_o wander_v from_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n or_o last_o to_o demonstrate_v some_o worthy_a parent_n of_o patience_n and_o câ—…cy_n namely_o in_o such_o as_o have_v make_v good_a proficiency_n in_o the_o school_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n last_o even_o they_o who_o for_o some_o season_n have_v seem_v to_o cloak_n and_o bidâ—_n their_o fault_n be_v meet_v with_o ofâ—…_n a_o while_n and_o acâ—…ing_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o they_o provoke_v by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o â—…ons_n receive_v the_o due_a reward_n of_o punishment_n sect_n xix_o insomuch_o that_o good_a man_n be_v oppress_v but_o and_o if_o sometime_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o punishment_n at_o all_o inflict_v upon_o profane_a offender_n and_o even_o some_o good_a man_n which_o may_v occasion_v the_o weak_a to_o be_v offend_v be_v sort_n oppress_v by_o the_o insolence_n of_o the_o wicked_a who_o many_o time_n make_v they_o not_o only_o to_o leader_n wear_v some_o and_o miserable_a life_n but_o also_o to_o undergo_v a_o disgraceful_a death_n howbeit_o for_o all_o this_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o divine_a providence_n be_v extend_v unto_o humane_a affair_n as_o before_o we_o have_v prove_v by_o sufficient_a and_o evident_a reason_n but_o rather_o as_o the_o wise_a sort_n of_o man_n have_v think_v we_o may_v conclude_v and_o argue_v thus_o sect_n xx._n the_o same_o argument_n be_v retort_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o soul_n survive_v the_o body_n for_o asmuch_o as_o god_n have_v a_o eye_n unto_o all_o man_n action_n and_o in_o himself_o be_v most_o just_a suffer_v such_o thing_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v therefore_o we_o â—ust_z expect_v that_o there_o will_v be_v â—…e_o future_a judgement_n after_o this_o â—…e_n to_o the_o end_n such_o notorious_a â—…s_n may_v not_o remain_v â—…punished_a nor_o well_o deserve_v 〈…〉_z be_v unrecompensed_a with_o due_a comfort_n and_o reward_n sect_n xxi_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o tradition_n fvrth_o to_o confirm_v this_o truth_n it_o must_v necessary_o be_v admit_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o mâ—n_z do_v survive_v their_o body_n which_o be_v a_o most_o ancient_a tradition_n be_v derive_v from_o our_o very_a first_o parent_n for_o from_o whence_o else_o can_v it_o proceed_v almost_o unto_o all_o sort_n special_o unto_o the_o more_o civil_a and_o tractable_a kind_n of_o peâ—people_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o homoverse_n and_o by_o certain_a philosopher_n not_o only_o of_o the_o grecian_a but_o likewise_o the_o druid_n 〈◊〉_d france_n and_o brachman_n in_o indâ—…_n and_o by_o those_o relation_n also_o which_o many_o writer_n have_v publish_v concern_v the_o egyptian_n and_o thracian_n and_o german_n 〈◊〉_d like_a manner_n touch_v god_n judgement_n to_o come_v after_o this_o life_n many_o thing_n be_v extant_a as_o well_o among_o the_o grecian_n as_o also_o among_o the_o egyptian_n and_o indian_n as_o we_o learn_v out_o of_o strabo_n diogenes_n laertius_n and_o plutarch_n whereas_o to_o may_v be_v add_v that_o old_a tradition_n of_o the_o consumption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o fire_n which_o be_v ancient_o find_v in_o hystastis_fw-la and_o 〈◊〉_d sybals_n and_o now_o also_o in_o quid_fw-la 〈◊〉_d lucas_n yea_o when_o the_o caâ—aâ—…_n america_n and_o other_o foreign_a 〈…〉_z be_v first_o discover_v this_o 〈◊〉_d opinion_n of_o the_o immortality_n 〈…〉_z and_o the_o last_o judgement_n be_v find_v among_o the_o inhaâ—…_n there_o sect_n xxii_o against_o which_o no_o contrary_a reason_n 〈◊〉_d can_v be_v bring_v neither_o can_v there_o any_o reason_n in_o nature_n â—ee_z give_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o ancient_a and_o common_a receive_v 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d â—ything_n that_o we_o can_v behold_v in_o this_o world_n come_v to_o a_o end_n either_o by_o corruption_n through_o the_o opposition_n of_o some_o more_o forcible_a contrary_a agent_n as_o coldness_n in_o any_o subject_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o more_o prevalent_a power_n and_o intention_n of_o heat_n or_o through_o the_o perish_a of_o that_o subject_n where_o upon_o iâ—_n depend_v as_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o glass_n when_o the_o glass_n be_v brokeâ—_n or_o through_o the_o defect_n and_o dereliction_n of_o the_o efficient_a cause_n 〈◊〉_d light_n by_o the_o sunsetting_a noâ—_n none_o of_o all_o these_o can_v be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d happen_v unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n not_o the_o first_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o soul_n nay_o itself_o be_v of_o such_o a_o peculiâ—â—_n nature_n that_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o receiuâ—_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v contrary_a between_o themselves_o at_o the_o samâ—_n time_n together_o that_o be_v after_o spiritual_a and_o intellectual_a manner_n not_o the_o second_o for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o subject_n whereon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v any_o dependence_n if_o there_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o probability_n shall_v be_v some_o humane_a body_n but_o that_o this_o can_v be_v it_o be_v manifest_a because_o the_o power_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o body_n be_v weary_v in_o their_o operation_n â—ut_v the_o activity_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v ever_o subject_a to_o weariness_n likewise_o the_o power_n of_o the_o body_n be_v â—â—paired_v and_o weaken_v by_o the_o redundancy_n or_o excess_n of_o the_o obâ—â—ct_n as_o the_o sense_n of_o see_v by_o the_o â—ull_a splendour_n and_o bright_a face_n of_o â—he_n sunnâ—_n but_o the_o more_o excellent_a object_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v conversant_a about_o as_o about_z universals_z and_o thing_n abstract_v from_o â—ensible_a and_o corrupt_a matter_n it_o â—eceives_v thereby_o the_o more_o perfection_n again_o the_o power_n that_o deâ—end_v upon_o the_o body_n be_v only_o busy_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v limit_v to_o particular_a time_n and_o â—lace_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o the_o body_n itself_o but_o the_o mind_n have_v a_o more_o noble_a object_n and_o ascend_v to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_a and_o eternal_a wherefore_o then_o see_v that_o the_o soul_n depend_v not_o upon_o the_o body_n in_o its_o operation_n much_o less_o do_v it_o in_o its_o essence_n for_o we_o danoor_a discorne_o the_o â—…ture_n of_o invisible_a thing_n other_o wise_a than_o by_o their_o operation_n neither_o be_v the_o three_o way_n of_o corruption_n incident_a to_o the_o sâ—…_n there_o be_v no_o efficico_n cause_n frâ—â—_n which_o the_o soul_n can_v always_o proceed_v thus_o we_o can_v say_v tâ—…_n parâ—ntiâ—re_o â—re_z â—inâ—â—_n that_o commoâ—…_n their_o child_n outlive_v they_o 〈…〉_z if_o we_o will_v needs_o make_v some_o câ—…_n from_o which_o the_o soul_n proceed_v then_o we_o can_v imagine_v no_o othâ—…_n save_o the_o universal_a cause_n of_o 〈◊〉_d thing_n which_o as_o in_o respect_n oâ—_n 〈…〉_z power_n be_v never_o deficient_a so_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o will_n to_o be_v defectiâ—…_n that_o be_v for_o the_o almighty_a to_o 〈…〉_z the_o ruin_n and_o distraction_n of_o tâ—…_n soul_n no_o man_n can_v ever_o be_v able_a 〈…〉_z prove_v sect_n xxiii_o many_o reason_n may_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o nay_o there_o be_v many_o strong_a argument_n for_o
