not_o over_o credulous_a in_o such_o matter_n we_o must_v assign_v some_o cause_n of_o it_o that_o extend_v itself_o to_o all_o mankind_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o either_o a_o oracle_n of_o god_n himself_o or_o a_o tradition_n derive_v from_o the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n the_o former_a of_o which_o if_o we_o admit_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n be_v grant_v and_o if_o we_o affirm_v the_o latter_a there_o can_v no_o good_a reason_n be_v give_v why_o we_o shall_v believe_v those_o first_o parent_n do_v deliver_v a_o falsehood_n to_o all_o their_o posterity_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 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to_o a_o distemper_a palate_n taste_v quite_o otherwise_o than_o indeed_o they_o be_v especial_o since_o both_o history_n and_o other_o write_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o honest_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o diligent_o do_v he_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o further_o that_o this_o departure_n from_o so_o ancient_o a_o receive_a opinion_n chief_o proceed_v from_o the_o naughty_a disposition_n of_o those_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n that_o be_v no_o judge_n of_o humane_a action_n appear_v even_o from_o hence_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o put_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o whether_o a_o succession_n of_o several_a kind_n of_o thing_n without_o any_o beginning_n or_o a_o concourse_n of_o atom_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o whatsoever_o it_o have_v not_o less_o if_o not_o great_a difficulty_n nor_o be_v at_o all_o more_o credible_a as_o be_v manifest_a to_o any_o man_n that_o vouchsafe_v a_o ordinary_a attention_n to_o the_o matter_n than_o that_o opinion_n which_o be_v already_o receive_v as_o for_o that_o which_o some_o pretend_v that_o they_o can_v believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n because_o they_o can_v see_v he_o if_o they_o see_v any_o thing_n they_o can_v but_o see_v how_o unworthy_a this_o thought_n be_v of_o a_o man_n who_o do_v but_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n which_o he_o never_o see_v no_o more_o than_o he_o do_v the_o essence_n of_o god_n nor_o because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n by_o our_o understanding_n ought_v we_o therefore_o to_o deny_v there_o be_v any_o such_o nature_n for_o this_o be_v proper_a to_o every_o inferior_a creature_n not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v those_o being_n which_o be_v superior_a and_o more_o excellent_a than_o itself_o the_o beast_n can_v conceive_v what_o man_n be_v much_o less_o can_v they_o know_v after_o what_o manner_n man_n institute_v and_o govern_v commonwealth_n measure_v the_o star_n and_o sail_v upon_o the_o sea_n for_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v out_o of_o their_o reach_n from_o which_o very_a thing_n man_n who_o be_v raise_v and_o that_o not_o of_o himself_o by_o the_o nobility_n of_o his_o nature_n above_o the_o beast_n aught_o to_o infer_v that_o that_o be_v by_o who_o he_o be_v make_v superior_a to_o beast_n be_v no_o less_o superior_a to_o he_o than_o he_o himself_o to_o the_o beast_n and_o that_o therefore_o there_o be_v some_o nature_n which_o as_o far_o more_o excellent_a transcend_v his_o comprehension_n sect_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god._n we_o have_v evince_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o follow_v that_o we_o speak_v of_o his_o attribute_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v not_o more_o god_n but_o one_o god_n this_o be_v gather_v from_o hence_o that_o god_n as_o be_v say_v before_o be_v what_o he_o be_v necessary_o and_o of_o himself_o now_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_o or_o of_o itself_o be_v consider_v not_o in_o its_o general_a notion_n but_o as_o actual_o in_o be_v now_o thing_n actual_o in_o be_v be_v particular_a but_o if_o you_o suppose_v more_o god_n you_o can_v find_v a_o reason_n in_o each_o of_o they_o why_o they_o shall_v necessary_o be_v nor_o why_o two_o rather_o than_o three_o or_o ten_o rather_o than_o five_o shall_v be_v believe_v beside_o the_o multiplication_n of_o those_o particular_a thing_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n proceed_v from_o the_o exuberancy_n and_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o cause_n whence_o such_o thing_n more_o or_o less_o be_v generate_v but_o of_o god_n there_o be_v neither_o beginning_n nor_o any_o cause_n furthermore_o in_o all_o particular_a thing_n there_o be_v certain_a special_a and_o particular_a property_n whereby_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v several_o do_v inguish_v now_o to_o make_v such_o a_o distinction_n in_o god_n be_v altogether_o needless_a since_o that_o he_o be_v most_o necessary_a and_o simple_a by_o nature_n neither_o can_v any_o man_n perceive_v any_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o the_o plurality_n of_o go_n for_o this_o universal_a sphere_n or_o circumference_n which_o we_o behold_v make_v up_o but_o one_o complete_a world_n wherein_o there_o be_v one_o most_o beautiful_a and_o glorious_a sun_n likewise_o in_o every_o man_n the_o little_a world_n there_o be_v but_o one_o special_a govern_v part_n to_o wit_n his_o soul_n or_o mind_n beside_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v two_o god_n or_o more_o free_o act_v and_o will_v what_o they_o please_v they_o may_v will_v contrary_a thing_n and_o then_o one_o of_o they_o may_v be_v hinder_v by_o the_o other_o from_o effect_v what_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o have_v do_v but_o to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v be_v hinder_v in_o what_o he_o design_n be_v unworthy_a of_o his_o majesty_n sect_n iii_o that_o all_o perfection_n be_v in_o god._n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o rest_n of_o god_n attribute_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o name_n of_o perfection_n which_o word_n we_o must_v be_v content_a to_o use_v since_o our_o language_n furnish_v we_o with_o no_o better_a to_o express_v the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v in_o god_n may_v be_v thus_o prove_v what_o perfection_n soever_o there_o be_v in_o thing_n it_o either_o have_v a_o beginning_n or_o have_v no_o beginning_n that_o which_o have_v no_o beginning_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o that_o which_o have_v a_o beginning_n of_o necessity_n must_v have_v something_o that_o give_v it_o such_o beginning_n and_o since_o nothing_o among_o all_o the_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o be_v be_v make_v of_o nothing_o it_o follow_v that_o those_o perfection_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v in_o any_o effect_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o cause_n thereof_o can_v produce_v any_o thing_n according_o and_o consequent_o be_v all_o in_o the_o first_o cause_n neither_o must_v it_o be_v here_o imagine_v that_o the_o first_o cause_n can_v afterward_o be_v deprive_v of_o its_o perfection_n either_o by_o some_o other_o thing_n different_a from_o itself_o because_o that_o which_o be_v eternal_a have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o any_o other_o thing_n neither_o can_v be_v liable_a and_o subject_a unto_o their_o action_n or_o of_o itself_o because_o every_o nature_n desire_v its_o own_o perfection_n sect_n iv_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o we_o may_v add_v further_o that_o these_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o god_n be_v in_o he_o after_o a_o eminent_a and_o infinite_a manner_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o every_o thing_n be_v finite_a and_o limit_v either_o for_o that_o the_o cause_n whence_o it_o proceed_v have_v communicate_v such_o a_o measure_n or_o degree_n of_o existence_n and_o no_o more_o thereunto_o or_o for_o that_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o further_a perfection_n now_o there_o be_v no_o
