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
find_v or_o have_v ancient_o be_v find_v consent_v with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o hebrew_n touch_v joshua_n and_o other_o seeing_z that_o whosoever_o give_v credit_n unto_o moses_n which_o to_o do_v no_o man_n can_v without_o great_a impudence_n refuse_v the_o same_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v indeed_o wonderful_a miracle_n ancient_o wrought_v by_o god_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o here_o chief_o go_v about_o to_o declare_v as_o for_o the_o miracle_n of_o after_o age_n suppose_v of_o elijah_n and_o elisha_n and_o other_o there_o be_v the_o less_o reason_n to_o think_v they_o counterfeit_n because_o in_o those_o time_n judaea_n be_v both_o more_o know_v than_o former_o and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o diversity_n of_o religion_n be_v extreme_o hate_v by_o their_o neighbour_n who_o may_v have_v very_o easy_o blast_v the_o fame_n of_o such_o miracle_n if_o they_o have_v be_v lie_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v spread_v abroad_o the_o history_n of_o jonah_n who_o lie_v three_o day_n in_o the_o whale_n belly_n be_v to_o be_v read_v in_o lycophron_n and_o aeneas_n hazou_n save_v only_o that_o in_o stead_n of_o jonah_n they_o have_v put_v the_o name_n of_o hercules_n who_o they_o so_o much_o honour_v that_o to_o make_v he_o appear_v the_o more_o illustrious_a they_o be_v wont_a as_o tacitus_n and_o servius_n and_o other_o have_v note_v to_o report_v of_o he_o whatsoever_o magnificent_a thing_n they_o hear_v of_o in_o any_o other_o place_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o julian_n who_o be_v a_o enemy_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o much_o as_o of_o christian_n be_v force_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o history_n to_o confess_v that_o such_o man_n live_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o be_v inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o fire_v descend_v from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o moses_n and_o elias_n and_o very_o it_o be_v well_o worth_a our_o observation_n that_o among_o the_o hebrew_n there_o be_v not_o only_o grievous_a punishment_n appoint_v for_o such_o man_n as_o do_v false_o assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o prophetical_a function_n but_o also_o many_o king_n and_o great_a man_n that_o may_v have_v by_o that_o mean_v purchase_v authority_n to_o themselves_o and_o likewise_o very_a many_o learned_a man_n as_o be_v esdras_n and_o other_o that_o never_o dare_v arrogate_v to_o themselves_o this_o dignity_n nor_o any_o man_n else_o for_o divers_a age_n before_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n sect_n xvi_o the_o same_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o oracle_n and_o prediction_n but_o more_o unlikely_a it_o be_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o people_n shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o the_o avouch_n of_o a_o perpetual_a and_o public_a prodigy_n as_o we_o may_v call_v it_o to_o wit_n the_o holy_a oracle_n which_o after_o a_o resplendent_a manner_n shine_v from_o the_o breastplate_n of_o the_o highpriest_n the_o truth_n whereof_o be_v so_o strong_o believe_v by_o all_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v continue_v until_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o first_o temple_n that_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n their_o ancestor_n have_v certain_a knowledge_n concern_v the_o same_o like_o to_o this_o from_o miracle_n there_o be_v another_o argument_n as_o forcible_a and_o effectual_a to_o prove_v god_n providence_n take_v from_o those_o prediction_n of_o future_a event_n which_o among_o the_o hebrew_n be_v many_o and_o manifest_a such_o be_v that_o prophecy_n of_o his_o be_v make_v childless_a who_o shall_v attempt_v to_o re-edify_a jericho_n and_o that_o of_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o bethel_n by_o a_o king_n name_v josiah_n foretell_v above_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o the_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v so_o likewise_o the_o very_a name_n and_o chief_a act_n of_o cyrus_n foretell_v by_o esaiah_n the_o event_n of_o hierusalems_n siege_n by_o the_o chaldean_n foreshow_v by_o jeremiah_n so_o also_o daniel_n prediction_n touch_v the_o translation_n of_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o assyrian_n unto_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n then_o from_o they_o unto_o alexander_n of_o macedon_n who_o empire_n shall_v afterward_o in_o part_n be_v divide_v among_o the_o successor_n of_o ptolemy_n and_o seleucus_n and_o what_o evil_n also_o the_o hebrew_n nation_n shall_v suffer_v from_o all_o these_o but_o especial_o from_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n which_o be_v so_o clear_o foretell_v that_o porphyry_n who_o compare_v with_o these_o prediction_n such_o grecian_a history_n as_o be_v extant_a in_o his_o time_n can_v not_o otherwise_o tell_v how_o to_o shift_v they_o off_o than_o by_o say_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v father_v upon_o daniel_n be_v write_v after_o such_o time_n as_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o one_o shall_v deny_v that_o that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o time_n of_o augustus_n which_o have_v be_v publish_v in_o virgil_n name_n and_o be_v always_o repute_v for_o virgil_n work_n for_o there_o be_v never_o any_o more_o scruple_n make_v of_o the_o former_a among_o the_o hebrew_n than_o of_o this_o latter_a among_o the_o roman_n to_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v add_v very_o many_o and_o most_o famous_a oracle_n among_o the_o people_n of_o mexico_n and_o peru_n which_o foretell_v the_o come_n of_o the_o spaniard_n into_o those_o country_n and_o the_o calamity_n which_o shall_v thereupon_o follow_v and_o hither_o also_o may_v be_v refer_v not_o a_o few_o dream_n so_o exact_o agree_v with_o the_o event_n which_o both_o in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o cause_n be_v whole_o unknown_a to_o they_o that_o dream_v that_o they_o can_v without_o great_a immodesty_n be_v refer_v to_o chance_v or_o to_o natural_a cause_n of_o which_o kind_a tertullian_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v collect_v illustrious_a example_n out_o of_o the_o most_o approve_a author_n spectre_n also_o or_o apparition_n belong_v to_o this_o head_n which_o have_v be_v not_o only_o see_v but_o hear_v to_o speak_v as_o those_o historian_n relate_v who_o be_v the_o far_a from_o superstitious_a credulity_n and_o be_v report_v by_o witness_n of_o our_o own_o age_n who_o have_v live_v in_o china_n and_o in_o mexico_n and_o other_o part_n of_o america_n nor_o be_v public_a trial_n of_o innocence_n by_o touch_v of_o red_a hot_a ploughshare_n to_o be_v despise_v which_o the_o history_n of_o so_o many_o german_a nation_n and_o the_o law_n themselves_o have_v remember_v sect_n xvii_o the_o objection_n be_v answer_v why_o miracle_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v see_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n to_o object_n against_o such_o miracle_n because_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a to_o be_v see_v in_o these_o day_n neither_o the_o like_a prediction_n hear_v of_o for_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o divine_a providence_n that_o such_o thing_n do_v come_v to_o pass_v at_o any_o time_n which_o be_v once_o grant_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o god_n may_v be_v believe_v with_o as_o much_o providence_n and_o wisdom_n now_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o surcease_v as_o ancient_o he_o use_v the_o same_o neither_o stand_v it_o with_o reason_n that_o those_o law_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o universe_n concern_v the_o natural_a course_n of_o thing_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o future_a event_n shall_v be_v light_o or_o always_o transgress_v but_o only_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o either_o there_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n as_o when_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v almost_o banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n reside_v only_o in_o a_o little_a part_n thereof_o to_o wit_n in_o judaea_n where_o it_o necessary_o be_v to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v fortify_v with_o new_a aid_n against_o the_o impiety_n wherewith_o it_o be_v compass_v about_o or_o when_o christian_a religion_n whereof_o by_o and_o by_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o particular_o be_v first_o by_o god_n decree_n to_o be_v publish_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n sect_n xviii_o and_o that_o now_o there_o be_v such_o liberty_n in_o offend_v there_o be_v those_o who_o be_v wont_a to_o doubt_v of_o the_o divine_a providence_n because_o they_o see_v so_o much_o wickedness_n have_v like_o a_o deluge_n overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n which_o divine_a providence_n they_o contend_v if_o there_o be_v any_o will_v have_v make_v its_o chief_a business_n to_o restrain_v and_o suppress_v but_o this_o be_v easy_o answer_v consider_v that_o when_o god_n have_v create_v man_n with_o freedom_n to_o do_v good_a and_o evil_n reserve_v absolute_a and_o immutable_a goodness_n to_o himself_o it_o have_v not_o be_v reasonable_a to_o have_v put_v such_o a_o stop_n to_o evil_a action_n as_o shall_v have_v be_v contrary_a to_o that_o liberty_n howbeit_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n god_n use_v every_o kind_n of_o mean_n which_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o liberty_n aforesaid_a such_o be_v the_o ordain_v and_o publish_v of_o the_o
