none_o of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n who_o have_v expound_v the_o creed_n and_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o have_v give_v any_o such_o sense_n of_o that_o article_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n nay_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o most_o ancient_a form_n of_o faith_n nor_o do_v the_o church_n true_o catholic_n teach_v any_o thing_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o creed_n for_o we_o do_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n believe_v the_o catholic_n church_n but_o not_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n which_o their_o creed_n will_v have_v to_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n because_o to_o omit_v many_o other_o absurdity_n which_o be_v in_o it_o there_o be_v a_o catholic_n church_n before_o there_o be_v a_o roman_a and_o to_o say_v that_o they_o believe_v the_o catholic_n church_n mean_v thereby_o the_o roman_a be_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o say_v they_o believe_v themselves_o sect_n vii_o their_o absurd_a explication_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n nothing_o therefore_o can_v be_v further_o from_o the_o truth_n than_o that_o explication_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o roman_a catechism_n publish_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o pope_n pius_n iv_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n wherein_o the_o catechumen_n be_v teach_v to_o believe_v and_o profess_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v one_o not_o only_o because_o of_o one_o faith_n and_o other_o reason_n mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n ephes_n four_o and_o because_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o one_o invisible_a governor_n which_o be_v christ_n but_o because_o it_o be_v subject_a also_o to_o one_o visible_a governor_n who_o hold_v the_o roman_a chair_n the_o legitimate_a successor_n of_o st._n peter_n concern_v who_o it_o be_v the_o unanimous_a opinion_n of_o all_o the_o father_n that_o this_o visible_a head_n be_v necessary_a to_o constitute_v and_o conserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o this_o head_n or_o pastor_n christ_n have_v give_v the_o authority_n of_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o whole_a church_n as_o the_o vicar_n and_o minister_n of_o his_o power_n thus_o that_o catechism_n teach_v in_o the_o first_o part_n the_o ix_o article_n n._n 11_o 12_o 13._o which_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v confute_v by_o the_o plain_a demonstration_n now_o mention_v that_o christ_n have_v a_o catholic_n church_n which_o have_v unity_n in_o itself_o when_o there_o be_v no_o roman_a church_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o constant_a doctrine_n not_o only_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o of_o all_o the_o father_n who_o consent_n they_o false_o boast_v of_o and_o of_o many_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o of_o council_n also_o both_o general_n and_o particular_a even_o of_o the_o council_n of_o lateran_n and_o trent_n which_o by_o approve_v the_o five_o first_o general_n council_n who_o condemn_v this_o supremacy_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n do_v in_o effect_n condemn_v it_o themselves_o sect_n viii_o which_o forbid_v we_o to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o upon_o such_o term_n to_o that_o church_n than_o we_o ought_v to_o adhere_v which_o have_v keep_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n simple_a and_o unmixed_a with_o humane_a invention_n which_o if_o we_o admit_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n we_o betray_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v false_a and_o unjust_a to_o innumerable_a christian_a brethren_n who_o by_o baptism_n be_v admit_v into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n but_o hereby_o unmerciful_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o have_v that_o faith_n which_o make_v they_o true_a member_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o great_a crime_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o may_v suffice_v instead_o of_o all_o other_o demonstration_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v corrupt_v themselves_o and_o depart_v from_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n for_o this_o very_a article_n alone_o which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n but_o by_o union_n with_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n and_o that_o by_o subjection_n to_o it_o thrust_v out_o of_o heaven_n not_o only_o the_o ancient_a christian_a pious_a emperor_n who_o refuse_v such_o subjection_n but_o many_o of_o their_o ancient_a pope_n who_o acknowledge_v their_o subjection_n be_v due_a to_o the_o christian_a emperor_n together_o with_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n and_o father_n assemble_v in_o many_o council_n and_o the_o most_o famous_a christian_a church_n the_o most_o glorious_a martyr_n and_o saint_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o best_a time_n of_o christianity_n have_v know_v and_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o after_o age_n the_o present_a christian_n of_o greece_n russia_n armenia_n syria_n ethiopia_n who_o by_o this_o article_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o catholic_n roman_n church_n be_v all_o exclude_v from_o christian_a communion_n and_o must_v perish_v everlasting_o for_o bellonius_fw-la say_v that_o in_o his_o travel_n he_o meet_v with_o nine_o sort_n of_o christian_n at_o jerusalem_n eight_o of_o which_o nine_o know_v nothing_o of_o this_o universal_a bishop_n or_o do_v not_o regard_v he_o and_o of_o the_o nine_o there_o be_v scarce_o half_a that_o acknowledge_v his_o authority_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v man_n among_o they_o of_o no_o mean_a note_n and_o number_n who_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o declaration_n when_o he_o will_v determine_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v of_o faith_n we_o all_o ought_v to_o receive_v and_o though_o we_o be_v assure_v as_o much_o as_o be_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o st._n peter_n that_o christ_n never_o give_v he_o much_o less_o his_o successor_n any_o authority_n at_o all_o over_o his_o whole_a church_n yet_o now_o to_o deny_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n be_v such_o a_o heresy_n that_o let_v a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o orthodox_n in_o all_o other_o point_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v he_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n witness_v our_o king_n henry_n viii_o who_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o his_o kingdom_n give_v away_o for_o no_o other_o fault_n by_o a_o bull_n of_o paul_n the_o three_o who_o affirm_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o bull_n that_o herein_o he_o act_v by_o divine_a authority_n which_o according_a as_o god_n say_v in_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n have_v set_v he_o over_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n to_o root_v up_o and_o destroy_v as_o well_o as_o to_o build_v and_o plant_v have_v the_o supreme_a power_n over_o all_o king_n and_o people_n throughout_o the_o whole_a earth_n which_o certain_o be_v such_o new_a language_n never_o know_v in_o the_o church_n for_o many_o age_n that_o they_o who_o be_v not_o convince_v thereby_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v their_o eye_n blind_v with_o the_o worldly_a splendour_n of_o it_o sect_n ix_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n not_o to_o slight_v episcopal_a authority_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o enormous_a power_n which_o they_o have_v usurp_v be_v a_o very_a strong_a proof_n of_o the_o high_a authority_n of_o christian_a bishop_n in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o great_a reverence_n that_o be_v pay_v to_o they_o by_o christian_a people_n who_o otherways_o will_v never_o have_v thus_o submit_v to_o their_o will_n and_o pleasure_n have_v not_o the_o obedience_n which_o they_o have_v be_v wont_a always_o to_o yield_v to_o their_o authority_n dispose_v they_o to_o be_v bring_v by_o little_a and_o little_a under_o a_o absolute_a subjection_n nor_o will_v there_o have_v be_v reason_n for_o those_o caution_n which_o st._n peter_n give_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o god_n church_n not_o at_o rome_n but_o elsewhere_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 2_o 3._o not_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v invest_v with_o a_o power_n which_o all_o christian_n reverence_v so_o much_o that_o it_o may_v more_o easy_o be_v abuse_v than_o contemn_v and_o soon_o persuade_v people_n to_o follow_v they_o with_o a_o blind_a obedience_n than_o to_o slight_v their_o judgement_n and_o refuse_v to_o conform_v to_o their_o injunction_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o now_o despise_v all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n we_o may_v be_v sure_o they_o have_v swerve_v from_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o they_o also_o be_v altogether_o inexcusable_a who_o shake_v off_o the_o episcopal_a government_n and_o refuse_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o it_o under_o a_o pretence_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o equality_n among_o christ_n
or_o conspire_v as_o we_o may_v call_v it_o of_o event_n to_o a_o certain_a end_n be_v a_o manifest_a token_n of_o a_o provident_a direction_n like_o as_o at_o dice_n if_o a_o man_n now_o and_o then_o throw_v a_o lucky_a cast_n which_o win_v all_o it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o chance_n but_o if_o he_o throw_v the_o very_a same_o a_o hundred_o time_n there_o be_v no_o body_n who_o will_v not_o conclude_v that_o this_o proceed_v from_o some_o extraordinary_a art_n sect_n xii_o and_o by_o miracle_n another_o most_o certain_a proof_n of_o god_n providence_n may_v be_v take_v from_o those_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n which_o be_v record_v in_o history_n where_o though_o many_o fabulous_a thing_n be_v relate_v in_o that_o kind_n yet_o those_o that_o be_v testify_v by_o sufficient_a witness_n live_v in_o the_o time_n when_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v such_o i_o mean_v as_o be_v defective_a neither_o in_o judgement_n nor_o in_o honesty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v as_o altogether_o impossible_a for_o in_o as_o much_o as_o god_n be_v both_o omnipotent_a and_o omniscient_a what_o can_v hinder_v he_o from_o signify_v what_o he_o know_v or_o what_o he_o please_v to_o do_v and_o that_o even_o beyond_o the_o common_a course_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v make_v and_o ordain_v by_o he_o become_v subject_a unto_o he_o by_o the_o title_n of_o creation_n now_o if_o any_o do_v object_n that_o such_o thing_n may_v have_v be_v do_v by_o subordinate_a power_n and_o mind_n inferior_a to_o god_n to_o they_o we_o answer_v that_o so_o much_o may_v be_v grant_v indeed_o but_o yet_o this_o make_v way_n that_o the_o same_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o be_v credit_v of_o god_n who_o be_v to_o be_v think_v either_o to_o work_v by_o the_o mediation_n of_o those_o agent_n or_o else_o out_o of_o his_o wisdom_n to_o permit_v they_o when_o they_o bring_v to_o pass_v any_o such_o thing_n for_o in_o well_o order_v kingdom_n there_o be_v nothing_o do_v against_o the_o statute_n and_o common_a law_n but_o by_o the_o arbitrement_n or_o permission_n of_o the_o supreme_a governor_n sect_n xiii_o special_o among_o the_o jew_n whereunto_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a continuance_n of_o their_o religion_n now_o that_o there_o have_v indeed_o be_v some_o miracle_n see_v though_o the_o credit_n of_o other_o history_n shall_v be_v questionable_a yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a enough_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o albeit_o it_o have_v long_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o humane_a help_n yea_o expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o have_v still_o continue_v