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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n good_a work_n work_v 6,969 5 7.2984 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A02267 True religion explained and defended against ye archenemies thereof in these times In six bookes. Published by authority for the co[m]mon good.; De veritate religionis Christianae. English Grotius, Hugo, 1583-1645.; Cecil, Thomas, fl. 1630, engraver.; Franciscus a Sancta Clara, 1598-1680. 1632 (1632) STC 12400; ESTC S122528 94,326 374

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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 w●●_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 plain●●y_o witness_v it_o remain_v therefore_o ●…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 be●…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 ●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
once_o look_v into_o &_o reveal_v be_v find_v to_o be_v full_a of_o all_o kind_n of_o wantonness_n and_o uncleanness_n as_o clemens_n alex._n &_o other_o have_v show_v at_o large_a those_o festival_n day_n consecrate_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o god_n be_v celebrate_v with_o such_o solemnity_n of_o pageant_n and_o wanton_a show_n that_o grave_n ca●o_o be_v a_o shame_v to_o be_v present_a at_o they_o but_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n there_o be_v nothing_o unseemly_a nothing_o dishonest_a or_o unlawful_a howbeit_o to_o the_o end_n the_o people_n that_o be_v prone_a to_o idolatry_n may_v not_o decline_v or_o fall_v back_o from_o the_o same_o true_a religion_n it_o be_v load_v and_o burden_v with_o many_o precept_n even_o concern_v such_o thing_n as_o in_o themselves_o be_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a such_o be_v the_o sacrifice_a of_o beast_n the_o circumcision_n a_o exact_a rest_n from_o labour_n upon_o the_o sabbath_n and_o the_o prohibition_n of_o eat_v some_o kind_n of_o meat_n come_v of_o which_o custom_n the_o turk_n have_v borrow_v from_o they_o add_v further_o a_o prohibition_n for_o drink_v wine_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v that_o as_o god_n be_v a_o most_o pure_a spirit_n so_o be_v he_o to_o be_v worship_v with_o pureness_n of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n together_o with_o such_o work_v a●…_n their_o own_o nature_n without_o a_o precept_n be_v most_o laudable_a and_o honest_a thus_o the_o professor_n thereof_o be_v not_o to_o circumcise_v the_o flesh_n but_o their_o carnal_a lust_n and_o desire_n they_o be_v not_o to_o keep_v holiday_n and_o refrain_v from_o all_o kind_n of_o work_n whatsoever_o but_o only_o from_o that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a nor_o be_v we_o to_o offe●_n unto_o god_n the_o blood_n and_o fat_a of_o beast_n but_o if_o need_v be_v even_o our_o own_o blood_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o what_o bounty_n or_o liberality_n soever_o we_o bestow_v upon_o poor_a and_o necessitous_a person_n the_o same_o we_o must_v think_v be_v give_v to_o god_n himself_o we_o need_v not_o now_o abstain_v from_o any_o kind_n of_o meat_n or_o drink_n but_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o use_v they_o both_o with_o moderation_n so_o that_o our_o health_n be_v not_o thereby_o impair_v sometime_o notwithstanding_o subdue_a our_o body_n to_o our_o mind_n by_o fast_v that_o the_o same_o thereby_o may_v be_v the_o better_o fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o more_o cheerful_a devotion_n but_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o this_o religion_n consist_v in_o a_o holy_a confidence_n whereby_o we_o do_v whole_o yield_v ourselves_o in_o obedience_n unto_o god_n and_o rely_v upon_o his_o promise_n by_o a_o steadfast_a and_o lively_a faith_n whence_o arise_v both_o hope_n and_o true_a love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n and_o hereupon_o it_o be_v that_o we_o do_v observe_v his_o commandment_n not_o after_o a_o servile_a manner_n for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n but_o that_o we_o may_v please_v he_o and_o that_o he_o may_v out_o of_o his_o goodness_n be_v unto_o we_o a_o love_a father_n and_o gracious_a rewarder_n moreover_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o pray_v not_o for_o riches_n or_o honour_n or_o such_o thing_n as_o do_v little_a good_a to_o any_o that_o wish_v for_o they_o but_o in_o our_o prayer_n we_o must_v first_o and_o and_o chief_o crave_v that_o which_o tend_v to_o god_n glory_n then_o such_o necessary_n for_o ourselves_o as_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o sustain_n of_o nature_n