this_o be_v rather_o of_o barbarous_a cruelty_n in_o the_o pagan_n for_o their_o resistance_n then_o direct_o for_o hatred_n of_o jewish_a religion_n and_o for_o the_o number_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o more_o christian_n be_v put_v to_o death_n within_o two_o month_n for_o their_o belief_n through_o out_o the_o world_n than_o be_v of_o jew_n for_o two_o thousand_o year_n before_o christ_n come_n which_o be_v undoubted_o a_o matter_n very_o wonderful_a consider_v that_o the_o jewish_a religion_n impugn_a no_o less_o the_o pagan_a idolatry_n then_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_n but_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o christ_n word_n may_v be_v fulfil_v who_o say_v i_o come_v noâ—â—o_o bring_v peace_n but_o the_o sword_n 2._o and_o aâ—gaine_o i_o send_v you_o forth_o as_o sheep_n among_o wolf_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o be_v tear_v and_o harry_v and_o your_o blood_n to_o be_v devour_v in_o which_o extreme_a and_o most_o incredible_a suffering_n of_o christian_n three_o point_n be_v worthy_a of_o great_a consideration_n martyr_n the_o first_o what_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o all_o estate_n condition_n sex_n quality_n and_o age_n do_v suffer_v daily_a for_o testimony_n of_o this_o truth_n the_o second_o what_o intolerable_a and_o unaccustomed_a 12._o torment_n not_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n before_o be_v devise_v by_o tyrant_n for_o afflict_v this_o kind_n of_o people_n the_o thyrd_o what_o invincible_a courage_n and_o unspeakable_a alacrity_n the_o christian_n show_v in_o bear_v out_o these_o affliction_n which_o the_o enemy_n themselves_o can_v not_o attribute_v but_o to_o some_o divine_a power_n &_o supernatural_a assistance_n and_o for_o this_o latter_a point_n of_o comfort_n in_o their_o suffering_n i_o will_v allege_v only_o this_o testimony_n of_o tertullian_n against_o the_o gentile_n who_o object_v that_o wicked_a man_n suffer_v also_o as_o well_o as_o christian_n suffering_n whereto_o this_o learned_a doctor_n 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when_o he_o be_v take_v except_o it_o be_v for_o that_o he_o be_v not_o take_v rather_o if_o he_o be_v note_v by_o the_o enemy_n for_o a_o christian_a he_o glori_v in_o the_o same_o if_o he_o be_v accuse_v he_o defend_v not_o himself_o if_o he_o be_v ask_v the_o question_n he_o confess_v it_o willing_o if_o he_o be_v condemn_v he_o yield_v thanks_o what_o evil_a be_v there_o then_o in_o the_o christian_a cause_n which_o lack_v the_o natural_a sequel_n of_o evil_a i_o mean_v fear_n shame_n tergiversation_n repentance_n sorrow_n and_o deploration_n what_o evil_a i_o say_v can_v this_o be_v deem_v who_o guiltiness_n be_v joy_n who_o accusation_n be_v desire_v who_o punishment_n be_v happiness_n hitherto_o be_v the_o word_n of_o learned_a tertullian_n who_o be_v a_o eye_n witness_n of_o that_o he_o write_v martyr_n and_o have_v no_o small_a part_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o that_o suffer_v be_v himself_o in_o y_z t_z place_n and_o state_n as_o daily_o he_o may_v expect_v to_o taste_v of_o the_o same_o affliction_n to_o which_o combat_n how_o ready_a he_o wasâ—_n may_v appear_v by_o diverse_a place_n of_o this_o his_o apology_n wherein_o he_o utter_v beside_o his_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n a_o most_o confident_a security_n and_o certain_a assurance_n of_o jesus_n assistance_n by_o that_o which_o he_o have_v see_v perform_v to_o infinite_a other_o in_o their_o great_a distress_n from_o the_o same_o lord_n before_o so_o that_o nothing_o do_v more_o acertaine_a we_o of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o omnipotency_n of_o jesus_n than_o the_o fortitude_n invisible_a which_o above_o all_o human_a reason_n force_n and_o nature_n he_o impart_v to_o his_o martyr_n the_o five_o consideration_n after_o which_o consideration_n there_o come_v to_o be_v weigh_v the_o five_o point_n before_o mention_v which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o power_n and_o omnipotency_n of_o jesus_n declare_v and_o exercise_v upon_o the_o spirit_n infernal_a spirit_n which_o thing_n partly_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o oracle_n allege_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o former_a section_n wherein_o those_o spirit_n foretell_v that_o a_o hebrew_n child_n shall_v be_v bear_v to_o the_o utter_a subversion_n and_o ruin_n of_o their_o tyrannical_a dominion_n &_o much_o more_o at_o large_a the_o same_o may_v be_v declare_v by_o other_o answer_n &_o oracle_n utter_v after_o christ_n nativity_n &_o register_v in_o the_o monument_n even_o of_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o whereof_o he_o that_o desire_v to_o see_v more_o ample_a mention_n especial_o out_o of_o porphyry_n who_o then_o be_v lyve_v let_v he_o read_v eusebius_n sixth_o book_n de_fw-fr preparatione_fw-la euangelica_fw-la where_o he_o shall_v find_v store_n &_o namely_o that_o apollo_n many_o time_n exclaimedâ—_n hei_fw-la mihi_fw-la congemiscite_fw-la hei_fw-la mihi_fw-la hei_o mihi_fw-la oraculorum_fw-la defecit_fw-la i_o claritas_fw-la woe_n unto_o mâ—e_n lament_v you_o with_o i_o woe_n unto_o i_o woe_n unto_o i_o for_o that_o the_o honour_n of_o oracle_n have_v now_o forsake_v i_o which_o complaint_n &_o lamentation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o plain_a confession_n that_o jesus_n be_v he_o of_o who_o a_o prophet_n say_v diverse_a age_n before_o 2_o attenuabit_fw-la omnes_fw-la deos_fw-la terrae_fw-la he_o shall_v wear_v out_o and_o bring_v to_o beggary_n all_o the_o god_n or_o idol_n of_o the_o earth_n this_o confess_v also_o the_o wicked_a spirit_n themselves_o when_o at_o christ_n appear_v in_o jury_n they_o come_v unto_o he_o divers_a time_n and_o beseech_v he_o not_o to_o afflict_v or_o torment_v they_o nor_o command_v they_o present_o to_o return_v unto_o hell_n but_o rather_o to_o permit_v they_o some_o little_a time_n of_o entertainment_n in_o the_o sea_n or_o mountain_n or_o among_o herd_n of_o swine_n or_o the_o like_a which_o confession_n they_o make_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o declare_v the_o same_o afterward_o by_o their_o fact_n and_o deed_n for_o present_o upon_o jesus_n death_n &_o upon_o the_o preach_n of_o his_o name_n &_o gospel_n throughout_o the_o world_n appear_v the_o oracle_n which_o before_o be_v abundant_a in_o every_o province_n and_o country_n be_v put_v to_o silence_n whereof_o i_o may_v allege_v the_o testimony_n of_o very_a many_o gentile_n themselves_o as_o that_o of_o iwenall_n iwenall_n cessant_fw-la oracula_fw-la delphis_n 6._o all_o oracle_n at_o delphos_n do_v now_o cease_v etc._n etc._n that_o also_o of_o another_o poet_n excessere_fw-la omnes_fw-la adytis_fw-la lucan_n arisque_fw-la relictis_fw-la dij_fw-la quibus_fw-la imperium_fw-la hoc_fw-la sto_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v the_o god_n by_o who_o this_o empire_n stand_v be_v all_o depart_v from_o their_o temple_n &_o have_v abandon_v their_o altar_n and_o place_n of_o habitation_n strabo_n have_v also_o these_o express_a word_n geograph_n the_o oracle_n of_o delphos_n at_o this_o day_n be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o extreme_a beggary_n &_o mendicitie_fw-la oraculo_fw-la and_o final_o plutarch_n that_o live_v within_o one_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n make_v a_o special_a book_n to_o search_v out_o the_o cause_n why_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o god_n be_v cease_v in_o his_o tyme._n and_o after_o much_o turn_n and_o wind_v many_o way_n resolve_v upon_o two_o principal_a point_n or_o cause_n thereof_o cause_n the_o first_o for_o that_o in_o his_o time_n there_o be_v more_o store_n of_o wiseman_n then_o before_o who_o answer_n may_v stand_v in_o steed_n of_o oracle_n and_o the_o other_o that_o peradventure_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v accustom_v to_o yield_v oracle_n be_v by_o length_n of_o time_n grow_v old_a and_o dead_a both_o which_o reason_n in_o the_o very_a common_a sense_n of_o all_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v false_a and_o by_o plutarch_n himself_o can_v stand_v with_o probability_n for_o first_o in_o his_o book_n which_o he_o write_v of_o the_o life_n of_o ancient_a famous_a man_n he_o confess_v that_o in_o such_o kind_n of_o wisdom_n as_o he_o
yet_o sometime_o for_o manifestation_n of_o his_o omnipotency_n as_o especial_o it_o be_v behoveful_a in_o those_o first_o day_n of_o his_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n he_o chasten_v they_o also_o even_o here_o on_o earth_n in_o the_o eye_n and_o sight_n of_o all_o man_n so_o we_o read_v of_o the_o most_o infamous_a and_o miserable_a death_n of_o herode_fw-la the_o first_o ascolonita_n surname_v ascolonita_n who_o after_o his_o persecution_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o infancy_n 21_o &_o the_o slaughter_n of_o the_o infant_n in_o bethleem_n for_o his_o sake_n be_v weary_v out_o by_o a_o loathsome_a life_n in_o fear_n and_o horror_n of_o his_o own_o wife_n and_o child_n who_o after_o he_o have_v most_o cruel_o murder_v