almost_o in_o all_o the_o climate_n and_o part_n of_o the_o world_n even_o unto_o this_o day_n whereas_o all_o other_o religion_n save_v the_o christian_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o jewish_a have_v either_o vanish_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o imperial_a power_n and_o authority_n be_v withdraw_v whereby_o they_o be_v support_v as_o all_o the_o paganish_a or_o else_o be_v still_o perpetual_o uphold_v by_o the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n as_o mahometism_n now_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v why_o the_o jewish_a religion_n have_v take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o hebrew_n as_o that_o it_o can_v thence_o be_v eradicate_v no_o better_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v or_o conceive_v than_o this_o namely_o that_o those_o jew_n that_o be_v now_o alive_a do_v from_o their_o parent_n as_o those_o parent_n from_o their_o progenitor_n and_o so_o upward_o until_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n and_o joshua_n receive_v those_o miracle_n mention_v in_o scripture_n by_o certain_a and_o constant_a tradition_n which_o miracle_n be_v do_v chief_o at_o the_o depart_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o in_o their_o journey_n through_o the_o wilderness_n and_o entrance_n into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n whereof_o their_o ancestor_n be_v then_o eye-witness_n nor_o be_v it_o at_o all_o credible_a that_o it_o can_v otherwise_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o people_n who_o be_v sufficient_o stiff-necked_a and_o of_o a_o stubborn_a disposition_n shall_v take_v upon_o they_o a_o law_n burden_v with_o so_o many_o rite_n or_o that_o wise_a man_n out_o of_o the_o many_o mark_n of_o religion_n which_o humane_a reason_n can_v have_v invent_v shall_v choose_v circumcision_n which_o can_v not_o be_v receive_v without_o very_o great_a pain_n nor_o retain_v without_o the_o derision_n of_o all_o stranger_n and_o have_v nothing_o in_o it_o to_o recommend_v it_o save_v only_o this_o that_o god_n be_v its_o author_n sect_n fourteen_o also_o by_o the_o truth_n and_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n his_o story_n beside_o the_o writing_n of_o moses_n wherein_o those_o miracle_n be_v record_v to_o posterity_n do_v gain_v the_o great_a credit_n thereunto_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v always_o a_o settle_a opinion_n and_o constant_a report_n among_o the_o hebrew_n that_o this_o same_o moses_n be_v commend_v by_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v manifest_a enough_o that_o he_o neither_o affect_v his_o own_o glory_n nor_o desire_v their_o riches_n forasmuch_o as_o himself_o reveal_v his_o own_o fault_n and_o delinquency_n which_o he_o may_v have_v conceal_v and_o also_o he_o assign_v the_o dignity_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o priesthood_n unto_o stranger_n whence_o his_o own_o posterity_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o common_a condition_n of_o levite_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o forge_v untruth_n neither_o do_v he_o use_v any_o dissemble_n or_o allure_a language_n such_o as_o common_o colour_n over_o a_o lie_n but_o he_o speak_v after_o a_o plain_a ingenuous_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o treat_v of_o add_v hereunto_o the_o undoubted_a antiquity_n of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n to_o which_o no_o other_o writing_n be_v therein_o comparable_a a_o argument_n whereof_o be_v for_o that_o the_o grecian_n from_o who_o all_o kind_n of_o learning_n be_v derive_v to_o other_o heathen_n do_v confess_v they_o receive_v their_o very_a letter_n from_o other_o which_o letter_n of_o they_o have_v not_o other_o order_n or_o name_n or_o ancient_a form_n than_o that_o of_o the_o syriac_a or_o hebrew_a tongue_n as_o also_o for_o that_o the_o most_o ancient_a grecian_a law_n whence_o the_o roman_n collect_v they_o have_v their_o original_a from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n sect_n xv._o and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o many_o gentile_n moreover_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v many_o testimony_n of_o such_o as_o be_v alien_n from_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o declare_v that_o the_o most_o ancient_a report_n which_o pass_v for_o truth_n among_o all_o nation_n be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o moses_n have_v relate_v in_o his_o write_n thus_o what_o thing_n he_o relate_v concern_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n the_o same_o be_v find_v also_o record_v in_o the_o most_o ancient_a history_n of_o the_o phoenician_n which_o be_v collect_v by_o sancuniathon_n and_o translate_v by_o philo_n byblius_n and_o partly_o also_o find_v among_o the_o indian_n and_o egyptian_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o linus_n hesiod_n and_o many_o of_o the_o grecian_n mention_n be_v make_v of_o a_o chaos_n which_o some_o have_v intimate_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o egg_n also_o of_o the_o make_n of_o live_a creature_n and_o last_o of_o all_o of_o man_n according_a to_o a_o divine_a image_n and_o of_o man_n dominion_n over_o other_o creature_n all_o which_o may_v be_v read_v in_o sundry_a author_n and_o at_o last_o in_o ovid_n who_o transcribe_v they_o out_o of_o the_o greek_a writer_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v confess_v even_o by_o epicharmus_n and_o the_o platonic_n and_o before_o they_o by_o a_o most_o ancient_a writer_n not_o of_o those_o hymn_n which_o now_o go_v under_o that_o name_n but_o of_o those_o verse_n which_o antiquity_n call_v orphean_a verse_n not_o because_o they_o have_v orpheus_n for_o their_o author_n but_o because_o they_o summary_o comprise_v his_o doctrine_n empedocles_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o sun_n be_v not_o the_o primitive_a light_n but_o a_o fit_a receptacle_n of_o light_n aratus_n and_o catullus_n think_v that_o above_o the_o sphere_n or_o orb_n of_o the_o star_n there_o be_v a_o divine_a habitation_n wherein_o homer_n imagine_v there_o be_v perpetual_a light_n that_o of_o all_o thing_n god_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a because_o not_o beget_v the_o world_n most_o beautiful_a because_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o that_o darkness_n be_v before_o the_o light_n be_v all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o thales_n out_o of_o the_o ancient_a learning_n the_o last_o point_n whereof_o be_v find_v in_o orpheus_n and_o hesiod_n whereupon_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v common_o superstitious_a in_o follow_v
for_o the_o love_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o such_o a_o religion_n be_v induce_v to_o tell_v untruth_n beside_o these_o man_n be_v of_o a_o upright_a conversation_n their_o life_n be_v spotless_a and_o unblameable_a even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o adversary_n who_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o they_o save_v their_o simplicity_n which_o of_o all_o other_o disposition_n be_v the_o most_o unlikely_a to_o forge_v a_o lie_n nay_o there_o be_v none_o among_o these_o primitive_a christian_n whereof_o we_o speak_v who_o do_v not_o suffer_v grievous_a torment_n for_o profess_v that_o jesus_n be_v rise_v and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v put_v unto_o most_o exquisite_a pain_n of_o death_n for_o bear_v testimony_n of_o the_o same_o now_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n may_v be_v content_a to_o endure_v such_o thing_n for_o some_o opinion_n which_o he_o have_v conceive_v and_o real_o believe_v in_o his_o mind_n yet_o that_o for_o a_o falsehood_n which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v so_o not_o only_o some_o one_o man_n but_o a_o great_a many_o man_n who_o be_v like_a to_o gain_v nothing_o at_o all_o by_o make_v that_o falsehood_n to_o be_v believe_v shall_v consent_v to_o suffer_v such_o cruel_a torment_n be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o incredible_a now_o that_o these_o be_v not_o madman_n both_o their_o conversation_n and_o their_o writing_n do_v abundant_o testify_v likewise_o what_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o first_o apostle_n may_v also_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n who_o open_o teach_v that_o he_o see_v christ_n sit_v in_o heaven_n who_o also_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o any_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n nor_o may_v he_o have_v want_v dignity_n and_o preferment_n if_o he_o will_v have_v follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o his_o father_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n he_o become_v liable_a to_o the_o hatred_n and_o malignity_n of_o his_o kinsfolk_n and_o engage_v himself_o to_o undertake_v difficult_a dangerous_a and_o laborious_a travel_n through_o the_o world_n and_o last_o of_o all_o to_o undergo_v a_o disgraceful_a death_n and_o torment_n sect_n viii_o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o resurrection_n seem_v impossible_a such_o and_o so_o great_a testimony_n no_o man_n can_v disprove_v or_o gainsay_v unless_o some_o will_v reply_v that_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v for_o so_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n as_o they_o speak_v howbeit_o that_o can_v be_v affirm_v of_o this_o matter_n it_o may_v indeed_o if_o one_o can_v say_v that_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o man_n live_v and_o die_v at_o the_o self_n same_o time_n but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v restore_v from_o death_n to_o life_n especial_o by_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o he_o who_o first_o give_v life_n and_o be_v unto_o man_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v account_v for_o a_o thing_n impossible_a neither_o have_v it_o be_v thought_n impossible_a by_o wise_a man_n for_o plato_n write_v that_o this_o be_v do_v to_o eris_n a_o armenian_a and_o the_o like_a be_v relate_v of_o a_o certain_a woman_n by_o heraclide_n a_o philosopher_n of_o pontus_n of_o aristaeus_n by_o herodotus_n and_o of_o another_o by_o plutarch_n all_o which_o whether_o true_a or_o false_a do_v show_v that_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n the_o thing_n be_v conceive_v to_o be_v possible_a sect_n ix_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n be_v grant_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n be_v confirm_v now_o if_o it_o be_v neither_o impossible_a that_o christ_n shall_v return_v to_o life_n again_o and_o it_o do_v sufficient_o appear_v by_o great_a testimony_n wherewith_o rabbi_n bechai_n a_o master_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o convince_v that_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o thing_n and_o this_o christ_n himself_o also_o as_o both_o his_o disciple_n and_o other_o confess_v do_v publish_v a_o new_a doctrine_n as_o by_o a_o divine_a commandment_n true_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o that_o doctrine_n be_v true_a for_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v with_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o wisdom_n to_o honour_v he_o after_o so_o excellent_a a_o manner_n who_o have_v commit_v the_o crime_n of_o falsify_v in_o so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n especial_o consider_v that_o before_o his_o death_n he_o have_v foretell_v to_o his_o disciple_n both_o his_o death_n and_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o and_o his_o resurrection_n to_o life_n again_o add_v this_o withal_o that_o these_o thing_n shall_v therefore_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o may_v testify_v and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o argument_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o fact_n themselves_o which_o be_v do_v let_v we_o proceed_v to_o those_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o his_o doctrine_n sect_n x._o christian_a religion_n prefer_v before_o all_o other_o and_o here_o true_o we_o must_v say_v that_o either_o all_o kind_n of_o divine_a worship_n whatsoever_o must_v be_v reject_v and_o utter_o banish_v from_o among_o man_n which_o