enemy_n to_o christianity_n acknowledge_v but_o beside_o their_o testimony_n which_o be_v from_o adversary_n be_v uâ—â—y_a cogent_n we_o have_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o most_o place_n of_o the_o world_n for_o 1600_o year_n and_o upward_o and_o as_o he_o that_o will_v go_v up_o by_o the_o side_n of_o the_o river_n will_v at_o last_o come_v to_o the_o head_n and_o fountain_n of_o it_o so_o he_o that_o shall_v ascend_v through_o the_o several_a century_n of_o the_o church_n will_v at_o last_o infallible_o come_v to_o the_o head_n of_o it_o christ_n jesus_n to_o the_o place_n of_o his_o nativity_n his_o preach_a and_o mighty_a work_n that_o he_o do_v his_o bitter_a death_n and_o bloody_a passion_n or_o if_o he_o shall_v descend_v from_o christ_n through_o the_o same_o century_n down_o to_o this_o present_a time_n he_o may_v be_v far_o more_o certain_a of_o the_o birth_n and_o life_n and_o work_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o our_o bessed_a saviour_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n and_o apostle_n then_o that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o man_n in_o the_o world_n as_o alexander_n the_o great_a julius_n caesar_n pompey_n scipio_n hannibal_n of_o the_o war_n and_o noble_a acheivement_n manage_v by_o they_o of_o william_n the_o conqueror_n the_o baron_n war_n and_o yet_o none_o but_o a_o fool_n or_o a_o mad_a man_n or_o one_o that_o have_v vow_v to_o believe_v no_o far_o then_o what_o he_o can_v see_v with_o his_o own_o eye_n will_v doubt_v of_o these_o for_o that_o the_o tradition_n which_o convey_v the_o same_o of_o these_o worthy_n and_o their_o action_n down_o unto_o we_o be_v nothing_o so_o general_a as_o that_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n neither_o be_v it_o at_o all_o practical_a but_o pure_o historical_a wherein_o we_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v whether_o or_o no_o the_o thing_n report_v of_o those_o noble_a warrior_n be_v true_a or_o false_a dub._n he_o that_o will_v not_o assent_v to_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o universal_a tradition_n take_v away_o the_o use_n of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o noble_a science_n in_o the_o world_n viz._n history_n and_o want_v rather_o a_o cudgel_n then_o a_o argument_n to_o confute_v he_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o undeniable_a tradition_n that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o do_v great_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v whether_o the_o work_n which_o they_o do_v be_v true_a miracle_n sure_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o know_v what_o be_v true_a and_o what_o be_v a_o imposture_n firm._n tho'_o at_o present_a this_o may_v appear_v difficult_a to_o you_o yet_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v make_v this_o difference_n as_o manifest_v to_o you_o as_o be_v that_o which_o be_v betwixt_o gold_n and_o dross_n and_o here_o i_o will_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o the_o nicety_n of_o the_o schoolman_n betwixt_o mirum_fw-la &_o miraculum_fw-la that_o a_o true_a miracle_n be_v arduum_fw-la insoliâ—um_fw-la supra_fw-la vim_o naturae_fw-la hard_a unusual_a and_o above_o the_o powèr_n of_o nature_n that_o it_o differ_v from_o a_o â—alse_a one_o in_o the_o efficient_a material_a and_o formal_a cause_n which_o be_v ignotum_fw-la per_fw-la ignotius_fw-la but_o to_o wave_v such_o subtlety_n a_o true_a miracle_n may_v be_v know_v from_o a_o false_a one_o 1._o by_o the_o success_n as_o exod._n 7.12_o it_o be_v say_v aaron_n rod_n swallow_v up_o those_o of_o the_o sorcerer_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n it_o be_v clear_a how_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n swallow_v up_o in_o effect_v all_o false_a one_o â—one_n by_o satin_n instrument_n how_o notwithstanding_o all_o those_o lie_a wonder_n wrought_v by_o simon_n magus_n apollonius_n and_o other_o the_o prejudicate_a world_n be_v bring_v over_o from_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n to_o embrace_v poor_a persecute_v christianity_n by_o those_o true_a miracle_n which_o otherwise_o have_v be_v the_o great_a miracle_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o a_o true_a miracle_n may_v be_v know_v from_o that_o which_o be_v a_o jugle_n or_o imposture_n by_o the_o design_n or_o end_n of_o it_o which_o be_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n to_o bring_v man_n over_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n to_o propagate_v the_o true_a religion_n the_o end_n of_o false_a one_o be_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o this_o worship_n which_o note_n of_o difference_n god_n himself_o have_v stamp_v upon_o false_a miracle_n deut._n 13_o dub._n but_o do_v not_o you_o now_o run_v into_o the_o same_o error_n which_o you_o so_o late_o condemn_v in_o other_o for_o by_o what_o you_o have_v say_v i_o must_v first_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n before_o i_o can_v know_v which_o be_v a_o true_a miracle_n and_o sure_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o use_n of_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v i_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o know_v before_o firm._n there_o be_v a_o mutual_a confirmation_n betwixt_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o true_a miracle_n true_a religion_n do_v give_v light_n to_o miracle_n these_o do_v seal_n and_o confirm_v that_o religion_n we_o see_v that_o all_o discursive_a knowledge_n do_v arise_v from_o some_o precedent_a knowledge_n until_o we_o ascend_v to_o such_o principle_n that_o be_v clear_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n now_o evident_a it_o be_v to_o natural_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n creator_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n that_o this_o one_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v religious_o