rest_v upon_o god_n providence_n for_o temporal_a affair_n be_v not_o too_o much_o solicitous_a how_o the_o same_o shall_v fall_v out_o but_o very_o careful_a and_o desirous_a of_o such_o thing_n as_o lead_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o by_o petition_v pardon_n for_o sin_n bypass_a together_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v hereafter_o in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n against_o all_o peril_n and_o temptation_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o christian_a religion_n than_o the_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v invent_v more_o honourable_a for_o the_o almighty_a sect_n xiiii_o concern_v the_o office_n of_o humanity_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o our_o neighbour_n like_a to_o these_o be_v the_o duty_n we_o owe_v unto_o our_o neighbour_n as_o for_o mahumets_n religion_n it_o be_v hatch_v in_o war_n it_o breathe_v nothing_o but_o war_n it_o be_v propagate_v by_o war_n and_o hostility_n aristotle_n condemn_v the_o law_n &_o statute_n of_o the_o lace_n demonian_n which_o be_v so_o much_o applaud_v among_o the_o grecian_n even_o by_o the_o oracle_n of_o apollo_n yet_o the_o same_o aristotle_n allow_v and_o approve_v of_o war_n against_o the_o barbarian_n for_o a_o thing_n natural_a whereas_o indeed_o the_o contrary_a rather_o be_v true_a namely_o that_o by_o nature_n there_o ought_v friendship_n and_o amity_n to_o be_v establish_v in_o all_o society_n of_o man_n for_o what_o be_v more_o cruel_a than_o to_o delight_v in_o murder_n or_o in_o a_o bravery_n to_o vaunt_v and_o triumph_v in_o the_o slaughter_n of_o nation_n as_o in_o some_o glorious_a exploit_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o custom_n ancient_o among_o the_o roman_n that_o none_o be_v dignify_v with_o the_o title_n of_o any_o honour_n unless_o they_o have_v deserve_v and_o purchase_v the_o same_o in_o war_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v apparent_o unjust_a as_o themselves_o confess_v of_o the_o war_n against_o sardinia_n and_o cyprus_n and_o indeed_o general_o among_o the_o heathen_a it_o be_v account_v no_o disgrace_n no_o crime_n or_o offence_n to_o pilfer_v and_o spoil_v those_o that_o be_v not_o within_o their_o own_o dominion_n as_o we_o find_v it_o record_v by_o worthy_a historian_n aristotle_n and_o cicero_n make_v the_o desire_n of_o revenge_v a_o part_n of_o virtue_n it_o be_v a_o fine_a sport_n and_o public_a recreation_n for_o pagan_n to_o behold_v sword-player_n slash_v and_o wound_v one_o another_o and_o to_o expose_v their_o child_n be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n with_o they_o but_o the_o hebrew_n have_v better_a law_n and_o more_o holy_a discipline_n though_o notwithstanding_o they_o bear_v a_o mortal_a hatred_n against_a all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o opinion_n as_o at_o this_o day_n appear_v by_o their_o prayer_n that_o they_o make_v against_o we_o christian_n and_o yet_o again_o their_o law_n suffer_v they_o to_o render_v like_a for_o like_a and_o to_o have_v equal_a recompense_n for_o any_o hurt_n offer_v and_o thereby_o any_o man_n be_v permit_v in_o his_o own_o person_n to_o kill_v or_o be_v revenge_v upon_o he_o that_o have_v slay_v any_o one_o of_o his_o kindred_n but_o the_o commandment_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n forbid_v we_o to_o revenge_v any_o kind_n of_o injury_n whatsoever_o whether_o it_o be_v offer_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o allow_v that_o wickedness_n in_o ourselves_o which_o we_o condemn_v in_o other_o nay_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o malice_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v be_v kind_a and_o well-affectioned_n unto_o all_o not_o only_o though_o chief_o to_o good_a man_n but_o also_o to_o the_o very_a wicked_a like_a to_o god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n who_o make_v the_o sun_n and_o star_n the_o air_n and_o wind_n the_o rain_n and_o other_o common_a benefit_n to_o descend_v upon_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n good_a and_o bad_a sect_n xv._n of_o the_o bond_n of_o wedlock_n the_o bond_n or_o unity_n of_o man_n &_o wife_n whereby_o mankind_n be_v propagate_v be_v a_o thing_n most_o holy_a and_o honourable_a by_o our_o law_n which_o be_v neglect_v by_o the_o pagan_a be_v no_o marvel_n if_o they_o talk_v of_o the_o whoredom_n and_o adultery_n of_o those_o god_n they_o worship_v by_o who_o example_n they_o think_v it_o not_o unlawful_a for_o one_o man_n to_o have_v the_o filthy_a use_n of_o another_o as_o 〈…〉_z be_v report_v of_o ganymed_n and_o