all_o shall_v be_v man_n happiness_n after_o this_o life_n see_v then_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o a_o nature_n that_o in_o itself_o have_v no_o ground_n or_o cause_n of_o its_o own_o corruption_n and_o see_v also_o that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o many_o sign_n and_o token_n whereby_o we_o ought_v to_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n the_o soul_n shall_v survive_v the_o body_n what_o more_o noble_a end_n can_v be_v propound_v to_o man_n than_o the_o state_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o in_o effect_n be_v the_o same_o that_o plato_n and_o the_o pythagorean_n speak_v of_o say_v that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o man_n if_o he_o can_v become_v most_o like_a unto_o god_n sect_n xxv_o which_o to_o obtain_v man_n must_v get_v the_o true_a religion_n now_o what_o this_o happiness_n be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v man_n may_v search_v by_o probable_a conjecture_n but_o if_o any_o thing_n concern_v this_o matter_n be_v reveal_v by_o god_n that_o must_v be_v hold_v for_o a_o most_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n which_o since_o christian_a religion_n pretend_v to_o bring_v unto_o we_o above_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v examine_v in_o the_o next_o book_n whether_o or_o not_o man_n ought_v to_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o and_o assure_o build_v their_o faith_n thereon_o the_o second_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o our_o purpose_n in_o this_o second_o book_n to_o handle_v all_o the_o point_n of_o christianity_n but_o after_o our_o hearty_a prayer_n make_v to_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o heaven_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v for_o such_o a_o work_n we_o shall_v only_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n itself_o be_v most_o true_a and_o certain_a which_o i_o thus_o begin_v sect_n ii_o here_o be_v show_v that_o jesus_n live_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n who_o live_v heretofore_o in_o judaea_n when_o tiberius_n be_v emperor_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o only_o most_o constant_o profess_v by_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v scatter_v over_o the_o face_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n but_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o jew_n who_o now_o be_v or_o ever_o write_v since_o those_o time_n nay_o the_o very_a pagan_a writer_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v neither_o of_o the_o jewish_a nor_o christian_a religion_n namely_o suetonius_n tacitus_n pliny_n the_o young_a and_o many_o more_o after_o they_o do_v testify_v the_o same_o sect_n iii_o and_o be_v put_v to_o a_o ignominious_a death_n that_o the_o same_o jesus_n be_v nail_v to_o a_o cross_n by_o pontius_n pilate_n governor_n of_o judaea_n be_v confess_v also_o by_o all_o christian_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v very_o disgraceful_a to_o they_o to_o be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o such_o a_o lord_n the_o jew_n also_o do_v the_o like_a though_o they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o upon_o this_o account_n they_o be_v very_o odious_a to_o christian_n in_o who_o dominion_n they_o live_v because_o their_o ancestor_n be_v the_o man_n that_o move_v pilate_n and_o persuade_v he_o to_o pass_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n upon_o jesus_n the_o pagan_a writer_n also_o now_o name_v have_v deliver_v the_o same_o to_o posterity_n yea_o the_o act_n of_o pilate_n be_v extant_a a_o long_a time_n after_o from_o whence_o this_o may_v have_v be_v prove_v to_o which_o christian_n never_o make_v their_o appeal_n for_o neither_o do_v julian_n himself_o nor_o any_o other_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n ever_o make_v doubt_n hereof_o so_o that_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o more_o certain_a story_n than_o this_o which_o we_o see_v may_v be_v confirm_v not_o only_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o few_o man_n but_o also_o by_o the_o approbation_n of_o several_a nation_n otherwise_o disagree_v and_o jar_v among_o themselves_o sect_n iv_o yet_o afterward_o be_v worship_v by_o prudent_a and_o godly_a men._n all_o which_o though_o it_o be_v most_o true_a yet_o we_o see_v how_o that_o throughout_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v worship_v as_o lord_n and_o that_o not_o in_o our_o day_n only_o or_o those_o which_o be_v late_o pass_v but_o ever_o since_o the_o time_n that_o this_o be_v do_v to_o wit_n ever_o since_o the_o reign_n of_o nero_n the_o emperor_n when_o many_o people_n that_o profess_v this_o worship_n of_o christ_n and_o christian_a religion_n be_v for_o that_o cause_n torture_v and_o put_v to_o death_n as_o tacitus_n and_o other_o do_v witness_n sect_n v._o the_o cause_n whereof_o be_v for_o that_o in_o his_o life_n time_n there_o be_v miracle_n do_v