worship_v the_o intelligent_a and_o learned_a heathen_n have_v acknowledge_v all_o these_o again_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v never_o but_o four_o general_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n paganism_n turkism_n judaisme_n and_o christianity_n and_o i_o think_v i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o manifest_v that_o of_o all_o these_o religion_n none_o be_v so_o rational_a or_o such_o a_o reasonable_a service_n as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o christian_a which_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v the_o old_a of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o father_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o flood_n for_o the_o spirituality_n morality_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o god_n heaâ—_n worship_v it_o be_v excellent_a beyond_o all_o other_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n and_o notice_n of_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n here_o upon_o any_o serious_a sober_a man_n may_v conclude_v that_o all_o these_o miracle_n which_o have_v be_v attempt_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o christianity_n be_v but_o mere_a imposture_n and_o those_o that_o have_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o wherein_o one_o true_a god_n of_o infinite_a majesty_n wisdom_n power_n and_o glory_n be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n be_v the_o only_a true_a miracle_n dub._n pray_v sir_n excuse_v i_o this_o unnecessary_a trouble_n which_o i_o have_v give_v you_o for_o by_o what_o you_o have_v say_v before_o concern_v the_o supereminent_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o all_o other_o i_o may_v have_v see_v the_o force_n of_o your_o reason_n which_o as_o i_o conceive_v stand_v thus_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n than_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o be_v the_o only_a true_a miracle_n firm._n you_o right_o conclude_v i_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o note_n or_o mark_v of_o a_o true_a mirâ—cle_n and_o that_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o consequent_a of_o such_o a_o miracle_n which_o be_v the_o draw_v of_o the_o mind_n from_o sin_n to_o god_n the_o primitive_a christian_n much_o insist_v on_o this_o as_o a_o undoubâ—ed_a evidence_n of_o tâ—e_v miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o divine_a power_n because_o the_o effect_n that_o follow_v they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n of_o souâ—â—_n from_o sin_n and_o idol_n to_o goâ—_n and_o christ_n and_o all_o true_a piety_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n they_o tend_v main_o to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o satan_n kingdom_n christ_n by_o his_o miracle_n do_v not_o only_o dispossess_v satan_n out_o of_o man_n body_n but_o out_o of_o his_o temple_n upon_o this_o accouâ—t_n he_o convince_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n of_o most_o irrational_a blasphemy_n when_o they_o object_v against_o he_o that_o he_o do_v cast_v out_o devil_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o he_o reply_v every_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o can_v stand_v mat._n 12.25_o besides_o christ_n doctrine_n which_o he_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n be_v in_o every_o thing_n contâ—â—â—y_o to_o the_o devil_n design_n which_o be_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n that_o himself_o may_v be_v worship_v to_o ensnare_v man_n in_o the_o practice_n
in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o moâ—t_o sacred_a word_n if_o he_o be_v true_a to_o these_o great_a fundamental_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v both_o a_o orthodox_n and_o a_o serious_a christian._n dub._n if_o you_o can_v give_v i_o as_o good_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n as_o you_o have_v in_o the_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a god_n creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n you_o will_v perform_v a_o work_n of_o great_a charity_n but_o i_o fâ—ar_v of_o as_o great_a difficulty_n firm._n happy_o you_o may_v perceive_v some_o difficulty_n in_o it_o but_o if_o you_o will_v make_v use_n of_o your_o reason_n and_o lay_v aside_o all_o prejudicate_a opinion_n which_o chief_o arise_v from_o that_o contrariety_n which_o be_v betwixt_o man_n carnal_a corrupt_a heart_n and_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n i_o hope_v by_o his_o blessing_n who_o cause_n i_o plead_v to_o persuade_v you_o to_o give_v your_o full_a assent_n to_o this_o other_o great_a principle_n of_o christianity_n dub._n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o weigh_v your_o reason_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o a_o even_o unbiased_a judgement_n and_o to_o receive_v they_o aâ—imo_fw-la defaecato_fw-la with_o a_o mind_n free_a from_o the_o dregs_o of_o sensuality_n interest_n partiality_n or_o prejudice_n firm._n upon_o the_o confidence_n to_o find_v this_o ingenuity_n in_o you_o i_o shall_v present_v you_o with_o these_o follow_a reason_n 1._o you_o do_v belive_o that_o there_o be_v a_o omnipotent_a god_n creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v that_o be_v infinite_a in_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n he_o make_v all_o these_o thing_n for_o some_o good_a end_n that_o he_o have_v order_v they_o to_o act_v and_o work_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o several_a nature_n that_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o have_v their_o be_v faculty_n operation_n from_o their_o all_o wise_a and_o glorious_a maker_n they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n to_o do_v homage_n and_o service_n to_o he_o that_o make_v they_o dub._n all_o this_o i_o grant_v to_o be_v very_o rational_a firm._n these_o thing_n be_v grant_v that_o not_o to_o mention_v other_o