out_o or_o add_v but_o it_o be_v a_o unjust_a thing_n to_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o book_n or_o evidence_n only_o because_o in_o so_o many_o age_n there_o can_v not_o but_o be_v great_a variety_n of_o copy_n since_o both_o custom_n and_o reason_n require_v that_o what_o appear_v in_o the_o most_o and_o most_o ancient_a copy_n be_v prefer_v to_o the_o rest_n but_o that_o either_o by_o fraud_n or_o any_o other_o way_n all_o the_o copy_n be_v corrupt_v and_o that_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o some_o remarkable_a piece_n of_o history_n will_v never_o be_v prove_v for_o there_o be_v neither_o any_o evidence_n nor_o any_o witness_n of_o those_o time_n which_o attest_v it_o but_o if_o as_o be_v say_v before_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n urge_v in_o much_o late_a time_n by_o those_o who_o bear_v a_o implacable_a hatred_n to_o the_o disciple_n of_o these_o book_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o reproach_n not_o as_o a_o testimony_n and_o this_o true_o which_o we_o have_v say_v may_v be_v well_o think_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o those_o who_o object_n a_o change_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o he_o who_o affirm_v that_o especial_o against_o a_o writing_n which_o have_v be_v long_o and_o in_o abundance_n of_o place_n receive_v ought_v himself_o to_o prove_v his_o charge_n but_o to_o make_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o objection_n more_o full_o appear_v we_o will_v show_v that_o what_o they_o feign_v neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v do_v we_o have_v prove_v before_o that_o the_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v which_o be_v grant_v it_o follow_v that_o other_o book_n be_v not_o foist_v into_o their_o room_n nor_o be_v any_o notable_a part_n of_o they_o change_v for_o since_o that_o change_n must_v needs_o have_v some_o design_n that_o part_n will_v notorious_o differ_v from_o the_o other_o part_n and_o book_n which_o be_v not_o change_v which_o can_v now_o any_o where_o be_v discern_v nay_o there_o be_v a_o admirable_a agreement_n as_o we_o say_v in_o their_o sense_n beside_o as_o soon_o as_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n publish_v any_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o christian_n with_o great_a diligence_n as_o become_v their_o piety_n and_o care_v to_o preserve_v and_o propagate_v truth_n to_o posterity_n take_v from_o thence_o many_o copy_n for_o their_o use_n which_o therefore_o be_v disperse_v as_o far_o as_o the_o christian_a name_n through_o europe_n asia_n and_o egypt_n in_o which_o place_n the_o greek_a language_n be_v speak_v and_o more_o than_o this_o the_o original_a copy_n also_o as_o we_o say_v before_o be_v preserve_v till_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n now_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o any_o book_n diffuse_v into_o so_o many_o copy_n and_o keep_v not_o only_o by_o the_o private_a diligence_n of_o particular_a person_n but_o the_o common_a care_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v alter_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o falsifier_n add_v further_o that_o these_o book_n in_o the_o follow_a age_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o syriac_a ethiopick_n arabic_a and_o latin_a tongue_n which_o translation_n be_v yet_o extant_a and_o do_v not_o differ_v in_o any_o thing_n of_o moment_n from_o the_o greek_a copy_n themselves_o beside_o we_o have_v the_o write_n of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o by_o their_o disciple_n wherein_o many_o place_n be_v cite_v out_o of_o these_o book_n to_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o meaning_n which_o now_o we_o read_v they_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o in_o the_o church_n of_o so_o great_a authority_n in_o those_o time_n as_o to_o have_v meet_v with_o obedience_n if_o he_o will_v have_v change_v any_o thing_n as_o be_v plain_a enough_o by_o the_o free_a and_o open_a dissent_n of_o irenaeus_n tertullian_n and_o cyprian_a from_o those_o that_o be_v most_o eminent_a in_o the_o church_n after_o which_o time_n there_o succeed_v many_o other_o man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n who_o have_v first_o make_v diligent_a inquiry_n thereof_o receive_v these_o book_n as_o retain_v their_o original_a purity_n hitherto_o also_o may_v be_v refer_v what_o but_o now_o we_o say_v of_o divers_a sect_n of_o christian_n all_o which_o at_o least_o such_o as_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n and_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o new_a law_n do_v receive_v and_o use_v these_o book_n according_o as_o we_o do_v the_o same_o and_o if_o any_o have_v attempt_v to_o alter_v or_o put_v any_o thing_n new_a into_o any_o part_n thereof_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v accuse_v by_o the_o rest_n for_o forgery_n and_o false-dealing_a therein_o neither_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o sect_n that_o have_v the_o liberty_n at_o their_o pleasure_n to_o alter_v any_o of_o these_o book_n for_o their_o own_o turn_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o all_o of_o they_o do_v draw_v their_o argument_n one_o against_o another_o out_o of_o the_o same_o and_o as_o for_o that_o which_o we_o touch_v concern_v divine_a providence_n it_o belong_v no_o less_o unto_o the_o chief_a part_n than_o unto_o the_o whole_a book_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o it_o that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v so_o many_o thousand_o man_n which_o sincere_o desire_v to_o be_v godly_a and_o earnest_o seek_v after_o eternal_a life_n to_o be_v lead_v headlong_o into_o that_o error_n which_o they_o can_v no_o way_n avoid_v and_o thus_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n whence_o alone_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o help_n we_o may_v be_v sufficient_o instruct_v concern_v the_o true_a religion_n sect_n xvi_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o leave_v we_o also_o the_o writing_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o be_v ancient_o the_o true_a and_o afford_v no_o small_a testimony_n for_o christianity_n therefore_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o justify_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o first_o then_o that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o same_o man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v be_v manifest_a in_o like_a manner_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v of_o we_o before_o of_o the_o new_a covenant_n these_o author_n be_v either_o prophet_n or_o other_o very_a faithful_a and_o credible_a man_n such_o as_o be_v esdras_n who_o be_v think_v to_o have_v collect_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n into_o one_o volume_n during_o the_o life_n time_n of_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n malachy_n and_o zachary_n i_o will_v not_o here_o repeat_v again_o what_o be_v say_v before_o in_o the_o commendation_n of_o moses_n both_o that_o part_n of_o history_n which_o at_o first_o be_v deliver_v by_o he_o as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o book_n and_o that_o also_o which_o be_v collect_v after_o his_o time_n be_v witness_v even_o by_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_a thus_o the_o annal_n of_o the_o phoenician_n have_v record_v the_o name_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n and_o their_o league_n with_o the_o man_n of_o tyre_n aswell_o berosus_n as_o the_o hebrew_n writer_n make_v mention_n of_o nobuchadonosor_n and_o of_o other_o chaldean_a king_n he_o who_o jeremy_n call_v vaphres_n king_n of_o egypt_n be_v term_v apries_n by_o herodotus_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o book_n of_o the_o