deliver_v from_o the_o heavy_a yoke_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o lay_v upon_o they_o but_o if_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v full_a of_o all_o goodness_n easy_o permit_v they_o to_o follow_v what_o course_n of_o life_n they_o please_v in_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n provide_v they_o will_v not_o impose_v the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v they_o upon_o other_o sect_n xxv_o conclusion_n of_o all_o upon_o these_o term_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o agree_v with_o they_o and_o i_o conclude_v all_o with_o this_o memorable_a proposal_n which_o erasmus_n make_v in_o a_o letter_n to_o johannes_n slechta_n a_o friend_n of_o he_o in_o bohemia_n at_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n md_o xix_o this_o will_v reconcile_v people_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n if_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o particular_o define_v and_o make_v a_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o will_v have_v to_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o those_o only_o which_o be_v evident_o express_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o without_o which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v any_o way_n to_o be_v save_v to_o this_o purpose_n a_o few_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a and_o a_o few_o thing_n may_v be_v soon_o persuade_v than_o a_o great_a many_o now_o out_o of_o one_o article_n we_o make_v six_o hundred_o some_o of_o which_o be_v such_o that_o without_o endanger_n piety_n we_o may_v either_o be_v ignorant_a or_o doubt_v of_o they_o and_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n that_o what_o be_v once_o define_v we_o hold_v tooth_n and_o nail_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n part_n with_o it_o but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o sum_n of_o christian_a philosophy_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o we_o understand_v all_o our_o hope_n to_o be_v place_v in_o god_n who_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n by_o his_o son_n jesus_n by_o who_o death_n we_o be_v redeem_v into_o who_o body_n we_o be_v plant_v by_o baptism_n that_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o lust_n of_o this_o world_n we_o may_v live_v according_a to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o example_n not_o only_o abstain_v from_o all_o evil_a but_o endeavour_v to_o deserve_v well_o of_o every_o body_n assd_v that_o if_o any_o adversity_n happen_v we_o bear_v it_o courageous_o in_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n which_o without_o all_o doubt_n wait_v for_o all_o pious_a person_n at_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o we_o make_v such_o progress_n from_o virtue_n to_o virtue_n as_o notwithstanding_o to_o arrogate_v nothing_o to_o ourselves_o but_o to_o ascribe_v all_o the_o good_a that_o be_v in_o we_o or_o that_o we_o can_v do_v unto_o god._n these_o thing_n chief_o be_v to_o be_v inculcate_v and_o beat_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o that_o they_o become_v as_o it_o be_v their_o nature_n but_o if_o any_o will_v search_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o abstruse_a about_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o hypostasis_fw-la of_o christ_n or_o the_o sacrament_n that_o they_o may_v raise_v their_o mind_n the_o high_a and_o draw_v they_o from_o thing_n here_o below_o let_v they_o do_v so_o provide_v that_o every_o body_n be_v not_o compely_v present_o to_o believe_v what_o seem_v good_a to_o this_o or_o that_o person_n for_o as_o out_o of_o large_a deed_n arise_v soon_o lawsuit_n so_o be_v difference_n beget_v by_o very_a many_o definition_n and_o let_v we_o not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o answer_v to_o some_o thing_n god_n know_v how_o it_o may_v be_v do_v it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v do_v i_o know_v that_o christ_n pure_a body_n and_o blood_n be_v to_o be_v pure_o receive_v by_o those_o that_o be_v pure_a and_o that_o he_o will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v a_o most_o holy_a token_n and_o pledge_n both_o of_o his_o love_n to_o we_o and_o of_o our_o christian_a concord_n among_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v examine_v myself_o and_o make_v a_o strict_a search_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o i_o that_o ill_o agree_v with_o christ_n whether_o any_o discord_n with_o my_o neighbour_n but_o how_o the_o ten_o predicament_n be_v there_o how_o the_o bread_n be_v transubstantiate_v by_o the_o mystical_a word_n or_o as_o he_o explain_v himself_o in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o book_n upon_o lxxxiv_o psal_n how_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v there_o whether_o under_o the_o substance_n of_o bread_n or_o under_o the_o species_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n and_o such_o like_a do_v not_o much_o conduce_v in_o my_o judgement_n to_o proficiency_n in_o piety_n etc._n etc._n by_o these_o and_o other_o such_o innumerable_a disputation_n in_o which_o some_o triumph_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v call_v away_o from_o those_o thing_n which_o alone_o be_v to_o the_o purpose_n to_o conclude_v it_o will_v be_v of_o great_a moment_n to_o establish_v the_o concord_n of_o the_o world_n if_o all_o secular_a prince_n and_o especial_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n will_v abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o tyranny_n and_o of_o covetousness_n for_o man_n easy_o start_v back_o when_o they_o see_v slavery_n be_v prepare_v for_o they_o when_o they_o see_v they_o be_v not_o invite_v to_o piety_n but_o inveigle_v to_o be_v make_v a_o prey_n if_o they_o perceive_v we_o to_o be_v harmless_a to_o be_v beneficent_a they_o will_v most_o easy_o credit_v we_o and_o intrust_v themselves_o with_o we_o thus_o he._n it_o will_v not_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o make_v a_o long_a book_n on_o this_o subject_a but_o this_o be_v sufficient_a as_o grotius_n speak_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o convince_v those_o who_o understanding_n be_v right_o dispose_v and_o be_v not_o pertinacious_o set_v against_o all_o further_a information_n but_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v find_v of_o force_n enough_o to_o convince_v a_o froward_a will_n and_o persuade_v perverse_a affection_n which_o make_v man_n uncapable_a of_o moral_a truth_n most_o of_o all_o of_o divine_a which_o will_v not_o enter_v as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v into_o a_o malicious_a soul_n nor_o dwell_v in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v subject_a unto_o sin_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o discipline_n will_v flee_v deceit_n and_o remove_v from_o thought_n that_o be_v without_o understanding_n and_o will_v not_o abide_v when_o unrighteousness_n come_v in_o the_o end_n a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o principal_a thing_n handle_v in_o this_o work_n according_a to_o the_o several_a section_n of_o each_o book_n the_o content_n of_o the_o first_o book_n the_o preface_n show_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o work_n sect._n i._o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n p._n 1_o sect._n ii_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n p._n 5_o sect._n iii_o that_o all_o perfection_n be_v in_o god_n p._n 7_o sect._n iu_o god_n be_v infinite_a p._n 8_o sect._n v._n that_o god_n be_v eternal_a omnipotent_a omniscient_a and_o absolute_o good_a p._n 9_o sect._n vi_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n &_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n ib._n sect._n vii_o answer_v to_o that_o objection_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o evil_a p._n 15_o sect._n viii_o against_o the_o opinion_n of_o two_o principle_n or_o cause_n of_o thing_n p._n 16_o sect._n ix_o that_o god_n do_v govern_v the_o whole_a world_n p._n 17_o sect._n x._o yea_o sublunary_a thing_n p._n 18_o sect._n xi_o this_o be_v further_a prove_v by_o the_o preservation_n of_o empire_n p._n 19_o sect._n xii_o and_o by_o miracle_n p._n 21_o sect._n xiii_o special_o among_o the_o jew_n whereunto_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a continuance_n of_o their_o religion_n p._n 22_o sect._n fourteen_o also_o by_o the_o truth_n and_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n his_o story_n p._n 24_o sect._n xv._o and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o many_o gentile_n p._n 25_o sect._n xvi_o the_o same_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o oracle_n and_o prediction_n p._n 34_o sect._n xvii_o the_o objection_n be_v answer_v why_o miracle_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v see_v p._n 36_o sect._n xviii_o and_o that_o now_o there_o be_v such_o liberty_n in_o offend_v p._n 37_o sect._n xix_o insomuch_o that_o good_a man_n be_v oppress_v p._n 39_o sect._n xx._n the_o same_o argument_n be_v retort_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o soul_n survive_v the_o body_n p._n 40_o sect._n xxi_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o tradition_n ib._n sect._n xxii_o against_o which_o no_o contrary_a reason_n can_v be_v bring_v p._n 41_o sect._n xxiii_o many_o reason_n may_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o p._n 44_o sect._n xxiv_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o end_n of_o all_o shall_v be_v man_n happiness_n after_o this_o life_n p._n 45_o sect._n xxv_o which_o to_o obtain_v man_n must_v get_v the_o true_a religion_n ib._n the_o content_n of_o the_o second_o book_n sect._n i._o to_o prove_v 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 sundry_a kind_n of_o meat_n some_o 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 as_o in_o 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 not_o to_o keep_v holy_a day_n by_o a_o rest_n 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 offer_v 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 to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o 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 they_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 it_o be_v every_o where_o apparent_a lie_v in_o a_o pious_a confidence_n by_o which_o be_v compose_v to_o a_o faithful_a obedience_n we_o rely_v whole_o upon_o god_n and_o steadfast_o believe_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n whence_o there_o arise_v a_o good_a hope_n and_o a_o true_a love_n both_o of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n which_o make_v we_o obey_v his_o precept_n not_o in_o a_o base_a servile_a manner_n for_o fear_v of_o punishment_n but_o that_o we_o may_v please_v he_o and_o have_v he_o out_o of_o his_o great_a goodness_n our_o father_n and_o 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 many_o time_n do_v hurt_v to_o those_o that_o wish_v much_o for_o they_o but_o first_o and_o chief_o that_o which_o tend_v to_o god_n glory_n