be_v enforce_v also_o by_o desperation_n through_o his_o unspeakable_a grief_n vexation_n and_o torment_n to_o offer_v his_o own_o hand_n to_o his_o own_o destruction_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v stay_v by_o his_o friend_n that_o stand_v about_o he_o archelaus_n after_o he_o archelaus_n his_o elder_a son_n that_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o jesus_n at_o his_o return_n from_o egypt_n fall_v also_o by_o god_n justice_n into_o marvellous_a calamity_n for_o first_o be_v leave_v a_o king_n by_o his_o father_n 6_o augustus_n will_v not_o allow_v or_o ratify_v that_o succession_n but_o of_o a_o king_n make_v he_o a_o tetrarch_n assign_v unto_o he_o only_o the_o four_o part_n of_o that_o dominion_n which_o his_o father_n have_v before_o and_o then_o again_o after_o nine_o year_n space_n take_v that_o away_o in_o like_a manner_n with_o the_o great_a dishonour_n he_o can_v devise_v seize_v upon_o all_o his_o treasure_n and_o riches_n by_o the_o way_n of_o confiscation_n and_o condemn_v his_o person_n to_o perpetual_a banishment_n wherein_o he_o die_v most_o myserable_o in_o vienna_n in_o france_n not_o long_o after_o this_o the_o second_o son_n of_o herod_n the_o first_o name_v herod_n antipas_n antipas_n tetrarch_n of_o galilie_o who_o put_v s._n john_n baptist_n to_o death_n &_o scorn_v jesus_n before_o his_o passion_n whereat_o both_o himself_o and_o herodias_n his_o concubine_n be_v present_a be_v depose_v also_o by_o caius_n the_o emperor_n 8_o be_v accuse_v by_o agrippa_n his_o near_a kinsman_n and_o most_o contumelious_o send_v in_o exile_n first_o to_o lion_n in_o france_n and_o after_o that_o to_o the_o most_o desert_n and_o inhabitable_a place_n in_o spain_n where_o he_o with_o herodias_n wander_v up_o and_o down_o in_o extreme_a calamity_n so_o long_o as_o they_o live_v and_o final_o end_v their_o day_n abandon_v of_o all_o man_n in_o which_o misery_n also_o it_o be_v record_v that_o the_o dance_a daughter_n of_o herodias_n daughter_n who_o have_v in_o her_o jollity_n demand_v john_n baptist_n head_n be_v on_o a_o certain_a time_n enforce_v to_o pass_v over_o a_o freeze_a river_n 20._o sudden_o the_o ice_n break_v and_o she_o in_o her_o fall_n have_v her_o head_n cut_v off_o by_o the_o same_o ice_n without_o hurt_v the_o rest_n of_o her_o body_n to_o the_o great_a admiration_n of_o all_o the_o looker_n on_o the_o like_a event_n have_v another_o of_o herod_n family_n name_v herod_n agrippa_n agrippa_n the_o accuser_n of_o the_o forenamed_a herode_fw-la the_o tetrarch_n who_o in_o his_o great_a glory_n &_o triumph_v have_v put_v to_o death_n s._n james_n the_o brother_n of_o s._n john_n evangelist_n and_o imprison_v s._n peter_n be_v soon_o after_o in_o a_o public_a assembly_n of_o prince_n and_o noble_n at_o caesaria_n strike_v from_o heaven_n with_o a_o most_o horrible_a disease_n whereby_o his_o body_n putrify_v 12._o and_o be_v eat_v with_o vermin_n as_o both_o s._n luke_n record_v and_o josephus_n affirm_v 7_o and_o the_o same_o josephus_n with_o no_o small_a marvel_n in_o himself_o declare_v that_o at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n when_o he_o write_v his_o story_n 7_o which_o be_v about_o threescore_o and_o ten_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n the_o first_o the_o whole_a progeny_n and_o offspring_n kindred_n &_o family_n of_o the_o say_v herod_n which_o he_o say_v be_v exceed_o great_a extinguish_v by_o reason_n he_o have_v many_o wife_n together_o with_o many_o child_n brother_n and_o sister_n beside_o nephew_n &_o kinsfolk_n wâ—re_v all_o extinguish_v in_o most_o miserable_a sort_n and_o give_v a_o testimony_n say_v josephus_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o most_o vain_a confidence_n that_o man_n do_v put_v in_o human_a felicity_n and_o as_o the_o punishment_n light_v open_o upon_o jesus_n profess_v enemy_n in_o jury_n roman_n so_o escape_v not_o all_o the_o roman_n their_o chastisement_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o especial_o have_v their_o hand_n in_o persecution_n of_o he_o or_o of_o his_o follower_n after_o hymn_n for_o first_o of_o pontius_n pilate_n that_o gaâ—e_a sentence_n of_o death_n pilate_n against_o he_o we_o read_v that_o after_o great_a disgrace_n recâ—iâ—ed_v in_o â—urie_n hist._n he_o be_v send_v home_o into_o italy_n anâ—_n there_o by_o manife_a dysfavour_n show_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o emperor_n his_o master_n hist_o fall_v into_o sâ—ch_a desâ—eraâ—ionâ—_n as_o he_o slay_v himself_o with_o hiâ—â—wne_a hâ—nds_n aâ—â—_n second_o oâ—_n the_o very_a emperor_n