the contrary â—…ly the dominion given to â—nto man over his own actions â—he naturall desire that is in him â—o be immortall the comfort oâ—…â—ood conscience for well done â—eeds though such were accomâ—anied with much difficulty â—nd on the contrary the sting of â—…gnawing conscience at the reâ—embrance of ungodly and â—…icked actions especially when â—he houre of death approacheth â—nto the wicked who doe then â—…eeme more sensible of an immiâ—…ent iudgement and this gnawing â—…orme of conscience the most â—…rophane wretches and wicked â—…yrants in the world could never â—tterly mortifiâ— and destroy in them no not then when they most of all desired as divers examples doe testifie SECT XXIIII Whence it followes that the eâ—â— of all shall bee mans happineâ—… after this life SEeing then the soule is of 〈…〉 nature that in it selfe hath 〈…〉 ground or cause of its owne corruption and seeing also thiâ— God by many signes and tokenâ—… hath declared that it is his wiâ—… the same soule should surviâ—… the body what more noble 〈…〉 can be propounded to man thaâ— the state of eternall happinesse which in effect is the same that Plato and the Pythagoreaâ—â— spake of saying that it were gooâ— for man if hee could become moâ—â— like unto God SECT XXV â—…hich to obtaine men must get the true Religion NOw what this happinesse is and how 't is to be attaineâ—â—…en may finde out by probable â—…iectures but if any thing coâ—cerning that matter bee revealed â—…y God in Scripture the same â—ust be held for a most certaine â—nd undoubted truth which â—nce that Religionâ—…emes â—…emes to pretend above others 〈◊〉 shall be examined in the next â—ooke whether or no men ought â—…o give credit thereunto and asâ—uredly build their faith theron The second Booke OF THE TRVNESSE OF Christian Religion SECT I. To prove the truth of Christian Religion IT is not our purpose in this second booke to handle all the points of Christianitie out after our hearty prayers made to Christ the King of Heaven that hee would grant us the assistance of his holy Spirit whereby we may be enabled for such a worke we shall endevour to make it appeare that Christian Religion is the most true and certaine Religion of all the rest namely as followeth SECT II. Here is showen that Iesus lived IT is a truth most sted fastly professed by all the Christianâ— that breath upon the face of the whole earth that Iesus of Nazreth then lived in Iudea wheâ— Tiberius was Emperour of the Romans which is acknowledged not onely by Christians but also by all the Iewes that ever lived heretofore or yet survive Nay the very Pagan writers thâ—… is such as are neither of the Iewish nor Christian Religion namely Suetonises Tacitus pliny the younger and many more after them doe testifie the same SECT III. And was put to an igâ—…ious death MOreover all bee it such a kinde of death might bee thought inglorious and dishonorable to their Lord and Master yet all Christians doe confesse that this same Iesis was crucified by Pontius Pilate governour of Iudea The Iewes also doe the â—ike though they cannot bee ignorant how that they become most odious to those Christiansâ—n â—n whose dominions they live because of this murder committed by Pilate whereof their ancestors were the chiefe authors as the heathenish writers have also recorded the same Yea these acts of Pilate were extant a long time after whereunto the Christians did sometimes make their appeale And further neither did Iulian himselfe nor any other adversaries of Christianity ever make doubt hereof So that hence it appeares that there was never any more true and certaine story than this which wee see may be confirmed not onely by the testimonies of some few men but also by the approbation of severall nations otherwise disagreeing and jarring among themselves SECT IV. Yet afterward was worshipped by by prudent and godly men ALL which though it was most true of Christs ignominious death yet wee see hoâ— that thorowout the remoâ—… parts of the world hee is worshipped as Lord and that not in our dayes onely but ever since the time that this was done to wit ever since the reigne of Nero the Emperour when many people that professed this worship of Christ and Christian Religion were for that cause tortured and put to death as Tacitus and others doe witnesse SECT V The cause whereof was for that in his life time there were miracles done by him NOw among such as professed Christianity there were many judicious learned men For to say nothing now of the Iewes there was Sergius governour of Cyprus Dionysius Areopagita Polycarpus Iustinus Irenaeus Athenagoras Origen Tertullian Clemens Alexandrinus with divers others who almost all being broughtup in other religions neither could have any hopes of wealth or preferment in Christianity yet became worshippers of this man that died so ignominious a death and exhibited due honour to him as