then_o for_o ourselves_o so_o much_o of_o these_o perish_a thing_n as_o nature_n desire_v leave_v the_o rest_n to_o divine_a providence_n and_o satisfy_v ourselves_o that_o all_o shall_v be_v well_o which_o way_n soever_o thing_n go_v but_o for_o eternal_a thing_n it_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v with_o the_o most_o earnest_a desire_n viz._n for_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n past_a and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o time_n to_o come_v whereby_o be_v strengthen_v against_o all_o terror_n and_o allurement_n we_o may_v constant_o persist_v in_o a_o pious_a course_n of_o life_n this_o be_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o christian_a religion_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v invent_v more_o worthy_a of_o almighty_a god_n sect_n fourteen_o concern_v the_o office_n of_o humanity_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o our_o neighbour_n like_o to_o these_o be_v the_o duty_n we_o owe_v unto_o our_o neighbour_n as_o for_o mahumet_n religion_n be_v hatch_v in_o war_n it_o breathe_v nothing_o but_o war_n and_o be_v propagate_v by_o war_n and_o hostility_n thus_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n of_o the_o lacedaemonian_n which_o among_o the_o greek_n be_v most_o applaud_v even_o by_o the_o oracle_n of_o apollo_n aristotle_n note_n and_o blame_v they_o for_o it_o be_v whole_o direct_v to_o warlike_a force_n and_o yet_o the_o same_o aristotle_n maintain_v war_n against_o barbarian_n to_o be_v natural_a when_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n make_v to_o friendship_n and_o society_n for_o what_o be_v more_o unjust_a and_o unequal_a than_o for_o single_a murder_n to_o be_v punish_v but_o to_o vaunt_v and_o triumph_v in_o the_o slaughter_n of_o whole_a nation_n as_o in_o a_o glorious_a exploit_n and_o yet_o that_o so_o much_o celebrate_v roman_a commonwealth_n how_o do_v it_o come_v by_o such_o a_o name_n but_o by_o war_n which_o ofttimes_o be_v manifest_o unjust_a as_o they_o themselves_o confess_v those_o be_v against_o sardinia_n and_o cyprus_n and_o true_o general_o as_o the_o best_a historian_n have_v commit_v to_o memory_n most_o nation_n think_v robbery_n and_o plunder_n without_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o own_o country_n to_o be_v no_o disgrace_n at_o all_o to_o they_o the_o exact_v of_o revenge_n aristotle_n and_o cicero_n make_v a_o piece_n of_o virtue_n to_o behold_v sword-player_n cut_v and_o slash_v each_o other_o be_v one_o of_o the_o public_a recreation_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o nothing_o more_o ordinary_a than_o to_o expose_v their_o child_n among_o the_o hebrew_n indeed_o there_o be_v a_o better_a law_n and_o more_o holy_a discipline_n but_o yet_o to_o a_o people_n of_o a_o impotent_a anger_n some_o thing_n be_v connive_v at_o and_o some_o thing_n indulge_v as_o a_o violent_a seizure_n upon_o the_o seven_o nation_n who_o have_v deserve_v it_o with_o which_o not_o content_v they_o prosecute_v all_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o with_o a_o cruel_a hatred_n the_o sign_n and_o mark_n of_o which_o yet_o remain_v in_o the_o prayer_n which_o they_o conceive_v against_o we_o christian_n but_o to_o prosecute_v he_o that_o hurt_v they_o by_o render_v like_a for_o like_a and_o to_o kill_v by_o their_o own_o private_a hand_n him_z that_o have_v slay_v any_o of_o their_o kindred_n be_v permit_v by_o the_o law_n itself_o whereas_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n forbid_v we_o to_o revenge_v any_o injury_n that_o be_v do_v we_o either_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n lest_o that_o wickedness_n which_o we_o condemn_v in_o other_o we_o shall_v again_o allow_v by_o its_o imitation_n it_o will_v have_v we_o do_v good_a to_o all_o to_o the_o good_a indeed_o chief_o but_o to_o the_o wicked_a also_o after_o the_o example_n of_o god_n who_o bestow_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o star_n the_o rain_n the_o wind_n and_o shower_n in_o common_a upon_o all_o man_n whatsoever_o sect_n xv._o of_o the_o conjunction_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n the_o conjunction_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n whereby_o mankind_n be_v propagate_v be_v a_o thing_n most_o worthy_a of_o the_o care_n of_o law_n which_o part_n of_o they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n the_o pagan_n neglect_v when_o they_o tell_v such_o lewd_a story_n of_o the_o whoredom_n and_o adultery_n of_o the_o god_n which_o they_o worship_v nay_o the_o filthy_a and_o abominable_a use_n which_o one_o man_n make_v of_o another_o be_v defend_v by_o the_o example_n of_o their_o go_n into_o who_o number_n upon_o that_o account_n ganymedes_n be_v ancient_o put_v and_o afterward_o antinous_n which_o flagitious_a wickedness_n be_v now_o most_o frequent_a among_o the_o mahometan_n and_o be_v think_v lawful_a by_o the_o chinese_n and_o other_o nation_n yea_o the_o philosopher_n of_o greece_n seem_v to_o have_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o find_v out_o a_o honest_a name_n for_o that_o most_o filthy_a thing_n among_o which_o greek_n philosopher_n the_o most_o excellent_a commend_v community_n of_o woman_n what_o do_v they_o do_v else_o but_o turn_v a_o whole_a city_n into_o one_o common_a brothel-house_n a_o most_o unworthy_a thing_n for_o since_o there_o be_v among_o some_o mute_a animal_n a_o certain_a conjugal_a league_n or_o covenant_n how_o much_o more_o equal_a be_v it_o that_o so_o holy_a a_o