Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n believe_v hear_v know_v 2,139 5 3.5110 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A42238 The truth of Christian religion in six books / written in Latine by Hugo Grotius ; and now translated into English, with the addition of a seventh book, by Symon Patrick ...; De veritate religionis Christianae. English Grotius, Hugo, 1583-1645.; Patrick, Simon, 1626-1707. 1680 (1680) Wing G2128; ESTC R7722 132,577 348

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true_o since_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o man_n mind_n the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o judge_v there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o truth_n that_o better_a deserve_v the_o employment_n of_o this_o faculty_n about_o it_o than_o that_o of_o which_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a without_o hazard_n of_o our_o salvation_n after_o this_o whosoever_o inquire_v with_o a_o godly_a mind_n he_o shall_v not_o dangerous_o err_v and_o where_o shall_v he_o inquire_v after_o it_o but_o in_o god_n most_o holy_a word_n without_o which_o we_o can_v know_v whether_o there_o be_v either_o church_n or_o priest_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o wherein_o they_o will_v have_v we_o trust_v sect_n xix_o and_o refuse_v to_o be_v try_v by_o scripture_n it_o be_v a_o manifest_a sign_n therefore_o of_o imposture_n that_o when_o they_o can_v for_o shame_n but_o sometime_o suffer_v their_o religion_n to_o be_v try_v yet_o they_o will_v not_o have_v it_o try_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o read_n of_o which_o as_o be_v excellent_o say_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o forego_n book_n no_o man_n can_v be_v deceive_v but_o he_o who_o have_v first_o deceive_v himself_o for_o the_o writer_n of_o they_o be_v more_o faithful_a and_o full_a of_o divine_a inspiration_n than_o either_o to_o defraud_v we_o of_o any_o necessary_a part_n of_o divine_a truth_n or_o to_o hide_v it_o in_o a_o cloud_n so_o that_o we_o can_v see_v it_o why_o then_o shall_v any_o body_n decline_v this_o way_n of_o trial_n unless_o they_o see_v themselves_o so_o manifest_o condemn_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o let_v their_o cause_n be_v bring_v into_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n which_o hurt_v indeed_o sore_a eye_n but_o comfort_n and_o delight_v those_o that_o be_v sound_a show_v we_o so_o plain_o what_o we_o be_v to_o embrace_v and_o what_o to_o refuse_v and_o be_v so_o sure_a and_o so_o perfect_a a_o guide_n in_o all_o such_o matter_n that_o s._n hilary_n not_o only_o commend_v and_o admire_v the_o emperor_n constantius_n for_o desire_v a_o faith_n according_a to_o what_o be_v write_v but_o say_v he_o be_v a_o antichrist_n who_o refuse_v this_o and_o a_o anathema_n that_o counterfeit_v it_o and_o thereupon_o call_v to_o he_o in_o this_o manner_n o_o emperor_n thou_o seek_v for_o faith_n harken_v to_o it_o not_o out_o of_o new_a little_a paper_n but_o of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n there_o we_o must_v seek_v for_o it_o if_o we_o mean_v to_o find_v it_o and_o if_o they_o be_v silent_a and_o can_v tell_v we_o nothing_o say_v st._n ambrose_n who_o shall_v dare_v to_o speak_v let_v we_o not_o therefore_o bring_v deceitful_a balance_n they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o s._n austin_n in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o baptism_n chap._n vi_fw-la wherein_o we_o may_v weigh_v what_o we_o listen_v and_o as_o we_o listen_v after_o our_o own_o like_n say_v this_o be_v heavy_a that_o be_v light_a but_o let_v we_o bring_v the_o divine_a balance_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o out_o of_o the_o 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in_o abundance_n of_o quotation_n and_o must_v after_o all_o believe_v that_o we_o report_v they_o true_o and_o therefore_o may_v as_o well_o believe_v we_o when_o we_o say_v that_o they_o be_v ready_a at_o hand_n to_o attest_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v here_o affirm_v from_o their_o authority_n since_o the_o finish_n of_o this_o little_a labour_n i_o be_v inform_v by_o a_o friend_n that_o mr._n clement_n barksdale_n have_v translate_v part_n of_o this_o work_n into_o english_a and_o upon_o search_n i_o find_v the_o three_o first_o book_n among_o some_o other_o discourse_n print_v 1669._o and_o i_o be_o tell_v further_o by_o another_o friend_n that_o he_o have_v late_o add_v though_o i_o have_v not_o see_v it_o the_o three_o last_o book_n which_o if_o i_o have_v know_v soon_o it_o may_v have_v save_v i_o i_o believe_v most_o if_o not_o all_o of_o the_o pain_n i_o have_v take_v but_o i_o be_v perfect_o ignorant_a of_o it_o as_o i_o perceive_v he_o be_v of_o any_o former_a 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religion_n sect_n i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o god._n that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o beginning_n be_v clear_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o howbeit_o those_o thing_n be_v not_o cause_n to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o be_v for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o can_v produce_v any_o thing_n neither_o have_v it_o power_n to_o be_v before_o it_o be_v therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o say_v thing_n have_v their_o beginning_n from_o