God no other reason whereof can bee given than this that moved them so to doe namely because they like prudent men in a matter of greatest moment by diligent inquiry found the truth and ground of that same which was bruted abroad concerning the miracles wrought by Christ as the healing of many that were sore diseased with his word onely the restoring of sight to him that was borne blinde the feeding of many thousands with some few Loaves of bread the restoring of some to life againe that were dead and many other such like wonderfull workes The truth whereof neither Celsus nor Iulian when they writ against Christians durst dare to deny but it was confessed both by them and also most plainly by the Hebrew doctors that were Authors of the Talmnd SECT VI. Which miracles were not wrought either by the helpe of nature or assistance of the devill but meerely by the divine power of God THat theft wondrous works were not wrought by any naturall power it is manifest because they were called wonders and miracles For it is not possible in nature that any grievous diseases and infirmities should bee cured meerely by a mans voice or by the vertue of a touch and that even upon a suddaine And it is likely if such works had beene done by the power of nature onely then the same would have beene made knowne and revealed either by those that were professed enemies of Christ while he lived upon earth or by those that have beene adversaries of his Gospell since his death By the same argument wee may prove that such workes came not to passe through the power and deceit of Sataâ— or by any diabolicall enchantments because they were done openly in the sight of all the people amongst whom divers of the learned sort did maligne and â—earâ— ill will unto Christ not without envy observing all that hee did Adde further that the same workes were often iterated and the effects thereof were not transitory but permaneant and durable All which being duly pondered it must
TRVE RELIGION EXPLAINED And defended against the Archenemies thereof in these times In six Bookes Published by Authority for the coÌ„mon good Buy the truth P 〈…〉 LONDON Printed for Ri. Royston in Ivie lane 1632 T Câ—â—â—ll sculp The minde of the frontispâ—â—â— or title page 1. Ieheuah at the top â—eaching out 〈…〉 the old to the lew and the new to the 〈…〉 former with a promise 〈…〉 the lattâ—… of the Gentleâ—… in the Gospel without exâ—…â—…on of any Hom. 1â—… 2 Religion the effects whereof the Aposâ—… Iam. 1. 2â— 1 For her habit she hath a 〈◊〉 garment tâ—… she regards not the transiently wealth and â—…ty of this world 2 Shee holds the booke in her hand where â—n the lawâ—… God is written 3 Her breast is baâ—â— to shew her Canâ—on and 〈◊〉 4 She leaues upon the Crosse because thereupon 〈…〉 finds rest and quiet repose 5 Winged sheis to reach men to mount up alâ—… 6 As it were shining by a radiant 〈…〉 that she dispels the mysty dark◠〈◊〉 of the minde 7 The bridle is hung upon the crosse to teach men how that they ought to curbe bridle and subâ—… the triâ—â—leâ—â— passions of the minde 8 She treads and examples upon death because sheâ—… very haue and downfall of death 3 The Christian kneeles upon the Crosse which hee mâ—… take up Mat. 16. 24. havingâ— glory shining upon him to represent the brightnesse of the Gospell and tâ—… Religion 4 The Turke stands with his sword in his hand by which he defends his Religion that sprang from Mahâ—met a false Prophet foretold in generall by Christ Mat. 24. 5. 24. also a halfe Moone 5 The lew kneeles having the two tables of the law by which he hopes to bee saved not as yet beleeving in Christ because his eyes are blinded Isaiah 29. 10. 6 The Pagan hath the sun before him which together with other creatures he is wont toworship howbeit hope there is that all the heatheo shall become the subiects of Christs Kingdome Psal 72. 11. A Recapitulation of the chiefe points according to the severall sections of each Booke The Preface shewes the occasion of this worke The Contents of the first Booke SECT I. IN the first section it is proved there is a God 2 That there is but one God 3 All perfection is in God 4 And that after an infinite manner 5 God is eternall omnipotent omniscient and absolutely good 6 God is the cause of all things 7 Answer to an objection concerning the cause of evill 8 Against them which imagine there are two principles the one good and the other evill 9 The whole universe is governed by God 10 So are all sublunary things yea every particular and singular thing 11 Which is declared by the preservation of Empires 12 And by miracles 13 Especially such as were wrought amongst the Iewes which are verified by the long continuance of their Religion 14 Also by the truth and antiquity of Moses 15 And by the testimonies of strangers and aliens from the covenans 16 The same likewise is confirmed by predictions and other arguments 17 