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
so_o different_a in_o rite_n be_v allow_v as_o the_o egyptian_a the_o phrygian_a the_o grecian_a the_o tuscan_a and_o the_o sacred_a rite_n of_o rome_n even_o then_o general_o the_o jew_n alone_o be_v make_v ridiculous_a as_o appear_v by_o satyr_n and_o epigram_n write_v upon_o they_o and_o sometime_o also_o suffer_v banishment_n and_o as_o for_o christian_n they_o be_v afflict_v with_o most_o cruel_a punishment_n no_o other_o cause_n whereof_o can_v be_v give_v than_o that_o both_o these_o sect_n do_v worship_v one_o god_n who_o honour_n be_v impeach_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o such_o god_n as_o the_o heathen_a adore_v who_o do_v not_o so_o much_o vie_v one_o with_o another_o as_o with_o he_o three_o this_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o worship_n which_o no_o way_n beseem_v any_o good_a and_o honest_a spirit_n namely_o by_o humane_a blood_n by_o the_o run_n of_o naked_a man_n in_o the_o temple_n by_o pageant_n and_o dance_n full_a of_o nasty_a filthiness_n such_o as_o may_v be_v see_v at_o this_o day_n among_o some_o people_n of_o america_n and_o africa_n who_o yet_o sit_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o gentilism_n yea_o which_o be_v more_o there_o both_o ancient_o be_v and_o now_o be_v people_n who_o worship_v evil_a spirit_n which_o they_o know_v and_o profess_v to_o be_v such_o as_o the_o persian_n arimanius_n the_o greek_n those_o they_o call_v cacodaemon_n the_o latin_v their_o vejove_v and_o now_o some_o aethiopian_n and_o indian_n such_o like_a deity_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o impious_a for_o what_o be_v religious_a worship_n but_o a_o testimony_n of_o a_o infinite_a goodness_n that_o a_o man_n do_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o he_o who_o he_o worship_v which_o if_o it_o be_v exhibit_v unto_o a_o bad_a spirit_n it_o be_v false_a and_o deceitful_a imply_v in_o it_o no_o less_o crime_n than_o high_a treason_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o honour_n due_a unto_o the_o king_n be_v not_o only_o withdraw_v from_o he_o but_o be_v confer_v upon_o his_o enemy_n and_o one_o that_o have_v traitorous_o revolt_v from_o he_o moreover_n vain_a be_v that_o persuasion_n which_o they_o conceive_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o will_v not_o punish_v this_o offence_n because_o they_o think_v so_o to_o do_v be_v contrary_a to_o his_o goodness_n for_o mercy_n or_o clemency_n that_o it_o may_v be_v just_a have_v its_o bound_n and_o limit_n and_o where_o wickedness_n abound_v beyond_o measure_n there_o justice_n do_v as_o it_o be_v necessary_o require_v the_o infliction_n of_o punishment_n neither_o be_v it_o less_o unblamable_a that_o they_o pretend_v fear_n constrain_v they_o to_o honour_v wicked_a spirit_n since_o he_o that_o be_v perfect_o good_a be_v as_o communicative_a also_o and_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o all_o other_o nature_n which_o be_v his_o production_n and_o if_o he_o be_v than_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o have_v absolute_a power_n and_o dominion_n over_o all_o creature_n as_o over_o his_o workmanship_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v by_o any_o of_o they_o which_o he_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o hinder_v which_o thing_n be_v certain_o true_a we_o may_v easy_o gather_v that_o evil_a spirit_n can_v no_o further_o do_v any_o hurt_n to_o he_o who_o have_v god_n most_o high_a and_o most_o transcendent_o good_a favourable_a to_o he_o than_o that_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o good_a or_o other_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o permit_v nor_o can_v a_o man_n obtain_v any_o thing_n of_o those_o evil_a spirit_n by_o his_o prayer_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v because_o he_o that_o be_v evil_a be_v then_o worst_a of_o all_o when_o he_o feign_v himself_o to_o be_v good_a and_o the_o gift_n of_o enemy_n be_v mere_a snare_n and_o treachery_n sect_n iv_o against_o the_o worship_n which_o in_o paganism_n be_v exhibit_v to_o man_n after_o their_o death_n moreover_o there_o be_v heretofore_o and_o now_o also_o be_v pagan_n that_o tell_v we_o they_o give_v honour_n and_o worship_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n depart_v but_o first_o they_o shall_v have_v here_o also_o make_v some_o manifest_a distinction_n between_o this_o honour_n and_o that_o which_o be_v due_a unto_o the_o most_o high_a god_n then_o again_o all_o prayer_n make_v to_o they_o be_v but_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a unless_o those_o spirit_n be_v able_a to_o give_v we_o something_o of_o which_o their_o worshipper_n have_v no_o certainty_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o more_o ground_n to_o say_v that_o they_o can_v than_o that_o they_o can_v but_o another_o thing_n be_v worst_a of_o all_o to_o wit_n that_o many_o of_o they_o to_o who_o such_o glory_n be_v give_v by_o the_o heathen_a in_o their_o life_n time_n be_v notorious_o wicked_a and_o addict_v to_o one_o filthy_a vice_n or_o other_o thus_o bacchus_n be_v a_o drunkard_n and_o hercules_n effeminate_a romulus_n prove_v a_o very_a villain_n to_o his_o brother_n and_o jupiter_n a_o traitor_n to_o his_o own_o father_n so_o that_o their_o honour_n redound_v to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o of_o virtue_n which_o he_o love_v whilst_o vice_n which_o be_v entice_v enough_o of_o themselves_o it_o recommend_v to_o man_n by_o religion_n sect_n v._o against_o worship_v of_o star_n and_o element_n of_o more_o antiquity_n than_o this_o be_v the_o worship_v of_o star_n and_o of_o the_o element_n as_o fire_n water_n ayr_n and_o earth_n wherein_o great_a ignorance_n and_o folly_n be_v commit_v for_o prayer_n be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o religious_a worship_n which_o can_v without_o folly_n be_v direct_v to_o any_o object_n save_v to_o intelligent_a nature_n but_o sense_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o element_n as_o we_o call_v they_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o as_o for_o the_o star_n if_o any_o say_v they_o be_v he_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v it_o since_o that_o no_o such_o matter_n can_v be_v collect_v from_o their_o operation_n and_o influence_n which_o demonstrate_v their_o nature_n but_o rather_o we_o may_v gather_v the_o contrary_a by_o their_o motion_n which_o be_v not_o variable_a like_o to_o that_o in_o thing_n endue_v with_o liberty_n of_o will_n but_o constant_a and_o unalterable_a beside_o we_o have_v show_v before_o that_o the_o course_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o star_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o use_n of_o man_n whence_o man_n ought_v to_o acknowledge_v himself_o to_o be_v both_o like_a to_o god_n than_o they_o in_o his_o better_a part_n as_o also_o more_o dear_a unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o much_o injury_n shall_v he_o do_v to_o his_o own_o worth_n and_o dignity_n if_o he_o submit_v himself_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n have_v give_v to_o be_v serviceable_a unto_o he_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o ought_v rather_o to_o render_v thanks_o for_o they_o which_o can_v do_v or_o it_o be_v not_o prove_v can_v do_v so_o much_o for_o themselves_o sect_n vi_o against_o worship_v of_o bruit-beast_n but_o nothing_o be_v so_o unworthy_a as_o this_o that_o man_n especial_o the_o egyptian_n sink_v at_o length_n into_o such_o a_o sottishness_n as_o to_o worship_v brute_n