for_o iâ—_n the_o same_o thing_n have_v have_v in_o they_o any_o necessary_a ground_n why_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v do_v then_o will_v god_n have_v prescribe_v they_o not_o to_o one_o but_o to_o all_o the_o people_n and_o not_o after_o that_o mankind_n have_v live_v above_o the_o space_n of_o two_o thousand_o year_n but_o even_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o all_o neither_o abel_n enoch_n noah_n me'châ—sedeck_n job_n abxuham_n isaac_n or_o jacob_n though_o all_o of_o they_o be_v godly_a man_n and_o dear_o be_v love_v of_o god_n know_v this_o part_n of_o the_o law_n but_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a or_o very_a little_a acquaint_v there_o with_o yet_o notwithstanding_o for_o all_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o of_o god_n love_n unto_o they_o beside_o neither_o do_v moses_n exhort_v jethro_n his_o father_n in_o law_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o these_o rite_n nor_o do_v jonah_n the_o ninivite_n neither_o do_v any_o other_o prophet_n reprehend_v the_o chaldean_n egyptian_n sydonian_o tyrian_n idumean_n &_o mâ—abites_n for_o not_o admit_v those_o ceremony_n though_o when_o they_o write_v unto_o they_o they_o reckon_v up_o their_o sin_n exact_o enough_o these_o than_o be_v peculiar_a precept_n give_v either_o for_o the_o eschew_v of_o some_o evil_n which_o the_o jew_n be_v prone_a unto_o or_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o obedience_n or_o for_o the_o signification_n of_o some_o future_a thing_n wherefore_o it_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v wonder_v that_o these_o be_v abolish_v than_o if_o any_o king_n shall_v abrogate_v some_o municipal_a statute_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v establish_v one_o law_n within_o his_o dominion_n neither_o can_v there_o any_o reason_n be_v allege_v to_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v so_o bind_v himself_o as_o that_o he_o will_v change_v nothing_o of_o the_o same_o for_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o precept_n be_v perpetual_a the_o same_o word_n man_n oftentimes_o use_v when_o they_o will_v signify_v that_o that_o which_o they_o command_v be_v not_o yearly_a or_o for_o a_o certain_a time_n suppose_v in_o the_o time_n of_o war_n peace_n or_o famine_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o thereby_o hinder_v from_o make_v new_a constitution_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n special_o when_o the_o public_a good_a require_v the_o same_o thus_o in_o like_a manner_n some_o law_n give_v to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v only_o temporary_a during_o the_o people_n abode_n in_o the_o wilderness_n other_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_o appoint_v for_o their_o habitation_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n therefore_o for_o distinction_n sake_n of_o these_o from_o the_o other_o he_o call_v they_o perpetual_a whereby_o may_v be_v understand_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o any_o where_o to_o be_v change_v or_o ever_o intermit_v unless_o god_n signify_v that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n so_o to_o be_v which_o manner_n of_o speak_v since_o it_o be_v common_o use_v by_o all_o people_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o consider_v that_o in_o their_o law_n the_o same_o be_v call_v a_o perpetual_a statute_n and_o a_o perpetual_a bondage_n which_o continue_v only_o from_o one_o jubily_n to_o another_o and_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v call_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o jubily_n or_o the_o great_a jubily_n of_o all_o thus_o in_o the_o hebrew_n prophet_n there_o be_v ancient_o a_o promise_n of_o make_v a_o new_a covenant_n as_o in_o jerem_n 31._o where_o god_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n which_o shall_v be_v put_v into_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v in_o their_o heart_n neither_o shall_v man_n have_v annoe_v that_o one_o shall_v learn_v religion_n of_o another_o for_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v manifest_a unto_o all_o and_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v yea_o further_o tâ—e_v lord_n will_v forgive_v they_o their_o former_a iniquity_n and_o will_v remember_v their_o â—inâ—t_n no_o more_o which_o be_v as_o if_o a_o king_n after_o great_a enmity_n and_o discord_n have_v among_o his_o citizen_n &_o subject_n shall_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n among_o they_o abolish_v divers_a law_n and_o make_v a_o perfectâ—_n 〈◊〉_d common_a to_o they_o all_o promise_v forgiveness_n of_o fault_n bypass_a if_o afterward_o they_o doeamend_v and_o this_o which_o have_v be_v say_v may_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v for_o the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o law_n the_o part_n whereof_o we_o will_v iâ—_n the_o next_o place_n show_n be_v neither_o such_o as_o in_o themselves_o can_v be_v well_o please_v unto_o god_n nor_o ought_v they_o to_o continue_v for_o ever_o sect_n viii_o as_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o of_o themselves_o be_v never_o wel-pleasing_a unto_o god_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o sacrifice_n which_o many_o of_o the_o hebrew_n think_v be_v invent_v by_o man_n before_o that_o they_o be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o true_a it_o be_v indeed_o the_o hebrew_n be_v desirous_a of_o many_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n enjoin_v they_o so_o many_o or_o else_o because_o he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o return_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o fulse_n god_n by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o their_o sojourn_v in_o egypt_n howbeit_o when_o their_o posterity_n make_v so_o great_a reckon_n of_o they_o as_o though_o of_o themselves_o they_o have_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o a_o part_n of_o true_a piety_n then_o do_v the_o prophet_n reprehend_v they_o for_o it_o i_o will_v not_o reprove_v thou_o say_v god_n by_o david_n in_o the_o fifty_o psalm_n for_o thy_o sacrifice_n or_o thy_o burn_a offering_n to_o have_v be_v continual_o before_o i_o i_o will_v take_v no_o bullock_n out_o of_o thy_o house_n nor_o he_o goat_n out_o of_o thy_o fold_n for_o every_o beast_n of_o the_o forest_n be_v i_o and_o so_o be_v the_o cattle_n upon_o a_o thousand_o hill_n i_o know_v all_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o mountain_n and_o the_o wild_a beast_n of_o the_o field_n be_v i_o if_o i_o be_v hungry_a i_o will_v not_o tell_v thou_o for_o the_o world_n be_v i_o and_o the_o fullness_n there_o of_o think_v thou_o that_o i_o â—illâ—â—t_v the_o flesh_n of_o bull_n or_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o goat_n offer_v unto_o god_n thanksgiving_n and_o pay_v thy_o vow_n unto_o the_o most_o high_a some_o there_o be_v among_o the_o hebrew_n who_o think_v that_o this_o be_v speak_v because_o they_o that_o offer_v those_o sacrifice_n be_v of_o a_o impure_a mind_n and_o dishonest_a conversation_n but_o the_o word_n now_o allege_v show_v another_o matter_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o be_v no_o whit_n receptable_a unto_o god_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o whole_a series_n and_o order_n of_o the_o psalm_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n in_o these_o word_n speak_v unto_o the_o godly_a for_o he_o have_v say_v gather_v my_o saint_n together_o unto_o i_o and_o hear_v my_o people_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o a_o teacher_n and_o one_o that_o instruct_v then_o have_v end_v the_o say_n unto_o the_o godly_a as_o his_o manner_n be_v he_o speak_v unto_o the_o wicked_a but_o unto_o the_o wicked_a god_n say_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n we_o may_v cite_v other_o place_n as_o in_o the_o 51._o psal_n thou_o desire_v not_o sacrifice_v else_o will_v i_o give_v it_o thou_o but_o thou_o delight_v not_o in_o burn_a offering_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n