credible_a and_o sufficient_a to_o move_v any_o wise_a considerate_a man_n to_o believe_v the_o same_o though_o they_o do_v not_o enforce_v he_o heretic_n 30._o and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v and_o show_v concern_v the_o argument_n for_o catholic_a religion_n against_o all_o sect_n and_o heresy_n whatsoever_o which_o be_v so_o many_o and_o pregnant_a in_o themselves_o to_o he_o that_o will_v consider_v they_o due_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o probable_a doubt_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o which_o be_v falsehood_n though_o oftentimes_o for_o want_n either_o of_o diligence_n to_o know_v they_o or_o pious_a affection_n to_o consider_v indifferent_o of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o three_o point_n here_o to_o be_v mention_v many_o man_n judgement_n be_v so_o obscure_v or_o pervert_v that_o they_o can_v or_o will_v not_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o argument_n of_o credibility_n for_o proof_n of_o catholic_a faith_n in_o general_n against_o heresy_n you_o may_v see_v many_o put_v together_o by_o tertullian_n in_o his_o excellent_a book_n de_fw-fr praescriptionibus_fw-la adversus_fw-la haereses_fw-la and_o in_o s._n augustin_n book_n de_fw-fr utilitate_fw-la credendi_fw-la &_o de_fw-fr moribus_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la and_o other_o such_o treatise_n and_o in_o all_o his_o other_o book_n against_o the_o donatist_n manichee_n and_o pelagian_n and_o in_o that_o golden_a treatise_n of_o vincentius_n lirinensis_n contra_fw-la prophanas_fw-la haeresum_fw-la omnium_fw-la novitates_fw-la who_o write_v soon_o after_o s._n austin_n and_o in_o our_o time_n bosius_n de_fw-fr signis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la and_o divers_a other_o have_v handle_v the_o same_o argument_n and_o more_o than_o this_o there_o want_v not_o also_o store_n in_o our_o english_a tongue_n of_o like_a matter_n as_o dr._n bristow_n motive_n and_o other_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v no_o small_a number_n of_o these_o argument_n in_o this_o treatise_n if_o you_o read_v it_o over_o so_o as_o this_o point_n make_v any_o man_n inexcusable_a that_o will_v pretend_v ignorance_n herein_o 31._o but_o now_o there_o rest_v the_o three_o point_n which_o as_o i_o say_v be_v the_o key_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o open_v the_o gate_n to_o true_a faith_n and_o belief_n which_o be_v 24._o a_o pious_a and_o purge_v affection_n without_o which_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o credibility_n in_o the_o world_n will_v do_v no_o good_a to_o move_v a_o man_n to_o true_a religion_n no_o more_o than_o the_o persuasion_n of_o s._n john_n baptist_n do_v with_o herod_n nor_o the_o often_o speech_n and_o conference_n of_o s._n paul_n prevail_v with_o the_o proconsul_n foelix_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v that_o albeit_o natural_o our_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n shall_v yield_v to_o that_o which_o appear_v true_a and_o that_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n by_o the_o same_o natural_a course_n ought_v to_o follow_v our_o say_a judgement_n and_o understanding_n yet_o through_o the_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n we_o find_v daily_o by_o experience_n that_o our_o will_n draw_v after_o it_o our_o judgement_n and_o as_o she_o be_v affect_v or_o disaffect_v so_o go_v our_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n also_o 32._o this_o point_n touch_v christ_n our_o saviour_n 5._o when_o he_o say_v in_o s._n john_n gospel_n to_o certain_a ambitious_a jew_n quomodo_fw-la vos_fw-la potestis_fw-la credere_fw-la qui_fw-la gloriam_fw-la ab_fw-la inuicem_fw-la accipitis_fw-la &_o gloriam_fw-la quae_fw-la à _fw-la solo_fw-la deo_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la queritis_fw-la how_o can_v you_o believe_v in_o i_o which_o do_v take_v and_o seek_v glory_n one_o of_o another_o and_o do_v not_o seek_v that_o true_a glory_n which_o be_v only_o to_o be_v have_v from_o god_n here_o you_o see_v that_o a_o ambitious_a affection_n do_v impossibilitate_v their_o understanding_n to_o believe_v notwithstanding_o what_o argument_n reason_n or_o motive_n soever_o to_o the_o contrary_n s._n paul_n also_o give_v the_o reason_n why_o certain_a infidel_n do_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n preach_v by_o he_o with_o many_o sign_n miracle_n and_o other_o argument_n to_o move_v they_o he_o note_v the_o whole_a impediment_n to_o be_v in_o their_o affection_n say_v in_o quibus_fw-la deus_fw-la huius_fw-la saeculi_fw-la excaecavit_fw-la mentes_fw-la 4._o ut_fw-la non_fw-la fulgeat_fw-la illuminatio_fw-la evangelii_n gloriae_fw-la christi_fw-la qui_fw-la est_fw-la imago_fw-la dei_fw-la in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v their_o mind_n and_o understanding_n so_o that_o the_o light_n or_o illumination_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n gospel_n can_v shine_v in_o they_o who_o be_v notwithstanding_o the_o very_a image_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n 33._o here_o you_o see_v that_o there_o want_v not_o external_a light_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n who_o glory_n shine_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n in_o those_o day_n of_o s._n paul_n but_o that_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o disorderly_a affection_n to_o honour_n ambition_n riches_n and_o other_o sensuality_n thereof_o which_o here_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n for_o that_o worldly_a man_n do_v adore_v they_o this_o god_n i_o say_v or_o devil_n rather_o of_o corrupt_a affection_n have_v so_o blind_v their_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n inward_o as_o they_o can_v not_o see_v this_o shine_a light_n of_o truth_n be_v so_o that_o where_o this_o pious_a affection_n be_v not_o or_o at_o leastwise_o where_o it_o be_v not_o so_o purge_v from_o sinister_a humour_n as_o it_o remain_v with_o some_o indifferency_n of_o desire_n to_o know_v and_o follow_v the_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v discover_v no_o good_a can_v be_v hope_v for_o 13._o in_o regard_n whereof_o christ_n refuse_v to_o do_v miracle_n before_o herod_n or_o in_o his_o own_o country_n for_o that_o he_o know_v they_o so_o obstinate_o averse_a in_o mind_n as_o they_o will_v not_o profit_v by_o they_o and_o for_o the_o same_o cause_n he_o refuse_v to_o reason_n or_o argue_v with_o pilate_n about_o his_o own_o cause_n when_o he_o give_v he_o occasion_n 18._o for_o that_o he_o know_v his_o affection_n to_o be_v so_o tie_v to_o the_o world_n and_o himself_o so_o addict_v to_o please_v the_o people_n and_o to_o gain_v the_o good_a will_n of_o tiberius_n the_o emperor_n as_o his_o labour_n will_v be_v but_o lose_v in_o seek_v to_o persuade_v he_o be_v so_o obstinate_o dispose_v otherwise_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o this_o three_o point_n of_o pious_a affection_n and_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o to_o a_o man_n salvation_n 34._o the_o four_o and_o last_o point_n of_o this_o consideration_n be_v how_o that_o though_o it_o be_v true_a as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o first_o point_n that_o ordinary_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o object_n or_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o