beast_n for_o though_o in_o some_o of_o they_o there_o appear_v some_o shadow_n as_o we_o may_v call_v it_o of_o understanding_n yet_o that_o understanding_n be_v nothing_o if_o we_o compare_v it_o with_o man_n for_o they_o can_v neither_o express_v their_o inward_a conception_n by_o distinct_a word_n or_o by_o write_v nor_o do_v work_n of_o divers_a kind_n no_o nor_o work_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n after_o divers_a manner_n much_o less_o can_v they_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o number_n dimension_n and_o the_o celestial_a motion_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n man_z by_o the_o force_n and_o diligence_n of_o his_o wit_n catch_v all_o manner_n of_o animal_n though_o never_o so_o strong_a whether_o wild_a beast_n bird_n or_o fish_n and_o so_o master_v they_o that_o in_o some_o measure_n he_o make_v they_o subject_a to_o his_o law_n as_o elephant_n lion_n horse_n and_o oxen._n yea_o from_o those_o which_o be_v hurtful_a he_o draw_v to_o himself_o some_o profit_n as_o medicine_n from_o serpent_n and_o have_v this_o use_n and_o benefit_n from_o they_o all_o which_o be_v utter_o unknown_a to_o they_o that_o he_o contemplate_v the_o composition_n of_o their_o body_n the_o situation_n of_o their_o part_n and_o compare_v both_o their_o species_n and_o their_o kind_n one_o with_o another_o learn_v from_o thence_o also_o his_o own_o dignity_n as_o much_o as_o the_o structure_n of_o man_n body_n be_v more_o perfect_a and_o noble_a than_o that_o of_o the_o rest_n which_o thing_n if_o any_o man_n right_o consider_v he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o consider_v other_o live_a creature_n as_o god_n that_o he_o will_v rather_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o constitute_v by_o the_o most_o high_a god_n
minister_n which_o as_o it_o be_v against_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o many_o age_n from_o the_o beginning_n so_o direct_o oppose_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n who_o set_v his_o apostle_n in_o a_o superiority_n to_o the_o lxx_o as_o his_o apostle_n set_v such_o man_n as_o timothy_n and_o titus_n in_o a_o superiority_n over_o the_o presbytery_n of_o those_o church_n which_o they_o can_v no_o long_o attend_v themselves_o sect_n x._o argument_n enough_o in_o the_o forego_n book_n to_o prove_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n not_o to_o be_v sincere_o preserve_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n one_o be_v their_o way_n of_o worship_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o show_v how_o much_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v deviate_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o consider_v particular_o the_o falsity_n of_o every_o one_o of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v add_v to_o the_o ancient_a creed_n but_o it_o will_v be_v more_o proper_a in_o so_o short_a a_o treatise_n as_o this_o only_o to_o bring_v to_o the_o reader_n mind_v some_o principle_n in_o the_o forego_n book_n which_o direct_v we_o as_o plain_o to_o reject_v popery_n and_o upon_o the_o very_a same_o ground_n as_o those_o false_a religion_n for_o who_o confutation_n he_o allege_v they_o and_o first_o let_v the_o reader_n again_o weigh_v his_o argument_n against_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o he_o will_v find_v they_o in_o several_a thing_n as_o strong_a against_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n who_o practice_n it_o will_v hereby_o appear_v be_v no_o less_o faulty_a than_o their_o faith_n as_o for_o example_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n for_o the_o former_a they_o shall_v not_o only_o as_o he_o discourse_v there_o book_n iv_o in_o their_o very_a worship_n make_v a_o evident_a difference_n between_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o those_o angel_n to_o who_o they_o commend_v themselves_o which_o they_o do_v not_o do_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o quite_o contrary_a in_o the_o external_a act_n of_o adoration_n have_v none_o that_o be_v appropriate_v to_o god_n alone_o but_o be_v all_o common_a to_o he_o with_o other_o as_o adoration_n invocation_n burn_v incense_n nay_o offering_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n in_o their_o honour_n and_o make_v vow_n to_o they_o but_o be_v satisfy_v also_o what_o order_n there_o be_v among_o the_o angel_n what_o good_a may_v be_v expect_v from_o each_o of_o they_o and_o what_o honour_n the_o most_o high_a god_n be_v willing_a shall_v be_v bestow_v upon_o every_o one_o of_o they_o all_o which_o being_n want_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o reveal_v about_o such_o matter_n it_o be_v plain_a from_o thence_o how_o uncertain_a that_o religion_n be_v and_o how_o much_o safe_o it_o will_v be_v for_o they_o to_o betake_v themselves_o as_o we_o do_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o almighty_a god_n alone_o especial_o for_o that_o to_o whosoever_o he_o be_v favourable_a to_o they_o the_o holy_a angel_n must_v needs_o be_v kind_a and_o serviceable_a though_o no_o petition_n be_v make_v to_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a who_o have_v reveal_v this_o to_o we_o that_o he_o have_v make_v they_o all_o subject_n to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v send_v forth_o by_o he_o for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o number_n of_o which_o they_o above_o all_o other_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_v to_o be_v who_o have_v so_o great_a a_o respect_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o confidence_n in_o his_o goodness_n that_o for_o fear_n of_o offend_v he_o they_o dare_v worship_n none_o but_o himself_o alone_o rest_v assure_v he_o will_v deal_v well_o with_o they_o even_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o they_o have_v such_o a_o regard_n to_o he_o as_o not_o to_o presume_v without_o his_o warrant_n and_o authority_n so_o much_o as_o to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o he_o by_o any_o angel_n in_o heaven_n though_o never_o so_o great_a but_o by_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n jesus_n christ_n alone_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o they_o all_o and_o who_o he_o have_v consecreated_a to_o be_v our_o perpetual_a intercessor_n with_o he_o the_o like_a we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o worship_n of_o saint_n to_o who_o all_o prayer_n be_v fruitless_a and_o vain_a unless_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v something_o for_o their_o supplicant_n of_o which_o they_o have_v no_o certainty_n nor_o be_v there_o more_o ground_n to_o say_v that_o they_o can_v than_o that_o they_o can_v but_o rather_o less_o ground_n since_o it_o be_v inconceivable_a how_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o hear_v and_o assist_v so_o many_o as_o address_v themselves_o to_o the_o same_o saint_n in_o several_a far_o distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n without_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v equal_a to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o they_o have_v as_o many_o if_o not_o more_o supplicant_n as_o he_o by_o such_o a_o union_n as_o he_o have_v with_o the_o divinity_n they_o worship_v also_o which_o be_v still_o worse_o such_o for_o saint_n as_o never_o be_v in_o be_v and_o other_o who_o saintship_n there_o be_v too_o much_o reason_n to_o question_n be_v apparent_o guilty_a of_o such_o crime_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o it_o for_o instance_n our_o thomas_n à _fw-la becket_n by_o who_o blood_n they_o have_v pray_v our_o lord_n christ_n that_o they_o may_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o do_v still_o pray_v upon_o decemb._n 29._o that_o they_o who_o implore_v his_o help_n may_v have_v the_o save_a effect_n of_o his_o petition_n who_o our_o forefather_n even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o perjure_a person_n and_o as_o a_o traitor_n be_v not_o only_o call_v so_o by_o the_o king_n but_o in_o parliament_n accuse_v of_o treason_n the_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o other_o be_v present_a and_o the_o bishop_n of_o winchester_n pronounce_v the_o sentence_n against_o he_o in_o short_a the_o devotion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v so_o like_o the_o ancient_a idolatry_n that_o the_o cunning_a man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v find_v any_o difference_n without_o a_o great_a many_o nice_a and_o subtle_a distinction_n which_o in_o practice_n make_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o sect_n xi_o another_o be_v the_o way_n of_o promote_a their_o religion_n