impiety_n will_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o one_o that_o can_v believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o take_v care_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o withal_o consider_v how_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o excellency_n of_o understanding_n and_o liberty_n to_o choose_v what_o be_v moral_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v capable_a as_o of_o reward_n so_o of_o punishment_n or_o else_o this_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o approve_v of_o for_o the_o very_o best_a not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o outward_a testimony_n of_o work_n and_o miracle_n aforesaid_a but_o also_o in_o consideration_n of_o such_o inward_a and_o essential_a property_n as_o be_v agree_v thereunto_o namely_o because_o there_o be_v not_o neither_o ever_o be_v there_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v either_o more_o honourable_a for_o excellency_n of_o reward_n or_o more_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a for_o precept_n or_o more_o admirable_a for_o the_o manner_n according_a to_o which_o it_o be_v command_v to_o be_v propagate_v and_o divulge_v sect_n xi_o for_o excellency_n of_o reward_n for_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o reward_n that_o be_v at_o the_o end_n propound_v to_o man_n which_o though_o it_o be_v the_o last_o in_o fruition_n and_o execution_n yet_o be_v it_o the_o first_o in_o his_o intention_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o plain_a or_o express_v covenant_n of_o the_o law_n we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o there_o promise_v save_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n as_o namely_o a_o fruitful_a land_n abundance_n of_o corn_n and_o victual_n victory_n over_o their_o enemy_n soundness_n of_o body_n length_n of_o day_n the_o comfortable_a blessing_n of_o a_o hopeful_a issue_n and_o survive_a posterity_n and_o the_o like_a for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n beyond_o it_o be_v involve_v in_o dark_a shadow_n or_o must_v be_v collect_v by_o wise_a and_o difficult_a reason_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o many_o in_o particular_a the_o sadducee_n who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v follower_n and_o observer_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n have_v no_o hope_n of_o enjoy_v any_o happiness_n after_o this_o life_n as_o for_o the_o grecian_n who_o receive_v their_o learning_n from_o the_o chaldean_n and_o egyptian_n and_o have_v some_o hope_n in_o another_o world_n after_o this_o life_n be_v end_v they_o speak_v thereof_o after_o a_o very_a doubtful_a manner_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o disputation_n of_o socrates_n by_o the_o write_n of_o tully_n seneca_n and_o other_o and_o the_o argument_n they_o produce_v for_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o uncertainty_n prove_v no_o more_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o man_n than_o of_o a_o beast_n which_o while_o some_o of_o they_o observe_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o imagine_v that_o soul_n be_v translate_v and_o convey_v from_o man_n to_o beast_n and_o again_o from_o beast_n into_o men._n but_o because_o this_o opinion_n be_v not_o confirm_v by_o any_o testimony_n or_o ground_v upon_o certain_a reason_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o there_o be_v some_o end_n propose_v to_o man_n action_n therefore_o other_o be_v induce_v to_o think_v that_o virtue_n be_v the_o end_n or_o reward_v of_o man_n endeavour_n and_o that_o a_o wise_a man_n be_v happy_a enough_o even_o though_o he_o be_v put_v into_o that_o torment_a brazen_a bull_n make_v by_o phalaris_n howbeit_o this_o fancy_n be_v just_o distasteful_a and_o improbable_a to_o another_o sort_n who_o see_v well_o enough_o that_o man_n happiness_n especial_o the_o high_a can_v not_o consist_v in_o any_o
thus_o be_v there_o one_o way_n in_o mathematics_n another_o in_o physics_n a_o three_o in_o matter_n of_o advice_n and_o counsel_n and_o last_o another_o kind_n when_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v in_o question_n wherein_o very_o we_o must_v rest_v content_a when_o the_o testimony_n be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o untruth_n otherwise_o down_o go_v not_o only_o all_o the_o use_n of_o history_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o art_n of_o physic_n but_o all_o the_o piety_n also_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v between_o parent_n and_o child_n which_o can_v be_v know_v other_o way_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o almighty_a god_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v so_o that_o the_o very_a belief_n thereof_o may_v be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o obedience_n shall_v not_o so_o evident_o appear_v as_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v apprehend_v by_o sense_n and_o plain_a demonstration_n but_o only_o be_v so_o far_o forth_o reveal_v as_o may_v beget_v faith_n and_o a_o persuasion_n thereof_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o obstinate_a that_o so_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v as_o a_o touchstone_n whereby_o man_n disposition_n may_v be_v try_v whether_o they_o be_v curable_a or_o not_o for_o see_v these_o argument_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v have_v induce_v so_o many_o honest_a godly_a and_o wise_a man_n to_o approve_v of_o this_o religion_n it_o be_v thereby_o plain_a enough_o that_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n infidelity_n be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a testimony_n but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o have_v that_o to_o be_v have_v and_o embrace_v for_o truth_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o affection_n and_o desire_n it_o be_v that_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o they_o to_o make_v no_o great_a account_n of_o honour_n and_o other_o worldly_a advantage_n which_o they_o must_v do_v if_o they_o receive_v what_o christ_n have_v teach_v and_o so_o become_v engage_v to_o observe_v his_o precept_n which_o be_v discover_v to_o be_v true_a by_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o they_o take_v many_o other_o historical_a narration_n to_o be_v true_a which_o notwithstanding_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o mere_o by_o authority_n and_o not_o by_o any_o such_o footstep_n of_o they_o remain_v at_o this_o day_n as_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n have_v partly_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v now_o in_o be_v and_o partly_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v every_o where_o find_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_a people_n of_o which_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v there_o be_v some_o cause_n last_o see_v the_o long_a duration_n or_o continuance_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o large_a extent_n thereof_o can_v be_v ascribe_v to_o no_o humane_a power_n therefore_o it_o must_v be_v attribute_v to_o miracle_n or_o if_o any_o deny_v that_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v through_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n this_o very_a get_v so_o great_a strength_n and_o power_n without_o a_o miracle_n may_v be_v just_o think_v to_o surpass_v any_o miracle_n the_o three_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 authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n after_o that_o a_o man_n be_v once_o persuade_v by_o the_o reason_n abovesaid_a or_o be_v induce_v by_o any_o other_o argument_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o religion_n which_o christian_n profess_v be_v the_o true_a and_o absolute_o the_o best_a if_o he_o desire_v to_o learn_v all_o the_o part_n thereof_o then_o must_v he_o have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o most_o ancient_a writing_n that_o contain_v the_o same_o religion_n which_o common_o we_o call_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o rather_o new_a covenant_n for_o he_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a who_o deny_v this_o religion_n to_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o book_n as_o all_o christian_n affirm_v since_o it_o be_v but_o equity_n to_o believe_v every_o sect_n be_v it_o good_a or_o be_v it_o bad_a when_o it_o say_v its_o opinion_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o book_n as_o we_o believe_v the_o mahometan_n that_o the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o alcoran_n forasmuch_o then_o as_o we_o have_v before_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v most_o true_a and_o it_o be_v manifest_a withal_o that_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o book_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n yet_o this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v and_o avouch_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n but_o if_o any_o body_n require_v a_o more_o particular_a demonstration_n of_o it_o i_o must_v first_o lay_v down_o this_o rule_n which_o all_o indifferent_a judge_n will_v allow_v that_o it_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o he_o who_o will_v impugn_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o writing_n receive_v for_o many_o age_n to_o produce_v argument_n which_o prove_v that_o write_v to_o be_v false_a which_o if_o he_o can_v do_v that_o book_n be_v to_o be_v defend_v as_o in_o possession_n of_o its_o authority_n sect_n ii_o here_o be_v show_v that_o such_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o have_v prefix_v we_o say_v then_o that_o those_o book_n which_o be_v not_o in_o question_n among_o christian_n and_o carry_v before_o they_o a_o certain_a name_n be_v the_o very_a work_n of_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v because_o those_o primitive_a father_n justin_n irenaeus_n clemens_n and_o other_o after_o they_o do_v quote_v those_o book_n under_o these_o very_a name_n as_o also_o because_o tertullian_n witness_v that_o there_o be_v original_a copy_n of_o some_o of_o those_o book_n extant_a in_o his_o time_n and_o beside_o all_o the_o church_n receive_v those_o book_n for_o authentical_a before_o there_o be_v any_o common_a public_a meeting_n neither_o do_v ever_o the_o pagan_n or_o jew_n raise_v any_o controversy_n about_o this_o as_o if_o these_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o those_o man_n who_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v but_o julian_n himself_o plain_o confess_v that_o those_o be_v the_o writing_n of_o peter_n and_o paul_n matthew_n mark_n and_o luke_n which_o christian_n under_o those_o name_n have_v read_v and_o receive_v for_o as_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n can_v doubt_v that_o those_o write_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o homer_n and_o virgil_n be_v true_o they_o because_o the_o one_o have_v be_v so_o long_a time_n receive_v among_o the_o latin_a and_o the_o other_o among_o the_o greek_a author_n in_o like_a manner_n it_o be_v more_o absurd_a to_o bring_v the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n in_o question_n which_o be_v grant_v almost_o by_o all_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n sect_n iii_o some_o book_n be_v ancient_o doubt_v of_o in_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n there_o be_v some_o book_n indeed_o now_o receive_v which_o be_v not_o so_o receive_v from_o the_o beginning_n as_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n that_o of_o st._n james_n and_o judas_n two_o of_o st._n john_n the_o elder_a the_o revelation_n and_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n yet_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o many_o church_n which_o appear_v sufficient_o from_o hence_o that_o the_o ancient_a christian_n use_v their_o testimony_n as_o sacred_a which_o make_v it_o credible_a that_o such_o church_n as_o from_o the_o beginning_n have_v not_o those_o book_n either_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o or_o doubtful_a yet_o afterward_o when_o they_o be_v better_o inform_v touch_v the_o same_o they_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o canon_n as_o we_o now_o see_v according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o other_o church_n neither_o can_v any_o good_a reason_n be_v give_v why_o any_o man_n shall_v counterfeit_v those_o book_n since_o there_o be_v nothing_o comprise_v in_o they_o neither_o can_v aught_o thence_o be_v collect_v which_o be_v not_o abundant_o express_v in_o other_o book_n unquestioned_a sect_n iv_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o book_n as_o have_v no_o title_n be_v prove_v from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o writer_n and_o here_o let_v no_o man_n mistrust_v the_o verity_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n because_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o be_v unknown_a nor_o doubt_v of_o the_o two_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n and_o the_o revelation_n because_o some_o man_n do_v question_n whether_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v john_n the_o apostle_n or_o some_o other_o of_o that_o name_n for_o the_o name_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o the_o quality_n or_o condition_n of_o writer_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o receive_v many_o book_n of_o history_n who_o author_n be_v to_o we_o unknown_a as_o that_o concern_v the_o alexandrian_a war_n by_o caesar_n because_o we_o may_v perceive_v that_o whosoever_o write_v the_o same_o