antinous_n which_o filthiness_n at_o this_o day_n be_v ordinary_o practise_v among_o the_o turk_n the_o sinanse_v and_o other_o gentile_n as_o a_o thing_n with_o they_o not_o unlawful_a the_o philosopher_n of_o greece_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o little_a more_o modest_a ●n_n labour_v to_o give_v a_o honest_a ●ame_n to_o so_o lewd_a a_o crime_n and_o indeed_o but_o a_o little_a for_o what_o else_o be_v that_o which_o the_o best_a of_o they_o commend_v touch_v the_o community_n of_o woman_n but_o even_o to_o make_v one_o common_a stew_n or_o bawdy-house_n of_o the_o whole_a commonwealth_n to_o avoid_v which_o turpitude_n and_o confusion_n there_o be_v ●s_v it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o wedlock_n among_o the_o bruit_n beast_n how_o much_o more_o requisite_a be_v this_o league_n or_o bond_n for_o man_n so_o holy_a a_o creature_n to_o the_o end_n there_o may_v not_o be_v a_o mingle_v mangle_v of_o issue_n
and_o this_o general_a use_n he_o may_v make_v of_o they_o all_o which_o be_v unknown_a to_o they_o namely_o to_o observe_v the_o proportion_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o situation_n of_o their_o part_n compare_v also_o their_o form_n and_o several_a kind_n whence_o he_o may_v learn_v his_o own_o excellency_n and_o be_v instruct_v how_o fair_a the_o frame_n of_o humane_a body_n surpass_v other_o creature_n for_o perfection_n and_o nobility_n which_o if_o any_o one_o right_o consider_v he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o worship_v these_o beastly_a ●…ds_n that_o he_o will_v rather_o think_v ●…mselfe_n to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o god_n or_o ●…roy_v place_v over_o they_o by_o 〈…〉_z supreme_a god_n of_o all_o sect_n vii_o against_o worship_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v no_o substance_n we_o find_v among_o the_o grecian_n roman_n and_o other_o ●…t_v some_o there_o be_v who_o do_v ●…t_a worship_n any_o substance_n but_o ●…rtaine_a accident_n for_o to_o omit_v those_o uncouth_a dei●…s_n the_o fever_n dame_n impudence●…d_n ●…d_z the_o like_a let_v we_o name_v the_o bet●…r_a sort_n such_o be_v health_n which_o 〈…〉_z nothing_o but_o a_o right_a temperature_n of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n ●…od_a fortune_n be_v the_o fitness_n of_o ●…n_a event_n that_o be_v correspondent_a to_o 〈…〉_z man_n desire_n the_o affection_n also_o ●…s_v love_n fear_v anger_n hope_v and_o the_o ●…est_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n easy_a or_o difficult_a and_o these_o be_v certain_a motion_n o●_n passion_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n by_o blood_n not_o have_v any_o absolute_a power_n of_o themselves_o but_o be_v subordinate_a handmaid_n to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o well_o their_o mistress_n at_o least_o in_o their_o continuance_n and_o direction_n then_o for_o virtue_n they_o have_v divers_a name_n as_o prudence_n consist_v in_o the_o election_n or_o choice_n of_o that_o which_o be_v honest_o profitable_a for_o itude_n in_o attempt_v fearful_a danger_n justice_n in_o right_v they_o that_o be_v injure_v temperance_n in_o the_o moderation_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n all_o be_v certain_a inclination_n and_o propension_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v honest_a and_o right_a be_v get_v in_o the_o mind_n by_o long_a custom_n and_o exercise_n which_o as_o they_o may_v be_v increase_v so_o by_o negligence_n they_o may_v be_v diminish_v and_o quite_o abolish_v next_o succeed_v honour_n whereunto_o some_o temple_n be_v dedicate_v and_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o some_o man_n concern_v such_o person_n as_o they_o imagine_v be_v endue_v with_o virtue_n and_o herein_o man_n may_v easy_o err_v in_o honour_v bad_a man_n in_o stead_n of_o good_a since_o then_o none_o of_o all_o these_o be_v substance_n and_o consequent_o not_o comparable_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v subsistence_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v any_o notice_n of_o our_o prayer_n or_o worship_n therefore_o to_o reverence_v they_o for_o god_n be_v a_o thing_n most_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a see_v that_o for_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v who_o can_v both_o give_v and_o preserve_v the_o same_o sect_n viii_o answer_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o gentile_n take_v from_o miracle_n do_v among_o they_o the_o pagan_n for_o the_o commendation_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v wont_a to_o allege_v miracle_n but_o such_o only_a as_o