there_o be_v this_o argument_n also_o against_o it_o as_o grotius_n speak_v of_o paganism_n book_n 4._o sect._n 10._o take_v from_o the_o religion_n itself_o that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o support_v by_o humane_a power_n or_o policy_n immediate_o it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n for_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o wise_a man_n of_o our_o own_o get_v and_o increase_v its_o absolute_a authority_n over_o man_n conscience_n by_o obtrude_a on_o the_o world_n supposititious_a write_n and_o corrupt_v the_o monument_n of_o former_a time_n by_o false_a miracle_n and_o forge_v false_a story_n by_o war_n also_o and_o persecution_n by_o massacre_n treason_n and_o rebellion_n in_o short_a by_o all_o manner_n of_o carnal_a mean_n whether_o violent_a or_o fraudulent_a so_o take_v away_o these_o support_n and_o that_o religion_n can_v stand_v by_o its_o own_o strength_n and_o true_o his_o reason_n in_o the_o three_o section_n of_o the_o same_o book_n against_o the_o paganish_a worship_n that_o it_o be_v from_o evil_a spirit_n because_o they_o instigate_v their_o worshipper_n to_o destroy_v they_o that_o worship_v one_o god_n hold_v good_a still_o if_o there_o be_v any_o force_n in_o it_o to_o prove_v the_o roman_a church_n not_o to_o be_v act_v by_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n because_o they_o will_v not_o let_v those_o live_v have_v they_o sufficient_a power_n who_o worship_n only_o one_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o belief_n before_o mention_v into_o which_o they_o be_v baptise_a not_o presume_v to_o superadd_a any_o thing_n else_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o while_o they_o have_v be_v most_o cruel_a to_o those_o who_o for_o fear_n of_o offend_a god_n dare_v not_o allow_v the_o worship_n they_o give_v to_o saint_n which_o they_o think_v belong_v to_o he_o alone_o nor_o fall_v down_o before_o the_o sacrament_n and_o adore_v it_o as_o very_o god_n himself_o they_o have_v tolerate_v such_o without_o any_o censure_n who_o have_v raise_v st._n francis_n into_o a_o equality_n with_o if_o not_o superiority_n unto_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o make_v the_o bless_a virgin_n a_o kind_n of_o goddess_n nay_o call_v the_o pope_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o lord_n give_v he_o such_o a_o power_n over_o all_o king_n and_o kingdom_n as_o sober_a man_n among_o themselves_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o which_o be_v just_a after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o
the_o downfall_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o daemon_n and_o of_o magical_a art_n and_o one_o god_n be_v worship_v with_o a_o detestation_n of_o daemon_n who_o power_n and_o authority_n porphyry_n acknowledge_v be_v break_v by_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v think_v that_o any_o wicked_a spirit_n be_v so_o ignorant_a and_o foolish_a as_o to_o effect_v and_o often_o bring_v to_o pass_v thing_n that_o be_v cause_n of_o its_o own_o hurt_n and_o disgrace_n and_o no_o way_n conduce_v to_o its_o honour_n or_o benefit_n beside_o it_o stand_v no_o way_n with_o the_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v so_o harmless_a and_o innocent_a man_n such_o as_o fear_v he_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o delusion_n of_o devil_n and_o such_o be_v the_o first_o follower_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o their_o innocent_a life_n and_o by_o the_o many_o calamity_n which_o they_o endure_v for_o conscience_n sake_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o thou_o affirm_v that_o those_o work_n of_o christ_n proceed_v from_o some_o good_a spirit_n which_o be_v inferior_a to_o god_n in_o so_o say_v thou_o do_v confess_v that_o the_o same_o work_n be_v well_o please_v unto_o god_n and_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n forasmuch_o as_o good_a spirit_n do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v acceptable_a and_o glorious_a unto_o god_n to_o say_v nothing_o now_o of_o some_o of_o christ_n work_n which_o be_v so_o miraculous_a that_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v god_n himself_o for_o the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o can_v not_o have_v be_v do_v but_o by_o the_o immediate_a finger_n of_o a_o omnipotent_a power_n as_o special_o the_o restore_a divers_a person_n from_o death_n unto_o life_n again_o now_o god_n do_v not_o produce_v any_o miracle_n nor_o suffer_v any_o such_o wonder_n to_o be_v wrought_v without_o just_a cause_n for_o it_o become_v not_o a_o wise_a maker_n of_o law_n to_o forsake_v and_o depart_v from_o his_o own_o law_n unless_o upon_o some_o good_a and_o weighty_a reason_n now_o no_o other_o cause_n of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v give_v than_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v by_o christ_n himself_o namely_o that_o hereby_o his_o doctrine_n may_v be_v verify_v and_o confirm_v and_o doubtless_o they_o that_o be_v spectator_n of_o his_o work_n can_v conceive_v no_o other_o reason_n thereof_o among_o which_o since_o there_o be_v as_o be_v say_v many_o godly_a man_n pious_o and_o devout_o affect_v it_o be_v horrible_a impiety_n to_o imagine_v that_o god_n do_v work_v these_o thing_n only_o to_o delude_v and_o deceive_v they_o and_o this_o be_v one_o cause_n why_o very_a many_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o live_v about_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n even_o such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o relinquish_v or_o omit_v one_o jot_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n such_o as_o those_o who_o be_v call_v nazarenes_n and_o ebionites_n do_v notwithstanding_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o jesus_n be_v a_o doctor_n or_o master_n send_v from_o heaven_n sect_n vii_o christ_n resurrection_n prove_v by_o credible_a reason_n beside_o the_o miracle_n that_o christ_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n another_o like_a argument_n may_v be_v take_v from_o his_o wonderful_a resurrection_n to_o life_n again_o after_o that_o he_o be_v crucify_a dead_a and_o bury_v for_o the_o christian_n of_o all_o age_n and_o country_n allege_v the_o same_o not_o only_o for_o a_o truth_n but_o also_o as_o the_o most_o strong_a ground_n and_o chief_a foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o those_o that_o first_o teach_v christianity_n do_v persuade_v their_o auditor_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o for_o certain_a and_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o induce_v any_o wise_a man_n to_o the_o belief_n hereof_o unless_o they_o can_v very_o affirm_v that_o themselves_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o this_o matter_n for_o without_o such_o a_o ocular_a testimony_n no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n will_v have_v give_v credit_n unto_o they_o especial_o in_o such_o time_n when_o to_o believe_v they_o be_v to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o great_a mischief_n and_o danger_n but_o that_o this_o be_v their_o constant_a assertion_n both_o their_o own_o book_n and_o other_o write_n do_v testify_v for_o out_o of_o their_o book_n it_o appear_v that_o they_o appeal_v unto_o five_o hundred_o witness_n that_o have_v behold_v jesus_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a now_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fashion_n of_o liar_n and_o dissembler_n to_o appeal_v to_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o witness_n neither_o can_v it_o possible_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o so_o many_o man_n shall_v agree_v and_o conspire_v together_o to_o bear_v false_a witness_n or_o suppose_v there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o witness_n save_o those_o twelve_o know_a apostle_n the_o first_o publisher_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o this_o have_v be_v sufficient_a no_o man_n be_v wicked_a for_o nothing_o and_o honour_n for_o their_o lie_v they_o can_v not_o expect_v in_o regard_n that_o all_o kind_n of_o dignity_n and_o promotion_n be_v then_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o pagan_n or_o jew_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v nothing_o but_o reproach_n and_o ignominy_n neither_o can_v they_o hope_v for_o any_o wealth_n and_o riches_n because_o this_o profession_n be_v oftentimes_o punish_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o good_n and_o possession_n or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o the_o gospel_n can_v not_o be_v teach_v by_o they_o unless_o they_o omit_v or_o neglect_v all_o care_n about_o