be_v a_o break_a spirit_n a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n o_o god_n thou_o will_v not_o despise_v so_o likewise_o in_o the_o forty_o psalm_n sacrifice_n and_o offering_n thou_o do_v not_o desire_n my_o ear_n have_v thou_o open_v burn_v offering_n and_o sin_n offer_v have_v thou_o not_o require_v then_o say_v i_o lo_o i_o come_v in_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o book_n it_o be_v write_v of_o i_o i_o delight_v to_o do_v thy_o will_n o_o my_o god_n yea_o thy_o law_n be_v within_o my_o heart_n i_o have_v preach_v righteousness_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n loe_o i_o have_v not_o refrain_v my_o lip_n o_o lord_n thou_o know_v i_o have_v not_o hide_v thy_o righteousness_n within_o my_o heart_n i_o have_v declare_v thy_o faithfulness_n and_o thy_o salvation_n i_o have_v not_o conceal_v thy_o love_a kindness_n and_o thy_o truth_n from_o the_o great_a congregation_n the_o like_a we_o read_v in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n 〈◊〉_d to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o be_o full_a of_o the_o burn_a offering_n of_o ram_n and_o the_o sit_v of_o say_v beast_n and_o i_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o bullock_n or_o of_o lamb_n or_o of_o begoat_n when_o you_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o i_o who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n to_o tread_v my_o court_n
which_o for_o skill_n and_o diligence_n in_o navigation_n excel_v the_o jest_n i_o exhort_v they_o to_o use_v that_o art_n not_o only_o for_o their_o own_o proper_a gain_n and_o commodity_n but_o also_o for_o the_o propagation_n of_o true_a christian_a religion_n for_o neither_o be_v there_o want_v matter_n for_o such_o their_o endeavour_n since_o that_o they_o may_v try_v their_o fortune_n abroad_o in_o far_o distant-forren_a country_n and_o make_v incursion_n either_o upon_o the_o pagan_n such_o as_o live_v in_o arabia_n and_o guinea_n or_o upon_o the_o mahometan_n as_o those_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o turk_n the_o persian_a and_o carthaginian_n or_o last_o upon_o the_o jew_n and_o such_o as_o at_o this_o day_n be_v profess_v enemy_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v disperse_v through_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v there_o want_v such_o wicked_a man_n as_o do_v secret_o for_o fear_n harbour_v the_o poison_n of_o error_n and_o publish_v the_o same_o unto_o the_o weak_a sort_n when_o they_o see_v fit_a opportunity_n against_o which_o evil_n my_o desire_n be_v we_o may_v be_v well_o fortify_v with_o truth_n and_o that_o such_o as_o be_v furnish_v with_o learning_n will_v endeavour_v according_a to_o their_o ability_n to_o confute_v error_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n let_v other_o beware_v that_o they_o be_v not_o surprise_v by_o those_o that_o be_v enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o which_o end_n that_o i_o may_v make_v it_o appear_v how_o that_o religion_n be_v no_o vain_a frivolous_a thing_n in_o my_o first_o book_n i_o do_v begin_v at_o the_o ground_n or_o foundation_n thereof_o which_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n this_o truth_n i_o thus_o proceed_v to_o prove_v as_o follow_v the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o there_o be_v somethingsâ—hich_v â—hich_z have_v a_o beginning_n be_v clear_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o howbeit_o those_o thing_n be_v not_o cause_n to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o be_v for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o can_v produce_v any_o thing_n neither_o have_v it_o power_n to_o be_v before_o it_o be_v therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o say_v thing_n have_v their_o beginning_n from_o some_o other_o thing_n different_a from_o themselves_o which_o may_v be_v aver_v not_o only_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o now_o we_o see_v or_o ever_o have_v behold_v but_o of_o such_o also_o as_o give_v original_a unto_o these_o and_o so_o upward_o until_o we_o come_v to_o some_o prime_a cause_n which_o never_o begin_v to_o be_v and_o which_o as_o we_o say_v have_v its_o existence_n by_o necessity_n and_o not_o after_o any_o cont_a nt_v manner_n and_o this_o what_o ever_o it_o be_v whereof_o by_o and_o by_o we_o shall_v speak_v be_v that_o which_o be_v mean_v by_o divine_a power_n or_o godhead_n another_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o divine_a majesty_n be_v take_v from_o the_o most_o manifest_a consent_n of_o all_o nation_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o have_v not_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n altogether_o eclipse_v or_o abolish_v by_o their_o savage_a cruelty_n and_o wild_a affection_n for_o see_v that_o such_o thing_n as_o proceed_v from_o man_n will_n and_o arbitrement_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o all_o man_n but_o often_o subject_a to_o mutability_n yet_o this_o notion_n be_v every_o where_o admit_v of_o and_o never_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o no_o not_o by_o aristotle_n himself_o a_o man_n not_o very_o credulous_a in_o this_o kind_n therefore_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v some_o agent_n that_o extend_v itself_o unto_o all_o mankind_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o either_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n himself_o or_o some_o tradition_n derive_v from_o the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n the_o former_a whereof_o if_o we_o admit_v than_o we_o have_v that_o which_o be_v in_o question_n or_o if_o the_o late_a be_v grant_v yet_o there_o can_v no_o good_a reason_n be_v give_v why_o we_o may_v think_v that_o those_o first_o parent_n shall_v gull_v all_o posterity_n with_o any_o fulsity_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n moreover_o whether_o we_o consider_v those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v ancient_o know_v or_o those_o that_o be_v late_o find_v out_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v as_o we_o have_v say_v any_o relic_n of_o humanity_n there_o certain_o be_v this_o truth_n acknowledge_v as_o well_o by_o such_o heathen_n as_o have_v any_o ingenuity_n and_o wisdom_n as_o also_o by_o those_o that_o be_v of_o a_o more_o dull_a and_o stupid_a disposition_n the_o former_a whereof_o questionless_a can_v not_o all_o be_v deceive_v neither_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o these_o late_a so_o si_fw-mi lie_v and_o simple_a shall_v any_o way_n devise_v how_o to_o deceive_v one_o another_o neither_o let_v any_o man_n here_o object_n that_o in_o sundry_a age_n there_o have_v be_v some_o most_o common_o which_o either_o can_v not_o believe_v or_o else_o will_v not_o profess_v they_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n for_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o number_n of_o such_o atheist_n be_v but_o small_a and_o in_o regard_n that_o straight_o way_n upon_o the_o discuss_n of_o their_o rerson_n their_o opinion_n general_o be_v set_v at_o naught_o thence_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o proceed_v not_o from_o the_o use_n of_o right_a reason_n which_o be_v common_a to_o man_n but_o either_o from_o the_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n such_o as_o be_v in_o he_o that_o will_v needs_o demonstrate_v the_o snow_n to_o be_v black_a or_o from_o a_o corrupt_a mind_n like_v as_o when_o meat_n to_o a_o distemper_a palate_n do_v taste_v otherwise_o than_o indeed_o they_o be_v but_o especial_o because_o both_o history_n and_o other_o write_n declare_v that_o by_o how_o much_o any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o honest_a by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o diligent_o do_v he_o preserve_v and_o increase_v this_o knowledge_n in_o himself_o concern_v god_n and_o further_o that_o this_o conceit_n so_o opposite_a to_o the_o ancient_o receive_v opinion_n chief_o proceed_v from_o the_o bad_a disposition_n of_o those_o who_o it_o will_v most_o of_o all_o profit_n or_o