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no_o not_o by_o their_o great_a enemy_n who_o object_v nothing_o to_o they_o but_o their_o want_n of_o learning_n and_o unskilfulness_n which_o do_v not_o qualify_v they_o sure_o for_o invent_v falsehood_n and_o indeed_o if_o there_o have_v be_v the_o least_o spice_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o fraud_n and_o cheat_v in_o they_o they_o will_v not_o themselves_o have_v record_v their_o own_o fault_n and_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o as_o of_o their_o all_o forsake_v their_o master_n when_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o peter_n denial_n of_o he_o three_o time_n sect_n vii_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o fidelity_n of_o these_o author_n from_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v on_o the_o other_o side_n god_n himself_o give_v illustrious_a testimony_n of_o their_o fidelity_n by_o work_a wonder_n which_o either_o they_o or_o their_o disciple_n with_o great_a boldness_n public_o avouch_v add_v also_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o their_o assertion_n may_v easy_o have_v be_v discover_v by_o the_o inquisition_n of_o the_o magistrate_n among_o which_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n which_o they_o have_v most_o constant_o deliver_v both_o concern_v the_o use_n of_o tongue_n which_o they_o have_v never_o learn_v among_o many_o thousand_o man_n and_o their_o cure_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n upon_o a_o sudden_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o people_n neither_o be_v they_o any_o whit_n dismay_v with_o fear_n either_o of_o the_o jewish_a magistrate_n of_o those_o time_n who_o they_o know_v to_o be_v most_o malicious_o set_v against_o they_o or_o of_o the_o roman_n who_o be_v far_o from_o have_v any_o good_a will_n to_o they_o and_z they_o be_v sure_a will_v lay_v hold_n on_o any_o thing_n on_o which_o they_o may_v ground_v a_o charge_n of_o their_o be_v inventor_n of_o a_o new_a religion_n and_o yet_o neither_o jew_n nor_o pagan_n in_o the_o time_n immediate_o follow_v dare_v ever_o deny_v that_o wonder_n be_v wrought_v by_o those_o men._n yea_o the_o miracle_n of_o peter_n be_v mention_v by_o phlegon_n in_o his_o annal_n who_o live_v under_o adrian_n the_o emperor_n moreover_o the_o christian_n themselves_o in_o those_o book_n that_o contain_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o they_o exhibit_v to_o the_o emperor_n to_o the_o senate_n and_o to_o the_o governor_n do_v relate_v these_o thing_n as_o most_o manifest_a and_o unquestionable_a truth_n yea_o they_o open_o report_v that_o there_o continue_v a_o wonderful_a virtue_n of_o work_v strange_a effect_n at_o their_o sepulcher_n for_o some_o age_n after_o their_o death_n which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a they_o know_v that_o to_o their_o shame_n and_o punishment_n the_o magistrate_n can_v have_v confute_v
it_o very_o easy_o but_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v at_o the_o sepulcher_n i_o speak_v of_o and_o so_o many_o witness_n of_o they_o that_o they_o extort_a even_o from_o porphyry_n a_o confession_n of_o it_o sect_n viii_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o write_n confirm_v from_o hence_o that_o many_o thing_n be_v find_v there_o which_o the_o event_n have_v prove_v to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v these_o thing_n ought_v to_o suffice_v but_o there_o be_v other_o argument_n which_o we_o may_v heap_v upon_o these_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n of_o these_o author_n write_n for_o many_o thing_n be_v therein_o foretell_v which_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n by_o their_o own_o power_n to_o know_v or_o bring_v to_o pass_v yet_o we_o see_v the_o truth_n thereof_o wonderful_o confirm_v by_o the_o event_n thus_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o this_o religion_n shall_v upon_o a_o sudden_a have_v a_o large_a and_o ample_a increase_n that_o it_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o and_o though_o it_o be_v reject_v by_o most_o of_o the_o jew_n yet_o shall_v it_o be_v embrace_v by_o the_o gentile_n thus_o likewise_o be_v foretell_v what_o hatred_n and_o spite_n the_o jew_n will_v bear_v against_o they_o that_o profess_v this_o religion_n and_o what_o grievous_a persecution_n they_o shall_v undergo_v the_o siege_n also_o and_o destruction_n both_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o temple_n together_o with_o the_o miserable_a calamity_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n sect_n ix_o as_o also_o from_o god_n care_n in_o preserve_v his_o people_n from_o false_a writing_n beside_o this_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o god_n out_o of_o his_o providence_n take_v care_n of_o humane_a affair_n special_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o worship_n than_o it_o can_v be_v that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o man_n who_o have_v no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o worship_n god_n after_o a_o holy_a manner_n to_o be_v cheat_v with_o lie_a book_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o since_o the_o time_n that_o so_o many_o sect_n have_v spring_v up_o in_o christianity_n there_o