or_o conspire_v as_o we_o may_v call_v it_o of_o event_n to_o a_o certain_a end_n be_v a_o manifest_a token_n of_o a_o provident_a direction_n like_o as_o at_o dice_n if_o a_o man_n now_o and_o then_o throw_v a_o lucky_a cast_n which_o win_v all_o it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o chance_n but_o if_o he_o throw_v the_o very_a same_o a_o hundred_o time_n there_o be_v no_o body_n who_o will_v not_o conclude_v that_o this_o proceed_v from_o some_o extraordinary_a art_n sect_n xii_o and_o by_o miracle_n another_o most_o certain_a proof_n of_o god_n providence_n may_v be_v take_v from_o those_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n which_o be_v record_v in_o history_n where_o though_o many_o fabulous_a thing_n be_v relate_v in_o that_o kind_n yet_o those_o that_o be_v testify_v by_o sufficient_a witness_n live_v in_o the_o time_n when_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v such_o i_o mean_v as_o be_v defective_a neither_o in_o judgement_n nor_o in_o honesty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v as_o altogether_o impossible_a for_o in_o as_o much_o as_o god_n be_v both_o omnipotent_a and_o omniscient_a what_o can_v hinder_v he_o from_o signify_v what_o he_o know_v or_o what_o he_o please_v to_o do_v and_o that_o even_o beyond_o the_o common_a course_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v make_v and_o ordain_v by_o he_o become_v subject_a unto_o he_o by_o the_o title_n of_o creation_n now_o if_o any_o do_v object_n that_o such_o thing_n may_v have_v be_v do_v by_o subordinate_a power_n and_o mind_n inferior_a to_o god_n to_o they_o we_o answer_v that_o so_o much_o may_v be_v grant_v indeed_o but_o yet_o this_o make_v way_n that_o the_o same_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o be_v credit_v of_o god_n who_o be_v to_o be_v think_v either_o to_o work_v by_o the_o mediation_n of_o those_o agent_n or_o else_o out_o of_o his_o wisdom_n to_o permit_v they_o when_o they_o bring_v to_o pass_v any_o such_o thing_n for_o in_o well_o order_v kingdom_n there_o be_v nothing_o do_v against_o the_o statute_n and_o common_a law_n but_o by_o the_o arbitrement_n or_o permission_n of_o the_o supreme_a governor_n sect_n xiii_o special_o among_o the_o jew_n whereunto_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a continuance_n of_o their_o religion_n now_o that_o there_o have_v indeed_o be_v some_o miracle_n see_v though_o the_o credit_n of_o other_o history_n shall_v be_v questionable_a yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a enough_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o albeit_o it_o have_v long_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o humane_a help_n yea_o expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o have_v still_o continue_v almost_o in_o all_o the_o climate_n and_o part_n of_o the_o world_n even_o unto_o this_o day_n whereas_o all_o other_o religion_n save_v the_o christian_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o jewish_a have_v either_o vanish_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o imperial_a power_n and_o authority_n be_v withdraw_v whereby_o they_o be_v support_v as_o all_o the_o paganish_a or_o else_o be_v still_o perpetual_o uphold_v by_o the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n as_o mahometism_n now_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v why_o the_o jewish_a religion_n have_v take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o hebrew_n as_o that_o it_o can_v thence_o be_v eradicate_v no_o better_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v or_o conceive_v than_o this_o namely_o that_o those_o jew_n that_o be_v now_o alive_a do_v from_o their_o parent_n as_o those_o parent_n from_o their_o progenitor_n and_o so_o upward_o until_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n and_o joshua_n receive_v those_o miracle_n mention_v in_o scripture_n by_o certain_a and_o constant_a tradition_n which_o miracle_n be_v do_v chief_o at_o the_o depart_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o in_o their_o journey_n through_o the_o wilderness_n and_o entrance_n into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n whereof_o their_o ancestor_n be_v then_o eye-witness_n nor_o be_v it_o at_o all_o credible_a that_o it_o can_v otherwise_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o people_n who_o be_v sufficient_o stiff-necked_a and_o of_o a_o stubborn_a disposition_n shall_v take_v upon_o they_o a_o law_n burden_v with_o so_o many_o rite_n or_o that_o wise_a man_n out_o of_o the_o many_o mark_n of_o religion_n which_o humane_a reason_n can_v have_v invent_v shall_v choose_v circumcision_n which_o can_v not_o be_v receive_v without_o very_o great_a pain_n nor_o retain_v without_o the_o derision_n of_o all_o stranger_n and_o have_v nothing_o in_o it_o to_o recommend_v it_o save_v only_o this_o that_o god_n be_v its_o author_n sect_n fourteen_o also_o by_o the_o truth_n and_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n his_o story_n beside_o the_o writing_n of_o moses_n wherein_o those_o miracle_n be_v record_v to_o posterity_n do_v gain_v the_o great_a credit_n thereunto_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v always_o a_o settle_a opinion_n and_o constant_a report_n among_o the_o hebrew_n that_o this_o same_o moses_n be_v commend_v by_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v manifest_a enough_o that_o he_o neither_o affect_v his_o own_o glory_n nor_o desire_v their_o riches_n forasmuch_o as_o himself_o reveal_v his_o own_o fault_n and_o delinquency_n which_o he_o may_v have_v conceal_v and_o also_o he_o assign_v the_o dignity_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o priesthood_n unto_o stranger_n whence_o his_o own_o posterity_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o common_a condition_n of_o levite_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o forge_v untruth_n neither_o do_v he_o use_v any_o dissemble_n or_o allure_a language_n such_o as_o common_o colour_n over_o a_o lie_n but_o he_o speak_v after_o a_o plain_a ingenuous_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o treat_v of_o add_v hereunto_o the_o undoubted_a antiquity_n of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n to_o which_o no_o other_o writing_n be_v therein_o comparable_a a_o argument_n whereof_o be_v for_o that_o the_o grecian_n from_o who_o all_o kind_n of_o learning_n be_v derive_v to_o other_o heathen_n do_v confess_v they_o receive_v their_o very_a letter_n from_o other_o which_o letter_n of_o they_o have_v not_o other_o order_n or_o name_n or_o ancient_a form_n than_o that_o of_o the_o syriac_a or_o hebrew_a tongue_n as_o also_o for_o that_o the_o most_o ancient_a grecian_a law_n whence_o the_o roman_n collect_v they_o have_v their_o original_a from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n sect_n xv._o and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o many_o gentile_n moreover_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v many_o testimony_n of_o such_o as_o be_v alien_n from_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o declare_v that_o the_o most_o ancient_a report_n which_o pass_v for_o truth_n among_o all_o nation_n be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o moses_n have_v relate_v in_o his_o write_n thus_o what_o thing_n he_o relate_v concern_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n the_o same_o be_v find_v also_o record_v in_o the_o most_o ancient_a history_n of_o the_o phoenician_n which_o be_v collect_v by_o sancuniathon_n and_o translate_v by_o philo_n byblius_n and_o partly_o also_o find_v among_o the_o indian_n and_o egyptian_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o linus_n hesiod_n and_o many_o of_o the_o grecian_n mention_n be_v make_v of_o a_o chaos_n which_o some_o have_v intimate_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o egg_n also_o of_o the_o make_n of_o live_a creature_n and_o last_o of_o all_o of_o man_n according_a to_o a_o divine_a image_n and_o of_o man_n dominion_n over_o other_o creature_n all_o which_o may_v be_v read_v in_o sundry_a author_n and_o at_o last_o in_o ovid_n who_o transcribe_v they_o out_o of_o the_o greek_a writer_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v confess_v even_o by_o epicharmus_n and_o the_o platonic_n and_o before_o they_o by_o a_o most_o ancient_a writer_n not_o of_o those_o hymn_n which_o now_o go_v under_o that_o name_n but_o of_o those_o verse_n which_o antiquity_n call_v orphean_a verse_n not_o because_o they_o have_v orpheus_n for_o their_o author_n but_o because_o they_o summary_o comprise_v his_o doctrine_n empedocles_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o sun_n be_v not_o the_o primitive_a light_n but_o a_o fit_a receptacle_n of_o light_n aratus_n and_o catullus_n think_v that_o above_o the_o sphere_n or_o orb_n of_o the_o star_n there_o be_v a_o divine_a habitation_n wherein_o homer_n imagine_v there_o be_v perpetual_a light_n that_o of_o all_o thing_n god_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a because_o not_o beget_v the_o world_n most_o beautiful_a because_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o that_o darkness_n be_v before_o the_o light_n be_v all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o thales_n out_o of_o the_o ancient_a learning_n the_o last_o point_n whereof_o be_v find_v in_o orpheus_n and_o hesiod_n whereupon_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v common_o superstitious_a in_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