grecian_n be_v replenish_v with_o narration_n concern_v cyrus_n and_o his_o successor_n until_o the_o time_n of_o darius_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n concern_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v relate_v by_o josephus_n in_o his_o book_n against_o appion_n whereunto_o we_o may_v add_v what_o before_o we_o have_v touch_v out_o of_o strabo_n and_o trogus_n but_o as_o for_o we_o christian_n we_o can_v in_o the_o least_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o book_n out_o of_o every_o one_o of_o which_o almost_o there_o be_v testimony_n extant_a in_o our_o book_n which_o be_v find_v likewise_o in_o the_o hebrew_n neither_o do_v we_o find_v when_o christ_n reprehend_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n and_o pharisees_n of_o his_o time_n that_o ever_o he_o accuse_v they_o of_o forgery_n commit_v against_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o prophet_n or_o that_o they_o use_v counterfeit_a book_n or_o such_o as_o be_v change_v then_o after_o christ_n time_n it_o can_v be_v prove_v neither_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v corrupt_v in_o matter_n of_o any_o moment_n if_o we_o consider_v right_o how_o far_o and_o wide_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v spread_v who_o every_o where_o be_v
but_o to_o all_o people_n and_o not_o after_o that_o mankind_n have_v live_v above_o the_o space_n of_o two_o thousand_o year_n but_o even_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o all_o neither_o abel_n enoch_n noah_n melchisedeck_v job_n abraham_n isaac_n or_o jacob_n though_o all_o of_o they_o be_v godly_a man_n and_o dear_o belove_v of_o god_n know_v this_o part_n of_o the_o law_n but_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a or_o very_o little_a acquaint_v therewith_o yet_o notwithstanding_o for_o all_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o of_o god_n love_n unto_o they_o beside_o neither_o do_v moses_n exhort_v jethro_n his_o father_n in_o law_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o these_o rite_n nor_o do_v jonah_n the_o ninivites_n neither_o do_v any_o other_o prophet_n reprehend_v the_o chaldean_n egyptian_n sydonian_o tyrian_n idumean_n and_o moabite_n for_o not_o admit_v those_o ceremony_n though_o when_o they_o write_v unto_o they_o they_o reckon_v up_o their_o sin_n exact_o enough_o these_o than_o be_v peculiar_a precept_n introduce_v either_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o some_o evil_n which_o the_o jew_n be_v prone_a unto_o or_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o obedience_n or_o for_o the_o signification_n of_o some_o future_a thing_n wherefore_o it_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v wonder_v that_o these_o be_v abolish_v than_o if_o any_o king_n shall_v abrogate_v some_o municipal_a statute_n which_o belong_v that_o be_v to_o particular_a corporation_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v establish_v one_o law_n within_o his_o dominion_n neither_o can_v there_o any_o reason_n be_v allege_v to_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v so_o bind_v himself_o as_o that_o he_o will_v change_v nothing_o of_o the_o same_o for_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o precept_n be_v call_v perpetual_a the_o same_o word_n man_n oftentimes_o use_v when_o they_o will_v signify_v that_o that_o which_o they_o command_v be_v not_o yearly_a or_o accommodate_v to_o certain_a time_n suppose_v of_o war_n peace_n or_o scarcity_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o thereby_o hinder_v from_o make_v new_a constitution_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n special_o when_o the_o public_a good_a require_v it_o thus_o in_o like_a manner_n some_o of_o the_o divine_a precept_n give_v to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v temporary_a during_o the_o people_n abode_n in_o the_o wilderness_n other_o be_v strict_o tie_v to_o their_o habitation_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n therefore_o to_o distinguish_v these_o from_o the_o other_o he_o call_v they_o perpetual_a whereby_o may_v be_v understand_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o any_o where_n or_o at_o any_o time_n to_o be_v intermit_v unless_o god_n signify_v that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n so_o to_o be_v which_o manner_n of_o speak_v since_o it_o be_v common_o use_v by_o all_o people_n aught_o to_o be_v less_o wonder_v at_o by_o the_o hebrew_n who_o know_v that_o in_o their_o law_n it_o be_v call_v a_o perpetual_a statute_n and_o a_o perpetual_a bondage_n which_o continue_v only_o from_o one_o jubilee_n to_o another_o and_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v call_v by_o they_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o jubilee_n or_o the_o great_a jubilee_n of_o all_o thus_o in_o the_o hebrew_n prophet_n there_o be_v ancient_o a_o promise_n of_o make_v a_o new_a covenant_n as_o in_o jerem_n xxxi_o where_o god_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n which_o shall_v be_v put_v into_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v in_o their_o heart_n neither_o shall_v man_n have_v any_o need_n that_o one_o shall_v learn_v religion_n of_o another_o for_o it_o shall_v be_v manifest_a unto_o all_o yea_o further_o the_o lord_n will_v forgive_v they_o their_o former_a iniquity_n and_o will_v remember_v their_o sin_n no_o more_o which_o be_v as_o if_o a_o king_n after_o great_a enmity_n and_o discord_n among_o his_o citizen_n and_o subject_n shall_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n among_o they_o take_v away_o all_o diversity_n of_o law_n and_o make_v one_o perfect_a law_n common_a to_o they_o all_o promise_v forgiveness_n of_o fault_n bypass_a if_o hereafter_o they_o do_v amend_v and_o this_o which_o have_v be_v say_v may_v suffice_v but_o we_o will_v survey_v every_o part_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v abrogate_a and_o show_v they_o be_v neither_o such_o as_o in_o themselves_o can_v be_v well_o please_v unto_o god_n nor_o ought_v they_o to_o continue_v for_o ever_o sect_n viii_o as_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o of_o themselves_o be_v never_o well-pleasing_a unto_o god_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o sacrifice_n which_o many_o of_o the_o hebrew_n think_v be_v invent_v by_o man_n before_o that_o they_o be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o true_a it_o be_v indeed_o the_o hebrew_n be_v desirous_a of_o abundance_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n so_o that_o there_o be_v cause_n enough_o why_o god_n shall_v enjoin_v they_o very_o many_o if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o this_o reason_n lest_o they_o shall_v return_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o their_o sojourn_v in_o egypt_n howbeit_o when_v their_o posterity_n make_v too_o great_a account_n of_o they_o as_o though_o of_o themselves_o they_o have_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o a_o part_n of_o true_a piety_n then_o do_v the_o prophet_n reprehend_v they_o for_o it_o about_o sacrifice_n say_v god_n by_o david_n in_o the_o fifty_o psalm_n i_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o exchange_v a_o word_n with_o thou_o as_o if_o i_o be_v desirous_a to_o have_v thy_o burn_a offering_n continual_o before_o i_o i_o will_v take_v no_o buliock_n out_o of_o thy_o house_n nor_o he-goat_n out_o of_o thy_o fold_n for_o every_o beast_n of_o the_o forest_n be_v i_o and_o so_o be_v the_o cattle_n upon_o a_o thousand_o hill_n i_o know_v all_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o mountain_n and_o the_o wila_fw-fr beast_n of_o the_o field_n be_v i_o if_o i_o be_v hungry_a i_o will_v not_o tell_v thou_o for_o the_o world_n be_v i_o and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o think_v thou_o that_o i_o will_v eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o bull_n or_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o