whereunto_o we_o may_v add_v what_o before_o we_o have_v touch_v out_o of_o strabo_n and_o trogus_n but_o as_o for_o we_o christian_n we_o be_v not_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o book_n out_o of_o which_o we_o borrow_v many_o testimony_n neither_o do_v we_o find_v when_o christ_n reprehend_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n and_o pharisy_n of_o his_o time_n that_o ever_o he_o accuse_v they_o of_o falsehood_n commit_v against_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o prophet_n or_o that_o they_o have_v alter_v or_o use_v any_o forge_a book_n then_o after_o christ_n time_n it_o can_v be_v prove_v neither_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v corrupt_v in_o matter_n of_o any_o moment_n special_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o same_o book_n be_v preserve_v safe_o by_o the_o jew_n which_o people_n be_v disperse_v far_o and_o wide_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o first_o of_o all_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v lead_v a_o way_n captive_a by_o the_o assyrian_n into_o media_n then_o afterward_o the_o two_o other_o tribe_n and_o after_o that_o cyrus_n grant_v they_o leave_v to_o return_v many_o of_o they_o go_v and_o dwell_v in_o foreign_a country_n the_o macedoniâ—â—s_v invite_v they_o with_o great_a promise_n to_o come_v into_o alexandria_n the_o cruelty_n of_o antiochus_n the_o civil_a war_n of_o the_o asmonaans_n together_o with_o those_o of_o poâ—pey_n and_o sossius_n from_o without_o do_v straggle_v and_o scatter_v abroad_o many_o of_o they_o cyrenaica_n a_o part_n of_o africa_n be_v full_a of_o the_o jew_n so_o be_v the_o city_n of_o asia_n macedonia_n licaonia_n and_o likewise_o the_o isle_n of_o cyprâ—â—_n crete_n and_o other_o also_o what_o a_o number_n of_o they_o there_o be_v at_o rome_n may_v be_v learn_v out_o of_o horace_n juvenal_n and_o marâ—â—al_n now_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o such_o multitude_n so_o far_o distant_a one_o from_o another_o shall_v be_v cozen_v in_o this_o kind_n neither_o can_v they_o ever_o accord_v all_o in_o the_o coin_n of_o a_o untruth_n add_v moreover_o that_o almost_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n at_o the_o appointment_n and_o care_n of_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n those_o book_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o greek_a tongue_n by_o those_o that_o be_v call_v the_o seventy_o interpreter_n so_o as_o then_o the_o grecian_n have_v the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o they_o though_o in_o another_o language_n whereby_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v more_o unlikely_a that_o they_o be_v any_o where_o change_v nay_o more_o these_o book_n be_v translate_v both_o into_o the_o chaldeâ—_n tongue_n as_o also_o into_o the_o language_n speak_v by_o they_o of_o jerusalem_n to_o wit_n a_o little_a before_o and_o a_o little_a after_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n other_o greek_a translation_n afterward_o there_o be_v as_o namely_o by_o aquila_n symachus_n and_o theodo_n i_o on_o all_o which_o origen_n compare_v with_o that_o of_o the_o seventy_o interpreter_n and_o after_o he_o other_o also_o who_o can_v find_v no_o diversity_n of_o history_n or_o of_o any_o matter_n worth_n speak_v of_o philâ—_n live_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o caligula_n and_o josephiâ—_n survive_v the_o time_n of_o both_o the_o vespasâ—ans_n which_o two_o writer_n allege_v out_o of_o the_o hebrew_n book_n the_o same_o thing_n that_o we_o read_v at_o this_o day_n then_o begin_v christian_a religion_n to_o be_v more_o and_o more_o propagate_v be_v profess_v by_o many_o of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o by_o sundry_a person_n that_o have_v learn_v the_o hebrew_n tongue_n who_o if_o the_o jew_n have_v use_v any_o legerdemain_n in_o any_o notable_a part_n can_v thereupon_o quick_o discover_v the_o same_o by_o compare_v more_o ancient_a copy_n and_o so_o have_v make_v it_o public_o know_v but_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v this_o that_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o allege_v many_o testimony_n out_o of_o the_o old_a covenant_n to_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o meaning_n that_o they_o be_v use_v by_o the_o hebrew_n which_o hebrew_n may_v soon_o be_v accuse_v of_o any_o other_o fault_n than_o falsehood_n or_o negligence_n about_o these_o book_n which_o they_o have_v so_o religious_o and_o exact_o describe_v and_o