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
be_v blast_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o giddiness_n be_v fall_v away_o to_o filthy_a fable_n and_o doctrine_n very_o ridiculous_a wherewith_o the_o book_n of_o the_o talmud_n do_v abound_v which_o they_o be_v bold_a to_o call_v the_o law_n give_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o be_v wont_a to_o equal_v or_o prefer_v to_o that_o which_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n for_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v therein_o to_o be_v read_v concern_v god_n weep_v and_o lament_v because_o he_o have_v suffer_v the_o city_n to_o be_v destroy_v of_o his_o daily_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o read_v the_o law_n of_o behemoth_n and_o leviathan_n and_o many_o other_o matter_n be_v so_o absurd_a that_o it_o will_v be_v irksome_a even_o to_o repeat_v they_o howbeit_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o this_o time_n have_v neither_o turn_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n as_o they_o do_v in_o time_n past_a neither_o have_v they_o defile_v themselves_o with_o bloody_a murder_n nor_o be_v they_o accuse_v of_o adultery_n but_o by_o prayer_n and_o fasting_n they_o labour_v to_o appease_v god_n wrath_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o hear_v which_o thing_n be_v so_o one_o of_o these_o two_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v namely_o that_o either_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v give_v by_o moses_n be_v quite_o abolish_v or_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n lie_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o some_o notorious_a crime_n which_o have_v continue_v for_o so_o many_o age_n together_o which_o what_o it_o be_v let_v themselves_o speak_v or_o if_o they_o can_v tell_v then_o let_v they_o believe_v we_o that_o this_o sin_n be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v come_v before_o that_o these_o evil_n begin_v to_o fall_v upon_o they_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 by_o this_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o messiah_n come_v many_o age_n ago_o we_o add_v further_o that_o he_o be_v no_o other_o but_o jesus_n for_o what_o other_o person_n soever_o either_o be_v or_o will_v have_v be_v account_v the_o messiah_n they_o have_v leave_v no_o sect_n behind_o they_o to_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v that_o opinion_n there_o be_v not_o any_o at_o this_o day_n that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v follower_n either_o of_o herod_n or_o of_o judas_n gaulonita_n or_o of_o that_o great_a impostor_n barchochebas_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o adrian_n say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o deceive_v some_o even_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a but_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n have_v continue_v from_o the_o time_n that_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n even_o until_o this_o day_n and_o be_v still_o not_o a_o few_o only_o in_o this_o or_o that_o country_n but_o very_o many_o disperse_v as_o far_o as_o the_o world_n extend_v i_o can_v allege_v many_o other_o testimony_n ancient_o foretell_v or_o believe_v concern_v the_o messiah_n which_o we_o believe_v be_v accomplish_v in_o jesus_n since_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o affirm_v of_o any_o other_o as_o namely_o that_o he_o come_v of_o the_o posterity_n of_o david_n and_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n which_o be_v divine_o reveal_v to_o he_o that_o marry_v that_o virgin_n when_o he_o will_v have_v put_v she_o away_o suppose_v she_o have_v be_v get_v with_o child_n by_o another_o also_o that_o this_o messiah_n be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n and_o begin_v first_o to_o publish_v his_o doctrine_n in_o galilee_n heal_v all_o kind_n of_o disease_n give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o make_v the_o lame_a to_o walk_v but_o this_o one_o may_v suffice_v for_o many_o the_o effect_n of_o which_o continue_v unto_o this_o day_n it_o be_v most_o manifest_a by_o the_o prophecy_n of_o david_n isaiah_n zachariah_n and_o hosea_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o instructor_n not_o only_o of_o the_o jew_n but_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_n that_o by_o he_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n shall_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o a_o huge_a multitude_n of_o alien_n and_o stranger_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n before_o jesus_n his_o come_n almost_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v overspread_v with_o false_a worship_n and_o religion_n which_o afterward_o by_o little_a and_o little_o begin_v to_o vanish_v away_o and_o not_o only_o single_a person_n but_o both_o people_n and_o king_n be_v convert_v unto_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o one_o god_n this_o be_v not_o owe_v to_o the_o jewish_a rabbin_n but_o to_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n and_o their_o successor_n thus_o they_o be_v make_v the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o before_o be_v not_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o the_o say_n of_o old_a jacob_n gen._n 49._o be_v fulfil_v that_o before_o all_o civil_a authority_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o judah_n shilo_n shall_v come_v which_o the_o chaldee_n and_o other_o interpreter_n expound_v of_o the_o messiah_n to_o who_o even_o foreign_a nation_n shall_v be_v obedient_a 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 the_o jew_n usual_o object_n that_o some_o thing_n be_v foretell_v concern_v the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o fulfil_v but_o for_o answer_v those_o matter_n which_o they_o allege_v be_v obscure_a and_o admit_v of_o divers_a signification_n wherefore_o we_o ought_v not_o because_o of_o they_o to_o forsake_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v manifest_a such_o as_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o jesus_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o the_o perspicuous_a language_n wherein_o it_o be_v propound_v to_o which_o if_o we_o add_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o miracle_n these_o aught_o to_o be_v sufficient_a inducement_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o his_o doctrine_n as_o for_o those_o prophecy_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o shut_v or_o clasp_v book_n oftentimes_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n thereof_o there_o be_v requisite_a some_o divine_a help_n and_o assistance_n which_o they_o be_v worthy_o deprive_v of_o that_o neglect_v manifest_a truth_n the_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o object_n be_v diverse_o expound_v as_o themselves_o can_v deny_v and_o if_o any_o man_n please_v to_o compare_v either_o the_o ancient_a interpreter_n which_o live_v when_o the_o people_n be_v lead_v captive_a into_o babylon_n or_o such_o as_o live_v about_o christ_n time_n with_o those_o that_o write_v after_o that_o christianity_n begin_v to_o be_v hateful_a and_o odious_a unto_o the_o jew_n he_o shall_v find_v new_a exposition_n purposely_o invent_v to_o cross_v those_o former_a that_o well_o agree_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o christian_n they_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o must_v be_v understand_v by_o a_o figure_n and_o not_o in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n as_o when_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v descend_v and_o to_o have_v a_o mouth_n ear_n eye_n and_o nostril_n and_o why_o may_v not_o we_o likewise_o expound_v divers_a thing_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o that_o the_o wolf_n shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o leopard_n shall_v lie_v down_o with_o the_o kid_n and_o the_o calf_n and_o the_o young_a lion_n and_o the_o fatle_a together_o and_o the_o suck_a child_n shall_v play_v with_o the_o serpent_n and_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o other_o mountain_n whither_o stranger_n shall_v come_v and_o worship_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n promise_v which_o by_o antecedent_n or_o consequent_a word_n or_o by_o the_o very_a sense_n imply_v a_o tacit_a condition_n in_o they_o thus_o god_n promise_v many_o thing_n unto_o the_o hebrew_n upon_o condition_n they_o will_v receive_v the_o messiah_n that_o be_v send_v and_o obey_v he_o which_o same_o thing_n if_o they_o come_v not_o to_o pass_v according_o than_o may_v they_o blame_v themselves_o that_o be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o again_o other_o matter_n be_v promise_v determine_o and_o without_o all_o condition_n which_o if_o they_o be_v not_o already_o accomplish_v yet_o may_v be_v hope_v for_o hereafter_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a even_o among_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o time_n or_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n must_v endure_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 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 many_o do_v take_v exception_n at_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a condition_n of_o jesus_n but_o unjust_o because_o in_o sacred_a writ_n it_o be_v often_o say_v that_o god_n will_v exalt_v the_o humble_a but_o cast_v down_o the_o proud_a jacob_n when_o he_o pass_v