worldly_a good_n neither_o can_v the_o hope_n of_o any_o other_o worldly_a advantage_n move_v they_o to_o utter_v untruth_n see_v that_o the_o very_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n do_v expose_v they_o to_o labour_n hunger_n thirst_n stripe_n and_o imprisonment_n to_o get_v credit_n and_o reputation_n only_o among_o their_o own_o countryman_n be_v not_o so_o much_o worth_n that_o they_o poor_a simple_a man_n who_o life_n and_o doctrine_n be_v abhorrent_n from_o all_o pride_n shall_v therefore_o run_v upon_o so_o great_a inconvenience_n neither_o again_o can_v they_o have_v any_o hope_n their_o doctrine_n will_v make_v such_o progress_n as_o to_o win_v they_o any_o fame_n be_v oppose_v both_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n which_o be_v intent_n to_o its_o own_o advantage_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o who_o then_o every_o where_o govern_v unless_o they_o have_v be_v some_o way_n animate_v and_o encourage_v by_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o promise_v themselves_o that_o this_o fame_n such_o as_o it_o may_v prove_v will_v be_v durable_a since_o they_o expect_v god_n on_o purpose_n conceal_v his_o counsel_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o end_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o near_o approach_v which_o both_o their_o own_o write_n and_o the_o writing_n of_o those_o christian_n that_o follow_v they_o make_v most_o evident_a it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o we_o say_v if_o they_o do_v lie_v it_o be_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v right_o consider_v for_o either_o they_o do_v sincere_o believe_v that_o this_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n or_o else_o they_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a nay_o if_o they_o think_v not_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o the_o best_a they_o will_v never_o have_v make_v choice_n hereof_o and_o refuse_v other_o religion_n far_o more_o safe_a and_o commodious_a nay_o further_o though_o they_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v true_a yet_o they_o will_v not_o have_v profess_v it_o unless_o they_o have_v be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o profession_n thereof_o be_v necessary_a special_o for_o that_o they_o may_v have_v easy_o foresee_v and_o partly_o they_o can_v tell_v by_o experience_n what_o troop_n of_o man_n will_v be_v expose_v to_o death_n for_o this_o profession_n which_o without_o just_a cause_n to_o occasion_n be_v no_o better_a than_o plain_a robbery_n or_o murder_n but_o if_o we_o say_v they_o believe_v that_o this_o religion_n be_v true_a and_o the_o very_o best_a and_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v profess_v and_o that_o after_o the_o death_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n sure_o that_o can_v no_o way_n be_v so_o if_o their_o master_n promise_n concern_v his_o resurrection_n have_v deceive_v they_o and_o not_o prove_v true_a for_o that_o have_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n disbelieve_v even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v already_o entertain_v moreover_o all_o religion_n and_o christianity_n more_o than_o any_o other_o forbid_v lie_v in_o bear_v false_a witness_n especial_o in_o divine_a thing_n wherefore_o they_o can_v not_o
circumcision_n a_o exact_a rest_n from_o labour_n upon_o the_o sabbath_n and_o the_o prohibition_n of_o eat_v sundry_a kind_n of_o meat_n some_o of_o which_o custom_n the_o turk_n have_v borrow_v from_o they_o add_v further_o a_o prohibition_n for_o drink_v wine_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v that_o as_o god_n be_v a_o most_o pure_a spirit_n so_o be_v he_o to_o be_v worship_v with_o pureness_n of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n together_o with_o such_o work_v as_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n without_o a_o precept_n be_v most_o laudable_a and_o honest_a thus_o the_o professor_n thereof_o be_v not_o to_o circumcise_v the_o flesh_n but_o their_o carnal_a lust_n and_o desire_n not_o to_o keep_v holy_a day_n by_o a_o rest_n from_o all_o kind_n of_o work_n whatsoever_o but_o only_o from_o that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a nor_o be_v we_o to_o offer_v unto_o god_n the_o blood_n and_o fat_a of_o beast_n but_o if_o need_v be_v even_o our_o own_o blood_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o what_o bounty_n or_o liberality_n soever_o we_o bestow_v upon_o poor_a and_o necessitous_a person_n to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o give_v to_o god_n himself_o we_o need_v not_o now_o abstain_v from_o any_o kind_n of_o meat_n or_o drink_n but_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o use_v they_o both_o with_o moderation_n so_o that_o our_o health_n be_v not_o thereby_o impair_v sometime_o notwithstanding_o subdue_a our_o body_n to_o our_o mind_n by_o fast_v that_o they_o thereby_o may_v be_v the_o better_o fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o more_o cheerful_a devotion_n but_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o this_o religion_n it_o be_v every_o where_o apparent_a lie_v in_o a_o pious_a confidence_n by_o which_o be_v compose_v to_o a_o faithful_a obedience_n we_o rely_v whole_o upon_o god_n and_o steadfast_o believe_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n whence_o there_o arise_v a_o good_a hope_n and_o a_o true_a love_n both_o of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n which_o make_v we_o obey_v his_o precept_n not_o in_o a_o base_a servile_a manner_n for_o fear_v of_o punishment_n but_o that_o we_o may_v please_v he_o and_o have_v he_o out_o of_o his_o great_a goodness_n our_o father_n and_o rewarder_n moreover_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o pray_v not_o for_o riches_n or_o honour_n or_o such_o thing_n as_o many_o time_n do_v hurt_v to_o those_o that_o wish_v much_o for_o they_o but_o first_o and_o chief_o that_o which_o tend_v to_o god_n glory_n then_o for_o ourselves_o so_o much_o of_o these_o perish_a thing_n as_o nature_n desire_v leave_v the_o rest_n to_o divine_a providence_n and_o satisfy_v ourselves_o that_o all_o shall_v be_v well_o which_o way_n soever_o thing_n go_v but_o for_o eternal_a thing_n it_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v with_o the_o most_o earnest_a desire_n viz._n for_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n past_a and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o time_n to_o come_v whereby_o be_v strengthen_v against_o all_o terror_n and_o allurement_n we_o may_v constant_o persist_v in_o a_o pious_a course_n of_o life_n this_o be_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o christian_a religion_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v invent_v more_o worthy_a of_o almighty_a god_n sect_n fourteen_o concern_v the_o office_n of_o humanity_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o our_o neighbour_n like_o to_o these_o be_v the_o duty_n we_o owe_v unto_o our_o neighbour_n as_o for_o mahumet_n religion_n be_v hatch_v in_o war_n it_o breathe_v nothing_o but_o war_n and_o be_v propagate_v by_o war_n and_o hostility_n thus_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n of_o the_o lacedaemonian_n which_o among_o the_o greek_n be_v most_o applaud_v even_o by_o the_o oracle_n of_o apollo_n aristotle_n note_n and_o blame_v they_o for_o it_o be_v whole_o direct_v to_o warlike_a force_n and_o yet_o the_o same_o aristotle_n maintain_v war_n against_o barbarian_n to_o be_v natural_a when_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n make_v to_o friendship_n and_o society_n for_o what_o be_v more_o unjust_a and_o unequal_a than_o for_o single_a murder_n to_o be_v punish_v but_o to_o vaunt_v and_o triumph_v in_o the_o slaughter_n of_o whole_a nation_n as_o in_o a_o glorious_a exploit_n and_o yet_o that_o so_o much_o celebrate_v roman_a commonwealth_n how_o do_v it_o come_v by_o such_o a_o name_n but_o by_o war_n which_o ofttimes_o be_v manifest_o unjust_a as_o they_o themselves_o confess_v those_o be_v against_o sardinia_n and_o cyprus_n and_o true_o general_o as_o the_o best_a historian_n have_v commit_v to_o memory_n most_o nation_n think_v robbery_n and_o plunder_n without_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o own_o country_n to_o be_v no_o disgrace_n at_o all_o to_o they_o the_o exact_v of_o revenge_n aristotle_n and_o cicero_n make_v a_o piece_n of_o virtue_n to_o behold_v sword-player_n cut_v and_o slash_v each_o other_o be_v one_o of_o the_o public_a recreation_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o nothing_o more_o ordinary_a than_o to_o expose_v their_o child_n among_o the_o