commit_v adultery_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o revenge_v injury_n a_o man_n may_v be_v the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n only_o and_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 and_o apparel_n we_o ought_v to_o content_v our_o self_n with_o so_o much_o as_o will_v suffice_v nature_n and_o the_o like_a or_o if_o happy_o there_o be_v some_o point_n in_o christianity_n not_o altogether_o so_o credible_a yet_o the_o like_a also_o be_v find_v among_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o as_o before_o we_o have_v show_v concern_v the_o immortality_n of_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o body_n thus_o plate_n as_o he_o learn_v from_o the_o chaldean_n distinguish_v the_o divine_a nature_n into_o the_o father_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o father_n which_o he_o call_v both_o the_o council_n and_o branch_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n as_o also_o the_o soul_n or_o spirit_n which_o preserve_v all_o thing_n iâ—lian_n so_o great_a a_o enemy_n of_o christian_n think_v that_o the_o assumption_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v possible_a for_o god_n as_o he_o give_v instance_n in_o aesculapius_n who_o he_o imagine_v to_o have_v descend_v from_o heaven_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v teach_v man_n the_o art_n of_o physic_n the_o cross_n of_o christ_n offend_v many_o yet_o be_v there_o not_o worse_o relate_v by_o the_o heathen_a writer_n concern_v their_o godâ—_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v attendant_n unto_o king_n and_o prince_n other_o slay_v with_o lightning_n other_o cut_v in_o sunder_o and_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o say_v that_o any_o honest_a thing_n be_v the_o more_o joyous_a and_o delightsome_a by_o how_o much_o it_o cost_v they_o the_o dear_a to_o conclude_v plato_n in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o his_o common_a wealth_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o prophet_n say_v for_o a_o man_n to_o become_v true_o just_a and_o upright_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o his_o virtue_n be_v bereave_v of_o all_o outward_a ornament_n and_o that_o he_o be_v by_o other_o account_v a_o wicked_a wretch_n and_o scoff_v at_o and_o last_o of_o all_o hang_v and_o indeed_o that_o christ_n may_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o great_a patience_n it_o can_v no_o otherwise_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o five_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o a_o refutation_n of_o the_o jew_n begin_v with_o a_o speech_n unto_o they_o or_o prayer_n for_o they_o as_o those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o a_o dark_a dungeon_n by_o little_a &_o little_o perceive_v some_o brightness_n and_o glimmer_n between_o light_n and_o darkness_n so_o have_v do_v with_o the_o think_v miss_v of_o paganism_n and_o enter_v upon_o judaism_n we_o behold_v some_o beam_n and_o light_n of_o truth_n wherefore_o i_o request_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o will_v hear_v we_o patient_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a how_o that_o they_o be_v the_o of_o spring_n of_o holy_a man_n who_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o visit_v both_o by_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o bless_a angel_n of_o this_o nation_n spring_v our_o messiah_n and_o the_o first_o doctor_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v the_o tree_n wherinto_o we_o be_v ingraff_v they_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o god_n oracle_n which_o we_o do_v reverence_n asmuch_o as_o they_o even_o make_v sigh_n unto_o god_n for_o they_o &_o pray_v that_o the_o day_n may_v quick_o come_v when_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o which_o hang_v over_o their_o face_n they_o with_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n and_o when_o as_o it_o be_v in_o their_o prophecy_n every_o one_o of_o we_o shall_v lay_v hold_n on_o the_o cloak_n of_o the_o hebrew_n man_n desire_v that_o we_o may_v together_o with_o a_o holy_a consent_n worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n sect_n ii_o the_o jew_n ought_v to_o account_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n sufficient_o prove_v first_o of_o all_o then_o we_o must_v intre_n at_o they_o not_o to_o think_v that_o to_o be_v unjust_a in_o another_o man_n â—ase_n which_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v just_a and_o equitable_a in_o their_o own_o if_o any_o pagan_a demand_n of_o they_o why_o they_o belceve_v that_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o moses_n they_o can_v give_v no_o other_o answer_n save_v that_o there_o be_v always_o so_o constant_a a_o report_n thereof_o among_o their_o nation_n that_o it_o can_v not_o