have_v not_o be_v one_o that_o receive_v not_o either_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o those_o book_n except_v some_o few_o that_o contain_v no_o singular_a matter_n differ_v from_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n that_o no_o material_a thing_n can_v be_v object_v against_o these_o writing_n special_o since_o the_o say_a sect_n be_v so_o partial_a and_o spiteful_o bend_v against_o each_o other_o that_o what_o one_o approve_a other_o reject_v even_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o it_o be_v there_o approve_v sect_n x._o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n that_o divers_a book_n be_v not_o receive_v by_o all_o there_o be_v some_o indeed_o though_o very_o few_o among_o those_o that_o will_v be_v call_v christian_n who_o reject_v all_o those_o book_n which_o they_o see_v contradict_v their_o peculiar_a opinion_n such_o for_o instance_n as_o out_o of_o hatred_n of_o the_o jew_n revile_v their_o god_n the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o or_o on_o the_o other_o side_n such_o as_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o evil_n which_o christian_n be_v to_o undergo_v choose_v to_o lurk_v and_o lie_v hide_v under_o the_o name_n of_o jew_n who_o have_v liberty_n without_o any_o danger_n to_o profess_v their_o religion_n but_o these_o very_a man_n be_v renounce_v in_o those_o time_n by_o all_o other_o christian_n throughout_o the_o world_n when_o as_o yet_o all_o that_o differ_v in_o their_o opinion_n with_o the_o safety_n of_o piety_n be_v tolerate_v by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o great_a patience_n as_o for_o the_o former_a kind_n of_o these_o adulterate_a christian_n i_o think_v they_o have_v be_v sufficient_o confute_v both_o by_o that_o which_o we_o have_v say_v before_o when_o we_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a true_a god_n the_o sole_a framer_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o also_o by_o those_o very_a book_n which_o that_o they_o may_v have_v some_o semblance_n of_o christian_n they_o do_v admit_v of_o special_o the_o gospel_n of_o luke_n wherein_o be_v evident_o show_v that_o the_o same_o god_n who_o moses_n and_o the_o hebrew_n worship_v be_v preach_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o other_o sort_n we_o shall_v more_o fit_o confute_v when_o we_o come_v to_o oppugn_v those_o that_o both_o be_v and_o will_v be_v call_v jew_n for_o the_o present_a only_o this_o i_o say_v that_o their_o impudence_n be_v wonderful_a great_a who_o slight_a and_o extenuate_v the_o authority_n of_o paul_n see_v there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n that_o found_v and_o teach_v more_o church_n than_o he_o do_v and_o his_o miracle_n be_v at_o that_o time_n report_v to_o be_v exceed_o numerous_a when_o as_o ever_o while_o we_o say_v there_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v trial_n and_o inquiry_n make_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n if_o then_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o wrought_v wonder_n why_o may_v we_o not_o believe_v he_o concern_v his_o heavenly_a vision_n and_o instruction_n receive_v from_o christ_n himself_o to_o who_o if_o he_o be_v so_o dear_a it_o can_v be_v that_o he_o shall_v teach_v any_o thing_n inglorious_a or_o ingrateful_a unto_o christ_n as_o falsity_n or_o untruth_n will_v have_v be_v and_o as_o touch_v that_o particular_a which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n whereof_o they_o accuse_v he_o namely_o his_o doctrine_n of_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n which_o be_v purchase_v for_o the_o hebrew_n from_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v former_o command_v they_o by_o moses_n he_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o teach_v it_o but_o only_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o assert_v for_o he_o himself_o be_v both_o circumcise_v and_o do_v also_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n observe_v very_o many_o thing_n which_o the_o law_n enjoin_v and_o then_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o both_o do_v more_o difficult_a and_o suffer_v hard_a thing_n than_o the_o law_n require_v or_o can_v be_v expect_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o law_n and_o teach_v also_o his_o disciple_n to_o do_v and_o suffer_v the_o like_a whence_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o utter_v no_o flatter_a or_o entice_a speech_n unto_o his_o auditor_n who_o be_v teach_v in_o stead_n of_o the_o sabbath_n to_o keep_v every_o day_n holy_a for_o divine_a worship_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o little_a expense_n which_o the_o law_n require_v to_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o their_o good_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o beast_n to_o consecrate_v their_o own_o blood_n unto_o god_n and_o further_o paul_n himself_o plain_o affirm_v that_o peter_n john_n and_o james_n in_o token_n of_o their_o consent_n with_o he_o give_v he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n which_o he_o never_o dare_v have_v speak_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v true_a because_o the_o same_o man_n be_v then_o alive_a may_v have_v convict_v he_o for_o a_o liar_n these_o