themselves_o who_o live_v â—rom_o tyâ—â—â—iâ—s_n uâ—der_v who_o â—esus_fw-la sufferedâ—_n unto_o constantine_n the_o great_a under_o who_o christian_n religion_n take_v dominion_n over_o the_o world_n which_o contain_v the_o space_n of_o three_o hundred_o year_n very_o few_o or_o none_o escape_v the_o manifest_a scourge_n of_o god_n dreadful_a justice_n show_v upon_o they_o at_o the_o knit_n up_o of_o their_o day_n for_o example_n sake_n tiberius_n that_o permit_v christian_n to_o live_v free_o apolog._n and_o make_v a_o law_n against_o their_o molestation_n as_o before_o have_v be_v show_v die_v peaceable_o in_o his_o bed_n but_o caligula_n that_o follow_v he_o caligulaâ—_n for_o his_o contempt_n show_v against_o all_o divine_a power_n in_o make_v himself_o a_o god_n be_v soon_o after_o murder_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o dear_a friend_n nero_n also_o who_o first_o of_o all_o other_o begin_v persecution_n against_o the_o christian_n nero._n within_o few_o month_n after_o he_o have_v put_v s._n peter_n and_o s._n paul_n to_o death_n in_o rome_n have_v murder_v in_o like_a manner_n his_o own_o mother_n brother_n wife_z and_o master_n be_v upon_o the_o sudden_a from_o his_o glorious_a estate_n and_o majesty_n throw_v down_o into_o such_o horrible_a distress_n &_o confusion_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o man_n as_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o senate_n to_o have_v â—ys_o head_n thrust_v into_o a_o pyllary_n and_o there_o most_o ignominious_o to_o be_v whyp_v to_o death_n be_v constrain_v for_o avoid_v the_o execution_n of_o that_o terrible_a sentence_n to_o massacre_v himself_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o such_o as_o be_v dear_a unto_o he_o the_o like_a may_v be_v show_v in_o the_o tragical_a end_n of_o galba_n otho_n vitellius_n domitian_n commodus_n pertinax_n myserable_o julian_n marcinus_n antoninus_n alexander_n decius_n gallus_n volutianus_n aemilianus_n valerianus_n galienus_n caius_n carinus_n maximianus_n maxentius_n lucinius_fw-la and_o other_o who_o miserable_a death_n 41_o a_o noble_a man_n &_o counsellor_n well_o near_o one_o thousand_o year_n pass_v do_v gather_v against_o zosimus_n a_o heathen_a writer_n to_o show_v thereby_o the_o powerful_a hand_n of_o jesus_n upon_o his_o enemy_n add_v furthermore_o that_o since_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n while_o emperor_n have_v be_v christian_n few_o or_o no_o such_o example_n can_v be_v show_v except_o it_o be_v upon_o julian_n the_o apostata_fw-la valens_n the_o arian_n heretic_n or_o some_o other_o of_o like_o detestable_a &_o notorious_a wickedness_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o particular_a man_n chastise_v by_o jesus_n but_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o have_v a_o full_a example_n of_o his_o justice_n upon_o a_o whole_a nation_n together_o people_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o befall_v jerusalem_n and_o the_o people_n of_o jury_n for_o their_o barbarous_a cruelty_n practise_v upon_o he_o in_o his_o death_n &_o passion_n and_o true_o if_o we_o believe_v josephus_n and_o phylo_n the_o jewish_a historiographer_n who_o live_v either_o with_o christ_n or_o immediate_o after_o he_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v express_v by_o y_z e_z tongue_n or_o pen_n of_o man_n what_o insufferable_a calamity_n and_o misery_n be_v inflict_v to_o that_o people_n present_o upon_o the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n by_o pilot_n their_o governor_n under_o tiberius_n the_o emperor_n and_o then_o again_o by_o petronius_n under_o caligula_n 12_o and_o after_o that_o by_o cumanus_n under_o claudius_n and_o last_o by_o festus_n and_o albinus_n under_o nero._n through_o who_o cruelty_n that_o nation_n be_v enforce_v final_o to_o rebel_v and_o take_v arm_n against_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o utter_a ruin_n and_o extirpation_n by_o tytus_fw-la and_o vespasian_n