out_o or_o add_v but_o it_o be_v a_o unjust_a thing_n to_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o book_n or_o evidence_n only_o because_o in_o so_o many_o age_n there_o can_v not_o but_o be_v great_a variety_n of_o copy_n since_o both_o custom_n and_o reason_n require_v that_o what_o appear_v in_o the_o most_o and_o most_o ancient_a copy_n be_v prefer_v to_o the_o rest_n but_o that_o either_o by_o fraud_n or_o any_o other_o way_n all_o the_o copy_n be_v corrupt_v and_o that_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o some_o remarkable_a piece_n of_o history_n will_v never_o be_v prove_v for_o there_o be_v neither_o any_o evidence_n nor_o any_o witness_n of_o those_o time_n which_o attest_v it_o but_o if_o as_o be_v say_v before_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n urge_v in_o much_o late_a time_n by_o those_o who_o bear_v a_o implacable_a hatred_n to_o the_o disciple_n of_o these_o book_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o reproach_n not_o as_o a_o testimony_n and_o this_o true_o which_o we_o have_v say_v may_v be_v well_o think_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o those_o who_o object_n a_o change_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o he_o who_o affirm_v that_o especial_o against_o a_o writing_n which_o have_v be_v long_o and_o in_o abundance_n of_o place_n receive_v ought_v himself_o to_o prove_v his_o charge_n but_o to_o make_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o objection_n more_o full_o appear_v we_o will_v show_v that_o what_o they_o feign_v neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v do_v we_o have_v prove_v before_o that_o the_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v which_o be_v grant_v it_o follow_v that_o other_o book_n be_v not_o foist_v into_o their_o room_n nor_o be_v any_o notable_a part_n of_o they_o change_v for_o since_o that_o change_n must_v needs_o have_v some_o design_n that_o part_n will_v notorious_o differ_v from_o the_o other_o part_n and_o book_n which_o be_v not_o change_v which_o can_v now_o any_o where_o be_v discern_v nay_o there_o be_v a_o admirable_a agreement_n as_o we_o say_v in_o their_o sense_n beside_o as_o soon_o as_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n publish_v any_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o christian_n with_o great_a diligence_n as_o become_v their_o piety_n and_o care_v to_o preserve_v and_o propagate_v truth_n to_o posterity_n take_v from_o thence_o many_o copy_n for_o their_o use_n which_o therefore_o be_v disperse_v as_o far_o as_o the_o christian_a name_n through_o europe_n asia_n and_o egypt_n in_o which_o place_n the_o greek_a language_n be_v speak_v and_o more_o than_o this_o the_o original_a copy_n also_o as_o we_o say_v before_o be_v preserve_v till_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n now_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o any_o book_n diffuse_v into_o so_o many_o copy_n and_o keep_v not_o only_o by_o the_o private_a diligence_n of_o particular_a person_n but_o the_o common_a care_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v alter_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o falsifier_n add_v further_o that_o these_o book_n in_o the_o follow_a age_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o syriac_a ethiopick_n arabic_a and_o latin_a tongue_n which_o translation_n be_v yet_o extant_a and_o do_v not_o differ_v in_o any_o thing_n of_o moment_n from_o the_o greek_a copy_n themselves_o beside_o we_o have_v the_o write_n of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o by_o their_o disciple_n wherein_o many_o place_n be_v cite_v out_o of_o these_o book_n to_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o meaning_n which_o now_o we_o read_v they_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o in_o the_o church_n of_o so_o great_a authority_n in_o those_o time_n as_o to_o have_v meet_v with_o obedience_n if_o he_o will_v have_v change_v any_o thing_n as_o be_v plain_a enough_o by_o the_o free_a and_o open_a dissent_n of_o irenaeus_n tertullian_n and_o cyprian_a from_o those_o that_o be_v most_o eminent_a in_o the_o church_n after_o which_o time_n there_o succeed_v many_o other_o man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n who_o have_v first_o make_v diligent_a inquiry_n thereof_o receive_v these_o book_n as_o retain_v their_o original_a purity_n hitherto_o also_o may_v be_v refer_v what_o but_o now_o we_o say_v of_o divers_a sect_n of_o christian_n all_o which_o at_o least_o such_o as_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n and_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o new_a law_n do_v receive_v and_o use_v these_o book_n according_o as_o we_o do_v the_o same_o and_o if_o any_o have_v attempt_v to_o alter_v or_o put_v any_o thing_n new_a into_o any_o part_n thereof_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v accuse_v by_o the_o rest_n for_o forgery_n and_o false-dealing_a therein_o neither_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o sect_n that_o have_v the_o liberty_n at_o their_o pleasure_n to_o alter_v any_o of_o these_o book_n for_o their_o own_o turn_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o all_o of_o they_o do_v draw_v their_o argument_n one_o against_o another_o out_o of_o the_o same_o and_o as_o for_o that_o which_o we_o touch_v concern_v divine_a providence_n it_o belong_v no_o less_o unto_o the_o chief_a part_n than_o unto_o the_o whole_a book_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o it_o that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v so_o many_o thousand_o man_n which_o sincere_o desire_v to_o be_v godly_a and_o earnest_o seek_v after_o eternal_a life_n to_o be_v lead_v headlong_o into_o that_o error_n which_o they_o can_v no_o way_n avoid_v and_o thus_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n whence_o alone_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o help_n we_o may_v be_v sufficient_o instruct_v concern_v the_o true_a religion_n sect_n xvi_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o leave_v we_o also_o the_o writing_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o be_v ancient_o the_o true_a and_o afford_v no_o small_a testimony_n for_o christianity_n therefore_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o justify_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o first_o then_o that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o same_o man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v be_v manifest_a in_o like_a manner_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v of_o we_o before_o of_o the_o new_a covenant_n these_o author_n be_v either_o prophet_n or_o other_o very_a faithful_a and_o credible_a man_n such_o as_o be_v esdras_n who_o be_v think_v to_o have_v collect_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n into_o one_o volume_n during_o the_o life_n time_n of_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n malachy_n and_o zachary_n i_o will_v not_o here_o repeat_v again_o what_o be_v say_v before_o in_o the_o commendation_n of_o moses_n both_o that_o part_n of_o history_n which_o at_o first_o be_v deliver_v by_o he_o as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o book_n and_o that_o also_o which_o be_v collect_v after_o his_o time_n be_v witness_v even_o by_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_a thus_o the_o annal_n of_o the_o phoenician_n have_v record_v the_o name_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n and_o their_o league_n with_o the_o man_n of_o tyre_n aswell_o berosus_n as_o the_o hebrew_n writer_n make_v mention_n of_o nobuchadonosor_n and_o of_o other_o chaldean_a king_n he_o who_o jeremy_n call_v vaphres_n king_n of_o egypt_n be_v term_v apries_n by_o herodotus_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o book_n of_o the_o grecian_n be_v replenish_v with_o narration_n concern_v cyrus_n and_o his_o successor_n until_o the_o time_n of_o darius_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n concern_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v relate_v by_o josephus_n in_o his_o book_n against_o appion_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 can_v in_o the_o least_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o book_n out_o of_o every_o one_o of_o which_o almost_o there_o be_v testimony_n extant_a in_o our_o book_n which_o be_v find_v likewise_o in_o the_o hebrew_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 pharisees_n of_o his_o time_n that_o ever_o he_o accuse_v they_o of_o forgery_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 use_v counterfeit_a book_n or_o such_o as_o be_v change_v 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 if_o we_o consider_v right_o how_o far_o and_o wide_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v spread_v who_o every_o where_o be_v
the_o keeper_n of_o these_o book_n for_o first_o of_o all_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v lead_v away_o 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 many_o of_o these_o also_o after_o cyrus_n grant_v they_o liberty_n to_o return_v settle_v themselves_o in_o foreign_a country_n the_o macedonian_n 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 maccabee_n together_o with_o those_o of_o pompey_n and_o sossius_n from_o without_o do_v disperse_v and_o scatter_v abroad_o many_o of_o they_o the_o part_n of_o africa_n about_o cyrene_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 lycaonia_n and_o likewise_o the_o isle_n of_o cyprus_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 martial_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 they_o be_v the_o less_o liable_a to_o be_v change_v nay_o more_o these_o book_n be_v translate_v both_o into_o the_o chaldee_n tongue_n and_o into_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v the_o half_a syriac_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 symmachus_n and_o theodotion_n 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 philo_z live_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o caligula_n and_o josephus_n survive_v the_o time_n of_o both_o the_o vespasian_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 now_o in_o these_o very_a time_n 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 falsify_v in_o any_o notable_a part_n can_v have_v quick_o discover_v it_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 i_o will_v not_o say_v falsehood_n but_o of_o so_o much_o as_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 find_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_v and_o as_o they_o trust_v very_o strong_o 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 above_o all_o thing_n the_o jew_n will_v have_v take_v care_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v do_v 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 truth_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 