creature_n as_o man_n have_v his_o be_v reason_n and_o understanding_n from_o almighty_a god_n so_o be_v he_o bind_v to_o serve_v he_o in_o that_o way_n and_o manner_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o man_n excellent_a nature_n which_o must_v be_v therefore_o a_o reasonable_a service_n which_o all_o the_o world_n as_o well_o pagan_n as_o jew_n and_o christian_n call_v religion_n which_o according_a to_o all_o sober_a people_n comprehend_v duty_n of_o piety_n as_o prayer_n praise_n and_o sacrifice_n duty_n of_o temperance_n sobriety_n and_o chastity_n duty_n of_o honesty_n justice_n righteousness_n and_o all_o morality_n dub._n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a then_o that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o most_o wise_a and_o holy_a god_n that_o make_v man_n endue_v he_o with_o excellent_a faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n so_o there_o be_v a_o debt_n and_o duty_n owe_v from_o man_n to_o god_n his_o maker_n which_o all_o the_o world_n call_v religion_n and_o no_o people_n in_o the_o world_n be_v ever_o so_o barbarous_a say_v cicero_n as_o to_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o religion_n yea_o there_o be_v such_o a_o tendency_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n where_o it_o be_v not_o utter_o extinguish_v by_o brutish_a sensuality_n that_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v worship_v no_o god_n at_o all_o he_o will_v bow_v down_o to_o a_o sock_n or_o a_o stone_n so_o that_o clear_v it_o be_v if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n the_o creator_n and_o man_n by_o he_o create_v there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o religion_n firm._n true_o nothing_o do_v more_o necessary_o follow_v as_o du-plessis_n have_v well_o observe_v then_o a_o god_n a_o man_n a_o religion_n but_o if_o almighty_a god_n do_v make_v man_n to_o worship_v he_o sure_o he_o give_v he_o some_o rule_n for_o that_o worship_n some_o law_n to_o direct_v he_o in_o this_o great_a concern_n of_o his_o soul_n dub._n i_o can_v deny_v it_o and_o that_o this_o law_n be_v no_o law_n write_v in_o paper_n or_o engrave_v in_o table_n of_o stone_n but_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n which_o make_v tertullian_n utter_v these_o excellent_a word_n o_o aniâ—a_fw-la naturaliter_fw-la christiana_n o_o divine_a soul_n that_o be_v natural_o a_o christian._n we_o see_v that_o the_o fire_n ascend_v the_o water_n move_v towards_o the_o centre_n bird_n make_v their_o nest_n beast_n feed_v their_o young_a not_o by_o any_o outward_a positive_a law_n but_o by_o the_o unerring_a hand_n of_o nature_n and_o may_v not_o man_n that_o have_v a_o natural_a inclination_n to_o serve_v his_o maker_n perform_v this_o service_n without_o any_o institue_v law_n or_o prescribe_v canon_n firm._n there_o be_v no_o dispute_v against_o experience_n you_o see_v he_o do_v not_o and_o when_o you_o shall_v embrace_v and_o understand_v the_o holy_a scripture_n you_o will_v see_v he_o can_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o fall_n from_o that_o perfect_a staâ—e_v in_o which_o he_o be_v first_o make_v whereas_o the_o inferior_a creature_n keep_v their_o station_n dub._n i_o confess_v there_o be_v different_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n opposite_a one_o to_o another_o so_o that_o all_o of_o they_o can_v be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n of_o worship_v god_n some_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a firm._n if_o of_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n all_o be_v not_o in_o the_o right_n how_o will_v you_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o false_a this_o you_o can_v discern_v by_o any_o imprint_v law_n or_o light_n of_o nature_n unless_o excite_v by_o art_n and_o industry_n which_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n common_a to_o all_o man_n that_o be_v not_o natural_a fool_n and_o madman_n stupid_a inconsiderate_a wretch_n or_o debauch_a bruit_n who_o reason_n be_v â—unk_v down_o into_o gross_a sensuality_n dub._n it_o be_v very_o true_a if_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n be_v sufficient_a to_o point_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o say_v why_o so_o many_o sober_a man_n in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v not_o debauch_v their_o reason_n and_o judgement_n shall_v so_o strange_o differ_v about_o it_o firm._n i_o believe_v you_o can_v nor_o yet_o why_o jew_n and_o pagan_n do_v offer_v up_o bloody_a sacrifice_n to_o these_o deitys_n they_o worship_v do_v any_o light_n of_o nature_n make_v it_o rational_a that_o the_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o poor_a innocent_a beast_n or_o be_v it_o rational_a to_o imagine_v that_o they_o shall_v delight_v in_o humane_a sacrifice_n dub._n i_o must_v acknowledge_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n shall_v teach_v man_n that_o such_o sacrifice_n shall_v please_v the_o go_n i_o have_v often_o wonder_v at_o this_o part_n of_o worship_n use_v by_o jew_n and_o gentile_n pray_v sir_n give_v yourself_o the_o trouble_n of_o inform_v i_o whence_o this_o practice_n spring_v firm._n you_o be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o have_v not_o its_o original_n from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o albeit_o some_o kind_n of_o sacrifice_n as_o prayer_n praise_n alms-deed_n and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n deo_fw-la datori_fw-la to_o god_n that_o give_v they_o may_v spring_v from_o that_o light_n yet_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o beast_n be_v never_o show_v to_o jew_n or_o gentile_n by_o nature_n candle_n but_o be_v after_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n appoint_v by_o almighty_a god_n to_o prefigure_v the_o grand_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o he_o that_o be_v the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n