compare_v that_o they_o know_v how_o often_o any_o one_o letter_n be_v sound_v therein_o the_o last_o though_o not_o the_o least_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o purposely_o corrupt_a or_o alter_v the_o scripture_n may_v be_v because_o the_o christian_n out_o of_o the_o very_a book_n which_o be_v read_v by_o the_o jew_n do_v evince_n and_o as_o they_o imagine_v strong_o prove_v that_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n be_v that_o same_o very_a messiah_n which_o be_v ancient_o promise_v to_o the_o jew_n their_o forefather_n which_o doubtless_o they_o will_v have_v be_v careful_a may_v not_o have_v be_v do_v special_o when_o the_o controversy_n arise_v between_o they_o and_o the_o christian_n if_o ever_o it_o have_v be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o have_v change_v what_o they_o list_v the_o four_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o a_o particular_a confutation_n of_o the_o religion_n opposite_a to_o christianity_n many_o man_n there_o be_v who_o behold_v the_o great_a peril_n and_o jeoperdy_o that_o other_o people_n be_v in_o do_v much_o joy_n and_o hug_v themselves_o if_o they_o be_v out_o of_o gunshot_n and_o free_a from_o all_o such_o danger_n but_o christianity_n teach_v another_o lesson_n special_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o four_o book_n it_o shall_v appear_v that_o one_o chief_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o this_o life_n be_v not_o only_o to_o rejoice_v and_o content_v himself_o with_o the_o find_v out_o of_o truth_n but_o also_o to_o lend_v his_o help_a hand_n to_o other_o that_o wander_v in_o the_o labyrinth_n of_o error_n and_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o so_o good_a a_o benefit_n this_o after_o some_o sort_n we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o do_v in_o the_o former_a book_n for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o truth_n imply_v the_o confutation_n of_o error_n yet_o in_o regard_n all_o kind_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v opposite_a to_o christianity_n to_o wit_n paganism_n judaism_n and_o mahumetaâ—isme_n beside_o their_o common_a consent_n have_v their_o proper_a error_n and_o certain_a peculiar_a argâ—me_n be_v which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v object_v against_o we_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o purpose_n particular_o to_o dispute_v against_o each_o of_o these_o first_o desire_v our_o reader_n to_o purge_v their_o mind_n from_o partiality_n and_o all_o impediment_n of_o judge_v aright_o that_o so_o they_o may_v the_o better_o conceive_v the_o truth_n we_o be_v to_o speak_v sect_n ii_o and_o first_o of_o paganism_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n create_v spirit_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a the_o good_a not_o to_o be_v honour_v but_o in_o reference_n to_o god_n to_o begin_v then_o against_o pagan_n if_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a eternal_a and_o coequal_a god_n we_o have_v consute_v this_o opinion_n before_o in_o the_o first_o book_n where_o we_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v but_o only_o one_o god_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n or_o if_o they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n do_v understand_v the_o create_v spirit_n which_o be_v superior_a to_o man_n they_o then_o either_o mean_v the_o good_a or_o the_o bad_a if_o they_o say_v the_o good_a first_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o such_o be_v so_o indeed_o otherwise_o they_o commit_v a_o dangerous_a ertor_n in_o receive_v enemy_n instead_o of_o friend_n and_o traitor_n for_o ambassador_n then_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n they_o put_v a_o evident_a difference_n between_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o these_o spirit_n as_o likewise_o to_o know_v what_o hierarchy_n and_o order_n there_o be_v among_o they_o what_o benefit_n may_v be_v expect_v from_o any_o of_o they_o and_o what_o honour_n by_o god_n permission_n or_o appointment_n be_v to_o be_v exhibit_v to_o they_o all_o which_o since_o they_o have_v not_o positive_o set_v down_o in_o their_o religion_n it_o be_v plain_a how_o uncertain_a the_o same_o religion_n be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v a_o safe_a course_n for_o they_o to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o one_o almighty_a god_n which_o even_o platâ—_n confess_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o wise_a man_n special_o for_o that_o to_o whosoever_o god_n be_v propitious_a and_o favourable_a to_o they_o these_o angel_n must_v be_v serviceable_a and_o gracious_a be_v indeed_o minister_a spirit_n of_o the_o almighty_a sect_n iii_o eviâ—_n spirit_n adore_v by_o pagan_n and_o how_o impious_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v but_o it_o be_v the_o bad_a not_o the_o good_a spirit_n which_o the_o pagan_n do_v worship_v as_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o
