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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n christian_a church_n true_a 4,006 5 4.8519 4 true
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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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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 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year_n after_o 146._o after_o epist_n claud._n sarrav_n p._n 146._o 1645_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o grotius_n will_v always_o be_v account_v a_o great_a man_n by_o you_o and_o i_o and_o by_o all_o that_o love_n equity_n and_o goodness_n for_o he_o be_v full_a of_o envy_n who_o deny_v due_a praise_n to_o such_o a_o hero_n and_o a_o little_a while_n after_o hear_v of_o the_o news_n of_o his_o death_n he_o most_o sad_o bewail_v it_o 171._o it_o ib._n p._n 171._o as_o the_o extinction_n of_o the_o bright_a star_n of_o that_o age_n who_o name_n will_v be_v great_a as_o long_o as_o either_o book_n or_o learning_n be_v in_o honour_n and_o while_o he_o have_v breath_n he_o say_v he_o will_v glory_v in_o this_o that_o he_o once_o have_v familiar_a acquaintance_n with_o a_o man_n who_o be_v re_fw-mi &_o nomine_fw-la magnus_fw-la no_o less_o great_a indeed_o than_o his_o name_n import_v this_o affection_n he_o seem_v to_o have_v carry_v with_o he_o to_o his_o grave_n and_o honour_v his_o memory_n at_o such_o a_o rate_n that_o in_o the_o year_n 1648._o he_o still_o say_v he_o be_v proud_a of_o the_o friendship_n of_o that_o man_n by_o who_o to_o have_v be_v know_v be_v glorious_a and_o who_o will_v be_v reverence_v in_o all_o future_a age_n in_o conclusion_n he_o call_v he_o that_o bless_a soul_n even_o after_o he_o himself_o have_v pronounce_v this_o sentence_n against_o grotius_n 196._o grotius_n ib._n p._n 196._o that_o he_o favour_v the_o papist_n and_o not_o only_o yield_v too_o much_o to_o they_o in_o his_o late_a write_n but_o express_v too_o much_o disaffection_n to_o the_o reform_a in_o those_o country_n all_o this_o he_o candid_o pass_v over_o with_o this_o censure_n 146._o censure_n ib._n p._n 146._o he_o be_v the_o best_a man_n who_o have_v few_o fault_n for_o there_o be_v no_o body_n to_o be_v find_v without_o some_o and_o the_o same_o favourable_a judgement_n i_o suppose_v all_o serious_a and_o consider_a man_n will_v pass_v upon_o he_o now_o and_o not_o 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do_v when_o the_o controversy_n arise_v between_o they_o and_o the_o christian_n if_o ever_o it_o have_v be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o have_v change_v what_o they_o list_v the_o four_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o a_o particular_a confutation_n of_o the_o religion_n opposite_a to_o christianity_n the_o four_o book_n begin_v with_o that_o pleasure_n which_o many_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o take_v in_o behold_v the_o danger_n wherein_o other_o be_v while_o they_o be_v in_o none_o themselves_o show_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o great_a pleasure_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n in_o this_o life_n not_o only_o to_o rejoice_v and_o bless_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v find_v out_o the_o truth_n but_o to_o lend_v his_o help_n also_o to_o other_o that_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o labyrinth_n of_o error_n and_o to_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n which_o we_o in_o some_o measure_n have_v endeavour_v to_o do_v in_o the_o former_a book_n the_o demonstration_n of_o that_o which_o be_v true_a contain_v in_o itself_o the_o confutation_n of_o what_o be_v false_a yet_o in_o regard_n that_o all_o kind_n of_o religion_n which_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o the_o christian_a viz._n paganism_n judaisme_n and_o mahometism_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o have_v certain_a error_n proper_a to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o and_o their_o peculiar_a argument_n which_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o oppose_v we_o withal_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o make_v a_o particular_a disputation_n against_o every_o one_o of_o these_o first_o beseech_v the_o reader_n to_o free_v their_o judgement_n from_o lean_v to_o a_o party_n and_o from_o long_a custom_n and_o prejudice_n as_o impediment_n of_o a_o good_a mind_n that_o with_o the_o great_a indifferency_n they_o may_v take_v cognizance_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v say_v sect_n ii_o and_o first_o of_o paganism_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n create_v spirit_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a the_o good_a not_o to_o be_v honour_v but_o as_o the_o most_o high_a god_n direct_v to_o begin_v then_o against_o pagan_n if_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a eternal_a and_o coequal_a god_n we_o have_v confute_v this_o opinion_n before_o in_o the_o first_o book_n where_o we_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v but_o only_o one_o god_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n or_o if_o they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n do_v understand_v the_o create_v spirit_n which_o be_v superior_a to_o man_n they_o then_o either_o mean_v the_o good_a or_o the_o bad_a if_o they_o say_v the_o good_a first_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o such_o be_v so_o indeed_o otherwise_o they_o commit_v a_o dangerous_a error_n in_o receive_v enemy_n in_o stead_n of_o friend_n and_o traitor_n for_o ambassador_n then_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v in_o their_o very_a worship_n make_v a_o evident_a difference_n between_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o those_o spirit_n and_o likewise_o be_v satisfy_v what_o order_n there_o be_v among_o they_o what_o good_a may_v be_v expect_v from_o each_o of_o they_o and_o what_o honour_n the_o most_o high_a be_v willing_a shall_v be_v bestow_v on_o every_o one_o of_o they_o all_o which_o being_n want_v in_o their_o religion_n it_o be_v plain_a from_o thence_o how_o uncertain_a that_o religion_n be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v a_o safe_a course_n for_o they_o to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o one_o almighty_a god_n which_o even_o plato_n confess_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o wise_a man_n special_o for_o that_o to_o whosoever_o god_n be_v propitious_a and_o favourable_a to_o they_o these_o good_a angel_n must_v needs_o be_v serviceable_a and_o gracious_a be_v the_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a sect_n iii_o evil_a spirit_n adore_v by_o pagan_n and_o how_o impious_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v but_o it_o be_v the_o bad_a not_o the_o good_a spirit_n which_o the_o pagan_n do_v worship_v as_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o weighty_a reason_n first_o because_o these_o adore_a angel_n do_v not_o throw_v off_o their_o worshipper_n unto_o the_o service_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v labour_v to_o abolish_v the_o same_o or_o at_o least_o in_o every_o respect_n require_v equal_a honour_n with_o the_o almighty_a second_o because_o they_o procure_v all_o the_o mischief_n they_o can_v to_o the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o one_o most_o high_a god_n by_o provoke_v both_o magistrate_n and_o people_n to_o inflict_v punishment_n upon_o they_o for_o when_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o poet_n to_o sing_v of_o the_o murder_n and_o adultery_n commit_v by_o the_o god_n and_o for_o the_o epicure_n to_o take_v away_o all_o divine_a providence_n and_o any_o other_o religion_n though_o never_o
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