which_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v term_v god_n ape_n teach_v his_o servant_n the_o gentile_n to_o imitate_v who_o have_v the_o shell_n but_o not_o the_o kernel_n the_o shadow_n but_o not_o the_o substance_n the_o outward_a rite_n but_o not_o christ_n crucify_v represent_v by_o it_o dub._n i_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o beast_n come_v not_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o you_o seem_v to_o make_v it_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v from_o divine_a revelation_n and_o positive_a institution_n firm._n you_o will_v be_v better_o satisfy_v when_o you_o shall_v consider_v that_o the_o founder_n of_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n do_v pretend_v to_o revelation_n numa_n lycurgus_n mahomet_n etc._n etc._n which_o the_o devil_n teach_v they_o to_o do_v in_o imitation_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n who_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o
god_n 2._o pet._n 1.20_o now_o there_o be_v but_o four_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n judaism_n christianity_n paganism_n and_o mahometism_n if_o i_o shall_v prove_v unto_o you_o that_o christianity_n who_o rule_n and_o foundation_n be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n and_o the_o other_o three_o false_a i_o hope_v you_o will_v grant_v that_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o it_o stand_v be_v the_o true_a revelation_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o give_v by_o inspiration_n and_o revelation_n from_o god_n which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o my_o first_o argument_n dub._n if_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o other_o three_o religion_n be_v false_a it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o revelation_n to_o which_o they_o pretend_v be_v likewise_o false_a firm._n this_o i_o shall_v easy_o do_v beginning_n with_o paganism_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o worship_v of_o the_o â—_z 1._o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n 2._o dâ—â—d_a man_n that_o call_v sabaisme_n this_o hâ—llâ—nisme_n from_o the_o nation_n that_o fiâ—st_v use_v these_o mode_n of_o worship_n of_o both_o which_o we_o have_v a_o short_a account_n in_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n chap._n 13._o and_o 14._o but_o more_o full_o in_o vossius_fw-la de_fw-la idolaâ—ria_fw-la and_o in_o the_o author_n of_o the_o gentile_n court_n who_o have_v mâ—de_v use_n of_o divers_a excellent_a man_n that_o have_v write_v of_o this_o subject_a that_o this_o religion_n of_o pagan_n be_v against_o the_o lâ—w_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n worship_v and_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o abominable_a â—ites_n and_o ceremony_n any_o man_n that_o have_v the_o least_o spark_n of_o that_o light_n remain_v in_o he_o may_v â—asily_o discern_v first_o the_o thing_n worship_v be_v the_o creature_n some_o of_o they_o that_o never_o have_v life_n other_o thâ—t_v once_o live_v but_o be_v now_o dead_a who_o ghost_n or_o mane_n the_o heathen_n imagine_v to_o be_v confine_v to_o their_o idol_n whereas_o no_o creature_n can_v be_v câ—pable_a of_o religious_a worship_n for_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o all_o right_a reason_n that_o one_o creature_n shall_v thus_o worship_v another_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o such_o worship_n because_o in_o he_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o he_o it_o be_v that_o give_v we_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n therefore_o deo_n datori_fw-la to_o god_n the_o creator_n and_o giver_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n all_o religious_a worship_n be_v only_o due_a beside_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a heathen_n acknowledge_v that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o god_n it_o be_v a_o common_a say_n among_o they_o dicite_fw-la plures_fw-la dicite_fw-la nullum_fw-la it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o say_v there_o be_v many_o god_n as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n for_o the_o notion_n which_o they_o have_v of_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v ens_fw-la infinitum_fw-la a_o be_v of_o infinite_a power_n and_o perfection_n but_o natural_a reason_n show_v they_o that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o infinite_a because_o infinite_a power_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n comprehend_v all_o power_n and_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v communicate_v to_o many_o or_o more_o than_o one_o second_o their_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v so_o ridiculous_a and_o so_o filthy_a that_o the_o apostle_n style_v they_o abominable_a idolatry_n it_o be_v against_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a modesty_n either_o to_o hear_v or_o speak_v of_o they_o he_o that_o desire_v to_o see_v paganism_n smart_o and_o solid_o confute_v let_v he_o peruse_v the_o ancient_a father_n lactantius_n arnobius_n minutius_n felix_fw-la eusebius_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n st._n augustine_n de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la etc._n etc._n dub._n i_o always_o conceive_v paganism_n to_o be_v a_o most_o vain_a and_o vile_a superstition_n contrary_a to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o i_o be_o no_o better_o persuade_v of_o mahometism_n however_o i_o desire_v to_o hear_v your_o reason_n against_o it_o firm._n you_o may_v please_v to_o receive_v they_o thus_o my_o first_o reason_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o novelty_n of_o it_o be_v not_o much_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n since_o that_o false_a prophet_n mahomet_n publish_v his_o rhapsody_n of_o nonsense_n fabulous_a fiction_n and_o damnable_a blasphemy_n to_o the_o world_n first_o from_o