advantage_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n that_o be_v no_o judge_n of_o humane_a action_n it_o be_v evident_a in_o this_o respect_n for_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o conclude_v or_o determine_v whether_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o succession_n of_o some_o lâ—…age_n without_o beginning_n or_o the_o confluence_n of_o moor_n in_o the_o sun_n or_o what_o other_o thing_n soever_o they_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o same_o have_v in_o it_o no_o less_o if_o not_o more_o difficulty_n and_o absurdity_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v to_o any_o man_n that_o do_v but_o with_o indifferency_n ponder_v the_o thing_n more_o credible_a than_o that_o opinion_n which_o be_v already_o receive_v as_o touch_v that_o which_o some_o man_n pretend_v because_o they_o can_v see_v god_n therefore_o they_o can_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v if_o they_o see_v any_o thing_n they_o see_v enough_o to_o convince_v they_o for_o if_o this_o be_v truth_n what_o a_o indignity_n be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v he_o have_v a_o soul_n which_o notwithstanding_o he_o never_o see_v more_o than_o the_o divine_a essence_n of_o god_n neither_o ought_v we_o to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o divine_a nature_n when_o by_o our_o weak_a judgement_n we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o same_o for_o this_o be_v common_a to_o every_o inferior_a creature_n not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o a_o high_a and_o more_o excellent_a nature_n thus_o the_o bruit_n beast_n conceive_v not_o what_o man_n be_v much_o less_o do_v they_o know_v after_o what_o manner_n man_n do_v ordain_v and_o govern_v common_a wealth_n measure_v the_o course_n of_o the_o star_n or_o sail_v upon_o the_o ocean_n for_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v beyond_o and_o above_o their_o reach_n forasmuch_o then_o as_o man_n have_v obtain_v a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n than_o the_o beast_n and_o that_o not_o of_o himself_o thence_o he_o may_v conclude_v that_o that_o same_o thing_n whereby_o he_o be_v advance_v above_o the_o condition_n of_o bruit_n be_v as_o far_o superior_a to_o he_o as_o those_o bruit_n be_v below_o himself_o and_o therefore_o some_o more_o noble_a nature_n there_o be_v which_o transcend_v his_o apprehension_n sect_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v baâ—_n one_o god_n this_o be_v manifest_a then_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o we_o speak_v of_o some_o of_o his_o attribute_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n not_o many_o go_n this_o truth_n may_v be_v declare_v first_o because_o god_n as_o be_v say_v before_o be_v that_o same_o
the_o contrary_a â—…ly_a the_o dominion_n give_v to_o â—nto_fw-mi man_n over_o his_o own_o action_n â—he_v natural_a desire_n that_o be_v in_o he_o â—o_o be_v immortal_a the_o comfort_n oâ—…â—ood_a conscience_n for_o well_o do_v â—eeds_o though_o such_o be_v accompany_v with_o much_o difficulty_n â—nd_v on_o the_o contrary_a the_o sting_n of_o â—…gnawing_a conscience_n at_o the_o remembrance_n of_o ungodly_a and_o â—…icked_a action_n especial_o when_o â—he_n hour_n of_o death_n approach_v â—nto_o the_o wicked_a who_o do_v then_o â—…eeme_v more_o sensible_a of_o a_o immiâ—…ent_a judgement_n and_o this_o gnaw_a â—…orme_n of_o conscience_n the_o most_o â—…rophane_a wretch_n and_o wicked_a â—…yrants_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o â—tterly_o mortific_a and_o destroy_v in_o they_o no_o not_o then_o when_o they_o most_o of_o all_o desire_a as_o divers_a example_n do_v testify_v sect_n xxiiii_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o eâ—â—_n of_o all_o shall_v be_v man_n happineâ—…_n after_o this_o life_n see_v then_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o 〈…〉_z nature_n that_o in_o itself_o have_v 〈…〉_z ground_n or_o cause_n of_o its_o own_o corruption_n and_o see_v also_o thiâ—_n god_n by_o many_o sign_n and_o tokenâ—…_n have_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v his_o wiâ—…_n the_o same_o soul_n shall_v surviâ—…_n the_o body_n what_o more_o noble_a 〈…〉_z can_v be_v propound_v to_o man_n thaâ—_n 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 pythagoreaâ—â—_n speak_v of_o say_v that_o it_o be_v gooâ—_n for_o man_n if_o he_o can_v become_v moâ—â—_n like_o unto_o god_n sect_n xxv_o â—…hich_v 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 attaineâ—â—…en_o may_v find_v out_o by_o probable_a â—…iectures_n but_o if_o any_o thing_n concern_v that_o matter_n be_v reveal_v â—…y_a god_n in_o scripture_n the_o same_o â—ust_z be_v hold_v for_o a_o most_o certain_a â—nd_n undoubted_a truth_n which_o â—nce_n that_o religionâ—…emes_v â—…emes_z to_o pretend_v above_o other_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v examine_v in_o the_o next_o â—ooke_n whether_o or_o no_o man_n ought_v â—…o_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o and_o assured_o build_v their_o faith_n thereon_o the_o second_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_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 out_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 endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o most_o true_a and_o certain_a religion_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n namely_o as_o follow_v sect_n ii_o here_o be_v show_v that_o jesus_n live_v it_o be_v a_o truth_n most_o stead_n fast_o profess_v by_o all_o the_o christianâ—_n that_o breath_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n that_o jesus_n of_o nazreth_n then_o live_v in_o judea_n wheâ—_n tiberius_n be_v emperor_n of_o the_o roman_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v not_o only_o by_o christian_n but_o also_o by_o all_o the_o jew_n that_o ever_o live_v heretofore_o or_o yet_o survive_v nay_o the_o very_a pagan_a writer_n thâ—…_n be_v such_o as_o be_v neither_o of_o the_o jewish_a nor_o christian_a religion_n namely_o suetonises_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 igâ—…ious_a death_n moreover_o all_o be_v it_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o death_n may_v be_v think_v inglorious_a and_o dishonourable_a to_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n yet_o all_o christian_n do_v confess_v that_o this_o same_o jesis_n be_v crucify_v by_o pontius_n pilate_n governor_n of_o judea_n the_o jew_n also_o do_v the_o â—ike_a though_o they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a how_o that_o they_o become_v most_o odious_a to_o those_o christiansâ—n_n â—n_z who_o dominion_n they_o live_v because_o of_o this_o murder_n commit_v by_o pilate_n whereof_o their_o ancestor_n be_v the_o chief_a author_n as_o the_o heathenish_a writer_n have_v also_o record_v the_o same_o yea_o these_o act_n of_o pilate_n be_v extant_a a_o long_a time_n after_o whereunto_o the_o christian_n do_v sometime_o make_v their_o appeal_n and_o further_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 true_a and_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 by_o prudent_a and_o godly_a man_n all_o which_o though_o it_o be_v most_o true_a of_o christ_n ignominious_a death_n yet_o we_o see_v hoâ—_n that_o throughout_o the_o remoâ—…_n 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 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 many_o judicious_a &_o learned_a man_n for_o to_o say_v nothing_o now_o of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v 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 broughtup_a in_o other_o religion_n neither_o can_v have_v any_o hope_n of_o wealth_n or_o preferment_n in_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 no_o other_o reason_n whereof_o can_v be_v give_v than_o this_o that_o move_v they_o so_o to_o do_v namely_o because_o they_o like_v prudent_a man_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n by_o diligent_a inquiry_n find_v the_o truth_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o same_o which_o be_v bruit_v abroad_o concern_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n