by_o he_o now_o among_o such_o as_o profess_a christianity_n there_o be_v always_o many_o person_n who_o be_v both_o judicious_a and_o not_o unlearned_a such_o as_o to_o say_v nothing_o now_o of_o the_o jew_n sergius_n governor_n of_o cyprus_n dionysius_n areopagita_n polycarpus_n justinus_n irenaeus_n athenagoras_n origen_n tertullian_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n with_o divers_a other_o who_o almost_o all_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o other_o religion_n and_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o any_o wealth_n or_o preferment_n by_o christianity_n yet_o become_v worshipper_n of_o this_o man_n that_o die_v so_o ignominious_a a_o death_n and_o exhibit_v due_a honour_n to_o he_o as_o god_n of_o which_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v but_o this_o alone_a that_o they_o make_v diligent_a enquiry_n as_o become_v prudent_a man_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o find_v that_o what_o be_v bruit_v abroad_o concern_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n be_v true_a and_o rely_v upon_o firm_a witness_n as_o the_o cure_n and_o that_o with_o his_o word_n only_o and_o before_o all_o the_o people_n divers_z grievous_a and_o inveterate_a disease_n the_o restore_n of_o sight_n to_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a the_o multiply_a of_o a_o few_o loaf_n more_o than_o once_o for_o the_o feed_v many_o thousand_o who_o can_v testify_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o recall_v of_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o and_o many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n the_o report_n of_o which_o thing_n have_v then_o such_o a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a original_n that_o neither_o celsus_n nor_o julian_n when_o they_o write_v against_o christian_n dare_v deny_v there_o be_v some_o prodigy_n do_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o hebrew_n in_o the_o talmudical_a book_n do_v open_o confess_v it_o sect_n vi_o which_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v either_o by_o the_o help_n of_o nature_n or_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o mere_o by_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o god._n that_o these_o wondrous_a work_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o any_o natural_a power_n it_o be_v manifest_a by_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o they_o be_v call_v wonder_n and_o miracle_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a by_o the_o force_n of_o nature_n that_o any_o grievous_a disease_n and_o infirmity_n shall_v be_v cure_v mere_o by_o a_o man_n voice_n or_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o touch_n and_o that_o even_o upon_o a_o sudden_a and_o if_o such_o work_n can_v have_v any_o way_n be_v ascribe_v to_o a_o natural_a efficacy_n it_o will_v have_v be_v say_v before_o now_o either_o by_o those_o that_o be_v profess_a enemy_n of_o christ_n while_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n or_o by_o those_o that_o have_v be_v adversary_n of_o his_o gospel_n since_o his_o death_n by_o the_o like_a argument_n we_o may_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o juggle_a delusion_n because_o they_o be_v do_v open_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o people_n among_o who_o divers_a of_o the_o learned_a sort_n do_v malign_v and_o bear_v ill_a will_n unto_o christ_n not_o without_o envy_n observe_v all_o that_o he_o do_v add_v further_o that_o the_o like_a work_n be_v often_o iterate_v and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o be_v not_o transitory_a but_o permanent_a and_o durable_a all_o which_o be_v due_o ponder_v it_o must_v needs_o follow_v as_o the_o jew_n have_v confess_v that_o these_o work_v proceed_v from_o a_o more_o than_o natural_a or_o humane_a power_n that_o be_v from_o some_o spirit_n either_o good_a or_o evil_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 uncleanness_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
live_v in_o those_o time_n and_o 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 if_o any_o body_n will_v say_v that_o these_o quality_n may_v be_v feign_v as_o the_o very_a name_n may_v be_v in_o other_o write_n he_o say_v that_o which_o be_v not_o credible_a viz._n that_o they_o who_o every_o where_o press_v the_o study_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n will_v for_o no_o cause_n at_o all_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o crime_n of_o forgery_n which_o be_v not_o only_o detestable_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 this_o therefore_o must_v be_v allow_v 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 sufficient_a witness_n of_o themselves_o to_o which_o if_o we_o far_o add_v that_o they_o be_v also_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o matter_n whereof_o they_o write_v 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 judas_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 