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
just_a cause_n to_o occasion_n be_v no_o better_a than_o plain_a robbery_n or_o murder_n but_o if_o we_o say_v they_o believe_v that_o this_o religion_n be_v most_o true_a and_o the_o very_o best_a and_o altogether_o to_o be_v profess_v and_o that_o after_o the_o death_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n why_o sure_o that_o can_v no_o way_n be_v so_o if_o their_o master_n promise_n concern_v his_o resurrection_n have_v deceive_v they_o and_o not_o prove_v true_a for_o that_o have_v be_v enough_o to_o have_v un-faithed_a a_o sound_n christian_n and_o make_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o hope_n to_o have_v totter_v moreover_o all_o sort_n of_o religion_n special_o christianity_n altogether_o prohibit_v lie_v and_o bear_v of_o false_a witness_n in_o divine_a thing_n wherefore_o they_o can_v not_o for_o the_o love_n of_o religion_n principal_o such_o a_o religion_n be_v induce_v to_o tell_v untruth_n beside_o these_o man_n be_v of_o a_o upright_a conversation_n their_o life_n be_v spotless_a and_o unblameable_a even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o adversary_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v object_v against_o they_o save_v their_o honest_a simplicity_n which_o very_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o use_v lie_v and_o dissimulation_n nay_o there_o be_v none_o among_o these_o primitive_a christian_n whereof_o we_o speak_v who_o do_v not_o suffer_v grievous_a torment_n for_o profess_v that_o jesus_n be_v rise_v and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v put_v unto_o most_o exquisite_a pain_n of_o death_n for_o bear_v testimony_n of_o the_o same_o now_o indeed_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o some_o man_n out_o of_o a_o wilful_a preconceived_n opinion_n to_o endure_v such_o misery_n but_o it_o be_v utter_o incredible_a and_o unlikely_a that_o any_o one_o much_o less_o so_o many_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o suffer_v so_o great_a calamity_n for_o believe_v a_o untruth_n and_o that_o which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v such_o a_o untruth_n as_o the_o belief_n thereof_o can_v in_o no_o wise_a do_v they_o any_o good_a beside_o that_o these_o be_v not_o mad_a man_n both_o their_o conversation_n and_o their_o write_n do_v abundant_o testify_v likewise_o what_o be_v speak_v of_o they_o may_v also_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n who_o open_o teach_v that_o he_o see_v christ_n sit_v in_o heaven_n who_o also_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o any_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n nor_o may_v he_o have_v want_v dignity_n and_o preferment_n if_o he_o will_v have_v follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o his_o father_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n he_o become_v liable_a to_o the_o hatred_n and_o malignity_n of_o his_o kinsfolk_n and_o thereupon_o be_v to_o undertake_v hard_a labour_n dangerous_a and_o toilsome_a travel_n and_o last_o of_o all_o to_o undergo_v a_o disgraceful_a death_n and_o torment_n sect_n viii_o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o resurrection_n seem_v impossible_a such_o and_o such_o testimony_n no_o man_n can_v disprove_v or_o gainsay_v unless_o some_o will_v reply_v say_v â—…ch_v a_o thing_n perhaps_o may_v be_v â—ut_v it_o seem_v improbable_a or_o impossible_a and_o this_o as_o they_o say_v imply_v a_o contradiction_n howbeit_o that_o can_v be_v affirm_v of_o his_o matter_n it_o may_v indeed_o if_o â—ne_n can_v say_v that_o one_o and_o the_o alfe_a same_o man_n live_v and_o die_v at_o â—…e_a self_n same_o time_n but_o that_o a_o â—an_v may_v be_v restore_v from_o death_n 〈◊〉_d life_n namely_o by_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o he_o who_o first_o give_v life_n and_o be_v unto_o man_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v account_v for_o a_o thing_n impossible_a neither_o have_v it_o be_v thought_n impossible_a by_o wise_a man_n hence_o we_o find_v in_o plato_n that_o the_o same_o thing_n happen_v to_o eris_n a_o armenian_a the_o like_a be_v relate_v of_o a_o certain_a woman_n by_o heraclideâ—_n a_o philosopher_n of_o pontus_n of_o aristoeus_n by_o herodotus_n and_o of_o another_o by_o plutarch_n all_o which_o whether_o true_a or_o false_a do_v show_v that_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n the_o thing_n be_v conceive_v to_o be_v possible_a sect_n ix_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n be_v grant_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n be_v confirm_v since_o then_o as_o have_v be_v show_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v a_o thing_n impossible_a for_o christ_n to_o have_v be_v restore_v to_o life_n again_o see_v also_o that_o this_o very_a christ_n as_o both_o his_o countryman_n and_o other_o do_v confess_v do_v publish_v and_o preach_v a_o new_a doctrine_n warrant_v by_o divine_a au_fw-fr it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o this_o â—…me_a doctrine_n must_v be_v true_a and_o â—ertaine_a for_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o divine_a justice_n and_o wisdom_n to_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v he_o after_o â—o_o excellent_a a_o manner_n who_o shall_v utter_v a_o untruth_n in_o so_o â—…ighty_a abusinesse_n special_o consider_v that_o christ_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n do_v foretell_v unto_o his_o countryman_n what_o death_n â—ee_n shall_v die_v and_o how_o he_o shall_v be_v revive_v again_o adâ—ing_v further_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v for_o the_o establish_n and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n thus_o far_o touch_v those_o argument_n which_o be_v take_v from_o â—…or_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o next_o place_n â—et_v we_o descend_v to_o such_o as_o be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n or_o quality_n of_o his_o doctrine_n sect_n x._o christian_n religion_n prefer_v before_o all_o other_o