the_o four_o book_n begin_v with_o that_o pleasure_n which_o many_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o take_v in_o behold_v the_o danger_n wherein_o other_o be_v while_o they_o be_v in_o none_o themselves_o show_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o great_a pleasure_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n in_o this_o life_n not_o only_o to_o rejoice_v and_o bless_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v find_v out_o the_o truth_n but_o to_o lend_v his_o help_n also_o to_o other_o that_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o labyrinth_n of_o error_n and_o to_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n which_o we_o in_o some_o measure_n have_v endeavour_v to_o do_v in_o the_o former_a book_n the_o demonstration_n of_o that_o which_o be_v true_a contain_v in_o itself_o the_o confutation_n of_o what_o be_v false_a yet_o in_o regard_n that_o all_o kind_n of_o religion_n which_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o the_o christian_a viz._n paganism_n judaisme_n and_o mahometism_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o have_v certain_a error_n proper_a to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o and_o their_o peculiar_a argument_n which_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o oppose_v we_o withal_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o make_v a_o particular_a disputation_n against_o every_o one_o of_o these_o first_o beseech_v the_o reader_n to_o free_v their_o judgement_n from_o lean_v to_o a_o party_n and_o from_o long_a custom_n and_o prejudice_n as_o impediment_n of_o a_o good_a mind_n that_o with_o the_o great_a indifferency_n they_o may_v take_v cognizance_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v say_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 as_o the_o most_o high_a god_n direct_v 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 confute_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 error_n in_o receive_v enemy_n in_o stead_n of_o friend_n and_o traitor_n for_o ambassador_n then_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v in_o their_o very_a worship_n make_v a_o evident_a difference_n between_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o those_o spirit_n and_o likewise_o be_v satisfy_v what_o order_n there_o be_v among_o they_o what_o good_a may_v be_v expect_v from_o each_o of_o they_o and_o what_o honour_n the_o most_o high_a be_v willing_a shall_v be_v bestow_v on_o every_o one_o of_o they_o all_o which_o being_n want_v in_o their_o religion_n it_o be_v plain_a from_o thence_o how_o uncertain_a that_o religion_n be_v and_o how_o 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 plato_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 good_a angel_n must_v needs_o be_v serviceable_a and_o gracious_a be_v the_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a sect_n iii_o evil_a 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 weighty_a reason_n first_o because_o these_o adore_a angel_n do_v not_o throw_v off_o their_o worshipper_n unto_o the_o service_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v labour_v to_o abolish_v the_o same_o or_o at_o least_o in_o every_o respect_n require_v equal_a honour_n with_o the_o almighty_a second_o because_o they_o procure_v all_o the_o mischief_n they_o can_v to_o the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o one_o most_o high_a god_n by_o provoke_v both_o magistrate_n and_o people_n to_o inflict_v punishment_n upon_o they_o for_o when_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o poet_n to_o sing_v of_o the_o murder_n and_o adultery_n commit_v by_o the_o god_n and_o for_o the_o epicure_n to_o take_v away_o all_o divine_a providence_n and_o any_o other_o religion_n though_o never_o
but_o to_o all_o people_n and_o not_o after_o that_o mankind_n have_v live_v above_o the_o space_n of_o two_o thousand_o year_n but_o even_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o all_o neither_o abel_n enoch_n noah_n melchisedeck_v job_n abraham_n isaac_n or_o jacob_n though_o all_o of_o they_o be_v godly_a man_n and_o dear_o belove_v of_o god_n know_v this_o part_n of_o the_o law_n but_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a or_o very_o little_a acquaint_v therewith_o yet_o notwithstanding_o for_o all_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o of_o god_n love_n unto_o they_o beside_o neither_o do_v moses_n exhort_v jethro_n his_o father_n in_o law_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o these_o rite_n nor_o do_v jonah_n the_o ninivites_n neither_o do_v any_o other_o prophet_n reprehend_v the_o chaldean_n egyptian_n sydonian_o tyrian_n idumean_n and_o moabite_n for_o not_o admit_v those_o ceremony_n though_o when_o they_o write_v unto_o they_o they_o reckon_v up_o their_o sin_n exact_o enough_o these_o than_o be_v peculiar_a precept_n introduce_v either_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o some_o evil_n which_o the_o jew_n be_v prone_a unto_o or_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o obedience_n or_o for_o the_o signification_n of_o some_o future_a thing_n wherefore_o it_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v wonder_v that_o these_o be_v abolish_v than_o if_o any_o king_n shall_v abrogate_v some_o municipal_a statute_n which_o belong_v that_o be_v to_o particular_a corporation_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v establish_v one_o law_n within_o his_o dominion_n neither_o can_v there_o any_o reason_n be_v allege_v to_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v so_o bind_v himself_o as_o that_o he_o will_v change_v nothing_o of_o the_o same_o for_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o precept_n be_v call_v perpetual_a the_o same_o word_n man_n oftentimes_o use_v when_o they_o will_v signify_v that_o that_o which_o they_o command_v be_v not_o yearly_a or_o accommodate_v to_o certain_a time_n suppose_v of_o war_n peace_n or_o scarcity_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o thereby_o hinder_v from_o make_v new_a constitution_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n special_o when_o the_o public_a good_a require_v it_o thus_o in_o like_a manner_n some_o of_o the_o divine_a precept_n give_v to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v temporary_a during_o the_o people_n abode_n in_o the_o wilderness_n other_o be_v strict_o tie_v to_o their_o habitation_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n therefore_o to_o distinguish_v these_o from_o the_o other_o he_o call_v they_o perpetual_a whereby_o may_v be_v understand_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o any_o where_n or_o at_o any_o time_n to_o be_v intermit_v unless_o god_n signify_v that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n so_o to_o be_v which_o manner_n of_o speak_v since_o it_o be_v common_o use_v by_o all_o people_n aught_o to_o be_v less_o wonder_v at_o by_o the_o hebrew_n who_o know_v that_o in_o their_o law_n it_o be_v call_v a_o perpetual_a statute_n and_o a_o perpetual_a bondage_n which_o continue_v only_o from_o one_o jubilee_n to_o another_o and_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v call_v by_o they_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o jubilee_n or_o the_o great_a jubilee_n of_o all_o thus_o in_o the_o hebrew_n prophet_n there_o be_v ancient_o a_o promise_n of_o make_v a_o new_a covenant_n as_o in_o jerem_n xxxi_o where_o god_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n which_o shall_v be_v put_v into_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v in_o their_o heart_n neither_o shall_v man_n have_v any_o need_n that_o one_o shall_v learn_v religion_n of_o another_o for_o it_o shall_v be_v manifest_a unto_o all_o yea_o further_o the_o lord_n will_v forgive_v they_o their_o former_a iniquity_n and_o will_v remember_v their_o sin_n no_o more_o which_o be_v as_o if_o a_o king_n after_o great_a enmity_n and_o discord_n among_o his_o citizen_n and_o subject_n shall_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n among_o they_o take_v away_o all_o diversity_n of_o law_n and_o make_v one_o perfect_a law_n common_a to_o they_o all_o promise_v forgiveness_n of_o fault_n bypass_a if_o hereafter_o they_o do_v amend_v and_o this_o which_o have_v be_v say_v may_v suffice_v but_o we_o will_v survey_v every_o part_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v abrogate_a and_o show_v they_o be_v neither_o such_o as_o in_o themselves_o can_v be_v well_o please_v unto_o god_n nor_o ought_v they_o to_o continue_v for_o ever_o sect_n viii_o as_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o of_o themselves_o be_v never_o well-pleasing_a unto_o god_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o sacrifice_n which_o many_o of_o the_o hebrew_n think_v be_v invent_v by_o man_n before_o that_o they_o be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o true_a it_o be_v indeed_o the_o hebrew_n be_v desirous_a of_o abundance_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n so_o that_o there_o be_v cause_n enough_o why_o god_n shall_v enjoin_v they_o very_o many_o if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o this_o reason_n lest_o they_o shall_v return_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o their_o sojourn_v in_o egypt_n howbeit_o when_v their_o posterity_n make_v too_o great_a account_n of_o they_o as_o though_o of_o themselves_o they_o have_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o a_o part_n of_o true_a piety_n then_o do_v the_o prophet_n reprehend_v they_o for_o it_o about_o sacrifice_n say_v god_n by_o david_n in_o the_o fifty_o psalm_n i_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o exchange_v a_o word_n with_o thou_o as_o if_o i_o be_v desirous_a to_o have_v thy_o burn_a offering_n continual_o before_o i_o i_o will_v take_v no_o buliock_n out_o of_o thy_o house_n nor_o he-goat_n out_o of_o thy_o fold_n for_o every_o beast_n of_o the_o forest_n be_v i_o and_o so_o be_v the_o cattle_n upon_o a_o thousand_o hill_n i_o know_v all_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o mountain_n and_o the_o wila_fw-fr beast_n of_o the_o field_n be_v i_o if_o i_o be_v hungry_a i_o will_v not_o tell_v thou_o for_o the_o world_n be_v i_o and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o think_v thou_o that_o i_o will_v eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o bull_n or_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o goat_n offer_v unto_o god_n thanksgiving_n and_o pay_v thy_o vow_n unto_o the_o most_o high_a some_o there_o be_v among_o the_o hebrew_n who_o say_v that_o this_o be_v speak_v because_o they_o that_o offer_v those_o sacrifice_n be_v of_o a_o impure_a mind_n and_o dishonest_a conversation_n but_o the_o word_n now_o allege_v show_v another_o matter_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o be_v no_o whit_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o whole_a series_n and_o order_n of_o the_o psalm_n we_o shall_v and_o that_o god_n in_o these_o word_n speak_v unto_o the_o godly_a for_o he_o have_v say_v gather_v my_o saint_n together_o unto_o i_o and_o hear_v my_o people_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o a_o teacher_n and_o one_o that_o instruct_v then_o have_v end_v those_o word_n now_o allege_v as_o his_o manner_n be_v he_o speak_v unto_o the_o wicked_a but_o unto_o the_o wicked_a god_n say_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n we_o may_v cite_v other_o place_n as_o in_o the_o 51._o psal_n thou_o desire_v not_o sacrifice_v else_o will_v i_o give_v it_o thou_o but_o thou_o delight_v not_o in_o burnt-offering_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n be_v a_o break_a spirit_n a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n o_o god_n thou_o will_v not_o despise_v so_o likewise_o in_o the_o forty_o psalm_n sacrifice_n and_o offering_n thou_o do_v not_o desire_v but_o have_v tie_v i_o to_o thou_o as_o he_o who_o ear_n be_v bore_v through_o to_o be_v thy_o servant_n burnt-offering_a and_o sin-offering_a have_v thou_o not_o require_v then_o say_v i_o loe_o i_o come_v in_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o book_n it_o be_v write_v of_o i_o i_o delight_v to_o do_v thy_o will_n o_o my_o god_n yea_o thy_o law_n be_v within_o my_o heart_n i_o have_v preach_v righteousness_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n loe_o i_o have_v not_o refrain_v my_o lip_n o_o lord_n thou_o know_v i_o have_v not_o hide_v thy_o righteousness_n within_o my_o heart_n i_o have_v declare_v thy_o faithfulness_n and_o thy_o salvation_n i_o have_v not_o conceal_v thy_o love_a kindness_n and_o thy_o truth_n from_o the_o great_a congregation_n the_o like_a we_o read_v in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n 1._o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o be_o full_a of_o the_o burn_a offering_n of_o ram_n and_o the_o fat_a of_o feed_a beast_n and_o i_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o bullock_n or_o of_o lamb_n or_o of_o he-goat_n when_o you_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o i_o who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n to_o tread_v my_o court_n answerable_a to_o this_o place_n and_o the_o