sundry_a reason_n first_o because_o these_o adore_a angel_n do_v not_o refer_v their_o worshipper_n unto_o the_o service_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o labour_v to_o abolish_v the_o same_o or_o at_o least_o in_o every_o respect_n they_o require_v equal_a honour_n with_o the_o almighty_a second_o because_o they_o wrought_v all_o the_o harm_n they_o can_v against_o the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n by_o provoke_v both_o magistrate_n and_o people_n to_o molest_v they_o for_o when_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o poet_n to_o sing_v of_o the_o murder_n and_o adultery_n commit_v by_o the_o god_n and_o for_o the_o epicure_n to_o take_v away_o all_o divine_a providence_n and_o for_o any_o other_o religion_n though_o never_o so_o different_a in_o ceremony_n to_o be_v allow_v as_o be_v the_o egyptian_a the_o phrygian_a the_o grecian_a and_o the_o tuscan_a at_o rome_n even_o then_o general_o the_o jew_n be_v only_o make_v ridiculous_a as_o appear_v by_o satyr_n and_o epigram_n write_v upon_o they_o who_o sometime_o also_o suffer_v hanishment_n and_o as_o for_o christian_n they_o be_v afflict_v with_o most_o bitter_a punishment_n no_o other_o cause_n whereof_o can_v be_v give_v than_o that_o both_o these_o sect_n do_v worship_v one_o true_a god_n who_o honour_n be_v impeach_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o such_o god_n as_o the_o heathen_a adore_v three_o this_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o worship_n which_o no_o way_n esceme_v any_o good_a and_o honest_a ghost_n namely_o by_o humane_a blood_n by_o the_o run_n of_o naked_a man_n in_o the_o temple_n by_o game_n and_o dance_v full_a of_o uncleanness_n such_o as_o may_v be_v see_v at_o this_o day_n among_o some_o people_n of_o america_n and_o africa_n who_o yet_o sit_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o gentilism_n nay_o which_o be_v more_o both_o ancient_o there_o be_v and_o now_o there_o be_v some_o people_n that_o know_v and_o profess_v that_o these_o be_v wicked_a ghost_n who_o they_o worship_v thus_o the_o persian_n adore_v pluto_n the_o grecian_n honour_a devil_n the_o roman_n worship_v a_o hurtful_a god_n that_o he_o may_v do_v they_o no_o harm_n divers_a of_o the_o ethiopian_n and_o indian_n do_v the_o like_a then_o the_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v invent_v more_o impious_a and_o abominable_a for_o what_o be_v true_a religious_a worship_n but_o a_o testimony_n of_o a_o infinite_a goodness_n that_o a_o man_n do_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o he_o who_o he_o worship_v which_o if_o it_o be_v exhibit_v unto_o a_o bad_a spirit_n it_o be_v false_a and_o counter_a feit_z imply_v in_o it_o no_o less_o crime_n than_o high_a treason_n for_o asmuch_o as_o the_o honour_n due_a unto_o the_o king_n be_v not_o only_a derogated_a from_o he_o but_o be_v confer_v upon_o his_o enemy_n a_o traitorous_a rebel_n moreover_o vain_a be_v that_o perswasi_fw-la on_o which_o they_o conceive_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o will_v not_o punish_v this_o offence_n because_o they_o think_v so_o to_o do_v be_v contrary_a to_o his_o goodness_n for_o mercy_n or_o clemency_n that_o it_o may_v be_v just_a be_v bound_v with_o limit_n and_o where_o wickedness_n abound_v there_o justice_n do_v as_o it_o be_v necessary_o require_v the_o infliction_n of_o punishment_n neither_o be_v they_o excuse_v for_o say_v they_o be_v induce_v to_o obey_v such_o wicked_a spirit_n out_o of_o a_o certain_a fear_n or_o awe_n of_o they_o see_v that_o god_n as_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a good_a so_o be_v he_o communicative_a and_o impart_v his_o goodness_n in_o the_o production_n of_o other_o nature_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a than_o iâ—_n follow_v that_o he_o have_v absolute_a power_n and_o dominion_n over_o all_o those_o other_o creature_n as_o over_o his_o workmanship_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v by_o any_o of_o they_o which_o he_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o