man_n reason_n and_o be_v first_o reveal_v to_o man_n from_o god_n himself_o yet_o be_v there_o some_o point_n thereof_o which_o by_o force_n of_o human_a reason_n may_v be_v know_v and_o demonstrate_v as_o for_o example_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v but_o one_o and_o can_v be_v many_o and_o that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o that_o he_o have_v providence_n over_o the_o same_o and_o other_o suchlike_a point_n which_o point_v and_o article_n notwithstanding_o for_o that_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o be_v propose_v also_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o the_o nicene_n creed_n nicaen_fw-la as_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o must_v be_v believe_v by_o christian_n as_o reveal_v from_o god_n hence_o arise_v no_o small_a question_n among_o school-divines_a whether_o these_o point_n here_o set_v down_o may_v be_v know_v by_o two_o distinct_a way_n or_o no_o to_o wit_n evident_o by_o force_n of_o human_a reason_n or_o demonstration_n and_o inevident_o by_o light_n of_o faith_n and_o revelation_n from_o god_n alii_fw-la and_o the_o more_o common_a and_o probable_a opinion_n of_o schoolman_n and_o more_o conformable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o ancient_a father_n be_v that_o they_o may_v for_o that_o our_o understanding_n may_v have_v two_o light_n to_o know_v one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a thing_n the_o first_o by_o revelation_n from_o god_n which_o always_o be_v with_o some_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n to_o our_o reason_n as_o before_o have_v be_v declare_v and_o consequent_o our_o judgement_n be_v not_o force_v to_o yield_v thereunto_o by_o the_o clearness_n of_o evidence_n it_o follow_v that_o our_o assent_n by_o faith_n be_v more_o free_a and_o great_a place_n be_v give_v to_o pious_a affection_n of_o our_o will_n and_o thereby_o also_o more_o merit_n to_o assent_v as_o before_o have_v be_v show_v faith._n 35._o the_o second_o light_n may_v be_v by_o force_n of_o man_n reason_n and_o evidence_n of_o demonstration_n which_o sometime_o be_v so_o clear_a in_o itself_o as_o it_o admit_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o as_o when_o we_o show_v
this_o principle_n that_o every_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o its_o part_n or_o that_o man_n be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n or_o like_o evident_a thing_n and_o then_o be_v our_o understanding_n force_v to_o yield_v thereunto_o and_o consequent_o have_v the_o less_o merit_n by_o how_o much_o less_o freedom_n it_o leave_v to_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o give_v our_o assent_n or_o no._n but_o yet_o this_o knowledge_n get_v by_o human_a reason_n do_v not_o so_o take_v away_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o other_o that_o proceed_v of_o free_a assent_n of_o faith_n but_o that_o both_o may_v stand_v together_o in_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a man_n about_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a thing_n to_o wit_n faith_n and_o demonstration_n as_o distinct_a light_n get_v by_o different_a and_o distinct_a mean_n the_o one_o by_o revelation_n from_o god_n the_o other_o by_o demonstration_n of_o reason_n inconvenience_n for_o that_o otherwise_o this_o great_a inconvenience_n say_v the_o author_n that_o hold_v this_o opinion_n will_v follow_v that_o learned_a man_n shall_v be_v in_o far_o worse_a case_n for_o their_o merit_n in_o faith_n than_o the_o ignorant_a for_o that_o whensoever_o the_o say_v learned_a man_n do_v come_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o study_n to_o see_v clear_o by_o reason_n the_o truth_n of_o any_o conclusion_n of_o divinity_n or_o article_n of_o belief_n which_o simple_o before_o they_o do_v believe_v only_o as_o reveal_v from_o god_n which_o thing_n may_v very_o well_o happen_v and_o often_o do_v to_o learned_a man_n that_o then_o they_o shall_v lose_v their_o former_a faith_n or_o at_o leastwise_o the_o merit_n thereof_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o faith_n and_o science_n may_v in_o no_o case_n stand_v together_o 36._o but_o to_o leave_v this_o to_o be_v dispute_v in_o school_n and_o to_o return_v to_o our_o purpose_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o some_o point_n belong_v to_o christian_a faith_n may_v plain_o and_o absolute_o be_v demonstrate_v and_o prove_v by_o human_a reason_n &_o science_n as_o those_o which_o i_o have_v here_o touch_v of_o one_o god_n his_o omnipotency_n providence_n and_o the_o like_a some_o other_o there_o be_v supposition_n which_o though_o they_o can_v be_v altogether_o so_o absolute_o convince_v by_o demonstration_n yet_o may_v they_o in_o part_n by_o way_n of_o supposition_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o suppose_v some_o one_o or_o two_o point_n belong_v thereunto_o which_o the_o adversary_n will_v either_o grant_v or_o can_v deny_v as_o for_o example_n suppose_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v any_o religion_n to_o mankind_n and_o that_o the_o prophet_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o prove_v and_o demonstrate_v the_o verity_n of_o christian_a religion_n against_o either_o jew_n or_o gentile_n and_o the_o like_a be_v it_o in_o this_o matter_n here_o treat_v by_o i_o in_o this_o book_n against_o j._n fox_n and_o his_o fellow_n about_o the_o beginning_n plant_v grow_v and_o continuance_n of_o catholic_a religion_n for_o if_o you_o suppose_v only_o that_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v any_o religion_n at_o all_o and_o that_o the_o first_o religion_n and_o church_n institute_v by_o he_o be_v true_a and_o true_o mean_v by_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v his_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o first_o christian_n for_o the_o preservation_n and_o perpetuity_n thereof_o this_o i_o say_v be_v grant_v what_o i_o infer_v in_o this_o treatise_n follow_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o moral_a demonstration_n as_o you_o will_v find_v in_o the_o perusal_n point_n 37._o these_o four_o point_n than_o i_o think_v good_a gentle_a reader_n to_o touch_v brief_o in_o this_o preface_n mean_v to_o make_v four_o several_a inference_n out_o of_o the_o same_o not_o unprofitable_a in_o my_o opinion_n to_o the_o purpose_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n for_o out_o of_o the_o first_o point_n concern_v the_o height_n and_o sublimity_n of_o matter_n of_o our_o faith_n above_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n reason_n i_o make_v this_o inference_n that_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o come_v to_o treat_v and_o talk_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o belong_v to_o faith_n and_o belief_n with_o great_a reverence_n respect_n modesty_n and_o submission_n of_o mind_n not_o condemn_v that_o which_o his_o sense_n or_o reason_n reach_v not_o unto_o nor_o make_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o own_o capacity_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o belief_n a_o thing_n note_v in_o the_o sect_n of_o manichee_n by_o s._n austin_n who_o write_v 1._o that_o for_o this_o cause_n principal_o he_o be_v nine_o year_n of_o their_o company_n for_o that_o they_o tell_v he_o still_o he_o be_v a_o young_a man_n desirous_a of_o knowledge_n that_o catholic_n