as_o the_o heal_n of_o many_o that_o be_v sore_o disease_v with_o his_o word_n only_o the_o restore_n of_o sight_n to_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a the_o feed_n of_o many_o thousand_o with_o some_o few_o loaf_n of_o bread_n the_o restore_n of_o some_o to_o life_n again_o that_o be_v dead_a and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a wonderful_a work_n the_o truth_n whereof_o neither_o celsus_n nor_o julian_n when_o they_o write_v against_o christian_n dare_v dare_v to_o deny_v but_o it_o be_v confess_v both_o by_o they_o and_o also_o most_o plain_o by_o the_o hebrew_n doctor_n that_o be_v author_n of_o the_o talmnd_a 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 theft_n wondrous_a work_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o any_o natural_a power_n it_o be_v manifest_a because_o they_o be_v call_v wonder_n and_o miracle_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a in_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 it_o be_v likely_a if_o such_o work_n have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n only_o than_o the_o same_o will_v have_v be_v make_v know_v and_o reveal_v 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 same_o argument_n we_o may_v prove_v that_o such_o work_n come_v not_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o power_n and_o deceit_n of_o sataâ—_n or_o by_o any_o diabolical_a enchantment_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 â—earâ—_n ill_o will_v 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 same_o work_n be_v often_o iterate_v and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o be_v not_o transitory_a but_o permaneant_fw-la and_o durable_a all_o which_o be_v due_o ponder_v it_o must_v
be_v not_o confirm_v by_o any_o testimony_n or_o ground_v upon_o certain_a reason_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o there_o be_v some_o â—nd_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 and_o chief_a welfare_n can_v not_o consist_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o include_v or_o be_v accompany_v with_o peril_n trouble_n torment_n and_o death_n unless_o we_o have_v rather_o follow_v the_o sound_n of_o word_n than_o the_o sense_n of_o thing_n wherefore_o they_o place_v man_n chief_a happiness_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v delightful_a and_o please_a to_o sense_n but_o yet_o this_o opinion_n also_o be_v disprove_v and_o sufficient_o confute_v by_o many_o as_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o all_o honesty_n the_o seed_n whereof_o be_v root_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o nature_n as_o also_o because_o it_o make_v man_n who_o be_v bear_v to_o contemplate_v heaven_n and_o heavenly_a matter_n to_o be_v no_o better_o if_o not_o worse_o than_o a_o beast_n that_o pore_n only_o upon_o earthly_a thing_n with_o these_o and_o such_o like_a uncertainty_n and_o doubt_n be_v mankind_n distract_v at_o that_o time_n when_o christ_n bring_v in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o right_a end_n who_o promise_v unto_o his_o follower_n not_o only_a eternity_n without_o all_o sorrow_n and_o tribulation_n but_o also_o such_o a_o life_n hereafter_o as_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v with_o endless_a joy_n and_o happiness_n and_o that_o not_o of_o one_o part_n of_o man_n alone_o to_o wit_n of_o his_o soul_n the_o felicity_n whereof_o after_o this_o life_n partly_o by_o probable_a conjecture_n and_o partly_o from_o tradition_n be_v hope_v for_o before_o but_o also_o of_o his_o whole_a body_n and_o soul_n together_o for_o as_o the_o body_n by_o divine_a appointment_n become_v subject_a and_o liable_a to_o grievance_n hurt_n calamity_n and_o vexation_n be_v unite_v with_o the_o soul_n â—o_o likewise_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v make_v jo_o ynt_a partaker_n of_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n now_o the_o reward_n and_o promise_a joy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v of_o small_a value_n or_o little_a worth_n like_a to_o the_o meat_n or_o good_a cheer_n and_o dainty_a fare_n wherewith_o the_o carnal_a jews_n seed_n their_o gape_a hope_n or_o like_v to_o the_o sleshly_a voluptuousness_n of_o carnal_a copulation_n which_o the_o turk_n expect_v to_o enjoy_v after_o death_n for_o both_o these_o sensuality_n be_v proper_a to_o this_o frail_a life_n at_o the_o bell_n be_v but_o help_v or_o remedy_n of_o mortality_n the_o former_a whereof_o conduce_v after_o some_o sort_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o every_o particular_a man_n or_o beast_n in_o present_a be_v and_o the_o latter_a for_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o same_o creature_n by_o succession_n in_o their_o kind_n but_o by_o the_o happiness_n aforesaid_a our_o body_n shall_v be_v endue_v with_o constant_a vigour_n agility_n strength_n and_o more_o than_o a_o star-like_a beauty_n in_o the_o soul_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o understanding_n without_o error_n a_o behold_v of_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o divine_a providence_n or_o whatsoever_o be_v now_o hide_v from_o we_o the_o will_v shall_v be_v free_v from_o all_o turbulence_n of_o passion_n busy_v about_o nothing_o but_o the_o sight_n the_o admire_a and_o praise_v of_o the_o almighty_a in_o a_o word_n there_o shall_v be_v joy_n and_o tranquillity_n and_o all_o thing_n excellent_a beyond_o compare_n such_o as_o we_o can_v possible_o conceive_v or_o apprehend_v in_o this_o mortal_a life_n sect_n xii_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n that_o body_n once_o dead_a can_v be_v revive_v again_o beside_o the_o doubt_n but_o late_o answer_v there_o be_v another_o difficulty_n object_v against_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n namely_o how_o can_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o humane_a body_n once_o dissolve_v into_o dust_n and_o corruption_n ever_o to_o be_v unite_v and_o joint_v again_o for_o answer_v we_o say_v that_o this_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o see_v it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o most_o part_n of_o philosopher_n that_o the_o same_o substance_n or_o matter_n of_o thing_n however_o diverse_o change_v or_o alter_v do_v remain_v still_o capable_a of_o divers_a form_n who_o can_v say_v then_o that_o the_o divers_a part_n of_o that_o matter_n whereof_o humane_a body_n consist_v though_o the_o same_o be_v fanâ—_n and_o wide_a a_o sunder_a be_v unknown_a to_o god_n or_o that_o he_o have_v not_o power_n to_o recollect_v &_o join_v they_o together_o again_o or_o that_o he_o can_v do_v in_o this_o his_o world_n like_o chemic_n in_o their_o furnace_n and_o vessel_n gather_v into_o one_o and_o râ—…iâ—â—_n thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n beside_o we_o see_v in_o plant_n and_o live_a creature_n though_o the_o â—ormes_n seem_v to_o be_v change_v and_o the_o subject_n be_v resolve_v into_o seed_n its_o principle_n yet_o the_o virtue_n thereof_o remain_v and_o the_o same_o subject_n afterward_o revive_v again_o neither_o be_v it_o a_o hard_a matter_n to_o untie_v that_o knot_n and_o answer_v â—ho_fw-mi doubt_v concern_v humane_a body_n which_o after_o corruption_n and_o transmutation_n become_v food_n for_o beast_n and_o cattle_n then_o again_o the_o same_o beast_n afterward_o become_v food_n for_o man_n for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o great_a portion_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o eat_v be_v not_o convert_v into_o integrall_a part_n of_o our_o body_n but_o either_o the_o same_o be_v turn_v into_o excrement_n or_o become_v addition_n and_o humour_n of_o the_o body_n as_o fleame_z and_o choler_n yea_o much_o of_o that_o which_o become_v our_o nourishment_n be_v waste_v away_o either_o by_o disease_n or_o by_o inward_a natural_a heat_n or_o by_o the_o air_n about_o we_o all_o which_o be_v so_o he_o that_o so_o careful_o regard_v all_o kind_n of_o bruit_n beast_n that_o none_o of_o they_o perish_v the_o same_o god_n with_o a_o more_o special_a