goat_n offer_v unto_o god_n thanksgiving_n and_o pay_v thy_o vow_n unto_o the_o most_o high_a some_o there_o be_v among_o the_o hebrew_n who_o say_v that_o this_o be_v speak_v because_o they_o that_o offer_v those_o sacrifice_n be_v of_o a_o impure_a mind_n and_o dishonest_a conversation_n but_o the_o word_n now_o allege_v show_v another_o matter_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o be_v no_o whit_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o whole_a series_n and_o order_n of_o the_o psalm_n we_o shall_v and_o that_o god_n in_o these_o word_n speak_v unto_o the_o godly_a for_o he_o have_v say_v gather_v my_o saint_n together_o unto_o i_o and_o hear_v my_o people_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o a_o teacher_n and_o one_o that_o instruct_v then_o have_v end_v those_o word_n now_o allege_v as_o his_o manner_n be_v he_o speak_v unto_o the_o wicked_a but_o unto_o the_o wicked_a god_n say_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n we_o may_v cite_v other_o place_n as_o in_o the_o 51._o psal_n thou_o desire_v not_o sacrifice_v else_o will_v i_o give_v it_o thou_o but_o thou_o delight_v not_o in_o burnt-offering_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n be_v a_o break_a spirit_n a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n o_o god_n thou_o will_v not_o despise_v so_o likewise_o in_o the_o forty_o psalm_n sacrifice_n and_o offering_n thou_o do_v not_o desire_v but_o have_v tie_v i_o to_o thou_o as_o he_o who_o ear_n be_v bore_v through_o to_o be_v thy_o servant_n burnt-offering_a and_o sin-offering_a have_v thou_o not_o require_v then_o say_v i_o loe_o i_o come_v in_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o book_n it_o be_v write_v of_o i_o i_o delight_v to_o do_v thy_o will_n o_o my_o god_n yea_o thy_o law_n be_v within_o my_o heart_n i_o have_v preach_v righteousness_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n loe_o i_o have_v not_o refrain_v my_o lip_n o_o lord_n thou_o know_v i_o have_v not_o hide_v thy_o righteousness_n within_o my_o heart_n i_o have_v declare_v thy_o faithfulness_n and_o thy_o salvation_n i_o have_v not_o conceal_v thy_o love_a kindness_n and_o thy_o truth_n from_o the_o great_a congregation_n the_o like_a we_o read_v in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n 1._o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o be_o full_a of_o the_o burn_a offering_n of_o ram_n and_o the_o fat_a of_o feed_a beast_n and_o i_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o bullock_n or_o of_o lamb_n or_o of_o he-goat_n when_o you_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o i_o who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n to_o tread_v my_o court_n answerable_a to_o this_o place_n and_o the_o
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
or_o conspire_v as_o we_o may_v call_v it_o of_o event_n to_o a_o certain_a end_n be_v a_o manifest_a token_n of_o a_o provident_a direction_n like_o as_o at_o dice_n if_o a_o man_n now_o and_o then_o throw_v a_o lucky_a cast_n which_o win_v all_o it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o chance_n but_o if_o he_o throw_v the_o very_a same_o a_o hundred_o time_n there_o be_v no_o body_n who_o will_v not_o conclude_v that_o this_o proceed_v from_o some_o extraordinary_a art_n sect_n xii_o and_o by_o miracle_n another_o most_o certain_a proof_n of_o god_n providence_n may_v be_v take_v from_o those_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n which_o be_v record_v in_o history_n where_o though_o many_o fabulous_a thing_n be_v relate_v in_o that_o kind_n yet_o those_o that_o be_v testify_v by_o sufficient_a witness_n live_v in_o the_o time_n when_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v such_o i_o mean_v as_o be_v defective_a neither_o in_o judgement_n nor_o in_o honesty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v as_o altogether_o impossible_a for_o in_o as_o much_o as_o god_n be_v both_o omnipotent_a and_o omniscient_a what_o can_v hinder_v he_o from_o signify_v what_o he_o know_v or_o what_o he_o please_v to_o do_v and_o that_o even_o beyond_o the_o common_a course_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v make_v and_o ordain_v by_o he_o become_v subject_a unto_o he_o by_o the_o title_n of_o creation_n now_o if_o any_o do_v object_n that_o such_o thing_n may_v have_v be_v do_v by_o subordinate_a power_n and_o mind_n inferior_a to_o god_n to_o they_o we_o answer_v that_o so_o much_o may_v be_v grant_v indeed_o but_o yet_o this_o make_v way_n that_o the_o same_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o be_v credit_v of_o god_n who_o be_v to_o be_v think_v either_o to_o work_v by_o the_o mediation_n of_o those_o agent_n or_o else_o out_o of_o his_o wisdom_n to_o permit_v they_o when_o they_o bring_v to_o pass_v any_o such_o thing_n for_o in_o well_o order_v kingdom_n there_o be_v nothing_o do_v against_o the_o statute_n and_o common_a law_n but_o by_o the_o arbitrement_n or_o permission_n of_o the_o supreme_a governor_n sect_n xiii_o special_o among_o the_o jew_n whereunto_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a continuance_n of_o their_o religion_n now_o that_o there_o have_v indeed_o be_v some_o miracle_n see_v though_o the_o credit_n of_o other_o history_n shall_v be_v questionable_a yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a enough_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o albeit_o it_o have_v long_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o humane_a help_n yea_o expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o have_v still_o continue_v almost_o in_o all_o the_o climate_n and_o part_n of_o the_o world_n even_o unto_o this_o day_n whereas_o all_o other_o religion_n save_v the_o christian_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o jewish_a have_v either_o vanish_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o imperial_a power_n and_o authority_n be_v withdraw_v whereby_o they_o be_v support_v as_o all_o the_o paganish_a or_o else_o be_v still_o perpetual_o uphold_v by_o the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n as_o mahometism_n now_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v why_o the_o jewish_a religion_n have_v take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o hebrew_n as_o that_o it_o can_v thence_o be_v eradicate_v no_o better_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v or_o conceive_v than_o this_o namely_o that_o those_o jew_n that_o be_v now_o alive_a do_v from_o their_o parent_n as_o those_o parent_n from_o their_o progenitor_n and_o so_o upward_o until_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n and_o joshua_n receive_v those_o miracle_n mention_v in_o scripture_n by_o certain_a and_o constant_a tradition_n which_o miracle_n be_v do_v chief_o at_o the_o depart_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o in_o their_o journey_n through_o the_o wilderness_n and_o entrance_n into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n whereof_o their_o ancestor_n be_v then_o eye-witness_n nor_o be_v it_o at_o all_o credible_a that_o it_o can_v otherwise_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o people_n who_o be_v sufficient_o stiff-necked_a and_o of_o a_o stubborn_a disposition_n shall_v take_v upon_o they_o a_o law_n burden_v with_o so_o many_o rite_n or_o that_o wise_a man_n out_o of_o the_o many_o mark_n of_o religion_n which_o humane_a reason_n can_v have_v invent_v shall_v choose_v circumcision_n which_o can_v not_o be_v receive_v without_o very_o great_a pain_n nor_o retain_v without_o the_o derision_n of_o all_o stranger_n and_o have_v nothing_o in_o it_o to_o recommend_v it_o save_v only_o this_o that_o god_n be_v its_o author_n sect_n fourteen_o also_o by_o the_o truth_n and_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n his_o story_n beside_o the_o writing_n of_o moses_n wherein_o those_o miracle_n be_v record_v to_o posterity_n do_v gain_v the_o great_a credit_n