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 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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
follow_v that_o we_o consider_v by_o what_o mean_v this_o christian_a religion_n have_v its_o augmentation_n and_o increase_n that_o therein_o it_o may_v be_v comparable_a and_o prefer_v before_o other_o we_o see_v it_o common_o true_a of_o most_o man_n that_o they_o will_v easy_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o king_n and_o potentate_n what_o way_n soever_o they_o go_v special_o if_o law_n and_o penalty_n compel_v they_o to_o it_o hereby_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o of_o mahumet_n propagate_v but_o they_o that_o first_o teach_v the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o want_v all_o civil_a power_n and_o authority_n but_o be_v of_o mean_a condition_n no_o better_a than_o poor_a fisherman_n weaver_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o by_o such_o man_n pain_n and_o industry_n that_o doctrine_n within_o the_o space_n of_o thirty_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o be_v publish_v not_o only_o throughout_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n but_o also_o among_o the_o parthian_n and_o remote_a indian_n nor_o be_v it_o thus_o only_o in_o the_o beginning_n but_o for_o almost_o three_o whole_a age_n together_o this_o religion_n be_v so_o promote_v by_o the_o endeavour_n of_o private_a man_n without_o any_o threaten_n without_o any_o worldly_a thing_n to_o invite_v man_n to_o it_o yea_o against_o the_o will_n and_o the_o most_o violent_a opposition_n of_o those_o who_o then_o have_v the_o imperial_a power_n that_o before_o constantine_n profess_v christianity_n this_o be_v become_v very_o near_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a world_n among_o the_o grecian_n that_o teach_v morality_n divers_a there_o be_v that_o commend_v themselves_o also_o very_o much_o by_o their_o skill_n in_o other_o arts._n as_o the_o platonist_n be_v famous_a for_o the_o study_n of_o geometry_n the_o peripatetic_n for_o the_o history_n of_o plant_n and_o live_a creature_n the_o stoic_n for_o logical_a subtlety_n the_o pythagorean_n for_o knowledge_n of_o number_n and_o harmony_n many_o also_o be_v admirable_a for_o eloquence_n as_o xenophon_n plato_n and_o theophrastus_n but_o the_o first_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n of_o christianity_n be_v endue_v with_o no_o such_o art_n but_o use_v the_o plain_a language_n without_o entice_a word_n only_o after_o a_o bare_a manner_n or_o naked_a form_n of_o speech_n pronounce_v their_o precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n which_o have_v no_o efficacy_n in_o themselves_o proportionable_a to_o such_o a_o progress_n as_o christianity_n make_v we_o must_v needs_o confess_v it_o be_v either_o attend_v by_o miracle_n or_o by_o god_n secret_a power_n assist_v the_o business_n or_o both_o together_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 hereunto_o may_v be_v add_v another_o thing_n considerable_a namely_o that_o they_o who_o receive_v christianity_n from_o those_o teacher_n have_v not_o their_o mind_n void_a of_o a_o certain_a form_n and_o rule_v of_o religion_n and_o so_o be_v not_o by_o that_o mean_v ductile_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v draw_v as_o they_o be_v who_o first_o receive_v the_o paganish_a worship_n and_o mahomet_n law_n much_o less_o be_v their_o mind_n prepare_v for_o it_o by_o some_o antecedent_n institution_n as_o the_o hebrew_n by_o circumcision_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o god_n be_v make_v fit_a to_o accept_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o quite_o contrary_a be_v fill_v with_o opinion_n and_o custom_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o another_o nature_n repugnant_a to_o those_o new_a institution_n be_v educate_v viz._n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o law_n and_o of_o their_o parent_n in_o the_o paganish_a religion_n or_o the_o jewish_a rite_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v another_o impediment_n to_o wit_n the_o most_o grievous_a evil_n which_o they_o who_o undertake_v christianity_n must_v expect_v to_o suffer_v or_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v upon_o that_o account_n for_o see_v that_o humane_a nature_n abhor_v such_o evil_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o evil_n can_v be_v admit_v of_o without_o much_o difficulty_n a_o long_a time_n be_v the_o christian_n deprive_v of_o all_o honour_n and_o dignity_n and_o likewise_o much_o afflict_v with_o divers_a penalty_n with_o confiscation_n of_o good_n and_o banishment_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v all_o but_o flea-bite_n for_o they_o be_v condemn_v to_o dig_v in_o the_o mine_n and_o to_o suffer_v torment_n than_o which_o more_o cruel_a can_v not_o be_v devise_v and_o such_o multitude_n of_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n at_o one_o time_n sweep_v away_o and_o devour_v either_o by_o famine_n or_o pestilence_n or_o war_n as_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o time_n do_v testify_v their_o manner_n and_o kind_n of_o death_n also_o be_v not_o ordinary_a but_o some_o be_v bury_v alive_a other_o crucify_v other_o endure_v punishment_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n which_o can_v be_v read_v or_o think_v of_o without_o the_o great_a horror_n and_o yet_o this_o savage_a cruelty_n which_o continue_v without_o much_o intermission_n and_o that_o not_o every_o where_n till_o almost_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n in_o the_o roman_a world_n and_o in_o other_o place_n endure_v long_o be_v so_o far_o from_o diminish_v the_o number_n of_o christian_n that_o quite_o contrary_a their_o blood_n may_v be_v call_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n there_o spring_v up_o still_o so_o many_o in_o the_o room_n of_o those_o that_o be_v cut_v off_o now_o let_v we_o herein_o also_o compare_v other_o religion_n with_o christianity_n the_o greek_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pagan_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o magnify_v their_o own_o thing_n above_o measure_n yet_o give_v we_o in_o but_o a_o very_a short_a catalogue_n of_o such_o as_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o doctrine_n some_o gymnosophist_n socrates_n not_o many_o more_o be_v all_o they_o can_v number_v and_o in_o those_o eminent_a man_n it_o can_v scarce_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o desire_n of_o transmit_v their_o fame_n to_o posterity_n which_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o business_n but_o among_o those_o christian_n that_o suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o their_o faith_n there_o be_v very_o many_o of_o mean_a rank_n of_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o people_n such_o as_o be_v scarce_o ever_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o know_v to_o their_o neighbour_n that_o live_v hard_o by_o they_o there_o be_v woman_n also_o virgin_n and_o young_a man_n such_o as_o have_v no_o desire_n nor_o any_o probable_a hope_n of_o get_v renown_n in_o future_a time_n by_o their_o suffering_n according_a as_o in_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n we_o find_v the_o name_n but_o of_o a_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v put_v to_o death_n who_o be_v only_o register_v in_o gross_a to_o which_o we_o must_v add_v that_o by_o a_o small_a compliance_n and_o simulation_n suppose_v by_o cast_v a_o little_a frankincense_n upon_o the_o altar_n most_o of_o they_o may_v have_v free_v themselves_o from_o such_o punishment_n which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o those_o philosopher_n who_o whatsoever_o they_o may_v think_v secret_o in_o their_o heart_n in_o all_o their_o apparent_a action_n conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o vulgar_a custom_n so_o that_o to_o have_v suffer_v death_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n can_v well_o be_v attribute_v to_o any_o other_o but_o only_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n and_o not_o to_o the_o jew_n neither_o after_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n nor_o before_o they_o but_o to_o a_o few_o if_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o christian_n more_o of_o which_o suffer_v for_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o some_o one_o province_n than_o the_o jew_n ever_o do_v who_o patience_n in_o this_o kind_n may_v all_o very_o near_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o time_n of_o manasses_n and_o of_o antiochus_n wherefore_o see_v christian_a religion_n in_o this_o particular_a also_o so_o vast_o excel_v all_o other_o it_o ought_v just_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o they_o and_o from_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o all_o kind_n and_o sex_n of_o people_n distinguish_v by_o so_o many_o several_a place_n and_o age_n as_o do_v not_o stick_v to_o die_v for_o this_o religion_n we_o may_v well_o gather_v there_o be_v very_o great_a cause_n of_o such_o constancy_n which_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v any_o other_o but_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god._n sect_n xxiv_o answer_v to_o they_o that_o require_v more_o forcible_a reason_n final_o if_o any_o yet_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o these_o argument_n abovesaid_a but_o desire_v more_o forcible_a reason_n for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v such_o know_v that_o according_a as_o thing_n be_v divers_a they_o must_v also_o have_v divers_a kind_n of_o proof_n