compass_n of_o this_o work_n i_o mean_v only_o at_o this_o time_n for_o the_o comfort_n of_o such_o as_o be_v already_o in_o the_o right_a way_n and_o for_o some_o light_n unto_o other_o who_o perhaps_o of_o simplicity_n may_v walk_v awry_o to_o â—ette_v down_o with_o as_o great_a brevity_n as_o possible_o may_v be_v some_o few_o general_a note_n or_o observation_n for_o their_o better_a help_n in_o this_o behalf_n in_o which_o great_a affair_n of_o our_o say_v and_o belief_n wherein_o consist_v as_o well_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n as_o also_o the_o fruit_n and_o entire_a utility_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o this_o world_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o god_n can_v not_o of_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n foreseeing_a all_o thing_n and_o time_n to_o come_v nor_o ever_o will_v of_o his_o unspeakable_a goodness_n desire_v our_o salvation_n as_o he_o do_v leaâ—e_n we_o in_o this_o life_n without_o most_o sure_a certain_a and_o clear_a evidence_n of_o this_o matter_n and_o consequent_o we_o must_v imagine_v that_o all_o our_o error_n commit_v herein_o i_o mean_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n &_o belief_n among_o christian_n do_v proceed_v rather_o of_o sin_n christian_n negligence_n wilfulness_n or_o inconsideration_n of_o ourselves_o then_o either_o of_o dyfficulty_n or_o doubtfulness_n in_o the_o mean_v leave_v unto_o we_o for_o discern_v of_o y_fw-fr e_o same_o or_o of_o the_o want_n of_o god_n holy_a assistance_n to_o that_o effect_n if_o we_o will_v with_o humility_n accept_v thereof_o this_o esay_n make_v plain_a when_o he_o prophesy_v of_o this_o perspicuity_n that_o be_v of_o this_o most_o excellent_a privilege_n in_o christian_a religion_n so_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n be_v bear_v for_o after_o that_o in_o diverse_a chapter_n he_o have_v declare_v the_o glorious_a come_n of_o christ_n in_o sign_n and_o miracle_n as_o also_o the_o multitude_n of_o gentile_n that_o shall_v embrace_v his_o doctrine_n together_o with_o the_o joy_n and_o exultation_n of_o their_o conversion_n he_o foreshoweth_a present_o the_o wonderful_a providence_n of_o god_n also_o in_o provide_v for_o christian_n so_o manifest_a a_o way_n of_o direction_n for_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n as_o the_o most_o simple_a and_o unlearned_a man_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a but_o of_o wilfulness_n to_o go_v astray_o therein_o his_o word_n be_v these_o direct_v to_o the_o gentile_n 35_o take_v comfort_n and_o fear_v not_o behold_v your_o god_n shall_v come_v and_o save_v you_o then_o shall_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a be_v open_v and_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o deaf_a shall_v be_v restore_v etc._n etc._n and_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o path_n &_o away_o which_o be_v call_v gospel_n the_o holy_a way_n and_o it_o be_v unto_o you_o so_o direct_v away_o as_o fool_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o err_v therein_o by_o which_o word_n we_o see_v that_o among_o other_o rare_a benefit_n that_o christ_n people_n be_v to_o receive_v by_o his_o come_n this_o shall_v be_v one_o and_o not_o the_o least_o that_o after_o his_o holy_a doctrine_n once_o publish_v &_o receyve_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v easy_a for_o the_o weak_a in_o capacity_n or_o learning_n that_o may_v be_v who_o esay_n here_o note_v â—y_a the_o name_n of_o fool_n to_o run_v awry_o in_o matter_n of_o their_o belief_n sâ—_n plain_a clear_a and_o evident_a shall_v the_o way_n for_o trial_n thereof_o be_v make_v god_n have_v open_v himself_o unto_o we_o in_o y_z e_z holy_a scripture_n the_o write_n and_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n 28_o wherein_o be_v contain_v what_o soever_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o salvation_n etc._n for_o although_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n 20_o that_o be_v his_o power_n and_o godheade_n may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o workmanshyp_n and_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o as_o in_o a_o book_n write_v with_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o lay_v open_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n 1_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o his_o mighty_a power_n appear_v yet_o because_o 2_o either_o we_o read_v not_o this_o book_n at_o all_o or_o if_o we_o do_v we_o read_v it_o careless_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o lord_n god_n shall_v add_v another_o book_n more_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v read_v so_o as_o he_o may_v run_v that_o read_v it_o and_o this_o be_v as_o have_v be_v say_v his_o holy_a will_n reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o write_a word_n which_o s._n augustine_n therefore_o very_o well_o eremo_fw-la call_v y_o e_o letter_n or_o epistle_n of_o god_n send_v unto_o we_o from_o our_o heavenly_a country_n to_o teach_v we_o to_o live_v godly_a and_o righteous_o whilst_o we_o sojourn_v here_o in_o this_o present_a world_n 12_o 105_o this_o be_v that_o