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 lord_n treasure_n and_o in_o that_o let_v we_o weigh_v what_o be_v most_o ponderous_a or_o rather_o let_v not_o we_o weigh_v but_o acknowledge_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v already_o weigh_v by_o the_o lord_n yes_o say_v they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o will_v be_v put_v into_o that_o balance_n and_o try_v by_o the_o scripture_n but_o not_o by_o they_o alone_o which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o refuse_v to_o be_v try_v by_o they_o for_o they_o give_v testimony_n to_o their_o own_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n and_o plainness_n too_o in_o thing_n necessary_a and_o so_o do_v all_o other_o christian_a writer_n that_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n who_o do_v not_o send_v we_o to_o turn_v over_o we_o know_v not_o how_o many_o other_o volume_n but_o tell_v we_o here_o we_o may_v be_v abundant_o satisfy_v in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n constantine_n the_o father_n of_o constantius_n now_o mention_v admonish_v the_o bishop_n in_o the_o famous_a council_n of_o nice_a to_o consult_v with_o these_o heavenly_a inspire_a write_n as_o their_o guide_n and_o rule_n in_o all_o their_o debate_n because_o they_o perspicuous_o instruct_v we_o as_o his_o very_a word_n be_v what_o to_o believe_v in_o divine_a thing_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v he_o tell_v they_o to_o fetch_v from_o thence_o the_o resolution_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o shall_v come_v in_o question_n to_o which_o cardinal_n bellarmine_n indeed_o be_v please_v to_o say_v that_o constantine_n true_o be_v a_o great_a emperor_n but_o no_o great_a doctor_n but_o as_o herein_o he_o speak_v too_o scornful_o of_o he_o so_o he_o reflect_v no_o less_o upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n of_o those_o venerable_a father_n assemble_v in_o that_o council_n which_o as_o theodoret_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n be_v compose_v of_o man_n excel_v in_o apostolical_a gift_n and_o many_o of_o they_o carry_v in_o their_o body_n the_o mark_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o be_v for_o the_o far_o great_a part_n a_o multitude_n of_o martyr_n assemble_v together_o who_o all_o consent_v unto_o and_o follow_v this_o wholesome_a counsel_n of_o the_o emperor_n as_o he_o there_o testify_v know_v he_o do_v but_o speak_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o true_o catholic_n church_n which_o do_v not_o mere_o bid_v man_n hear_v it_o and_o bring_v all_o doctrine_n to_o its_o touchstone_n but_o confess_v plain_o that_o even_o the_o church_n itself_o must_v be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v the_o express_a sentence_n of_o the_o same_o s._n austin_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n where_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n he_o say_v the_o question_n than_o be_v as_o it_o be_v now_o where_o be_v the_o church_n now_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v say_v he_o seek_v for_o it_o in_o our_o own_o word_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o head_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n i_o think_v we_o ought_v to_o seek_v it_o rather_o in_o his_o word_n who_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o best_a know_v his_o own_o body_n and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n thus_o proceed_v let_v we_o not_o hear_v thus_o say_v i_o and_o thus_o say_v thou_o but_o let_v we_o hear_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o lord_n book_n there_o be_v certain_o to_o who_o authority_n we_o both_o consent_n we_o both_o believe_v we_o both_o yield_v obedience_n there_o let_v we_o seek_v the_o church_n there_o let_v we_o discuss_v our_o cause_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o the_o author_n of_o the_o imperfect_a work_n upon_o st._n matthew_n carry_v the_o name_n of_o s._n chrysostome_n declare_v this_o so_o full_o that_o it_o leave_v no_o doubt_n in_o we_o what_o course_n they_o take_v for_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o business_n heretofore_o say_v he_o there_o be_v many_o way_n whereby_o one_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o be_v gentilism_n but_o now_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o the_o scripture_n why_o so_o because_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o belong_v proper_o to_o christ_n in_o truth_n and_o reality_n those_o heresy_n have_v also_o in_o show_n and_o in_o appearance_n they_o have_v scripture_n baptism_n eucharist_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n even_o christ_n himself_o like_o as_o we_o have_v therefore_o if_o any_o one_o will_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n how_o shall_v he_o know_v it_o in_o such_o a_o confusion_n of_o multitude_n but_o only_o by_o the_o scripture_n which_o he_o repeat_v over_o again_o a_o little_a after_o he_o therefore_o that_o will_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n how_o shall_v he_o know_v it_o but_o by_o the_o scripture_n to_o they_o let_v we_o go_v and_o in_o they_o let_v we_o rest_v and_o if_o you_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v we_o say_v to_o the_o romanist_n as_o athanasius_n do_v to_o the_o follower_n of_o apolinarius_n in_o his_o book_n about_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o speak_v unrighteous_o against_o the_o lord_n but_o walk_v in_o what_o be_v write_v and_o do_v but_o if_o you_o will_v talk_v of_o different_a thing_n from_o what_o be_v write_v why_o do_v you_o contend_v with_o we_o who_o dare_v not_o hear_v nor_o speak_v beside_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v our_o lord_n tell_v we_o if_o you_o abide_v in_o the_o word_n even_o in_o my_o word_n you_o shall_v be_v free_a indeed_o what_o immodest_a frenzy_n be_v this_o to_o speak_v thing_n which_o be_v not_o write_v and_o to_o devise_v thing_n which_o be_v stranger_n to_o piety_n to_o which_o if_o we_o faithful_o adhere_v there_o be_v this_o to_o be_v add_v for_o our_o encouragement_n that_o though_o we_o
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
all_o shall_v be_v man_n happiness_n after_o this_o life_n see_v then_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o a_o nature_n that_o in_o itself_o have_v no_o ground_n or_o cause_n of_o its_o own_o corruption_n and_o see_v also_o that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o many_o sign_n and_o token_n whereby_o we_o ought_v to_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n the_o soul_n shall_v survive_v the_o body_n what_o more_o noble_a end_n can_v be_v propound_v to_o man_n than_o the_o state_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o in_o effect_n be_v the_o same_o that_o plato_n and_o the_o pythagorean_n speak_v of_o say_v that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o man_n if_o he_o can_v become_v most_o like_a unto_o god_n sect_n xxv_o which_o to_o obtain_v man_n must_v get_v the_o true_a religion_n now_o what_o this_o happiness_n be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v man_n may_v search_v by_o probable_a conjecture_n but_o if_o any_o thing_n concern_v this_o matter_n be_v reveal_v by_o god_n that_o must_v be_v hold_v for_o a_o most_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n which_o since_o christian_a religion_n pretend_v to_o bring_v unto_o we_o above_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v examine_v in_o the_o next_o book_n whether_o or_o not_o man_n ought_v to_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o and_o assure_o build_v their_o faith_n thereon_o the_o second_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o our_o purpose_n in_o this_o second_o book_n to_o handle_v all_o the_o point_n of_o christianity_n but_o after_o our_o hearty_a prayer_n make_v to_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o heaven_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v for_o such_o a_o work_n we_o shall_v only_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n itself_o be_v most_o true_a and_o certain_a which_o i_o thus_o begin_v sect_n ii_o here_o be_v show_v that_o jesus_n live_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n who_o live_v heretofore_o in_o judaea_n when_o tiberius_n be_v emperor_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o only_o most_o constant_o profess_v by_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v scatter_v over_o the_o face_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n but_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o jew_n who_o now_o be_v or_o ever_o write_v since_o those_o time_n nay_o the_o very_a pagan_a writer_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v neither_o of_o the_o jewish_a nor_o christian_a religion_n namely_o suetonius_n tacitus_n pliny_n the_o young_a and_o many_o more_o after_o they_o do_v testify_v the_o same_o sect_n iii_o and_o be_v put_v to_o a_o ignominious_a death_n that_o the_o same_o jesus_n be_v nail_v to_o a_o cross_n by_o pontius_n pilate_n governor_n of_o judaea_n be_v confess_v also_o by_o all_o christian_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v very_o disgraceful_a to_o they_o to_o be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o such_o a_o lord_n the_o jew_n also_o do_v the_o like_a though_o they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o upon_o this_o account_n they_o be_v very_o odious_a to_o christian_n in_o who_o dominion_n they_o live_v because_o their_o ancestor_n be_v the_o man_n that_o move_v pilate_n and_o persuade_v he_o to_o pass_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n upon_o jesus_n the_o pagan_a writer_n also_o now_o name_v have_v deliver_v the_o same_o to_o posterity_n yea_o the_o act_n of_o pilate_n be_v extant_a a_o long_a time_n after_o from_o whence_o this_o may_v have_v be_v prove_v to_o which_o christian_n never_o make_v their_o appeal_n for_o neither_o do_v julian_n himself_o nor_o any_o