therefore_o of_o who_o i_o have_v now_o speak_v be_v exclude_v as_o scarce_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n the_o most_o manifest_a consent_n of_o so_o many_o congregation_n of_o christian_n who_o receive_v these_o book_n add_v to_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o miracle_n which_o the_o writer_n of_o they_o wrought_v and_o the_o singular_a care_n which_o god_n take_v about_o matter_n of_o this_o kind_n aught_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o induce_v any_o indifferent_a man_n to_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o special_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v wont_v common_o to_o credit_v any_o other_o book_n of_o history_n which_o have_v no_o such_o testimony_n unless_o they_o see_v some_o plain_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o of_o those_o book_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v sect_n xi_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n that_o these_o book_n seem_v to_o contain_v thing_n impossible_a for_o if_o any_o body_n say_v that_o some_o thing_n be_v relate_v in_o these_o book_n which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v the_o objection_n vanish_v when_o we_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v before_o discourse_v that_o there_o be_v thing_n which_o can_v indeed_o be_v do_v by_o man_n but_o be_v possible_a with_o god_n such_o that_o be_v as_o include_v in_o themselves_o no_o repugnancy_n or_o contradiction_n as_o we_o speak_v and_o that_o in_o the_o number_n of_o such_o thing_n be_v even_o those_o miraculous_a power_n which_o we_o most_o of_o all_o admire_v and_o the_o recall_v of_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o sect_n xii_o or_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n neither_o be_v they_o to_o be_v more_o regard_v who_o say_v that_o some_o doctrine_n be_v comprise_v in_o these_o book_n which_o be_v disagree_v to_o right_a reason_n
and_o piety_n and_o that_o they_o may_v confirm_v this_o to_o be_v their_o sense_n of_o the_o divinity_n they_o bid_v the_o jesuit_n observe_v one_o part_n of_o the_o altar_n in_o their_o temple_n to_o be_v void_a of_o image_n and_o to_o be_v hide_v in_o a_o obscure_a and_o dark_a place_n which_o they_o say_v be_v the_o proper_a seat_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o can_v not_o be_v represent_v in_o any_o form_n and_o shape_n and_o that_o the_o image_n which_o stand_v about_o that_o place_n be_v the_o representation_n of_o their_o intercessor_n with_o he_o who_o have_v great_a power_n with_o the_o most_o high_a god_n do_v obtain_v many_o gift_n and_o blessing_n for_o those_o that_o invocate_v they_o how_o this_o differ_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n i_o do_v not_o see_v unless_o it_o be_v in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v sometime_o adventure_v to_o represent_v god_n himself_o in_o a_o shape_n otherwise_o the_o worship_n be_v the_o very_a same_o the_o dead_a man_n who_o be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o only_o change_v and_o may_v very_o well_o justify_v we_o if_o we_o say_v and_o therein_o we_o speak_v very_o moderate_o that_o their_o worship_n be_v a_o image_n at_o least_o of_o the_o ancient_a idolatry_n and_o move_v they_o to_o make_v the_o resemblance_n more_o perfect_a unto_o the_o very_a same_o rage_n and_o violence_n which_o be_v in_o the_o pagan_n against_o all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o can_v consent_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o that_o way_n prosecute_a they_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o cruelty_n as_o if_o they_o be_v utter_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o religion_n by_o which_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o only_a true_a christian_n that_o they_o be_v a_o very_a degenerate_a part_n of_o christ_n church_n want_v that_o great_a mark_n of_o his_o faithful_a disciple_n to_o love_v one_o another_o even_o as_o christ_n love_v we_o to_o which_o they_o be_v such_o stranger_n that_o quite_o contrary_a they_o not_o only_o hate_v and_o persecute_v but_o endeavour_n as_o i_o say_v to_o root_v out_o those_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o obedient_o believe_v all_o that_o they_o can_v find_v our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v and_o profess_v they_o be_v ready_a with_o all_o their_o heart_n to_o receive_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o any_o body_n can_v further_o teach_v they_o to_o be_v his_o mind_n nay_o be_v very_o desirous_a and_o diligent_a to_o know_v it_o spare_v no_o pain_n to_o understand_v the_o whole_a truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n sect_n xv._o answer_v to_o what_o they_o say_v about_o miracle_n they_o pretend_v indeed_o abundance_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o their_o church_n as_o a_o sufficient_a condemnation_n of_o those_o who_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o invocate_v saint_n to_o worship_v their_o image_n and_o the_o consecrate_a host_n to_o believe_v purgatory_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o these_o wonder_n be_v allege_v but_o herein_o also_o they_o imitate_v the_o pagan_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o