creature_n as_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v bear_v of_o uncertain_a seed_n with_o the_o extinction_n of_o all_o those_o mutual_a affection_n which_o be_v natural_o between_o parent_n and_o their_o child_n the_o hebrew_n law_n indeed_o forbid_v all_o filthiness_n but_o both_o allow_v one_o man_n to_o have_v more_o wife_n and_o give_v the_o husband_n also_o a_o right_n for_o any_o cause_n to_o put_v away_o his_o wife_n which_o the_o mahometan_n at_o this_o day_n use_v and_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_n ancient_o with_o such_o licence_n that_o the_o lacedaemonian_n and_o cato_n even_o lend_v their_o wife_n to_o other_o man_n to_o use_v for_o a_o time_n but_o the_o most_o perfect_a law_n of_o christ_n penetrate_v to_o the_o very_a root_n of_o vice_n and_o hold_v he_o who_o only_a attempt_n upon_o the_o chastity_n of_o any_o woman_n or_o look_v lascivious_o upon_o she_o to_o be_v guilty_a before_o god_n the_o judge_n and_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o that_o crime_n which_o though_o not_o act_v yet_o be_v desire_v and_o since_o all_o true_a friendship_n be_v perpetual_a and_o insoluble_a he_o will_v deserve_o have_v that_o to_o be_v such_o which_o with_o
all_o shall_v be_v man_n happiness_n after_o this_o life_n see_v then_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o a_o nature_n that_o in_o itself_o have_v no_o ground_n or_o cause_n of_o its_o own_o corruption_n and_o see_v also_o that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o many_o sign_n and_o token_n whereby_o we_o ought_v to_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n the_o soul_n shall_v survive_v the_o body_n what_o more_o noble_a end_n can_v be_v propound_v to_o man_n than_o the_o state_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o in_o effect_n be_v the_o same_o that_o plato_n and_o the_o pythagorean_n speak_v of_o say_v that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o man_n if_o he_o can_v become_v most_o like_a unto_o god_n sect_n xxv_o which_o to_o obtain_v man_n must_v get_v the_o true_a religion_n now_o what_o this_o happiness_n be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v man_n may_v search_v by_o probable_a conjecture_n but_o if_o any_o thing_n concern_v this_o matter_n be_v reveal_v by_o god_n that_o must_v be_v hold_v for_o a_o most_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n which_o since_o christian_a religion_n pretend_v to_o bring_v unto_o we_o above_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v examine_v in_o the_o next_o book_n whether_o or_o not_o man_n ought_v to_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o and_o assure_o build_v their_o faith_n thereon_o the_o second_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o our_o purpose_n in_o this_o second_o book_n to_o handle_v all_o the_o point_n of_o christianity_n but_o after_o our_o hearty_a prayer_n make_v to_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o heaven_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v for_o such_o a_o work_n we_o shall_v only_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n itself_o be_v most_o true_a and_o certain_a which_o i_o thus_o begin_v sect_n ii_o here_o be_v show_v that_o jesus_n live_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n who_o live_v heretofore_o in_o judaea_n when_o tiberius_n be_v emperor_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o only_o most_o constant_o profess_v by_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v scatter_v over_o the_o face_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n but_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o jew_n who_o now_o be_v or_o ever_o write_v since_o those_o time_n nay_o the_o very_a pagan_a writer_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v neither_o of_o the_o jewish_a nor_o christian_a religion_n namely_o suetonius_n tacitus_n pliny_n the_o young_a and_o many_o more_o after_o they_o do_v testify_v the_o same_o sect_n iii_o and_o be_v put_v to_o a_o ignominious_a death_n that_o the_o same_o jesus_n be_v nail_v to_o a_o cross_n by_o pontius_n pilate_n governor_n of_o judaea_n be_v confess_v also_o by_o all_o christian_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v very_o disgraceful_a to_o they_o to_o be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o such_o a_o lord_n the_o jew_n also_o do_v the_o like_a though_o they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o upon_o this_o account_n they_o be_v very_o odious_a to_o christian_n in_o who_o dominion_n they_o live_v because_o their_o ancestor_n be_v the_o man_n that_o move_v pilate_n and_o persuade_v he_o to_o pass_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n upon_o jesus_n the_o pagan_a writer_n also_o now_o name_v have_v deliver_v the_o same_o to_o posterity_n yea_o the_o act_n of_o pilate_n be_v extant_a a_o long_a time_n after_o from_o whence_o this_o may_v have_v be_v prove_v to_o which_o christian_n never_o make_v their_o appeal_n for_o neither_o do_v julian_n himself_o nor_o any_o other_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n ever_o make_v doubt_n hereof_o so_o that_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o more_o certain_a story_n than_o this_o which_o we_o see_v may_v be_v confirm_v not_o only_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o few_o man_n but_o also_o by_o the_o approbation_n of_o several_a nation_n otherwise_o disagree_v and_o jar_v among_o themselves_o sect_n iv_o yet_o afterward_o be_v worship_v by_o prudent_a and_o godly_a