thereunto_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v always_o a_o settle_a opinion_n and_o constant_a report_n among_o the_o hebrew_n that_o this_o same_o moses_n be_v commend_v by_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v manifest_a enough_o that_o he_o neither_o affect_v his_o own_o glory_n nor_o desire_v their_o riches_n forasmuch_o as_o himself_o reveal_v his_o own_o fault_n and_o delinquency_n which_o he_o may_v have_v conceal_v and_o also_o he_o assign_v the_o dignity_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o priesthood_n unto_o stranger_n whence_o his_o own_o posterity_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o common_a condition_n of_o levite_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o forge_v untruth_n neither_o do_v he_o use_v any_o dissemble_n or_o allure_a language_n such_o as_o common_o colour_n over_o a_o lie_n but_o he_o speak_v after_o a_o plain_a ingenuous_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o treat_v of_o add_v hereunto_o the_o undoubted_a antiquity_n of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n to_o which_o no_o other_o writing_n be_v therein_o comparable_a a_o argument_n whereof_o be_v for_o that_o the_o grecian_n from_o who_o all_o kind_n of_o learning_n be_v derive_v to_o other_o heathen_n do_v confess_v they_o receive_v their_o very_a letter_n from_o other_o which_o letter_n of_o they_o have_v not_o other_o order_n or_o name_n or_o ancient_a form_n than_o that_o of_o the_o syriac_a or_o hebrew_a tongue_n as_o also_o for_o that_o the_o most_o ancient_a grecian_a law_n whence_o the_o roman_n collect_v they_o have_v their_o original_a from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n sect_n xv._o and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o many_o gentile_n moreover_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v many_o testimony_n of_o such_o as_o be_v alien_n from_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o declare_v that_o the_o most_o ancient_a report_n which_o pass_v for_o truth_n among_o all_o nation_n be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o moses_n have_v relate_v in_o his_o write_n thus_o what_o thing_n he_o relate_v concern_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n the_o same_o be_v find_v also_o record_v in_o the_o most_o ancient_a history_n of_o the_o phoenician_n which_o be_v collect_v by_o sancuniathon_n and_o translate_v by_o philo_n byblius_n and_o partly_o also_o find_v among_o the_o indian_n and_o egyptian_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o linus_n hesiod_n and_o many_o of_o the_o grecian_n mention_n be_v make_v of_o a_o chaos_n which_o some_o have_v intimate_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o egg_n also_o of_o the_o make_n of_o live_a creature_n and_o last_o of_o all_o of_o man_n according_a to_o a_o divine_a image_n and_o of_o man_n dominion_n over_o other_o creature_n all_o which_o may_v be_v read_v in_o sundry_a author_n and_o at_o last_o in_o ovid_n who_o transcribe_v they_o out_o of_o the_o greek_a writer_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v confess_v even_o by_o epicharmus_n and_o the_o platonic_n and_o before_o they_o by_o a_o most_o ancient_a writer_n not_o of_o those_o hymn_n which_o now_o go_v under_o that_o name_n but_o of_o those_o verse_n which_o antiquity_n call_v orphean_a verse_n not_o because_o they_o have_v orpheus_n for_o their_o author_n but_o because_o they_o summary_o comprise_v his_o doctrine_n empedocles_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o sun_n be_v not_o the_o primitive_a light_n but_o a_o fit_a receptacle_n of_o light_n aratus_n and_o catullus_n think_v that_o above_o the_o sphere_n or_o orb_n of_o the_o star_n there_o be_v a_o divine_a habitation_n wherein_o homer_n imagine_v there_o be_v perpetual_a light_n that_o of_o all_o thing_n god_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a because_o not_o beget_v the_o world_n most_o beautiful_a because_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o that_o darkness_n be_v before_o the_o light_n be_v all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o thales_n out_o of_o the_o ancient_a learning_n the_o last_o point_n whereof_o be_v find_v in_o orpheus_n and_o hesiod_n whereupon_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v common_o superstitious_a in_o follow_v
for_o the_o love_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o such_o a_o religion_n be_v induce_v to_o tell_v untruth_n beside_o these_o man_n be_v of_o a_o upright_a conversation_n their_o life_n be_v spotless_a and_o unblameable_a even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o adversary_n who_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o they_o save_v their_o simplicity_n which_o of_o all_o other_o disposition_n be_v the_o most_o unlikely_a to_o forge_v a_o lie_n nay_o there_o be_v none_o among_o these_o primitive_a christian_n whereof_o we_o speak_v who_o do_v not_o suffer_v grievous_a torment_n for_o profess_v that_o jesus_n be_v rise_v and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v put_v unto_o most_o exquisite_a pain_n of_o death_n for_o bear_v testimony_n of_o the_o same_o now_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n may_v be_v content_a to_o endure_v such_o thing_n for_o some_o opinion_n which_o he_o have_v conceive_v and_o real_o believe_v in_o his_o mind_n yet_o that_o for_o a_o falsehood_n which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v so_o not_o only_o some_o one_o man_n but_o a_o great_a many_o man_n who_o be_v like_a to_o gain_v nothing_o at_o all_o by_o make_v that_o falsehood_n to_o be_v believe_v shall_v consent_v to_o suffer_v such_o cruel_a torment_n be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o incredible_a now_o that_o these_o be_v not_o madman_n both_o their_o conversation_n and_o their_o writing_n do_v abundant_o testify_v likewise_o what_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o first_o apostle_n may_v also_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n who_o open_o teach_v that_o he_o see_v christ_n sit_v in_o heaven_n who_o also_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o any_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n nor_o may_v he_o have_v want_v dignity_n and_o preferment_n if_o he_o will_v have_v follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o his_o father_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n he_o become_v liable_a to_o the_o hatred_n and_o malignity_n of_o his_o kinsfolk_n and_o engage_v himself_o to_o undertake_v difficult_a dangerous_a and_o laborious_a travel_n through_o the_o world_n and_o last_o of_o all_o to_o undergo_v a_o disgraceful_a death_n and_o torment_n sect_n viii_o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o resurrection_n seem_v impossible_a such_o and_o so_o great_a testimony_n no_o man_n can_v disprove_v or_o gainsay_v unless_o some_o will_v reply_v that_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v for_o so_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n as_o they_o speak_v howbeit_o that_o can_v be_v affirm_v of_o this_o matter_n it_o may_v indeed_o if_o one_o can_v say_v that_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o man_n live_v and_o die_v at_o the_o self_n same_o time_n but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v restore_v from_o death_n to_o life_n especial_o by_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o he_o who_o first_o give_v life_n and_o be_v unto_o man_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v account_v for_o a_o thing_n impossible_a neither_o have_v it_o be_v thought_n impossible_a by_o wise_a man_n for_o plato_n write_v that_o this_o be_v do_v to_o eris_n a_o armenian_a and_o the_o like_a be_v relate_v of_o a_o certain_a woman_n by_o heraclide_n a_o philosopher_n of_o pontus_n of_o aristaeus_n by_o herodotus_n and_o of_o another_o by_o plutarch_n all_o which_o whether_o true_a or_o false_a do_v show_v