An objection answered for that no miracles are now to bee 〈◊〉 as formerly hath beene 18 And that iniquity so greatâ—…nds in these dayes 19 In so much that good and goâ—dly men are oppressed abused 20 But this is retorted to prove the immortality of soules after the death and â—…lution of bodies 21 Which truth is further confirmed by tradition 22 Namely such as no reason can be alleaged against it 23 But â—…ther many arguments make for it 24 Whence it followes that the end of man is his happinesse and welfare after this life 25 Which to obtaine true Religion must be sought for the same being the onely way to eternity The Contents of the second Booke SECT I. TO the end it may appeare that the title of true Religion agrees to Christian Religion the Author here proves first that Jesus once lived upon earth 2 And that hee suffered an ignominious and reproachfull death 3 Howbeit after his death hee was worshipped and adored by wise men 4 The cause of which their worshipping him could be no other then for the wonders and miracles that were wrought by him 5 And these miracles were not to bee attributed to any efficacy of rature or to the power of the Devill but proceeded onely from the power of God 6 The Author further shewes the truth of Iesus his resurrection by sufficient testimonies 7 He answers a doubt for that the resurrection seemes impossible 8 This resurrection of Jesus being granted it serves to confirme the truth of his doctrine 9 Christian Religion excells all other Religions in the world 10 As is proved first from the excellency of the reward which is promised and propounded thereunto 11 Whereupon by the way an objection is answered for that it seemes impossible for bodies once dissolved to bee restored againe to their former integrity 12 Secondly the former truth is confirmed by the exact holinesse of Christian precepts touching the worship and service of God 13 Also from those courteous duties of humanity which wee owe and ought to performe to our neighbours though hurt or injured by them 14 Also from the union and love of man and wife 15 From the use of Temporall goods and commodities 16 From an Oath 17 And from other Christian Acts. 18 Answer to an objection taken from the controversies that are among Christians 19 The excellency of Christian Religion is further declared from the dignity of its author 20 From the wonderfull propagation thereof 21 Specially considering the weaknesse and simplicity of them which at the beginning taught the same 22 Together with the great impediments which might have with-held men from imbracing it or deterred them from professing the same 23 Answer made to them that doe desire stronger arguments The Contents of the third Booke SECT I. HEre is showne the authority of the bookes of the new covenant 2 Such bookes as have names of authors are the same mens writings whose names they beare 3 Concerning such books as anciently were questioned the doubt taken away 4 Those bookes that have no name prefixed have suâ—…enâ— authority as is proved from the quality of the writings themselves 5 The holy pen men of these bookes writ nothing but truth because they had certaine notice thereof 6 And because they would not lye 7 This is also evident by the miracles they wrought 8 And likewise because the events of many things therein recorded have made it appeare the same were divinely inspired 9 And lastly from the care God was to have that counterfeit writings might not be obâ—ruded or forged in the Church 10 An objection answered that sundry of these bookes were not reserved by all 11 A scruple taken away for that some impossibilities sâ—eme to be 〈…〉 12 Or such things as are râ—… pâ—… to reason 13 Another doubt answered touching some diversity â—…rieâ—â— that seeme to be in those writings 14 The consideration
of forraine testimonies which indeed make more for these bookes that against them 15 Answer made to that objection concerning the adulterating or falsifying of scripture 16 Lastly the authority of the bookes of the old Testament is verified The Contents of the fourth Booke SECT I. IN particular such Religions as bee repugnant to Christianity are confuted 2 And first against Paâ—…nisme here is proved that there is but one God that created mindes are good or evill The good are not to bee worshipped but according to Gods prescript 3 The bad Spirits are worshipped by the Pagans which is an odious thing 4 Against the Pagans worshopping of â—en deceased 5 Against the worshipping of starres and elements 6 Against the worshipping of bruit beasts 7 Lastly against the worshipping of such things as are no substances 8 Answer to the Pagans objection taken from some miracles that were wrought among them 9 And from their Oracles 10 The Religion of the Pagans is thereby confuted for that the same of it owne accord faded away as soone as humane helps failed 11 Answer to them that