lantern_n whereby_o our_o foot_n may_v be_v direct_v and_o that_o light_n whereby_o our_o path_n may_v be_v guide_v unto_o christ_n it_o be_v that_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n and_o level_n of_o all_o our_o action_n whereby_o both_o our_o faith_n &_o life_n be_v to_o be_v square_v and_o frame_v 7_o yea_o it_o be_v that_o holy_a and_o undefiled_a way_n and_o withal_o that_o plain_a &_o easy_a way_n denote_v by_o esay_n which_o even_o the_o very_a entrance_n thereof_o gyve_v light_v and_o understanding_n as_o david_n speak_v unto_o the_o simple_a 130._o and_o although_o we_o must_v confess_v with_o s._n peter_n that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v yet_o we_o may_v also_o say_v with_o the_o same_o peter_n 16_o that_o they_o be_v hard_a to_o those_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a which_o pervert_v and_o wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n so_o that_o if_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v yet_o hyd_fw-we 4_o it_o be_v hide_v unto_o they_o that_o perish_v who_o sense_n sathan_n have_v close_v that_o the_o light_n thereof_o shall_v not_o shine_v unto_o they_o and_o here-hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n s_o paul_n pronounce_v so_o peremptory_o of_o a_o contentious_a and_o heretical_a man_n 3_o that_o he_o be_v damn_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n or_o conscience_n for_o that_o he_o have_v abandon_v this_o common_a direct_a and_o public_a way_n which_o all_o man_n may_v see_v &_o have_v devise_v particular_a path_n and_o turn_n to_o himself_o and_o here-hence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o christ_n primative_a church_n dyspute_v against_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o people_n defend_v always_o that_o their_o error_n be_v of_o malice_n and_o wilful_a blindness_n and_o not_o of_o ignorance_n apply_v these_o word_n of_o prophecy_n unto_o they_o 11._o they_o that_o see_v i_o run_v out_o from_o i_o thus_o than_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o plain_a and_o direct_a way_n mention_v by_o esay_n wherein_o no_o simple_a or_o ignorant_a man_n can_v err_v be_v the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o howsoever_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v obscure_a &_o darksome_a to_o man_n of_o perverse_a mind_n that_o be_v not_o exercise_v in_o it_o yet_o to_o the_o godly_a and_o studious_a reader_n &_o hearer_n that_o have_v their_o eye_n open_v and_o their_o mind_n lighten_v to_o see_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v most_o plain_a &_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v 1.19_o and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o those_o holy_a and_o sage_a apostle_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o better_a pervert_v of_o all_o bieway_n crooked_a path_n and_o blind_a lane_n of_o error_n that_o afterward_o may_v arise_v 16._o as_o by_o revelation_n from_o jesus_n they_o understand_v there_o shall_v do_v many_o 5._o so_o earnest_o exhort_v 3_o &_o so_o vehement_o call_v upon_o the_o people_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o document_n they_o receyve_v to_o hold_v firm_o the_o faith_n &_o doctrine_n already_o deliver_v as_o a_o depositum_fw-la &_o treasure_n commit_v to_o be_v safe_o keep_v until_o the_o last_o day_n and_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n they_o most_o dilligentlie_o forewarn_v they_o to_o beware_v of_o new-fangled_a teacher_n who_o they_o call_v heretic_n who_o shall_v break_v from_o the_o unity_n of_o that_o body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n &_o shall_v devise_v new_a gloss_n exposition_n and_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n bring_v in_o new_a sense_n doctrine_n opinion_n and_o devision_n to_o the_o rent_v of_o god_n church_n and_o city_n now_o build_v and_o to_o the_o perdition_n of_o infinite_a soul_n the_o apostle_n s_o paul_n even_o whilst_o he_o live_v 11_o find_v some_o of_o his_o scholar_n to_o be_v remoove_v by_o new_a fangle_a teacher_n to_o another_o gospel_n &_o the_o better_a to_o make_v they_o see_v their_o error_n he_o appeal_v to_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o