that_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n the_o thing_n be_v conceive_v to_o be_v possible_a sect_n ix_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n be_v grant_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n be_v confirm_v now_o if_o it_o be_v neither_o impossible_a that_o christ_n shall_v return_v to_o life_n again_o and_o it_o do_v sufficient_o appear_v by_o great_a testimony_n wherewith_o rabbi_n bechai_n a_o master_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o convince_v that_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o thing_n and_o this_o christ_n himself_o also_o as_o both_o his_o disciple_n and_o other_o confess_v do_v publish_v a_o new_a doctrine_n as_o by_o a_o divine_a commandment_n true_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o that_o doctrine_n be_v true_a for_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v with_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o wisdom_n to_o honour_v he_o after_o so_o excellent_a a_o manner_n who_o have_v commit_v the_o crime_n of_o falsify_v in_o so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n especial_o consider_v that_o before_o his_o death_n he_o have_v foretell_v to_o his_o disciple_n both_o his_o death_n and_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o and_o his_o resurrection_n to_o life_n again_o add_v this_o withal_o that_o these_o thing_n shall_v therefore_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o may_v testify_v and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o argument_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o fact_n themselves_o which_o be_v do_v let_v we_o proceed_v to_o those_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o his_o doctrine_n sect_n x._o christian_a religion_n prefer_v before_o all_o other_o and_o here_o true_o we_o must_v say_v that_o either_o all_o kind_n of_o divine_a worship_n whatsoever_o must_v be_v reject_v and_o utter_o banish_v from_o among_o man_n which_o impiety_n will_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o one_o that_o can_v believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o take_v care_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o withal_o consider_v how_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o excellency_n of_o understanding_n and_o liberty_n to_o choose_v what_o be_v moral_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v capable_a as_o of_o reward_n so_o of_o punishment_n or_o else_o this_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o approve_v of_o for_o the_o very_o best_a not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o outward_a testimony_n of_o work_n and_o miracle_n aforesaid_a but_o also_o in_o consideration_n of_o such_o inward_a and_o essential_a property_n as_o be_v agree_v thereunto_o namely_o because_o there_o be_v not_o neither_o ever_o be_v there_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v either_o more_o honourable_a for_o excellency_n of_o reward_n or_o more_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a for_o precept_n or_o more_o admirable_a for_o the_o manner_n according_a to_o which_o it_o be_v command_v to_o be_v propagate_v and_o divulge_v sect_n xi_o for_o excellency_n of_o reward_n for_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o reward_n that_o be_v at_o the_o end_n propound_v to_o man_n which_o though_o it_o be_v the_o last_o in_o fruition_n and_o execution_n yet_o be_v it_o the_o first_o in_o his_o intention_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o plain_a or_o express_v covenant_n of_o the_o law_n we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o there_o promise_v save_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n as_o namely_o a_o fruitful_a land_n abundance_n of_o corn_n and_o victual_n victory_n over_o their_o enemy_n soundness_n of_o body_n length_n of_o day_n the_o comfortable_a blessing_n of_o a_o hopeful_a issue_n and_o survive_a posterity_n and_o the_o like_a for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n beyond_o it_o be_v involve_v in_o dark_a shadow_n or_o must_v be_v collect_v by_o wise_a and_o difficult_a reason_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o many_o in_o particular_a the_o sadducee_n who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v follower_n and_o observer_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n have_v no_o hope_n of_o enjoy_v any_o happiness_n after_o this_o life_n as_o for_o the_o grecian_n who_o receive_v their_o learning_n from_o the_o chaldean_n and_o egyptian_n and_o have_v some_o hope_n in_o another_o world_n after_o this_o life_n be_v end_v they_o speak_v thereof_o after_o a_o very_a doubtful_a manner_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o disputation_n of_o socrates_n by_o the_o write_n of_o tully_n seneca_n and_o other_o and_o the_o argument_n they_o produce_v for_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o uncertainty_n prove_v no_o more_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o man_n than_o of_o a_o beast_n which_o while_o some_o of_o they_o observe_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o imagine_v that_o soul_n be_v translate_v and_o convey_v from_o man_n to_o beast_n and_o again_o from_o beast_n into_o men._n but_o because_o this_o opinion_n be_v not_o confirm_v by_o any_o testimony_n or_o ground_v upon_o certain_a reason_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o there_o be_v some_o end_n propose_v to_o man_n action_n therefore_o other_o be_v induce_v to_o think_v that_o virtue_n be_v the_o end_n or_o reward_v of_o man_n endeavour_n and_o that_o a_o wise_a man_n be_v happy_a enough_o even_o though_o he_o be_v put_v into_o that_o torment_a brazen_a bull_n make_v by_o phalaris_n howbeit_o this_o fancy_n be_v just_o distasteful_a and_o improbable_a to_o another_o sort_n who_o see_v well_o enough_o that_o man_n happiness_n especial_o the_o high_a can_v not_o consist_v in_o any_o
follow_v that_o we_o consider_v by_o what_o mean_v this_o christian_a religion_n have_v its_o augmentation_n and_o increase_n that_o therein_o it_o may_v be_v comparable_a and_o prefer_v before_o other_o we_o see_v it_o common_o true_a of_o most_o man_n that_o they_o will_v easy_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o king_n and_o potentate_n what_o way_n soever_o they_o go_v special_o if_o law_n and_o penalty_n compel_v they_o to_o it_o hereby_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o of_o mahumet_n propagate_v but_o they_o that_o first_o teach_v the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o want_v all_o civil_a power_n and_o authority_n but_o be_v of_o mean_a condition_n no_o better_a than_o poor_a fisherman_n weaver_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o by_o such_o man_n pain_n and_o industry_n that_o doctrine_n within_o the_o space_n of_o thirty_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o be_v publish_v not_o only_o throughout_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n but_o also_o among_o the_o parthian_n and_o remote_a indian_n nor_o be_v it_o thus_o only_o in_o the_o beginning_n but_o for_o almost_o three_o whole_a age_n together_o this_o religion_n be_v so_o promote_v by_o the_o endeavour_n of_o private_a man_n without_o any_o threaten_n without_o any_o worldly_a thing_n to_o invite_v man_n to_o it_o yea_o against_o the_o will_n and_o the_o most_o violent_a opposition_n of_o those_o who_o then_o have_v the_o imperial_a power_n that_o before_o constantine_n profess_v christianity_n this_o be_v become_v very_o near_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a world_n among_o the_o grecian_n that_o teach_v morality_n divers_a there_o be_v that_o commend_v themselves_o also_o very_o much_o by_o their_o skill_n in_o other_o arts._n as_o the_o platonist_n be_v famous_a for_o the_o study_n of_o geometry_n the_o peripatetic_n for_o the_o history_n of_o plant_n and_o live_a creature_n the_o stoic_n for_o logical_a subtlety_n the_o pythagorean_n for_o knowledge_n of_o