some_o other_o thing_n different_a from_o themselves_o which_o may_v be_v aver_v not_o only_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o now_o we_o see_v or_o ever_o have_v behold_v but_o of_o such_o also_o as_o give_v original_a unto_o these_o and_o so_o upward_o until_o we_o come_v to_o some_o prime_a cause_n which_o never_o begin_v to_o be_v and_o which_o as_o we_o say_v have_v its_o existence_n by_o necessity_n and_o not_o after_o any_o contingent_a manner_n and_o this_o what_o ever_o it_o be_v whereof_o by_o and_o by_o we_o shall_v speak_v be_v that_o which_o be_v mean_v by_o divine_a power_n or_o god_n head_n another_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o divine_a majesty_n be_v take_v from_o the_o most_o manifest_a consent_n of_o all_o nation_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o have_v not_o utter_o lose_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o good_a manner_n and_o become_v altogether_o wild_a and_o savage_a for_o since_o those_o thing_n which_o proceed_v from_o man_n pleasure_n and_o appointment_n be_v neither_o the_o same_o among_o all_o man_n and_o be_v often_o subject_a to_o change_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o place_n where_o this_o notion_n be_v not_o find_v and_o it_o be_v not_o change_v by_o the_o alteration_n of_o time_n as_o aristotle_n himself_o note_v who_o be_v
follow_v that_o we_o consider_v by_o what_o mean_v this_o christian_a religion_n have_v its_o augmentation_n and_o increase_n that_o therein_o it_o may_v be_v comparable_a and_o prefer_v before_o other_o we_o see_v it_o common_o true_a of_o most_o man_n that_o they_o will_v easy_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o king_n and_o potentate_n what_o way_n soever_o they_o go_v special_o if_o law_n and_o penalty_n compel_v they_o to_o it_o hereby_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o of_o mahumet_n propagate_v but_o they_o that_o first_o teach_v the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o want_v all_o civil_a power_n and_o authority_n but_o be_v of_o mean_a condition_n no_o better_a than_o poor_a fisherman_n weaver_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o by_o such_o man_n pain_n and_o industry_n that_o doctrine_n within_o the_o space_n of_o thirty_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o be_v publish_v not_o only_o throughout_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n but_o also_o among_o the_o parthian_n and_o remote_a indian_n nor_o be_v it_o thus_o only_o in_o the_o beginning_n but_o for_o almost_o three_o whole_a age_n together_o this_o religion_n be_v so_o promote_v by_o the_o endeavour_n of_o private_a man_n without_o any_o threaten_n without_o any_o worldly_a thing_n to_o invite_v man_n to_o it_o yea_o against_o the_o will_n and_o the_o most_o violent_a opposition_n of_o those_o who_o then_o have_v the_o imperial_a power_n that_o before_o constantine_n profess_v christianity_n this_o be_v become_v very_o near_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a world_n among_o the_o grecian_n that_o teach_v morality_n divers_a there_o be_v that_o commend_v themselves_o also_o very_o much_o by_o their_o skill_n in_o other_o arts._n as_o the_o platonist_n be_v famous_a for_o the_o study_n of_o geometry_n the_o peripatetic_n for_o the_o history_n of_o plant_n and_o live_a creature_n the_o stoic_n for_o logical_a subtlety_n the_o pythagorean_n for_o knowledge_n of_o number_n and_o harmony_n many_o also_o be_v admirable_a for_o eloquence_n as_o xenophon_n plato_n and_o theophrastus_n but_o the_o first_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n of_o christianity_n be_v endue_v with_o no_o such_o art_n but_o use_v the_o plain_a language_n without_o entice_a word_n only_o after_o a_o bare_a manner_n or_o naked_a form_n of_o speech_n pronounce_v their_o precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n which_o have_v no_o efficacy_n in_o themselves_o proportionable_a to_o such_o a_o progress_n as_o christianity_n make_v we_o must_v needs_o confess_v it_o be_v either_o attend_v by_o miracle_n or_o by_o god_n secret_a power_n assist_v the_o business_n or_o both_o together_o sect_n xxiii_o what_o great_a impediment_n there_o be_v that_o may_v terrify_v man_n from_o the_o embrace_v or_o the_o profess_v hereof_o hereunto_o may_v be_v add_v another_o thing_n considerable_a namely_o that_o they_o who_o receive_v christianity_n from_o those_o teacher_n have_v not_o their_o mind_n void_a of_o a_o certain_a form_n and_o rule_v of_o religion_n and_o so_o be_v not_o by_o that_o mean_v ductile_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v draw_v as_o they_o be_v who_o first_o receive_v the_o paganish_a worship_n and_o mahomet_n law_n much_o less_o be_v their_o mind_n prepare_v for_o it_o by_o some_o antecedent_n institution_n as_o the_o hebrew_n by_o circumcision_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o god_n be_v make_v fit_a to_o accept_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o quite_o contrary_a be_v fill_v with_o opinion_n and_o custom_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o another_o nature_n repugnant_a to_o those_o new_a institution_n be_v educate_v viz._n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o law_n and_o of_o their_o parent_n in_o the_o paganish_a religion_n or_o the_o jewish_a rite_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v another_o impediment_n to_o wit_n