men._n all_o which_o though_o it_o be_v most_o true_a yet_o we_o see_v how_o that_o throughout_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v worship_v as_o lord_n and_o that_o not_o in_o our_o day_n only_o or_o those_o which_o be_v late_o pass_v but_o ever_o since_o the_o time_n that_o this_o be_v do_v to_o wit_n ever_o since_o the_o reign_n of_o nero_n the_o emperor_n when_o many_o people_n that_o profess_v this_o worship_n of_o christ_n and_o christian_a religion_n be_v for_o that_o cause_n torture_v and_o put_v to_o death_n as_o tacitus_n and_o other_o do_v witness_n sect_n v._o the_o cause_n whereof_o be_v for_o that_o in_o his_o life_n time_n there_o be_v miracle_n do_v by_o he_o now_o among_o such_o as_o profess_a christianity_n there_o be_v always_o many_o person_n who_o be_v both_o judicious_a and_o not_o unlearned_a such_o as_o to_o say_v nothing_o now_o of_o the_o jew_n sergius_n governor_n of_o cyprus_n dionysius_n areopagita_n polycarpus_n justinus_n irenaeus_n athenagoras_n origen_n tertullian_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n with_o divers_a other_o who_o almost_o all_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o other_o religion_n and_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o any_o wealth_n or_o preferment_n by_o christianity_n yet_o become_v worshipper_n of_o this_o man_n that_o die_v so_o ignominious_a a_o death_n and_o exhibit_v due_a honour_n to_o he_o as_o god_n of_o which_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v but_o this_o alone_a that_o they_o make_v diligent_a enquiry_n as_o become_v prudent_a man_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o find_v that_o what_o be_v bruit_v abroad_o concern_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n be_v true_a and_o rely_v upon_o firm_a witness_n as_o the_o cure_n and_o that_o with_o his_o word_n only_o and_o before_o all_o the_o people_n divers_z grievous_a and_o inveterate_a disease_n the_o restore_n of_o sight_n to_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a the_o multiply_a of_o a_o few_o loaf_n more_o than_o once_o for_o the_o feed_v many_o thousand_o who_o can_v testify_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o recall_v of_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o and_o many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n the_o report_n of_o which_o thing_n have_v then_o such_o a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a original_n that_o neither_o celsus_n nor_o julian_n when_o they_o write_v against_o christian_n dare_v deny_v there_o be_v some_o prodigy_n do_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o hebrew_n in_o the_o talmudical_a book_n do_v open_o confess_v it_o sect_n vi_o which_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v either_o by_o the_o help_n of_o nature_n or_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o mere_o by_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o god._n that_o these_o wondrous_a work_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o any_o natural_a power_n it_o be_v manifest_a by_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o they_o be_v call_v wonder_n and_o miracle_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a by_o the_o force_n of_o nature_n that_o any_o grievous_a disease_n and_o infirmity_n shall_v be_v cure_v mere_o by_o a_o man_n voice_n or_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o touch_n and_o that_o even_o upon_o a_o sudden_a and_o if_o such_o work_n can_v have_v any_o way_n be_v ascribe_v to_o a_o natural_a efficacy_n it_o will_v have_v be_v say_v before_o now_o either_o by_o those_o that_o be_v profess_a enemy_n of_o christ_n while_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n or_o by_o those_o that_o have_v be_v adversary_n of_o his_o gospel_n since_o his_o death_n by_o the_o like_a argument_n we_o may_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o juggle_a delusion_n because_o they_o be_v do_v open_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o people_n among_o who_o divers_a of_o the_o learned_a sort_n do_v malign_v and_o bear_v ill_a will_n unto_o christ_n not_o without_o envy_n observe_v all_o that_o he_o do_v add_v further_o that_o the_o like_a work_n be_v often_o iterate_v and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o be_v not_o transitory_a but_o permanent_a and_o durable_a all_o which_o be_v due_o ponder_v it_o must_v needs_o follow_v as_o the_o jew_n have_v confess_v that_o these_o work_v proceed_v from_o a_o more_o than_o natural_a or_o humane_a power_n that_o be_v from_o some_o spirit_n either_o good_a or_o evil_n that_o they_o proceed_v not_o from_o any_o evil_a spirit_n may_v be_v prove_v because_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o confirmation_n whereof_o these_o work_n be_v wrought_v be_v quite_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a to_o bad_a spirit_n for_o it_o prohibit_v the_o worship_v of_o evil_a angel_n and_o dissuade_v man_n from_o all_o uncleanness_n of_o affection_n and_o manner_n wherein_o such_o spirit_n be_v much_o delight_v and_o this_o be_v also_o plain_a for_o that_o wheresoever_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v receive_v and_o establish_v there_o follow_v