it_o very_o easy_o but_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v at_o the_o sepulcher_n i_o speak_v of_o and_o so_o many_o witness_n of_o they_o that_o they_o extort_a even_o from_o porphyry_n a_o confession_n of_o it_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 these_o thing_n ought_v to_o suffice_v but_o there_o be_v other_o argument_n which_o we_o may_v heap_v upon_o these_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n of_o these_o author_n write_n for_o many_o thing_n be_v therein_o foretell_v which_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n by_o their_o own_o power_n to_o know_v or_o bring_v to_o pass_v yet_o we_o see_v the_o truth_n thereof_o wonderful_o confirm_v by_o the_o event_n thus_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o this_o religion_n shall_v upon_o a_o sudden_a have_v a_o large_a and_o ample_a increase_n that_o it_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o and_o though_o it_o be_v reject_v by_o most_o of_o the_o jew_n yet_o shall_v it_o be_v embrace_v by_o the_o gentile_n thus_o likewise_o be_v foretell_v what_o hatred_n and_o spite_n the_o jew_n will_v bear_v against_o they_o that_o profess_v this_o religion_n and_o what_o grievous_a persecution_n they_o shall_v undergo_v the_o siege_n also_o and_o destruction_n both_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o temple_n together_o with_o the_o miserable_a calamity_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n 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 beside_o this_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o god_n out_o of_o his_o providence_n take_v care_n of_o humane_a affair_n special_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o worship_n than_o it_o can_v be_v that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o man_n who_o have_v no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o worship_n god_n after_o a_o holy_a manner_n to_o be_v cheat_v with_o lie_a book_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o since_o the_o time_n that_o so_o many_o sect_n have_v spring_v up_o in_o christianity_n there_o have_v not_o be_v one_o that_o receive_v not_o either_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o those_o book_n except_v some_o few_o that_o contain_v no_o singular_a matter_n differ_v from_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n that_o no_o material_a thing_n can_v be_v object_v against_o these_o writing_n special_o since_o the_o say_a sect_n be_v so_o partial_a and_o spiteful_o bend_v against_o each_o other_o that_o what_o one_o approve_a other_o reject_v even_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o it_o be_v there_o approve_v 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 there_o be_v some_o indeed_o though_o very_o few_o among_o those_o that_o will_v be_v call_v christian_n who_o reject_v all_o those_o book_n which_o they_o see_v contradict_v their_o peculiar_a opinion_n such_o for_o instance_n as_o out_o of_o hatred_n of_o the_o jew_n revile_v their_o god_n the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o or_o on_o the_o other_o side_n such_o as_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o evil_n which_o christian_n be_v to_o undergo_v choose_v to_o lurk_v and_o lie_v hide_v under_o the_o name_n of_o jew_n who_o have_v liberty_n without_o any_o danger_n to_o profess_v their_o religion_n but_o these_o very_a man_n be_v renounce_v in_o those_o time_n by_o all_o other_o christian_n throughout_o the_o world_n when_o as_o yet_o all_o that_o differ_v in_o their_o opinion_n with_o the_o safety_n of_o piety_n be_v tolerate_v by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o great_a patience_n as_o for_o the_o former_a kind_n of_o these_o adulterate_a christian_n i_o think_v they_o have_v be_v sufficient_o confute_v both_o by_o that_o which_o we_o have_v say_v before_o when_o we_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a true_a god_n the_o sole_a framer_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o also_o by_o those_o very_a book_n which_o that_o they_o may_v have_v some_o semblance_n of_o christian_n they_o do_v admit_v of_o special_o the_o gospel_n of_o luke_n wherein_o be_v evident_o show_v that_o the_o same_o god_n who_o moses_n and_o the_o hebrew_n worship_v be_v preach_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o other_o sort_n we_o shall_v more_o fit_o confute_v when_o we_o come_v to_o oppugn_v those_o that_o both_o be_v and_o will_v be_v call_v jew_n for_o the_o present_a only_o this_o i_o say_v that_o their_o impudence_n be_v wonderful_a great_a who_o slight_a and_o extenuate_v the_o authority_n of_o paul_n see_v there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n that_o found_v and_o teach_v more_o church_n than_o he_o do_v and_o his_o miracle_n be_v at_o that_o time_n report_v to_o be_v exceed_o numerous_a when_o as_o ever_o while_o we_o say_v there_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v trial_n and_o inquiry_n make_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n if_o then_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o wrought_v wonder_n why_o may_v we_o not_o believe_v he_o concern_v his_o heavenly_a vision_n and_o instruction_n receive_v from_o christ_n himself_o to_o who_o if_o he_o be_v so_o dear_a it_o can_v be_v that_o he_o shall_v teach_v any_o thing_n inglorious_a or_o ingrateful_a unto_o christ_n as_o falsity_n or_o untruth_n will_v have_v be_v and_o as_o touch_v that_o particular_a which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n whereof_o they_o accuse_v he_o namely_o his_o doctrine_n of_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n which_o be_v purchase_v for_o the_o hebrew_n from_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v former_o command_v they_o by_o moses_n he_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o teach_v it_o but_o only_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o assert_v for_o he_o himself_o be_v both_o circumcise_v and_o do_v also_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n observe_v very_o many_o thing_n which_o the_o law_n enjoin_v and_o then_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o both_o do_v more_o difficult_a and_o suffer_v hard_a thing_n than_o the_o law_n require_v or_o can_v be_v expect_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o law_n and_o teach_v also_o his_o disciple_n to_o do_v and_o suffer_v the_o like_a whence_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o utter_v no_o flatter_a or_o entice_a speech_n unto_o his_o auditor_n who_o be_v teach_v in_o stead_n of_o the_o sabbath_n to_o keep_v every_o day_n holy_a for_o divine_a worship_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o little_a expense_n which_o the_o law_n require_v to_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o their_o good_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o beast_n to_o consecrate_v their_o own_o blood_n unto_o god_n and_o further_o paul_n himself_o plain_o affirm_v that_o peter_n john_n and_o james_n in_o token_n of_o their_o consent_n with_o he_o give_v he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n which_o he_o never_o dare_v have_v speak_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v true_a because_o the_o same_o man_n be_v then_o alive_a may_v have_v convict_v he_o for_o a_o liar_n these_o therefore_o of_o who_o i_o have_v now_o speak_v be_v exclude_v as_o scarce_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n the_o most_o manifest_a consent_n of_o so_o many_o congregation_n of_o christian_n who_o receive_v these_o book_n add_v to_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o miracle_n which_o the_o writer_n of_o they_o wrought_v and_o the_o singular_a care_n which_o god_n take_v about_o matter_n of_o this_o kind_n aught_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o induce_v any_o indifferent_a man_n to_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o special_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v wont_v common_o to_o credit_v any_o other_o book_n of_o history_n which_o have_v no_o such_o testimony_n unless_o they_o see_v some_o plain_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o of_o those_o book_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v 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 for_o if_o any_o body_n say_v that_o some_o thing_n be_v relate_v in_o these_o book_n which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v the_o objection_n vanish_v when_o we_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v before_o discourse_v that_o there_o be_v thing_n which_o can_v indeed_o be_v do_v by_o man_n but_o be_v possible_a with_o god_n such_o that_o be_v as_o include_v in_o themselves_o no_o repugnancy_n or_o contradiction_n as_o we_o speak_v and_o that_o in_o the_o number_n of_o such_o thing_n be_v even_o those_o miraculous_a power_n which_o we_o most_o of_o all_o admire_v and_o the_o recall_v of_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o sect_n xii_o or_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n neither_o be_v they_o to_o be_v more_o regard_v who_o say_v that_o some_o doctrine_n be_v comprise_v in_o these_o book_n which_o be_v disagree_v to_o right_a reason_n