the_o most_o grievous_a evil_n which_o they_o who_o undertake_v christianity_n must_v expect_v to_o suffer_v or_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v upon_o that_o account_n for_o see_v that_o humane_a nature_n abhor_v such_o evil_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o evil_n can_v be_v admit_v of_o without_o much_o difficulty_n a_o long_a time_n be_v the_o christian_n deprive_v of_o all_o honour_n and_o dignity_n and_o likewise_o much_o afflict_v with_o divers_a penalty_n with_o confiscation_n of_o good_n and_o banishment_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v all_o but_o flea-bite_n for_o they_o be_v condemn_v to_o dig_v in_o the_o mine_n and_o to_o suffer_v torment_n than_o which_o more_o cruel_a can_v not_o be_v devise_v and_o such_o multitude_n of_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n at_o one_o time_n sweep_v away_o and_o devour_v either_o by_o famine_n or_o pestilence_n or_o war_n as_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o time_n do_v testify_v their_o manner_n and_o kind_n of_o death_n also_o be_v not_o ordinary_a but_o some_o be_v bury_v alive_a other_o crucify_v other_o endure_v punishment_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n which_o can_v be_v read_v or_o think_v of_o without_o the_o great_a horror_n and_o yet_o this_o savage_a cruelty_n which_o continue_v without_o much_o intermission_n and_o that_o not_o every_o where_n till_o almost_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n in_o the_o roman_a world_n and_o in_o other_o place_n endure_v long_o be_v so_o far_o from_o diminish_v the_o number_n of_o christian_n that_o quite_o contrary_a their_o blood_n may_v be_v call_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n there_o spring_v up_o still_o so_o many_o in_o the_o room_n of_o those_o that_o be_v cut_v off_o now_o let_v we_o herein_o also_o compare_v other_o religion_n with_o christianity_n the_o greek_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pagan_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o magnify_v their_o own_o thing_n above_o measure_n yet_o give_v we_o in_o but_o a_o very_a short_a catalogue_n of_o such_o as_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o doctrine_n some_o gymnosophist_n socrates_n not_o many_o more_o be_v all_o they_o can_v number_v and_o in_o those_o eminent_a man_n it_o can_v scarce_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o desire_n of_o transmit_v their_o fame_n to_o posterity_n which_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o business_n but_o among_o those_o christian_n that_o suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o their_o faith_n there_o be_v very_o many_o of_o mean_a rank_n of_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o people_n such_o as_o be_v scarce_o ever_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o know_v to_o their_o neighbour_n that_o live_v hard_o by_o they_o there_o be_v woman_n also_o virgin_n and_o young_a man_n such_o as_o have_v no_o desire_n nor_o any_o probable_a hope_n of_o get_v renown_n in_o future_a time_n by_o their_o suffering_n according_a as_o in_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n we_o find_v the_o name_n but_o of_o a_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v put_v to_o death_n who_o be_v only_o register_v in_o gross_a to_o which_o we_o must_v add_v that_o by_o a_o small_a compliance_n and_o simulation_n suppose_v by_o cast_v a_o little_a frankincense_n upon_o the_o altar_n most_o of_o they_o may_v have_v free_v themselves_o from_o such_o punishment_n which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o those_o philosopher_n who_o whatsoever_o they_o may_v think_v secret_o in_o their_o heart_n in_o all_o their_o apparent_a action_n conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o vulgar_a custom_n so_o that_o to_o have_v suffer_v death_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n can_v well_o be_v attribute_v to_o any_o other_o but_o only_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n and_o not_o to_o the_o jew_n neither_o after_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n nor_o before_o they_o but_o to_o a_o few_o if_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o christian_n more_o of_o which_o suffer_v for_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o some_o one_o province_n than_o the_o jew_n ever_o do_v who_o patience_n in_o this_o kind_n may_v all_o very_o near_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o time_n of_o manasses_n and_o of_o antiochus_n wherefore_o see_v christian_a religion_n in_o this_o particular_a also_o so_o vast_o excel_v all_o other_o it_o ought_v just_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o they_o and_o from_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o all_o kind_n and_o sex_n of_o people_n distinguish_v by_o so_o many_o several_a place_n and_o age_n as_o do_v not_o stick_v to_o die_v for_o this_o religion_n we_o may_v well_o gather_v there_o be_v very_o great_a cause_n of_o such_o constancy_n which_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v any_o other_o but_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god._n sect_n xxiv_o answer_v to_o they_o that_o require_v more_o forcible_a reason_n final_o if_o any_o yet_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o these_o argument_n abovesaid_a but_o desire_v more_o forcible_a reason_n for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v such_o know_v that_o according_a as_o thing_n be_v divers_a they_o must_v also_o have_v divers_a kind_n of_o proof_n