hinder_v all_o which_o be_v grant_v as_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a than_o we_o may_v easy_o collect_v that_o whosoever_o be_v in_o the_o special_a favour_n of_o god_n can_v be_v subject_a to_o no_o further_a harm_n by_o evil_a spirit_n than_o the_o almighty_a will_v suffer_v shall_v turn_v to_o his_o good_a and_o last_o there_o can_v nothing_o be_v obtain_v of_o bad_a angel_n which_o be_v worth_a the_o accept_n of_o but_o rather_o worthy_a to_o be_v abhor_v and_o despise_v for_o when_o a_o devil_n dissemble_v and_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n then_o be_v he_o the_o worst_a of_o all_o and_o the_o gift_n of_o a_o enemy_n be_v usual_o nothing_o but_o crafty_a fetch_n and_o mere_a deceit_n sect_n four_o against_o the_o worship_n which_o in_o paganism_n be_v exhibit_v to_o man_n after_o their_o death_n moreover_o there_o be_v diver_n among_o the_o pagan_n and_o there_o be_v yet_o some_o of_o they_o thaâ—_n tell_v we_o they_o give_v honour_n and_o worship_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n depart_v but_o first_o they_o shall_v make_v some_o manifest_a distinction_n between_o this_o honour_n and_o that_o which_o be_v due_a unto_o god_n then_o again_o all_o prayer_n make_v to_o they_o be_v but_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a unless_o those_o spirit_n be_v able_a some_o way_n to_o reward_n or_o requite_v they_o which_o none_o of_o these_o worshipper_n can_v confident_o sar_n or_o certain_o prove_v they_o be_v but_o another_o thing_n be_v worst_a of_o all_o to_o wit_n that_o many_o of_o they_o to_o who_o such_o glory_n be_v give_v by_o the_o heathen_a in_o their_o life_n time_n be_v notorious_o wicked_a and_o addict_v to_o one_o filthy_a vice_n or_o other_o thus_o bacchus_n be_v a_o drunkard_n and_o hercules_n effeminate_a romulus_n prove_v a_o very_a â—illaine_n to_o his_o brother_n and_o jupiter_n a_o traitor_n to_o his_o own_o father_n so_o that_o the_o praise_n and_o honour_n giâ—en_v to_o such_o mortal_a impious_a men-god_n redound_v to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o of_o honesty_n itself_o since_o it_o add_v the_o commendation_n of_o religion_n to_o vice_n that_o be_v flatter_a and_o allure_a enough_o of_o themselves_o sect_n v._o against_o worship_v of_o star_n and_o element_n of_o more_o antiquity_n than_o this_o be_v the_o worship_v of_o star_n and_o of_o the_o element_n as_o fire_v water_n air_n and_o earth_n wherein_o great_a ignorance_n and_o folly_n be_v commit_v for_o prayer_n be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o religious_a worship_n which_o can_v without_o folly_n be_v direct_v to_o any_o object_n save_o 〈◊〉_d intelligent_a nature_n but_o sense_n teâ—…_n we_o that_o the_o element_n be_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o as_o for_o the_o star_n if_o any_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a yet_o he_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v it_o since_o that_o no_o such_o matter_n can_v be_v collect_v from_o their_o operation_n and_o influence_n which_o demonstrate_v their_o nature_n but_o rather_o we_o may_v gather_v the_o contrary_a by_o their_o mâ—tion_n which_o be_v not_o variable_a like_o 〈◊〉_d that_o in_o thing_n endue_v with_o liberty_n of_o will_n but_o constant_a and_o unalterable_a beside_o we_o have_v show_v before_o that_o the_o course_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o star_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o use_n of_o man_n whence_o man_n ought_v to_o acknowledge_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o more_o like_a unto_o god_n in_o his_o better_a part_n as_o also_o more_o dear_a unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o much_o injury_n shall_v he_o do_v to_o his_o own_o worth_n and_o dignity_n if_o he_o do_v enslave_v and_o submit_v himself_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n have_v give_v to_o be_v â—…viceable_a unto_o he_o whereas_o 〈◊〉_d the_o contrary_n he_o ought_v rather_o â—…render_v thanks_n for_o they_o which_o can_v do_v so_o much_o for_o themselves_o sect_n vi_o against_o worship_v of_o bruit_n beast_n but_o of_o all_o other_o it_o be_v the_o great_a all_o surdur_n for_o man_n to_o worship_v the_o bruit_n beast_n as_o do_v the_o egyptian_n for_o although_o these_o creature_n seem_v to_o have_v some_o shadow_n oâ—_n semblance_n of_o reason_n or_o understanding_n yet_o it_o be_v nothing_o incomâ—arison_n of_o man_n see_v they_o can_v express_v any_o inward_a thought_n either_o by_o word_n or_o writing_n