in_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v except_v against_o for_o divers_a of_o they_o be_v reject_v by_o the_o wise_a sort_n of_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o as_o counterfeit_v and_o fabulous_a some_o of_o their_o marvel_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o secret_a in_o the_o night_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o one_o or_o two_o who_o eye_n may_v easy_o be_v delude_v by_o the_o juggle_n of_o the_o priest_n other_o thing_n be_v wonder_n only_o to_o those_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o natural_a cause_n special_o of_o occult_a quality_n as_o when_o a_o man_n can_v draw_v iron_n with_o a_o loadstone_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o such_o as_o know_v not_o the_o property_n of_o that_o stone_n in_o such_o ●eats_v simon_n and_o apollonius_n tya●…us_n be_v skilful_a as_o it_o be_v record_v by_o many_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o great_a thing_n than_o these_o may_v be_v see_v which_o though_o they_o transcend_v natural_a cause_n and_o man_n power_n and_o ability_n yet_o need_v they_o not_o any_o divine_a omnipotent_a hand_n but_o the_o spirit_n place_v between_o god_n and_o man_n may_v suffice_v for_o the_o production_n thereof_o which_o spirit_n by_o their_o agility_n and_o subtlety_n may_v easy_o convey_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o thing_n disperse_v and_o work_v such_o strange_a effect_n upon_o they_o as_o will_v affect_v man_n with_o astonishment_n and_o wonder_n but_o the_o ghost_n whereby_o any_o such_o matter_n be_v effect_v be_v no_o good_a spirit_n and_o consequent_o this_o religion_n can_v be_v good_a as_o be_v manifest_a by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v before_o and_o likewise_o in_o that_o which_o they_o tell_v we_o of_o certain_a charm_n and_o enchant_a verse_n whereby_o they_o be_v compel_v thereunto_o where_o as_o not_o withstand_v the_o wise_a sort_n of_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o coufesse_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o efficacy_n in_o the_o bare_a word_n which_o have_v only_o some_o power_n of_o persuasion_n and_o that_o no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o way_n of_o signification_n beside_o this_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o their_o wickedness_n that_o by_o some_o vain_a promise_n or_o villainous_a act_n they_o do_v undertake_v to_o entice_v one_o contrary_o affect_v to_o love_n and_o like_o another_o which_o thing_n be_v prohibit_v by_o humane_a law_n as_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o sorcery_n neither_o need_v any_o man_n wonder_v why_o god_n suffer_v some_o marvel_n to_o be_v wrought_v by_o evil_a spirit_n among_o the_o gentile_n see_v they_o deserve_v to_o be_v cheat_v with_o such_o illusion_n which_o so_o long_a time_n have_v forsake_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n moreover_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o their_o weakness_n and_o impotency_n that_o their_o work_n be_v never_o accompany_v with_o any_o good_a thing_n for_o if_o any_o be_v see_v or_o seem_v to_o be_v revive_v yet_o they_o do_v not_o continue_v alive_a neither_o can_v they_o exercise_v the_o function_n of_o live_a creature_n or_o if_o it_o happen_v that_o any_o thing_n proceed_v happy_o from_o a_o divine_a power_n do_v appear_v to_o the_o pagan_n yet_o the_o same_o be_v not_o fore_o tell_v shall_v come_v to_o pass_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v other_o cause_n best_a know_v to_o god_n of_o the_o event_n thereof_o as_o for_o example_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o vespasian_n restore_v sight_n to_o one_o blind_a this_o be_v do_v that_o he_o be_v thereby_o make_v more_o honourable_a may_v the_o more_o easy_o obtain_v the_o roman_a empire_n for_o he_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o his_o judgement_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o jew_n more_o such_o like_a cause_n there_o may_v be_v of_o other_o wonder_n which_o have_v no_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o their_o religion_n sect_n ix_o and_o from_o oracle_n the_o very_a same_o likewise_o in_o a_o manner_n may_v serve_v for_o answer_v to_o that_o which_o they_o object_v concern_v oracle_n particular_o we_o may_v resay_v that_o these_o man_n do_v worthy_o deserve_v to_o be_v delude_v for_o contempt_n of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o reason_n or_o ancient_a tradition_n suggest_v to_o each_o of_o they_o then_o again_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oracle_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v