it_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o either_o all_o kind_n of_o divine_a worship_n whatsoever_o must_v be_v reject_v and_o utter_o banish_v from_o among_o man_n which_o impiety_n will_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o one_o that_o can_v believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o govern_v all_o thing_n and_o with_o all_o consider_v how_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o excellency_n of_o understanding_n and_o liberty_n to_o choose_v what_o be_v moral_o good_a or_o evil_a as_o also_o how_o that_o in_o himself_o there_o be_v matter_n both_o of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n or_o else_o this_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o approve_v of_o for_o the_o very_o best_a not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o outward_a testimony_n of_o work_n and_o miracle_n aforesaid_a but_o also_o in_o consideration_n of_o such_o inward_a and_o essential_a property_n as_o be_v agree_v thereunto_o namely_o because_o there_o be_v not_o neither_o ever_o be_v there_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o honourable_a for_o excellency_n of_o reward_n more_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a for_o precept_n or_o more_o admirable_a for_o the_o manner_n accord_v to_o which_o it_o be_v command_v to_o be_v propagate_v and_o divulge_v sect_n xi_o for_o excellency_n of_o reward_n for_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o reward_n that_o be_v at_o the_o end_n propound_v to_o man_n which_o though_o it_o be_v the_o last_o in_o fâ—…tion_n &_o execution_n yet_o be_v it_o the_o first_o in_o his_o intention_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o plain_a or_o express_v covenant_n of_o the_o law_n we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o there_o promise_v save_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n as_o namely_o a_o fruitful_a land_n abundance_n of_o corn_n and_o victual_n victory_n over_o their_o enemy_n soundness_n of_o body_n length_n of_o day_n the_o comfortable_a blessing_n of_o a_o hopeful_a issue_n and_o survive_a posterity_n and_o the_o like_a for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n beside_o it_o be_v involve_v in_o dark_a shadow_n require_v a_o lere_n &_o wise_a understanding_n for_o the_o right_a manifestation_n and_o discreet_a apprehension_n thereof_o which_o indeed_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o many_o in_o particular_a the_o sadducee_n who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v follower_n and_o observer_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n have_v no_o hope_n of_o enjoy_v any_o happiness_n after_o this_o life_n as_o for_o the_o grecian_n such_o as_o receive_v their_o learning_n from_o the_o chaldean_n and_o egyptian_n what_o conceit_n or_o opinion_n soever_o they_o have_v of_o future_a wâ—l-fâ—rt_a and_o fâ—l_a city_n yet_o they_o speak_v thereof_o only_o after_o a_o doubtful_a and_o ambiguous_a manner_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o disputation_n of_o socrates_n in_o tusties_n work_n in_o seneca_n and_o other_o and_o the_o argument_n they_o produce_v for_o they_o be_v ground_v upon_o uncertainty_n prove_v no_o more_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o maâ—_n than_o of_o a_o beast_n which_o while_o sâ—…_n of_o they_o observe_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o imagine_v that_o soul_n be_v translate_v and_o convey_v from_o mentâ—_n beast_n and_o again_o from_o beast_n into_o man_n but_o because_o this_o opinion_n
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
unknown_a nor_o doubt_v of_o the_o two_o epistle_n of_o john_n and_o the_o revelation_n because_o some_o man_n do_v question_n whether_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v john_n the_o apostle_n or_o some_o other_o of_o that_o name_n for_o the_o name_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o the_o quality_n or_o condition_n of_o the_o writer_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o receive_v many_o book_n of_o history_n who_o author_n be_v to_o we_o unknown_a as_o that_o concern_v the_o alexandrian_a war_n by_o cesar_n because_o we_o may_v perceive_v that_o he_o whosoever_o write_v the_o same_o live_v in_o those_o time_n ad_fw-la be_v present_a when_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o like_a manner_n it_o ought_v to_o suffice_v we_o that_o whosoever_o write_v the_o book_n we_o speak_v of_o both_o live_v in_o the_o primitive_a age_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o apostolical_a gift_n for_o he_o speak_v very_o improbable_o that_o say_v these_o quality_n be_v but_o counterfeit_n and_o that_o other_o write_n may_v bear_v the_o name_n of_o these_o author_n who_o every_o where_o press_a truth_n and_o pretty_a can_v be_v think_v to_o play_v the_o â—…ning_a sophister_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o falsehood_n a_o thing_n not_o only_o odious_a among_o all_o good_a man_n but_o by_o the_o roman_a law_n be_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n sect_n v._o these_o penman_n write_v the_o truth_n because_o they_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o what_o they_o write_v thus_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v write_v by_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v or_o by_o such_o as_o bear_v witness_n of_o themselves_o if_o we_o add_v further_o that_o they_o know_v well_o the_o matter_n where_o of_o they_o write_v to_o be_v true_a and_o have_v no_o purpose_n to_o lie_v or_o dissemble_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o commit_v to_o writing_n be_v both_o certain_a and_o true_a because_o every_o untruth_n proceed_v either_o from_o ignorance_n or_o from_o a_o wicked_a desire_n to_o deceive_v as_o touch_v matthew_n john_n peter_n and_o johu_n they_o be_v all_o of_o the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n of_o those_o twelve_o who_o jesus_n do_v choose_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v relate_v the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o james_n who_o be_v either_o a_o apostle_n or_o as_o some_o think_v the_o next_o a_o kin_n to_o jesus_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n consecrate_v bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n paul_n also_o can_v not_o err_v through_o lack_n of_o knowledge_n either_o about_o those_o point_n which_o he_o profess_v be_v reveal_v to_o he_o by_o jesus_n himself_o triumph_v in_o heaven_n orabout_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v by_o he_o have_v luke_n a_o follow_v companion_n with_o he_o in_o his_o journey_n this_o luke_n may_v easy_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o write_v concern_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n for_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v in_o the_o place_n next_o adjoin_v to_o