other_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n ever_o make_v doubt_n hereof_o so_o that_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o more_o certain_a story_n than_o this_o which_o we_o see_v may_v be_v confirm_v not_o only_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o few_o man_n but_o also_o by_o the_o approbation_n of_o several_a nation_n otherwise_o disagree_v and_o jar_v among_o themselves_o sect_n iv_o yet_o afterward_o be_v worship_v by_o prudent_a and_o godly_a men._n all_o which_o though_o it_o be_v most_o true_a yet_o we_o see_v how_o that_o throughout_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v worship_v as_o lord_n and_o that_o not_o in_o our_o day_n only_o or_o those_o which_o be_v late_o pass_v but_o ever_o since_o the_o time_n that_o this_o be_v do_v to_o wit_n ever_o since_o the_o reign_n of_o nero_n the_o emperor_n when_o many_o people_n that_o profess_v this_o worship_n of_o christ_n and_o christian_a religion_n be_v for_o that_o cause_n torture_v and_o put_v to_o death_n as_o tacitus_n and_o other_o do_v witness_n sect_n v._o the_o cause_n whereof_o be_v for_o that_o in_o his_o life_n time_n there_o be_v miracle_n do_v by_o he_o now_o among_o such_o as_o profess_a christianity_n there_o be_v always_o many_o person_n who_o be_v both_o judicious_a and_o not_o unlearned_a such_o as_o to_o say_v nothing_o now_o of_o the_o jew_n sergius_n governor_n of_o cyprus_n dionysius_n areopagita_n polycarpus_n justinus_n irenaeus_n athenagoras_n origen_n tertullian_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n with_o divers_a other_o who_o almost_o all_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o other_o religion_n and_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o any_o wealth_n or_o preferment_n by_o christianity_n yet_o become_v worshipper_n of_o this_o man_n that_o die_v so_o ignominious_a a_o death_n and_o exhibit_v due_a honour_n to_o he_o as_o god_n of_o which_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v but_o this_o alone_a that_o they_o make_v diligent_a enquiry_n as_o become_v prudent_a man_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o find_v that_o what_o be_v bruit_v abroad_o concern_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n be_v true_a and_o rely_v upon_o firm_a witness_n as_o the_o cure_n and_o that_o with_o his_o word_n only_o and_o before_o all_o the_o people_n divers_z grievous_a and_o inveterate_a disease_n the_o restore_n of_o sight_n to_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a the_o multiply_a of_o a_o few_o loaf_n more_o than_o once_o for_o the_o feed_v many_o thousand_o who_o can_v testify_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o recall_v of_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o and_o many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n the_o report_n of_o which_o thing_n have_v then_o such_o a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a original_n that_o neither_o celsus_n nor_o julian_n when_o they_o write_v against_o christian_n dare_v deny_v there_o be_v some_o prodigy_n do_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o hebrew_n in_o the_o talmudical_a book_n do_v open_o confess_v it_o sect_n vi_o which_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v either_o by_o the_o help_n of_o nature_n or_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o mere_o by_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o god._n that_o these_o wondrous_a work_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o any_o natural_a power_n it_o be_v manifest_a by_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o they_o be_v call_v wonder_n and_o miracle_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a by_o the_o force_n of_o nature_n that_o any_o grievous_a disease_n and_o infirmity_n shall_v be_v cure_v mere_o by_o a_o man_n voice_n or_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o touch_n and_o that_o even_o upon_o a_o sudden_a and_o if_o such_o work_n can_v have_v any_o way_n be_v ascribe_v to_o a_o natural_a efficacy_n it_o will_v have_v be_v say_v before_o now_o either_o by_o those_o that_o be_v profess_a enemy_n of_o christ_n while_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n or_o by_o those_o that_o have_v be_v adversary_n of_o his_o gospel_n since_o his_o death_n by_o the_o like_a argument_n we_o may_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o juggle_a delusion_n because_o they_o be_v do_v open_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o people_n among_o who_o divers_a of_o the_o learned_a sort_n do_v malign_v and_o bear_v ill_a will_n unto_o christ_n not_o without_o envy_n observe_v all_o that_o he_o do_v add_v further_o that_o the_o like_a work_n be_v often_o iterate_v and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o be_v not_o transitory_a but_o permanent_a and_o durable_a all_o which_o be_v due_o ponder_v it_o must_v needs_o follow_v as_o the_o jew_n have_v confess_v that_o these_o work_v proceed_v from_o a_o more_o than_o natural_a or_o humane_a power_n that_o be_v from_o some_o spirit_n either_o good_a or_o evil_n that_o they_o proceed_v not_o from_o any_o evil_a spirit_n may_v be_v prove_v because_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o confirmation_n whereof_o these_o work_n be_v wrought_v be_v quite_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a to_o bad_a spirit_n for_o it_o prohibit_v the_o worship_v of_o evil_a angel_n and_o dissuade_v man_n from_o all_o uncleanness_n of_o affection_n and_o manner_n wherein_o such_o spirit_n be_v much_o delight_v and_o this_o be_v also_o plain_a for_o that_o wheresoever_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v receive_v and_o establish_v there_o follow_v
for_o the_o love_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o such_o a_o religion_n be_v induce_v to_o tell_v untruth_n beside_o these_o man_n be_v of_o a_o upright_a conversation_n their_o life_n be_v spotless_a and_o unblameable_a even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o adversary_n who_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o they_o save_v their_o simplicity_n which_o of_o all_o other_o disposition_n be_v the_o most_o unlikely_a to_o forge_v a_o lie_n nay_o there_o be_v none_o among_o these_o primitive_a christian_n whereof_o we_o speak_v who_o do_v not_o suffer_v grievous_a torment_n for_o profess_v that_o jesus_n be_v rise_v and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v put_v unto_o most_o exquisite_a pain_n of_o death_n for_o bear_v testimony_n of_o the_o same_o now_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n may_v be_v content_a to_o endure_v such_o thing_n for_o some_o opinion_n which_o he_o have_v conceive_v and_o real_o believe_v in_o his_o mind_n yet_o that_o for_o a_o falsehood_n which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v so_o not_o only_o some_o one_o man_n but_o a_o great_a many_o man_n who_o be_v like_a to_o gain_v nothing_o at_o all_o by_o make_v that_o falsehood_n to_o be_v believe_v shall_v consent_v to_o suffer_v such_o cruel_a torment_n be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o incredible_a now_o that_o these_o be_v not_o madman_n both_o their_o conversation_n and_o their_o writing_n do_v abundant_o testify_v likewise_o what_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o first_o apostle_n may_v also_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n who_o open_o teach_v that_o he_o see_v christ_n sit_v in_o heaven_n who_o also_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o any_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n nor_o may_v he_o have_v want_v dignity_n and_o preferment_n if_o he_o will_v have_v follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o his_o father_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n he_o become_v liable_a to_o the_o hatred_n and_o malignity_n of_o his_o kinsfolk_n and_o engage_v himself_o to_o undertake_v difficult_a dangerous_a and_o laborious_a travel_n through_o the_o world_n and_o last_o of_o all_o to_o undergo_v a_o disgraceful_a death_n and_o torment_n sect_n viii_o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o resurrection_n seem_v impossible_a such_o and_o so_o great_a testimony_n no_o man_n can_v disprove_v or_o gainsay_v unless_o some_o will_v reply_v that_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v for_o so_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n as_o they_o speak_v howbeit_o that_o can_v be_v affirm_v of_o this_o matter_n it_o may_v indeed_o if_o one_o can_v say_v that_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o man_n live_v and_o die_v at_o the_o self_n same_o time_n but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v restore_v from_o death_n to_o life_n especial_o by_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o he_o who_o first_o give_v life_n and_o be_v unto_o man_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v account_v for_o a_o thing_n