do_v superstitious_o require_v faith_n before_o reason_n and_o that_o they_o the_o manichee_n forsooth_o do_v teach_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o shall_v clear_o be_v discuss_v by_o force_n of_o good_a argument_n and_o reason_n before_o it_o be_v believe_v etc._n etc._n upon_o which_o occasion_n also_o the_o say_a father_n write_v that_o excellent_a book_n beforementioned_a de_fw-fr utilitate_fw-la credendi_fw-la write_v of_o the_o great_a utility_n and_o infinite_a commodity_n which_o catholic_n christian_a people_n have_v in_o believe_v simple_o by_o tradition_n of_o their_o ancestor_n that_o faith_n which_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n though_o their_o own_o reason_n arrive_v not_o to_o penetrate_v the_o same_o for_o whosoever_o open_v once_o his_o ear_n especial_o the_o unlearned_a sort_n to_o hearken_v to_o human_a reason_n against_o the_o mystery_n of_o their_o faith_n he_o be_v in_o danger_n present_o either_o to_o lose_v his_o faith_n or_o at_o leastwise_o the_o merit_n thereof_o together_o with_o the_o peace_n comfort_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o thereby_o open_v a_o wide_a gap_n to_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o instrument_n as_o well_o infidel_n as_o heretic_n to_o enter_v in_o and_o trouble_v the_o house_n of_o his_o conscience_n 38._o and_o as_o for_o heretic_n it_o have_v be_v a_o old_a practice_n to_o trouble_v or_o draw_v man_n from_o catholic_a religion_n or_o make_v they_o stagger_v by_o this_o mean_n of_o pretend_v human_a reason_n against_o belief_n as_o we_o have_v show_v by_o example_n of_o the_o manichee_n who_o take_v this_o trick_n from_o the_o old_a heathen_a philosopher_n who_o s._n hierom_n for_o this_o cause_n principal_o call_v ruffinum_fw-la the_o patriarch_n of_o heretic_n the_o arian_n also_o deceive_v many_o by_o the_o trick_n of_o human_a reason_n draw_v out_o their_o napkin_n as_o theodoretus_n say_v and_o ask_v the_o common_a people_n whether_o three_o corner_n thereof_o can_v be_v one_o or_o no_o and_o then_o infer_v deceitful_o thereupon_o say_v no_o more_o can_v three_o person_n be_v one_o god._n the_o sadducee_n found_v their_o heresy_n against_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o flesh_n upon_o the_o contrariety_n it_o seem_v to_o have_v with_o human_a reason_n which_o prevail_v afterward_o with_o divers_a sort_n of_o heretic_n faith._n that_o have_v infinite_a follower_n as_o simon_n magus_n basilides_n hymenaeus_n philetus_n valentinus_n martion_n appelles_n the_o ophites_n cerdonists_n cainites_n albigenses_n and_o other_o and_o now_o in_o our_o day_n with_o zwinglians_n calvinist_n anabaptist_n trinitarian_n family_n of_o love_n brownist_n and_o divers_a other_o sect_n who_o do_v nothing_o but_o rave_v and_o blaspheme_v against_o the_o real_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o it_o seem_v contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o human_a reason_n and_o final_o this_o be_v a_o way_n to_o all_o misbelief_n atheism_n and_o infidelity_n etc._n etc._n 39_o out_o of_o the_o second_o point_n concern_v argument_n of_o credibility_n for_o our_o belief_n i_o infer_v religion_n that_o see_v god_n have_v leave_v we_o such_o store_n and_o variety_n of_o argument_n for_o our_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n in_o that_o we_o believe_v every_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v diligent_a and_o careful_a to_o seek_v out_o and_o use_v they_o and_o not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v overbear_v by_o deceitful_a quarrel_a people_n in_o a_o suit_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n without_o look_v upon_o his_o write_n and_o evidence_n that_o he_o have_v for_o the_o same_o for_o how_o great_o will_v we_o condemn_v the_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n of_o a_o man_n who_o descend_v for_o many_o age_n as_o lawful_a heir_n from_o a_o most_o ancient_a and_o noble_a house_n of_o great_a riches_n and_o possession_n and_o see_v false_a pretender_n to_o make_v claim_n thereunto_o and_o by_o slight_a and_o intrusion_n to_o put_v both_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n from_o the_o same_o how_o much_o i_o say_v shall_v we_o condemn_v he_o if_o have_v whole_a chest_n full_a of_o
that_o where_o this_o house_n and_o family_n be_v find_v there_o be_v all_o the_o right_n and_o interest_n that_o may_v be_v pretend_v to_o the_o state_n and_o dignity_n aforesaid_a place_n 14._o but_o now_o again_o for_o prove_v of_o this_o point_n divers_a way_n be_v or_o may_v be_v hold_v by_o different_a man_n my_o shall_v be_v at_o this_o time_n after_o the_o fashion_n of_o two_o that_o strive_v and_o contend_v about_o the_o mansion-house_n before_o mention_v and_o thereby_o pretend_v to_o the_o true_a title_n and_o lawful_a inheritance_n of_o the_o foresay_a state_n and_o lordship_n the_o one_o part_n pretend_v only_o in_o general_a term_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o noble_a house_n well_o and_o strong_o build_v with_o great_a and_o excellent_a quality_n and_o commodity_n and_o rich_o furnish_v whereunto_o belong_v the_o say_a state_n and_o lordship_n and_o that_o the_o owner_n and_o inhabitant_n thereof_o have_v great_a privilege_n and_o preferment_n before_o all_o other_o people_n and_o that_o there_o be_v certain_a ancient_a record_n extant_a also_o of_o this_o matter_n out_o of_o which_o record_n according_a to_o their_o own_o exposition_n they_o gather_v these_o property_n of_o the_o say_a house_n and_o family_n and_o apply_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o to_o themselves_o 15._o but_o the_o other_o party_n deny_v their_o pretence_n and_o exposition_n of_o old_a record_n say_v that_o all_o this_o be_v false_a house_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o true_a exposition_n of_o the_o say_v write_n and_o the_o mark_n and_o token_n thereby_o give_v the_o say_a house_n and_o mannor-place_n appertain_v to_o they_o only_o and_o therewith_o consequent_o the_o whole_a state_n and_o lordship_n without_o controversy_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o try_v by_o come_v to_o particular_n show_v when_o and_o where_o and_o by_o what_o occasion_n the_o say_a house_n be_v first_o build_v what_o be_v the_o stone_n and_o timber_n that_o go_v thereunto_o how_o the_o title_n of_o the_o whole_a state_n and_o lordship_n be_v tie_v or_o annex_v to_o this_o house_n together_o with_o the_o dignity_n and_o privilege_n thereof_o &_o then_o to_o what_o family_n this_o house_n be_v assign_v at_o the_o beginning_n who_o be_v the_o first_o inhabitant_n dweller_n guider_n and_o governor_n thereof_o and_o how_o it_o have_v continue_v ever_o since_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n always_o under_o the_o same_o family_n by_o lawful_a succession_n and_o have_v defend_v itself_o from_o all_o sort_n of_o assault_n make_v against_o it_o as_o well_o of_o secret_a domestical_a thief_n as_o open_a enemy_n and_o that_o at_o this_o day_n the_o same_o family_n be_v in_o possession_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n 16._o and_o as_o for_o the_o other_o pretender_n these_o man_n offer_v to_o show_v further_o against_o they_o that_o they_o have_v be_v always_o contemptible_a &_o vagrant_a person_n disperse_v here_o and_o there_o in_o several_a cottage_n of_o their_o own_o building_n or_o patch_v nor_o ever_o dwell_v