ascribe the beginning and downefall of any Religion to the efficacy of the starres 12 Lastly the chiefe points of Christian Religion were approved of by the wisest of the Pagans and if any thing seeme incredible therin the like may bee found amongst the Pagans The Contents of the fifth Booke SECT I. IVdaisme is confuted 2 The Iewes ought to account the miracles of Iesus for sufficient 3 Answer to that which they say these miracles were done by the assistance of Devils 4 And by the power of words or syllables 5 That the miracles done by Iesus were divine and that hee taught the worship of one God who is the maker of the world 6 Answer to an objection taken from the difference that is between the law of Moses and of Jesus and that there might be a more perfect law given than that of Moses 7 The law of Moses was observed by Iesus while hee lived upon earth and no other precepts were afterward abolished but sueâ—… were not essen tally good 8 Such were the sacrifices which of themselves were nevâ— wel-pleasing unto God 9 Also the difference of meâ—… 10 And of dayes 11 And outward Circumcision 12 And yet the Apostles of Iesus were gentle in the permission of toleration thereof 13 An argument against the Iewes for that they grant tâ—…erâ— was a worthy Messias promised 14 The same Messias came at the time appointed 15 Answer to that which they object concerning the deferring of his comming for the sinnes of the people 16 Also from the present state of the Iewes compared with those things which the Law promised 17 Iesus is proved to bee the Messias by those things which were foretold concerning the Messias 18 Answer to what is said of some things not yet fulfilled 19 Also to that which is objected touching the mâ—…e state and miserable death of Iesus 20 As though they had beene honest men that put him to death 21 Answer to that objection of many Gods which they say are worshipped by the Christians 22 Also that the humane nature is worshipped 23 A conclusion of this part with prayer and supplication to God for the Iewes The Contents of the sixth and last Booke SECT I. MAhumetanisme conâ—uted the originall thereof 〈◊〉 set downe 2 The ground of Mahumetismâ— overthrowne chiefly for that the make it unlawfull for men theâ—… enquire into their Religion 3 Proofes against the Mahuâ—…â—ans out of the sacred wâ—… of Hebrewes and Christians 4 Mahumet compared wâ—… Christ in their persons 5 In their Acts. 6 The first Professors of both Religions 7 The manner how both lawes were propagated and published 8 Lastly the precepts of both compared 9 Answer to that which Mahumetans object concerning the sonne of God 10 Sundry absurdities are â—epeated out of the bookes of the Mahumetans 11 A conclusion of the whole worke directed to Christians who are admonished of their duty by occasion of all that hath been said before in the severall bookes A Christian prayer for the adversaries of true Religion MErciful God who hast made all men and hatest nothing that thou hast made nor wouldest the death of a sinner but rather that hee should bee converted and live have mercy upon all lewes Turkes Infidels and Heretikes and take from them all ignorance hardnesse of heart and contempt of thy word and so fetch them home blessed Lord to thy flocke that they may bee saved among the remnant of the true Israelites and bee made one fâ—ld â—nderone sleepheard Iesus Christ our Lord who liveth and reigneth with thee and the holy Ghost now and ever Amen OF THE TRVTH OF Christian Religion The Preface shewing the occasion of this worke I Have eftsoones beene demanded by a man that hath deserved excellent well of his Country and of learning and of me also what the argument of those bookes was which were written by mee in my Countrey language in the behalfe of Christian Religion Neither doe I wonder that hee should make such a question For hee that with so good judgement did apply himselfe to the reading of all things worthy to bee read was not ignorant with what skill that matter hath beene handled by Raymond Sebund after a subtile Philosophicall manner by Iudovicus Vives in divers Dialogues but especially with most learning and eloquence by their famous Mornay Wherefore the translating of them into the vulgar tongue was more for use than for making any new worke Whereof what other men will judge I know not but this I am perswaded will satisfie him if I tell him how that reading not onely those Authors above mentioned but also the writings of the Iewes for their old Iewish and also of Christians for our Christian Religion I thought good withall to use my owne judgement such as it is and give some fâ—eedome to my minde which my body wanted when I writ that worke For it seemed to mee most sitting to contend for the truth only with truth and that also with such truth as whereof I was perswaded fully in my owne minde For I know it were but a vanity in mee