impossible_a neither_o have_v it_o be_v thought_n impossible_a by_o wise_a man_n for_o plato_n write_v that_o this_o be_v do_v to_o eris_n a_o armenian_a and_o the_o like_a be_v relate_v of_o a_o certain_a woman_n by_o heraclide_n a_o philosopher_n of_o pontus_n of_o aristaeus_n by_o herodotus_n and_o of_o another_o by_o plutarch_n all_o which_o whether_o true_a or_o false_a do_v show_v that_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n the_o thing_n be_v conceive_v to_o be_v possible_a sect_n ix_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n be_v grant_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n be_v confirm_v now_o if_o it_o be_v neither_o impossible_a that_o christ_n shall_v return_v to_o life_n again_o and_o it_o do_v sufficient_o appear_v by_o great_a testimony_n wherewith_o rabbi_n bechai_n a_o master_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o convince_v that_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o thing_n and_o this_o christ_n himself_o also_o as_o both_o his_o disciple_n and_o other_o confess_v do_v publish_v a_o new_a doctrine_n as_o by_o a_o divine_a commandment_n true_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o that_o doctrine_n be_v true_a for_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v with_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o wisdom_n to_o honour_v he_o after_o so_o excellent_a a_o manner_n who_o have_v commit_v the_o crime_n of_o falsify_v in_o so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n especial_o consider_v that_o before_o his_o death_n he_o have_v foretell_v to_o his_o disciple_n both_o his_o death_n and_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o and_o his_o resurrection_n to_o life_n again_o add_v this_o withal_o that_o these_o thing_n shall_v therefore_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o may_v testify_v and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o argument_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o fact_n themselves_o which_o be_v do_v let_v we_o proceed_v to_o those_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o his_o doctrine_n sect_n x._o christian_a religion_n prefer_v before_o all_o other_o and_o here_o true_o we_o must_v say_v that_o either_o all_o kind_n of_o divine_a worship_n whatsoever_o must_v be_v reject_v and_o utter_o banish_v from_o among_o man_n which_o impiety_n will_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o one_o that_o can_v believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o take_v care_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o withal_o consider_v how_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o excellency_n of_o understanding_n and_o liberty_n to_o choose_v what_o be_v moral_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v capable_a as_o of_o reward_n so_o of_o punishment_n or_o else_o this_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o approve_v of_o for_o the_o very_o best_a not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o outward_a testimony_n of_o work_n and_o miracle_n aforesaid_a but_o also_o in_o consideration_n of_o such_o inward_a and_o essential_a property_n as_o be_v agree_v thereunto_o namely_o because_o there_o be_v not_o neither_o ever_o be_v there_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v either_o more_o honourable_a for_o excellency_n of_o reward_n or_o more_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a for_o precept_n or_o more_o admirable_a for_o the_o manner_n according_a to_o which_o it_o be_v command_v to_o be_v propagate_v and_o divulge_v sect_n xi_o for_o excellency_n of_o reward_n for_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o reward_n that_o be_v at_o the_o end_n propound_v to_o man_n which_o though_o it_o be_v the_o last_o in_o fruition_n and_o execution_n yet_o be_v it_o the_o first_o in_o his_o intention_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o plain_a or_o express_v covenant_n of_o the_o law_n we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o there_o promise_v save_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n as_o namely_o a_o fruitful_a land_n abundance_n of_o corn_n and_o victual_n victory_n over_o their_o enemy_n soundness_n of_o body_n length_n of_o day_n the_o comfortable_a blessing_n of_o a_o hopeful_a issue_n and_o survive_a posterity_n and_o the_o like_a for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n beyond_o it_o be_v involve_v in_o dark_a shadow_n or_o must_v be_v collect_v by_o wise_a and_o difficult_a reason_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o many_o in_o particular_a the_o sadducee_n who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v follower_n and_o observer_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n have_v no_o hope_n of_o enjoy_v any_o happiness_n after_o this_o life_n as_o for_o the_o grecian_n who_o receive_v their_o learning_n from_o the_o chaldean_n and_o egyptian_n and_o have_v some_o hope_n in_o another_o world_n after_o this_o life_n be_v end_v they_o speak_v thereof_o after_o a_o very_a doubtful_a manner_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o disputation_n of_o socrates_n by_o the_o write_n of_o tully_n seneca_n and_o other_o and_o the_o argument_n they_o produce_v for_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o uncertainty_n prove_v no_o more_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o man_n than_o of_o a_o beast_n which_o while_o some_o of_o they_o observe_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o imagine_v that_o soul_n be_v translate_v and_o convey_v from_o man_n to_o beast_n and_o again_o from_o beast_n into_o men._n but_o because_o this_o opinion_n be_v not_o confirm_v by_o any_o testimony_n or_o ground_v upon_o certain_a reason_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o there_o be_v some_o end_n propose_v to_o man_n action_n therefore_o other_o be_v induce_v to_o think_v that_o virtue_n be_v the_o end_n or_o reward_v of_o man_n endeavour_n and_o that_o a_o wise_a man_n be_v happy_a enough_o even_o though_o he_o be_v put_v into_o that_o torment_a brazen_a bull_n make_v by_o phalaris_n howbeit_o this_o fancy_n be_v just_o distasteful_a and_o improbable_a to_o another_o sort_n who_o see_v well_o enough_o that_o man_n happiness_n especial_o the_o high_a can_v not_o consist_v in_o any_o
thus_o be_v there_o one_o way_n in_o mathematics_n another_o in_o physics_n a_o three_o in_o matter_n of_o advice_n and_o counsel_n and_o last_o another_o kind_n when_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v in_o question_n wherein_o very_o we_o must_v rest_v content_a when_o the_o testimony_n be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o untruth_n otherwise_o down_o go_v not_o only_o all_o the_o use_n of_o history_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o art_n of_o physic_n but_o all_o the_o piety_n also_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v between_o parent_n and_o child_n which_o can_v be_v know_v other_o way_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o almighty_a god_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v so_o that_o the_o very_a belief_n thereof_o may_v be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o obedience_n shall_v not_o so_o evident_o appear_v as_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v apprehend_v by_o sense_n and_o plain_a demonstration_n but_o only_o be_v so_o far_o forth_o reveal_v as_o may_v beget_v faith_n and_o a_o persuasion_n thereof_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o obstinate_a that_o so_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v as_o a_o touchstone_n whereby_o man_n disposition_n may_v be_v try_v whether_o they_o be_v curable_a or_o not_o for_o see_v these_o argument_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v have_v induce_v so_o many_o honest_a godly_a and_o wise_a man_n to_o approve_v of_o this_o religion_n it_o be_v thereby_o plain_a enough_o that_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n infidelity_n be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a testimony_n but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o have_v that_o to_o be_v have_v and_o embrace_v for_o truth_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o affection_n and_o desire_n it_o be_v that_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o they_o to_o make_v no_o great_a account_n of_o honour_n and_o other_o worldly_a advantage_n which_o they_o must_v do_v if_o they_o receive_v what_o christ_n have_v teach_v and_o so_o become_v engage_v to_o observe_v his_o precept_n which_o be_v discover_v to_o be_v true_a by_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o they_o take_v many_o other_o historical_a narration_n to_o be_v true_a which_o notwithstanding_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o mere_o by_o authority_n and_o not_o by_o any_o such_o footstep_n of_o they_o remain_v at_o this_o day_n