in_o any_o house_n worth_a the_o name_n much_o less_o in_o so_o excellent_a a_o house_n as_o this_o and_o that_o if_o any_o of_o they_o have_v at_o any_o time_n heretofore_o be_v of_o this_o house_n or_o family_n they_o be_v either_o dismiss_v and_o cast_v out_o for_o their_o disorder_n or_o have_v run_v away_o as_o fugitive_n for_o guiltiness_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n 17._o now_o than_o this_o be_v so_o who_o do_v not_o see_v to_o which_o party_n the_o say_a house_n and_o mansion-place_n be_v like_a to_o be_v judge_v and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a figure_n or_o representation_n good_a christian_a reader_n of_o our_o present_a controversy_n with_o j._n fox_n and_o his_o fellow_n thro'out_v all_o this_o treatise_n for_o that_o he_o and_o he_o pretend_v a_o certain_a title_n to_o the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n from_o all_o antiquity_n but_o produce_v no_o better_a proof_n to_o challenge_v the_o same_o than_o the_o pretender_n before_o mention_v for_o the_o say_a house_n and_o mannor-place_n if_o not_o somewhat_o worse_o as_o shall_v be_v declare_v 18._o but_o we_o on_o the_o contrary_a side_n do_v follow_v the_o course_n of_o the_o other_o party_n in_o come_v to_o particular_n set_v down_o first_o how_o christ_n church_n and_o religion_n begin_v by_o who_o example_n and_o under_o who_o who_o be_v the_o first_o beginner_n promoter_n and_o professor_n thereof_o what_o they_o teach_v what_o they_o do_v who_o they_o leave_v their_o successor_n with_o what_o promise_n and_o assurance_n of_o continuation_n and_o final_o how_o they_o endure_v unto_o this_o day_n and_o all_o this_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o then_o in_o the_o second_o be_v declare_v the_o other_o point_n before_o mention_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o adverse_a heretical_a part_n have_v never_o any_o house_n at_o all_o and_o much_o less_o any_o such_o as_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o have_v never_o any_o church_n or_o certain_a family_n agree_v with_o itself_o nor_o ever_o any_o certain_a profession_n of_o any_o one_o faith_n or_o religion_n like_a in_o all_o point_n to_o itself_o or_o to_o that_o of_o any_o other_o be_v it_o good_a or_o bad_a false_a or_o true_a heretical_a or_o catholic_n and_o this_o be_v observe_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o our_o time_n as_o you_o shall_v see_v manifest_o prove_v afterward_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o work_n desire_v thou_o gentle_a reader_n to_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v it_o over_o with_o some_o attention_n for_o thy_o own_o utility_n though_o i_o presume_v that_o thy_o contentment_n also_o in_o read_v thereof_o will_v easy_o equal_v thy_o pain_n the_o argument_n be_v historical_a and_o not_o devoid_a of_o grateful_a variety_n both_o of_o time_n man_n and_o affair_n 19_o but_o now_o for_o that_o my_o end_n and_o scope_n in_o write_v this_o treatise_n faith._n and_o in_o handle_v this_o important_a argument_n of_o discern_v between_o religion_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o indeed_o so_o much_o if_o i_o shall_v confess_v the_o truth_n to_o delight_v as_o to_o move_v and_o profit_v thou_o good_a reader_n i_o have_v think_v convenient_a for_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o my_o preface_n to_o adjoyn_v 3_o or_o 4_o point_n of_o principal_a consideration_n about_o this_o subject_a of_o faith_n and_o belief_n and_o thereof_o deduce_v as_o many_o inference_n of_o no_o less_o importance_n for_o thy_o good_a disposition_n in_o this_o behalf_n and_o therewith_o leave_v thou_o for_o the_o rest_n to_o thy_o own_o judgement_n and_o more_o mature_a deliberation_n 20._o the_o first_o of_o which_o point_n be_v reason_n that_o almighty_a god_n for_o man_n great_a humility_n and_o merit_n in_o believe_v have_v place_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o belief_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v above_o the_o ordinary_a reach_n of_o man_n reason_n and_o environ_v they_o with_o such_o difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n in_o respect_n of_o our_o frailty_n as_o without_o the_o light_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o concourse_n and_o free_a motion_n of_o our_o own_o will_n and_o good_a endeavour_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v unto_o and_o this_o as_o i_o say_v as_o well_o for_o man_n humiliation_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o height_n of_o god_n mystery_n reveal_v by_o faith_n as_o also_o that_o man_n may_v merit_v by_o his_o free_a and_o willing_a concourse_n to_o belief_n which_o he_o will_v not_o do_v if_o the_o article_n or_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v so_o clear_a as_o there_o be_v no_o obscurity_n or_o darkness_n in_o they_o for_o then_o according_a to_o the_o ground_n of_o philosophy_n man_n understanding_n perforce_o must_v yield_v thereunto_o and_o consequent_o our_o will_n also_o whereof_o will_v ensue_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o merit_n and_o reward_n according_a to_o that_o say_v of_o s._n greg._n non_fw-la habet_fw-la fides_fw-la meritum_fw-la evang._n ubi_fw-la humana_fw-la ratio_fw-la praebet_fw-la experimentum_fw-la faith_n have_v no_o merit_n where_o man_n reason_n do_v make_v the_o thing_n evident_a and_o long_o before_o he_o s._n athan._n fides_n de_fw-fr re_fw-la evidenti_fw-la concepta_fw-la trin._n fides_n dici_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la faith_n conceive_v of_o a_o evident_a matter_n can_v be_v call_v faith._n and_o brief_o but_o pithy_o s._n aug._n laus_fw-la fidei_fw-la est_fw-la si_fw-la quod_fw-la creditur_fw-la non_fw-la videtur_fw-la the_o praise_n or_o merit_n of_o faith_n stand_v in_o this_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o see_v which_o be_v believe_v and_o in_o another_o place_n credo_fw-la quod_fw-la nescio_fw-la &_o propterea_fw-la scio_fw-la quia_fw-la scio_fw-la i_o nescire_fw-la quod_fw-la nescio_fw-la i_o do_v believe_v that_o which_o i_o know_v not_o and_o thereby_o i_o come_v to_o know_v for_o that_o
that_o the_o chief_a head_n thereof_o must_v be_v bishop_n second_o they_o must_v succeed_v orderly_o one_o to_o another_o three_o they_o must_v come_v down_o from_o the_o very_a apostle_n as_o before_o have_v be_v show_v four_o christian_a nation_n must_v agree_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n under_o they_o all_o which_o four_o point_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o universal_a roman_a church_n as_o you_o have_v see_v but_o no_o one_o of_o they_o and_o much_o less_o all_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o rabble_n of_o heresy_n and_o sectary_n scrape_v together_o by_o fox_n in_o his_o former_a catalogue_n for_o neither_o be_v they_o bishop_n at_o all_o but_o private_a man_n as_o after_o shall_v be_v show_v though_o fox_n most_o false_o do_v affirm_v one_o of_o they_o to_o have_v be_v a_o learned_a bishop_n nor_o do_v they_o succeed_v in_o office_n function_n charge_n or_o jurisdiction_n the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o or_o concur_v in_o one_o time_n country_n or_o place_n but_o one_o in_o one_o corner_n and_o another_o in_o another_o one_o step_v up_o in_o germany_n another_o in_o france_n another_o in_o italy_n and_o another_o in_o england_n the_o one_o a_o