neither_o can_v they_o do_v any_o action_n but_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n much_o less_o can_v they_o ever_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o number_n dimension_n or_o heavenly_a motion_n on_o the_o other_o side_n man_n by_o his_o ingeny_n understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o most_o puissant_a beast_n wild_a or_o tame_a of_o fish_n foul_a and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o after_o a_o sort_n he_o have_v under_o his_o dominion_n whether_o they_o be_v elephant_n lion_n horse_n or_o ox_n yea_o those_o beast_n which_o be_v most_o hurtful_a he_o can_v make_v some_o benefit_n of_o as_o of_o serpent_n for_o medicine_n
be_v manifest_a enough_o the_o same_o proceed_v from_o some_o kind_n of_o reason_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o pismire_n and_o bee_n and_o likewise_o in_o other_o creature_n which_o before_o they_o have_v experience_n do_v natural_o eschew_v such_o thing_n that_o be_v hurtful_a and_o seek_v after_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v profitable_a for_o they_o now_o that_o this_o instinct_n or_o inclination_n of_o seek_v and_o judge_v thing_n be_v not_o in_o they_o by_o their_o own_o power_n it_o be_v clear_a for_o that_o they_o do_v always_o operate_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o virtue_n or_o efficacy_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a or_o above_o their_o ordinary_a course_n of_o operation_n wherefore_o they_o must_v needs_o receive_v their_o power_n from_o some_o reasonable_a external_a agent_n which_o direct_v they_o or_o imprint_n in_o they_o such_o efficacy_n as_o they_o have_v and_o this_o reasonable_a and_o intelligent_a agent_n be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v we_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n as_o most_o eminent_a the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n both_o which_o for_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o live_a creature_n do_v so_o seasonable_o perform_v their_o course_n of_o motion_n as_o that_o a_o man_n can_v devise_v any_o thing_n better_o for_o though_o their_o motion_n through_o the_o aequator_fw-la be_v much_o much_o more_o simple_a yet_o we_o see_v that_o they_o have_v another_o motion_n by_o a_o oblique_a circle_n to_o the_o end_n the_o benefit_n of_o their_o favourable_a aspect_n may_v be_v communicate_v to_o more_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n now_o as_o the_o earth_n be_v ordain_v for_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o live_a creature_n so_o be_v all_o terrestrial_a thing_n appoint_v for_o the_o service_n of_o man_n who_o by_o his_o wit_n and_o reason_n can_v subdue_v the_o most_o rackle_v and_o impetuous_a creature_n among_o they_o whence_o the_o very_a stoic_n do_v collect_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v for_o man_n sake_n howbeit_o since_o it_o exceed_v the_o sphere_n of_o humane_a power_n to_o bring_v the_o heavenly_a body_n in_o subjection_n to_o he_o neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o they_o will_v ever_o submit_v themselves_o to_o man_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o there_o be_v some_o superior_a mind_n or_o spirit_n by_o who_o sole_a appointment_n those_o fair_a and_o glorious_a body_n do_v service_n unto_o man_n though_o he_o be_v place_v far_o below_o they_o which_o same_o mind_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o framer_n of_o the_o star_n even_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n also_o the_o motion_n of_o these_o star_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v excentricall_a and_o epicycticall_a do_v plain_o show_v that_o their_o establishment_n and_o be_v be_v from_o a_o free_a agent_n not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o they_o moreover_o the_o most_o perfect_a form_n and_o figure_n of_o this_o world_n to_o wit_v its_o roundness_n as_o also_o the_o part_n thereof_o shut_v up_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o dispose_v with_o a_o marvellous_a order_n do_v all_o express_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v not_o tumble_v together_o or_o conjoin_v as_o they_o be_v by_o chance_n but_o wise_o ordain_v by_o such_o a_o understanding_n as_o be_v endue_v with_o supereminent_a excellency_n for_o what_o ninny_n be_v there_o so_o sottish_a what_o man_n so_o foolish_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o so_o complete_a and_o exact_a a_o work_n as_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o