live_v in_o those_o time_n and_o be_v present_a when_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o like_a manner_n it_o ought_v to_o suffice_v we_o that_o whosoever_o write_v the_o book_n we_o speak_v of_o both_o live_v in_o the_o primitive_a age_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o apostolical_a gift_n for_o if_o any_o body_n will_v say_v that_o these_o quality_n may_v be_v feign_v as_o the_o very_a name_n may_v be_v in_o other_o write_n he_o say_v that_o which_o be_v not_o credible_a viz._n that_o they_o who_o every_o where_o press_v the_o study_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n will_v for_o no_o cause_n at_o all_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o crime_n of_o forgery_n which_o be_v not_o only_o detestable_a among_o all_o good_a man_n but_o by_o the_o roman_a law_n be_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n sect_n v._o these_o penman_n write_v the_o truth_n because_o they_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o what_o they_o write_v this_o therefore_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v write_v by_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v or_o by_o such_o as_o bear_v sufficient_a witness_n of_o themselves_o to_o which_o if_o we_o far_o add_v that_o they_o be_v also_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o matter_n whereof_o they_o write_v and_o have_v no_o purpose_n to_o lie_v or_o dissemble_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o commit_v to_o writing_n be_v both_o certain_a and_o true_a because_o every_o untruth_n proceed_v either_o from_o ignorance_n or_o from_o a_o wicked_a desire_n to_o deceive_v as_o touch_v matthew_n john_n peter_n and_o judas_n they_o be_v all_o of_o the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n of_o those_o twelve_o who_o jesus_n do_v choose_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o want_v notice_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v relate_v the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o james_n who_o be_v either_o a_o apostle_n or_o as_o some_o think_v the_o next_o akin_a to_o jesus_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n consecrate_v bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n paul_n also_o can_v not_o err_v through_o lack_n of_o knowledge_n about_o those_o point_n which_o he_o profess_v be_v reveal_v to_o he_o by_o jesus_n himself_o reign_v in_o heaven_n nor_o can_v he_o or_o luke_n either_o who_o be_v a_o inseparable_a companion_n to_o he_o in_o his_o travel_n be_v deceive_v about_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v by_o himself_o this_o luke_n may_v easy_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o write_v concern_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n for_o he_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o place_n next_o adjoin_v to_o palestina_n through_o which_o country_n when_o he_o travel_v he_o say_v he_o speak_v with_o such_o person_n as_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v for_o doubtless_o beside_o the_o apostle_n with_o who_o he_o have_v familiarity_n there_o live_v many_o other_o at_o that_o time_n who_o have_v be_v cure_v by_o jesus_n and_o have_v see_v he_o both_o before_o his_o death_n and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n if_o we_o will_v give_v credit_n to_o tacitus_n and_o suetonius_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o happen_v a_o long_a time_n before_o they_o be_v bear_v because_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o diligent_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n thereof_o how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o believe_v this_o writer_n who_o say_v that_o he_o receive_v all_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o relate_v from_o they_o that_o have_v see_v the_o same_o it_o be_v credible_o report_v of_o mark_n that_o he_o be_v a_o constant_a companion_n with_o peter_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o he_o write_v be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o dictate_v by_o peter_n who_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o beside_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o he_o write_v be_v almost_o all_o extant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n neither_o can_v the_o author_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v deceive_v or_o delude_v in_o those_o vision_n which_o he_o say_v be_v send_v unto_o he_o from_o heaven_n nor_o he_o that_o write_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n err_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o profess_v either_o to_o be_v inspire_v into_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o else_o teach_v he_o by_o the_o apostle_n sect_n vi_o as_o also_o because_o they_o will_v not_o lie_v the_o other_o reason_n we_o speak_v of_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o say_v holy_a writer_n because_o they_o have_v no_o will_n to_o tell_v a_o untruth_n be_v twist_v with_o that_o which_o we_o handle_v above_o when_o in_o general_n we_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n those_o that_o will_v accuse_v any_o witness_n for_o the_o pravity_n of_o their_o will_n must_v produce_v something_o