want_v notice_n 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 akin_a 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 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 reign_v in_o heaven_n nor_o can_v he_o or_o luke_n either_o who_o be_v a_o inseparable_a companion_n to_o he_o in_o his_o travel_n be_v deceive_v about_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v by_o himself_o 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 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 eye-witness_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 and_o have_v see_v he_o 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 suetonius_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 receive_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 constant_a companion_n with_o peter_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o he_o write_v be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o dictate_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 write_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 send_v unto_o he_o from_o heaven_n nor_o 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 because_o they_o have_v no_o will_n to_o tell_v a_o untruth_n be_v twist_v with_o that_o which_o we_o handle_v above_o when_o in_o general_n 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 something_o by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v think_v credible_a their_o will_n may_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 act_v in_o their_o own_o cause_n and_o do_v their_o own_o business_n we_o must_v see_v why_o this_o shall_v be_v think_v their_o cause_n and_o interest_n not_o that_o they_o may_v get_v any_o thing_n by_o it_o in_o this_o world_n or_o thereby_o avoid_v any_o danger_n when_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o profession_n they_o both_o lose_v all_o the_o good_n of_o this_o world_n and_o venture_v upon_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n this_o therefore_o be_v not_o their_o cause_n and_o interest_n but_o only_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o god_n which_o sure_o do_v not_o persuade_v man_n to_o lie_v especial_o in_o such_o a_o business_n whereupon_o depend_v the_o everlasting_a salvation_n of_o mankind_n such_o a_o impious_a piece_n of_o villainy_n we_o can_v believe_v they_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o if_o we_o consider_v either_o their_o doctrine_n every_o where_o most_o full_a of_o piety_n or_o their_o life_n which_o be_v never_o yet_o accuse_v of_o any_o wicked_a deed_n no_o not_o by_o their_o great_a enemy_n who_o object_v nothing_o to_o they_o but_o their_o want_n of_o learning_n and_o unskilfulness_n which_o do_v not_o qualify_v they_o sure_o for_o invent_v falsehood_n and_o indeed_o if_o there_o have_v be_v the_o least_o spice_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o fraud_n and_o cheat_v in_o they_o they_o will_v not_o themselves_o have_v record_v their_o own_o fault_n and_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o as_o of_o their_o all_o forsake_v their_o master_n when_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o peter_n denial_n of_o he_o three_o time_n sect_n vii_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o fidelity_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 illustrious_a testimony_n of_o their_o fidelity_n by_o work_a wonder_n which_o either_o they_o or_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 among_o which_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n which_o they_o have_v most_o constant_o deliver_v both_o concern_v the_o use_n of_o tongue_n which_o they_o have_v never_o learn_v among_o many_o thousand_o man_n 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 be_v far_o from_o have_v any_o good_a will_n to_o they_o and_z they_o be_v sure_a will_v lay_v hold_n on_o any_o thing_n on_o which_o they_o may_v ground_v a_o charge_n of_o their_o be_v inventor_n of_o a_o new_a religion_n and_o yet_o neither_o jew_n nor_o pagan_n in_o the_o time_n immediate_o follow_v dare_v ever_o deny_v that_o wonder_n be_v wrought_v by_o those_o men._n yea_o the_o miracle_n of_o peter_n be_v mention_v 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 there_o continue_v a_o wonderful_a virtue_n of_o work_v strange_a effect_n at_o their_o sepulcher_n for_o some_o age_n after_o their_o death_n which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a they_o know_v that_o to_o their_o shame_n and_o punishment_n the_o magistrate_n can_v have_v confute_v