which_o i_o thus_o argue_v truth_n be_v before_o falsehood_n illud_fw-la verum_fw-la quod_fw-la antiquum_fw-la see_v the_o world_n be_v now_o above_o 5500_o year_n old_a and_o see_v religion_n have_v be_v practise_v in_o it_o from_o the_o creation_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v there_o be_v no_o true_a religion_n before_o mahomet_n or_o that_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n shall_v suffer_v gross_a error_n to_o infect_v the_o whole_a world_n at_o least_o 3000_o year_n before_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n be_v know_v unto_o man_n second_o mahometism_n be_v a_o mixture_n of_o judaisme_n heresy_n and_o paganism_n with_o some_o sprinkling_n of_o christianity_n a_o bundle_n of_o ridiculous_a fable_n prodigious_a lie_n as_o be_v evident_a to_o any_o that_o shall_v peruse_v the_o alcoran_n three_o it_o be_v propagate_v by_o the_o sword_n and_o such_o carnal_a weapon_n by_o sensual_a motive_n and_o promise_n of_o fleshly_a pleasure_n to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o all_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v follower_n of_o that_o grand_a impostor_n which_o be_v so_o unworthy_a of_o the_o rational_a soul_n that_o they_o can_v be_v call_v the_o cord_n of_o man_n but_o be_v only_o proper_a allurement_n for_o those_o who_o reason_n be_v sink_v down_o into_o brutish_a sensuality_n dub._n these_o reason_n do_v sufficient_o manifest_v the_o folly_n and_o falseness_n of_o this_o new_a or_o rather_o no_o religion_n but_o pray_v you_o inform_v i_o why_o you_o rank_v judaisme_n in_o the_o number_n of_o false_a religious_a see_v it_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o you_o believe_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n firm._n when_o i_o reckon_v judaisme_n among_o false_a religion_n i_o mean_v only_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v profess_v by_o the_o modern_a jew_n under_o &_o against_o the_o gospel_n not_o that_o which_o their_o forefather_n under_o the_o law_n live_v and_o die_v in_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v but_o one_o true_a religion_n consist_v of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n holy_a obedience_n and_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o the_o father_n before_o the_o law_n the_o israelite_n under_o the_o law_n the_o christian_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v and_o be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o religion_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o 1_o cor._n 10.1.2.3_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n to_o come_v the_o christian_n do_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v already_o come_v to_o they_o he_o be_v veil_v in_o type_n and_o shadow_n to_o we_o he_o be_v reveal_v and_o those_o shadow_n be_v vanish_v at_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n dub._n by_o what_o you_o have_v say_v it_o be_v evident_a thaâ—_n all_o religion_n that_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n except_o the_o jewish_a under_o the_o law_n and_o the_o christian_a under_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v for_o substance_n the_o very_a same_o be_v utter_o false_a and_o consequent_o their_o pretend_a revelation_n on_o which_o they_o be_v build_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n and_o satanical_a delusion_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a and_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o only_a certain_a and_o divine_a revelation_n your_o argument_n appear_v to_o be_v very_o conclude_v i_o pray_v you_o proceed_v firm._n my_o second_o argument_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o excellency_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a religion_n first_o this_o religion_n be_v most_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a resolve_v itself_o into_o most_o excellent_a principle_n and_o end_n the_o glorify_v of_o god_n and_o humble_v man_n pointing_z out_o unto_o we_o the_o most_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a life_n in_o the_o love_n and_o service_n of_o our_o creator_n in_o the_o dedication_n and_o devotion_n of_o our_o soul_n unto_o he_o in_o who_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v place_v our_o felicity_n in_o spiritual_a not_o in_o fleshly_a pleasure_n the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v holy_a scripture_n contain_v law_n most_o holy_a most_o pure_a most_o righteous_a let_v all_o the_o world_n if_o they_o can_v answer_v the_o challenge_n make_v by_o moses_n deu._n 4.8_o what_o nation_n be_v there_o so_o great_a that_o have_v statue_n and_o judgement_n so_o
righteous_a as_o all_o the_o law_n which_o be_v set_v before_o you_o this_o day_n which_o as_o to_o their_o clearness_n be_v high_o improve_v under_o the_o gospel_n engage_v we_o upon_o high_a and_o more_o heavenly_a motive_n those_o under_o the_o law_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n temporal_a to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n tit._n 2._o 12._o there_o be_v no_o virtue_n which_o christian_n religion_n commend_v not_o b._n no_o duty_n which_o it_o command_v not_o no_o vice_n no_o sin_n which_o it_o do_v not_o condemn_v no_o religion_n do_v so_o much_o condemn_v pride_n worldly-mindedness_a sensuality_n filthy_a lust_n a_o poor_a private_a narrow_a spirit_n selfishness_n as_o this_o no_o religion_n do_v so_o much_o commend_v humility_n meekness_n selfe-denyal_n charity_n peace_n unity_n no_o religion_n do_v so_o much_o exalt_v reason_n above_o passion_n and_o sense_n do_v so_o much_o ennoble_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n make_v it_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o riches_n honour_n pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n as_o so_o many_o vain_a shadow_n delude_a dream_n transitory_a nothing_o the_o great_a design_n of_o it_o be_v not_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a