providence_n can_v also_o provide_v for_o humane_a body_n that_o though_o by_o traâ—…tation_n they_o become_v meâ—t_v for_o other_o man_n yet_o they_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v convert_v into_o the_o substance_n of_o those_o that_o eat_v they_o than_o aâ—e_a poison_n or_o physical_a poâ—ions_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o as_o receive_v they_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o seem_v unnatural_a for_o man_n to_o feed_v upon_o humane_a flesh_n or_o suppose_v this_o which_o we_o say_v be_v false_a and_o that_o something_o be_v add_v to_o the_o body_n which_o must_v needs_o afterward_o be_v diminish_v yet_o thence_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o same_o body_n do_v not_o remain_v see_v that_o in_o this_o life_n there_o happen_v great_a mutation_n than_o so_o thus_o the_o butterfly_n may_v be_v in_o a_o worm_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o herb_n or_o wine_n in_o some_o small_a diminutive_a thing_n whence_o they_o may_v be_v re-restored_n to_o their_o former_a just_a magnitude_n and_o existence_n wherefore_o since_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o such_o like_a be_v possible_a there_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o any_o shall_v think_v it_o impossible_a for_o humane_a body_n after_o death_n to_o be_v revive_v again_o forasmuch_o also_o as_o divers_a learned_a man_n to_o wit_n zoroaster_n among_o the_o chaldean_n theopompus_n among_o the_o peripatetikâ—s_n and_o almost_o all_o the_o stoic_n do_v not_o only_o grant_v the_o possibility_n hereof_o but_o be_v assure_o persuade_v it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v indeed_o sect_n xiii_o the_o excellency_n of_o 〈◊〉_d precept_n give_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o second_o thing_n wherein_o christian_a religion_n excel_v all_o other_o that_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v invent_v be_v the_o great_a holiness_n of_o law_n and_o precept_n as_o well_o in_o matter_n pertain_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o likewise_o in_o thing_n concern_v our_o neighbour_n the_o pagan_n in_o their_o divine_a service_n be_v give_v to_o more_o confidence_n and_o credulity_n than_o truth_n as_o porphyry_n show_v at_o large_a and_o some_o late_a navigation_n have_v discover_v for_o with_o they_o it_o be_v a_o common_a receive_v opinion_n that_o the_o god_n may_v be_v appease_v by_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o man_n blood_n which_o in_o humane_a custom_n be_v not_o abolish_v either_o by_o the_o great_a learning_n of_o the_o grecian_n or_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o roman_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o oblation_n offer_v unto_o bacchus_n and_o jupiter_n the_o hide_a and_o most_o holy_a mystery_n of_o the_o goddess_n ceres_n and_o of_o father_n bacchus_n be_v
unknown_a nor_o doubt_v of_o the_o two_o epistle_n of_o 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 the_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 cesar_n because_o we_o may_v perceive_v that_o he_o whosoever_o write_v the_o same_o live_v in_o those_o time_n ad_fw-la 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 he_o speak_v very_o improbable_o that_o say_v these_o quality_n be_v but_o counterfeit_n and_o that_o other_o write_n may_v bear_v the_o name_n of_o these_o author_n who_o every_o where_o press_a truth_n and_o pretty_a can_v be_v think_v to_o play_v the_o â—…ning_a sophister_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o falsehood_n a_o thing_n not_o only_o odious_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 thus_o it_o be_v plain_a 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 witness_n of_o themselves_o if_o we_o add_v further_o that_o they_o know_v well_o the_o matter_n where_o of_o they_o write_v to_o be_v true_a 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 johu_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 be_v ignorant_a 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 a_o kin_n 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 either_o 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 triumph_v in_o heaven_n orabout_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v by_o he_o have_v luke_n a_o follow_v companion_n with_o he_o in_o his_o journey_n 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 and_o breed_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 eyewitness_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 who_o they_o see_v 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 suetoniâ—…_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 reeive_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 daily_a companion_n with_o peter_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o he_o write_v may_v be_v think_v as_o suggest_v or_o witness_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 act_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 reveal_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n no_o more_o can_v 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 be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o will_n or_o desire_v to_o tell_v a_o untruth_n and_o this_o have_v be_v touch_v before_o in_o general_a when_o 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 such_o proof_n and_o evidence_n as_o may_v probable_o make_v it_o appear_v why_o the_o will_n shall_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 speak_v for_o their_o own_o advantage_n upon_o enquiry_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o they_o seek_v after_o no_o such_o by-end_n have_v neither_o hope_n of_o get_v commodity_n or_o of_o eschew_v any_o danger_n but_o rather_o by_o their_o profession_n they_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o lose_v all_o their_o commodity_n and_o be_v liable_a unto_o all_o sort_n of_o peril_n if_o they_o aim_v at_o any_o advantage_n it_o be_v only_o to_o gain_v honour_n unto_o god_n which_o doubtless_o can_v be_v compatible_a with_o lie_v and_o dissemble_v special_o in_o such_o a_o business_n as_o whereon_o depend_v the_o everlasting_a salvation_n of_o mankind_n far_o be_v it_o then_o from_o any_o man_n to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o great_a impiety_n their_o doctrine_n be_v full_o of_o all_o sanctity_n and_o their_o lift_n exemplary_a for_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n free_a from_o the_o accusation_n of_o their_o great_a adversary_n who_o only_o condemn_v they_o for_o lack_v of_o knowledge_n a_o fault_n unlikely_a to_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o falsehood_n no_o if_o they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o never_o so_o little_a fraud_n or_o deceit_n in_o that_o kind_n sure_o they_o will_v not_o have_v record_v to_o posterity_n their_o own_o trespass_n as_o namely_o their_o forsake_v of_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o poters_n denial_n of_o he_o three_o time_n sect_n vii_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o sidelity_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 testimony_n of_o their_o fidelity_n by_o work_a wonder_n which_o both_o they_o and_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 more_o particular_o among_o the_o wonder_n that_o they_o wrought_v we_o may_v note_v as_o most_o sensible_a and_o certain_a the_o use_n of_o tongue_n among_o so_o many_o thousand_o which_o never_o learn_v they_o 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 deal_v very_o unjust_o with_o they_o omit_v no_o fit_a occasion_n that_o may_v be_v matter_n for_o traduce_v or_o accuse_v they_o as_o inventor_n of_o a_o new_a religion_n nay_o the_o very_a jew_n or_o pagan_n in_o the_o time_n immediate_o follow_v dare_v never_o deny_v that_o wonder_n be_v wrought_v by_o those_o man_n for_o so_o much_o be_v confess_v of_o peter_n miracle_n 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