the_o society_n of_o mind_n contain_v also_o a_o conjunction_n of_o body_n which_o without_o all_o doubt_n be_v most_o profitable_a also_o for_o the_o right_a education_n of_o those_o child_n that_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o that_o conjunction_n among_o the_o pagan_n some_o few_o nation_n be_v content_a with_o one_o wife_n as_o the_o german_n and_o the_o roman_n which_o the_o christian_n now_o follow_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o wife_n be_v entire_o give_v to_o the_o husband_n may_v be_v compensated_a with_o a_o equal_a retribution_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o family_n may_v the_o better_o proceed_v under_o the_o direction_n of_o one_o ruler_n and_o divers_a mother_n may_v not_o bring_v in_o discord_n among_o child_n sect_n xvi_o touch_v the_o use_n of_o temporal_a good_n and_o now_o to_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v vulgar_o call_v good_n we_o find_v that_o theft_n be_v permit_v by_o some_o paganish_a nation_n as_o the_o egyptian_n and_o lacedaemonian_n and_o they_o that_o do_v not_o allow_v this_o to_o private_a man_n do_v public_o little_a else_o as_o the_o roman_n who_o must_v have_v return_v to_o their_o hut_n and_o cottage_n the_o roman_a orator_n say_v if_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v bind_v to_o restore_v to_o every_o body_n his_o own_o the_o hebrew_n indeed_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n yet_o their_o law_n that_o it_o may_v suit_v itself_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o the_o humour_n of_o that_o people_n permit_v they_o to_o take_v usury_n of_o stranger_n among_o other_o thing_n promise_v the_o reward_n of_o riches_n to_o they_o that_o observe_v the_o law_n but_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n for_o bid_v not_o only_o all_o kind_n of_o injustice_n towards_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o also_o prohibit_v we_o to_o take_v any_o cark_n and_o excessive_a care_n for_o these_o transitory_a thing_n because_o our_o mind_n be_v not_o able_a diligent_o and_o due_o to_o attend_v unto_o two_o several_a matter_n either_o of_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o take_v up_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o oftentimes_o draw_v we_o into_o contrary_a thought_n and_o counsel_n beside_o the_o excessive_a care_n both_o for_o get_v and_o keep_v riches_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o bondage_n and_o anxiety_n which_o spoil_v that_o very_a pleasure_n which_o be_v expect_v from_o riches_n whereas_o those_o thing_n that_o nature_n be_v content_a withal_o be_v both_o few_o and_o easy_o acquire_v without_o much_o labour_n or_o charge_n yet_o if_o god_n bestow_v any_o overplus_n upon_o we_o so_o that_o we_o have_v somewhat_o to_o spare_v we_o be_v not_o command_v to_o cast_v the_o same_o into_o the_o sea_n as_o some_o philosopher_n unadvised_o have_v do_v neither_o must_v we_o keep_v it_o unprofitable_o or_o lavish_a it_o out_o wasteful_o but_o rather_o therewith_o we_o ought_v to_o supply_v the_o want_n and_o exigency_n of_o other_o man_n either_o by_o give_v or_o by_o lend_v to_o they_o that_o will_v borrow_v as_o become_v those_o that_o look_v upon_o themselves_o not_o as_o lord_n and_o master_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o enjoy_v but_o as_o steward_n and_o dispenser_n under_o god_n almighty_a the_o father_n and_o master_n of_o all_o know_v also_o that_o a_o benefit_n well_o bestow_v be_v a_o treasure_n full_a of_o good_a hope_n which_o neither_o the_o wickedness_n of_o thief_n nor_o the_o variety_n of_o casualty_n can_v in_o the_o least_o diminish_v a_o rare_a example_n of_o which_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a liberality_n we_o find_v in_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o send_v relief_n as_o far_o as_o from_o macedonia_n and_o achaia_n to_o the_o poor_a that_o live_v in_o palestine_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a world_n have_v be_v but_o one_o family_n and_o here_o in_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n this_o caution_n be_v add_v that_o the_o hope_n of_o be_v pay_v again_o or_o get_v credit_n by_o it_o do_v not_o deflower_v our_o bounty_n who_o beauty_n and_o grace_n be_v quite_o lose_v with_o god_n if_o it_o have_v respect_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o he_o and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v pretend_v for_o a_o cloak_n of_o his_o covetousness_n that_o he_o fear_v he_o may_v have_v need_n of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v when_o he_o grow_v old_a or_o fall_v into_o any_o calamity_n the_o law_n promise_v a_o special_a care_n of_o such_o man_n as_o observe_v these_o precept_n and_o to_o work_v in_o great_a confidence_n in_o they_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o conspicuous_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o feed_v the_o wild_a beast_n and_o cattle_n and_o in_o adorn_v the_o herb_n and_o flower_n and_o represent_v withal_o what_o a_o unworthy_a thing_n it_o will_v be_v if_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v so_o good_a and_o so_o powerful_a a_o god_n but_o deal_v with_o he_o as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o bad_a creditor_n who_o we_o will_v not_o trust_v any_o further_a than_o while_o we_o have_v a_o pawn_n or_o pledge_v in_o our_o hand_n for_o our_o security_n sect_n xvii_o of_o swear_v there_o be_v other_o law_n that_o