haphazard_n he_o may_v aswell_o think_v that_o the_o stone_n and_o tree_n of_o any_o building_n be_v unite_v into_o the_o form_n of_o some_o house_n by_o chance_n or_o scatter_a syllable_n and_o word_n become_v a_o poem_n by_o mere_a fortune_n a_o thing_n so_o unlikely_a that_o even_o a_o few_o geometrical_a figure_n espy_v on_o the_o seashore_n give_v the_o beholder_n just_a ground_n to_o argue_v that_o some_o man_n have_v be_v there_o it_o be_v evident_a enough_o that_o such_o thing_n can_v not_o proceed_v from_o mere_a chance_n furthermore_o that_o mankind_n be_v not_o from_o all_o eternity_n but_o at_o a_o certain_a time_n have_v a_o common_a beginning_n may_v be_v manifest_v by_o the_o course_n of_o art_n and_o science_n yea_o by_o the_o very_a ground_n whereupon_o we_o tread_v which_o be_v ancient_o rude_a and_o untilled_a but_o afterward_o become_v possess_v with_o juhabitant_n which_o also_o the_o language_n speak_v in_o some_o island_n derive_v from_o adjacent_a country_n do_v witness_n the_o same_o be_v apparent_a by_o certain_a ordinance_n so_o general_o receive_v among_o man_n that_o the_o institution_n thereof_o may_v not_o be_v think_v to_o have_v proceed_v from_o the_o instinct_n of_o nature_n or_o evidence_n of_o reason_n but_o from_o the_o perpetual_a and_o constant_a tradition_n of_o the_o ancient_n which_o be_v scarce_o ever_o interrupt_v in_o any_o place_n either_o by_o the_o malice_n or_o misery_n of_o man_n such_o be_v that_o ordinance_n for_o the_o kill_n of_o beast_n in_o sacrifice_n use_v in_o former_a time_n and_o such_o also_o be_v now_o the_o modesty_n and_o shamefastness_n about_o venereal_a thing_n the_o celebration_n of_o marriage_n and_o the_o banishment_n of_o incestuous_a person_n sect_n vii_o answer_v to_o that_o objection_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o evil_a neither_o need_v we_o unsay_v that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v because_o we_o see_v many_o evil_a thing_n come_v to_o pass_v the_o source_n and_o cause_n whereof_o being_n not_o from_o god_n who_o as_o before_o have_v be_v show_v be_v good_a after_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a degree_n of_o goodness_n for_o when_o we_o say_v that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n we_o add_v withal_o that_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o real_o do_v subsist_v and_o no_o absurdity_n that_o i_o see_v will_v follow_v if_o we_o assirme_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v true_a and_o real_a existence_n may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o some_o certain_a accident_n as_o namely_o of_o action_n or_o the_o like_a the_o almighty_a we_o know_v create_v both_o man_n and_o those_o more_o honourable_a spirit_n the_o angel_n endue_v with_o liberty_n of_o action_n which_o liberty_n in_o itself_o be_v not_o sinful_a yet_o by_o power_n thereof_o some_o sin_n may_v be_v commit_v now_o to_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o these_o sin_n which_o be_v moral_o evil_a be_v no_o better_a than_o blasphemy_n how_o be_v it_o there_o be_v other_o kind_n of_o evil_n so_o call_v because_o they_o afflict_v some_o person_n with_o grief_n or_o loss_n and_o these_o we_o may_v affirm_v to_o be_v inflict_v by_o god_n for_o the_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o some_o sinner_n or_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o transgression_n which_o to_o say_v be_v no_o impiety_n since_o that_o such_o evil_n have_v nothing_o in_o they_o contrary_a to_o goodness_n but_o rather_o they_o proceed_v from_o goodness_n itself_o like_o a_o bitter_a portion_n from_o a_o good_a physician_n sect_n viii_o against_o the_o occasion_n of_o two_o principle_n or_o cause_n of_o thing_n here_o by_o the_o way_n it_o may_v be_v note_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o man_n be_v to_o be_v abandon_v and_o avoid_v which_o make_v two_o efficient_a cause_n the_o one_o good_a and_o the_o other_o evil_n for_o from_o two_o contrary_n there_o may_v follow_v the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n but_o in_o no_o wise_a a_o well_o order_v composition_n of_o thing_n neither_o be_v this_o to_o pass_v for_o truth_n to_o wit_n that_o as_o there_o be_v something_o good_a of_o itself_o so_o likewise_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v something_o absolute_o evil_a in_o itself_o see_v that_o evil_a be_v a_o certain_a defect_n which_o can_v be_v but_o in_o a_o thing_n that_o have_v existence_n which_o very_o have_v of_o existence_n or_o be_v