as_o we_o do_v produce_v concern_v the_o several_a copy_n that_o be_v in_o a_o short_a space_n disperse_v throughout_o the_o world_n and_o that_o not_o as_o the_o koran_n in_o one_o language_n which_o copy_n be_v preserve_v by_o the_o fidelity_n of_o so_o many_o sect_n that_o vary_v much_o about_o other_o matter_n the_o mahometans_n be_v persuade_v that_o in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o st._n john_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o send_v the_o comforter_n there_o have_v be_v something_o register_v concern_v mahumet_n which_o the_o christian_n have_v raze_v out_o but_o here_o let_v i_o ask_v of_o they_o whether_o they_o think_v this_o depravation_n of_o scripture_n be_v commit_v since_o the_o time_n of_o mahumet_n or_o before_o that_o it_o happen_v not_o after_o the_o come_n of_o mahumet_n be_v plain_a because_o ever_o since_o that_o time_n there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n very_o many_o copy_n not_o only_o in_o the_o greek_a language_n but_o in_o the_o syriac_a arabic_a and_o in_o part_n far_o distant_a from_o arabia_n the_o ethiopic_a and_o latin_a tongue_n of_o divers_a translation_n all_o which_o do_v so_o agree_v in_o that_o place_n as_o there_o can_v be_v show_v any_o diversity_n at_o all_o and_o before_o the_o time_n of_o mahumet_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o alteration_n for_o no_o man_n can_v know_v before_o his_o come_n what_o mahumet_n will_v teach_v yea_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o mahumet_n have_v contain_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n the_o christian_n will_v have_v make_v no_o more_o difficulty_n to_o receive_v his_o book_n than_o they_o do_v to_o receive_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o hebrew_n prophet_n or_o suppose_v there_o have_v be_v nothing_o write_v either_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n or_o of_o mahumet_n it_o be_v but_o equity_n that_o that_o be_v receive_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n which_o all_o christian_n general_o agree_v upon_o and_o that_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o mahumet_n which_o all_o mahometans_n do_v allow_v of_o sect_n iv_o by_o compare_v mahumet_n with_o christ_n in_o their_o person_n in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o compare_v the_o adjunct_n and_o quality_n of_o both_o their_o doctrine_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v see_v whether_o of_o the_o two_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o other_o and_o first_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o author_n as_o for_o jesus_n mahumet_n himself_o confess_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n which_o be_v promise_v in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n who_o the_o same_o mahumet_n call_v the_o word_n the_o mind_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n say_v also_o that_o he_o have_v no_o father_n of_o mankind_n but_o mahumet_n as_o his_o own_o follower_n believe_v be_v generate_v and_o beget_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n the_o life_n of_o jesus_n be_v altogether_o unblameable_a there_o be_v no_o crime_n that_o can_v be_v object_v against_o he_o but_o mahumet_n a_o long_a time_n be_v a_o robber_n and_o always_o effeminate_a jesus_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n as_o mahumet_n confess_v but_o mahumet_n lie_v yet_o entomb_v in_o his_o sepulchre_n who_o then_o see_v not_o whether_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v follow_v sect_n v._o and_o in_o their_o deed_n next_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o person_n consider_v we_o their_o act_n jesus_n give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a health_n to_o they_o that_o be_v sick_a and_o make_v the_o lame_a to_o walk_v yea_o by_o mahumet_n own_o confession_n he_o raise_v some_o from_o the_o dead_a but_o mahumet_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v send_v not_o with_o miracle_n but_o with_o arms._n howbeit_o some_o of_o his_o follower_n ascribe_v to_o he_o miracle_n also_o but_o what_o kind_n i_o pray_v only_o such_o as_o may_v either_o be_v do_v by_o humane_a art_n as_o that_o of_o a_o dove_n which_o come_v fly_v to_o his_o ear_n or_o such_o as_o have_v no_o witness_n as_o that_o of_o a_o camel_n which_o be_v say_v to_o have_v have_v some_o conference_n with_o he_o by_o night_n or_o last_o such_o as_o be_v confute_v by_o their_o own_o absurdity_n as_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o moon_n fall_v into_o his_o lap_n or_o into_o his_o sleeve_n which_o he_o to_o restore_v roundness_n to_o that_o star_n send_v back_o again_o to_o it_o now_o who_o will_v not_o say_v that_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n we_o ought_v to_o adhere_v to_o that_o law_n which_o have_v the_o sure_a and_o more_o certain_a testimony_n of_o divine_a approbation_n sect_n vi_o also_o such_o as_o first_o embrace_v both_o religion_n next_o let_v we_o see_v who_o and_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o be_v that_o first_o receive_v these_o several_a law_n they_o that_o first_o embrace_v the_o law_n of_o jesus_n be_v such_o as_o fear_v god_n man_n of_o a_o plain_a and_o innocent_a life_n now_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v such_o man_n to_o be_v gull_v and_o cheat_v either_o by_o bewitch_a speech_n or_o by_o a_o appearance_n of_o miracle_n but_o they_o that_o first_o receive_v mahometism_n be_v thief_n and_o robber_n man_n estrange_v from_o all_o humanity_n and_o piety_n sect_n vii_o the_o manner_n how_o both_o their_o law_n be_v propagate_v in_o the_o next_o place_n follow_v the_o manner_n how_o both_o these_o religion_n be_v propagate_v and_o spread_v abroad_o as_o for_o christianity_n we_o have_v show_v more_o than_o once_o that_o it_o be_v enlarge_v and_o amplify_v by_o the_o miracle_n not_o only_o of_o christ_n but_o also_o of_o his_o disciple_n and_o those_o that_o succeed_v they_o as_o likewise_o by_o the_o very_a patient_a endure_v of_o the_o torment_n and_o punishment_n that_o christian_n suffer_v but_o the_o doctor_n of_o mahumetism_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n at_o all_o neither_o do_v they_o suffer_v any_o grievous_a persecution_n or_o cruel_a kind_n of_o death_n for_o their_o profession_n but_o it_o be_v a_o religion_n which_o follow_v where_o arm_n go_v before_o of_o which_o it_o be_v a_o accessary_a and_o nothing_o of_o itself_o nor_o do_v they_o themselves_o bring_v any_o better_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n thereof_o than_o their_o good_a success_n in_o their_o war_n and_o the_o largeness_n of_o their_o empire_n than_o which_o nothing_o in_o this_o point_n be_v more_o deceitful_a and_o uncertain_a they_o condemn_v the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v what_o great_a victory_n be_v win_v by_o the_o persian_n macedonian_n and_o roman_n and_o how_o ample_a their_o dominion_n be_v neither_o have_v the_o mahometans_n themselves_o have_v always_o good_a success_n with_o their_o army_n the_o slaughter_n and_o great_a overthrow_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o many_o place_n both_o by_o sea_n and_o by_o land_n be_v not_o unknown_a they_o be_v now_o banish_v quite_o out_o of_o all_o spain_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v liable_a to_o such_o uncertain_a alteration_n nothing_o that_o may_v be_v common_a both_o to_o good_a and_o bad_a which_o can_v be_v a_o certain_a note_n of_o true_a religion_n much_o less_o can_v their_o arm_n which_o be_v so_o unjust_a that_o oftentimes_o they_o fall_v upon_o people_n that_o do_v not_o any_o way_n molest_v or_o offend_v they_o nor_o be_v know_v to_o they_o by_o any_o injury_n in_o so_o much_o that_o all_o the_o pretence_n they_o have_v for_o their_o arm_n be_v only_a religion_n which_o be_v most_o irreligious_a for_o there_o be_v no_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o proceed_v from_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o the_o will_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o good_a instruction_n and_o gentle_a persuasion_n but_o not_o by_o threat_n or_o violence_n he_o that_o be_v compel_v to_o believe_v do_v not_o believe_v at_o all_o but_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n and_o feign_v himself_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o may_v escape_v and_o avoid_v some_o danger_n or_o punishment_n and_o he_o that_o by_o threat_n or_o sense_n of_o punishment_n will_v force_v another_o man_n assent_n show_v by_o that_o very_a proceed_n that_o he_o distrust_v his_o argument_n again_o they_o themselves_o destroy_v this_o very_a pretence_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o they_o suffer_v any_o people_n that_o live_v under_o their_o dominion_n to_o use_v what_o religion_n they_o please_v yea_o and_o sometime_o they_o will_v open_o acknowledge_v that_o christian_n may_v be_v save_v by_o their_o own_o law_n sect_n viii_o the_o precept_n of_o both_o religion_n compare_v furthermore_o let_v we_o compare_v the_o several_a commandment_n of_o both_o religion_n the_o one_o whereof_o command_v patience_n yea_o and_o love_v even_o to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o but_o the_o other_o revenge_n in_o the_o one_o the_o bond_n of_o matrimony_n be_v keep_v firm_a and_o inviolable_a between_o the_o marry_a party_n by_o a_o mutual_a bear_n with_o one_o
hand_n i_o now_o take_v into_o my_o hand_n to_o present_v unto_o thy_o majesty_n under_o the_o form_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n he_o thou_o can_v not_o reject_v nor_o i_o his_o priest_n who_o offer_v he_o unto_o thou_o etc._n etc._n or_o some_o such_o like_a word_n more_o befit_v their_o present_a notion_n than_o desire_v a_o angel_n may_v carry_v what_o the_o priest_n offer_v and_o present_v it_o unto_o god._n but_o we_o find_v quite_o contrary_a which_o be_v the_o last_o thing_n i_o shall_v observe_v that_o in_o conclusion_n the_o priest_n acknowledge_v that_o by_o christ_n jesus_n god_n always_o create_v and_o sanctify_v and_o quicken_v and_o bless_v make_v a_o cross_n upon_o the_o host_n and_o the_o chalice_n at_o every_o one_o of_o those_o three_o last_o word_n all_o these_o good_a thing_n which_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o nothing_o but_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n consecrate_v to_o the_o commemoration_n and_o representation_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n sacrifice_v for_o we_o for_o christ_n own_o very_a natural_a body_n and_o blood_n can_v in_o any_o tolerable_a sense_n be_v say_v to_o be_v continual_o create_v and_o quicken_v or_o make_v alive_a unless_o you_o will_v suppose_v he_o to_o have_v be_v dead_a before_o nay_o not_o to_o have_v be_v at_o all_o for_o creation_n imply_v the_o thing_n not_o to_o have_v be_v and_o vivification_n not_o to_o have_v be_v then_o alive_a when_o it_o be_v quicken_v yet_o this_o fancy_n of_o christ_n real_a presence_n in_o the_o sacrament_n by_o transubstantiation_n against_o which_o there_o be_v such_o numerous_a testimony_n in_o their_o own_o communion_n service_n be_v now_o become_v the_o main_a article_n of_o their_o religion_n for_o we_o all_o know_v to_o our_o great_a grief_n and_o astonishment_n that_o when_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o this_o realm_n be_v on_o their_o side_n