palestina_n through_o which_o country_n when_o he_o travel_v he_o say_v he_o speak_v with_o such_o person_n as_o be_v eyewitness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v for_o doubtless_o beside_o the_o apostle_n with_o who_o he_o have_v familiarity_n there_o live_v many_o other_o at_o that_o time_n who_o have_v be_v cure_v by_o jesus_n who_o they_o see_v both_o before_o his_o death_n and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n if_o we_o will_v give_v credit_n to_o tacitus_n and_o suetoniâ—…_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o happen_v a_o long_a time_n before_o they_o be_v bear_v because_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o diligent_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n thereof_o how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o believe_v this_o writer_n who_o say_v that_o he_o reeive_v all_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o relate_v from_o they_o that_o have_v see_v the_o same_o it_o be_v credible_o report_v of_o mark_n that_o he_o be_v a_o daily_a companion_n with_o peter_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o he_o write_v may_v be_v think_v as_o suggest_v or_o witness_v by_o peter_n who_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o beside_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o he_o write_v be_v almost_o all_o extant_a in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n neither_o can_v the_o author_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v deceive_v or_o delude_v in_o those_o vision_n which_o he_o say_v be_v reveal_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n no_o more_o can_v he_o that_o write_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n err_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o profess_v either_o to_o be_v inspire_v into_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o else_o teach_v he_o by_o the_o apostle_n sect_n vi_o as_o also_o because_o they_o will_v not_o lie_v the_o other_o reason_n we_o speak_v of_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o say_v holy_a writer_n be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o will_n or_o desire_v to_o tell_v a_o untruth_n and_o this_o have_v be_v touch_v before_o in_o general_a when_o we_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n those_o that_o will_v accuse_v any_o witness_n for_o the_o pravity_n of_o their_o will_n must_v produce_v such_o proof_n and_o evidence_n as_o may_v probable_o make_v it_o appear_v why_o the_o will_n shall_v be_v divert_v from_o utter_v the_o truth_n but_o this_o can_v be_v aver_v of_o the_o say_a author_n for_o if_o any_o do_v object_n and_o say_v that_o they_o speak_v for_o their_o own_o advantage_n upon_o enquiry_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o they_o seek_v after_o no_o such_o by-end_n have_v neither_o hope_n of_o get_v commodity_n or_o of_o eschew_v any_o danger_n but_o rather_o by_o their_o profession_n they_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o lose_v all_o their_o commodity_n and_o be_v liable_a unto_o all_o sort_n of_o peril_n if_o they_o aim_v at_o any_o advantage_n it_o be_v only_o to_o gain_v honour_n unto_o god_n which_o doubtless_o can_v be_v compatible_a with_o lie_v and_o dissemble_v special_o in_o such_o a_o business_n as_o whereon_o depend_v the_o everlasting_a salvation_n of_o mankind_n far_o be_v it_o then_o from_o any_o man_n to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o great_a impiety_n their_o doctrine_n be_v full_o of_o all_o sanctity_n and_o their_o lift_n exemplary_a for_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n free_a from_o the_o accusation_n of_o their_o great_a adversary_n who_o only_o condemn_v they_o for_o lack_v of_o knowledge_n a_o fault_n unlikely_a to_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o falsehood_n no_o if_o they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o never_o so_o little_a fraud_n or_o deceit_n in_o that_o kind_n sure_o they_o will_v not_o have_v record_v to_o posterity_n their_o own_o trespass_n as_o namely_o their_o forsake_v of_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o poters_n denial_n of_o he_o three_o time_n sect_n vii_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o sidelity_n of_o these_o author_n from_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v on_o the_o other_o side_n god_n himself_o give_v testimony_n of_o their_o fidelity_n by_o work_a wonder_n which_o both_o they_o and_o their_o disciple_n with_o great_a boldness_n public_o avouch_v add_v also_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o their_o assertion_n may_v easy_o have_v be_v discover_v by_o the_o inquisition_n of_o the_o magistrate_n more_o particular_o among_o the_o wonder_n that_o they_o wrought_v we_o may_v note_v as_o most_o sensible_a and_o certain_a the_o use_n of_o tongue_n among_o so_o many_o thousand_o which_o never_o learn_v they_o and_o their_o cure_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n upon_o a_o sudden_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o people_n neither_o be_v they_o any_o whit_n dismay_v with_o fear_n either_o of_o the_o jewish_a magistrate_n of_o those_o time_n who_o they_o know_v to_o be_v most_o malicious_o set_v against_o they_o or_o of_o the_o roman_n who_o deal_v very_o unjust_o with_o they_o omit_v no_o fit_a occasion_n that_o may_v be_v matter_n for_o traduce_v or_o accuse_v they_o as_o inventor_n of_o a_o new_a religion_n nay_o the_o very_a jew_n or_o pagan_n in_o the_o time_n immediate_o follow_v dare_v never_o deny_v that_o wonder_n be_v wrought_v by_o those_o man_n for_o so_o much_o be_v confess_v of_o peter_n miracle_n by_o phlegon_n in_o his_o annal_n who_o live_v under_o adrian_n the_o emperor_n moreover_o the_o christian_n themselves_o in_o those_o book_n that_o contain_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o they_o exhibit_v to_o the_o emperor_n to_o the_o senate_n and_o to_o the_o governor_n do_v relate_v these_o thing_n as_o most_o manifest_a and_o unquestionable_a truth_n yea_o they_o open_o report_v that_o