manifest_v his_o nativity_n unto_o the_o wise_a â—én_n also_o of_o the_o earthquake_n and_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n when_o it_o be_v full_a moon_n at_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n passion_n upon_o the_o cross_n sect_n xv._n answer_v to_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v change_v now_o what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o against_o these_o book_n sure_o i_o see_v nothing_o that_o can_v be_v object_v unless_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o remain_v not_o altogether_o the_o same_o that_o they_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o indeed_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v that_o what_o be_v common_a to_o other_o book_n may_v happen_v to_o those_o namely_o that_o by_o the_o carelessness_n or_o corrupt_a deal_n of_o the_o transcriber_n some_o letter_n syllable_n or_o word_n may_v be_v change_v leave_v out_o oâ—_n add_v but_o it_o be_v a_o unjust_a thing_n to_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o book_n or_o evidence_n only_o because_o in_o so_o many_o age_n there_o can_v â—â—e_z but_o he_o great_a variety_n of_o copy_n since_o both_o custom_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o what_o be_v agree_v upon_o by_o the_o great_a number_n and_o most_o ancient_a copy_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o contrary_n now_o that_o all_o the_o copy_n of_o these_o book_n be_v corrupt_v by_o guile_n or_o otherwise_o either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o matter_n of_o history_n it_o will_v never_o be_v prove_v there_o be_v no_o evidence_n or_o testimony_n of_o former_a time_n ever_o to_o evince_v the_o same_o but_o if_o as_o we_o say_v before_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n urge_v by_o those_o that_o bear_v so_o great_a hatred_n against_o the_o writer_n or_o follower_n and_o maintainer_n of_o these_o book_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v for_o a_o reproach_n or_o calumny_n and_o not_o for_o any_o good_a proof_n or_o sufficient_a testimony_n against_o they_o and_o this_o which_o we_o have_v say_v may_v suffice_v in_o answer_n to_o those_o that_o tell_v we_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v change_v which_o whosoever_o affirm_v aught_o to_o make_v good_a their_o assertion_n against_o the_o scripture_n so_o long_a time_n receive_v in_o the_o church_n but_o that_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o objection_n may_v more_o plain_o appear_v we_o will_v show_v that_o what_o they_o imagine_v to_o be_v true_a neither_o do_v nor_o ever_o can_v coâ—e_n to_o pass_v we_o have_v prove_v before_o that_o the_o book_n which_o have_v any_o title_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v which_o be_v grant_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o one_o book_n be_v not_o forge_v or_o put_v into_o the_o place_n of_o another_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o notable_a or_o note_a part_n change_v therein_o for_o in_o such_o a_o mutation_n there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o aim_n or_o intent_n whereby_o that_o part_n may_v have_v easy_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o part_n and_o book_n not_o change_v or_o alter_v which_o can_v now_o any_o where_o be_v discerue_v nay_o as_o we_o say_v there_o be_v every_o where_o a_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o seize_v and_o meaning_n herein_o as_o it_o admirable_a to_o consider_v again_o no_o doubt_n so_o soon_o at_o any_o thing_n by_o or_o concern_v the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n be_v publish_v â—…ghtway_o the_o christian_n with_o great_a diligence_n be_v it_o be_v meet_v and_o oâ—t_v of_o a_o zealous_a desire_n to_o preserve_v and_o propagate_v pity_n and_o truth_n unto_o posterity_n do_v get_v themselves_o many_o copy_n thereof_o which_o they_o disperse_v through_o all_o place_n in_o europe_n asia_n and_o egypt_n where_o christ_n anity_n be_v spread_v and_o the_o greek_a tongue_n speak_v yea_o as_o before_o we_o show_v there_o be_v some_o original_a copy_n keep_v for_o the_o space_n of_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o then_o possible_a or_o probable_a that_o those_o book_n receive_v any_o such_o forgery_n they_o be_v so_o well_o know_v and_o careful_o preserve_v not_o only_o by_o particular_a man_n but_o by_o the_o common_a care_n and_o diligence_n of_o whole_a church_n add_v further_o that_o these_o book_n in_o the_o follow_a â—…ges_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o syâ—â—cke_n ethiopicke_n arabic_a and_o latin_a tongue_n which_o translation_n be_v yet_o extant_a and_o do_v not_o differ_v in_o aught_o to_o speak_v of_o from_o the_o greek_a copy_n themselves_o beside_o we_o have_v the_o write_n of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o by_o their_o disciple_n wherein_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v cite_v out_o of_o these_o book_n to_o the_o same_o sense_n &_o meaning_n which_o now_o we_o read_v they_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o in_o the_o church_n of_o so_o great_a authority_n at_o those_o time_n who_o can_v have_v be_v suffer_v to_o falsify_v or_o change_v any_o thing_n if_o he_o will_v as_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o open_a dissent_n of_o iraeneus_n tertullian_n and_o cyprian_a from_o those_o that_o be_v most_o eminent_a in_o the_o church_n after_o these_o time_n there_o succeed_v many_o 〈…〉_z man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n who_o have_v first_o make_v diligent_a inquiry_n thereof_o receive_v these_o book_n as_o retain_v their_o original_a purity_n hitherto_o also_o may_v be_v refer_v what_o but_o now_o we_o say_v of_o divers_a sect_n of_o crâ—…s_n all_o which_o at_o lest_o such_o as_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n and_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n do_v receive_v and_o use_v these_o book_n according_o as_o we_o do_v the_o same_o and_o if_o any_o have_v attempt_v to_o alter_v or_o pâ—…_n any_o part_n thereof_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v accuse_v by_o the_o rest_n for_o forgery_n and_o false-dealing_a man_n therein_o neither_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o sect_n that_o have_v the_o liberty_n at_o their_o pleasure_n alter_v any_o of_o these_o book_n for_o their_o own_o turn_n in_o asmuch_o as_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o all_o of_o they_o do_v ground_n and_o assume_v argument_n one_o against_o another_o out_o of_o the_o same_o and_o as_o for_o that_o which_o we_o touch_v concern_v divine_a providence_n the_o same_o belong_v no_o less_o unto_o the_o chief_a part_n than_o unto_o the_o whole_a book_n namely_o that_o it_o can_v convenient_o be_v say_v that_o god_n will_v suffer_v so_o many_o man_n which_o sincere_o desire_v to_o be_v godly_a and_o earnest_o seek_v after_o eternal_a life_n to_o be_v lead_v head_n long_o into_o that_o error_n which_o they_o can_v no_o way_n avoid_v and_o thus_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n whence_o alone_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o help_n we_o may_v be_v sufficient_o instruct_v concern_v the_o true_a religion_n sect_n xvi_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o leave_v we_o the_o write_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o be_v ancient_o the_o true_a and_o afford_v divers_a testimonte_n for_o christianity_n therefore_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o justify_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o first_o then_o that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o same_o man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v be_v manifest_a in_o like_a manner_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v of_o we_o before_o of_o the_o new_a covenant_n these_o author_n be_v either_o prophet_n or_o other_o very_a faithful_a and_o credible_a man_n such_o as_o be_v esdras_n who_o compile_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n into_o one_o volume_n during_o the_o life_n time_n of_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n malachy_n and_o zachary_n i_o will_v not_o here_o repeat_v again_o what_o be_v say_v before_o in_o the_o commendation_n of_o moses_n both_o that_o part_n of_o history_n which_o at_o first_o be_v deliver_v by_o he_o as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o book_n and_o that_o also_o which_o be_v collect_v after_o his_o time_n be_v witness_v even_o by_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_a thus_o the_o annal_n of_o the_o phâ—nitian's_n have_v record_v the_o name_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n and_o their_o league_n with_o the_o man_n of_o â—yre_n aswell_o berosus_n as_o the_o hebrew_n writer_n make_v mention_n of_o nabuchadonosor_n and_o of_o other_o chaldean_a king_n he_o who_o jeremy_n call_v vaphres_n king_n of_o egypt_n be_v term_v apries_n by_o herodotus_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o book_n of_o the_o grecian_n be_v replenish_v with_o narration_n concern_v cyrus_n and_o his_o successor_n until_o the_o time_n of_o darius_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n concern_v the_o naâ—â—on_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v relate_v by_o josephus_n in_o his_o book_n against_o appioâ—_n