as_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n have_v partly_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v now_o in_o be_v and_o partly_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v every_o where_o find_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_a people_n of_o which_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v there_o be_v some_o cause_n last_o see_v the_o long_a duration_n or_o continuance_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o large_a extent_n thereof_o can_v be_v ascribe_v to_o no_o humane_a power_n therefore_o it_o must_v be_v attribute_v to_o miracle_n or_o if_o any_o deny_v that_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v through_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n this_o very_a get_v so_o great_a strength_n and_o power_n without_o a_o miracle_n may_v be_v just_o think_v to_o surpass_v any_o miracle_n the_o three_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n after_o that_o a_o man_n be_v once_o persuade_v by_o the_o reason_n abovesaid_a or_o be_v induce_v by_o any_o other_o argument_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o religion_n which_o christian_n profess_v be_v the_o true_a and_o absolute_o the_o best_a if_o he_o desire_v to_o learn_v all_o the_o part_n thereof_o then_o must_v he_o have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o most_o ancient_a writing_n that_o contain_v the_o same_o religion_n which_o common_o we_o call_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o rather_o new_a covenant_n for_o he_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a who_o deny_v this_o religion_n to_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o book_n as_o all_o christian_n affirm_v since_o it_o be_v but_o equity_n to_o believe_v every_o sect_n be_v it_o good_a or_o be_v it_o bad_a when_o it_o say_v its_o opinion_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o book_n as_o we_o believe_v the_o mahometan_n that_o the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o alcoran_n forasmuch_o then_o as_o we_o have_v before_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v most_o true_a and_o it_o be_v manifest_a withal_o that_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o book_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n yet_o this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v and_o avouch_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n but_o if_o any_o body_n require_v a_o more_o particular_a demonstration_n of_o it_o i_o must_v first_o lay_v down_o this_o rule_n which_o all_o indifferent_a judge_n will_v allow_v that_o it_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o he_o who_o will_v impugn_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o writing_n receive_v for_o many_o age_n to_o produce_v argument_n which_o prove_v that_o write_v to_o be_v false_a which_o if_o he_o can_v do_v that_o book_n be_v to_o be_v defend_v as_o in_o possession_n of_o its_o authority_n sect_n ii_o here_o be_v show_v that_o such_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o have_v prefix_v we_o say_v then_o that_o those_o book_n which_o be_v not_o in_o question_n among_o christian_n and_o carry_v before_o they_o a_o certain_a name_n be_v the_o very_a work_n of_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v because_o those_o primitive_a father_n justin_n irenaeus_n clemens_n and_o other_o after_o they_o do_v quote_v those_o book_n under_o these_o very_a name_n as_o also_o because_o tertullian_n witness_v that_o there_o be_v original_a copy_n of_o some_o of_o those_o book_n extant_a in_o his_o time_n and_o beside_o all_o the_o church_n receive_v those_o book_n for_o authentical_a before_o there_o be_v any_o common_a public_a meeting_n neither_o do_v ever_o the_o pagan_n or_o jew_n raise_v any_o controversy_n about_o this_o as_o if_o these_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o those_o man_n who_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v but_o julian_n himself_o plain_o confess_v that_o those_o be_v the_o writing_n of_o peter_n and_o paul_n matthew_n mark_n and_o luke_n which_o christian_n under_o those_o name_n have_v read_v and_o receive_v for_o as_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n can_v doubt_v that_o those_o write_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o homer_n and_o virgil_n be_v true_o they_o because_o the_o one_o have_v be_v so_o long_a time_n receive_v among_o the_o latin_a and_o the_o other_o among_o the_o greek_a author_n in_o like_a manner_n it_o be_v more_o absurd_a to_o bring_v the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n in_o question_n which_o be_v grant_v almost_o by_o all_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n sect_n iii_o some_o book_n be_v ancient_o doubt_v of_o in_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n there_o be_v some_o book_n indeed_o now_o receive_v which_o be_v not_o so_o receive_v from_o the_o beginning_n as_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n that_o of_o st._n james_n and_o judas_n two_o of_o st._n john_n the_o elder_a the_o revelation_n and_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n yet_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o many_o church_n which_o appear_v sufficient_o from_o hence_o that_o the_o ancient_a christian_n use_v their_o testimony_n as_o sacred_a which_o make_v it_o credible_a that_o such_o church_n as_o from_o the_o beginning_n have_v not_o those_o book_n either_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o or_o doubtful_a yet_o afterward_o when_o they_o be_v better_o inform_v touch_v the_o same_o they_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o canon_n as_o we_o now_o see_v according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o other_o church_n neither_o can_v any_o good_a reason_n be_v give_v why_o any_o man_n shall_v counterfeit_v those_o book_n since_o there_o be_v nothing_o comprise_v in_o they_o neither_o can_v aught_o thence_o be_v collect_v which_o be_v not_o abundant_o express_v in_o other_o book_n unquestioned_a sect_n iv_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o book_n as_o have_v no_o title_n be_v prove_v from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o writer_n and_o here_o let_v no_o man_n mistrust_v the_o verity_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n because_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o be_v unknown_a nor_o doubt_v of_o the_o two_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n and_o the_o revelation_n because_o some_o man_n do_v question_n whether_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v john_n the_o apostle_n or_o some_o other_o of_o that_o name_n for_o the_o name_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o the_o quality_n or_o condition_n of_o writer_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o receive_v many_o book_n of_o history_n who_o author_n be_v to_o we_o unknown_a as_o that_o concern_v the_o alexandrian_a war_n by_o caesar_n because_o we_o may_v perceive_v that_o whosoever_o write_v the_o same_o
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
least_o to_o the_o diminution_n or_o lessen_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n from_o who_o this_o power_n of_o jesus_n do_v proceed_v to_o who_o it_o must_v return_v and_o to_o who_o honour_n also_o it_o minister_n and_o serve_v sect_n xxiii_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o part_n with_o prayer_n for_o the_o jew_n but_o it_o be_v not_o our_o purpose_n in_o this_o work_n to_o make_v any_o further_a curious_a inquiry_n into_o these_o matter_n neither_o have_v we_o speak_v hereof_o but_o only_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o wicked_a or_o absurd_a point_n in_o our_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o any_o one_o can_v pretend_v why_o he_o shall_v not_o embrace_v a_o religion_n which_o be_v beautify_v and_o confirm_v with_o so_o many_o wonder_n command_v such_o honest_a thing_n and_o promise_v such_o excellent_a reward_n for_o he_o that_o have_v once_o receive_v and_o embrace_v the_o same_o must_v for_o further_a instruction_n in_o special_a and_o particular_a question_n consult_v those_o book_n wherein_o as_o we_o have_v former_o declare_v the_o point_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v contain_v which_o that_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v we_o beseech_v the_o almighty_a to_o illuminate_v the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o to_o make_v those_o prayer_n effectual_a which_o christ_n himself_o utter_v for_o they_o even_o while_o he_o be_v hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n the_o six_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o a_o confutation_n of_o mahumetanisme_n the_o beginning_n of_o it_o the_o six_o book_n which_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o mahometans_n in_o stead_n of_o a_o preface_n