number_n and_o harmony_n many_o also_o be_v admirable_a for_o eloquence_n as_o xenophon_n plato_n and_o theophrastus_n but_o the_o first_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n of_o christianity_n be_v endue_v with_o no_o such_o art_n but_o use_v the_o plain_a language_n without_o entice_a word_n only_o after_o a_o bare_a manner_n or_o naked_a form_n of_o speech_n pronounce_v their_o precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n which_o have_v no_o efficacy_n in_o themselves_o proportionable_a to_o such_o a_o progress_n as_o christianity_n make_v we_o must_v needs_o confess_v it_o be_v either_o attend_v by_o miracle_n or_o by_o god_n secret_a power_n assist_v the_o business_n or_o both_o together_o sect_n xxiii_o what_o great_a impediment_n there_o be_v that_o may_v terrify_v man_n from_o the_o embrace_v or_o the_o profess_v hereof_o hereunto_o may_v be_v add_v another_o thing_n considerable_a namely_o that_o they_o who_o receive_v christianity_n from_o those_o teacher_n have_v not_o their_o mind_n void_a of_o a_o certain_a form_n and_o rule_v of_o religion_n and_o so_o be_v not_o by_o that_o mean_v ductile_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v draw_v as_o they_o be_v who_o first_o receive_v the_o paganish_a worship_n and_o mahomet_n law_n much_o less_o be_v their_o mind_n prepare_v for_o it_o by_o some_o antecedent_n institution_n as_o the_o hebrew_n by_o circumcision_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o god_n be_v make_v fit_a to_o accept_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o quite_o contrary_a be_v fill_v with_o opinion_n and_o custom_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o another_o nature_n repugnant_a to_o those_o new_a institution_n be_v educate_v viz._n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o law_n and_o of_o their_o parent_n in_o the_o paganish_a religion_n or_o the_o jewish_a rite_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v another_o impediment_n to_o wit_n the_o most_o grievous_a evil_n which_o they_o who_o undertake_v christianity_n must_v expect_v to_o suffer_v or_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v upon_o that_o account_n for_o see_v that_o humane_a nature_n abhor_v such_o evil_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o evil_n can_v be_v admit_v of_o without_o much_o difficulty_n a_o long_a time_n be_v the_o christian_n deprive_v of_o all_o honour_n and_o dignity_n and_o likewise_o much_o afflict_v with_o divers_a penalty_n with_o confiscation_n of_o good_n and_o banishment_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v all_o but_o flea-bite_n for_o they_o be_v condemn_v to_o dig_v in_o the_o mine_n and_o to_o suffer_v torment_n than_o which_o more_o cruel_a can_v not_o be_v devise_v and_o such_o multitude_n of_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n at_o one_o time_n sweep_v away_o and_o devour_v either_o by_o famine_n or_o pestilence_n or_o war_n as_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o time_n do_v testify_v their_o manner_n and_o kind_n of_o death_n also_o be_v not_o ordinary_a but_o some_o be_v bury_v alive_a other_o crucify_v other_o endure_v punishment_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n which_o can_v be_v read_v or_o think_v of_o without_o the_o great_a horror_n and_o yet_o this_o savage_a cruelty_n which_o continue_v without_o much_o intermission_n and_o that_o not_o every_o where_n till_o almost_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n in_o the_o roman_a world_n and_o in_o other_o place_n endure_v long_o be_v so_o far_o from_o diminish_v the_o number_n of_o christian_n that_o quite_o contrary_a their_o blood_n may_v be_v call_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n there_o spring_v up_o still_o so_o many_o in_o the_o room_n of_o those_o that_o be_v cut_v off_o now_o let_v we_o herein_o also_o compare_v other_o religion_n with_o christianity_n the_o greek_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pagan_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o magnify_v their_o own_o thing_n above_o measure_n yet_o give_v we_o in_o but_o a_o very_a short_a catalogue_n of_o such_o as_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o doctrine_n some_o gymnosophist_n socrates_n not_o many_o more_o be_v all_o they_o can_v number_v and_o in_o those_o eminent_a man_n it_o can_v scarce_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o desire_n of_o transmit_v their_o fame_n to_o posterity_n which_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o business_n but_o among_o those_o christian_n that_o suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o their_o faith_n there_o be_v very_o many_o of_o mean_a rank_n of_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o people_n such_o as_o be_v scarce_o ever_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o know_v to_o their_o neighbour_n that_o live_v hard_o by_o they_o there_o be_v woman_n also_o virgin_n and_o young_a man_n such_o as_o have_v no_o desire_n nor_o any_o probable_a hope_n of_o get_v renown_n in_o future_a time_n by_o their_o suffering_n according_a as_o in_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n we_o find_v the_o name_n but_o of_o a_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v put_v to_o death_n who_o be_v only_o register_v in_o gross_a to_o which_o we_o must_v add_v that_o by_o a_o small_a compliance_n and_o simulation_n suppose_v by_o cast_v a_o little_a frankincense_n upon_o the_o altar_n most_o of_o they_o may_v have_v free_v themselves_o from_o such_o punishment_n which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o those_o philosopher_n who_o whatsoever_o they_o may_v think_v secret_o in_o their_o heart_n in_o all_o their_o apparent_a action_n conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o vulgar_a custom_n so_o that_o to_o have_v suffer_v death_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n can_v well_o be_v attribute_v to_o any_o other_o but_o only_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n and_o not_o to_o the_o jew_n neither_o after_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n nor_o before_o they_o but_o to_o a_o few_o if_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o christian_n more_o of_o which_o suffer_v for_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o some_o one_o province_n than_o the_o jew_n ever_o do_v who_o patience_n in_o this_o kind_n may_v all_o very_o near_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o time_n of_o manasses_n and_o of_o antiochus_n wherefore_o see_v christian_a religion_n in_o this_o particular_a also_o so_o vast_o excel_v all_o other_o it_o ought_v just_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o they_o and_o from_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o all_o kind_n and_o sex_n of_o people_n distinguish_v by_o so_o many_o several_a place_n and_o age_n as_o do_v not_o stick_v to_o die_v for_o this_o religion_n we_o may_v well_o gather_v there_o be_v very_o great_a cause_n of_o such_o constancy_n which_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v any_o other_o but_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god._n sect_n xxiv_o answer_v to_o they_o that_o require_v more_o forcible_a reason_n final_o if_o any_o yet_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o these_o argument_n abovesaid_a but_o desire_v more_o forcible_a reason_n for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v such_o know_v that_o according_a as_o thing_n be_v divers_a they_o must_v also_o have_v divers_a kind_n of_o proof_n
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