but_o high_a and_o heavenly_a as_o to_o set_v forth_o tâ—e_v gloâ—y_a of_o god_n to_o lift_v up_o the_o soul_n above_o the_o creature_n to_o lead_v man_n by_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o everlasting_a happiness_n this_o religion_n give_v we_o the_o high_a motive_n for_o the_o sincere_a practice_n of_o piety_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o virtuous_a live_a thâ—t_n possible_a câ—n_n be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n here_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n hereafter_o it_o give_v the_o strong_a reason_n against_o the_o power_n oâ—_n temptation_n teâ—â—hing_v we_o to_o mortify_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n anâ—_n to_o contemn_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n put_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n the_o torment_n of_o hell_n the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o balance_n against_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n whiâ—h_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o feather_n to_o the_o massy_a glob_n of_o the_o earth_n last_o christian_a religion_n from_o holy_a scripture_n on_o which_o it_o be_v found_v do_v reveâ—l_o unto_o we_o the_o nature_n attribute_n and_o work_n of_o god_n beyond_o all_o the_o religion_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n how_o do_v it_o magnify_v and_o reconcile_v the_o justiâ—e_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o sinful_a man_n how_o doâ—h_v it_o set_v forth_o the_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o â—oâ—_n in_o make_v the_o world_n of_o nothing_o in_o such_o a_o excellent_a form_n and_o beauty_n which_o have_v draw_v all_o â—oâ—sidering_v man_n into_o a_o admiration_n of_o the_o goodly_a fabric_n of_o it_o yet_o the_o must_v acute_a philosopher_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n how_o and_o when_o it_o be_v make_v whether_o it_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n or_o have_v a_o beginning_n in_o time_n whether_o it_o be_v mâ—de_v of_o preexistent_a mâ—tter_n oâ—_n of_o the_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n whiâ—h_o fond_a opinion_n deserve_v not_o any_o serious_a confutation_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v â—leâ—rly_o solve_v all_o these_o doubt_n &_o be_v indeed_o the_o best_a comment_n on_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n and_o do_v give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o the_o original_n of_o the_o world_n the_o time_n and_o method_n of_o its_o production_n the_o people_n of_o nation_n the_o confusion_n of_o language_n the_o depravation_n of_o nature_n which_o the_o heathen_n understand_v not_o fancy_v two_o principal_n one_o good_a the_o other_o evil_n from_o which_o all_o the_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n do_v proceed_v man_n recovery_n by_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o want_v of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n thereof_o all_o the_o bloody_a sacrifice_n practise_v by_o the_o heathen_n be_v mere_a imposture_n and_o ridiculous_a nothing_o these_o and_o divers_a other_o mystery_n far_o above_o man_n capacity_n to_o devise_v and_o not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o natural_a corrupt_a reason_n be_v make_v plain_a unto_o we_o by_o scripture_n revelation_n which_o do_v abundant_o prove_v that_o none_o but_o a_o infinite_a god_n can_v be_v author_n of_o this_o divine_a revelation_n of_o which_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_n &_o that_o of_o mahomet_n be_v so_o many_o apish_a imitation_n &_o diabolical_a cheat_n dub._n i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v by_o the_o character_n which_o you_o have_v give_v of_o the_o religion_n in_o practice_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n especial_o with_o the_o christian_n that_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o it_o must_v be_v from_o heaven_n &_o not_o from_o man_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o holy_a scripture_n be_v divine_o inspire_v &_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n firm._n i_o can_v further_o acquaint_v you_o with_o many_o moâ—e_n reason_n to_o confirm_v you_o in_o this_o great_a truth_n which_o be_v common_a in_o every_o author_n that_o treat_v of_o it_o â—s_n namely_o the_o antiquity_n of_o holy_a scripture_n some_o part_n of_o it_o be_v before_o all_o write_n the_o continuance_n of_o it_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a providence_n notwithstanding_o the_o rage_n and_o malice_n of_o cruel_a bloody_a persecutor_n the_o sincerity_n impartiality_n candour_n simplicity_n of_o its_o writer_n quibus_fw-la nullum_fw-la fuit_fw-la mendac_fw-la two_o praemium_fw-la they_o have_v no_o earthly_a motive_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o utter_v such_o forgery_n as_o atheist_n deem_v they_o to_o be_v nothing_o but_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n loss_n of_o good_n and_o life_n again_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o good_a man_n or_o very_o bad_a for_o man_n of_o a_o cold_a indifferency_n they_o can_v not_o be_v if_o they_o be_v very_o good_a man_n they_o will_v never_o have_v conspire_v together_o to_o put_v such_o a_o cheat_n such_o a_o grand_a imposture_n upon_o the_o world_n as_o antiscripturists_a will_v have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v if_o very_o bad_a they_o will_v never_o have_v write_v with_o so_o much_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n against_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o especial_o against_o lie_v and_o hypocrisy_n certain_o they_o will_v never_o have_v expose_v themselves_o to_o hazard_v life_n and_o fortune_n for_o no_o other_o reward_n then_o to_o be_v esteem_v both_o knave_n and_o fool_n by_o all_o prudent_a man_n add_v to_o this_o that_o liar_n and_o cheat_n do_v not_o