subscription_n be_v not_o urge_v to_o any_o article_n of_o their_o religion_n upon_o such_o violent_a and_o bloody_a term_n as_o unto_o this_o of_o the_o real_a presence_n the_o mystery_n of_o which_o iniquity_n as_o a_o great_a man_n of_o our_o own_o say_v in_o the_o age_n before_o we_o can_v be_v better_a resolve_v than_o into_o the_o powerful_a and_o deceitful_a work_n of_o satan_n who_o delight_v thus_o to_o do_v despite_n to_o our_o lord_n and_o to_o his_o religion_n by_o seduce_v his_o profess_a subject_n into_o a_o belief_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o make_v they_o and_o he_o ridiculous_a unto_o unbeliever_n and_o engage_v they_o in_o the_o worst_a kind_n of_o rebellion_n he_o can_v imagine_v by_o worship_v bread_n and_o wine_n instead_o of_o their_o saviour_n and_o all_o this_o upon_o the_o least_o occasion_n and_o shallow_a reason_n sect_n xiii_o other_o instance_n of_o it_o but_o beside_o these_o plain_a confession_n of_o that_o church_n against_o itself_o there_o be_v many_o other_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o just_a name_n wherein_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o several_a of_o their_o own_o learned_a man_n ready_a to_o be_v produce_v for_o our_o and_o against_o their_o belief_n prove_v clear_o that_o the_o present_a be_v not_o the_o old_a religion_n of_o that_o church_n but_o that_o they_o have_v bring_v into_o it_o many_o innovation_n by_o add_v to_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o scripture_n by_o make_v their_o vulgar_a latin_a translation_n of_o the_o bible_n about_o which_o they_o themselves_o can_v agree_v authentical_a by_o forbid_v the_o people_n to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o by_o deny_v they_o the_o public_a prayer_n in_o a_o language_n they_o understand_v by_o give_v the_o pope_n not_o only_o a_o new_a title_n of_o universal_a bishop_n but_o a_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o for_o many_o age_n by_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o sacrament_n and_o alter_v their_o nature_n by_o take_v away_o the_o cup_n from_o the_o people_n and_o turn_v the_o sacrament_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n into_o a_o proper_a expiatory_a sacrifice_n by_o celebrate_v the_o eucharist_n without_o any_o body_n to_o communicate_v by_o set_v up_o image_n in_o church_n and_o ordain_v religious_a worship_n to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o by_o invocate_a saint_n and_o angel_n as_o be_v say_v before_o and_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n and_o indulgence_n and_o many_o other_o together_o with_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o strange_a ceremony_n in_o the_o make_n holy_a water_n consecrate_v bell_n etc._n etc._n for_o which_o no_o antiquity_n can_v be_v pretend_v the_o woeful_a effect_n of_o which_o be_v this_o if_o we_o may_v speak_v the_o plain_a truth_n that_o by_o press_v upon_o man_n belief_n a_o great_a deal_n too_o much_o and_o place_v great_a virtue_n in_o trifle_n they_o have_v tempt_v man_n to_o believe_v nothing_o at_o all_o as_o be_v apparent_a from_o hence_o that_o where_o and_o when_o as_o a_o excellent_a writer_n of_o our_o own_o speak_v this_o religion_n have_v most_o absolute_o command_v there_o and_o then_o atheism_n or_o infidelity_n have_v most_o abound_v and_o how_o shall_v it_o do_v otherwise_o when_o as_o he_o observe_v so_o many_o lie_a legend_n have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o man_n belief_n and_o so_o many_o false_a miracle_n forge_v to_o justify_v they_o as_o be_v very_o likely_a to_o make_v suspicious_a man_n question_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o and_o so_o many_o weak_a and_o frivolous_a ceremony_n devise_v and_o such_o abundance_n of_o ridiculous_a observance_n in_o religion_n introduce_v as_o be_v no_o less_o apt_a to_o beget_v a_o secret_a contempt_n and_o scorn_n of_o it_o in_o witty_a man_n and_o consequent_o atheism_n and_o impiety_n if_o they_o have_v this_o persuasion_n settle_v in_o their_o mind_n which_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v root_v in_o they_o from_o their_o childhood_n that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o that_o religion_n they_o be_v as_o good_a be_v of_o none_o at_o all_o and_o when_o a_o great_a part_n also_o of_o the_o doctrine_n now_o mention_v so_o apparent_o make_v for_o the_o temporal_a end_n of_o those_o who_o teach_v they_o that_o sagacious_a man_n can_v scarce_o forbear_v think_v they_o be_v on_o purpose_n devise_v to_o serve_v those_o design_n that_o particular_a doctrine_n also_o of_o transubstantiation_n be_v so_o portentous_a that_o join_v with_o the_o forename_a persuasion_n of_o no_o papist_n no_o christian_n it_o have_v in_o all_o probability_n bring_v more_o than_o averro_n to_o this_o resolution_n since_o christian_n eat_v that_o which_o they_o adore_v let_v my_o soul_n be_v among_o the_o philosopher_n and_o last_o the_o pretence_n which_o be_v so_o common_a that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n but_o their_o church_n infallibility_n and_o yet_o no_o ground_n to_o believe_v their_o church_n infallibility_n but_o some_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v too_o plain_a a_o way_n to_o lead_v those_o who_o discern_v the_o labyrinth_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v neither_o church_n nor_o scripture_n sect_n fourteen_o whereby_o they_o have_v spoil_v christianity_n as_o the_o pagan_n do_v the_o natural_a religion_n these_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v already_o urge_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o our_o church_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o i_o repeat_v here_o again_o because_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o powerful_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o already_o taint_v or_o too_o far_o go_v in_o that_o delusion_n which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o to_o sum_n up_o all_o belong_v to_o this_o head_n we_o may_v safe_o say_v popery_n be_v just_a such_o a_o depravation_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n as_o paganism_n be_v of_o the_o natural_a religion_n there_o can_v be_v a_o right_a conception_n of_o it_o than_o this_o which_o appear_v too_o plain_o in_o the_o absurd_a doctrine_n and_o opinion_n which_o they_o have_v mingle_v with_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o their_o multiply_a superstition_n in_o their_o fabulous_a relation_n of_o the_o saint_n wherein_o they_o have_v surpass_v the_o very_a poet_n themselves_o and_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o rest_n in_o their_o prostrate_v themselves_o before_o image_n and_o give_v religious_a worship_n to_o man_n depart_v which_o last_o instance_n furnish_v the_o pagan_n of_o cochin_n with_o this_o answer_n to_o the_o jesuit_n as_o christoph_n borrus_fw-la one_o of_o that_o order_n relate_v when_o they_o press_v upon_o they_o the_o belief_n of_o one_o god_n and_o no_o more_o we_o do_v believe_v it_o say_v they_o but_o those_o who_o you_o see_v we_o worship_n in_o their_o image_n be_v man_n of_o great_a sanctity_n who_o pious_a people_n therefore_o worship_v according_a to_o their_o merit_n just_a as_o you_o give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n divers_a degree_n of_o honour_n and_o religious_a service_n as_o you_o know_v they_o to_o have_v excel_v in_o virtue_n
shall_v mistake_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o secure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o with_o honest_a and_o upright_a heart_n continue_v to_o inquire_v after_o the_o truth_n design_v nothing_o else_o that_o error_n shall_v not_o prejudice_v we_o but_o god_n will_v either_o discover_v to_o we_o his_o mind_n or_o not_o condemn_v we_o for_o our_o error_n of_o weakness_n not_o of_o wilfulness_n sect_n xx._n the_o vanity_n of_o their_o appeal_n to_o tradition_n as_o for_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n by_o tradition_n they_o may_v be_v pretend_v and_o talk_v of_o but_o can_v be_v produce_v in_o most_o place_n where_o we_o be_v desirous_a of_o that_o help_n which_o we_o glad_o receive_v when_o we_o can_v have_v it_o by_o a_o true_o universal_a consent_n but_o as_o for_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n they_o do_v not_o absolute_o agree_v with_o each_o other_o in_o their_o exposition_n of_o those_o text_n upon_o which_o controversy_n of_o great_a moment_n be_v now_o ground_v nay_o they_o oft_o time_n propound_v divers_a interpretation_n alike_o probable_a and_o sometime_o plain_o intimate_v their_o doubtfulness_n and_o make_v but_o imperfect_a conjecture_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o intend_v to_o excite_v posterity_n to_o seek_v for_o further_a resolution_n therefore_o we_o shall_v not_o dissent_v from_o they_o though_o we_o do_v not_o assent_v to_o all_o their_o particular_a interpretation_n nay_o we_o can_v more_o dissent_v from_o they_o than_o by_o follow_v their_o interpretation_n on_o such_o strict_a term_n as_o the_o romanist_n will_v bind_v we_o all_o to_o do_v when_o they_o seem_v to_o make_v for_o their_o advantage_n for_o then_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o surmise_n or_o conjecture_v of_o any_o one_o father_n but_o must_v suffice_v against_o the_o joint_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o which_o rule_n of_o serve_v their_o interest_n they_o be_v so_o true_a that_o they_o stick_v not_o to_o reject_v any_o interpretation_n of_o the_o father_n when_o they_o think_v good_a and_o which_o be_v more_o to_o prefer_v their_o own_o exposition_n before_o they_o and_o so_o they_o do_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o all_o other_o tradition_n though_o call_v apostolical_a for_o instance_n the_o threefold_a immersion_n in_o baptism_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v flow_v from_o a_o apostolical_a canon_n be_v long_o ago_o abolish_v say_v their_o canus_n by_o a_o contrary_a custom_n and_o so_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o give_v the_o communion_n to_o infant_n which_o prevail_v say_v their_o maldonate_fw-it for_o 600._o year_n in_o the_o church_n not_o only_o antiquate_v by_o they_o but_o decree_v to_o be_v unlawful_a which_o clear_o show_v that_o they_o may_v if_o they_o please_v make_v a_o end_n of_o all_o the_o controversy_n that_o trouble_v the_o church_n without_o any_o disparagement_n but_o rather_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o its_o authority_n for_o challenge_v a_o power_n to_o alter_v even_o the_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o take_v away_o the_o cup_n from_o the_o people_n in_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o much_o more_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n what_o need_v all_o this_o stir_n about_o apostolical_a tradition_n or_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o may_v lay_v aside_o at_o their_o pleasure_n and_o have_v lay_v aside_o as_o appear_v by_o many_o other_o instance_n beside_o those_o now_o name_v that_o may_v be_v give_v of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o direction_n of_o every_o honest_a heart_a man_n to_o know_v which_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n can_v be_v and_o may_v be_v undoubted_o rely_v on_o that_o nothing_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n than_o this_o that_o the_o doctor_n of_o it_o declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v full_a and_o perspicuous_a in_o all_o needful_a matter_n and_o therefore_o there_o need_v no_o other_o tradition_n but_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o satisfy_v we_o abundant_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v universal_o receive_v sect_n xxi_o and_o their_o guilt_n in_o what_o they_o say_v about_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o can_v therefore_o be_v a_o great_a demonstration_n of_o their_o guilt_n than_o this_o that_o notwithstanding_o such_o evident_a testimony_n from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o the_o concurrent_a stream_n of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o christ_n church_n they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o avoid_v this_o trial_n by_o the_o scripture_n to_o say_v so_o many_o