hebrew_n indeed_o there_o be_v a_o better_a law_n and_o more_o holy_a discipline_n but_o yet_o to_o a_o people_n of_o a_o impotent_a anger_n some_o thing_n be_v connive_v at_o and_o some_o thing_n indulge_v as_o a_o violent_a seizure_n upon_o the_o seven_o nation_n who_o have_v deserve_v it_o with_o which_o not_o content_v they_o prosecute_v all_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o with_o a_o cruel_a hatred_n the_o sign_n and_o mark_n of_o which_o yet_o remain_v in_o the_o prayer_n which_o they_o conceive_v against_o we_o christian_n but_o to_o prosecute_v he_o that_o hurt_v they_o by_o render_v like_a for_o like_a and_o to_o kill_v by_o their_o own_o private_a hand_n him_z that_o have_v slay_v any_o of_o their_o kindred_n be_v permit_v by_o the_o law_n itself_o whereas_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n forbid_v we_o to_o revenge_v any_o injury_n that_o be_v do_v we_o either_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n lest_o that_o wickedness_n which_o we_o condemn_v in_o other_o we_o shall_v again_o allow_v by_o its_o imitation_n it_o will_v have_v we_o do_v good_a to_o all_o to_o the_o good_a indeed_o chief_o but_o to_o the_o wicked_a also_o after_o the_o example_n of_o god_n who_o bestow_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o star_n the_o rain_n the_o wind_n and_o shower_n in_o common_a upon_o all_o man_n whatsoever_o sect_n xv._o of_o the_o conjunction_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n the_o conjunction_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n whereby_o mankind_n be_v propagate_v be_v a_o thing_n most_o worthy_a of_o the_o care_n of_o law_n which_o part_n of_o they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n the_o pagan_n neglect_v when_o they_o tell_v such_o lewd_a story_n of_o the_o whoredom_n and_o adultery_n of_o the_o god_n which_o they_o worship_v nay_o the_o filthy_a and_o abominable_a use_n which_o one_o man_n make_v of_o another_o be_v defend_v by_o the_o example_n of_o their_o go_n into_o who_o number_n upon_o that_o account_n ganymedes_n be_v ancient_o put_v and_o afterward_o antinous_n which_o flagitious_a wickedness_n be_v now_o most_o frequent_a among_o the_o mahometan_n and_o be_v think_v lawful_a by_o the_o chinese_n and_o other_o nation_n yea_o the_o philosopher_n of_o greece_n seem_v to_o have_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o find_v out_o a_o honest_a name_n for_o that_o most_o filthy_a thing_n among_o which_o greek_n philosopher_n the_o most_o excellent_a commend_v community_n of_o woman_n what_o do_v they_o do_v else_o but_o turn_v a_o whole_a city_n into_o one_o common_a brothel-house_n a_o most_o unworthy_a thing_n for_o since_o there_o be_v among_o some_o mute_a animal_n a_o certain_a conjugal_a league_n or_o covenant_n how_o much_o more_o equal_a be_v it_o that_o so_o holy_a a_o creature_n as_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v bear_v of_o uncertain_a seed_n with_o the_o extinction_n of_o all_o those_o mutual_a affection_n which_o be_v natural_o between_o parent_n and_o their_o child_n the_o hebrew_n law_n indeed_o forbid_v all_o filthiness_n but_o both_o allow_v one_o man_n to_o have_v more_o wife_n and_o give_v the_o husband_n also_o a_o right_n for_o any_o cause_n to_o put_v away_o his_o wife_n which_o the_o mahometan_n at_o this_o day_n use_v and_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_n ancient_o with_o such_o licence_n that_o the_o lacedaemonian_n and_o cato_n even_o lend_v their_o wife_n to_o other_o man_n to_o use_v for_o a_o time_n but_o the_o most_o perfect_a law_n of_o christ_n penetrate_v to_o the_o very_a root_n of_o vice_n and_o hold_v he_o who_o only_a attempt_n upon_o the_o chastity_n of_o any_o woman_n or_o look_v lascivious_o upon_o she_o to_o be_v guilty_a before_o god_n the_o judge_n and_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o that_o crime_n which_o though_o not_o act_v yet_o be_v desire_v and_o since_o all_o true_a friendship_n be_v perpetual_a and_o insoluble_a he_o will_v deserve_o have_v that_o to_o be_v such_o which_o with_o
hand_n i_o now_o take_v into_o my_o hand_n to_o present_v unto_o thy_o majesty_n under_o the_o form_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n he_o thou_o can_v not_o reject_v nor_o i_o his_o priest_n who_o offer_v he_o unto_o thou_o etc._n etc._n or_o some_o such_o like_a word_n more_o befit_v their_o present_a notion_n than_o desire_v a_o angel_n may_v carry_v what_o the_o priest_n offer_v and_o present_v it_o unto_o god._n but_o we_o find_v quite_o contrary_a which_o be_v the_o last_o thing_n i_o shall_v observe_v that_o in_o conclusion_n the_o priest_n acknowledge_v that_o by_o christ_n jesus_n god_n always_o create_v and_o sanctify_v and_o quicken_v and_o bless_v make_v a_o cross_n upon_o the_o host_n and_o the_o chalice_n at_o every_o one_o of_o those_o three_o last_o word_n all_o these_o good_a thing_n which_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o nothing_o but_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n consecrate_v to_o the_o commemoration_n and_o representation_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n sacrifice_v for_o we_o for_o christ_n own_o very_a natural_a body_n and_o blood_n can_v in_o any_o tolerable_a sense_n be_v say_v to_o be_v continual_o create_v and_o quicken_v or_o make_v alive_a unless_o you_o will_v suppose_v he_o to_o have_v be_v dead_a before_o nay_o not_o to_o have_v be_v at_o all_o for_o creation_n imply_v the_o thing_n not_o to_o have_v be_v and_o vivification_n not_o to_o have_v be_v then_o alive_a when_o it_o be_v quicken_v yet_o this_o fancy_n of_o christ_n real_a presence_n in_o the_o sacrament_n by_o transubstantiation_n against_o which_o there_o be_v such_o numerous_a testimony_n in_o their_o own_o communion_n service_n be_v now_o become_v the_o main_a article_n of_o their_o religion_n for_o we_o all_o know_v to_o our_o great_a grief_n and_o astonishment_n that_o when_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o this_o realm_n be_v on_o their_o side_n subscription_n be_v not_o urge_v to_o any_o article_n of_o their_o religion_n upon_o such_o violent_a and_o bloody_a term_n as_o unto_o this_o of_o the_o real_a presence_n the_o mystery_n of_o which_o iniquity_n as_o a_o great_a man_n of_o our_o own_o say_v in_o the_o age_n before_o we_o can_v be_v better_a resolve_v than_o into_o the_o powerful_a and_o deceitful_a work_n of_o satan_n who_o delight_v thus_o to_o do_v despite_n to_o our_o lord_n and_o to_o his_o religion_n by_o seduce_v his_o profess_a subject_n into_o a_o belief_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o make_v they_o and_o he_o ridiculous_a unto_o unbeliever_n and_o engage_v they_o in_o the_o worst_a kind_n of_o rebellion_n he_o can_v imagine_v by_o worship_v bread_n and_o wine_n instead_o of_o their_o saviour_n and_o all_o this_o upon_o the_o least_o occasion_n and_o shallow_a reason_n sect_n xiii_o other_o instance_n of_o it_o but_o beside_o these_o plain_a confession_n of_o that_o church_n against_o itself_o there_o be_v many_o other_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o just_a name_n wherein_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o several_a of_o their_o own_o learned_a man_n ready_a to_o be_v produce_v for_o our_o and_o against_o their_o belief_n prove_v clear_o that_o the_o present_a be_v not_o the_o old_a religion_n of_o that_o church_n but_o that_o they_o have_v bring_v into_o it_o many_o innovation_n by_o add_v to_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o scripture_n by_o make_v their_o vulgar_a latin_a translation_n of_o the_o bible_n about_o which_o they_o themselves_o can_v agree_v authentical_a by_o forbid_v the_o people_n to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o by_o deny_v they_o the_o public_a prayer_n in_o a_o language_n they_o understand_v by_o give_v the_o pope_n not_o only_o a_o new_a title_n of_o universal_a bishop_n but_o a_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o for_o many_o age_n by_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o sacrament_n and_o alter_v their_o nature_n by_o take_v away_o the_o cup_n from_o the_o people_n and_o turn_v the_o sacrament_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n into_o a_o proper_a expiatory_a sacrifice_n by_o celebrate_v the_o eucharist_n without_o any_o body_n to_o communicate_v by_o set_v up_o image_n in_o church_n and_o ordain_v religious_a worship_n to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o by_o invocate_a saint_n and_o angel_n as_o be_v say_v before_o and_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n and_o indulgence_n and_o many_o other_o together_o with_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o