but_o proceed_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o such_o as_o have_v see_v the_o same_o thus_o that_o the_o widow_n oil_n be_v increase_v by_o elisaus_n that_o naamâ—d_v the_o syrian_a be_v sudden_o cure_v of_o the_o leprosy_n that_o the_o hostess_n daughter_n be_v restore_v to_o life_n and_o other_o such_o like_a be_v believe_v by_o the_o jew_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o witness_n of_o good_a credit_n have_v record_v to_o posterity_n that_o such_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o they_o believe_v elias_n hiâ—_n take_v up_o into_o heaven_n only_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o elizaeus_n a_o man_n beyond_o all_o exception_n but_o we_o can_v produce_v twelve_o witness_n oâ—…_n honest_a report_n to_o testify_v that_o christ_n ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n after_o he_o have_v be_v see_v upon_o earth_n after_o his_o death_n by_o many_o more_o person_n which_o thing_n iâ—…_n they_o be_v true_a then_o necessary_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v true_a also_o and_o indeed_o nothing_o at_o all_o can_v be_v allege_v by_o the_o jew_n for_o themselves_o which_o by_o equal_a right_n or_o more_o just_a title_n belong_v not_o unto_o we_o but_o to_o omit_v further_a testimony_n it_o be_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o talmud_n and_o other_o jew_n themselves_o that_o strange_a under_z be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n which_o may_v suffice_v for_o this_o particular_a neither_o can_v god_n any_o way_n more_o effectual_o gain_v authority_n unto_o his_o doctrine_n which_o be_v publish_v by_o man_n than_o by_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n sect_n iii_o and_o not_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o devil_n these_o miracle_n of_o christ_n some_o say_v be_v do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o devil_n but_o this_o calumny_n have_v be_v confute_v before_o when_o we_o show_v that_o wheresoever_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v teach_v and_o know_v there_o all_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n vanish_v away_o other_o reply_v that_o jesus_n learn_v magic_a art_n in_o egypt_n but_o this_o slander_n have_v no_o more_o nay_o not_o so_o much_o colour_n of_o truth_n then_o the_o like_a accusation_n by_o the_o pagan_n frame_v against_o moses_n whereof_o we_o read_v in_o pliny_n and_o apuleius_n for_o that_o ever_o jesus_n be_v in_o egypt_n can_v be_v prove_v save_o only_o out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o his_o disciple_n who_o add_v further_a that_o he_o be_v a_o infant_n when_o he_o return_v thence_o but_o it_o be_v certain_a by_o other_o proof_n that_o moses_n live_v the_o most_o part_n of_o his_o youth_n in_o egypt_n howbeit_o the_o law_n aswell_o of_o moses_n as_o of_o christ_n free_v they_o both_o from_o this_o crime_n plain_o forbid_v such_o art_n as_o be_v abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o without_o all_o question_n if_o in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n there_o have_v be_v either_o in_o egypt_n or_o any_o where_o else_o any_o such_o magical_a art_n whereby_o man_n may_v have_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v the_o like_a marvel_n as_o be_v relate_v of_o christ_n to_o wit_n the_o cure_n of_o the_o speechless_a the_o heal_n of_o the_o lame_a the_o give_a sight_n to_o the_o blind_a then_o will_v tiberius_n nero_n and_o other_o emperor_n have_v have_v notice_n thereof_o who_o spare_v no_o cost_n and_o charge_n in_o the_o inquiry_n after_o such_o like_a thing_n nay_o if_o it_o be_v true_a which_o the_o jew_n relate_v how_o that_o the_o seâ—…_n of_o the_o great_a council_n be_v child_n in_o magic_a art_n that_o they_o may_v convince_v they_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o iniquity_n then_o sure_o they_o be_v so_o mighty_o incense_v against_o jesus_n as_o they_o be_v and_o envy_v the_o honour_n and_o respect_n which_o he_o obtain_v by_o his_o miracle_n will_v either_o themselves_o have_v do_v the_o like_a work_n by_o the_o same_o art_n or_o by_o sufficient_a reason_n will_v have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n proceed_v from_o no_o other_o cause_n sect_n four_o or_o by_o the_o power_n of_o word_n and_o syllable_n moreover_o that_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a fable_n or_o impudenâ—lye_v which_o certain_a
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