priest_n another_o a_o friar_z another_o a_o merchant_n other_o and_o the_o other_o a_o soldier_n or_o crafts-man_n of_o different_a state_n profession_n and_o condition_n yea_o of_o different_a faith_n and_o religion_n also_o as_o present_o shall_v be_v show_v neither_o have_v they_o any_o relation_n one_o to_o the_o other_o more_o than_o botley_n to_o billingsgate_n or_o canterbury_n to_o constantinople_n and_o as_o for_o antiquity_n and_o come_v down_o by_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v far_o from_o it_o as_o fox_n himself_o confess_v in_o that_o he_o begin_v his_o catalogue_n only_o from_o pope_n innocentius_n 1200_o year_n after_o christ_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v so_o as_o if_o christ_n have_v any_o visible_a church_n before_o this_o time_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v we_o by_o fox_n own_o confession_n 14._o and_o final_o the_o last_o point_n mention_v here_o and_o so_o high_o esteem_v by_o st._n augustin_n of_o the_o consent_n of_o people_n and_o nation_n tot_fw-la populorum_fw-la consensione_n firmatur_fw-la whereof_o he_o make_v such_o account_n in_o another_o place_n as_o he_o say_v rogatian_n anathema_n erit_fw-la quisquis_fw-la annunciaverit_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la praeter_fw-la communicationem_fw-la omnium_fw-la gentium_fw-la he_o shall_v be_v accurse_v whosoever_o shall_v say_v the_o church_n to_o be_v any_o other_o but_o the_o communication_n of_o all_o nation_n this_o quality_n i_o say_v he_o that_o shall_v consider_v and_o examine_v in_o these_o poor_a fellow_n allege_v by_o fox_n who_o be_v but_o a_o few_o outcast_n of_o every_o country_n where_o they_o spring_v shall_v find_v it_o so_o ridiculous_a and_o contemptible_a a_o thing_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o main_a consent_n of_o nation_n under_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o without_o laughter_n it_o can_v be_v speak_v of_o 15._o final_o of_o this_o ridiculous_a succession_n of_o heretic_n the_o same_o holy_a father_n write_v fit_o in_o these_o word_n joan._n videtis_fw-la certè_fw-la multos_fw-la praecisos_fw-la à _fw-la radice_fw-la christianae_n societatis_fw-la quae_fw-la per_fw-la sedes_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la &_o successiones_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la certa_fw-la per_fw-la orbem_fw-la propagatione_fw-la diffunditur_fw-la de_fw-la sola_fw-la figura_fw-la originis_fw-la sub_fw-la christiano_n nomine_fw-la quasi_fw-la arescentia_fw-la sarmenta_fw-la gloriari_fw-la quas_fw-la haereses_fw-la &_o schismata_fw-la nominamus_fw-la truly_n you_o see_v many_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o root_n of_o this_o christian_a society_n the_o church_n which_o society_n be_v spread_v over_o all_o the_o world_n by_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o succession_n of_o bishop_n as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o most_o certain_a propagation_n or_o generation_n and_o these_o fellow_n do_v brag_v of_o a_o certain_a figure_n or_o similitude_n of_o a_o beginning_n or_o succession_n under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n but_o be_v indeed_o wither_a branch_n cut_v off_o from_o the_o vine_n and_o these_o we_o call_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n church_n thus_o say_v st._n augustin_n and_o can_v any_o man_n describe_v better_a the_o apish_a imitation_n of_o john_n fox_n endeavour_v to_o bring_v in_o his_o succession_n of_o a_o few_o condemn_a heretic_n de_fw-fr sola_fw-la figura_fw-la originis_fw-la sub_fw-la christiano_n nomine_fw-la gloriantes_fw-la brag_v only_o of_o a_o certain_a similitude_n of_o beginning_n and_o succession_n under_o the_o name_n of_o reform_a christian_n but_o indeed_o cast_v out_o and_o condemn_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n 16._o this_o then_o be_v the_o second_o point_n to_o be_v note_v about_o the_o quality_n of_o ecclesiastical_a succession_n but_o another_o there_o be_v of_o no_o less_o moment_n but_o rather_o more_o and_o this_o be_v that_o those_o who_o succeed_v one_o another_o in_o the_o selfsame_a church_n faith._n be_v also_o of_o one_o faith_n and_o belief_n in_o all_o article_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o they_o differ_v though_o it_o be_v but_o in_o any_o one_o substantial_a point_n they_o can_v be_v of_o one_o church_n nor_o of_o one_o communion_n nor_o be_v save_v together_o for_o that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n one_o christ_n one_o church_n and_o one_o baptism_n as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v so_o be_v there_o but_o one_o only_a faith_n in_o the_o same_o church_n to_o be_v save_v by_o which_o all_o man_n must_v hold_v united_o whole_o and_o inviolable_o or_o else_o as_o in_o the_o creed_n of_o st._n athanasius_n be_v affirm_v absque_fw-la dubio_fw-la in_o aeternum_fw-la peribit_fw-la symb._n without_o doubt_n he_o shall_v perish_v eternal_o that_o disagree_v or_o dissent_v 17._o it_o be_v a_o long_a matter_n to_o stand_v here_o upon_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n to_o wit_n how_o exact_a and_o severe_a the_o catholic_a church_n be_v and_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o defend_v this_o strict_a simplicity_n union_n and_o conformity_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o those_o that_o will_v be_v her_o child_n 3._o st._n thomas_n handle_v the_o matter_n at_o large_a and_o very_o substantial_o and_o so_o do_v other_o schoolman_n after_o he_o show_v that_o whosoever_o err_v in_o any_o one_o article_n of_o catholic_a faith_n obstinate_o lose_v his_o whole_a faith_n in_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o he_o seem_v to_o believe_v and_o yield_v most_o evident_a reason_n for_o the_o same_o and_o of_o the_o same_o severity_n be_v the_o ancient_a father_n in_o this_o behalf_n 11._o as_o st._n cyprian_n who_o apply_v to_o this_o purpose_n those_o word_n of_o christ_n qui_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la mecum_fw-la adversum_fw-la i_o est_fw-la he_o that_o be_v not_o with_o i_o be_v against_o i_o say_v it_o be_v mean_v by_o christ_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o heretic_n whatsoever_o gregory_n nazianzen_n also_o write_v fide_fw-la qui_fw-la uno_fw-la verbo_fw-la tanquam_fw-la veneni_fw-la gutta_fw-la inficiunt_fw-la etc._n etc._n they_o who_o by_o any_o one_o word_n as_o with_o a_o drop_n of_o poison_n do_v infect_v the_o simple_a faith_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n as_o heretic_n etc._n etc._n and_o st._n hierom_n propter_fw-la unum_fw-la etiam_fw-la verbum_fw-la ruffin_n aut_fw-la duo_fw-la etc._n etc._n for_o one_o word_n or_o two_o contrary_a to_o the_o catholic_a faith_n many_o heresy_n have_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o final_o st._n augustin_n have_v reckon_v up_o eighty_o particular_a heresy_n in_o his_o book_n to_o quod-vult-deus_a he_o say_v that_o there_o may_v chance_v to_o lurk_v many_o other_o petty_a heresy_n unknown_a to_o he_o fine_a quarum_fw-la aliquam_fw-la quisquis_fw-la tenuerit_fw-la christianus_n catholicus_n non_fw-la erit_fw-la of_o which_o heresy_n whosoever_o shall_v hold_v any_o one_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o catholic_n christian_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v save_v vincent_n 18._o mark_v the_o severity_n of_o this_o holy_a man_n affirm_v that_o whosoever_o hold_v any_o the_o least_o hide_a heresy_n whatsoever_o can_v be_v save_v a_o dreadful_a sentence_n no_o doubt_n for_o many_o of_o our_o countryman_n at_o this_o day_n if_o well_o they_o think_v of_o their_o own_o case_n who_o think_v it_o lawful_a or_o at_o leastwise_o not_o much_o dangerous_a to_o hold_v private_a opinion_n at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n yea_o many_o of_o they_o think_v as_o the_o old_a donatist_n do_v which_o st._n augustin_n relate_v and_o great_o condemn_v nihil_fw-la interest_n credentes_fw-la in_fw-la qua_fw-la cuique_fw-la parte_fw-la christianus_n sit_v believe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o great_a importance_n in_o what_o part_n sect_n or_o faction_n soever_o a_o man_n be_v a_o christian_n so_o he_o believe_v in_o christ_n thus_o think_v the_o donatist_n and_o be_v much_o reprehend_v by_o st._n augustin_n for_o it_o and_o this_o no_o doubt_n be_v the_o opinion_n of_o many_o englishman_n at_o this_o day_n who_o be_v toss_v hither_o and_o thither_o with_o