deduce_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o christian_n unto_o the_o very_a beginning_n and_o rise_v of_o mahometism_n show_v that_o be_v how_o that_o sincere_a and_o simple_a piety_n which_o flourish_v among_o christian_n even_o when_o they_o be_v most_o grievous_o vex_v and_o oppress_v begin_v by_o little_a and_o little_a to_o wax_v cold_a from_o the_o time_n that_o by_o the_o favour_n of_o constantine_n and_o the_o follow_a emperor_n that_o profession_n be_v become_v not_o only_o safe_a but_o also_o honourable_a the_o world_n be_v as_o it_o be_v thrust_v into_o the_o church_n for_o first_o of_o all_o christian_a prince_n will_v needs_o continue_v fight_v and_o make_v no_o end_n of_o their_o war_n even_o then_o when_o they_o may_v have_v enjoy_v peace_n and_o quietness_n among_o the_o bishop_n also_o there_o be_v most_o sharp_a contention_n about_o the_o chief_a see_v and_o as_o at_o the_o beginning_n the_o great_a mischief_n ensue_v upon_o the_o prefer_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n before_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n even_o so_o then_o also_o be_v curious_a learning_n more_o regard_v than_o a_o godly_a life_n and_o religion_n turn_v into_o a_o art_n the_o consequent_a of_o which_o be_v that_o after_o the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o build_v the_o tower_n of_o babel_n a_o rash_a affectation_n of_o thing_n out_o of_o their_o reach_n breed_v jar_v and_o confusion_n in_o their_o language_n together_o with_o discord_n one_o with_o another_o which_o the_o common_a people_n observe_v and_o not_o know_v ofttimes_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v themselves_o they_o throw_v the_o blame_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o begin_v to_o avoid_v they_o as_o hurtful_a and_o dangerous_a religion_n also_o begin_v every_o where_o to_o be_v place_v not_o in_o purity_n of_o mind_n but_o as_o if_o judaisme_n be_v bring_v back_o into_o the_o world_n in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o contain_v rather_o a_o exercise_n of_o the_o body_n than_o any_o amendment_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o in_o a_o eager_a zeal_n for_o that_o party_n and_o side_n which_o they_o have_v once_o choose_v till_o at_o length_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v every_o where_o many_o christian_n in_o name_n but_o very_o few_o in_o deed._n god_n do_v not_o wink_v at_o these_o vice_n of_o his_o people_n but_z out_o of_o the_o innermost_a part_n of_o scythia_n and_o germany_n pour_v forth_o like_o a_o deluge_n immense_a swarm_n of_o barbarous_a people_n into_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o when_o the_o vast_a slaughter_n which_o they_o make_v prove_v not_o sufficient_a to_o correct_v and_o amend_v the_o life_n of_o those_o that_o survive_v mahomet_n by_o god_n just_a permission_n sow_v a_o new_a religion_n in_o arabia_n and_o that_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o which_o in_o word_n express_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o life_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n this_o religion_n be_v first_o entertain_v by_o the_o saracen_n who_o have_v revolt_v from_o heraclius_n the_o emperor_n and_o by_o their_o arm_n subdue_v in_o a_o short_a space_n arabia_n syria_n palestine_n egypt_n persia_n and_o afterward_o possess_v themselves_o of_o africa_n and_o beyond_o the_o sea_n of_o spain_n also_o but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o saracen_n be_v abate_v as_o by_o other_o so_o chief_o by_o the_o turk_n a_o nation_n also_o very_o warlike_a which_o after_o long_a combat_n with_o the_o saracen_n be_v invite_v to_o peace_n easy_o embrace_v a_o religion_n suit_v to_o their_o manner_n and_o transfer_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o empire_n to_o themselves_o the_o city_n of_o asia_n and_o greece_n be_v take_v and_o by_o the_o grow_a success_n of_o their_o arm_n they_o come_v into_o hungary_n and_o the_o border_n of_o germany_n sect_n ii_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o mahumetanisme_n in_o deny_v inquiry_n into_o religion_n this_o religion_n altogether_o contrive_v for_o the_o shed_n of_o blood_n delight_v much_o in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o will_v be_v believe_v without_o all_o liberty_n of_o enquiry_n thereinto_o whence_o the_o vulgar_a be_v prohibit_v to_o read_v their_o book_n that_o be_v account_v holy_a which_o thing_n be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n of_o the_o iniquity_n thereof_o for_o just_o may_v that_o merchandise_n be_v suspect_v which_o be_v obtrude_v upon_o this_o condition_n that_o it_o be_v not_o look_v into_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v not_o in_o all_o man_n a_o like_a capacity_n or_o knowledge_n and_o quick_a in_o sight_n into_o all_o thing_n many_o be_v lead_v into_o error_n by_o pride_n other_o by_o inordinate_a passion_n or_o affection_n and_o some_o by_o custom_n but_o the_o divine_a goodness_n forbid_v we_o to_o think_v that_o those_o man_n can_v know_v and_o find_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n who_o seek_v it_o not_o for_o any_o by-respect_n of_o profit_n or_o honour_n but_o with_o submission_n of_o themselves_o and_o all_o they_o have_v unto_o god_n implore_v his_o assistance_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o same_o and_o since_o that_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_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 thereof_o than_o that_o of_o which_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a without_o the_o danger_n of_o lose_v eternal_a salvation_n sect_n iii_o a_o proof_n against_o the_o mahometans_n take_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o christian_n which_o be_v not_o corrupt_v it_o be_v grant_v by_o mahomet_n and_o his_o follower_n that_o moses_n be_v send_v of_o god_n and_o jesus_n also_o and_o that_o they_o be_v holy_a man_n which_o first_o of_o all_o publish_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n but_o in_o the_o alcoran_n which_o be_v mahumet_n law_n many_o thing_n be_v record_v plain_a contrary_n to_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o moses_n and_o by_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n thus_o to_o give_v one_o example_n for_o many_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n with_o one_o consent_n do_v testify_v that_o jesus_n be_v crucify_v that_o the_o three_o day_n he_o be_v restore_v to_o life_n again_o and_o after_o that_o be_v see_v of_o many_o but_o mahumet_n teach_v quite_o contrary_a namely_o that_o jesus_n be_v privy_o convey_v into_o heaven_n and_o not_o himself_o but_o something_o in_o his_o likeness_n be_v nail_v to_o the_o cross_n and_o consequent_o he_o do_v not_o die_v but_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v delude_v and_o deceive_v this_o objection_n can_v be_v put_v off_o unless_o mahumet_n say_v as_o he_o do_v that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o christ_n disciple_n have_v not_o remain_v as_o they_o be_v at_o first_o but_o have_v be_v corrupt_v but_o we_o have_v confute_v this_o fiction_n before_o in_o the_o three_o book_n without_o doubt_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o the_o koran_n be_v corrupt_v the_o mahometans_n will_v deny_v it_o and_o say_v that_o be_v a_o answer_n sufficient_a to_o those_o that_o can_v not_o prove_v the_o contrary_a but_o they_o can_v moreover_o for_o the_o integrity_n of_o their_o book_n allege_v such_o argument_n
deliver_v from_o the_o heavy_a yoke_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o lay_v upon_o they_o but_o if_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v full_a of_o all_o goodness_n easy_o permit_v they_o to_o follow_v what_o course_n of_o life_n they_o please_v in_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n provide_v they_o will_v not_o impose_v the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v they_o upon_o other_o sect_n xxv_o conclusion_n of_o all_o upon_o these_o term_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o agree_v with_o they_o and_o i_o conclude_v all_o with_o this_o memorable_a proposal_n which_o erasmus_n make_v in_o a_o letter_n to_o johannes_n slechta_n a_o friend_n of_o he_o in_o bohemia_n at_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n md_o xix_o this_o will_v reconcile_v people_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n if_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o particular_o define_v and_o make_v a_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o will_v have_v to_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o those_o only_o which_o be_v evident_o express_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o without_o which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v any_o way_n to_o be_v save_v to_o this_o purpose_n a_o few_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a and_o a_o few_o thing_n may_v be_v