by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v think_v credible_a their_o will_n may_v be_v divert_v from_o utter_v the_o truth_n but_o this_o can_v be_v aver_v of_o the_o say_a author_n for_o if_o any_o do_v object_n and_o say_v that_o they_o act_v in_o their_o own_o cause_n and_o do_v their_o own_o business_n we_o must_v see_v why_o this_o shall_v be_v think_v their_o cause_n and_o interest_n not_o that_o they_o may_v get_v any_o thing_n by_o it_o in_o this_o world_n or_o thereby_o avoid_v any_o danger_n when_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o profession_n they_o both_o lose_v all_o the_o good_n of_o this_o world_n and_o venture_v upon_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n this_o therefore_o be_v not_o their_o cause_n and_o interest_n but_o only_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o god_n which_o sure_o do_v not_o persuade_v man_n to_o lie_v especial_o in_o such_o a_o business_n whereupon_o depend_v the_o everlasting_a salvation_n of_o mankind_n such_o a_o impious_a piece_n of_o villainy_n we_o can_v believe_v they_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o if_o we_o consider_v either_o their_o doctrine_n every_o where_o most_o full_a of_o piety_n or_o their_o life_n which_o be_v never_o yet_o accuse_v of_o any_o wicked_a deed_n 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
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 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sight_n the_o distinction_n of_o meat_n the_o sabbath_n and_o feast-day_n be_v but_o type_n and_o shadow_n of_o thing_n which_o exist_v in_o christ_n and_o in_o christian_n in_o like_a manner_n by_o occasion_n of_o mahumetism_n these_o admonition_n be_v give_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n foretell_v that_o after_o his_o time_n there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n which_o shall_v lie_v and_o say_v they_o be_v send_v of_o god_n but_o suppose_v that_o a_o angel_n shall_v come_v from_o heaven_n yet_o we_o may_v not_o receive_v or_o entertain_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v leave_v we_o confirm_v by_o so_o many_o testimony_n for_o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v unto_o the_o godly_a that_o live_v in_o time_n past_a have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n the_o lord_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o substance_n by_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v that_o ever_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v who_o uphold_v and_o govern_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o power_n and_o have_v purge_v our_o sin_n be_v now_o set_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o have_v obtain_v a_o dignity_n above_o angel_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v expect_v more_o magnificent_a than_o this_o lawgiver_n upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n christian_n be_v remember_v that_o the_o weapon_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o their_o christian_a warfare_n be_v not_o such_o as_o mahumet_n use_v but_o spiritual_a able_a to_o cast_v down_o strong_a hold_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n for_o our_o buckler_n we_o have_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o may_v repel_v the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o a_o breastplate_n we_o have_v righteousness_n or_o integrity_n of_o life_n the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v a_o helmet_n which_o may_v cover_v the_o weak_a part_n and_o for_o a_o sword_n we_o have_v word_n deliver_v from_o god_n which_o pierce_v into_o the_o most_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o this_o follow_v the_o exhortation_n to_o mutual_a concord_n which_o christ_n at_o his_o departure_n so_o solemn_o and_o with_o such_o earnestness_n commend_v unto_o his_o disciple_n there_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v many_o master_n and_o doctor_n among_o we_o but_o we_o must_v have_v one_o master_n even_o jesus_n christ_n all_o christian_n be_v baptize_v unto_o one_o name_n wherefore_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o sect_n or_o division_n among_o they_o for_o the_o cure_n and_o remedy_n of_o which_o evil_n those_o apostolical_a say_n be_v suggest_v as_o let_v no_o man_n think_v more_o high_o of_o himself_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v but_o let_v man_n be_v wise_a with_o sobriety_n according_a as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n if_o any_o do_v not_o so_o well_o conceive_v and_o right_o understand_v all_o thing_n as_o they_o ought_v than_o their_o weakness_n must_v be_v bear_v with_o that_o so_o without_o any_o brawling_n or_o fall_n out_o they_o may_v be_v sweet_o unite_v and_o knit_v together_o with_o we_o if_o any_o do_v excel_v the_o rest_n in_o understanding_n it_o be_v but_o meet_v also_o that_o they_o surpass_v they_o in_o love_n in_o holy_a affection_n and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v they_o good_a and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o in_o some_o point_n be_v of_o different_a opinion_n from_o such_o as_o hold_v the_o truth_n god_n leisure_n must_v be_v wait_v for_o until_o it_o please_v he_o to_o reveal_v the_o same_o truth_n that_o yet_o lie_v hide_v from_o they_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v agree_v upon_o must_v be_v steadfast_o keep_v and_o due_o practise_v we_o