scandalous_a thing_n as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o disparagement_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n many_o of_o they_o be_v common_o know_v and_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o repeat_v the_o rest_n but_o only_o say_v this_o great_a truth_n that_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o their_o church_n such_o as_o it_o be_v receive_v all_o its_o authority_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o the_o scripture_n from_o it_o for_o we_o can_v have_v no_o notion_n as_o be_v say_v before_o of_o a_o church_n or_o of_o its_o authority_n but_o from_o the_o scripture_n which_o therefore_o must_v be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o that_o which_o receive_v authority_n from_o they_o and_o be_v first_o suppose_v to_o be_v infallible_a before_o they_o can_v make_v we_o believe_v any_o thing_n else_o be_v so_o for_o we_o must_v be_v secure_a of_o the_o proof_n before_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o thing_n prove_v by_o it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o proof_n but_o leave_v we_o as_o much_o in_o doubt_n as_o we_o be_v before_o it_o be_v allege_v if_o they_o say_v and_o what_o else_o can_v be_v say_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o must_v indeed_o learn_v their_o church_n infallibility_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o then_o learn_v the_o rest_n from_o their_o church_n mark_v i_o beseech_v you_o what_o follow_v then_o it_o be_v manifest_a first_o that_o they_o themselves_o make_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o one_o article_n at_o least_o concern_v the_o catholic_n church_n infallibility_n which_o we_o must_v therefore_o believe_v and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n because_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o first_o infallible_o believe_v do_v teach_v and_o prove_v it_o whence_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o private_a man_n may_v and_o must_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n without_o the_o help_n of_o their_o church_n authority_n before_o they_o can_v believe_v any_o thing_n else_o because_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n for_o their_o belief_n of_o that_o infallibility_n which_o their_o church_n pretend_v which_o to_o they_o be_v the_o general_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o from_o thence_o it_o follow_v further_o that_o the_o scripture_n which_o to_o we_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n aught_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o they_o to_o be_v more_o than_o so_o even_o the_o rule_n of_o 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be_v peter_n etc._n etc._n feed_v my_o sheep_n or_o any_o other_o from_o whence_o they_o challenge_v it_o and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v require_v to_o learn_v these_o or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o christian_a faith_n mere_o from_o their_o church_n when_o we_o learn_v they_o so_o easy_o by_o the_o scripture_n in_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v more_o clear_o deliver_v than_o any_o thing_n we_o read_v about_o their_o church_n let_v no_o man_n doubt_v but_o if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v teach_v we_o that_o article_n of_o the_o church_n infallibility_n immediate_o by_o the_o scripture_n without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o church_n infallible_a authority_n as_o they_o themselves_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v because_o else_o the_o church_n can_v have_v no_o authority_n then_o he_o will_v immediate_o teach_v we_o by_o the_o same_o scripture_n any_o other_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n
though_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a may_v be_v false_a nay_o which_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a must_v be_v false_a because_o the_o scripture_n testify_v against_o it_o further_o 4thly_a to_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o have_v god_n express_a warrant_n and_o commandment_n without_o any_o colour_n for_o any_o prohibition_n but_o to_o believe_v their_o church_n infallible_a we_o have_v no_o commandment_n much_o less_o any_o express_a commandment_n nay_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v we_o be_v prohibit_v so_o to_o do_v in_o such_o word_n as_o those_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n which_o require_v we_o to_o examine_v before_o we_o trust_v and_o consequent_o not_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o blindfold_a to_o those_o who_o confident_o claim_v the_o infallibility_n of_o st._n peter_n but_o can_v produce_v any_o evidence_n of_o it_o again_o 5thly_a by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v keep_v to_o that_o which_o be_v always_o believe_v and_o every_o where_o receive_v but_o by_o follow_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o shall_v make_v ourselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o change_n and_o alteration_n which_o they_o have_v make_v as_o another_o great_a champion_n of_o our_o church_n have_v observe_v in_o the_o apostolical_a creed_n by_o make_v a_o new_a one_o contain_v thing_n that_o hold_v no_o conformity_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o the_o apostolical_a succession_n by_o engross_a the_o whole_a succession_n to_o rome_n and_o make_v other_o bishop_n to_o be_v but_o the_o pope_n deputy_n as_o to_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o in_o the_o apostolical_a government_n by_o erect_v a_o new_a and_o universal_a monarchy_n in_o the_o church_n and_o last_o in_o the_o apostolical_a communion_n by_o excommunicate_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n by_o 6thly_a follow_v the_o roman_a church_n also_o we_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o 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all_o its_o authority_n over_o man_n conscience_n by_o no_o other_o mean_n than_o by_o devise_v false_a record_n false_a miracle_n and_o report_n as_o be_v say_v before_o and_o by_o comply_v with_o man_n corrupt_a affection_n or_o by_o persecute_v those_o that_o will_v not_o comply_v and_o by_o all_o other_o such_o like_a worldly_a mean_n whether_o of_o policy_n or_o force_n 8thly_a to_o which_o add_v that_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v believe_v a_o religion_n who_o first_o preacher_n and_o professor_n can_v have_v no_o worldly_a end_n to_o serve_v as_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v in_o the_o forego_n book_n but_o rather_o be_v to_o expect_v as_o they_o every_o where_n find_v nothing_o but_o disgrace_n vile_a nay_o cruel_a usage_n by_o all_o manner_n of_o punishment_n whereas_o the_o head_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n it_o be_v even_o palpable_a make_v their_o religion_n the_o instrument_n of_o his_o ambition_n and_o seek_v thereby_o to_o entitle_v himself_o direct_o or_o indirect_o to_o the_o monarchy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o beside_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o he_o that_o have_v but_o half_a a_o eye_n as_o we_o say_v that_o most_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v add_v to_o the_o scripture_n make_v one_o way_n or_o other_o for_o the_o honour_n or_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o the_o teacher_n of_o they_o 9thly_a again_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v embrace_v a_o religion_n of_o admirable_a simplicity_n whereas_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o doctrine_n be_v even_o load_v with_o a_o infinity_n of_o weak_a childish_a unsavoury_a superstition_n and_o ceremony_n under_o which_o its_o own_o child_n have_v groan_v and_o heavy_o complain_v 10thly_a those_o holy_a book_n also_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o promise_v ourselves_o salvation_n unless_o we_o effectual_o mortify_v all_o our_o evil_a affection_n and_o lust_n and_o forsake_v every_o sin_n whatsoever_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n but_o the_o roman_a church_n open_v a_o easy_a and_o broad_a way_n to_o salvation_n permit_v at_o least_o this_o to_o be_v teach_v for_o as_o good_a and_o catholic_n doctrine_n as_o any_o other_o that_o though_o a_o man_n have_v continue_v all_o his_o life_n long_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o virtue_n he_o may_v notwithstanding_o be_v let_v into_o heaven_n by_o a_o act_n of_o attrition_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n if_o join_v with_o confession_n or_o by_o a_o act_n of_o contrition_n without_o confession_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o and_o several_a other_o regard_v the_o religion_n of_o that_o church_n be_v not_o so_o holy_a as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o be_v not_o so_o likely_a to_o come_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n 11thly_a but_o whatsoever_o way_n they_o be_v please_v to_o devise_v to_o humour_v man_n deprave_a appetite_n we_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o advantage_n by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n which_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o by_o follow_v their_o church_n that_o if_o we_o happen_v to_o entertain_v a_o erroneous_a opinion_n ground_v as_o we_o think_v upon_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v implicit_o retract_v and_o condemn_v by_o our_o precedent_n full_a and_o entire_a assent_n to_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o our_o general_a resolution_n to_o hold_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o they_o nor_o admit_v any_o thing_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o they_o which_o make_v the_o error_n that_o we_o unwitting_o and_o unwilling_o hold_v against_o the_o scripture_n less_o dangerous_a because_o our_o adherence_n to_o the_o scripture_n be_v near_o close_o and_o firm_a than_o it_o be_v to_o our_o particular_a error_n whereas_o by_o follow_v their_o church_n not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v whether_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o people_n in_o that_o communion_n or_o a_o general_n council_n or_o the_o pope_n in_o or_o out_o of_o a_o council_n we_o shall_v have_v no_o such_o excuse_n for_o our_o error_n but_o they_o will_v be_v rather_o much_o aggravate_v by_o our_o adhere_n so_o strict_o to_o a_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a rule_n unto_o which_o the_o people_n in_o that_o communion_n stick_v close_o than_o they_o do_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o lessen_v the_o value_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o believe_v and_o double_v the_o guilt_n of_o all_o their_o error_n and_o last_o as_o this_o be_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n to_o ourselves_o so_o there_o be_v this_o to_o be_v add_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o other_o also_o that_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v learn_v to_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o in_o our_o different_a opinion_n about_o thing_n which_o can_v thereby_o be_v determine_v nay_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o direct_o against_o it_o or_o wherein_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o sufficient_o instruct_v but_o by_o follow_v the_o roman_a church_n we_o shall_v be_v teach_v to_o pass_v the_o heavy_a sentence_n upon_o all_o those_o that_o believe_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o we_o do_v nay_o to_o take_v the_o severe_a course_n with_o they_o though_o they_o be_v man_n of_o the_o most_o innocent_a and_o useful_a life_n conform_v themselves_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o governor_n for_o his_o sake_n where_o it_o do_v not_o manifest_o contradict_v he_o to_o conclude_v this_o we_o for_o our_o part_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n even_o towards_o they_o which_o grotius_n before_o observe_v the_o apostle_n be_v of_o towards_o the_o jew_n from_o who_o say_v he_o and_o let_v the_o word_n be_v take_v as_o if_o speak_v by_o we_o to_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o exact_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o happiness_n in_o be_v