most_o of_o all_o admire_v as_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o dead_a unto_o life_n again_o and_o therefore_o that_o objection_n be_v of_o no_o force_n sect_n xii_o or_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n neither_o be_v they_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o assent_v unto_o who_o say_v that_o some_o doctrine_n be_v comprise_v in_o these_o book_n which_o be_v disagree_v to_o right_a reason_n for_o such_o be_v confute_v first_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o so_o many_o learned_a grave_a judicious_a and_o wise_a nien_z as_o have_v allow_v and_o admit_v of_o these_o book_n for_o authentical_a ever_o since_o the_o primitive_a time_n then_o by_o that_o which_o we_o have_v before_o declare_v in_o the_o first_o book_n to_o be_v consonant_n to_o right_a reason_n as_o namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a and_o infinite_a in_o virtue_n life_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o who_o all_o thing_n that_o have_v any_o be_v be_v make_v who_o care_n and_o providence_n reach_v over_o all_o his_o work_n especial_o unto_o man_n and_o who_o can_v after_o this_o life_n bountiful_o reward_n all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o beside_o there_o be_v show_v how_o that_o all_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v to_o be_v bridle_v and_o subdue_v that_o among_o man_n there_o be_v kindred_n and_o alliance_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o love_v one_o another_o with_o sincere_a affection_n all_o which_o be_v most_o plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o say_a book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n now_o we_o know_v how_o unsafe_a it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n beside_o this_o peremptory_o to_o be_v true_a either_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o his_o will_n special_o if_o it_o be_v ground_v only_o upon_o humane_a reason_n and_o further_o we_o may_v guesle_v how_o uncertain_a it_o will_v be_v both_o by_o the_o jar_a opinion_n of_o the_o schoolman_n among_o themselves_o as_o also_o by_o the_o contrary_a conclusion_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n for_o if_o man_n do_v so_o farte_v disagree_v in_o their_o opinion_n touch_v their_o own_o soul_n than_o they_o must_v needs_o much_o more_o dissent_v when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o determine_v any_o thing_n not_o reveal_v concern_v the_o high_a mind_n and_o the_o most_o supreme_a spirit_n which_o so_o far_o transcend_v our_o weak_a appiehension_n or_o if_o as_o prudent_a man_n do_v think_v the_o inquiry_n into_o the_o counsel_n of_o king_n be_v dangerous_a and_o not_o to_o be_v attempt_v or_o attain_v by_o we_o who_o then_o be_v there_o so_o wise_a and_o prudent_a that_o hope_n he_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v reserve_v in_o his_o own_o freedom_n and_o secret_a council_n wherefore_o plato_n say_v very_o well_o that_o none_o of_o these_o hide_a mystery_n can_v be_v know_v without_o a_o oracle_n now_o there_o can_v no_o oracle_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o oracle_n indeed_o by_o any_o clear_a testimony_n than_o those_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o say_a book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n contrary_n to_o which_o book_n it_o be_v neither_o prove_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o affirm_v by_o any_o that_o god_n ever_o publish_v any_o thing_n concern_v his_o nature_n and_o essence_n neither_o be_v there_o extant_a any_o letter_n revelation_n or_o other_o signification_n of_o his_o will_n that_o can_v be_v believe_v for_o true_a for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n otherwise_o command_v or_o permit_v before_o christ_n time_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v indifferent_a that_o be_v neither_o due_a nor_o dishonest_a yet_o the_o same_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o say_a write_n fince_n that_o in_o such_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n the_o last_o law_n or_o commandment_n that_o be_v give_v do_v abolish_v and_o annul_v the_o former_a sect_n xiii_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n that_o some_o of_o these_o book_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o other_o some_o do_v further_a object_n that_o in_o these_o book_n there_o be_v some_o diversity_n of_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n but_o for_o answer_v whosoever_o will_v but_o due_o ponder_v this_o matter_n he_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o to_o be_v another_o argument_n beside_o the_o some_o to_o justify_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o say_a book_n namely_o because_o they_o do_v most_o manifest_o and_o apparent_o agree_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o history_n which_o consent_n and_o accord_n can_v elsewhere_o be_v find_v among_o any_o other_o writer_n that_o be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sect_n or_o profession_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o jew_n or_o the_o greek_a philosophess_n the_o physician_n or_o the_o roman_a lawyer_n all_o which_o do_v not_o only_o differ_v much_o among_o themselves_o yea_o even_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o sect_n as_o plato_n and_o xenophon_n but_o oftentimes_o one_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o writer_n to_o affirm_v now_o one_o thing_n than_o another_o as_o if_o he_o be_v forgetful_a of_o himself_o or_o know_v not_o what_o to_o resolve_v upon_o but_o these_o other_o writer_n to_o wit_n the_o holy_a penman_n of_o who_o we_o speak_v do_v inculcate_v and_o express_v the_o same_o point_n of_o faith_n they_o deliver_v the_o same_o commandment_n and_o as_o for_o their_o narration_n of_o the_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n the_o sum_n and_o substance_n in_o they_o all_o be_v the_o very_a same_o as_o touch_v some_o particular_a circumstance_n such_o as_o be_v of_o small_a or_o no_o moment_n happy_o they_o may_v be_v well_o reconcile_v though_o perhaps_o the_o manner_n how_o be_v unknown_a namely_o because_o of_o the_o similitude_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v at_o divers_a time_n or_o for_o the_o doubtful_a signification_n of_o some_o word_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o several_a name_n and_o appellation_n of_o this_o man_n or_o that_o place_n and_o the_o like_a nay_o this_o i_o think_v may_v bee_n motive_n to_o vindicate_v and_o free_v these_o writer_n from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o falsehood_n it_o be_v usual_a with_o those_o that_o will_v have_v lie_n and_o untruth_n credit_v to_o relate_v all_o circumstance_n so_o straight_o and_o trim_o as_o there_o shall_v not_o appear_v any_o colour_n or_o show_v of_o difference_n or_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o for_o any_o small_a difference_n which_o can_v easy_o be_v reconcile_v a_o whole_a book_n shall_v lose_v its_o credit_n then_o i_o trow_v we_o must_v believe_v no_o book_n at_o all_o special_o those_o os_fw-la history_n yet_o we_o see_v that_o polybius_n halicarnassensis_n levy_n and_o plutarch_n for_o the_o substance_n oâ—_n they_o be_v esteem_v authentical_a and_o true_a though_o in_o some_o circumstance_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v faulty_a therefore_o it_o be_v unequal_a that_o sacred_a writer_n shall_v lose_v then_o credit_n for_o one_o or_o two_o seem_a slip_n if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o their_o write_n who_o so_o serious_o desire_v and_o earnest_o endeavour_v to_o express_v both_o truth_n and_o piety_n therein_o sect_n