know_v now_o in_o part_n only_o but_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v when_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v know_v most_o plain_o and_o after_o a_o perspicuous_a manner_n this_o also_o i_o beg_v of_o every_o one_o that_o they_o do_v not_o unprofitable_o detain_v the_o talon_n commit_v to_o they_o upon_o trust_n but_o that_o they_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a to_o win_v other_o unto_o christ_n for_o which_o purpose_n we_o must_v not_o only_o use_v good_a exhortation_n and_o wholesome_a speech_n but_o also_o the_o example_n of_o good_a life_n that_o so_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o master_n may_v appear_v by_o his_o servant_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o law_n by_o our_o landable_a action_n last_o my_o discourse_n return_v thither_o where_o it_o begin_v i_o entreat_v such_o reader_n as_o be_v my_o countryman_n that_o if_o hereby_o they_o reap_v any_o good_a they_o will_v give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o it_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v less_o please_v to_o they_o they_o will_v have_v a_o regard_n both_o to_o the_o common_a infirmity_n of_o man_n nature_n that_o be_v prone_a to_o error_n and_o to_o the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o this_o work_n be_v rather_o hasty_o bring_v forth_o than_o elaborate_o compose_v the_o seven_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n against_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n the_o seven_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o a_o introduction_n show_v what_o make_v the_o addition_n of_o another_o book_n necessary_a if_o those_o apostolical_a exhortation_n which_o conclude_v the_o last_o book_n have_v be_v careful_o follow_v there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o say_v any_o more_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o man_n mind_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o the_o unhappy_a difference_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n and_o which_o be_v maintain_v with_o unspeakable_a animosity_n and_o hatred_n nay_o with_o anathema_n also_o which_o one_o part_n pronounce_v against_o the_o rest_n have_v make_v many_o man_n doubtful_a which_o of_o these_o hold_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n for_o which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o most_o earnest_o to_o contend_v and_o in_o this_o doubtfulness_n there_o be_v some_o who_o embrace_v none_o at_o all_o for_o we_o see_v the_o eastern_a church_n disjoint_v from_o the_o western_a and_o the_o western_a divide_v into_o three_o great_a part_n every_o one_o of_o which_o condemn_v the_o other_o two_o and_o all_o of_o they_o be_v subdivide_v into_o several_a little_a party_n by_o variety_n of_o opinion_n for_o which_o they_o contend_v with_o the_o same_o zeal_n that_o they_o do_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v thereby_o disgrace_v and_o repute_v by_o some_o to_o be_v of_o no_o great_a certainty_n than_o those_o dubious_a opinion_n sect_n ii_o division_n among_o christian_n no_o such_o objection_n against_o christianity_n as_o be_v imagine_v but_o to_o a_o consider_v man_n this_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n but_o rather_o confirm_v he_o more_o in_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n which_o every_o one_o of_o we_o ought_v to_o preserve_v with_o the_o great_a care_n as_o a_o most_o inestimable_a treasure_n for_o as_o this_o be_v common_a to_o every_o religion_n to_o have_v many_o dispute_v about_o it_o and_o different_a opinion_n in_o it_o and_o as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n foretell_v there_o will_v many_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a apostle_n and_o false_a prophet_n arise_v as_o be_v say_v before_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o forego_n book_n who_o will_v lie_v and_o say_v they_o be_v send_v when_o they_o be_v not_o introduce_v false_a doctrine_n and_o call_v they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o as_o they_o give_v we_o a_o good_a reason_n also_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o that_o man_n probity_n and_o sincerity_n may_v be_v try_v and_o bring_v hereby_o to_o the_o touchstone_n and_o that_o their_o diligence_n and_o care_n in_o preserve_a themselves_o may_v be_v exercise_v so_o bless_a be_v our_o lord_n the_o true_a christian_a religion_n be_v still_o retain_v and_o keep_v entire_a every_o where_n by_o all_o these_o disagree_a party_n notwithstanding_o the_o fierce_a quarrel_n they_o have_v one_o with_o another_o as_o appear_v by_o this_o which_o be_v a_o short_a easy_a and_o certain_a way_n to_o our_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o the_o faith_n into_o which_o they_o be_v all_o baptize_v be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o without_o any_o variation_n that_o be_v they_o all_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n at_o the_o very_a same_o gate_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o term_n and_o condition_n neither_o more_o nor_o less_o be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o title_n give_v they_o if_o they_o live_v according_a to_o this_o faith_n unto_o eternal_a salvation_n sect_n iii_o as_o appear_v even_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o have_v give_v the_o great_a scandal_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o which_o