most_o of_o all_o admire_v as_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o dead_a unto_o life_n again_o and_o therefore_o that_o objection_n be_v of_o no_o force_n sect_n xii_o or_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n neither_o be_v they_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o assent_v unto_o 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 for_o such_o be_v confute_v first_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o so_o many_o learned_a grave_a judicious_a and_o wise_a nien_z as_o have_v allow_v and_o admit_v of_o these_o book_n for_o authentical_a ever_o since_o the_o primitive_a time_n then_o by_o that_o which_o we_o have_v before_o declare_v in_o the_o first_o book_n to_o be_v consonant_n to_o right_a reason_n as_o namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a and_o infinite_a in_o virtue_n life_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o who_o all_o thing_n that_o have_v any_o be_v be_v make_v who_o care_n and_o providence_n reach_v over_o all_o his_o work_n especial_o unto_o man_n and_o who_o can_v after_o this_o life_n bountiful_o reward_n all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o beside_o there_o be_v show_v how_o that_o all_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v to_o be_v bridle_v and_o subdue_v that_o among_o man_n there_o be_v kindred_n and_o alliance_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o love_v one_o another_o with_o sincere_a affection_n all_o which_o be_v most_o plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o say_a book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n now_o we_o know_v how_o unsafe_a it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n beside_o this_o peremptory_o to_o be_v true_a either_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o his_o will_n special_o if_o it_o be_v ground_v only_o upon_o humane_a reason_n and_o further_o we_o may_v guesle_v how_o uncertain_a it_o will_v be_v both_o by_o the_o jar_a opinion_n of_o the_o schoolman_n among_o themselves_o as_o also_o by_o the_o contrary_a conclusion_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n for_o if_o man_n do_v so_o farte_v disagree_v in_o their_o opinion_n touch_v their_o own_o soul_n than_o they_o must_v needs_o much_o more_o dissent_v when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o determine_v any_o thing_n not_o reveal_v concern_v the_o high_a mind_n and_o the_o most_o supreme_a spirit_n which_o so_o far_o transcend_v our_o weak_a appiehension_n or_o if_o as_o prudent_a man_n do_v think_v the_o inquiry_n into_o the_o counsel_n of_o king_n be_v dangerous_a and_o not_o to_o be_v attempt_v or_o attain_v by_o we_o who_o then_o be_v there_o so_o wise_a and_o prudent_a that_o hope_n he_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v reserve_v in_o his_o own_o freedom_n and_o secret_a council_n wherefore_o plato_n say_v very_o well_o that_o none_o of_o these_o hide_a mystery_n can_v be_v know_v without_o a_o oracle_n now_o there_o can_v no_o oracle_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o oracle_n indeed_o by_o any_o clear_a testimony_n than_o those_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o say_a book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n contrary_n to_o which_o book_n it_o be_v neither_o prove_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o affirm_v by_o any_o that_o god_n ever_o publish_v any_o thing_n concern_v his_o nature_n and_o essence_n neither_o be_v there_o extant_a any_o letter_n revelation_n or_o other_o signification_n of_o his_o will_n that_o can_v be_v believe_v for_o true_a for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n otherwise_o command_v or_o permit_v before_o christ_n time_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v indifferent_a that_o be_v neither_o due_a nor_o dishonest_a yet_o the_o same_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o say_a write_n fince_n that_o in_o such_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n the_o last_o law_n or_o commandment_n that_o be_v give_v do_v abolish_v and_o annul_v the_o former_a sect_n xiii_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n that_o some_o of_o these_o book_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o other_o some_o do_v further_a object_n that_o in_o these_o book_n there_o be_v some_o diversity_n of_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n but_o for_o answer_v whosoever_o will_v but_o due_o ponder_v this_o matter_n he_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o to_o be_v another_o argument_n beside_o the_o some_o to_o justify_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o say_a book_n namely_o because_o they_o do_v most_o manifest_o and_o apparent_o agree_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o history_n which_o consent_n and_o accord_n can_v elsewhere_o be_v find_v among_o any_o other_o writer_n that_o be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sect_n or_o profession_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o jew_n or_o the_o greek_a philosophess_n the_o physician_n or_o the_o roman_a lawyer_n all_o which_o do_v not_o only_o differ_v much_o among_o themselves_o yea_o