i_o know_v myself_o to_o have_v be_v ignorant_a in_o that_o which_o indeed_o i_o know_v not_o and_o final_o s._n paul_n to_o the_o hebrew_n make_v this_o plain_a when_o give_v a_o definition_n of_o faith_n he_o write_v thus_o 11._o est_fw-la autem_fw-la fides_fw-la substantia_fw-la sperandarum_fw-la rerum_fw-la argumentum_fw-la non_fw-la apparentium_fw-la faith_n be_v the_o substance_n or_o ground_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o in_o the_o next_o life_n and_o a_o argument_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o apparent_a or_o manifest_a to_o humane_a sense_n or_o reason_n thus_o teach_v they_o and_o the_o matter_n be_v clear_a in_o itself_o and_o confound_v the_o politic_a vain_a head_n of_o our_o day_n who_o will_v believe_v no_o more_o than_o they_o see_v or_o feel_v or_o can_v comprehend_v by_o their_o own_o understanding_n 21._o but_o now_o concern_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o difficulty_n or_o obscurity_n in_o matter_n of_o belief_n faith._n the_o same_o father_n do_v assign_v 2_o or_o 3_o for_o principal_a the_o first_o be_v the_o height_n and_o sublimity_n of_o the_o the_o article_n and_o mystery_n themselves_o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v which_o be_v of_o god_n secret_n do_v surpass_v the_o base_a capacity_n and_o reason_n of_o man._n as_o be_v for_o example_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o nothing_o the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o one_o nature_n of_o divinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o his_o birth_n without_o violate_v his_o mother_n virginity_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n the_o be_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o like_a which_o human_a reason_n can_v reach_v unto_o cause_n though_o they_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o it_o but_o above_o it_o another_o cause_n be_v as_o s._n ambrose_n note_v the_o majesty_n of_o almighty_a god_n who_o will_v be_v believe_v at_o his_o word_n 3._o without_o be_v ask_v for_o proof_n or_o reason_n for_o the_o same_o for_o if_o say_v he_o a_o grave_a honourable_a personage_n in_o this_o life_n especial_o if_o he_o be_v of_o high_a authority_n and_o our_o superior_a will_v take_v it_o in_o disdain_n to_o be_v ask_v a_o proof_n for_o that_o he_o affirm_v how_o much_o more_o ought_v god_n to_o be_v credit_v without_o proof_n of_o human_a reason_n when_o he_o propose_v unto_o we_o a_o matter_n above_o our_o reach_n or_o capacity_n cause_n 22._o the_o three_o cause_n be_v that_o which_o before_o i_o touch_v that_o man_n may_v merit_v more_o by_o believe_v that_o which_o he_o see_v not_o evident_a according_a to_o the_o say_v of_o christ_n to_o s._n thomas_n 2._o quia_fw-la vidisti_fw-la thoma_n credidisti_fw-la beati_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la viderunt_fw-la &_o crediderunt_fw-la because_o thou_o have_v see_v thomas_n thou_o have_v believe_v but_o happy_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v mystery_n and_o yet_o have_v believe_v and_o for_o all_o these_o cause_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n well_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n have_v proceed_v strange_o to_o man_n eye_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n in_o reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n unto_o we_o discover_v his_o will_n on_o the_o one_o side_n with_o infinite_a testification_n of_o his_o love_n and_o desire_n that_o we_o shall_v know_v they_o and_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n with_o such_o reservation_n in_o those_o revelation_n as_o the_o matter_n may_v still_o be_v difficult_a hard_a or_o obscure_a in_o some_o respect_n and_o this_o for_o the_o great_a merit_n as_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o believer_n 2.6.7.8_o as_o for_o example_n before_o the_o flood_n he_o appear_v to_o divers_a patriarch_n from_o time_n to_o time_n cause_v they_o to_o preach_v and_o open_v to_o other_o his_o will_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v but_o yet_o he_o appear_v not_o to_o all_o in_o those_o day_n which_o he_o may_v have_v do_v if_o he_o will_v and_o thereby_o have_v make_v the_o matter_n more_o clear_a and_o out_o of_o doubt_n but_o he_o will_v have_v they_o believe_v other_o by_o word_n and_o tradition_n and_o the_o like_a manner_n of_o proceed_v he_o use_v after_o the_o flood_n with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n for_o instruction_n of_o their_o posterity_n 15._o and_o then_o again_o four_o or_o five_o hundred_o year_n after_o that_o when_o he_o determine_v to_o bring_v the_o hebrew_n people_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o write_a law_n he_o appear_v not_o evident_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o choose_v moses_n to_o send_v unto_o they_o in_o his_o name_n and_o speak_v to_o he_o out_o of_o a_o fiery_a bush_n at_o the_o beginning_n and_o at_o other_o time_n out_o of_o a_o cloud_n on_o the_o top_n of_o a_o hill_n all_o which_o thing_n have_v still_o their_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n for_o he_o that_o will_v wrangle_v or_o have_v not_o good_a will_n to_o believe_v and_o credit_v they_o all_o 23._o and_o final_o when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v himself_o in_o flesh_n to_o preach_v though_o he_o use_v many_o and_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o draw_v man_n unto_o he_o and_o believe_v the_o mystery_n reveal_v by_o he_o as_o in_o the_o next_o point_n shall_v be_v show_v yet_o use_v he_o the_o same_o course_n notwithstanding_o that_o have_v be_v use_v before_o for_o neither_o appear_v he_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o he_o may_v have_v do_v by_o his_o divinity_n and_o omnipotency_n but_o to_o those_o of_o jewry_n only_o nor_o there_o to_o all_o nor_o do_v he_o work_v miracle_n in_o every_o place_n but_o where_o he_o think_v expedient_a nor_o when_o he_o rise_v again_o from_o death_n which_o be_v a_o point_n principal_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o be_v consider_v do_v he_o appear_v to_o all_o man_n or_o public_o in_o the_o street_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o he_o may_v have_v do_v and_o thereby_o have_v make_v his_o resurrection_n clear_a and_o out_o of_o controversy_n but_o he_o