and_o whether_o thou_o go_v if_o hitherto_o thou_o have_v wander_v and_o go_v astray_o be_v sorry_a for_o the_o time_n lose_v but_o pass_v no_o further_o if_o hitherto_o thou_o have_v not_o consider_v y_o e_o weightines_n of_o this_o affair_n serve_v thyself_o of_o this_o admonition_n and_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v write_v that_o a_o wiseman_n profit_v by_o every_o occasion_n 6._o esteem_v thy_o resolution_n in_o this_o one_o point_n the_o chief_a menage_n that_o ever_o shall_v pass_v through_o thy_o hand_n in_o this_o world_n albeit_o y_o u_fw-la be_v a_o monarch_n and_o ruler_n of_o ten_o world_n together_o and_o final_o i_o will_v end_v with_o the_o very_a same_o word_n wherewith_o the_o wiseman_n conclude_v his_o whole_a book_n fear_v god_n and_o observe_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v every_o man_n 11._o that_o be_v in_o this_o do_v all_o and_o every_o man_n consist_v his_o end_n his_o beginning_n his_o life_n and_o cause_n of_o be_v that_o he_o fear_v god_n and_o direct_v his_o action_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o commandment_n for_o that_o without_o this_o he_o be_v no_o man_n in_o effect_n see_v that_o he_o lose_v all_o benefit_n both_o of_o his_o name_n nature_n redemption_n and_o creation_n that_o the_o service_n which_o god_n reqvire_v of_o man_n in_o this_o present_a life_n be_v religion_n with_o the_o particular_a confirmation_n of_o christian_a religion_n above_o all_o other_o in_o the_o world_n chap._n four_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n which_o create_v man_n and_o that_o man_n in_o respect_n thereof_o and_o of_o other_o benefit_n receive_v be_v bind_v to_o honour_n and_o serve_v the_o same_o god_n the_o question_n may_v be_v make_v in_o this_o place_n what_o service_n this_o be_v that_o god_n require_v and_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v whereunto_o the_o answer_n be_v brief_a &_o easy_a that_o it_o be_v religion_n religion_n which_o be_v a_o virtue_n that_o contain_v proper_o the_o worship_n &_o service_n that_o we_o owe_v unto_o god_n even_o as_o piety_n be_v a_o virtue_n piety_n contain_v the_o duty_n that_o child_n do_v owe_v unto_o their_o parent_n &_o observance_n another_o virtue_n observance_n that_o comprehend_v the_o regard_n that_o scholar_n and_o servant_n bear_v unto_o their_o master_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o comparison_n and_o likeness_n between_o these_o virtue_n god_n say_v by_o a_o certain_a prophet_n 1_o the_o son_n honour_v his_o father_n and_o the_o servant_n his_o master_n if_o then_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n religion_n the_o act_n of_o religion_n be_v diverse_a &_o different_a some_o internal_a as_o devotion_n and_o prayer_n some_o other_o external_a as_o adoration_n worship_n sacrifice_n oblation_n and_o such_o like_a that_o be_v declaration_n and_o protestation_n of_o the_o internal_a it_o extend_v itself_o also_o to_o stir_v up_o and_o put_v in_o â—re_n the_o act_n and_o operation_n of_o other_o virtue_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o which_o sense_n saint_n james_n name_v it_o 1_o pure_a &_o unspotted_a religion_n be_v to_o visit_v orphan_n &_o widow_n in_o their_o tribulation_n &_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o undefiled_a from_o the_o wickedness_n of_o this_o world_n final_o how_o soever_o some_o heathen_n do_v use_v this_o word_n religion_n 1._o to_o some_o other_o signification_n yet_o as_o s._n augustine_n well_o note_v the_o use_n thereof_o among_o the_o faithful_a have_v always_o be_v religious_a to_o signify_v thereby_o the_o worship_n honour_n and_o service_n that_o be_v due_a unto_o god_n so_o that_o if_o in_o one_o word_n you_o will_v have_v it_o declare_v what_o god_n require_v of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n it_o may_v be_v right_o say_v that_o all_o stand_v in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v religious_a hereof_o it_o proceed_v that_o whatsoever_o sort_n or_o sect_n of_o people_n in_o the_o world_n profess_a reverence_n honour_n or_o worship_n to_o god_n or_o to_o god_n or_o to_o any_o divine_a power_n essence_n or_o nature_n whatsoever_o be_v they_o jew_n heathen_n gentile_n christian_n turk_n moor_n heretic_n or_o other_o they_o do_v always_o call_v their_o say_a profession_n by_o the_o name_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o which_o sense_n also_o and_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n i_o be_o to_o treat_v at_o this_o time_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o be_v of_o the_o substance_n form_n manner_n &_o way_n reveal_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n unto_o we_o of_o perform_v our_o duty_n and_o true_a service_n towards_o god_n which_o service_n be_v the_o first_o point_n necessary_a to_o be_v resolve_v upon_o by_o he_o that_o seek_v his_o salvation_n as_o in_o the_o chapter_n y_fw-fr t_o go_v before_o