even_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o sect_n as_o plato_n and_o xenophon_n but_o oftentimes_o one_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o writer_n to_o affirm_v now_o one_o thing_n than_o another_o as_o if_o he_o be_v forgetful_a of_o himself_o or_o know_v not_o what_o to_o resolve_v upon_o but_o these_o other_o writer_n to_o wit_n the_o holy_a penman_n of_o who_o we_o speak_v do_v inculcate_v and_o express_v the_o same_o point_n of_o faith_n they_o deliver_v the_o same_o commandment_n and_o as_o for_o their_o narration_n of_o the_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n the_o sum_n and_o substance_n in_o they_o all_o be_v the_o very_a same_o as_o touch_v some_o particular_a circumstance_n such_o as_o be_v of_o small_a or_o no_o moment_n happy_o they_o may_v be_v well_o reconcile_v though_o perhaps_o the_o manner_n how_o be_v unknown_a namely_o because_o of_o the_o similitude_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v at_o divers_a time_n or_o for_o the_o doubtful_a signification_n of_o some_o word_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o several_a name_n and_o appellation_n of_o this_o man_n or_o that_o place_n and_o the_o like_a nay_o this_o i_o think_v may_v bee_n motive_n to_o vindicate_v and_o free_v these_o writer_n from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o falsehood_n it_o be_v usual_a with_o those_o that_o will_v have_v lie_n and_o untruth_n credit_v to_o relate_v all_o circumstance_n so_o straight_o and_o trim_o as_o there_o shall_v not_o appear_v any_o colour_n or_o show_v of_o difference_n or_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o for_o any_o small_a difference_n which_o can_v easy_o be_v reconcile_v a_o whole_a book_n shall_v lose_v its_o credit_n then_o i_o trow_v we_o must_v believe_v no_o book_n at_o all_o special_o those_o os_fw-la history_n yet_o we_o see_v that_o polybius_n halicarnassensis_n levy_n and_o plutarch_n for_o the_o substance_n oâ—_n they_o be_v esteem_v authentical_a and_o true_a though_o in_o some_o circumstance_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v faulty_a therefore_o it_o be_v unequal_a that_o sacred_a writer_n shall_v lose_v then_o credit_n for_o one_o or_o two_o seem_a slip_n if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o their_o write_n who_o so_o serious_o desire_v and_o earnest_o endeavour_v to_o express_v both_o truth_n and_o piety_n therein_o sect_n xiiii_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n take_v from_o outward_a testimony_n which_o make_v more_o for_o these_o book_n another_o way_n of_o confirm_v what_o we_o have_v say_v some_o think_v may_v be_v by_o allege_v the_o contrary_a testimony_n of_o those_o that_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n but_o i_o dare_v bold_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o testimony_n to_o be_v find_v unless_o a_o man_n will_v produce_v the_o say_n of_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v a_o long_a time_n after_o who_o do_v open_o profess_v enmity_n against_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o fit_a witness_n for_o this_o matter_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o need_n be_v we_o can_v allege_v many_o testimony_n to_o confirm_v divers_a part_n of_o the_o history_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o say_a book_n thus_o both_o hebrew_n and_o pagan_n report_n that_o jesus_n be_v crucify_v and_o that_o sundry_a miracle_n be_v do_v by_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n those_o know_a book_n of_o josephus_n which_o be_v write_v about_o forty_o year_n after_o christ_n ascension_n do_v make_v mention_n of_o herod_n pilate_n festus_n felix_n john_n the_o baptist_n gamliel_n and_o of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o large_a herewith_o all_o agree_v that_o which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o talmud_n have_v record_v concern_v those_o time_n tacitus_n relate_v how_o cruel_o nero_n use_v the_o christian_n and_o ancient_o there_o be_v certain_a book_n extant_a not_o only_o of_o private_a man_n as_o of_o phlegon_n and_o other_o but_o also_o some_o public_a act_n whereunto_o the_o christian_n appeal_v namely_o for_o that_o in_o they_o there_o be_v mention_n make_v of_o the_o star_n that_o appear_v at_o christ_n birth_n and_o