to goe about to teach others to credit those things that I could not bee perswaded of my selfe Therefore omitting such arguments as in my judgement were of lesse importance as also the authority of those bookes which either I certainly knew or justly suspected to be forged and counterfeit I have made choice of such reasons both out of ancient later writings as may bee best approved of And as for those which pleased me best the same I did both methodically dispose and also expounded as plainly as I could distinguishing them by certaine verses whereby they might be the better committed to memory For my purpose was to benefit all my Countrey-men but specially Sea-faring-men that they might not as too many doe lose and mispend their time Wherefore beginning with the commendation of our Countrey
Christians Then for Mahumetanisme it is possessed of land enough but 't is not alone for Christian Religiâ—â— hath a greater number of Professors in some places where Turkes domineere And againe there are many Christians in most quatters where Turkes or Mahumâ—… have no footing SECT XXII Considering the meeknesse and simplicity of them that first taught this Religion IT followes that wee consider by what meanes this Christian â—eligion had its augmentation â—nd increase that therein it may â—…e comparable and preferred beâ—…re others We see it commonly â—…ue of most men that they will â—…llow the examples of Kings and â—…otentates what way soever they â—…oe specially if law or necessityâ—…ompell â—…ompell them to it Hereby were â—…he Religions of the Pagans and of Mahumet much augmented But â—…las they that first taught the Christian Religion not onely wanâ—…d all civil power and authority â—ut were of meane condition no better than poore Fishermen weavers and the like Yet by such mens paines and industry that doctrine within the space of thirty yeeres or thereabouts was published not onely thorowout all the parts of the Roman Empire but also among the Parthians and remote Indians After this beginning almost for three severall ages together this same Religion was so promoted by the studious endevours of some private men not with any threatnings or alluring promises but even in spite of them that were in authority that the greater part of the Roman world was Christian before that Constantine professed Christianity Amongst the Grecians that taught morality divers there were very commendable in other arts and disciplines as the Plaâ—â—nicks for the study of Geometry the Peripateticks for the history of plants and other living creatures the Stoicks for Logicall subtilty the Pythagoreans for knowledge of numbers and harmony many also were admirable for eloquence â—s Xenophon Plato and Theophraâ—…us But the first Doctors and teachers of Christianity were endued with no such art but used plaine â—anguage without inticing words onely after a bare manner or naâ—ed forme of speech pronouncing their precepts promises and â—hreatnings Which seeing they had no such efficacy in themselves for the propagation of this truth wee must needs thereupon thinke that there was either a miracle or Gods secret power assisting the businesse or both together SECT XXIII What great impediments there were that might terrifie men from the embracing or the professing hereof HEreunto may be added another thing considerable namely how they who receiveâ— Christianity by the ministery of the said men had their mindeâ—… prepossessed with another forme oâ— Religion and therefore lesse docile or capable of this doctrine after that they had learned either the Pagans service and ceremonies or the Law of Mahumet being thereby no way prepared and fitted for the receiving of this instruction as the Hebrewes were for the receiving of Moses his Law by their circumcision and the knowledge of one God Haâ—â—ng their mindes thus filled with preconcerned opinions concerning heathenish and Jewish rites whereunto they were habituated by custome which is a second nature it was strange that they entertained any new ordinances and instructions specially such as these were contrary to the lawes wherin they had beene educated and confirmed by their parents authority Besides this there was another 〈…〉 to wit the great adversity they were to undergoe and the most grievous miseries which they suffered or stood in â—eare of for professing Christianity for seeing that humane nature â—bhorres such evils it must needs â—ollow that the causes of such eâ—ils cannot bee admitted of without much difficulty A long time â—ere the Christians deprived of â—ll honours and dignities being much afflicted with divers penalties with confiscation of goods â—nd banishments which notwithstanding were all but flea-biâ—ings in comparison of the cruell 〈…〉 they endured when they were put into hot scalding metals and tormented with the most grievous punishments that could be devised Neither