he_o ought_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o king_n who_o shall_v be_v our_o king_n indeed_o and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n who_o shall_v have_v dominion_n over_o all_o we_o read_v in_o porphyry_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o apollo_n which_o say_v that_o other_o god_n be_v aerial_a spirit_n but_o the_o god_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v only_o to_o be_v worship_v which_o say_v if_o the_o worshipper_n of_o apollo_n obey_v than_o they_o must_v cease_v to_o worship_v he_o if_o they_o do_v not_o obey_v it_o than_o they_o make_v their_o god_n a_o jyar_n add_v further_o if_o those_o spirit_n have_v respect_v or_o intend_v the_o good_a of_o mankind_n above_o all_o thing_n they_o will_v have_v prescribe_v a_o general_a rule_n of_o life_n to_o mankind_n and_o also_o give_v some_o certain_a assurance_n of_o a_o reward_n to_o they_o that_o live_v according_o neither_o of_o which_o be_v ever_o do_v by_o they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n oftentimes_o in_o their_o verse_n we_o find_v some_o king_n commend_v which_o be_v wicked_a man_n some_o champion_n extol_v and_o dignify_v with_o divine_a honour_n other_o allure_v to_o immodest_a and_o unlawful_a love_n or_o to_o the_o seek_v after_o filthy_a lucre_n or_o commit_v of_o murder_n as_o may_v be_v show_v by_o many_o example_n 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 beside_o all_o that_o have_v hitherto_o be_v say_v paganism_n minister_n to_o we_o a_o mighty_a argument_n against_o itself_o because_o that_o wheresoever_o it_o become_v destitute_a of_o humane_a force_n to_o support_v it_o there_o straightway_o it_o come_v to_o ruin_v as_o if_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o be_v quite_o overthrow_v for_o if_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n and_o state_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n or_o mahometans_n we_o shall_v find_v no_o memory_n of_o paganism_n but_o in_o book_n nay_o history_n tell_v we_o that_o even_o in_o those_o time_n when_o the_o emperor_n endeavour_v to_o uphold_v the_o pagan_a religion_n either_o by_o violence_n and_o persecution_n as_o do_v the_o first_o of_o they_o or_o by_o learning_n and_o subtlety_n as_o do_v julian_n it_o notwithstanding_o decay_a daily_o not_o by_o any_o violent_a opposition_n nor_o by_o the_o brightness_n and_o splendour_n of_o lineage_n and_o descent_n for_o jesus_n be_v account_v by_o the_o common_a sort_n only_o a_o carpenter_n son_n nor_o by_o the_o flourish_n of_o learning_n which_o they_o that_o teach_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n use_v not_o in_o their_o sermon_n nor_o by_o gift_n and_o bribe_n for_o they_o be_v poor_a nor_o by_o any_o soothe_n and_o flatter_a speech_n for_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o teach_v that_o all_o worldly_a advantage_n must_v be_v despise_v and_o that_o all_o kind_n of_o adversity_n must_v be_v undergo_v for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n see_v then_o how_o weak_a and_o impotent_a paganism_n be_v which_o by_o such_o mean_n come_v to_o ruin_v neither_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n only_o make_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o vanish_v but_o even_o bad_a spirit_n come_v out_o of_o divers_a body_n at_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n they_o become_v dumb_a also_o and_o be_v demand_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o silence_n they_o be_v compel_v to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v upon_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 there_o have_v be_v philosopher_n that_o do_v ascribe_v the_o beginning_n and_o decay_n of_o every_o religion_n unto_o the_o star_n but_o this_o star-gazeing_a science_n which_o these_o man_n profess_v to_o be_v skill_v in_o be_v deliver_v under_o such_o different_a rule_n that_o one_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o nothing_o but_o only_o this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n at_o all_o therein_o i_o do_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o such_o effect_n as_o follow_v from_o a_o natural_a necessity_n of_o cause_n but_o of_o those_o that_o proceed_v from_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o of_o itself_o have_v such_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n that_o no_o necessity_n or_o violence_n can_v be_v impress_v upon_o it_o from_o without_o for_o if_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o will_n do_v necessary_o follow_v any_o outward_a impression_n than_o the_o power_n in_o our_o soul_n which_o we_o may_v perceive_v it_o have_v to_o consult_v deliberate_a and_o choose_v will_v be_v give_v in_o vain_a also_o the_o equity_n of_o all_o law_n of_o all_o reward_n and_o punishment_n will_v be_v take_v away_o see_v there_o can_v be_v neither_o fault_n nor_o merit_n in_o that_o which_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a and_o inevitable_a again_o there_o be_v divers_a evil_a act_n or_o effect_n of_o the_o will_n which_o if_o they_o proceed_v of_o any_o necessity_n from_o the_o heaven_n than_o the_o same_o heaven_n and_o celestial_a body_n must_v needs_o receive_v such_o efficacy_n from_o god_n and_o so_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o god_n who_o be_v most_o perfect_o good_a be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o that_o which_o be_v moral_o evil_a and_o that_o when_o in_o his_o law_n he_o profess_v himself_o to_o abhor_v wickedness_n which_o a_o force_n insert_v by_o he_o into_o thing_n themselves_o will_v inevitable_o produce_v he_o do_v will_n two_o thing_n contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v and_o not_o be_v do_v and_o also_o that_o a_o man_n offend_v in_o a_o action_n which_o he_o do_v by_o divine_a instigation_n they_o speak_v more_o probable_o that_o say_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o star_n do_v first_o affect_v the_o air_n than_o our_o body_n with_o such_o quality_n as_o oftentimes_o do_v excite_v and_o stir_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n some_o desire_n or_o affection_n answerable_a thereunto_o and_o the_o will_n be_v allure_v or_o entice_v by_o these_o motion_n do_v oftentimes_o yield_v unto_o they_o but_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v grant_v it_o make_v nothing_o for_o the_o question_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n for_o see_v that_o christian_a religion_n most_o of_o all_o withdraws_a man_n from_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v please_v unto_o the_o body_n it_o can_v therefore_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o consequent_o not_o from_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o star_n which_o as_o but_o now_o we_o say_v have_v no_o power_n over_o the_o mind_n otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o those_o affection_n the_o most_o prudent_a among_o astrologer_n exempt_v true_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o star_n and_o such_o very_o be_v they_o that_o first_o profess_v christianity_n as_o their_o life_n do_v show_v or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o efficacy_n in_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n against_o the_o infection_n of_o the_o body_n even_o among_o christian_n there_o be_v ever_o some_o that_o be_v excellent_a in_o this_o particular_a beside_o as_o the_o most_o learned_a do_v confess_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o star_n respect_v certain_a climate_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v only_o for_o a_o season_n but_o this_o religion_n have_v now_o continue_v above_o the_o space_n of_o one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o year_n and_o that_o not_o in_o one_o part_n only_o but_o in_o the_o most_o remote_a place_n of_o the_o world_n and_o such_o as_o be_v under_o a_o far_o different_a position_n of_o the_o star_n 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 but_o the_o pagan_n have_v the_o less_o to_o object_n against_o christian_a religion_n because_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o be_v of_o such_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n that_o they_o convince_v man_n mind_n by_o their_o own_o light_n in_o so_o much_o that_o there_o have_v not_o be_v want_v man_n among_o the_o pagan_n also_o who_o have_v here_o and_o there_o say_v every_o one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o our_o religion_n have_v in_o a_o body_n all_o together_o as_o to_o give_v some_o instance_n true_a religion_n consist_v not_o in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n but_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n he_o be_v a_o adulterer_n that_o have_v but_o a_o desire_n to_o commit_v adultery_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o revenge_v injury_n one_o man_n shall_v be_v the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n only_o the_o league_n or_o bond_n of_o matrimony_n ought_v to_o be_v constant_a and_o perpetual_a man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o special_o to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o want_n we_o must_v refrain_v from_o swear_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v and_o as_o for_o our_o food_n