namely_o that_o prophecy_n in_o the_o four_o eclogue_n of_o virgâ—â—_n take_v out_o of_o the_o sibyl_n verse_n where_o unwitting_o the_o poet_n set_v out_o unto_o we_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n so_o in_o the_o same_o sibyl_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v for_o a_o king_n who_o shall_v be_v our_o king_n indeed_o and_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n and_o 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 only_o airy_a spirit_n but_o the_o god_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v only_a to_o be_v worship_v which_o say_v if_o the_o worshipper_n of_o apollo_n have_v obey_v than_o they_o have_v leave_v off_o be_v his_o disciple_n if_o they_o do_v not_o than_o they_o make_v their_o god_n a_o liar_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 they_o will_v have_v prescribe_v some_o course_n of_o life_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o also_o promise_v some_o assurance_n of_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 commond_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 receive_n of_o filthy_a lucre_n and_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 itself_o minister_v to_o we_o a_o notable_a argument_n against_o itself_o namely_o because_o that_o wheresoever_o the_o same_o become_v destitute_a of_o humane_a help_n there_o straight_o way_n 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 behold_v all_o the_o kingdom_n and_o state_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n or_o mahometan_n we_o shall_v find_v no_o mention_n of_o paganism_n but_o in_o book_n nay_o the_o history_n of_o former_a time_n do_v show_v that_o when_o the_o emperor_n go_v about_o to_o uphold_v their_o 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 yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o decay_v 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 christianity_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 nor_o by_o gift_n &_o reward_n for_o they_o be_v poor_a nor_o by_o any_o soothe_n and_o slatter_a speech_n for_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o teach_v that_o all_o worldly_a commodity_n must_v be_v despise_v &_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 be_v some_o 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 that_o which_o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o know_v there_o in_o be_v teach_v with_o such_o variety_n and_o diversity_n in_o their_o stargazing_a science_n that_o a_o man_n can_v collect_v nothing_o from_o thence_o for_o certainty_n 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 have_v a_o necessary_a dependence_n upon_o natural_a 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 incident_a thereunto_o from_o without_o for_o if_o the_o assent_n or_o consent_v 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 and_o deliberate_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 abolish_v 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 &_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 prime_a cause_n of_o that_o which_o be_v moral_o evil_a and_o see_v that_o in_o his_o law_n he_o prosess_v himself_o to_o abhor_v wickedness_n which_o if_o he_o implant_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o by_o such_o inevitable_a power_n than_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o will_n two_o contrary_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o same_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v and_o not_o be_v do_v also_o a_o man_n shall_v offend_v in_o any_o action_n 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 often_o time_n 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 thereunto_o which_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v as_o it_o be_v credible_a for_o truth_n yet_o it_o make_v nothing_o for_o the_o question_n we_o havein_n hand_n for_o see_v that_o christian_a religion_n most_o of_o all_o with_o draw_v 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 assection_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 do_v grant_v that_o wiâ—e_n and_o upright_a man_n be_v not_o under_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 sâ—arres_n appertain_v to_o 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 whole_a world_n such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o far_o different_a situation_n in_o respect_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 he_o any_o thing_n hâ—t_o scarce_o seem_v crediblos_fw-la herein_o the_o like_a or_o worse_o be_v find_v among_o the_o pagan_n last_o this_o be_v a_o evidence_n which_o make_v much_o against_o the_o pagan_n so_o that_o they_o have_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o object_n against_o christian_a religion_n namely_o because_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o be_v of_o such_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n that_o by_o their_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v convince_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o among_o who_o divers_a do_v teach_v the_o same_o truth_n which_o general_o our_o religion_n admit_v of_o for_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n 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 worship_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n he_o be_v a_o adulterer_n that_o have_v but_o only_o a_o desire_n to_o