did this happen to a few onely but such multitudes of them were thus tortured to death that there was never in one age before so many men swept away and devoured either by famine oâ— pestilence or warre as the writers of those times doe testifie Their manner and kinde of death also was not ordinary but some were burned quicke others nailed upon crosses and racked most of them put to such grievous torments as cannot bee read or conceived without horrour and wonder And this savage cruelty against Christians which continued in the Roman world and else where scarce with any intermission untill the time of Constantine did not so depopulate the Church but that out of the seed thereof the blood of the Martyrs there sprang up ever a new supply of Professors Now if herein wee compare Christianity with other Religious wee shall finde that amongst the Grecians and other Pagans though they were wont to magnifie their owne Worthies above measure yet is there but a short Catalogue of such as suffered death for the testimony of their doctrine onely we reade of certaine Philosophers in India of Socrates also and some few more who no doubt being the most eminent men in those times had a desire to perpetuate their fame to posterity But amongst those Christians that suffered martyrdomâ— for their faith there were very many of meane ranke being of the common sort of people such as were scarce ever taken notice of or knowne to their neighbours that lived hard by There were women also wives virgins and young men such as it is probable never covered or hoped for any renowne in their sufferings wherupon in the books of martyrs we finde the names but of a few in coÌ„parison of the whole number of those that were put to death and the rest onely registred in grosse Adde further that the heathen for the most part under any slight pretence as the casting of some frankincense upon the Altar could free themselves from the paine of such a death and so couzen the world but this can in no wise be said of those who whatever they thought in their hearts dealt plainly in their deeds and accommodated themselves to the nature and condition of the vulgar And such were the Iewes and Christians who alone can be said to have undergone death for the honour of God Neither can wee attribute this praise and commendation to any Iewes after the times of Christ who also before Christ came short of that great number of Christians that in one onely Province were persecuted for the Gospell of Christ the greatest suffering of the Iewes being onely during the times of Manasses and Antiâ—chus Wherefore seeing that Christianity so farre excels all other Religions in this particular it may justly thereupon be preferred before all others And seeing likewise that so great a multitude of men of every ranke and degree thorowout all ages and places have not feared to suffer death for this Religion wee must needs conceive there was some notable ground or cause of such their constancy which
Gods as they did in times past neither have they defiled themselves with cruelty nor are they accused of fornication and adultery But by prayers and fastings they labour to appease Gods wrath and yet are not heard Which things being so one of these two must needs bee granted namely that either the covenant that was given by Moses is quite abolished or the Iewes are guilty of some notorious crime which hath continued for so many ages together which what it is let themselves speake or if they cannot tell then let them beleeve us that this sinne is no other but the contempt of the Messias who was come before that these evils began to fall upon them SECT XVII Iesus is proved to be the Messias by those Prophecies which were foretold concerning the Messias BY this which hath been spoken it is manifest that the Messias came many ages agoe wee adde further that the same is no other but Iesus For what other persons soever either were or would have been accounted the Messias the same left no sect behind them to uphold maintain that opinion There are not any at this day that professe themselves to bee followers either of Herod or of Iudas Gaulonita or of that great impostor Barchochebas who living in the times of Adrian said that he was the Messias and deceived some even of the more learned But those that professe the name of Iesus have continued from the time that hee lived upon earth even untill this day being not a few onely in this or that countrey but very many dispersed as farre as the world extendeth I could alleage many other testimonies anciently foretold concerning the Messias which wee beleeve were accomplished in Iesâ—… since they cannot bee affirmed of any other as namely that he came of the posterity of David and was borne of a Virgin which was divinely revealed to him that married that Virgin whom hee would have put away supposing shee had been got with child by another