the_o downfall_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o daemon_n and_o of_o magical_a art_n and_o one_o god_n be_v worship_v with_o a_o detestation_n of_o daemon_n who_o power_n and_o authority_n porphyry_n acknowledge_v be_v break_v by_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v think_v that_o any_o wicked_a spirit_n be_v so_o ignorant_a and_o foolish_a as_o to_o effect_v and_o often_o bring_v to_o pass_v thing_n that_o be_v cause_n of_o its_o own_o hurt_n and_o disgrace_n and_o no_o way_n conduce_v to_o its_o honour_n or_o benefit_n beside_o it_o stand_v no_o way_n with_o the_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v so_o harmless_a and_o innocent_a man_n such_o as_o fear_v he_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o delusion_n of_o devil_n and_o such_o be_v the_o first_o follower_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o their_o innocent_a life_n and_o by_o the_o many_o calamity_n which_o they_o endure_v for_o conscience_n sake_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o thou_o affirm_v that_o those_o work_n of_o christ_n proceed_v from_o some_o good_a spirit_n which_o be_v inferior_a to_o god_n in_o so_o say_v thou_o do_v confess_v that_o the_o same_o work_n be_v well_o please_v unto_o god_n and_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n forasmuch_o as_o good_a spirit_n do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v acceptable_a and_o glorious_a unto_o god_n to_o say_v nothing_o now_o of_o some_o of_o christ_n work_n which_o be_v so_o miraculous_a that_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v god_n himself_o for_o the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o can_v not_o have_v be_v do_v but_o by_o the_o immediate_a finger_n of_o a_o omnipotent_a power_n as_o special_o the_o restore_a divers_a person_n from_o death_n unto_o life_n again_o now_o god_n do_v not_o produce_v any_o miracle_n nor_o suffer_v any_o such_o wonder_n to_o be_v wrought_v without_o just_a cause_n for_o it_o become_v not_o a_o wise_a maker_n of_o law_n to_o forsake_v and_o depart_v from_o his_o own_o law_n unless_o upon_o some_o good_a and_o weighty_a reason_n now_o no_o other_o cause_n of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v give_v than_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v by_o christ_n himself_o namely_o that_o hereby_o his_o doctrine_n may_v be_v verify_v and_o confirm_v and_o doubtless_o they_o that_o be_v spectator_n of_o his_o work_n can_v conceive_v no_o other_o reason_n thereof_o among_o which_o since_o there_o be_v as_o be_v say_v many_o godly_a man_n pious_o and_o devout_o affect_v it_o be_v horrible_a impiety_n to_o imagine_v that_o god_n do_v work_v these_o thing_n only_o to_o delude_v and_o deceive_v they_o and_o this_o be_v one_o cause_n why_o very_a many_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o live_v about_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n even_o such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o relinquish_v or_o omit_v one_o jot_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n such_o as_o those_o who_o be_v call_v nazarenes_n and_o ebionites_n do_v notwithstanding_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o jesus_n be_v a_o doctor_n or_o master_n send_v from_o heaven_n sect_n vii_o christ_n resurrection_n prove_v by_o credible_a reason_n beside_o the_o miracle_n that_o christ_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n another_o like_a argument_n may_v be_v take_v from_o his_o wonderful_a resurrection_n to_o life_n again_o after_o that_o he_o be_v crucify_a dead_a and_o bury_v for_o the_o christian_n of_o all_o age_n and_o country_n allege_v the_o same_o not_o only_o for_o a_o truth_n but_o also_o as_o the_o most_o strong_a ground_n and_o chief_a foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o those_o that_o first_o teach_v christianity_n do_v persuade_v their_o auditor_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o for_o certain_a and_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o induce_v any_o wise_a man_n to_o the_o belief_n hereof_o unless_o they_o can_v very_o affirm_v that_o themselves_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o this_o matter_n for_o without_o such_o a_o ocular_a testimony_n no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n will_v have_v give_v credit_n unto_o they_o especial_o in_o such_o time_n when_o to_o believe_v they_o be_v to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o great_a mischief_n and_o danger_n but_o that_o this_o be_v their_o constant_a assertion_n both_o their_o own_o book_n and_o other_o write_n do_v testify_v for_o out_o of_o their_o book_n it_o appear_v that_o they_o appeal_v unto_o five_o hundred_o witness_n that_o have_v behold_v jesus_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a now_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fashion_n of_o liar_n and_o dissembler_n to_o appeal_v to_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o witness_n neither_o can_v it_o possible_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o so_o many_o man_n shall_v agree_v and_o conspire_v together_o to_o bear_v false_a witness_n or_o suppose_v there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o witness_n save_o those_o twelve_o know_a apostle_n the_o first_o publisher_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o this_o have_v be_v sufficient_a no_o man_n be_v wicked_a for_o nothing_o and_o honour_n for_o their_o lie_v they_o can_v not_o expect_v in_o regard_n that_o all_o kind_n of_o dignity_n and_o promotion_n be_v then_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o pagan_n or_o jew_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v nothing_o but_o reproach_n and_o ignominy_n neither_o can_v they_o hope_v for_o any_o wealth_n and_o riches_n because_o this_o profession_n be_v