least_o to_o the_o diminution_n or_o lessen_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n from_o who_o this_o power_n of_o jesus_n do_v proceed_v to_o who_o it_o must_v return_v and_o to_o who_o honour_n also_o it_o minister_n and_o serve_v sect_n xxiii_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o part_n with_o prayer_n for_o the_o jew_n but_o it_o be_v not_o our_o purpose_n in_o this_o work_n to_o make_v any_o further_a curious_a inquiry_n into_o these_o matter_n neither_o have_v we_o speak_v hereof_o but_o only_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o wicked_a or_o absurd_a point_n in_o our_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o any_o one_o can_v pretend_v why_o he_o shall_v not_o embrace_v a_o religion_n which_o be_v beautify_v and_o confirm_v with_o so_o many_o wonder_n command_v such_o honest_a thing_n and_o promise_v such_o excellent_a reward_n for_o he_o that_o have_v once_o receive_v and_o embrace_v the_o same_o must_v for_o further_a instruction_n in_o special_a and_o particular_a question_n consult_v those_o book_n wherein_o as_o we_o have_v former_o declare_v the_o point_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v contain_v which_o that_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v we_o beseech_v the_o almighty_a to_o illuminate_v the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o to_o make_v those_o prayer_n effectual_a which_o christ_n himself_o utter_v for_o they_o even_o while_o he_o be_v hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n the_o six_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o a_o confutation_n of_o mahumetanisme_n the_o beginning_n of_o it_o the_o six_o book_n which_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o mahometans_n in_o stead_n of_o a_o preface_n deduce_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o christian_n unto_o the_o very_a beginning_n and_o rise_v of_o mahometism_n show_v that_o be_v how_o that_o sincere_a and_o simple_a piety_n which_o flourish_v among_o christian_n even_o when_o they_o be_v most_o grievous_o vex_v and_o oppress_v begin_v by_o little_a and_o little_a to_o wax_v cold_a from_o the_o time_n that_o by_o the_o favour_n of_o constantine_n and_o the_o follow_a emperor_n that_o profession_n be_v become_v not_o only_o safe_a but_o also_o honourable_a the_o world_n be_v as_o it_o be_v thrust_v into_o the_o church_n for_o first_o of_o all_o christian_a prince_n will_v needs_o continue_v fight_v and_o make_v no_o end_n of_o their_o war_n even_o then_o when_o they_o may_v have_v enjoy_v peace_n and_o quietness_n among_o the_o bishop_n also_o there_o be_v most_o sharp_a contention_n about_o the_o chief_a see_v and_o as_o at_o the_o beginning_n the_o great_a mischief_n ensue_v upon_o the_o prefer_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n before_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n even_o so_o then_o also_o be_v curious_a learning_n more_o regard_v than_o a_o godly_a life_n and_o religion_n turn_v into_o a_o art_n the_o consequent_a of_o which_o be_v that_o after_o the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o build_v the_o tower_n of_o babel_n a_o rash_a affectation_n of_o thing_n out_o of_o their_o reach_n breed_v jar_v and_o confusion_n in_o their_o language_n together_o with_o discord_n one_o with_o another_o which_o the_o common_a people_n observe_v and_o not_o know_v ofttimes_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v themselves_o they_o throw_v the_o blame_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o begin_v to_o avoid_v they_o as_o hurtful_a and_o dangerous_a religion_n also_o begin_v every_o where_o to_o be_v place_v not_o in_o purity_n of_o mind_n but_o as_o if_o judaisme_n be_v bring_v back_o into_o the_o world_n in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o contain_v rather_o a_o exercise_n of_o the_o body_n than_o any_o amendment_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o in_o a_o eager_a zeal_n for_o that_o party_n and_o side_n which_o they_o have_v once_o choose_v till_o at_o length_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v every_o where_o many_o christian_n in_o name_n but_o very_o few_o in_o deed._n god_n do_v not_o wink_v at_o these_o vice_n of_o his_o people_n but_z out_o of_o the_o innermost_a part_n of_o scythia_n and_o germany_n pour_v forth_o like_o a_o deluge_n immense_a swarm_n of_o barbarous_a people_n into_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o when_o the_o vast_a slaughter_n which_o they_o make_v prove_v not_o sufficient_a to_o correct_v and_o amend_v the_o life_n of_o those_o that_o survive_v mahomet_n by_o god_n just_a permission_n sow_v a_o new_a religion_n in_o arabia_n and_o that_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o which_o in_o word_n express_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o life_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n this_o religion_n be_v first_o entertain_v by_o the_o saracen_n who_o have_v revolt_v from_o heraclius_n the_o emperor_n and_o by_o their_o arm_n subdue_v in_o a_o short_a space_n arabia_n syria_n palestine_n egypt_n persia_n and_o afterward_o possess_v themselves_o of_o africa_n and_o beyond_o the_o sea_n of_o spain_n also_o but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o saracen_n be_v abate_v as_o by_o other_o so_o chief_o by_o the_o turk_n a_o nation_n also_o very_o warlike_a which_o after_o long_a combat_n with_o the_o saracen_n be_v invite_v to_o peace_n easy_o embrace_v a_o religion_n suit_v to_o their_o manner_n and_o transfer_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o empire_n to_o themselves_o the_o city_n of_o asia_n and_o greece_n be_v take_v and_o by_o the_o grow_a success_n of_o their_o arm_n they_o come_v into_o hungary_n and_o the_o border_n of_o germany_n 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 this_o religion_n altogether_o contrive_v for_o the_o shed_n of_o blood_n delight_v much_o in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o will_v be_v believe_v without_o all_o liberty_n of_o enquiry_n thereinto_o whence_o the_o vulgar_a be_v prohibit_v to_o read_v their_o book_n that_o be_v account_v holy_a which_o thing_n be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n of_o the_o iniquity_n thereof_o for_o just_o may_v that_o merchandise_n be_v suspect_v which_o be_v obtrude_v upon_o this_o condition_n that_o it_o be_v not_o look_v into_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v not_o in_o all_o man_n a_o like_a capacity_n or_o knowledge_n and_o quick_a in_o sight_n into_o all_o thing_n many_o be_v lead_v into_o error_n by_o pride_n other_o by_o inordinate_a passion_n or_o affection_n and_o some_o by_o custom_n but_o the_o divine_a goodness_n forbid_v we_o to_o think_v that_o those_o man_n can_v know_v and_o find_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n who_o seek_v it_o not_o for_o any_o by-respect_n of_o profit_n or_o honour_n but_o with_o submission_n of_o themselves_o and_o all_o they_o have_v unto_o god_n implore_v his_o assistance_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o same_o and_o since_o that_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o judge_v there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o truth_n that_o better_a deserve_v the_o employment_n thereof_o than_o that_o of_o which_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a without_o the_o danger_n of_o lose_v eternal_a salvation_n 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 it_o be_v grant_v by_o mahomet_n and_o his_o follower_n that_o moses_n be_v send_v of_o god_n and_o jesus_n also_o and_o that_o they_o be_v holy_a man_n which_o first_o of_o all_o publish_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n but_o in_o the_o alcoran_n which_o be_v mahumet_n law_n many_o thing_n be_v record_v plain_a contrary_n to_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o moses_n and_o by_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n thus_o to_o give_v one_o example_n for_o many_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n with_o one_o consent_n do_v testify_v that_o jesus_n be_v crucify_v that_o the_o three_o day_n he_o be_v restore_v to_o life_n again_o and_o after_o that_o be_v see_v of_o many_o but_o mahumet_n teach_v quite_o contrary_a namely_o that_o jesus_n be_v privy_o convey_v into_o heaven_n and_o not_o himself_o but_o something_o in_o his_o likeness_n be_v nail_v to_o the_o cross_n and_o consequent_o he_o do_v not_o die_v but_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v delude_v and_o deceive_v this_o objection_n can_v be_v put_v off_o unless_o mahumet_n say_v as_o he_o do_v that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o christ_n disciple_n have_v not_o remain_v as_o they_o be_v at_o first_o but_o have_v be_v corrupt_v but_o we_o have_v confute_v this_o fiction_n before_o in_o the_o three_o book_n without_o doubt_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o the_o koran_n be_v corrupt_v the_o mahometans_n will_v deny_v it_o and_o say_v that_o be_v a_o answer_n sufficient_a to_o those_o that_o can_v not_o prove_v the_o contrary_a but_o they_o can_v moreover_o for_o the_o integrity_n of_o their_o book_n allege_v such_o argument_n