usual_o agree_v one_o with_o the_o other_o but_o there_o be_v such_o a_o sweet_a harmony_n &_o consent_n betwixt_o the_o penman_n of_o holy_a writ_n though_o they_o live_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o one_o another_o that_o questionless_a they_o be_v act_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o infallible_a spirit_n last_o the_o averseness_n the_o slowness_n that_o be_v in_o our_o corrupt_a heart_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n luke_n 24.25_o arise_v from_o that_o contrariety_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a word_n of_o god_n and_o our_o carnal_a and_o deprave_a mind_n be_v no_o small_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v otherwise_o impossible_a to_o render_v any_o rational_a account_n why_o we_o shall_v doubt_v or_o disbelieve_v this_o sacred_a word_n and_o never_o once_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o ordinary_a and_o common_a history_n which_o be_v convey_v down_o unto_o we_o not_o with_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o that_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o holy_a scripture_n but_o wave_v these_o reason_n i_o shall_v only_o mention_v two_o of_o the_o best_a which_o be_v urge_v against_o infidelity_n to_o bring_v up_o the_o rear_n of_o my_o discourse_n the_o first_o whereof_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o fulfil_n of_o prophecy_n the_o other_o from_o miracle_n which_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o this_o our_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la dub._n though_o i_o be_o sufficient_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o great_a principle_n by_o what_o you_o have_v already_o say_v yet_o i_o will_v most_o glad_o hear_v your_o argument_n from_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n firm._n first_o for_o prophecy_n i_o shall_v acquaint_v you_o with_o some_o few_o out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o which_o your_o own_o read_n may_v suggest_v many_o more_o which_o be_v exact_o fulfil_v according_a as_o they_o be_v foretell_v dub._n do_v not_o astrologer_n and_o heathen_a oracle_n foretell_v many_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o they_o be_v foretell_v firm._n i_o grant_v it_o but_o hear_v what_o judgement_n a_o learned_a heathen_a pass_n upon_o they_o the_o god_n do_v foretell_v some_o natural_a thing_n to_o come_v for_o that_o they_o observe_v the_o order_n &_o conjunction_n of_o their_o natural_a cause_n but_o of_o thing_n
swear_v by_o a_o good_a man_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a how_o the_o gross_a superstition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v crooked_a silly_a soul_n and_o that_o all_o such_o image_n be_v teacher_n of_o lie_n very_a vanity_n as_o the_o scripture_n show_v and_o reason_n demonstrate_v for_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o blasphemous_a image_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a trinity_n do_v not_o the_o image_n of_o any_o saint_n who_o these_o pseudo-catholicks_a worship_n lie_v to_o their_o imagination_n represent_v that_o which_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o but_o the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n of_o those_o saint_n do_v now_o remain_v so_o that_o while_o they_o picture_n and_o worship_n they_o in_o bodily_a shape_n which_o picture_n represent_v what_o be_v not_o they_o worship_v they_o know_v not_o what_o pray_v only_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o saint_n yet_o phansy_v they_o in_o bodily_a shape_n as_o when_o they_o live_v here_o on_o earth_n how_o do_v it_o concern_v all_o serious_a christian_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o religious_a worship_n of_o any_o creature_n of_o god_n or_o man_n make_v of_o angel_n saint_n or_o image_n which_o be_v so_o express_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o sure_o if_o we_o may_v worship_v the_o picture_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v man_n creature_n it_o be_v much_o more_o rational_a to_o worship_v a_o true_a man_n yea_o the_o son_n moon_n and_o star_n and_o all_o thâ—_n host_n of_o heaven_n they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o the_o creature_n of_o almighty_a god_n firm._n you_o right_o conclude_v be_v not_o a_o judicial_a blindness_n upon_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o adversary_n they_o can_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o dangerous_a a_o suspicion_n dub._n i_o shall_v trouble_v you_o but_o with_o one_o reason_n more_o for_o my_o forsakeing_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v brief_o their_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n a_o practice_n manifest_o contrary_a to_o plain_a scripture_n and_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n a_o most_o unreasonable_a service_n opposite_a to_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o perform_v to_o almighty_a god_n it_o be_v so_o baffle_v by_o st._n paul_n that_o all_o the_o learned_a â—en_n of_o the_o roman_a party_n have_v nothing_o of_o sense_n or_o reason_n to_o answer_v and_o as_o for_o antiquity_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o think_v upon_o in_o the_o first_o age_n in_o the_o church_n the_o liturgy_n than_o every_o where_o be_v in_o the_o know_a and_o vulgar_a tongue_n otherwise_o how_o shall_v the_o unlearned_a say_v amen_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o divers_a other_o of_o their_o fopperye_n a_o very_a mystery_n of_o iniquity_n i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v that_o for_o the_o undeceive_a of_o ignorant_a papist_n their_o missale_n pontifical_n breviarye_n lady_n psaltre_n etc._n etc._n be_v translate_v into_o the_o english_a and_o other_o vulgar_a tongue_n that_o such_o poor_a delude_a soul_n may_v see_v to_o what_o absurd_a prayer_n they_o say_v amen_o to_o what_o childish_a ridiculous_a