oftentimes_o punish_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o good_n and_o possession_n or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o the_o gospel_n can_v not_o be_v teach_v by_o they_o unless_o they_o omit_v or_o neglect_v all_o care_n about_o worldly_a good_n neither_o can_v the_o hope_n of_o any_o other_o worldly_a advantage_n move_v they_o to_o utter_v untruth_n see_v that_o the_o very_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n do_v expose_v they_o to_o labour_n hunger_n thirst_n stripe_n and_o imprisonment_n to_o get_v credit_n and_o reputation_n only_o among_o their_o own_o countryman_n be_v not_o so_o much_o worth_n that_o they_o poor_a simple_a man_n who_o life_n and_o doctrine_n be_v abhorrent_n from_o all_o pride_n shall_v therefore_o run_v upon_o so_o great_a inconvenience_n neither_o again_o can_v they_o have_v any_o hope_n their_o doctrine_n will_v make_v such_o progress_n as_o to_o win_v they_o any_o fame_n be_v oppose_v both_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n which_o be_v intent_n to_o its_o own_o advantage_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o who_o then_o every_o where_o govern_v unless_o they_o have_v be_v some_o way_n animate_v and_o encourage_v by_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o promise_v themselves_o that_o this_o fame_n such_o as_o it_o may_v prove_v will_v be_v durable_a since_o they_o expect_v god_n on_o purpose_n conceal_v his_o counsel_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o end_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o near_o approach_v which_o both_o their_o own_o write_n and_o the_o writing_n of_o those_o christian_n that_o follow_v they_o make_v most_o evident_a it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o we_o say_v if_o they_o do_v lie_v it_o be_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v right_o consider_v for_o either_o they_o do_v sincere_o believe_v that_o this_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n or_o else_o they_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a nay_o if_o they_o think_v not_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o the_o best_a they_o will_v never_o have_v make_v choice_n hereof_o and_o refuse_v other_o religion_n far_o more_o safe_a and_o commodious_a nay_o further_o though_o they_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v true_a yet_o they_o will_v not_o have_v profess_v it_o unless_o they_o have_v be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o profession_n thereof_o be_v necessary_a special_o for_o that_o they_o may_v have_v easy_o foresee_v and_o partly_o they_o can_v tell_v by_o experience_n what_o troop_n of_o man_n will_v be_v expose_v to_o death_n for_o this_o profession_n which_o without_o just_a cause_n to_o occasion_n be_v no_o better_a than_o plain_a robbery_n or_o murder_n but_o if_o we_o say_v they_o believe_v that_o this_o religion_n be_v true_a and_o the_o very_o best_a and_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v profess_v and_o that_o after_o the_o death_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n sure_o that_o can_v no_o way_n be_v so_o if_o their_o master_n promise_n concern_v his_o resurrection_n have_v deceive_v they_o and_o not_o prove_v true_a for_o that_o have_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n disbelieve_v even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v already_o entertain_v moreover_o all_o religion_n and_o christianity_n more_o than_o any_o other_o forbid_v lie_v in_o bear_v false_a witness_n especial_o in_o divine_a thing_n wherefore_o they_o can_v not_o
a_o kind_n of_o god_n over_o they_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 also_o that_o the_o grecian_n roman_n and_o other_o worship_v those_o thing_n which_o have_v no_o subsistence_n but_o be_v mere_a accident_n of_o other_o thing_n for_o to_o omit_v those_o uncouth_a deity_n the_o fever_n dame_n impudence_n and_o the_o like_a let_v we_o name_v the_o better_a sort_n such_o be_v health_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o right_a temperature_n of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n good_a fortune_n which_o be_v a_o event_n that_o be_v correspondent_a to_o a_o man_n desire_n the_o affection_n also_o such_o as_o love_v fear_v anger_n hope_v and_o the_o rest_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o something_o that_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n easy_a or_o difficult_a be_v certain_a motion_n or_o 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 the_o blood_n especial_o not_o have_v any_o absolute_a power_n of_o themselves_o but_o be_v subordinate_a hand_n maid_n to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o will_n their_o mistress_n at_o least_o in_o their_o continuance_n and_o direction_n then_o for_o virtue_n who_o name_n be_v divers_a prudence_n in_o choose_v what_o be_v profitable_a for_o we_o fortitude_n in_o undertake_v danger_n justice_n in_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o be_v another_o man_n temperance_n in_o the_o moderation_n of_o pleasure_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v certain_a inclination_n and_o propension_n in_o the_o mind_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v right_a grow_v up_o by_o long_a exercise_n and_o practice_n which_o as_o they_o may_v be_v augment_v in_o a_o man_n so_o may_v they_o by_o neglect_n be_v diminish_v nay_o quite_o lose_v and_o abolish_v as_o for_o honour_n whereunto_o we_o read_v there_o be_v temple_n dedicate_v it_o be_v other_o