forbid_v perjury_n but_o this_o law_n of_o christ_n will_v have_v we_o to_o refrain_v also_o from_o all_o kind_n of_o swear_v unless_o we_o be_v lawful_o call_v thereunto_o upon_o necessity_n nay_o enjoin_v such_o faithfulness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o all_o our_o word_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o need_n to_o exact_v a_o oath_n of_o we_o sect_n xviii_o of_o other_o matter_n moreover_o there_o can_v nothing_o be_v find_v commendable_a and_o praiseworthy_a either_o in_o the_o philosophical_a writing_n of_o the_o grecian_n or_o in_o the_o say_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o other_o nation_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o also_o establish_v by_o divine_a authority_n as_o namely_o concern_v modesty_n temperance_n goodness_n decent_a behaviour_n prudence_n the_o office_n of_o magistrate_n and_o subject_n parent_n and_o child_n master_n and_o servant_n man_n and_o wife_n between_o themselves_o and_o chief_o the_o eschew_v those_o vice_n which_o among_o many_o of_o the_o grecian_n and_o roman_n go_v under_o the_o name_n and_o colour_n of_o honesty_n such_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o to_o be_v short_a admirable_a be_v the_o substantial_a brevity_n of_o these_o precept_n comprehend_v in_o these_o few_o word_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o that_o be_v we_o must_v do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o sect_n xix_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n touch_v the_o controversy_n abound_v among_o christian_n but_o here_o peradventure_o some_o will_v object_v against_o this_o which_o we_o speak_v concern_v the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n and_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o great_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n among_o christian_n whereupon_o there_o have_v spring_v so_o many_o sect_n and_o faction_n as_o do_v now_o abound_v in_o the_o church_n for_o answer_v whereunto_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o like_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n happen_v almost_o in_o all_o kind_n of_o art_n and_o science_n to_o wit_n partly_o through_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a apprehension_n and_o partly_o because_o man_n judgement_n be_v hinder_v and_o entangle_v by_o his_o affection_n howbeit_o this_o variety_n of_o opinion_n be_v contain_v within_o certain_a bound_n and_o limit_n for_o there_o be_v some_o common_a principle_n agree_v upon_o by_o all_o and_o whereupon_o they_o ground_n their_o doubt_n thus_o in_o mathematics_n it_o be_v question_v whether_o a_o circle_n may_v be_v make_v quadrangular_a but_o not_o whether_o after_o the_o take_n away_o of_o equal_a part_n from_o equal_a the_o residue_n will_v not_o remain_v equal_a the_o same_o may_v be_v see_v in_o natural_a philosophy_n also_o in_o the_o art_n of_o physic_n and_o in_o other_o discipline_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o common_a consent_n and_o agreement_n in_o those_o 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 but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o man_n that_o will_v contradict_v these_o principle_n he_o be_v to_o be_v account_v like_o 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 and_o of_o the_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o
the_o first_o christian_n and_o by_o those_o next_o to_o the_o first_o and_o by_o the_o doctor_n which_o follow_v afterward_o even_o those_o that_o 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 that_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_o as_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_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 zeno_n the_o philosopher_n which_o we_o find_v hold_v by_o the_o stoic_n 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 devise_v 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 affirm_v almost_o any_o thing_n for_o certain_a in_o their_o doctrine_n because_o quoth_v they_o truth_n lie_v bid_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 contemplation_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 notorious_o guilty_a of_o some_o vice_n or_o other_o for_o some_o be_v flatterer_n of_o prince_n other_o addict_v to_o the_o impure_a love_n of_o boy_n or_o harlot_n other_o glory_v in_o a_o doglike_a impudence_n and_o that_o they_o all_o envy_v one_o another_o their_o scold_n about_o word_n or_o matter_n of_o no_o moment_n be_v a_o great_a argument_n as_o this_o be_v of_o their_o coldness_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o even_o they_o who_o believe_v one_o god_n set_v he_o aside_o and_o not_o only_o worship_v other_o but_o such_o 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 mahomet_n the_o author_n of_o a_o religion_n that_o be_v spread_v very_o far_o his_o own_o follower_n do_v not_o deny_v to_o have_v be_v a_o man_n that_o abandon_v himself_o to_o lust_n throughout_o his_o whole_a life_n but_o give_v