have_v be_v declare_v and_o for_o obtain_v this_o service_n &_o the_o true_a knowledge_n thereof_o no_o mean_a upon_o earth_n be_v leave_v unto_o man_n but_o only_o the_o light_n and_o instruction_n of_o christian_a religion_n religion_n according_a to_o the_o protestation_n of_o s._n peter_n unto_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o he_o say_v 4_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n give_v unto_o man_n whereby_o to_o be_v save_v but_o only_o this_o of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o religion_n if_o you_o object_n against_o i_o that_o in_o former_a time_n before_o christ_n nativity_n as_o under_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n for_o two_o thousand_o year_n together_o there_o be_v many_o saintsâ—_n who_o without_o christian_a religion_n serve_v god_n upright_o religion_n as_o the_o prophet_n &_o other_o holy_a people_n and_o before_o they_o again_o in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n when_o neither_o jewish_a nor_o christian_a religion_n be_v yet_o hear_v of_o for_o more_o they_o two_o thousand_o year_n there_o want_v not_o divers_a that_o please_v god_n &_o serve_v he_o true_o as_o enoch_n no_o job_n abraham_n jacob_n and_o other_o i_o answer_v that_o albeit_o these_o man_n especial_o the_o former_a that_o live_v under_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n have_v not_o so_o particular_a &_o express_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n &_o of_o his_o mystery_n as_o we_o have_v now_o for_o this_o be_v reserve_v to_o the_o time_n of_o grace_n as_o s._n paul_n in_o diverse_a place_n at_o large_a declare_v 1_o that_o be_v albeit_o they_o know_v not_o express_o how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n christ_n shall_v be_v bear_v whether_o of_o a_o virgin_n or_o no_o or_o in_o what_o particular_a sort_n he_o shall_v live_v &_o die_v what_o sacrament_n he_o shall_v leave_v 14._o what_o way_n of_o publish_v his_o gospel_n he_o shall_v appoint_v &_o the_o like_a whereof_o notwithstanding_o very_a many_o particular_n be_v reveal_v to_o the_o jew_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o the_o near_o they_o draw_v to_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n appearance_n the_o more_o plain_a revelation_n be_v make_v of_o these_o mystery_n yet_o i_o say_v all_z and_o every_o one_o of_o these_o holy_a saint_n that_o live_v from_o abraham_n until_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n have_v knowledge_n in_o general_a of_o christian_a religion_n and_o do_v believe_v the_o same_o he_o that_o be_v they_o believe_v express_o that_o there_o shall_v come_v a_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n of_o mankind_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o bondage_n contract_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o adam_n this_o be_v reveal_v straight_o after_o their_o fall_n to_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o progenitor_n in_o paradise_n to_o wit_n that_o by_o the_o woman_n seed_n 15_o our_o redemption_n shall_v be_v make_v in_o respect_n whereof_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o revelation_n 3_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o lamb_n that_o have_v be_v slay_v â—ron_n the_o begin_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o world_n and_o saint_n peter_n in_o the_o first_o general_a counsel_n hold_v by_o the_o apostle_n 15._o affirm_v that_o the_o old_a ancient_a father_n before_o christ_n nativity_n 5._o be_v save_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n 8._o as_o we_o be_v now_o which_o s._n paul_n confirm_v in_o diverse_a place_n and_o final_o the_o matter_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o this_o behalf_n that_o the_o whole_a gala._n school_n of_o divine_n accord_v that_o faith_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n before_o christ_n appearance_n be_v the_o very_a same_o in_o substance_n that_o we_o be_v now_o save_v only_o that_o it_o be_v more_o general_a obscure_a and_o confuse_v then_o we_o be_v for_o that_o it_o be_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v as_o we_o be_v now_o of_o thing_n past_a &_o present_a for_o example_n they_o believe_v that_o a_o redeemer_n shall_v come_v and_o we_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v already_o come_v father_n they_o say_v virgo_fw-la concipiet_fw-la a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o we_o say_v virgo_fw-la concepit_fw-la a_o virgin_n have_v conceive_v they_o have_v sacrifice_n and_o ceremony_n y_o it_o prefigure_v his_o