man_n judgement_n or_o good_a opinion_n concern_v one_o who_o they_o suppose_v endue_v with_o virtue_n which_o be_v often_o bestow_v upon_o bad_a man_n as_o well_o as_o good_a by_o the_o natural_a proneness_n there_o be_v in_o man_n to_o err_v in_o their_o judgement_n these_o therefore_o have_v no_o subsistence_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v compare_v in_o dignity_n and_o worth_n with_o thing_n that_o do_v subsist_v nor_o have_v any_o understanding_n of_o man_n prayer_n or_o veneration_n it_o be_v most_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o worship_v they_o as_o god_n when_o for_o this_o very_a thing_n he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v who_o can_v both_o give_v and_o preserve_v they_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 as_o in_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v except_v against_o for_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o pagan_n reject_v many_o of_o these_o as_o support_v by_o no_o testimony_n of_o any_o credible_a witness_n but_o plain_o counterfeit_v and_o fabulous_a other_o miracle_n which_o they_o say_v be_v do_v happen_v in_o some_o secret_a place_n in_o the_o night_n before_o one_o or_o two_o who_o eye_n the_o craft_n of_o the_o priest_n may_v easy_o delude_v by_o false_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v other_o which_o raise_v great_a admiration_n and_o pass_v for_o wonder_n mere_o because_o they_o meet_v with_o those_o who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o natural_a thing_n especial_o of_o hide_a property_n as_o for_o instance_n such_o a_o thing_n may_v happen_v if_o one_o shall_v draw_v iron_n with_o the_o loadstone_n among_o people_n who_o know_v nothing_o of_o its_o virtue_n in_o which_o art_n simon_n magus_n and_o apollonius_n as_o many_o have_v record_v be_v very_o skilful_a i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o some_o thing_n great_a than_o these_o be_v see_v which_o by_o man_n power_n alone_o can_v not_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o natural_a cause_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o need_v a_o power_n which_o be_v true_o divine_a that_o be_v omnipotent_a but_o may_v be_v perform_v by_o spirit_n that_o be_v place_v between_o god_n and_o men._n who_o by_o their_o celerity_n efficacy_n subtlety_n and_o diligence_n can_v easy_o carry_v thing_n far_o distant_a from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o and_o compound_v thing_n that_o be_v very_o different_a to_o the_o work_n of_o such_o effect_n as_o shall_v strike_v man_n with_o astonishment_n but_o that_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o this_o be_v effect_v be_v not_o good_a and_o therefore_o neither_o be_v the_o religion_n good_a appear_v already_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v before_o and_o from_o hence_o also_o that_o they_o say_v they_o be_v compel_v to_o do_v thing_n even_o against_o their_o will_n by_o the_o power_n of_o certain_a charm_n when_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o pagan_n agree_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o virtue_n in_o word_n but_o only_o a_o power_n of_o persuasion_n and_o that_o no_o other_o way_n than_o by_o their_o signification_n and_o it_o be_v another_o token_n of_o their_o wickedness_n that_o they_o undertake_v to_o allure_v and_o draw_v this_o or_o that_o body_n though_o never_o so_o backward_o to_o it_o into_o the_o love_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o person_n wherein_o they_o be_v injurious_a to_o they_o either_o in_o their_o vain_a promise_n or_o in_o effect_v what_o they_o promise_v for_o this_o also_o be_v forbid_v by_o humane_a law_n as_o a_o piece_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 who_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 weakeness_n and_o impotency_n that_o their_o work_n never_o bring_v any_o considerable_a good_a along_o with_o they_o for_o if_o any_o seem_v to_o be_v call_v back_o to_o life_n after_o they_o be_v dead_a 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 foretell_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 and_o far_o different_a reason_n which_o the_o divine_a efficacy_n propound_v to_o itself_o in_o the_o do_v those_o thing_n 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 venerable_a may_v the_o more_o easy_o obtain_v the_o roman_a empire_n to_o which_o he_o be_v choose_v by_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o minister_n of_o his_o judgement_n upon_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 especial_o what_o we_o have_v say_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 every_o one_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 may_v easy_o receive_v a_o interpretation_n from_o any_o event_n whatsoever_o 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 it_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 some_o physician_n have_v foretell_v disease_n that_o be_v a_o come_n or_o else_o some_o probable_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 well_o skilled_a in_o civil_a affair_n that_o have_v make_v notable_a guess_n at_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 overthew_v it_o such_o for_o instance_n be_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o four_o eclogue_n of_o virgil_n take_v out_o of_o the_o sibyl_n verse_n where_o unwitting_o the_o poet_n give_v we_o a_o lively_a description_n of_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n so_o in_o the_o same_o book_n of_o the_o sibyl_n it_o be_v that_o