like_a deceit_n and_o the_o same_o answer_n will_v serve_v here_o which_o grotius_n give_v there_o l._n four_o sect._n 8._o in_o his_o confutation_n of_o the_o old_a idolatry_n for_o first_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o they_o have_v reject_v many_o of_o these_o miracle_n as_o not_o support_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o credible_a witness_n nay_o as_o plain_a fiction_n other_o also_o of_o they_o which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v of_o better_a credit_n happen_v in_o some_o private_a place_n in_o the_o night_n before_o one_o or_o two_o person_n who_o eye_n crafty_a priest_n as_o he_o speak_v may_v easy_o delude_v with_o false_a show_n and_o counterfeit_a appearance_n of_o thing_n and_o further_o there_o be_v other_o which_o only_o raise_v admiration_n among_o people_n ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v no_o true_a miracle_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o may_v have_v thing_n be_v do_v among_o they_o which_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v effect_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o yet_o no_o divine_a that_o be_v omnipotent_a power_n be_v needful_a to_o their_o production_n for_o those_o spirit_n which_o be_v interpose_v between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v able_a by_o their_o nimbleness_n cunning_a activity_n and_o strength_n to_o make_v such_o strange_a application_n of_o thing_n very_o distant_a one_o to_o another_o as_o shall_v astonish_v the_o spectator_n with_o wonderful_a effect_n but_o there_o be_v too_o great_a reason_n to_o think_v they_o be_v not_o good_a spirit_n that_o do_v these_o feat_n because_o they_o revive_v hereby_o the_o ancient_a superstition_n or_o uphold_v the_o image_n of_o it_o still_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o endanger_n the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n who_o have_v be_v so_o far_o mislead_v as_o not_o only_o to_o fancy_v great_a virtue_n in_o the_o image_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o cry_v up_o also_o some_o image_n particular_o of_o our_o lady_n of_o loretto_n for_o instance_n as_o endue_v with_o some_o singular_a power_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o other_o but_o to_o honour_v they_o so_o high_o as_o for_o one_o miracle_n say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o crucifix_n to_o report_v a_o hundred_o to_o be_v wrought_v at_o such_o or_o such_o a_o shrine_n of_o she_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a also_o to_o omit_v the_o rest_n which_o he_o note_v in_o the_o v._o book_n out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o it_o suppose_v god_n may_v permit_v some_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v only_o for_o their_o trial_n whether_o the_o people_n will_v persist_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o undoubted_a and_o far_o great_a and_o more_o numerous_a miracle_n read_v deuteron_n xiii_o 1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v excellent_o express_v and_o with_o advantage_n by_o a_o great_a man_n of_o our_o own_o in_o these_o word_n or_o to_o this_o effect_n the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o believe_v that_o be_v the_o bible_n have_v be_v confirm_v as_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o side_n by_o innumerable_a supernatural_a and_o true_o divine_a miracle_n and_o consequent_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o in_o many_o point_n be_v plain_o opposite_a to_o the_o bible_n be_v condemn_v by_o they_o i_o mean_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o strange_a thing_n have_v be_v do_v in_o that_o church_n they_o prove_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n which_o foretell_v that_o god_n providence_n permit_v it_o and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o world_n deserve_v it_o strange_a sign_n and_o wonder_n shall_v be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v false_a doctrine_n that_o they_o which_o love_v not_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v give_v over_o to_o strong_a delusion_n so_o that_o now_o we_o have_v reason_n rather_o to_o suspect_v and_o be_v afraid_a of_o pretend_a miracle_n as_o sign_n of_o false_a doctrine_n than_o much_o to_o regard_v they_o as_o certain_a argument_n of_o truth_n neither_o be_v it_o strange_a that_o god_n shall_v permit_v some_o true_a wonder_n to_o be_v do_v to_o delude_v those_o who_o have_v forge_v so_o many_o wonder_n to_o deceive_v the_o world_n sect_n xvi_o answer_v to_o another_o objection_n but_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a they_o say_v that_o religion_n shall_v be_v thus_o deprave_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n because_o their_o ancestor_n be_v man_n of_o great_a virtue_n and_o honesty_n than_o to_o suffer_v the_o least_o alteration_n which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o jew_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o believe_v our_o saviour_n be_v unjust_o condemn_v and_o his_o religion_n reject_v by_o their_o priest_n and_o elder_n as_o grotius_n observe_v in_o the_o vth._n book_n out_o of_o which_o i_o may_v produce_v several_a thing_n as_o i_o have_v do_v out_o of_o the_o forego_n to_o