pagan_n among_o who_o as_o grotius_n observe_v it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o poet_n to_o sing_v what_o they_o please_v though_o never_o so_o lewd_a concern_v the_o god_n and_o for_o the_o epicure_n to_o take_v providence_n out_o of_o the_o world_n while_o the_o jew_n be_v make_v ridiculous_a and_o the_o christian_n most_o barbarous_o use_v as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v the_o vile_a of_o mankind_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o sect_n xii_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o overthrow_v their_o own_o religion_n that_o argument_n also_o which_o he_o urge_v for_o christianity_n against_o the_o pagan_n that_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o best_a and_o great_a among_o they_o may_v be_v use_v by_o we_o also_o for_o the_o faith_n to_o which_o we_o now_o hold_v there_o be_v several_a learned_a writer_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n who_o have_v acknowledge_v our_o belief_n to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n and_o the_o point_n which_o they_o have_v superad_v have_v be_v look_v upon_o by_o the_o most_o excellent_a person_n among_o they_o only_o as_o mere_a scholastical_a opinion_n and_o not_o certain_a truth_n of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v a_o full_a assurance_n here_o i_o may_v show_v how_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v own_v and_o the_o apostle_n creed_n likewise_o confess_v to_o contain_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n but_o because_o i_o will_v not_o have_v this_o book_n swell_v above_o the_o bigness_n of_o the_o forego_n i_o shall_v let_v they_o alone_o and_o instance_n only_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n which_o be_v now_o press_v with_o so_o much_o violence_n upon_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o most_o plain_o condemn_v by_o gratian_n in_o their_o canon_n law_n and_o by_o the_o author_n or_o author_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o mass_n itself_o about_o the_o former_a we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v out_o of_o the_o decretum_fw-la if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o three_o part_n and_o the_o second_o distinction_n concern_v consecration_n where_o in_o the_o xl_o viii_o chapter_n out_o of_o st._n austin_n and_o prosper_n he_o say_v the_o heavenly_a bread_n which_o be_v true_o christ_n flesh_n svo_fw-la modo_fw-la after_o a_o sort_n or_o manner_n be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n whereas_o revera_fw-la in_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v call_v his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o crucifixion_n not_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o in_o a_o signify_v mystery_n which_o word_n be_v so_o direct_o against_o the_o present_a sense_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n that_o no_o protestant_n can_v speak_v more_o express_o and_o clear_o against_o it_o nor_o desire_v a_o plain_a confutation_n of_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o gloss_n upon_o those_o word_n which_o be_v this_o the_o celestial_a sacrament_n which_o true_o represent_v the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n but_o improper_o whence_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o svo_fw-la modo_fw-la sed_fw-la non_fw-la rei_fw-la veritate_fw-la after_o a_o manner_n but_o not_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o the_o sense_n be_v it_o be_v call_v christ_n body_n that_o be_v it_o be_v signify_v thereby_o and_o if_o we_o look_v further_o into_o the_o lii_o chapter_n we_o find_v he_o say_v christ_n be_v sacrifice_v but_o once_o in_o semet_fw-la ipso_fw-la in_o himself_o when_o he_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n etc._n etc._n yet_o be_v offer_v daily_o in_o sacramento_n in_o the_o sacrament_n which_o the_o church_n frequent_v in_o memory_n of_o that_o thing_n which_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o next_o chapter_n he_o call_v exemplum_fw-la the_o example_n or_o resemblance_n of_o that_o upon_o the_o cross_n offer_v in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o that_o they_o believe_v in_o those_o day_n as_o we_o do_v now_o and_o not_o as_o the_o roman_a church_n do_v else_o he_o will_v not_o have_v call_v that_o which_o he_o say_v be_v true_o the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n the_o heavenly_a bread_n but_o to_o put_v all_o out_o of_o doubt_n let_v we_o turn_v to_o the_o lxxii_o chapter_n and_o there_o we_o find_v these_o remarkable_a word_n out_o of_o st._n austin_n which_o full_o explain_v the_o business_n because_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o christ_n to_o be_v devour_v by_o our_o tooth_n therefore_o our_o lord_n will_v have_v this_o bread_n and_o this_o wine_n in_o a_o mystery_n by_o consecration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v potential_o create_v his_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o to_o be_v daily_o mystical_o offer_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n they_o be_v potential_o then_o or_o virtual_o make_v his_o body_n and_o blood_n though_o but_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o themselves_o and_o of_o this_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v thus_o wonderful_o make_v in_o commemoration_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o add_v out_o of_o st._n hierom_n chap._n lxxvi_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v but_o of_o that_o which_o christ_n offer_v on_o the_o cross_n secundum_fw-la se_fw-la according_a to_o itself_o none_o can_v eat_v but_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o mass_n will_v more_o abundant_o convince_v we_o that_o he_o or_o they_o that_o make_v it_o do_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n of_o transubstantiation_n for_o first_o after_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n the_o priest_n sign_v they_o ten_o time_n at_o least_o with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o can_v have_v no_o excuse_n make_v for_o it_o but_o be_v the_o great_a impudence_n if_o it_o be_v indeed_o christ_n himself_o who_o lie_v before_o the_o priest_n who_o he_o thus_o cross_n for_o sure_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o bless_v christ_n or_o to_o drive_v away_o the_o devil_n from_o he_o or_o any_o such_o like_a thing_n for_o which_o those_o cross_n be_v use_v in_o that_o church_n but_o more_o than_o this_o two_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o after_o consecration_n also_o the_o priest_n still_o call_v christ_n body_n panem_fw-la sanctum_fw-la the_o holy_a bread_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o show_v that_o when_o this_o rule_n be_v make_v they_o believe_v the_o bread_n to_o be_v still_o remain_v a_o further_a indication_n of_o which_o be_v that_o 3_o the_o priest_n proceed_v to_o beseech_v god_n that_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o look_v upon_o that_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o gift_n with_o a_o propitious_a and_o serene_a countenance_n and_o to_o accept_v they_o as_o he_o do_v the_o gift_n of_o his_o servant_n abel_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o abraham_n and_o that_o which_o his_o highpriest_n melchisedeck_v offer_v to_o he_o which_o be_v most_o absurd_o speak_v if_o the_o priest_n there_o offer_v christ_n himself_o unto_o god_n for_o than_o he_o intercede_v with_o he_o for_o our_o intercessor_n as_o if_o he_o need_v our_o prayer_n and_o beside_o compare_v he_o with_o the_o first-fruit_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o the_o spoil_n of_o war_n which_o be_v so_o incongruous_a and_o so_o much_o below_o his_o heavenly_a glory_n that_o a_o unprejudiced_a man_n can_v but_o think_v they_o who_o compose_v that_o prayer_n look_v upon_o those_o gift_n which_o they_o offer_v as_o still_o bread_n and_o wine_n which_o appear_v more_o full_o 4thly_a from_o what_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o prayer_n where_o bow_v profound_o and_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o the_o altar_n the_o priest_n humble_o entreat_v god_n in_o this_o manner_n command_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o thy_o holy_a angel_n to_o thy_o high_a altar_n into_o the_o presence_n of_o thy_o divine_a majesty_n where_o there_o be_v two_o plain_a testimony_n against_o their_o present_a doctrine_n for_o first_o nothing_o but_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n can_v be_v call_v haec_fw-la these_o thing_n which_o in_o no_o propriety_n of_o speech_n can_v signify_v the_o very_a natural_a body_n of_o christ_n who_o second_o can_v by_o none_o of_o god_n angel_n be_v carry_v into_o heaven_n be_v there_o already_o nor_o bring_v more_o than_o he_o be_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n where_o he_o be_v before_o the_o priest_n say_v mass_n and_o sit_v for_o ever_o there_o at_o god_n right_a hand_n have_v they_o that_o compose_v this_o prayer_n believe_v any_o thing_n of_o transubstantiation_n they_o will_v have_v say_v and_o can_v not_o have_v say_v otherways_o if_o they_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o matter_n almighty_a god_n behold_v here_o before_o i_o upon_o thy_o altar_n lie_v thy_o only_a beget_v son_n jesus_n christ_n by_o my_o sacrifice_n unto_o thou_o that_o very_a christ_n who_o be_v at_o thy_o right_a