be_v good_a sect_n ix_o that_o god_n do_v govern_v the_o whole_a world_n moreover_o that_o this_o whole_a universe_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n it_o be_v evident_a for_o that_o not_o only_a man_n which_o have_v right_a reason_n and_o understanding_n but_o also_o the_o fowl_n and_o beast_n both_o wild_a and_o tame_a have_v in_o they_o some_o thing_n correspondent_a to_o reason_n and_o do_v bear_v a_o kind_n of_o providence_n or_o respectful_a care_n over_o the_o issue_n which_o they_o bring_v forth_o which_o perfection_n since_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o goodness_n must_v needs_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o because_o he_o be_v both_o omniscient_a and_o omnipotent_a so_o that_o he_o can_v no_o way_n be_v ignorant_a of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v do_v or_o to_o be_v do_v but_o can_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 good_a or_o evil_a spirit_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 unclearnesse_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 the_o ruin_n and_o downfall_n of_o idol_n the_o contempt_n and_o detestation_n of_o magical_a art_n together_o with_o a_o serious_a hatred_n of_o all_o diabolical_a worship_n as_o be_v a_o thing_n contrary_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god._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 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 conserence_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 no_o more_o then_o some_o of_o christ_n work_n there_o be_v so_o miraculous_a that_o they_o may_v 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 law_n giver_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 for_o since_o among_o those_o spectator_n and_o beholder_n of_o his_o miracle_n 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 or_o the_o only_a 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 do_v 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 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_v 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 sortresse_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 of_o wisdom_n and_o judgement_n will_v willing_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o special_o in_o such_o perilous_a and_o dangerous_a time_n as_o then_o be_v 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 a_o leasing-mung_a for_o god-have-mercy_o any_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 do_v then_o belong_v unto_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 commodity_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 sincere_o unless_o they_o omit_v or_o neglect_v all_o solicitous_a and_o anxious_a care_n for_o temporal_a commodity_n neither_o can_v the_o hope_n of_o any_o other_o worldly_a profit_n move_v they_o to_o fit_a or_o utter_a 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 country_n man_n be_v not_o so_o much_o worth_n that_o they_o poor_a innocent_a man_n be_v such_o as_o in_o their_o life_n and_o doctrine_n abhor_v losty_a mindedness_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 for_o the_o propagation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n wâ—â—_n be_v oppose_v both_o by_o corrupt_a covetous_a nature_n &_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v some_o way_n animate_v and_o encourage_v by_o the_o divine_a promise_n of_o god_n and_o further_o this_o fame_n or_o reputation_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v be_v not_o likely_a to_o continue_v for_o ever_o they_o can_v not_o promise_v to_o themselves_o that_o it_o will_v be_v perpetual_a see_v that_o god_n purposely_o conceal_v his_o counsel_n concern_v the_o end_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n have_v leave_v the_o time_n thereof_o doubtful_a as_o be_v always_o imminent_a at_o hand_n which_o the_o write_n of_o the_o christian_n that_o live_v in_o those_o time_n and_o of_o those_o that_o succeed_v they_o do_v most_o plainâ—â—y_o witness_v it_o remain_v therefore_o â—…f_o they_o lie_v that_o they_o have_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o religion_n how_o beâ—…t_v this_o can_v just_o be_v lay_v against_o they_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v right_o consider_v for_o either_o they_o â—did_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 most_o 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 there_o of_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 be_v expose_v to_o death_n for_o this_o profession_n which_o without_o