soon_o persuade_v than_o a_o great_a many_o now_o out_o of_o one_o article_n we_o make_v six_o hundred_o some_o of_o which_o be_v such_o that_o without_o endanger_n piety_n we_o may_v either_o be_v ignorant_a or_o doubt_v of_o they_o and_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n that_o what_o be_v once_o define_v we_o hold_v tooth_n and_o nail_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n part_n with_o it_o but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o sum_n of_o christian_a philosophy_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o we_o understand_v all_o our_o hope_n to_o be_v place_v in_o god_n who_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n by_o his_o son_n jesus_n by_o who_o death_n we_o be_v redeem_v into_o who_o body_n we_o be_v plant_v by_o baptism_n that_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o lust_n of_o this_o world_n we_o may_v live_v according_a to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o example_n not_o only_o abstain_v from_o all_o evil_a but_o endeavour_v to_o deserve_v well_o of_o every_o body_n assd_v that_o if_o any_o adversity_n happen_v we_o bear_v it_o courageous_o in_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n which_o without_o all_o doubt_n wait_v for_o all_o pious_a person_n at_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o we_o make_v such_o progress_n from_o virtue_n to_o virtue_n as_o notwithstanding_o to_o arrogate_v nothing_o to_o ourselves_o but_o to_o ascribe_v all_o the_o good_a that_o be_v in_o we_o or_o that_o we_o can_v do_v unto_o god._n these_o thing_n chief_o be_v to_o be_v inculcate_v and_o beat_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o that_o they_o become_v as_o it_o be_v their_o nature_n but_o if_o any_o will_v search_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o abstruse_a about_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o hypostasis_fw-la of_o christ_n or_o the_o sacrament_n that_o they_o may_v raise_v their_o mind_n the_o high_a and_o draw_v they_o from_o thing_n here_o below_o let_v they_o do_v so_o provide_v that_o every_o body_n be_v not_o compely_v present_o to_o believe_v what_o seem_v good_a to_o this_o or_o that_o person_n for_o as_o out_o of_o large_a deed_n arise_v soon_o lawsuit_n so_o be_v difference_n beget_v by_o very_a many_o definition_n and_o let_v we_o not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o answer_v to_o some_o thing_n god_n know_v how_o it_o may_v be_v do_v it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v do_v i_o know_v that_o christ_n pure_a body_n and_o blood_n be_v to_o be_v pure_o receive_v by_o those_o that_o be_v pure_a and_o that_o he_o will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v a_o most_o holy_a token_n and_o pledge_n both_o of_o his_o love_n to_o we_o and_o of_o our_o christian_a concord_n among_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v examine_v myself_o and_o make_v a_o strict_a search_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o i_o that_o ill_o agree_v with_o christ_n whether_o any_o discord_n with_o my_o neighbour_n but_o how_o the_o ten_o predicament_n be_v there_o how_o the_o bread_n be_v transubstantiate_v by_o the_o mystical_a word_n or_o as_o he_o explain_v himself_o in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o book_n upon_o lxxxiv_o psal_n how_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v there_o whether_o under_o the_o substance_n of_o bread_n or_o under_o the_o species_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n and_o such_o like_a do_v not_o much_o conduce_v in_o my_o judgement_n to_o proficiency_n in_o piety_n etc._n etc._n by_o these_o and_o other_o such_o innumerable_a disputation_n in_o which_o some_o triumph_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v call_v away_o from_o those_o thing_n which_o alone_o be_v to_o the_o purpose_n to_o conclude_v it_o will_v be_v of_o great_a moment_n to_o establish_v the_o concord_n of_o the_o world_n if_o all_o secular_a prince_n and_o especial_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n will_v abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o tyranny_n and_o of_o covetousness_n for_o man_n easy_o start_v back_o when_o they_o see_v slavery_n be_v prepare_v for_o they_o when_o they_o see_v they_o be_v not_o invite_v to_o piety_n but_o inveigle_v to_o be_v make_v a_o prey_n if_o they_o perceive_v we_o to_o be_v harmless_a to_o be_v beneficent_a they_o will_v most_o easy_o credit_v we_o and_o intrust_v themselves_o with_o we_o thus_o he._n it_o will_v not_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o make_v a_o long_a book_n on_o this_o subject_a but_o this_o be_v sufficient_a as_o grotius_n speak_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o convince_v those_o who_o understanding_n be_v right_o dispose_v and_o be_v not_o pertinacious_o set_v against_o all_o further_a information_n but_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v find_v of_o force_n enough_o to_o convince_v a_o froward_a will_n and_o persuade_v perverse_a affection_n which_o make_v man_n uncapable_a of_o moral_a truth_n most_o of_o all_o of_o divine_a which_o will_v not_o enter_v as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v into_o a_o malicious_a soul_n nor_o dwell_v in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v subject_a unto_o sin_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o discipline_n will_v flee_v deceit_n and_o remove_v from_o thought_n that_o be_v without_o understanding_n and_o will_v not_o abide_v when_o unrighteousness_n come_v in_o the_o end_n a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o principal_a thing_n handle_v in_o this_o work_n according_a to_o the_o several_a section_n of_o each_o book_n the_o content_n of_o the_o first_o book_n the_o preface_n show_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o work_n sect._n i._o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n p._n 1_o sect._n ii_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n p._n 5_o sect._n iii_o that_o all_o perfection_n be_v in_o god_n p._n 7_o sect._n iu_o god_n be_v infinite_a p._n 8_o sect._n v._n that_o god_n be_v eternal_a omnipotent_a omniscient_a and_o absolute_o good_a p._n 9_o sect._n vi_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n &_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n ib._n sect._n vii_o answer_v to_o that_o objection_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o evil_a p._n 15_o sect._n viii_o against_o the_o opinion_n of_o two_o principle_n or_o cause_n of_o thing_n p._n 16_o sect._n ix_o that_o god_n do_v govern_v the_o whole_a world_n p._n 17_o sect._n x._o yea_o sublunary_a thing_n p._n 18_o sect._n xi_o this_o be_v further_a prove_v by_o the_o preservation_n of_o empire_n p._n 19_o sect._n xii_o and_o by_o miracle_n p._n 21_o sect._n xiii_o special_o among_o the_o jew_n whereunto_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a continuance_n of_o their_o religion_n p._n 22_o sect._n fourteen_o also_o by_o the_o truth_n and_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n his_o story_n p._n 24_o sect._n xv._o and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o many_o gentile_n p._n 25_o sect._n xvi_o the_o same_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o oracle_n and_o prediction_n p._n 34_o sect._n xvii_o the_o objection_n be_v answer_v why_o miracle_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v see_v p._n 36_o sect._n xviii_o and_o that_o now_o there_o be_v such_o liberty_n in_o offend_v p._n 37_o sect._n xix_o insomuch_o that_o good_a man_n be_v oppress_v p._n 39_o sect._n xx._n the_o same_o argument_n be_v retort_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o soul_n survive_v the_o body_n p._n 40_o sect._n xxi_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o tradition_n ib._n sect._n xxii_o against_o which_o no_o contrary_a reason_n can_v be_v bring_v p._n 41_o sect._n xxiii_o many_o reason_n may_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o p._n 44_o sect._n xxiv_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o end_n of_o all_o shall_v be_v man_n happiness_n after_o this_o life_n p._n 45_o sect._n xxv_o which_o to_o obtain_v man_n must_v get_v the_o true_a religion_n ib._n the_o content_n of_o the_o second_o book_n sect._n i._o to_o prove_v the_o