and_o piety_n and_o that_o they_o may_v confirm_v this_o to_o be_v their_o sense_n of_o the_o divinity_n they_o bid_v the_o jesuit_n observe_v one_o part_n of_o the_o altar_n in_o their_o temple_n to_o be_v void_a of_o image_n and_o to_o be_v hide_v in_o a_o obscure_a and_o dark_a place_n which_o they_o say_v be_v the_o proper_a seat_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o can_v not_o be_v represent_v in_o any_o form_n and_o shape_n and_o that_o the_o image_n which_o stand_v about_o that_o place_n be_v the_o representation_n of_o their_o intercessor_n with_o he_o who_o have_v great_a power_n with_o the_o most_o high_a god_n do_v obtain_v many_o gift_n and_o blessing_n for_o those_o that_o invocate_v they_o how_o this_o differ_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n i_o do_v not_o see_v unless_o it_o be_v in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v sometime_o adventure_v to_o represent_v god_n himself_o in_o a_o shape_n otherwise_o the_o worship_n be_v the_o very_a same_o the_o dead_a man_n who_o be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o only_o change_v and_o may_v very_o well_o justify_v we_o if_o we_o say_v and_o therein_o we_o speak_v very_o moderate_o that_o their_o worship_n be_v a_o image_n at_o least_o of_o the_o ancient_a idolatry_n and_o move_v they_o to_o make_v the_o resemblance_n more_o perfect_a unto_o the_o very_a same_o rage_n and_o violence_n which_o be_v in_o the_o pagan_n against_o all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o can_v consent_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o that_o way_n prosecute_a they_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o cruelty_n as_o if_o they_o be_v utter_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o religion_n by_o which_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o only_a true_a christian_n that_o they_o be_v a_o very_a degenerate_a part_n of_o christ_n church_n want_v that_o great_a mark_n of_o his_o faithful_a disciple_n to_o love_v one_o another_o even_o as_o christ_n love_v we_o to_o which_o they_o be_v such_o stranger_n that_o quite_o contrary_a they_o not_o only_o hate_v and_o persecute_v but_o endeavour_n as_o i_o say_v to_o root_v out_o those_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o obedient_o believe_v all_o that_o they_o can_v find_v our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v and_o profess_v they_o be_v ready_a with_o all_o their_o heart_n to_o receive_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o any_o body_n can_v further_o teach_v they_o to_o be_v his_o mind_n nay_o be_v very_o desirous_a and_o diligent_a to_o know_v it_o spare_v no_o pain_n to_o understand_v the_o whole_a truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n sect_n xv._o answer_v to_o what_o they_o say_v about_o miracle_n they_o pretend_v indeed_o abundance_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o their_o church_n as_o a_o sufficient_a condemnation_n of_o those_o who_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o invocate_v saint_n to_o worship_v their_o image_n and_o the_o consecrate_a host_n to_o believe_v purgatory_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o these_o wonder_n be_v allege_v but_o herein_o also_o they_o imitate_v the_o pagan_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o like_a deceit_n and_o the_o same_o answer_n will_v serve_v here_o which_o grotius_n give_v there_o l._n four_o sect._n 8._o in_o his_o confutation_n of_o the_o old_a idolatry_n for_o first_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o they_o have_v reject_v many_o of_o these_o miracle_n as_o not_o support_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o credible_a witness_n nay_o as_o plain_a fiction_n other_o also_o of_o they_o which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v of_o better_a credit_n happen_v in_o some_o private_a place_n in_o the_o night_n before_o one_o or_o two_o person_n who_o eye_n crafty_a priest_n as_o he_o speak_v may_v easy_o delude_v with_o false_a show_n and_o counterfeit_a appearance_n of_o thing_n and_o further_o there_o be_v other_o which_o only_o raise_v admiration_n among_o people_n ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v no_o true_a miracle_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o may_v have_v thing_n be_v do_v among_o they_o which_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v effect_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o yet_o no_o divine_a that_o be_v omnipotent_a power_n be_v needful_a to_o their_o production_n for_o those_o spirit_n which_o be_v interpose_v between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v able_a by_o their_o nimbleness_n cunning_a activity_n and_o strength_n to_o make_v such_o strange_a application_n of_o thing_n very_o distant_a one_o to_o another_o as_o shall_v astonish_v the_o spectator_n with_o wonderful_a effect_n but_o there_o be_v too_o great_a reason_n to_o think_v they_o be_v not_o good_a spirit_n that_o do_v these_o feat_n because_o they_o revive_v hereby_o the_o ancient_a superstition_n or_o uphold_v the_o image_n of_o it_o still_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o endanger_n the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n who_o have_v be_v so_o far_o mislead_v as_o not_o only_o to_o fancy_v great_a virtue_n in_o the_o image_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o cry_v up_o also_o some_o image_n particular_o of_o our_o lady_n of_o loretto_n for_o instance_n as_o endue_v with_o some_o singular_a power_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o other_o but_o to_o honour_v they_o so_o high_o as_o for_o one_o miracle_n say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o crucifix_n to_o report_v a_o hundred_o to_o be_v wrought_v at_o such_o or_o such_o a_o shrine_n of_o she_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a also_o to_o omit_v the_o rest_n which_o he_o note_v in_o the_o v._o book_n out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o it_o suppose_v god_n may_v permit_v some_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v only_o for_o their_o trial_n whether_o the_o people_n will_v persist_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o undoubted_a and_o far_o great_a and_o more_o numerous_a miracle_n read_v deuteron_n xiii_o 1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v excellent_o express_v and_o with_o advantage_n by_o a_o great_a man_n of_o our_o own_o in_o these_o word_n or_o to_o this_o effect_n the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o believe_v that_o be_v the_o bible_n have_v be_v confirm_v as_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o side_n by_o innumerable_a supernatural_a and_o true_o divine_a miracle_n and_o consequent_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o in_o many_o point_n be_v plain_o opposite_a to_o the_o bible_n be_v condemn_v by_o they_o i_o mean_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o strange_a thing_n have_v be_v do_v in_o that_o church_n they_o prove_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n which_o foretell_v that_o god_n providence_n permit_v it_o and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o world_n deserve_v it_o strange_a sign_n and_o wonder_n shall_v be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v false_a doctrine_n that_o they_o which_o love_v not_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v give_v over_o to_o strong_a delusion_n so_o that_o now_o we_o have_v reason_n rather_o to_o suspect_v and_o be_v afraid_a of_o pretend_a miracle_n as_o sign_n of_o false_a doctrine_n than_o much_o to_o regard_v they_o as_o certain_a argument_n of_o truth_n neither_o be_v it_o strange_a that_o god_n shall_v permit_v some_o true_a wonder_n to_o be_v do_v to_o delude_v those_o who_o have_v forge_v so_o many_o wonder_n to_o deceive_v the_o world_n sect_n xvi_o answer_v to_o another_o objection_n but_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a they_o say_v that_o religion_n shall_v be_v thus_o deprave_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n because_o their_o ancestor_n be_v man_n of_o great_a virtue_n and_o honesty_n than_o to_o suffer_v the_o least_o alteration_n which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o jew_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o believe_v our_o saviour_n be_v unjust_o condemn_v and_o his_o religion_n reject_v by_o their_o priest_n and_o elder_n as_o grotius_n observe_v in_o the_o vth._n book_n out_o of_o which_o i_o may_v produce_v several_a thing_n as_o i_o have_v do_v out_o of_o the_o forego_n to_o prove_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o romish_a tradition_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o show_v also_o how_o they_o have_v bring_v back_o judaisme_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n by_o the_o vast_a burden_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n wherewith_o they_o have_v encumber_a christian_n religion_n but_o i_o shall_v wave_v all_o this_o because_o i_o will_v make_v this_o book_n as_o short_a as_o the_o rest_n and_o only_o observe_v in_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v now_o pretend_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v consider_v as_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o ancestor_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o kind_n of_o man_n for_o several_a age_n sit_v in_o the_o chair_n of_o rome_n and_o how_o ignorant_a the_o people_n general_o be_v he_o