christian_n then_o for_o mahumetanisme_n it_o be_v possess_v of_o land_n enough_o but_o it_o be_v not_o alone_a for_o christian_a religiâ—â—_n have_v a_o great_a number_n of_o professor_n in_o some_o place_n where_o turk_n domineer_v and_o again_o there_o be_v many_o christian_n in_o most_o quatter_n where_o turk_n or_o mahumâ—…_n have_v no_o foot_n sect_n xxii_o consider_v the_o meekness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o they_o that_o first_o teach_v this_o religion_n it_o follow_v that_o we_o consider_v by_o what_o mean_v this_o christian_a religion_n have_v its_o augmentation_n â—nd_v increase_v that_o therein_o it_o may_v â—…e_v comparable_a and_o prefer_v beâ—…re_o other_o we_o see_v it_o common_o â—…ue_v of_o most_o man_n that_o they_o will_v â—…llow_v the_o example_n of_o king_n and_o â—…otentates_n what_o way_n soever_o they_o â—…oe_v special_o if_o law_n or_o necessityâ—…ompell_v â—…ompell_z they_o to_o it_o hereby_o be_v â—…he_a religion_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o of_o mahumet_n much_o augment_v but_o â—…las_o they_o that_o first_o teach_v the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o wanâ—…d_v all_o civil_a power_n and_o authority_n â—ut_v be_v of_o mean_a condition_n no_o better_a than_o poor_a fisherman_n weaver_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o by_o such_o man_n pain_n and_o industry_n that_o doctrine_n within_o the_o space_n of_o thirty_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o be_v publish_v not_o only_o throughout_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n but_o also_o among_o the_o parthian_n and_o remote_a indian_n after_o this_o beginning_n almost_o for_o three_o several_a age_n together_o this_o same_o religion_n be_v so_o promote_v by_o the_o studious_a endeavour_n of_o some_o private_a man_n not_o with_o any_o threaten_n or_o allure_a promise_n but_o even_o in_o spite_n of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a world_n be_v christian_n before_o that_o constantine_n profess_v christianity_n among_o the_o grecian_n that_o teach_v morality_n divers_a there_o be_v very_o commendable_a in_o other_o art_n and_o discipline_n as_o the_o platonics_n for_o the_o study_n of_o geometry_n the_o peripatetic_n for_o the_o history_n of_o plant_n and_o other_o live_a creature_n the_o stoic_n for_o logical_a subtlety_n the_o pythagorean_n for_o knowledge_n of_o number_n and_o harmony_n many_o also_o be_v admirable_a for_o eloquence_n â—s_a xenophon_n plato_n and_o theophraâ—…us_n but_o the_o first_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n of_o christianity_n be_v endue_v with_o no_o such_o art_n but_o use_v plain_a language_n without_o entice_a word_n only_o after_o a_o bare_a manner_n or_o naâ—ed_a form_n of_o speech_n pronounce_v their_o precept_n promise_n and_o threatening_n which_o see_v they_o have_v no_o such_o efficacy_n in_o themselves_o for_o the_o propagation_n of_o this_o truth_n we_o must_v needs_o thereupon_o think_v that_o there_o be_v either_o a_o miracle_n or_o god_n secret_a power_n assist_v the_o business_n or_o both_o together_o sect_n xxiii_o what_o great_a impediment_n there_o be_v that_o may_v terrify_v man_n from_o the_o embrace_v or_o the_o profess_v hereof_o hereunto_o may_v be_v add_v another_o thing_n considerable_a namely_o how_o they_o who_o receiveâ—_n christianity_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o say_a man_n have_v their_o mindeâ—…_n prepossess_v with_o another_o form_n oâ—_n religion_n and_o therefore_o less_o docile_a or_o capable_a of_o this_o doctrine_n after_o that_o they_o have_v learn_v either_o the_o pagan_n service_n and_o ceremony_n or_o the_o law_n of_o mahumet_n be_v thereby_o no_o way_n prepare_v and_o fit_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o instruction_n as_o the_o hebrew_n be_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n by_o their_o circumcision_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o god_n haâ—â—ng_v their_o mind_n thus_o fill_v with_o preconcerned_a opinion_n concern_v heathenish_a and_o jewish_a rite_n whereunto_o they_o be_v habituate_v by_o custom_n which_o be_v a_o second_o nature_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o they_o entertain_v any_o new_a ordinance_n and_o instruction_n special_o such_o as_o these_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v educate_v and_o confirm_v by_o their_o parent_n authority_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v another_o 〈…〉_z to_o wit_n the_o great_a adversity_n they_o be_v to_o undergo_v and_o the_o most_o grievous_a misery_n which_o they_o suffer_v or_o stand_v in_o â—eare_z of_o for_o profess_v christianity_n for_o see_v that_o humane_a nature_n abhor_v such_o evil_n it_o must_v needs_o â—ollow_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o evils_n can_v be_v admit_v of_o without_o much_o difficulty_n a_o long_a time_n â—ere_z the_o christian_n deprive_v of_o â—ll_a honour_n and_o dignity_n be_v much_o afflict_v with_o divers_a penalty_n with_o confiscation_n of_o good_n â—nd_v banishment_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v all_o but_o flea-bitings_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o cruel_a 〈…〉_z they_o endure_v when_o they_o be_v put_v into_o hot_a scald_a metal_n and_o torment_v with_o the_o most_o grievous_a punishment_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v neither_o do_v this_o happen_v to_o a_o few_o only_o but_o such_o multitude_n of_o they_o be_v thus_o torture_v to_o death_n that_o there_o be_v never_o in_o one_o age_n before_o so_o many_o man_n sweep_v away_o and_o devour_v either_o by_o famine_n oâ—_n pestilence_n or_o war_n as_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o time_n do_v testify_v their_o manner_n and_o kind_n of_o death_n also_o be_v not_o ordinary_a but_o some_o be_v burn_v quick_a other_o nail_v upon_o cross_n and_o rack_v most_o of_o they_o put_v to_o such_o grievous_a torment_n as_o can_v be_v read_v or_o conceive_v without_o horror_n and_o wonder_n and_o this_o savage_a cruelty_n against_o christian_n which_o continue_v in_o the_o roman_a world_n and_o else_o where_o scarce_o with_o any_o intermission_n until_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n do_v not_o so_o depopulate_v the_o church_n but_o that_o out_o of_o the_o seed_n thereof_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n there_o spring_v up_o ever_o a_o new_a supply_n of_o professor_n now_o if_o herein_o we_o compare_v christianity_n with_o other_o religious_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o among_o the_o grecian_n and_o other_o pagan_n though_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o magnify_v their_o own_o worthy_n above_o measure_n yet_o be_v there_o but_o a_o short_a catalogue_n of_o such_o as_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o doctrine_n only_o we_o read_v of_o certain_a philosopher_n in_o india_n of_o socrates_n also_o and_o some_o few_o more_o who_o no_o doubt_n be_v