prove_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o romish_a tradition_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o show_v also_o how_o they_o have_v bring_v back_o judaisme_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n by_o the_o vast_a burden_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n wherewith_o they_o have_v encumber_a christian_n religion_n but_o i_o shall_v wave_v all_o this_o because_o i_o will_v make_v this_o book_n as_o short_a as_o the_o rest_n and_o only_o observe_v in_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v now_o pretend_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v consider_v as_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o ancestor_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o kind_n of_o man_n for_o several_a age_n sit_v in_o the_o chair_n of_o rome_n and_o how_o ignorant_a the_o people_n general_o be_v he_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 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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
now_o make_v the_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n require_v nothing_o more_o at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o those_o that_o be_v by_o baptism_n receive_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o creed_n common_o call_v the_o apostle_n this_o creed_n be_v recite_v there_o by_o the_o priest_n and_o this_o alone_a when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o font_n and_o he_o interrogate_v the_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v if_o they_o be_v adult_n or_o their_o undertaker_n if_o they_o be_v infant_n about_o no_o other_o belief_n upon_o the_o profession_n of_o which_o he_o bid_v they_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o celestial_a blessing_n from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v a_o part_n with_o he_o and_o with_o his_o saint_n and_o have_v again_o examine_v adult_n person_n ask_v they_o do_v you_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n etc._n etc._n and_o mention_v no_o other_o article_n of_o faith_n he_o baptise_n they_o and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v regenerate_v and_o to_o have_v remission_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o so_o do_v we_o do_v here_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o different_a practice_n in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o every_o where_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o consent_v to_o this_o creed_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o brief_a explication_n what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy-ghost_n in_o who_o name_n we_o be_v baptize_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n beyond_o this_o which_o we_o be_v necessary_o bind_v to_o believe_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v then_o propound_v when_o we_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n for_o baptism_n give_v we_o a_o right_a and_o title_n to_o salvation_n if_o we_o do_v not_o forfeit_v it_o afterward_o by_o apostasy_n or_o by_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o this_o faith_n with_o a_o promise_n to_o 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who_o call_v the_o creed_n now_o mention_v the_o rule_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o church_n throughout_o all_o the_o world_n say_v irenaeus_n though_o it_o be_v disperse_v to_o the_o most_o extreme_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o disciple_n and_o believe_v as_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o soul_n and_o one_o heart_n in_o so_o many_o man_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a consent_n preach_v and_o teach_v and_o deliver_v these_o thing_n as_o have_v but_o one_o mouth_n for_o though_o there_o be_v divers_a language_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o one_o and_o the_o same_o tradition_n prevail_v every_o where_n for_o neither_o the_o church_n in_o germany_n believe_v otherways_o or_o deliver_v any_o thing_n else_o nor_o they_o in_o spain_n nor_o they_o in_o france_n nor_o they_o in_o the_o east_n nor_o they_o in_o egypt_n nor_o they_o in_o libya_n nor_o they_o that_o be_v found_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o world_n but_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o truth_n enlighten_v all_o man_n who_o will_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o neither_o he_o who_o be_v most_o eloquent_a among_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n preach_v any_o thing_n different_a for_o no_o man_n be_v above_o his_o master_n nor_o do_v he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o speech_n lessen_v in_o the_o least_o this_o tradition_n for_o there_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o faith_n he_o that_o have_v most_o to_o say_n can_v enlarge_v it_o nor_o he_o that_o have_v least_o diminish_v it_o thus_o they_o declare_v their_o mind_n in_o those_o early_a day_n when_o there_o be_v no_o catholic_n man_n or_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n require_v to_o believe_v any_o of_o those_o doctrine_n now_o in_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o set_v down_o in_o the_o creed_n of_o pope_n pius_n iv_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o