though_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a may_v be_v false_a nay_o which_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a must_v be_v false_a because_o the_o scripture_n testify_v against_o it_o further_o 4thly_a to_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o have_v god_n express_a warrant_n and_o commandment_n without_o any_o colour_n for_o any_o prohibition_n but_o to_o believe_v their_o church_n infallible_a we_o have_v no_o commandment_n much_o less_o any_o express_a commandment_n nay_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v we_o be_v prohibit_v so_o to_o do_v in_o such_o word_n as_o those_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n which_o require_v we_o to_o examine_v before_o we_o trust_v and_o consequent_o not_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o blindfold_a to_o those_o who_o confident_o claim_v the_o infallibility_n of_o st._n peter_n but_o can_v produce_v any_o evidence_n of_o it_o again_o 5thly_a by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v keep_v to_o that_o which_o be_v always_o believe_v and_o every_o where_o receive_v but_o by_o follow_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o shall_v make_v ourselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o change_n and_o alteration_n which_o they_o have_v make_v as_o another_o great_a champion_n of_o our_o church_n have_v observe_v in_o the_o apostolical_a creed_n by_o make_v a_o new_a one_o contain_v thing_n that_o hold_v no_o conformity_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o the_o apostolical_a succession_n by_o engross_a the_o whole_a succession_n to_o rome_n and_o make_v other_o bishop_n to_o be_v but_o the_o pope_n deputy_n as_o to_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o in_o the_o apostolical_a government_n by_o erect_v a_o new_a and_o universal_a monarchy_n in_o the_o church_n and_o last_o in_o the_o apostolical_a communion_n by_o excommunicate_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n by_o 6thly_a follow_v the_o roman_a church_n also_o we_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o hold_v many_o thing_n not_o only_o above_o reason_n but_o against_o it_o whereas_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v only_o believe_v some_o mystery_n but_o no_o impossibility_n some_o thing_n above_o reason_n but_o nothing_o contrary_a to_o it_o for_o though_o there_o be_v thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o have_v they_o not_o be_v reveal_v reason_n can_v not_o have_v discover_v yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o there_o which_o be_v reveal_v can_v by_o true_a reason_n be_v confute_v 7thly_a contrary_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n indeed_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n &_o therefore_o by_o follow_v they_o we_o shall_v believe_v a_o religion_n which_o notwithstanding_o that_o great_a prejudice_n which_o man_n have_v to_o it_o prevail_v and_o enlarge_v itself_o over_o the_o world_n in_o a_o short_a time_n without_o any_o assistance_n from_o worldly_a power_n wit_n or_o policy_n nay_o against_o all_o these_o whereas_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v get_v all_o its_o authority_n over_o man_n conscience_n by_o no_o other_o mean_n than_o by_o devise_v false_a record_n false_a miracle_n and_o report_n as_o be_v say_v before_o and_o by_o comply_v with_o man_n corrupt_a affection_n or_o by_o persecute_v those_o that_o will_v not_o comply_v and_o by_o all_o other_o such_o like_a worldly_a mean_n whether_o of_o policy_n or_o force_n 8thly_a to_o which_o add_v that_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v believe_v a_o religion_n who_o first_o preacher_n and_o professor_n can_v have_v no_o worldly_a end_n to_o serve_v as_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v in_o the_o forego_n book_n but_o rather_o be_v to_o expect_v as_o they_o every_o where_n find_v nothing_o but_o disgrace_n vile_a nay_o cruel_a usage_n by_o all_o manner_n of_o punishment_n whereas_o the_o head_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n it_o be_v even_o palpable_a make_v their_o religion_n the_o instrument_n of_o his_o ambition_n and_o seek_v thereby_o to_o entitle_v himself_o direct_o or_o indirect_o to_o the_o monarchy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o beside_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o he_o that_o have_v but_o half_a a_o eye_n as_o we_o say_v that_o most_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v add_v to_o the_o scripture_n make_v one_o way_n or_o other_o for_o the_o honour_n or_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o the_o teacher_n of_o they_o 9thly_a again_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v embrace_v a_o religion_n of_o admirable_a simplicity_n whereas_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o doctrine_n be_v even_o load_v with_o a_o infinity_n of_o weak_a childish_a unsavoury_a superstition_n and_o ceremony_n under_o which_o its_o own_o child_n have_v groan_v and_o heavy_o complain_v 10thly_a those_o holy_a book_n also_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o promise_v ourselves_o salvation_n unless_o we_o effectual_o mortify_v all_o our_o evil_a affection_n and_o lust_n and_o forsake_v every_o sin_n whatsoever_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n but_o the_o roman_a church_n open_v a_o easy_a and_o broad_a way_n to_o salvation_n permit_v at_o least_o this_o to_o be_v teach_v for_o as_o good_a and_o catholic_n doctrine_n as_o any_o other_o that_o though_o a_o man_n have_v continue_v all_o his_o life_n long_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o virtue_n he_o may_v notwithstanding_o be_v let_v into_o heaven_n by_o a_o act_n of_o attrition_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n if_o join_v with_o confession_n or_o by_o a_o act_n of_o contrition_n without_o confession_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o and_o several_a other_o regard_v the_o religion_n of_o that_o church_n be_v not_o so_o holy_a as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o be_v not_o so_o likely_a to_o come_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n 11thly_a but_o whatsoever_o way_n they_o be_v please_v to_o devise_v to_o humour_v man_n deprave_a appetite_n we_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o advantage_n by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n which_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o by_o follow_v their_o church_n that_o if_o we_o happen_v to_o entertain_v a_o erroneous_a opinion_n ground_v as_o we_o think_v upon_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v implicit_o retract_v and_o condemn_v by_o our_o precedent_n full_a and_o entire_a assent_n to_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o our_o general_a resolution_n to_o hold_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o they_o nor_o admit_v any_o thing_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o they_o which_o make_v the_o error_n that_o we_o unwitting_o and_o unwilling_o hold_v against_o the_o scripture_n less_o dangerous_a because_o our_o adherence_n to_o the_o scripture_n be_v near_o close_o and_o firm_a than_o it_o be_v to_o our_o particular_a error_n whereas_o by_o follow_v their_o church_n not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v whether_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o people_n in_o that_o communion_n or_o a_o general_n council_n or_o the_o pope_n in_o or_o out_o of_o a_o council_n we_o shall_v have_v no_o such_o excuse_n for_o our_o error_n but_o they_o will_v be_v rather_o much_o aggravate_v by_o our_o adhere_n so_o strict_o to_o a_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a rule_n unto_o which_o the_o people_n in_o that_o communion_n stick_v close_o than_o they_o do_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o lessen_v the_o value_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o believe_v and_o double_v the_o guilt_n of_o all_o their_o error_n and_o last_o as_o this_o be_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n to_o ourselves_o so_o there_o be_v this_o to_o be_v add_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o other_o also_o that_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v learn_v to_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o in_o our_o different_a opinion_n about_o thing_n which_o can_v thereby_o be_v determine_v nay_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o direct_o against_o it_o or_o wherein_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o sufficient_o instruct_v but_o by_o follow_v the_o roman_a church_n we_o shall_v be_v teach_v to_o pass_v the_o heavy_a sentence_n upon_o all_o those_o that_o believe_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o we_o do_v nay_o to_o take_v the_o severe_a course_n with_o they_o though_o they_o be_v man_n of_o the_o most_o innocent_a and_o useful_a life_n conform_v themselves_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o governor_n for_o his_o sake_n where_o it_o do_v not_o manifest_o contradict_v he_o to_o conclude_v this_o we_o for_o our_o part_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n even_o towards_o they_o which_o grotius_n before_o observe_v the_o apostle_n be_v of_o towards_o the_o jew_n from_o who_o say_v he_o and_o let_v the_o word_n be_v take_v as_o if_o speak_v by_o we_o to_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o exact_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o happiness_n in_o be_v