Also that this Messias was borne at Bethlehem and began first to publish his doctrine in Galilee healing all kindes of diseases giving sight to the blinde and making the lame to walke but this one may suffice for many that his doctrine continues entire unto this day It is most manifest by the Prophecies of David Isaiah Zachariah and Hosea that the Messias was to bee an instructor not onely of the Iewes but also of the Gentile by whom all worshippings of false Gods should come to ruine and a huge multitude of aliens and strangers should bee brought to the worship of the only true God Before this Iesus his comming almost the whole world was confounded with false worships and religions which afterward by little and little began to vanish away and many men both of the common sort and of higher ranke as Kings and Princes were converted unto the worship and service of one God This was no grammercy to the Iewish Rabbins but to the Disciples of Iesus and their successors Thus they were made the people of God that before were not the people of God and the saying oâ—… old Iacob Gen. 49. was fulfilled The scopter shall not depart from Iuda untill Shâ—lo come Which words the Chaldee and other interpreters expound of the Messias to whom the forraine nations should be obedient SECT XVIII Answer to that which is objected of some things that are not fulfilled THe Iewes usually object that same things were foretold concerning the times of the Messias which are not yet fulfilled But for answer those matters which they alleage are obscure and admit of divers significations wherefore they are not to be received before such things as are more manifest as namely the holinesse of the commandements of Iesus the excellency of the reward and the perspicuous language wherein it is propounded to which if we adde the testimony of his miracles there need no other motive for inducement to the receiving of his doctrine As for those Prophecies which gâ—… under the name of a shâ—… oâ—â—…sped book oftentimes for the right understanding thereof there is requisite some divine helpes and assistance which they are worthily deprived of that neglect manifest truths The place of scripture which they alleage are diversâ—y expounded as themselves cannot deny And if any man please to compare either the ancient interpreters which lived when the people were led captive into Babylon or such as lived about Christs time with those that writ after that Christianity began to bee hatefull and odious unto the Iewes hee shall finde no expositions purposely invented to crosse those former that well agreed with Christian interpretations They know well enough that there are many things in the holy scriptures which must bee understood by a trope and not in property of speech as when God is said to have descended and to have a mouth eares eyes and nostrils And why may not we likewise expound divers things that are spoken of the times of the Messias after the same manner as that the wolfe shall dwell with the lambe and the Leopard shall lye downe with the kâ—d and the câ—lfe and the young lion and the failing together and the sucking childe shall play with the Serpents and the mountaine of gold shall bee exalted above other mountaines whither strangers shall come and worship There are some things promised which by antecedent and consequent words or by the very sense imply a secret condition in them Thus God promised many things unto the Hebrewes upon condition they would receive the Messias that was sent and obey him which same things if they come not to passe accordingly then may they blame themselves that are the cause thereof Againe other matters were promised expresly and wiâ—hout all condition which if they bee not already accomplished yet may bee hoped for hereafter For it is â—vident even among the Iewes that the time or Kingdome of the Messias must endure unto the end of the world SECT XIX And to that which is objected of the meane condition and death of Iesus MAny doe take exception at the meeke and meane condition of Iesus but unjustly because in sacred writ it is often said that God will exalt the humble and meeke but cast downe the proud Iacob when bee passed over Iordan carried nothing with him save his staffe only and yet was enriched with a great slocke of sheepe Moses was a poore exile and feeding the slockes when God appeared to him in the bush and gave him commission for the conduct of his people David also was called to his Kingdome when hee was feeding 〈…〉 and with many other such like examples doth the sacred story abound Now concerning the Messias we reade that he should bee a gladsome Messenger unto the poore that hee should make no noise in publike or use any strife and contention but deale gently forbearing to breake the shaken reed and unwilling to quench the smoaking â—lâ—x Neither can any of his afflictions no not his igâ—… death