they_o all_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o simple_a belief_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v in_o their_o creed_n the_o great_a man_n in_o the_o church_n deliver_v no_o more_o nor_o the_o mean_a saying_n less_o and_o with_o this_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n satisfy_v themselves_o in_o time_n succeed_v as_o appear_v by_o this_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o st._n hilary_n in_o his_o little_a book_n which_o he_o himself_o deliver_v to_o the_o emperor_n constantius_n where_o he_o thus_o complain_v faith_n be_v now_o inquire_v after_o as_o if_o we_o have_v none_o faith_n must_v be_v set_v down_o in_o write_v as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o heart_n be_v regenerate_v by_o faith_n we_o be_v now_o teach_v what_o to_o believe_v as_o if_o that_o regeneration_n can_v have_v be_v without_o faith_n we_o learn_v christ_n after_o baptism_n as_o if_o there_o can_v have_v be_v any_o baptism_n without_o faith_n in_o christ_n sect_n v._o christianity_n therefore_o be_v not_o there_o in_o its_o purity_n but_o much_o corrupt_v which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o sincere_o preserve_v in_o that_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o withhold_v we_o from_o join_v with_o they_o in_o impose_v thus_o upon_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o thereby_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n and_o turn_v man_n away_o from_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o palpable_a falsity_n and_o absurd_a mixture_n which_o be_v bring_v into_o it_o and_o that_o as_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o adulterate_n of_o which_o we_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o consent_v but_o maintain_v it_o in_o that_o purity_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v it_o to_o their_o successor_n as_o we_o find_v it_o set_v down_o in_o the_o work_v of_o a_o great_a many_o follow_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o name_n i_o forbear_v but_o be_v ready_a at_o hand_n to_o make_v good_a what_o i_o quote_v just_a now_o out_o of_o irenaeus_n who_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o a_o sincere_a christian_a who_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o epiphanius_n recite_v his_o word_n which_o be_v then_o extant_a in_o greek_a that_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o receive_v in_o baptism_n firm_a and_o unmoveable_a he_o can_v be_v a_o heretic_n who_o thus_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n wherein_o the_o nicene_n creed_n not_o add_v any_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o declare_v what_o be_v believe_v from_o the_o beginning_n have_v explain_v the_o word_n but_o they_o be_v schismatic_n who_o call_v he_o so_o and_o will_v not_o admit_v he_o into_o their_o communion_n unless_o he_o consent_v to_o other_o thing_n and_o hold_v they_o to_o be_v equal_o certain_a and_o necessary_a with_o the_o ancient_a rule_n of_o faith_n sect_n vi_o answer_n to_o a_o evasion_n from_o the_o force_n of_o the_o forego_n argument_n to_o pretend_v that_o all_o those_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o now_o impose_v though_o not_o express_o mention_v in_o the_o creed_n yet_o be_v contain_v in_o one_o article_n of_o it_o viz._n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o make_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creed_n unnecessary_a and_o to_o establish_v this_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o for_o if_o by_o believe_v the_o catholic_n church_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v as_o they_o will_v have_v we_o whatsoever_o the_o catholic_n church_n propound_v than_o it_o have_v be_v enough_o to_o have_v say_v to_o those_o catechuman_n that_o come_v for_o baptism_n do_v you_o believe_v in_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n and_o to_o add_v any_o more_o have_v be_v utter_o superfluous_a but_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o further_a appear_v in_o that_o
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 their_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o what_o reason_n can_v any_o man_n allege_v why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o immediate_a rule_n of_o faith_n without_o send_v we_o elsewhere_o to_o seek_v it_o in_o all_o other_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n as_o well_o as_o in_o that_o of_o their_o pretend_a infallible_a church_n we_o may_v appeal_v to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n angel_n and_o man_n to_o witness_v between_o we_o and_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o a_o worthy_a champion_n of_o our_o cause_n do_v long_o ago_o whether_o the_o article_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n his_o death_n passion_n burial_n resurrection_n ascension_n intercession_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o life_n everlasting_a etc._n etc._n be_v not_o much_o more_o plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o any_o man_n apprehension_n whatsoever_o than_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n be_v in_o such_o word_n as_o these_o thou_o 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