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 live_v according_a to_o it_o give_v we_o a_o right_a to_o baptism_n herein_o indeed_o the_o roman_a church_n contradict_v itself_o in_o decree_a many_o other_o article_n of_o belief_n without_o which_o it_o declare_v man_n can_v be_v save_v and_o yet_o receive_v man_n at_o baptism_n into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n without_o demand_v their_o consent_n to_o any_o such_o article_n but_o so_o they_o do_v in_o many_o other_o thing_n and_o can_v avoid_v it_o while_o they_o forsake_v the_o ancient_a universal_a rule_n and_o set_v up_o their_o own_o private_a authority_n to_o impose_v what_o they_o please_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n sect_n iu._n but_o both_o contradict_v itself_o and_o depart_v from_o the_o ancient_n and_o true_o catholic_n church_n for_o that_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o will_v now_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o believe_v be_v ancient_o exact_v it_o appear_v most_o manifest_o by_o irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n to_o name_n not_o other_o in_o several_a place_n 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
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
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
which_o be_v plain_o and_o perspicuous_o enough_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n without_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o church_n infallible_a authority_n which_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o teach_v but_o by_o place_n far_o more_o doubtful_a sect_n xxii_o it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n therefore_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o scripture_n to_o this_o rule_n then_o let_v we_o stick_v keep_v those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n always_o in_o mind_n iii._o joh._n 21_o 22._o he_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v but_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n let_v that_o be_v his_o guide_n who_o will_v not_o go_v astray_o in_o dangerous_a path_n into_o which_o he_o can_v fall_v who_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n wherein_o all_o necessary_a truth_n be_v set_v down_o as_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o best_a doctor_n unanimous_o agree_v we_o be_v certain_a every_o way_n by_o believe_v they_o to_o believe_v all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o if_o our_o life_n be_v according_o without_o which_o they_o tell_v we_o our_o belief_n will_v be_v vain_a it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v fail_v of_o everlasting_a salvation_n to_o these_o alone_a as_o st._n austin_n speak_v for_o himself_o in_o his_o book_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n we_o owe_v a_o absolute_a consent_n without_o refuse_v any_o thing_n they_o propound_v to_o we_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v as_o his_o word_n be_v in_o his_o cxii_o epistle_n that_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o perspicuous_a authority_n of_o the_o divine_a scripture_n those_o viz._n which_o be_v canonical_a in_o the_o church_n it_o must_v be_v believe_v without_o any_o doubt_n but_o as_o for_o any_o other_o witness_n or_o testimony_n to_o which_o thou_o be_v persuade_v to_o give_v credit_n thou_o may_v believe_v they_o or_o not_o believe_v they_o according_a as_o thou_o perceive_v they_o to_o deserve_v or_o not_o deserve_v to_o be_v rely_v on_o a_o great_a reverence_n be_v due_a to_o the_o church_n and_o its_o testimony_n though_o less_o to_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n than_o other_o because_o it_o have_v so_o gross_o abuse_v the_o world_n by_o false_a record_n and_o forge_a miracle_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n yet_o only_o as_o to_o a_o humane_a testimony_n which_o can_v equal_v that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sect_n xxiii_o which_o have_v more_o manifest_a note_n of_o certainty_n than_o the_o church_n for_o if_o we_o take_v their_o own_o way_n and_o method_n to_o assure_v our_o mind_n that_o we_o follow_v a_o infallible_a guide_n there_o be_v no_o note_n which_o they_o give_v of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o they_o say_v aught_o to_o be_v our_o guide_n but_o plead_v far_o more_o strong_o for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o we_o shall_v rather_o follow_v they_o and_o give_v a_o undoubted_a credit_n to_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o run_v over_o all_o those_o note_n nor_o examine_v the_o certainty_n of_o they_o but_o only_o brief_o name_v some_o of_o they_o and_o show_v that_o if_o they_o prove_v any_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n above_o the_o church_n first_o they_o say_v the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v venerable_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v regard_v but_o as_o that_o name_n be_v not_o proper_a to_o they_o alone_o so_o if_o there_o be_v any_o power_n in_o name_n to_o make_v we_o respect_v any_o thing_n what_o more_o awful_a than_o the_o name_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o be_v always_o give_v to_o these_o book_n to_o which_o we_o advise_v all_o christian_n to_o adhere_v the_o next_o note_n which_o be_v antiquity_n be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o