xiiii_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n take_v from_o outward_a testimony_n which_o make_v more_o for_o these_o book_n another_o way_n of_o confirm_v what_o we_o have_v say_v some_o think_v may_v be_v by_o allege_v the_o contrary_a testimony_n of_o those_o that_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n but_o i_o dare_v bold_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o testimony_n to_o be_v find_v unless_o a_o man_n will_v produce_v the_o say_n of_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v a_o long_a time_n after_o who_o do_v open_o profess_v enmity_n against_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o fit_a witness_n for_o this_o matter_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o need_n be_v we_o can_v allege_v many_o testimony_n to_o confirm_v divers_a part_n of_o the_o history_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o say_a book_n thus_o both_o hebrew_n and_o pagan_n report_n that_o jesus_n be_v crucify_v and_o that_o sundry_a miracle_n be_v do_v by_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n those_o know_a book_n of_o josephus_n which_o be_v write_v about_o forty_o year_n after_o christ_n ascension_n do_v make_v mention_n of_o herod_n pilate_n festus_n felix_n john_n the_o baptist_n gamliel_n and_o of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o large_a herewith_o all_o agree_v that_o which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o talmud_n have_v record_v concern_v those_o time_n tacitus_n relate_v how_o cruel_o nero_n use_v the_o christian_n and_o ancient_o there_o be_v certain_a book_n extant_a not_o only_o of_o private_a man_n as_o of_o phlegon_n and_o other_o but_o also_o some_o public_a act_n whereunto_o the_o christian_n appeal_v namely_o for_o that_o in_o they_o there_o be_v mention_n make_v of_o the_o star_n that_o appear_v at_o christ_n birth_n and_o
god_n as_o they_o do_v in_o time_n past_a neither_o have_v they_o defile_v themselves_o with_o cruelty_n nor_o be_v they_o accuse_v of_o fornication_n and_o adultery_n but_o by_o prayer_n and_o fasting_n they_o labour_v to_o appease_v god_n wrath_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o hear_v which_o thing_n be_v so_o one_o of_o these_o two_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v namely_o that_o either_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v give_v by_o moses_n be_v quite_o abolish_v or_o the_o jew_n be_v guilty_a of_o some_o notorious_a crime_n which_o have_v continue_v for_o so_o many_o age_n together_o which_o what_o it_o be_v let_v themselves_o speak_v or_o if_o they_o can_v tell_v then_o let_v they_o believe_v we_o that_o this_o sin_n be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v come_v before_o that_o these_o evil_n begin_v to_o fall_v upon_o they_o sect_n xvii_o jesus_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n by_o those_o prophecy_n which_o be_v foretell_v concern_v the_o messiah_n by_o this_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o messiah_n come_v many_o age_n ago_o we_o add_v further_o that_o the_o same_o be_v no_o other_o but_o jesus_n for_o what_o other_o person_n soever_o either_o be_v or_o will_v have_v be_v account_v the_o messiah_n the_o same_o leave_v no_o sect_n behind_o they_o to_o uphold_v &_o maintain_v that_o opinion_n there_o be_v not_o any_o at_o this_o day_n that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v follower_n either_o of_o herod_n or_o of_o judas_n gaulonita_n or_o of_o that_o great_a impostor_n barchochebas_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o adrian_n say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o deceive_v some_o even_n of_o the_o more_o learned_a but_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n have_v continue_v from_o the_o time_n that_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n even_o until_o this_o day_n be_v not_o a_o few_o only_a in_o this_o or_o that_o country_n but_o very_o many_o disperse_v as_o far_o as_o the_o world_n extend_v i_o can_v allege_v many_o other_o testimony_n ancient_o foretell_v concern_v the_o messiah_n which_o we_o believe_v be_v accomplish_v in_o jesâ—…_n since_o they_o can_v be_v affirm_v of_o any_o other_o as_o namely_o that_o he_o come_v of_o the_o posterity_n of_o david_n and_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n which_o be_v divine_o reveal_v to_o he_o that_o marry_v that_o virgin_n who_o he_o will_v have_v put_v away_o suppose_v she_o have_v be_v get_v with_o child_n by_o another_o also_o that_o this_o messiah_n be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n and_o begin_v first_o to_o publish_v his_o doctrine_n in_o galilee_n heal_v all_o kind_n of_o disease_n give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o make_v the_o lame_a to_o walk_v but_o this_o one_o may_v suffice_v for_o many_o that_o his_o doctrine_n continue_v entire_a unto_o this_o day_n it_o be_v most_o manifest_a by_o the_o prophecy_n of_o david_n isaiah_n zachariah_n and_o hosea_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o instructor_n not_o only_o of_o the_o jew_n but_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_a by_o who_o all_o worshipping_n of_o false_a god_n shall_v come_v to_o ruin_v and_o a_o huge_a multitude_n of_o alien_n and_o stranger_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n before_o this_o jesus_n his_o come_n almost_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v confound_v with_o false_a worship_n and_o religion_n which_o afterward_o by_o little_a and_o little_o begin_v to_o vanish_v away_o and_o many_o man_n both_o of_o the_o common_a sort_n and_o of_o high_a rank_n as_o king_n and_o prince_n be_v convert_v unto_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o one_o god_n this_o be_v no_o gramercy_o to_o the_o jewish_a rabbin_n but_o to_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n and_o their_o successor_n thus_o they_o be_v make_v the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o before_o be_v not_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o the_o say_n oâ—…_n old_a jacob_n gen._n 49._o be_v fulfil_v the_o scopter_fw-mi shall_v not_o depart_v from_o juda_n until_o shâ—lo_n come_v which_o word_n the_o chaldee_n and_o other_o interpreter_n expound_v of_o the_o messiah_n to_o who_o the_o foreign_a nation_n shall_v be_v obedient_a sect_n xviii_o answer_v to_o that_o which_o be_v object_v of_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o fulfil_v the_o jew_n usual_o object_n that_o same_o thing_n be_v foretell_v concern_v the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o fulfil_v but_o for_o answer_v those_o matter_n which_o they_o allege_v be_v obscure_a and_o admit_v of_o divers_a signification_n wherefore_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v before_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v more_o manifest_a as_o namely_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o