no_o assurance_n at_o all_o by_o which_o man_n may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o there_o shall_v indeed_o be_v such_o a_o reward_n as_o he_o promise_v consist_v in_o banquet_v and_o in_o venery_n since_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v that_o his_o body_n be_v raise_v to_o life_n again_o but_o it_o lie_v bury_v at_o medina_n to_o this_o day_n and_o as_o for_o moses_n the_o founder_n of_o the_o hebrew_n law_n though_o he_o be_v a_o excellent_a person_n yet_o he_o can_v be_v free_v from_o all_o blame_n since_o he_o can_v scarce_o be_v persuade_v with_o much_o rejuctance_n to_o undertake_v the_o embassy_n which_o god_n charge_v he_o withal_o to_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n and_o express_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 and_o he_o do_v 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 mutiny_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 christ_n be_v describe_v by_o his_o disciple_n as_o a_o person_n without_o all_o sin_n nor_o do_v other_o ever_o produce_v any_o testimony_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o least_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o prescribe_v to_o other_o he_o perform_v himself_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o god_n give_v he_o in_o charge_n which_o he_o do_v not_o faithful_o perform_v be_v most_o simple_a and_o void_a of_o guile_n in_o his_o whole_a life_n most_o patient_a of_o injury_n nay_o of_o cruel_a torment_n as_o he_o show_v in_o suffer_v even_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o cross_n most_o love_a and_o kind_n to_o all_o man_n even_o to_o his_o enemy_n yea_o those_o enemy_n who_o put_v he_o to_o death_n on_o who_o he_o have_v such_o compassion_n that_o he_o beseech_v god_n to_o forgive_v they_o as_o for_o the_o reward_n which_o he_o promise_v unto_o his_o disciple_n it_o be_v both_o say_v and_o prove_v by_o undoubted_a argument_n that_o he_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 dead_a there_o be_v many_o that_o behold_v and_o hear_v and_o handle_v and_o feel_v he_o he_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 the_o high_a 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 ability_n to_o speak_v those_o language_n which_o they_o have_v never_o learn_v and_o with_o other_o wonder-working_a power_n which_o will_v not_o let_v we_o doubt_v either_o of_o his_o faithfulness_n nor_o of_o his_o power_n to_o bestow_v upon_o we_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 bring_v by_o he_o to_o the_o world_n which_o if_o they_o be_v well_o weigh_v will_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o that_o if_o god_n have_v any_o care_n of_o humane_a affair_n this_o doctrine_n can_v but_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v divine_a it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o divine_a providence_n to_o make_v that_o which_o be_v best_a to_o be_v of_o the_o great_a and_o large_a extent_n now_o such_o be_v the_o success_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o we_o see_v publish_v and_o teach_v through_o all_o europe_n not_o except_v the_o most_o northern_a province_n and_o no_o less_o through_o all_o asia_n even_o the_o island_n of_o it_o in_o the_o sea_n through_o egypt_n also_o and_o aethiopia_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o africa_n and_o last_o through_o america_n nor_o be_v this_o only_o do_v now_o but_o be_v so_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 that_o old_a tradition_n at_o this_o day_n preserve_v among_o the_o barbarian_n concern_v the_o travel_n and_o miracle_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 far_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v among_o the_o britain_n german_n and_o other_o most_o remote_a nation_n in_o their_o time_n and_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o other_o religion_n comparable_a hereunto_o for_o ample_a and_o large_a extent_n paganism_n indeed_o be_v one_o 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 neither_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 other_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v no_o subsistence_n nor_o be_v this_o worship_n perform_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o law_n nor_o from_o any_o common_a master_n the_o jew_n indeed_o 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 notable_a growth_n or_o increase_n after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o their_o law_n be_v not_o so_o much_o make_v know_v by_o they_o as_o by_o christian_n then_o for_o mahumetanisme_n it_o be_v possess_v of_o land_n enough_o but_o it_o be_v not_o alone_a for_o christian_a religion_n be_v also_o profess_a in_o the_o same_o country_n where_o in_o some_o place_n there_o be_v great_a number_n of_o christian_n than_o of_o turk_n who_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v at_o all_o in_o most_o part_n where_o christianity_n be_v plant_v 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