scripture_n also_o which_o more_o just_o claim_v to_o be_v ancient_a than_o all_o other_o book_n which_o pretend_v to_o any_o divinity_n than_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v claim_v to_o be_v ancient_a than_o all_o other_o society_n which_o call_v themselves_o by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n nay_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o must_v be_v suppose_v as_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v before_o the_o church_n which_o be_v make_v by_o belief_n and_o profession_n of_o that_o doctrine_n and_o the_o old_a testament_n certain_o write_v long_o before_o the_o church_n be_v make_v catholic_n as_o for_o unity_n in_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o comparable_a to_o the_o scripture_n who_o agreement_n and_o consent_n of_o part_n be_v admirable_a and_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o sure_a bond_n of_o true_a catholic_n unity_n it_o be_v as_o manifest_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o and_o preserve_v we_o in_o it_o if_o we_o adhere_v to_o they_o by_o keep_v we_o close_o to_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o have_v usurp_v the_o name_n of_o catholic_n make_v this_o bless_a unity_n impossible_a for_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n to_o it_o either_o that_o we_o all_o agree_v in_o our_o opinion_n about_o religion_n or_o that_o while_o we_o differ_v it_o be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o communion_n they_o have_v make_v the_o latter_a as_o impossible_a as_o the_o former_a because_o they_o make_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o communion_n and_o salvation_n to_o believe_v in_o every_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o holiness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o doctrine_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o church_n speak_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n sanctity_n of_o the_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o can_v be_v know_v but_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o glory_n of_o miracle_n the_o light_n of_o prophecy_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o touch_v upon_o one_o more_o the_o amplitude_n and_o universality_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o make_v their_o boast_n but_o herein_o the_o scripture_n most_o evident_o excel_v their_o authority_n be_v there_o sacred_a where_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o note_n these_o be_v be_v not_o know_v or_o not_o regard_v for_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n of_o whatsoever_o sect_n they_o be_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n whereas_o they_o alone_o say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n all_o christian_n beside_o who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o pretence_n of_o they_o absolute_o deny_v it_o and_o maintain_v the_o divinity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n against_o all_o their_o cavil_n sect_n xxiv_o the_o great_a encouragement_n we_o have_v to_o do_v so_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n then_o we_o follow_v the_o sure_a guide_n by_o their_o own_o confession_n for_o first_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o be_v certain_o lead_v by_o god_n but_o by_o follow_v the_o church_n we_o be_v only_o lead_v by_o men._n and_o consequent_o the_o faith_n we_o build_v upon_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o divine_a faith_n but_o the_o faith_n we_o build_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n mere_o can_v be_v no_o more_o than_o humane_a for_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_o and_o ample_o prove_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n by_o all_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v allege_v in_o the_o three_o book_n of_o this_o work_n the_o like_a to_o which_o can_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n which_o can_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v that_o god_n have_v bid_v we_o believe_v it_o but_o by_o send_v we_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o whence_o it_o derive_v all_o its_o authority_n which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o here_o i_o will_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o transcribe_v part_n of_o the_o discourse_n of_o a_o great_a man_n on_o this_o subject_a with_o some_o addition_n that_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o follow_v that_o which_o they_o themselves_o be_v force_v to_o follow_v as_o be_v note_v before_o and_o on_o which_o they_o entire_o depend_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o their_o own_o authority_n on_o which_o they_o will_v have_v we_o entire_o depend_v who_o have_v reason_n rather_o to_o rely_v on_o that_o which_o they_o rely_v and_o in_o so_o do_v tacit_o confess_v the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o that_o they_o be_v sure_a of_o their_o truth_n than_o of_o the_o church_n infallibility_n and_o three_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o follow_v that_o which_o must_v be_v true_a if_o their_o church_n which_o they_o will_v have_v we_o follow_v have_v any_o truth_n in_o it_o for_o their_o church_n can_v but_o give_v attestation_n to_o they_o whereas_o if_o we_o follow_v their_o church_n we_o must_v follow_v that_o which_o