jesus_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o the_o perspicuous_a language_n wherein_o it_o be_v propound_v to_o which_o if_o we_o add_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o miracle_n there_o need_v no_o other_o motive_n for_o inducement_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o his_o doctrine_n as_o for_o those_o prophecy_n which_o gâ—…_n under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o shâ—…_n oâ—â—…sped_a book_n oftentimes_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n thereof_o there_o be_v requisite_a some_o divine_a help_n and_o assistance_n which_o they_o be_v worthy_o deprive_v of_o that_o neglect_v manifest_a truth_n the_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o allege_v be_v diverse_o expound_v as_o themselves_o can_v deny_v and_o if_o any_o man_n please_v to_o compare_v either_o the_o ancient_a interpreter_n which_o live_v when_o the_o people_n be_v lead_v captive_a into_o babylon_n or_o such_o as_o live_v about_o christ_n time_n with_o those_o that_o write_v after_o that_o christianity_n begin_v to_o be_v hateful_a and_o odious_a unto_o the_o jew_n he_o shall_v find_v no_o exposition_n purposely_o invent_v to_o cross_v those_o former_a that_o well_o agree_v with_o christian_a interpretation_n they_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o must_v be_v understand_v by_o a_o trope_n and_o not_o in_o property_n of_o speech_n as_o when_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v descend_v and_o to_o have_v a_o mouth_n ear_n eye_n and_o nostril_n and_o why_o may_v not_o we_o likewise_o expound_v divers_a thing_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o that_o the_o wolf_n shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o leopard_n shall_v lie_v down_o with_o the_o kâ—d_n and_o the_o calf_n and_o the_o young_a lion_n and_o the_o fail_v together_o and_o the_o suck_a child_n shall_v play_v with_o the_o serpent_n and_o the_o mountain_n of_o gold_n shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o other_o mountain_n whither_o stranger_n shall_v come_v and_o worship_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n promise_v which_o by_o antecedent_n and_o consequent_a word_n or_o by_o the_o very_a sense_n imply_v a_o secret_a condition_n in_o they_o thus_o god_n promise_v many_o thing_n unto_o the_o hebrew_n upon_o condition_n they_o will_v receive_v the_o messiah_n that_o be_v send_v and_o obey_v he_o which_o same_o thing_n if_o they_o come_v not_o to_o pass_v according_o than_o may_v they_o blame_v themselves_o that_o be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o again_o other_o matter_n be_v promise_v express_o and_o without_o all_o condition_n which_o if_o they_o be_v not_o already_o accomplish_v yet_o may_v be_v hope_v for_o hereafter_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a even_o among_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o time_n or_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n must_v endure_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n sect_n xix_o and_o to_o that_o which_o be_v object_v of_o the_o mean_a condition_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n many_o do_v take_v exception_n at_o the_o meek_a and_o mean_a condition_n of_o jesus_n but_o unjust_o because_o in_o sacred_a writ_n it_o be_v often_o say_v that_o god_n will_v exalt_v the_o humble_a and_o meek_a but_o cast_v down_o the_o proud_a jacob_n when_o be_v pass_v over_o jordan_n carry_v nothing_o with_o he_o save_v his_o staff_n only_o and_o yet_o be_v enrich_v with_o a_o great_a slocke_n of_o sheep_n moses_n be_v a_o poor_a exile_n and_o feed_v the_o slocke_n when_o god_n appear_v to_o he_o in_o the_o bush_n and_o give_v he_o commission_n for_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o people_n david_n also_o be_v call_v to_o his_o kingdom_n when_o he_o be_v feed_v 〈…〉_z and_o with_o many_o other_o such_o like_a example_n do_v the_o sacred_a story_n abound_v now_o concern_v the_o messiah_n we_o read_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o gladsome_a messenger_n unto_o the_o poor_a that_o he_o shall_v make_v no_o noise_n in_o public_a or_o use_v any_o strife_n and_o contention_n but_o deal_v gentle_o forbear_v to_o break_v the_o shake_a reed_n and_o unwilling_a to_o quench_v the_o smoke_a â—lâ—x_n neither_o can_v any_o of_o his_o affliction_n no_o not_o his_o igâ—…_n death_n
make_v he_o despicable_a to_o any_o for_o god_n oftentimes_o suffer_v the_o godly_a not_o only_o to_o be_v vex_v and_o disquiet_v by_o the_o wicked_a as_o righteous_a lot_n be_v by_o the_o citizen_n of_o sodom_n but_o also_o even_o to_o be_v destroy_v and_o slay_v as_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o example_n of_o abel_n who_o be_v cruel_o murder_v of_o isaâ—…_n who_o be_v sawâ—n_v in_o piece_n and_o of_o the_o saven_n brethren_n in_o the_o maccabee_n who_o together_o with_o their_o mother_n be_v miserable_o â—oâ—mented_v and_o put_v to_o death_n the_o very_a jew_n themselves_o sing_v the_o seâ—…h_n psalm_n wherein_o be_v these_o word_n the_o dead_a body_n of_o thy_o servant_n have_v they_o give_v to_o be_v meaâ—_n unto_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o heaven_n the_o flesh_n of_o thy_o saint_n unto_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o earth_n their_o blood_n have_v they_o shed_v like_o water_n round_o about_o jerusalem_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o 〈◊〉_d they_o and_o whosoever_o consider_v the_o word_n of_o isaiah_n in_o the_o 53._o chapter_n can_v deny_v that_o the_o messiah_n himself_o ought_v to_o have_v pass_v through_o much_o affâ—…ion_n and_o death_n to_o come_v into_o his_o kingdom_n and_o obtain_v power_n to_o adorn_v his_o household_n or_o church_n with_o excellent_a gift_n the_o word_n in_o the_o prophet_n be_v these_o who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o to_o who_o be_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v for_o he_o shall_v grow_v up_o before_o he_o as_o a_o tender_a plant_n and_o as_o a_o root_n out_o of_o the_o dry_a ground_n he_o have_v no_o form_n or_o comeliness_n and_o when_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o there_o be_v no_o beauty_n that_o we_o shall_v desire_v he_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n and_o we_o hide_v as_o it_o be_v our_o face_n from_o he_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o we_o esteem_v he_o not_o sure_o he_o have_v bear_v our_o grief_n and_o carry_v our_o sorrow_n yet_o we_o do_v esteem_v he_o strike_v sâ—…itten_v of_o god_n and_o afflict_a but_o he_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o trâ—…s_n he_o be_v bruise_v for_o our_o â—â—quities_n the_o â—hastifement_n of_o our_o peace_n be_v upon_o he_o and_o with_o his_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v all_o we_o like_v sheep_n have_v go_v astray_o we_o have_v turn_v