ambiguous_a and_o according_a to_o divers_a event_n may_v admit_v of_o divers_a interpretation_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o express_o foretell_v by_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o the_o same_o shall_v proceed_v from_o a_o all-knowing_a mind_n for_o it_o be_v either_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o may_v be_v foresee_v by_o natural_a cause_n then_o exist_v as_o physician_n can_v foretell_v some_o future_a disease_n or_o else_o some_o probable_a and_o true_a conjecture_n may_v be_v make_v by_o that_o which_o common_o fall_v out_o and_o usual_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o we_o read_v of_o some_o person_n we●-sk●●d_a 〈◊〉_d civilaffaire_n that_o can_v have_v a_o notable_a guess_n of_o future_a event_n again_o suppose_v that_o among_o the_o pagan_n god_n sometime_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o some_o prophet_n to_o foretell_v those_o thing_n which_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a cause_n beside_o the_o will_n of_o god_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o approve_v or_o confirm_v their_o heathenish_a religion_n but_o rather_o overthrow_v it_o as_o
of_o foreign_a testimony_n which_o indeed_o make_v more_o for_o these_o book_n that_o against_o they_o 15_o answer_v make_v to_o that_o objection_n concern_v the_o adulterate_n or_o falsify_v of_o scripture_n 16_o last_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v verify_v the_o content_n of_o the_o four_o book_n sect_n i._o in_o particular_a such_o religion_n as_o be_v repugnant_a to_o christianity_n be_v confute_v 2_o and_o first_o against_o pa●…nisme_n here_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n that_o create_v mind_n be_v good_a or_o evil_n the_o good_a be_v not_o to_o be_v worship_v but_o according_a to_o god_n prescript_n 3_o the_o bad_a spirit_n be_v worship_v by_o the_o pagan_n which_o be_v a_o odious_a thing_n 4_o against_o the_o pagan_n worshop_v of_o ●en_n decease_v 5_o against_o the_o worship_v of_o star_n and_o element_n 6_o against_o the_o worship_v of_o bruit_n beast_n 7_o last_o against_o the_o worship_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v no_o substance_n 8_o answer_n to_o the_o pagan_n objection_n take_v from_o some_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v among_o they_o 9_o and_o from_o their_o oracle_n 10_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o pagan_n be_v thereby_o confute_v for_o that_o the_o same_o of_o it_o own_o accord_n fade_v away_o as_o soon_o as_o humane_a help_n fail_v 11_o answer_n to_o they_o that_o ascribe_v the_o beginning_n and_o downfall_n of_o any_o religion_n to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o star_n 12_o last_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o pagan_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n seem_v incredible_a therein_o the_o like_a may_v be_v find_v among_o the_o pagan_n the_o content_n of_o the_o five_o book_n sect_n i._o ivdaisme_n be_v confute_v 2_o the_o jew_n ought_v to_o account_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n for_o sufficient_a 3_o answer_n to_o that_o which_o they_o say_v these_o miracle_n be_v do_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o devil_n 4_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o word_n or_o syllable_n 5_o that_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o jesus_n be_v divine_a and_o that_o he_o teach_v the_o worship_n of_o one_o god_n who_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n 6_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n take_v from_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o jesus_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o perfect_a law_n give_v than_o that_o of_o moses_n 7_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v observe_v by_o jesus_n while_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n and_o no_o other_o precept_n be_v afterward_o abolish_v but_o sue●…_n be_v not_o essen_v tally_n good_a 8_o such_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n which_o of_o themselves_o be_v neu●_n wel-pleasing_a unto_o god_n 9_o also_o the_o difference_n of_o me●…_n 10_o and_o of_o day_n 11_o and_o outward_a circumcision_n 12_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n be_v gentle_a in_o the_o permission_n of_o toleration_n thereof_o 13_o a_o argument_n against_o the_o jew_n for_o that_o they_o grant_v t●…er●_n be_v a_o worthy_a messiah_n promise_v 14_o the_o same_o messiah_n come_v at_o the_o time_n appoint_v 15_o answer_n to_o that_o which_o they_o object_v