appear_v only_o to_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n which_o he_o express_v in_o these_o word_n 10._o hunc_fw-la deus_fw-la suscitavit_fw-la tertia_fw-la die_fw-la &_o dedit_fw-la eum_fw-la manifestum_fw-la fieri_fw-la non_fw-la omni_fw-la populo_fw-la sed_fw-la testibus_fw-la praeordinatis_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la nobis_fw-la qui_fw-la manducavimus_fw-la &_o bibimus_fw-la cum_fw-la ilio_fw-la postquam_fw-la resurrexit_fw-la à _fw-la mortuis_fw-la et_fw-la praecepit_fw-la nobis_fw-la praedicare_fw-la populo_fw-la &_o testificari_fw-la etc._n etc._n god_n have_v raise_v up_o this_o his_o son_n from_o death_n the_o three_o day_n and_o give_v he_o to_o be_v make_v manifest_a not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o unto_o such_o as_o be_v preordained_n beforehand_o by_o he_o to_o be_v witness_n thereof_o that_o be_v to_o say_v we_o that_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o to_o we_o he_o give_v commandment_n to_o preach_v and_o testify_v to_o the_o people_n etc._n etc._n 24._o behold_v here_o the_o reason_n why_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n do_v not_o appear_v to_o the_o whole_a people_n in_o jewry_n but_o to_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n only_o who_o be_v his_o appoint_a witness_n to_o testify_v and_o preach_v the_o same_o to_o other_o to_o the_o end_n their_o faith_n may_v be_v of_o more_o merit_n 20._o according_a to_o his_o former_a speech_n to_o s._n thomas_n happy_a be_v they_o who_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o do_v believe_v and_o for_o the_o self_n same_o cause_n we_o may_v not_o doubt_v manifest_a but_o that_o these_o his_o apparition_n and_o manifestation_n which_o be_v recount_v in_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v make_v by_o he_o at_o divers_a time_n in_o sundry_a place_n and_o upon_o different_a occasion_n during_o his_o abode_n on_o earth_n for_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n after_o his_o resurrection_n which_o apparition_n arrive_v to_o the_o number_n of_o 13_o or_o 14_o be_v make_v in_o such_o particular_a manner_n by_o he_o as_o the_o scripture_n recount_v they_o first_o to_o those_o godly_a woman_n 16._o then_o to_o the_o apostle_n then_o to_o the_o disciple_n go_v to_o emaus_n and_o after_o that_o to_o other_o all_o i_o say_v be_v so_o make_v as_o still_o remain_v place_n for_o our_o free_a will_n to_o merit_v in_o believe_v they_o and_o divers_a do_v doubt_n at_o the_o beginning_n as_o the_o scripture_n say_v and_o christ_n be_v often_o force_v to_o reprehend_v their_o coldness_n and_o backwardness_n in_o belief_n as_o when_o he_o say_v o_o stulti_fw-la &_o tardi_fw-la cord_n ad_fw-la credendum_fw-la o_o you_o foolish_a and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v and_o at_o his_o last_o departure_n from_o they_o exprobravit_fw-la illis_fw-la say_v s._n mark_n incredulitatem_fw-la eorum_fw-la &_o duritiem_fw-la cordis_fw-la quia_fw-la iis_fw-la qui_fw-la viderant_fw-la eum_fw-la resurrexisse_fw-la non_fw-la crediderunt_fw-la he_o do_v exprobrate_v unto_o they_o their_o incredulity_n and_o
hardness_n of_o heart_n for_o that_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v those_o who_o have_v see_v he_o rise_v from_o death_n again_o which_o doubt_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n in_o believe_v he_o cure_v whole_o afterward_o by_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n 25._o but_o yet_o hereby_o we_o may_v evident_o see_v that_o christ_n require_v humility_n and_o obedience_n of_o belief_n even_o in_o thing_n where_o our_o reason_n or_o sense_n resist_v 10._o require_v we_o to_o captivate_v our_o understanding_n to_o use_v s._n paul_n own_o word_n unto_o his_o obedience_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o only_o to_o himself_o immediate_o but_o to_o those_o also_o that_o teach_v and_o preach_v unto_o we_o by_o lawful_a ordination_n and_o authority_n from_o he_o albeit_o they_o deliver_v we_o matter_n above_o our_o capacity_n reach_n and_o understanding_n and_o this_o under_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n for_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v give_v the_o commission_n of_o preach_v in_o s._n mark_n be_v gospel_n aforesaid_a item_fw-la &_o praedicate_fw-la go_v and_o preach_v he_o add_v present_o 16._o qui_fw-la non_fw-la crediderit_fw-la condemnabitur_fw-la he_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v shall_v be_v damn_v and_o this_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o first_o point_n about_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o cause_n thereof_o 22._o the_o second_o point_n of_o this_o consideration_n be_v 12._o that_o albeit_o almighty_a god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o yield_v obedience_n of_o faith_n unto_o he_o as_o well_o for_o his_o due_a honour_n as_o for_o our_o own_o utility_n yet_o do_v he_o not_o leave_v we_o without_o sufficient_a testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n nor_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n this_o obedience_n but_o as_o rationabile_fw-la obsequium_fw-la to_o use_v s._n paul_n word_n a_o reasonable_a obedience_n or_o a_o obedience_n found_v in_o all_o reason_n of_o probability_n inducement_n and_o credibility_n for_o proof_n whereof_o we_o must_v understand_v that_o albeit_o the_o most_o part_n of_o christian_a belief_n do_v so_o surmount_v as_o in_o the_o former_a point_n have_v be_v show_v the_o reach_n and_o capacity_n of_o human_a reason_n as_o they_o can_v be_v comprehend_v thereby_o though_o of_o some_o other_o there_o may_v be_v also_o demonstration_n make_v as_o shall_v be_v show_v in_o the_o four_o point_n of_o this_o consideration_n yet_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o understanding_n his_o divine_a piety_n and_o providence_n have_v leave_v unto_o we_o so_o many_o other_o proof_n and_o argument_n of_o persuasion_n and_o inducement_n call_v by_o schoolman_n argumenta_fw-la credibilitatis_fw-la argument_n of_o credibility_n which_o be_v lay_v together_o and_o well_o ponder_v may_v just_o move_v any_o indifferent_a prudent_a and_o discreet_a man_n to_o yield_v his_o assent_n thereunto_o and_o to_o rest_v full_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n as_o learned_o you_o have_v see_v prove_v these_o day_n past_a by_o a_o treatise_n set_v forth_o in_o english_a for_o answer_v of_o the_o new_a challenge_n of_o the_o minister_n o._n e._n this_o matter_n be_v handle_v more_o large_o but_o for_o my_o present_a purpose_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o record_v unto_o you_o that_o of_o these_o argument_n of_o credibility_n be_v full_o fraught_v all_o the_o book_n and_o volume_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n thereby_o to_o prove_v the_o credibility_n probability_n and_o convenience_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o every_o part_n and_o article_n thereof_o thereby_o to_o leave_v they_o inexcusable_a that_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o same_o whereof_o it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a that_o i_o allege_v only_o the_o example_n of_o s._n peter_n who_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v his_o audience_n use_v these_o word_n 1._o non_fw-la indoctas_fw-la fabulas_fw-la secuti_fw-la etc._n etc._n not_o induce_v by_o vain_a fable_n as_o