every_o one_o to_o his_o own_o way_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v lay_v on_o he_o the_o iniquity_n of_o â—…ll_n he_o be_v oppress_v and_o he_o be_v afflict_v yet_o he_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n he_o be_v bring_v as_o a_o lamb_n to_o the_o slaughter_n and_o as_o a_o sheep_n before_o â—â—â—shearers_n be_v dumb_a so_o he_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n heâ—_n be_v take_v from_o prisâ—…_n and_o from_o judgement_n and_o who_o shall_v declare_v his_o generation_n for_o he_o be_v out_o off_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o my_o people_n he_o be_v strike_v and_o he_o make_v his_o grauwith_o the_o wicked_a and_o with_o the_o rich_a in_o his_o death_n because_o he_o have_v do_v no_o violence_n neither_o be_v any_o deceit_n in_o his_o mouth_n yet_o iâ—_n have_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o bruise_v he_o â—ee_n â—ath_v put_v he_o to_o grief_n when_o thou_o 〈◊〉_d make_v his_o soil_n a_o offering_n for_o 〈◊〉_d he_o shall_v see_v his_o seed_n he_o shall_v prâ—…_n his_o day_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o â—e_a lord_n shall_v prosper_v in_o his_o hand_n her_o shall_v â—ee_n of_o the_o travel_n of_o his_o soil_n and_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v by_o his_o knowledge_n shall_v my_o righteous_a servant_n justify_v many_o for_o he_o shall_v bear_v their_o iniquity_n therefore_o will_v i_o divide_v he_o a_o portion_n with_o the_o great_a and_o he_o shall_v divide_v the_o 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o strong_a because_o he_o have_v pour_v out_o his_o soul_n unto_o death_n and_o he_o be_v number_v with_o the_o transgressor_n and_o he_o bear_v the_o sin_n of_o many_o and_o make_v intercession_n for_o the_o transgressor_n who_o be_v there_o either_o among_o the_o king_n or_o prophet_n to_o who_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v apply_v sure_o none_o as_o touch_v that_o shift_n which_o some_o late_a jew_n have_v invent_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o prophet_n speak_v here_o of_o the_o hebrew_n disperse_v through_o all_o nation_n that_o by_o his_o own_o example_n and_o manner_n of_o speech_n he_o may_v every_v where_o gain_n the_o more_o proselyte_n this_o sense_n first_o of_o all_o be_v repugnant_a to_o many_o testimony_n of_o holy_a writ_n which_o say_v that_o no_o harm_n be_v befall_v the_o jew_n which_o they_o by_o their_o evil_a deed_n have_v not_o deserve_v and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o then_o again_o the_o very_a form_n of_o the_o prophetical_a speech_n bear_v not_o that_o interpretation_n for_o either_o the_o prophet_n which_o seem_v more_o proper_a to_o that_o place_n or_o god_n say_v this_o evil_a happen_v unto_o he_o for_o the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o people_n now_o the_o people_n of_o isaiah_n or_o the_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n be_v the_o people_n of_o the_o hebrew_n therefore_o he_o who_o be_v say_v by_o isaiah_n to_o have_v suffer_v for_o grievous_a thing_n can_v be_v that_o people_n but_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o hebrew_n more_o ingenious_o confess_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o messiah_n whereupon_o some_o late_a among_o they_o have_v feign_v two_o messiase_n the_o one_o they_o call_v the_o son_n of_o joseph_n who_o be_v to_o suffer_v many_o misery_n and_o a_o bloody_a death_n the_o other_o be_v the_o son_n of_o david_n to_o who_o all_o thing_n shall_v succeed_v prosperous_o howbeit_o better_a it_o be_v and_o more_o consonant_a with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o acknowledge_v but_o one_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o pass_v unto_o his_o kingdom_n through_o many_o difficulty_n and_o death_n itself_o which_o we_o believe_v of_o jesus_n as_o the_o matter_n itself_o declare_v to_o be_v most_o true_a sect_n xx._n as_o though_o they_o be_v honest_a man_n that_o put_v he_o to_o death_n many_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v keep_v back_o from_o the_o discipline_n and_o profession_n of_o jesus_n by_o a_o certain_a preconceive_a opinion_n of_o the_o virtue_n and_o honesty_n of_o their_o ancestor_n and_o special_o of_o the_o priest_n who_o out_o of_o prejudice_n condemn_v jesus_n and_o reject_v his_o doctrine_n but_o concern_v the_o quality_n of_o their_o ancestor_n that_o they_o may_v see_v i_o do_v they_o no_o wrong_n let_v they_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o their_o own_o law_n and_o prophet_n wherein_o they_o be_v often_o call_v uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n and_o ear_n a_o people_n that_o honour_a god_n with_o their_o lip_n and_o with_o the_o garnish_n of_o ceremony_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o it_o be_v their_o ancestor_n that_o go_v about_o and_o be_v very_o near_o to_o have_v kill_v their_o brother_n joseph_n and_o in_o very_a deed_n sell_v he_o into_o bondage_n it_o be_v their_o ancestor_n that_o by_o their_o continual_a mutiny_n and_o sedition_n make_v moses_n weary_a of_o his_o life_n who_o be_v their_o leader_n and_o redeemer_n to_o who_o the_o earth_n the_o sea_n and_o the_o aâ—…e_n obey_v these_o be_v they_o that_o loathe_v the_o bread_n that_o be_v send_v from_o heaven_n complain_v as_o though_o they_o have_v be_v in_o great_a want_n and_o scarcity_n even_o when_o they_o belch_v up_o again_o the_o foul_a and_o food_n that_o they_o have_v eat_v it_o be_v their_o ancestor_n that_o forsake_v david_n so_o excellent_a and_o good_a a_o king_n followed_z absalon_n his_o rebellious_a son_n it_o be_v their_o ancestor_n that_o slay_v zachariah_n the_o son_n of_o â—ehâ—iada_n in_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n so_o make_v their_o priest_n himself_o a_o oblation_n of_o their_o cruelty_n in_o the_o very_a court_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o concern_v the_o priest_n they_o be_v such_o as_o conspire_v the_o death_n of_o jeremy_n by_o a_o false_a accusation_n and_o have_v kill_v he_o indeed_o unless_o they_o have_v be_v hinder_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o governor_n notwithstanding_o which_o they_o prevail_v so_o far_o as_o to_o have_v he_o imprison_v until_o the_o very_a moment_n that_o the_o city_n be_v take_v if_o any_o man_n imagine_v those_o be_v any_o thing_n better_o that_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n than_o josephus_n will_v show_v he_o his_o error_n who_o describe_v their_o villainous_a act_n and_o grievous_a torment_n the_o like_a be_v never_o hear_v of_o and_o yet_o as_o he_o think_v below_o desert_n neither_o may_v we_o conceive_v more_o favourable_o of_o their_o great_a councillor_n senate_n special_o because_o at_o that_o time_n the_o senator_n be_v not_o choose_v after_o the_o old_a custom_n by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n but_o by_o the_o