ceremony_n they_o submit_v i_o may_v here_o add_v the_o vain_a reptition_n of_o so_o many_o ave-maria_n &_o pater-noster's_a upon_o their_o bead_n their_o say_n of_o they_o at_o certain_a hour_n as_o a_o pensum_fw-la or_o task_n or_o a_o penance_n to_o make_v a_o compensation_n for_o their_o sin_n rather_o than_o as_o a_o willing_a serious_a duty_n from_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n which_o be_v not_o religious_a pray_v but_o a_o childish_a say_n of_o prayer_n a_o vain_a heathenish_a babble_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o old_a wife_n charm_n rest_v in_o the_o work_n do_v as_o if_o the_o bare_a say_n of_o prayer_n without_o any_o intention_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o only_a end_n of_o pray_v or_o the_o effectual_a â—ervenâ—_n prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n jam._n 5.16_o i_o may_v also_o add_v their_o cheat_a purgatory_n their_o purchase_n of_o pardon_n and_o indulgence_n for_o sin_n past_a and_o for_o many_o hundred_o year_n to_o come_v by_o sum_n of_o money_n set_v down_o in_o the_o tax_n book_n of_o their_o chancery_n their_o pilgrimage_n and_o bodily_a severitye_n to_o expiate_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o soul_n their_o allow_v of_o brothel_n house_n to_o gratiâ—ye_v the_o unmarried_a clergy_n and_o other_o in_o their_o unclean_a lust_n for_o which_o the_o pope_n receive_v a_o lusty_a pension_n but_o to_o deal_v true_o with_o you_o no_o one_o thing_n wrought_v a_o great_a dislike_n of_o popery_n in_o i_o then_o their_o barbarous_a bloody_a cruelâ—y_n towards_o those_o that_o they_o please_v to_o call_v heretic_n their_o savage_a inquisition_n their_o parisian_a irish_a and_o other_o massacre_n history_n their_o marian_n butchering_n their_o intend_a matchless_a powder_n treason_n their_o poison_n and_o stab_v of_o king_n their_o justifie_v of_o rebellion_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n by_o their_o right_a intention_n and_o doctrine_n of_o probability_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o jesuitism_n in_o the_o jesuit_n morrall_n can_v such_o villainy_n such_o cruelty_n and_o christianity_n stand_v together_o do_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n propagate_v the_o gospel_n with_o such_o carnal_a weapon_n how_o severe_o do_v our_o saviour_n rebuke_v his_o angry_a disciple_n when_o they_o will_v have_v call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o destroy_v the_o uncivil_a schismatical_a samaritan_n 10.4_o yâ—e_n know_v not_o what_o spirit_n you_o be_v of_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v not_o come_v to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o luk._n 9.55_o o_o that_o christ_n pretend_v vicar_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o meek_a and_o holy_a jesus_n these_o sir_n be_v the_o reason_n which_o move_v i_o to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o upon_o this_o account_n i_o can_v not_o believe_v she_o to_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n or_o any_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o but_o a_o very_a schismatical_a haeretical_a one_o that_o have_v depart_v exceed_v much_o from_o primitive_a christianity_n from_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o sainâ—s_n firm._n you_o have_v give_v very_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o your_o departure_n from_o that_o unsound_a church_n which_o may_v satisfy_v any_o serious_a consider_v christian_n and_o you_o have_v save_v i_o the_o trouble_n of_o any_o further_a addition_n to_o they_o i_o be_o now_o full_o persuade_v that_o you_o be_v neither_o atheist_n infidel_n or_o papist_n pray_v you_o let_v i_o know_v what_o be_v your_o present_a persuasion_n and_o what_o church_n you_o most_o approve_v dub._n true_o sir_n there_o be_v so_o many_o sect_n among_o the_o protestant_n that_o i_o be_o in_o no_o small_a doubt_n with_o which_o of_o they_o to_o hold_v commuion_n but_o my_o inclination_n lead_v i_o chief_o to_o return_v to_o my_o old_a mother_n the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o which_o most_o unhappy_o as_o i_o be_o now_o convince_v i_o heretofore_o separate_v however_o for_o the_o remouâ—l_n of_o some_o scruple_n which_o yet_o remain_v with_o i_o â—_o earnest_o desire_v you_o to_o give_v yourself_o the_o trouble_n of_o a_o short_a discourse_n concern_v the_o several_a sect_n now_o in_o england_n firm._n i_o shall_v most_o â—readily_o gratify_v you_o in_o this_o your_o very_a reasonable_a request_n nothing_o doubt_v but_o that_o i_o shall_v by_o god_n gracious_a assistance_n remove_v all_o your_o scruple_n and_o fix_v you_o a_o true_a son_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v the_o most_o catholic_n apostolical_a church_n now_o exstant_fw-la in_o all_o the_o world_n which_o those_o that_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o all_o the_o substantial_o of_o christianity_n both_o for_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o have_v some_o competent_a knowledge_n in_o the_o record_n of_o antiquity_n the_o want_n of_o which_o be_v one_o great_a cause_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o trace_v christian_a religion_n through_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n down_o to_o these_o present_a time_n i_o say_v those_o that_o do_v acknowledge_v these_o thing_n can_v doubt_v of_o dub._n you_o much_o confirm_v i_o in_o what_o i_o have_v often_o hear_v from_o grave_n and_o learned_a man_n that_o one_o great_a cause_n of_o error_n in_o religion_n be_v ignorance_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n counsel_n and_o ecclesiastical_a history_n this_o be_v not_o every_o man_n work_n that_o have_v neither_o book_n to_o read_v nor_o brain_n to_o understand_v they_o and_o that_o tâ—e_v sure_a way_n to_o be_v a_o orthodox_n christian_n be_v by_o study_v descendendo_fw-la beginning_n with_o the_o record_n of_o the_o first_o century_n then_o