strange_a ceremony_n in_o the_o make_n holy_a water_n consecrate_v bell_n etc._n etc._n for_o which_o no_o antiquity_n can_v be_v pretend_v the_o woeful_a effect_n of_o which_o be_v this_o if_o we_o may_v speak_v the_o plain_a truth_n that_o by_o press_v upon_o man_n belief_n a_o great_a deal_n too_o much_o and_o place_v great_a virtue_n in_o trifle_n they_o have_v tempt_v man_n to_o believe_v nothing_o at_o all_o as_o be_v apparent_a from_o hence_o that_o where_o and_o when_o as_o a_o excellent_a writer_n of_o our_o own_o speak_v this_o religion_n have_v most_o absolute_o command_v there_o and_o then_o atheism_n or_o infidelity_n have_v most_o abound_v and_o how_o shall_v it_o do_v otherwise_o when_o as_o he_o observe_v so_o many_o lie_a legend_n have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o man_n belief_n and_o so_o many_o false_a miracle_n forge_v to_o justify_v they_o as_o be_v very_o likely_a to_o make_v suspicious_a man_n question_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o and_o so_o many_o weak_a and_o frivolous_a ceremony_n devise_v and_o such_o abundance_n of_o ridiculous_a observance_n in_o religion_n introduce_v as_o be_v no_o less_o apt_a to_o beget_v a_o secret_a contempt_n and_o scorn_n of_o it_o in_o witty_a man_n and_o consequent_o atheism_n and_o impiety_n if_o they_o have_v this_o persuasion_n settle_v in_o their_o mind_n which_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v root_v in_o they_o from_o their_o childhood_n that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o that_o religion_n they_o be_v as_o good_a be_v of_o none_o at_o all_o and_o when_o a_o great_a part_n also_o of_o the_o doctrine_n now_o mention_v so_o apparent_o make_v for_o the_o temporal_a end_n of_o those_o who_o teach_v they_o that_o sagacious_a man_n can_v scarce_o forbear_v think_v they_o be_v on_o purpose_n devise_v to_o serve_v those_o design_n that_o particular_a doctrine_n also_o of_o transubstantiation_n be_v so_o portentous_a that_o join_v with_o the_o forename_a persuasion_n of_o no_o papist_n no_o christian_n it_o have_v in_o all_o probability_n bring_v more_o than_o averro_n to_o this_o resolution_n since_o christian_n eat_v that_o which_o they_o adore_v let_v my_o soul_n be_v among_o the_o philosopher_n and_o last_o the_o pretence_n which_o be_v so_o common_a that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n but_o their_o church_n infallibility_n and_o yet_o no_o ground_n to_o believe_v their_o church_n infallibility_n but_o some_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v too_o plain_a a_o way_n to_o lead_v those_o who_o discern_v the_o labyrinth_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v neither_o church_n nor_o scripture_n sect_n fourteen_o whereby_o they_o have_v spoil_v christianity_n as_o the_o pagan_n do_v the_o natural_a religion_n these_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v already_o urge_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o our_o church_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o i_o repeat_v here_o again_o because_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o powerful_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o already_o taint_v or_o too_o far_o go_v in_o that_o delusion_n which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o to_o sum_n up_o all_o belong_v to_o this_o head_n we_o may_v safe_o say_v popery_n be_v just_a such_o a_o depravation_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n as_o paganism_n be_v of_o the_o natural_a religion_n there_o can_v be_v a_o right_a conception_n of_o it_o than_o this_o which_o appear_v too_o plain_o in_o the_o absurd_a doctrine_n and_o opinion_n which_o they_o have_v mingle_v with_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o their_o multiply_a superstition_n in_o their_o fabulous_a relation_n of_o the_o saint_n wherein_o they_o have_v surpass_v the_o very_a poet_n themselves_o and_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o rest_n in_o their_o prostrate_v themselves_o before_o image_n and_o give_v religious_a worship_n to_o man_n depart_v which_o last_o instance_n furnish_v the_o pagan_n of_o cochin_n with_o this_o answer_n to_o the_o jesuit_n as_o christoph_n borrus_fw-la one_o of_o that_o order_n relate_v when_o they_o press_v upon_o they_o the_o belief_n of_o one_o god_n and_o no_o more_o we_o do_v believe_v it_o say_v they_o but_o those_o who_o you_o see_v we_o worship_n in_o their_o image_n be_v man_n of_o great_a sanctity_n who_o pious_a people_n therefore_o worship_v according_a to_o their_o merit_n just_a as_o you_o give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n divers_a degree_n of_o honour_n and_o religious_a service_n as_o you_o know_v they_o to_o have_v excel_v in_o virtue_n
truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n p._n 47_o sect._n ii_o here_o be_v show_v that_o jesus_n live_v p._n 48_o sect._n iii_o and_o be_v put_v to_o a_o ignominious_a death_n ib._n sect._n iu._n yet_o afterward_o be_v worship_v by_o prudent_a and_o godly_a men._n p._n 49_o sect._n v._n 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 p._n 50_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 p._n 51_o sect._n vii_o christ_n resurrection_n prove_v by_o credible_a reason_n p._n 55_o sect._n viii_o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o resurrection_n seem_v impossible_a p._n 60_o sect._n ix_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n be_v grant_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n be_v confirm_v p._n 61_o sect._n x._o christian_a religion_n prefer_v before_o all_o other_o p._n 62_o sect._n xi_o for_o excellency_n of_o reward_n p._n 63_o sect._n xii_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n that_o body_n once_o dead_a can_v be_v revive_v again_o p._n 66_o sect._n xiii_o the_o excellency_n of_o holy_a precept_n give_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n p._n 69_o sect._n fourteen_o concern_v the_o office_n of_o humanity_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o our_o neighbour_n p._n 72_o sect._n xv._o of_o the_o conjunction_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n p._n 74_o sect._n xvi_o touch_v the_o use_n of_o temporal_a good_n p._n 76_o sect._n xvii_o of_o swear_v p._n 79_o sect._n xviii_o of_o other_o matter_n ib._n sect._n xix_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n touch_v the_o controversy_n abound_v among_o christian_n p._n 80_o 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 p._n 82_o sect._n xxi_o also_o from_o the_o wonderful_a spread_n of_o this_o religion_n p._n 86_o 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 p._n 88_o sect._n xxiii_o what_o great_a impediment_n there_o be_v that_o may_v terrify_v man_n from_o the_o embrace_v or_o the_o profess_v hereof_o p._n 90_o sect._n xxiv_o answer_v to_o they_o that_o require_v more_o forcible_a reason_n p._n 94_o the_o content_n of_o the_o three_o book_n sect._n i._o to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n 〈◊〉_d sect._n ii_o here_o be_v know_v that_o such_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n the_o name_n they_o have_v prefix_v p._n 99_o sect._n iii_o some_o book_n be_v ancient_o doubt_v of_o p._n 100_o sect._n iu_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o book_n as_o have_v no_o title_n be_v prove_v from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o writer_n p._n 101_o sect._n v._n 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 p._n 102_o sect._n vi_o as_o also_o because_o they_o will_v not_o lie_v p._n 104_o 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 p._n 106_o sect._n viii_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o write_n confirm_v from_o hence_o that_o many_o thing_n be_v find_v there_o which_o the_o event_n have_v prove_v to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v p._n 108_o sect._n ix_o as_o also_o from_o god_n care_n in_o preserve_v his_o people_n from_o false_a writing_n p._n 109_o sect._n x._o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n that_o divers_a book_n be_v not_o receive_v by_o all_o p._n 110_o sect._n xi_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n that_o these_o book_n seem_v to_o contain_v thing_n impossible_a p._n 113_o sect._n xii_o or_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n p._n 114_o sect._n xiii_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n that_o some_o of_o these_o book_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o other_o p._n 116_o sect._n fourteen_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n take_v from_o outward_a testimony_n which_o make_v more_o for_o these_o book_n p._n 118_o sect._n xv._o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v