concern_v the_o defer_v of_o his_o come_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n 16_o also_o from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n compare_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o law_n promise_v 17_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 18_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v say_v of_o some_o thing_n not_o yet_o fulfil_v 19_o also_o to_o that_o which_o be_v object_v touch_v the_o m●…e_a state_n and_o miserable_a death_n of_o jesus_n 20_o as_o though_o they_o have_v be_v honest_a man_n that_o put_v he_o to_o death_n 21_o answer_n to_o that_o objection_n of_o many_o god_n which_o they_o say_v be_v worship_v by_o the_o christian_n 22_o also_o that_o the_o humane_a nature_n be_v worship_v 23_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o part_n with_o prayer_n and_o supplication_z to_o god_n for_o the_o jew_n the_o content_n of_o the_o six_o and_o last_o book_n sect_n i._o mahumetanisme_n confute_v the_o original_n thereof_o 〈◊〉_d set_v down_o 2_o the_o ground_n of_o mahumetism●_n overthrow_v chief_o for_o that_o the_o make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o man_n the●…_n inquire_v into_o their_o religion_n 3_o proof_n against_o the_o mahu●…●ans_n out_o of_o the_o sacred_a w●…_n of_o hebrew_n and_o christian_n 4_o mahumet_n compare_v w●…_n christ_n in_o their_o person_n 5_o in_o their_o acts._n 6_o the_o first_o professor_n of_o both_o religion_n 7_o the_o manner_n how_o both_o law_n be_v propagate_v and_o publish_v 8_o last_o the_o precept_n of_o both_o compare_v 9_o answer_n to_o that_o which_o mahumetan_n object_n concern_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 10_o sundry_a absurdity_n be_v repeat_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o mahometan_n 11_o a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n direct_v to_o christian_n who_o be_v admonish_v of_o their_o duty_n by_o occasion_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v before_o in_o the_o several_a book_n a_o christian_a prayer_n for_o the_o adversary_n of_o true_a religion_n merciful_a god_n who_o have_v make_v all_o man_n and_o hate_v nothing_o that_o thou_o have_v make_v nor_o will_v the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o live_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o lewes_z turk_n infidel_n and_o heretic_n and_o take_v from_o they_o all_o ignorance_n hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o contempt_n of_o thy_o word_n and_o so_o fetch_v they_o home_o bless_a lord_n to_o thy_o flock_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v among_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o true_a israelite_n and_o be_v make_v one_o f●ld_v ●nderone_v sleepheard_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n who_o live_v and_o reign_v with_o thou_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n now_o and_o ever_o amen_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n the_o preface_n show_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o work_n i_o have_v eftsoon_o work_n be_v demand_v by_o a_o man_n that_o have_v deserve_v excellent_a well_o of_o his_o country_n and_o of_o learning_n and_o of_o i_o also_o what_o the_o argument_n of_o those_o book_n be_v which_o be_v write_v by_o i_o in_o my_o country_n language_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o christian_a religion_n neither_o do_v i_o wonder_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o question_n for_o he_o that_o with_o so_o good_a judgement_n do_v apply_v himself_o to_o the_o read_n of_o all_o thing_n worthy_a to_o be_v read_v be_v not_o ignorant_a with_o what_o skill_n that_o matter_n have_v be_v handle_v by_o raymond_n sebund_a after_o a_o subtle_a philosophical_a manner_n by_o judovicus_n vives_n in_o divers_a dialogue_n but_o especial_o with_o most_o learning_n and_o eloquence_n by_o their_o famous_a mornay_n wherefore_o the_o translate_n of_o they_o into_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n be_v more_o for_o use_n than_o for_o make_v any_o new_a work_n whereof_o what_o other_o man_n will_v judge_v i_o know_v not_o but_o this_o i_o be_o persuade_v will_v satisfy_v he_o if_o i_o tell_v he_o how_o that_o read_n not_o only_o those_o author_n above_o mention_v but_o also_o the_o write_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o their_o old_a jewish_a and_o also_o of_o christian_n for_o our_o christian_a religion_n i_o think_v good_a withal_o to_o use_v my_o own_o judgement_n such_o as_o it_o be_v and_o give_v some_o freedom_n to_o my_o mind_n which_o my_o body_n want_v when_o i_o write_v that_o work_n