the_o gentile_n be_v have_v we_o believe_v and_o make_v know_v to_o you_o the_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o for_o that_o we_o have_v be_v make_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o greatness_n etc._n etc._n 27._o thus_o begin_v s._n peter_n to_o persuade_v his_o hearer_n peter_n allege_v 2_o or_o 3_o strong_a inducement_n of_o credibility_n for_o the_o same_o first_o that_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o apostle_n have_v converse_v with_o christ_n himself_o upon_o earth_n and_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o all_o his_o do_n and_o second_o he_o allege_v that_o famous_a miracle_n upon_o the_o mount_n thabor_n when_o he_o with_o s._n james_n and_o s._n john_n be_v present_a at_o his_o transfiguration_n 17._o and_o hear_v the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n hear_v he_o and_o three_o he_o allege_v the_o prediction_n of_o the_o old_a prophet_n concern_v christ_n come_n life_n action_n death_n and_o resurrection_n which_o s._n peter_n do_v prefer_v before_o his_o sight_n knowledge_n and_o experience_n have_v with_o christ_n and_o worthy_o for_o that_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o prophet_n be_v write_v by_o god_n spirit_n so_o many_o age_n before_o christ_n be_v bear_v and_o now_o fufil_v so_o evident_o in_o his_o person_n the_o apostle_n sight_n and_o experience_n thereof_o be_v but_o a_o testimony_n to_o the_o other_o verity_n and_o nothing_o so_o certain_a as_o the_o foretelling_n of_o the_o say_a prophet_n so_o evident_o verify_v in_o their_o sight_n demonstration_n 28._o and_o yet_o be_v all_o these_o thing_n but_o inducement_n and_o argument_n of_o credibility_n as_o i_o have_v say_v and_o not_o demonstration_n for_o albeit_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n be_v most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a in_o itself_o yet_o to_o i_o who_o must_v take_v they_o upon_o credit_n of_o other_o either_o concern_n the_o book_n themselves_o traduction_n or_o interpretation_n or_o some_o other_o such_o circumstance_n they_o can_v have_v the_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n to_o convince_v our_o understand_n which_o philosophical_a demonstration_n have_v albeit_o the_o assent_n of_o our_o faith_n induce_v by_o these_o argument_n of_o credibility_n together_o with_o the_o help_n of_o our_o pious_a affection_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v much_o more_o sure_a firm_a and_o immovable_a than_o that_o which_o be_v get_v by_o human_a knowledge_n which_o be_v partly_o see_v in_o that_o a_o strong_a reason_n come_v against_o my_o knowledge_n i_o do_v change_v my_o judgement_n but_o not_o in_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v sound_a the_o cause_n whereof_o be_v for_o that_o faith_n be_v ground_v upon_o a_o more_o certain_a foundation_n than_o be_v human_a science_n to_o wit_n upon_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o wherein_o also_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o these_o induction_n and_o argument_n of_o credibility_n may_v be_v much_o more_o evident_a to_o some_o than_o to_o other_o as_o for_o example_n the_o miracle_n do_v by_o god_n in_o 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reader_n in_o the_o world_n consider_v of_o what_o weight_n these_o word_n of_o the_o german_n may_v be_v when_o have_v say_v that_o albeit_o innocentius_n i._o write_v so_o yet_o we_o judge_v that_o to_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o vainglory_n etc._n etc._n a_o proud_a censure_n of_o so_o great_a a_o man_n by_o three_o or_o four_o poor_a companion_n that_o write_v book_n for_o their_o bread_n and_o beg_v the_o same_o common_o of_o every_o prince_n to_o who_o they_o dedicate_v their_o several_a century_n that_o so_o contemptible_a people_n i_o say_v shall_v presume_v to_o touch_v the_o honour_n and_o truth_n of_o so_o great_a and_o worthy_a a_o saint_n and_o father_n as_o be_v holy_a innocentius_n so_o call_v common_o by_o st._n augustin_n st_n hierom_n st._n basil_n orosius_n and_o other_o 2._o and_o who_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n together_o with_o these_o man_n admire_v and_o respect_v in_o his_o life_n for_o such_o sancti_fw-la innocentii_fw-la say_v st._n hierom_n to_o the_o virgin_n demetriades_n qui_fw-la apostolicae_fw-la cathedrae_fw-la &_o beat_v ae_z memoriae_fw-la anastasii_n successor_n &_o filius_fw-la est_fw-la tene_fw-la as_o fidem_fw-la nec_fw-la pergrinam_fw-la quamvis_fw-la prudens_fw-la callidáque_fw-la videaris_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la recipias_fw-la hold_v the_o faith_n of_o holy_a innocentius_n which_o be_v the_o successor_n and_o son_n in_o the_o seat_n of_o st._n peter_n chair_n of_o anastasius_n of_o bless_a memory_n that_o go_v before_o he_o and_o do_v not_o admit_v any_o new_a or_o foreign_a doctrine_n though_o thou_o may_v seem_v perhaps_o wise_a and_o subtle_a to_o thyself_o 17._o thus_o write_v st._n hierom_n which_o be_v another_o manner_n of_o judgement_n of_o innocentius_n both_o for_o his_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o authority_n of_o place_n to_o direct_v man_n in_o religion_n than_o the_o magdeburgian_o give_v who_o will_v make_v he_o vainglorious_a but_o thus_o they_o use_v all_o ancient_a father_n that_o be_v against_o they_o and_o so_o much_o for_o this_o chapter_n chap._n iii_o the_o former_a controversy_n be_v more_o particular_o handle_v how_o the_o grecian_a custom_n of_o celebrate_v easter-day_n after_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o jew_n come_v first_o into_o the_o british_a and_o scottish_a church_n and_o how_o untrue_o and_o wicked_o john_n fox_n and_o john_n bale_n do_v behave_v themselves_o about_o this_o matter_n but_o now_o let_v we_o return_v if_o you_o please_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n or_o two_o more_o of_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o foresay_a custom_n of_o celebrate_v easter_n with_o the_o jew_n into_o britanny_n to_o wit_n how_o and_o about_o what_o time_n or_o upon_o what_o occasion_n preacher_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o it_o enter_v wherein_o first_o it_o seem_v most_o certain_a that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o john_n fox_n and_o sir_n francis_n and_o the_o magdeburgian_o will_v have_v man_n believe_v and_o this_o be_v prove_v as_o well_o by_o the_o reason_n and_o authority_n allege_v 1._o before_o to_o show_v that_o the_o first_o preacher_n in_o britanny_n either_o come_v from_o rome_n or_o preach_v roman_a doctrine_n as_o also_o by_o the_o reason_n follow_v first_o for_o that_o if_o damianus_n and_o other_o preacher_n send_v into_o britanny_n by_o pope_n reason_n i_o eleutherius_fw-la to_o instruct_v king_n lucius_n and_o the_o rest_n in_o christian_a faith_n about_o the_o year_n 180_o have_v find_v any_o such_o custom_n there_o contrary_a to_o the_o roman_a use_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v send_v they_o will_v have_v remove_v the_o same_o or_o at_o least_o wise_a have_v make_v some_o mention_n thereof_o forsomuch_o as_o at_o that_o time_n the_o contrary_a custom_n of_o celebrate_v easter_n upon_o the_o sunday_n be_v public_a in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o pope_n pius_n i._o have_v make_v a_o decree_n for_o confirm_v the_o same_o against_o the_o asian_a use_n about_o 40_o year_n