the_o most_o eminent_a man_n in_o those_o time_n have_v a_o desire_n to_o perpetuate_v their_o fame_n to_o posterity_n but_o among_o those_o christian_n that_o suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o their_o faith_n there_o be_v very_o many_o of_o mean_a rank_n be_v of_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o people_n such_o as_o be_v scarce_o ever_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o know_v to_o their_o neighbour_n that_o live_v hard_o by_o there_o be_v woman_n also_o wife_n virgin_n and_o young_a man_n such_o as_o it_o be_v probable_a never_o cover_v or_o hope_v for_o any_o renown_n in_o their_o suffering_n whereupon_o in_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n we_o find_v the_o name_n but_o of_o a_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o the_o rest_n only_o register_v in_o gross_a add_v further_o that_o the_o heathen_a for_o the_o most_o part_n under_o any_o slight_a pretence_n as_o the_o cast_n of_o some_o frankincense_n upon_o the_o altar_n can_v free_v themselves_o from_o the_o pain_n of_o such_o a_o death_n and_o so_o cozen_v the_o world_n but_o this_o can_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v say_v of_o those_o who_o whatever_o they_o think_v in_o their_o heart_n deal_v plain_o in_o their_o deed_n and_o accommodate_v themselves_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o such_o be_v the_o jew_n and_o christian_n who_o alone_o can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v undergo_v death_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v we_o attribute_v this_o praise_n and_o commendation_n to_o any_o jew_n after_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n who_o also_o before_o christ_n come_v short_a of_o that_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n that_o in_o one_o only_a province_n be_v persecute_v for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a suffering_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v only_o during_o the_o time_n of_o manasses_n and_o antiâ—chus_n wherefore_o see_v that_o christianity_n so_o far_o excel_v all_o other_o religion_n in_o this_o particular_a it_o may_v just_o thereupon_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o and_o see_v likewise_o that_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o man_n of_o every_o rank_n and_o degree_n throughout_o all_o age_n and_o place_n have_v not_o fear_v to_o suffer_v death_n for_o this_o religion_n we_o must_v needs_o conceive_v there_o be_v some_o notable_a ground_n or_o cause_n of_o such_o their_o constancy_n which_o
can_v be_v nothing_o save_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o truth_n together_o with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n sect_n xxiiii_o answer_v to_o they_o that_o require_v more_o forcible_a reason_n final_o if_o any_o yet_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o these_o argument_n abovesaid_a but_o desire_v more_o forcible_a reason_n for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n let_v such_o know_v that_o as_o there_o be_v variety_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v true_a so_o be_v there_o divers_a way_n of_o prove_v or_o manifest_v the_o truth_n 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 ethic_n and_o last_o another_o kind_n when_o a_o mater_fw-la of_o fact_n be_v in_o â—_z wherein_n very_o we_o must_v rest_v content_a with_o such_o testimony_n as_o be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o untruth_n otherwise_o down_o go_v all_o the_o frame_n and_o use_v of_o history_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o art_n of_o physic_n together_o with_o all_o dutifulnesse_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o parent_n and_o child_n for_o matter_n of_o practicâ—_n can_v no_o way_n else_o be_v know_v but_o by_o such_o testimony_n now_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 gospel_n may_v be_v as_o a_o touchstine_a for_o trial_n of_o man_n judgement_n whether_o they_o be_v sound_a or_o unsound_a 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 wilful_a desire_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o they_o to_o relinquish_v their_o honour_n and_o set_v at_o naught_o other_o commodity_n which_o thing_n they_o know_v they_o ought_v to_o do_v if_o they_o admit_v of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o obey_v what_o he_o have_v command_v and_o this_o be_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v note_v of_o they_o for_o that_o many_o other_o historical_a narration_n be_v approve_v by_o they_o to_o be_v true_a which_o notwithstanding_o be_v only_o manifest_a by_o authority_n and_o not_o by_o any_o such_o strong_a proof_n and_o persuasion_n or_o token_n as_o do_v declare_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v evident_a partly_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o those_o jowe_n that_o be_v yet_o alive_a and_o partly_o in_o those_o company_n and_o congregation_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v any_o where_o to_o be_v find_v whereof_o doubtless_o 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 oxtent_n thereof_o can_v be_v ascribe_v to_o no_o humane_a power_n therefore_o the_o same_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 think_v to_o surpass_v any_o miracle_n the_o three_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_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 same_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 more_o distinct_o to_o know_v the_o part_n thereof_o then_o must_v he_o have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o most_o ancient_a write_n that_o contain_v the_o same_o religion_n and_o which_o common_o we_o call_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o new_a covenant_n this_o truth_n no_o man_n can_v just_o deny_v for_o as_o every_o sect_n be_v they_o good_a or_o bad_a shall_v be_v believe_v when_o they_o tell_v we_o true_o in_o what_o book_n or_o write_v their_o opinion_n be_v comprise_v thus_o we_o credit_v the_o turk_n who_o affirm_v that_o the_o religion_n of_o mahumet_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o alcoran_n so_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o say_a book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n since_o the_o same_o be_v general_o agree_v upon_o and_o constant_o have_v red_a by_o all_o christian_n forasmuch_o then_o as_o we_o have_v before_o prove_v that_o this_o religion_n be_v most_o true_a if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n yet_o this_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v and_o avouch_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n aforesaid_a wherein_o the_o same_o religion_n be_v contain_v which_o truth_n to_o demonstrate_v more_o particular_o let_v we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n take_v for_o grant_v by_o all_o indifferent_a man_n that_o he_o who_o go_v about_o to_o disprove_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o book_n or_o writing_n which_o have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n receive_v and_o allow_v of_o must_v use_v such_o argument_n as_o do_v derogate_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o book_n otherwise_o the_o authority_n thereof_o be_v no_o whit_n diminish_v but_o may_v still_o be_v defend_v and_o maintain_v 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 but_o have_v certain_a title_n be_v the_o very_a work_n of_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v to_o wit_n because_o those_o primitive_a father_n justin_n iraeneus_n clemens_n and_o other_o do_v commend_v those_o book_n under_o the_o same_o author_n name_n as_o also_o be_v cause_n tertullian_n witness_v that_o there_o be_v original_a copy_n 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 make_v doubt_v thereof_o but_o judian_n himself_o plain_o confess_v that_o those_o be_v the_o write_n of_o peter_n and_o paul_n matthew_n mark_v 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 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 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