change_v p._n 119_o sect._n xvi_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n p._n 123_o the_o content_n of_o the_o four_o book_n sect._n i._n a_o particular_a confutation_n of_o the_o religion_n opposite_a to_o christianity_n p._n 129_o sect._n ii_o and_o first_o of_o paganism_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n create_v spirit_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a the_o good_a not_o to_o be_v honour_v but_o as_o the_o most_o high_a god_n direct_v p._n 131_o sect._n iii_o evil_a spirit_n adore_v by_o pagan_n and_o how_o impious_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v p._n 132_o sect._n iu_o against_o the_o worship_n which_o in_o paganism_n be_v exhibit_v to_o man_n after_o their_o death_n p._n 135_o sect._n v._n against_o worship_v of_o star_n and_o element_n p._n 136_o sect._n vi_o against_o worship_v of_o bruit-beast_n p._n 137_o sect._n vii_o against_o worship_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v no_o substance_n p._n 139_o sect._n viii_o answer_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o gentile_n take_v from_o miracle_n do_v among_o they_o p._n 141_o sect._n ix_o and_o from_o oracle_n p._n 144_o sect._n x._o paganism_n decay_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n so_o soon_o as_o humane_a aid_n cease_v p._n 146_o sect._n xi_o answer_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o that_o think_v the_o beginning_n and_o decay_n of_o religion_n depend_v upon_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o star_n p._n 147_o sect._n xii_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o christianity_n be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o heathen_a and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v believe_v therein_o the_o like_a or_o worse_o be_v find_v among_o the_o pagan_n p._n 150_o the_o content_n of_o the_o five_o book_n sect._n i._n a_o refutation_n of_o the_o jew_n begin_v with_o a_o speech_n unto_o they_o or_o prayer_n for_o they_o p._n 153_o sect._n ii_o the_o jew_n ought_v to_o account_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n sufficient_o prove_v p._n 154_o sect._n iii_o and_o not_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o devil_n p._n 156_o sect._n iu._n or_o by_o the_o power_n of_o word_n and_o syllable_n p._n 158_o sect._n v._n the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n be_v divine_a because_o he_o teach_v the_o worship_n of_o one_o god_n the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n p._n 159_o sect._n vi_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n take_v from_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o christ_n where_o be_v show_v that_o a_o more_o perfect_a law_n than_o that_o of_o moses_n may_v be_v give_v p._n 160_o sect._n vii_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v observe_v by_o jesus_n who_o abolish_v no_o commandment_n that_o be_v essential_o good_a p._n 163_o sect._n viii_o as_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o of_o themselves_o be_v never_o well-pleasing_a unto_o god_n p._n 167_o sect._n ix_o the_o difference_n of_o meat_n p._n 172_o sect._n x._o and_o of_o day_n p._n 174_o sect._n xi_o also_o of_o outward_a circumcision_n p._n 177_o sect._n xii_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n be_v gentle_a in_o the_o toleration_n of_o these_o thing_n p._n 179_o sect._n xiii_o a_o proof_n against_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o promise_a messiah_n p._n 180_o sect._n fourteen_o who_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v already_o come_v by_o the_o limit_a time_n of_o his_o come_n which_o be_v foretell_v p._n 181_o sect._n xv._o answer_v to_o that_o which_o some_o conceive_v touch_v the_o defer_v of_o his_o come_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n p._n 184_o sect._n xvi_o also_o from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n compare_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o law_n promise_v p._n 185_o sect._n xvii_o jesus_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n by_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v foretell_v concern_v the_o messiah_n p._n 188_o sect._n xviii_o answer_v to_o that_o which_o be_v object_v of_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o fulfil_v p._n 190_o sect._n xix_o and_o to_o that_o which_o be_v object_v of_o the_o mean_a condition_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n p._n 192_o sect._n xx._n and_o as_o though_o they_o be_v honest_a man_n that_o put_v he_o to_o death_n p._n 197_o sect._n xxi_o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n that_o many_o god_n be_v worship_v by_o the_o christian_n p._n 200_o sect._n xxii_o and_o that_o a_o humane_a nature_n be_v worship_v p._n 201_o sect._n xxiii_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o part_n with_o prayer_n for_o the_o jew_n p._n 203_o the_o content_n of_o the_o six_o book_n sect._n i._n a_o confutation_n of_o mahumetanisme_n the_o beginning_n of_o it_o p._n 205_o sect._n ii_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o mahumetanisme_n in_o deny_v inquiry_n into_o religion_n p._n 208_o sect._n iii_o a_o proof_n against_o the_o mahometans_n take_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o christian_n which_o be_v not_o corrupt_v p._n 209_o sect._n iu_o by_o compare_v mahumet_n with_o christ_n in_o their_o person_n p._n 212_o sect._n v._n and_o in_o their_o deed_n p_o 213_o sect._n vi_o also_o such_o as_o first_o embrace_v both_o religion_n p._n 214_o sect._n vii_o the_o manner_n how_o both_o their_o law_n be_v pro_fw-la pagate_v ib._n sect._n viii_o the_o precept_n of_o both_o religion_n compare_v p._n 216_o sect_n ix_o answer_v to_o the_o mahometans_n objection_n concern_v the_o son_n of_o god_n p._n 218_o sect._n x._o many_o absurd_a thing_n in_o the_o book_n of_o mahumetan_n p_o 219_o sect._n xi_o a_o conclusion_n direct_v unto_o christian_n admonish_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o what_o have_v former_o be_v handle_v p._n 220_o the_o content_n of_o the_o seven_o book_n sect._n i._n a_o introduction_n show_v what_o make_v the_o addition_n of_o another_o book_n necessary_a p._n 229_o sect._n ii_o division_n among_o christian_n no_o such_o objection_n against_o christianity_n as_o be_v imagine_v 230_o sect._n iii_o as_o appear_v even_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o have_v give_v the_o great_a scandal_n p._n 232_o sect_n iv_o but_o both_o contradict_v itself_o and_o depart_v from_o the_o ancient_a and_o true_o catholic_n church_n p_o 234_o sect._n v._n christianity_n therefore_o be_v not_o there_o in_o its_o purity_n but_o much_o corrupt_v p._n 236_o sect._n vi_o answer_n to_o a_o evasion_n from_o the_o force_n of_o the_o forego_n argument_n p._n 237_o sect._n vii_o their_o absurd_a explication_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n p._n 239_o sect._n viii_o which_o forbid_v we_o to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o upon_o such_o term_n p._n 240_o sect._n ix_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n not_o to_o slight_v episcopal_a authority_n p._n 243_o sect._n x._o argument_n enough_o in_o the_o forego_n book_n to_o prove_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n not_o to_o be_v sincere_o preserve_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n one_o be_v their_o way_n of_o worship_n p._n 244_o sect._n xi_o another_o be_v the_o way_n of_o promote_a their_o religion_n p_o 248_o sect_n xii_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o overthrow_v their_o own_o religion_n p._n 250_o sect_n xiii_o other_o instance_n of_o it_o p._n 256_o sect_n fourteen_o whereby_o they_o have_v spoil_v christianity_n as_o the_o pagan_n do_v the_o natural_a religion_n p._n 259_o sect._n xv._o answer_v to_o what_o they_o say_v about_o miracle_n p._n 262_o sect._n xvi_o answer_v to_o another_o objection_n p_o 265_o sect._n xvii_o popery_n and_o mahometisin_n have_v the_o same_o original_a p._n 268_o sect._n xviii_o and_o support_v its_o self_n by_o the_o same_o mean_n p._n 269_o sect_n xix_o and_o refuse_v to_o be_v try_v by_o scripture_n p._n 272_o sect._n xx._n the_o vanity_n of_o their_o appeal_n to_o tradition_n p._n 277_o sect._n xxi_o and_o their_o guilt_n in_o what_o they_o say_v about_o the_o holy_a scripture_n p._n 279_o sect_n xxii_o it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n therefore_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o scripture_n p._n 283_o sect_n xxiii_o which_o have_v more_o manifest_a note_n of_o certainty_n than_o the_o church_n p._n 284_o sect._n xxiv_o the_o great_a encouragement_n we_o have_v to_o do_v so_o p._n 287_o sect._n xxv_o conclusion_n of_o all_o p._n 294_o the_o end_n