for_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o most_o sit_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n only_o with_o truth_n and_o that_o also_o with_o such_o truth_n as_o whereof_o i_o be_v persuade_v full_o in_o my_o own_o mind_n for_o i_o know_v it_o be_v but_o a_o vanity_n in_o i_o to_o go_v about_o to_o teach_v other_o to_o credit_v those_o thing_n that_o i_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v of_o myself_o therefore_o omit_v such_o argument_n as_o in_o my_o judgement_n be_v of_o less_o importance_n as_o also_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n which_o either_o i_o certain_o know_v or_o just_o suspect_v to_o be_v forge_v and_o counterfeit_a i_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o such_o reason_n both_o out_o of_o ancient_a &_o late_a write_n as_o may_v be_v best_a approve_v of_o and_o as_o for_o those_o which_o please_v i_o best_o the_o same_o i_o do_v both_o methodical_o dispose_v and_o also_o expound_v as_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v distinguish_v they_o by_o certain_a verse_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o commit_v to_o memory_n for_o my_o purpose_n be_v to_o benefit_v all_o my_o countryman_n but_o special_o sea-faring-man_n that_o they_o may_v not_o as_o too_o many_o do_v lose_v and_o misspend_v their_o time_n wherefore_o beginning_n with_o the_o commendation_n of_o our_o country_n
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 macedoni●●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 po●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 cypr●●_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 mar●●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 chalde●_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 phil●_n live_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o caligula_n and_o josephi●_n survive_v the_o time_n of_o both_o the_o vespas●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 mahumeta●isme_n beside_o their_o common_a consent_n have_v their_o proper_a error_n and_o certain_a peculiar_a arg●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 plat●_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 evi●_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
the_o contrary_a ●…ly_a the_o dominion_n give_v to_o ●nto_fw-mi man_n over_o his_o own_o action_n ●he_v natural_a desire_n that_o be_v in_o he_o ●o_o be_v immortal_a the_o comfort_n o●…●ood_a conscience_n for_o well_o do_v ●eeds_o though_o such_o be_v accompany_v with_o much_o difficulty_n ●nd_v on_o the_o contrary_a the_o sting_n of_o ●…gnawing_a conscience_n at_o the_o remembrance_n of_o ungodly_a and_o ●…icked_a action_n especial_o when_o ●he_n hour_n of_o death_n approach_v ●nto_o the_o wicked_a who_o do_v then_o ●…eeme_v more_o sensible_a of_o a_o immi●…ent_a judgement_n and_o this_o gnaw_a ●…orme_n of_o conscience_n the_o most_o ●…rophane_a wretch_n and_o wicked_a ●…yrants_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o ●tterly_o mortific_a and_o destroy_v in_o they_o no_o not_o then_o when_o they_o most_o of_o all_o desire_a as_o divers_a example_n do_v testify_v sect_n xxiiii_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o e●●_n of_o all_o shall_v be_v man_n happine●…_n after_o this_o life_n see_v then_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o 〈…〉_z nature_n that_o in_o itself_o have_v 〈…〉_z ground_n or_o cause_n of_o its_o own_o corruption_n and_o see_v also_o thi●_n god_n by_o many_o sign_n and_o token●…_n have_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v his_o wi●…_n the_o same_o soul_n shall_v survi●…_n the_o body_n what_o more_o noble_a 〈…〉_z can_v be_v propound_v to_o man_n tha●_n 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 pythagorea●●_n speak_v of_o say_v that_o it_o be_v goo●_n for_o man_n if_o he_o can_v become_v mo●●_n like_o unto_o god_n sect_n xxv_o ●…hich_v 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 attaine●●…en_o may_v find_v out_o by_o probable_a ●…iectures_n but_o if_o any_o thing_n concern_v that_o matter_n be_v reveal_v ●…y_a god_n in_o scripture_n the_o same_o ●ust_z be_v hold_v for_o a_o most_o certain_a ●nd_n undoubted_a truth_n which_o ●nce_n that_o religion●…emes_v ●…emes_z to_o pretend_v above_o other_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v examine_v in_o the_o next_o ●ooke_n whether_o or_o no_o man_n ought_v ●…o_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o and_o assured_o build_v their_o faith_n thereon_o the_o second_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_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 out_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 endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o most_o true_a and_o certain_a religion_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n namely_o as_o follow_v sect_n ii_o here_o be_v show_v that_o jesus_n live_v it_o be_v a_o truth_n most_o stead_n fast_o profess_v by_o all_o the_o christian●_n that_o breath_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n that_o jesus_n of_o nazreth_n then_o live_v in_o judea_n whe●_n tiberius_n be_v emperor_n of_o the_o roman_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v not_o only_o by_o christian_n but_o also_o by_o all_o the_o jew_n that_o ever_o live_v heretofore_o or_o yet_o survive_v nay_o the_o very_a pagan_a writer_n th●…_n be_v such_o as_o be_v neither_o of_o the_o jewish_a nor_o christian_a religion_n namely_o suetonises_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 ig●…ious_a death_n moreover_o all_o be_v it_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o death_n may_v be_v think_v inglorious_a and_o dishonourable_a to_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n yet_o all_o christian_n do_v confess_v that_o this_o same_o jesis_n be_v crucify_v by_o pontius_n pilate_n governor_n of_o judea_n the_o jew_n also_o do_v the_o ●ike_a though_o they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a how_o that_o they_o become_v most_o odious_a to_o those_o christians●n_n ●n_z who_o dominion_n they_o live_v because_o of_o this_o murder_n commit_v by_o pilate_n whereof_o their_o ancestor_n be_v the_o chief_a author_n as_o the_o heathenish_a writer_n have_v also_o record_v the_o same_o yea_o these_o act_n of_o pilate_n be_v extant_a a_o long_a time_n after_o whereunto_o the_o christian_n do_v sometime_o make_v their_o appeal_n and_o further_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 true_a and_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 by_o prudent_a and_o godly_a man_n all_o which_o though_o it_o be_v most_o true_a of_o christ_n ignominious_a death_n yet_o we_o see_v ho●_n that_o throughout_o the_o remo●…_n 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 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 many_o judicious_a &_o learned_a man_n for_o to_o say_v nothing_o now_o of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v 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 broughtup_a in_o other_o religion_n neither_o can_v have_v any_o hope_n of_o wealth_n or_o preferment_n in_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 no_o other_o reason_n whereof_o can_v be_v give_v than_o this_o that_o move_v they_o so_o to_o do_v namely_o because_o they_o like_v prudent_a man_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n by_o diligent_a inquiry_n find_v the_o truth_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o same_o which_o be_v bruit_v abroad_o concern_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n as_o the_o heal_n of_o many_o that_o be_v sore_o disease_v with_o his_o word_n only_o the_o restore_n of_o sight_n to_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a the_o feed_n of_o many_o thousand_o with_o some_o few_o loaf_n of_o bread_n the_o restore_n of_o some_o to_o life_n again_o that_o be_v dead_a and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a wonderful_a work_n the_o truth_n whereof_o neither_o celsus_n nor_o julian_n when_o they_o write_v against_o christian_n dare_v dare_v to_o deny_v but_o it_o be_v confess_v both_o by_o they_o and_o also_o most_o plain_o by_o the_o hebrew_n doctor_n that_o be_v author_n of_o the_o talmnd_a 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 theft_n wondrous_a work_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o any_o natural_a power_n it_o be_v manifest_a because_o they_o be_v call_v wonder_n and_o miracle_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a in_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 it_o be_v likely_a if_o such_o work_n have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n only_o than_o the_o same_o will_v have_v be_v make_v know_v and_o reveal_v 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 same_o argument_n we_o may_v prove_v that_o such_o work_n come_v not_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o power_n and_o deceit_n of_o sata●_n or_o by_o any_o diabolical_a enchantment_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 ●ear●_n ill_o will_v 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 same_o work_n be_v often_o iterate_v and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o be_v not_o transitory_a but_o permaneant_fw-la and_o durable_a all_o which_o be_v due_o ponder_v it_o must_v