for_o this_o be_v confute_v first_o by_o such_o a_o vast_a multitude_n of_o man_n who_o want_v no_o wit_n learning_n or_o wisdom_n as_o have_v follow_v the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n ever_o since_o the_o first_o time_n and_o then_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v show_v in_o the_o first_o book_n to_o be_v consonant_n to_o right_a reason_n for_o instance_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a infinite_a in_o virtue_n life_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o who_o all_o thing_n that_o have_v any_o be_v be_v make_v who_o care_n and_o providence_n reach_v over_o all_o his_o work_n especial_o unto_o man_n and_o who_o can_v after_o this_o life_n bountiful_o reward_n all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o bridle_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n that_o among_o man_n there_o be_v kindred_n and_o alliance_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o love_v one_o another_o with_o sincere_a affection_n all_o these_o you_o shall_v find_v most_o plain_o deliver_v in_o these_o book_n but_o to_o assert_v any_o thing_n for_o certain_a beyond_o these_o either_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o about_o his_o will_n by_o the_o mere_a conduct_n of_o humane_a reason_n the_o contrary_a resolution_n not_o only_o of_o the_o school_n among_o themselves_o but_o of_o particular_a philosopher_n may_v teach_v we_o how_o unsafe_a and_o fallacious_a it_o be_v and_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n for_o if_o man_n do_v so_o far_o disagree_v in_o their_o opinion_n when_o they_o dispute_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n than_o they_o must_v needs_o much_o more_o dissent_n when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o determine_v any_o thing_n not_o reveal_v concern_v the_o high_a mind_n and_o the_o most_o supreme_a spirit_n which_o so_o far_o transcend_v our_o weak_a apprehension_n if_o as_o prudent_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o counsel_n of_o king_n be_v dangerous_a and_o not_o to_o be_v attempt_v or_o attain_v by_o we_o who_o then_o be_v there_o so_o sagacious_a that_o he_o shall_v hope_v to_o be_v able_a by_o his_o own_o conjecture_n to_o find_v out_o what_o god_n will_n be_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o may_v will_v free_o as_o he_o please_v wherefore_o plato_n say_v very_o well_o that_o none_o of_o these_o hide_a mystery_n can_v be_v know_v without_o a_o oracle_n now_o there_o can_v no_o oracle_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o oracle_n indeed_o by_o any_o clear_a testimony_n than_o those_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o say_a book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o assert_v that_o god_n do_v ever_o reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o man_n concern_v his_o nature_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o these_o book_n nor_o can_v there_o any_o late_a signification_n of_o his_o will_n which_o be_v credible_a be_v produce_v for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n otherwise_o command_v or_o permit_v before_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v either_o plain_o indifferent_a or_o not_o at_o all_o in_o themselves_o due_a nor_o plain_o dishonest_a it_o make_v nothing_o against_o these_o book_n since_o that_o in_o such_o matter_n the_o late_a law_n annul_v the_o former_a sect_n xiii_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n that_o some_o of_o these_o book_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o other_o there_o be_v those_o who_o be_v wont_v further_o to_o object_n against_o these_o book_n that_o there_o be_v sometime_o a_o certain_a disagreement_n in_o their_o sense_n but_o quite_o contrary_a whosoever_o will_v judge_v of_o this_o matter_n with_o a_o indifferent_a mind_n shall_v find_v this_o also_o may_v be_v add_v to_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n that_o they_o do_v most_o manifest_o and_o apparent_o agree_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v any_o weighty_a point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o history_n which_o consent_n and_o accord_n can_v elsewhere_o be_v find_v among_o any_o other_o writer_n that_o be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sect_n or_o profession_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o jew_n or_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n the_o physician_n or_o the_o roman_a lawyer_n all_o which_o do_v not_o only_o differ_v much_o among_o themselves_o yea_o even_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o sect_n as_o plato_n and_o xenophon_n but_o oftentimes_o one_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o writer_n to_o affirm_v now_o one_o thing_n than_o another_o as_o if_o he_o be_v forgetful_a of_o himself_o or_o know_v not_o what_o to_o resolve_v upon_o but_o these_o writer_n of_o who_o we_o speak_v do_v inculcate_v and_o express_v the_o same_o point_n of_o faith_n they_o deliver_v the_o same_o commandment_n and_o as_o for_o their_o narration_n of_o the_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n the_o sum_n and_o substance_n in_o they_o all_o be_v the_o very_a same_o as_o touch_v some_o small_a circumstance_n which_o make_v nothing_o to_o the_o main_a matter_n they_o may_v happy_o have_v admit_v a_o very_a easy_a reconciliation_n though_o we_o now_o do_v not_o know_v it_o because_o of_o the_o likeness_n of_o thing_n do_v at_o divers_a time_n the_o ambiguity_n of_o name_n or_o more_o name_n than_o one_o of_o the_o same_o man_n or_o place_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n nay_o this_o very_a thing_n ought_v to_o vindicate_v and_o free_v these_o writer_n from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o falsehood_n it_o be_v usual_a with_o those_o that_o will_v have_v lie_n and_o untruth_n credit_v to_o relate_v all_o circumstance_n by_o compact_n and_o agreement_n so_o as_o there_o shall_v not_o appear_v any_o colour_n or_o show_v of_o difference_n or_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o for_o any_o small_a difference_n which_o can_v so_o exact_o be_v reconcile_v a_o whole_a book_n shall_v lose_v its_o credit_n then_o we_o must_v believe_v no_o book_n at_o all_o special_o those_o of_o history_n yet_o we_o see_v that_o polybius_n halicarnassensis_n livy_n and_o plutarch_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o be_v esteem_v authentical_a and_o true_a though_o in_o some_o circumstance_n they_o do_v not_o agree_v which_o make_v it_o the_o more_o equal_a and_o just_a that_o no_o such_o thing_n shall_v destroy_v their_o credit_n who_o we_o see_v by_o their_o very_a write_n be_v always_o most_o studious_a of_o piety_n and_o truth_n sect_n fourteen_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n take_v from_o outward_a testimony_n which_o make_v more_o for_o these_o book_n there_o remain_v another_o way_n of_o overthrow_v a_o testimony_n which_o be_v by_o produce_v contrary_a testimony_n out_o of_o other_o author_n but_o i_o dare_v bold_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o testimony_n to_o be_v find_v unless_o a_o man_n will_v produce_v the_o say_n of_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v a_o long_a time_n after_o and_o of_o such_o also_o as_o do_v so_o open_o profess_v enmity_n against_o christianity_n that_o they_o can_v be_v no_o fit_a witness_n in_o this_o matter_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o need_n be_v we_o can_v allege_v many_o testimony_n to_o confirm_v divers_a part_n of_o the_o history_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o say_a book_n thus_o both_o hebrew_n and_o pagan_n report_n that_o jesus_n be_v crucify_v and_o that_o sundry_a miracle_n be_v do_v by_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n those_o most_o famous_a book_n of_o josephus_n which_o be_v set_v forth_o about_o forty_o year_n after_o christ_n ascension_n do_v make_v mention_n of_o herod_n pilate_n festus_n felix_n john_n the_o baptist_n gamaliel_n and_o of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o large_a herewithal_o agree_v that_o which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o talmud_n have_v record_v concern_v those_o time_n tacitus_n relate_v how_o cruel_o nero_n use_v the_o christian_n and_o ancient_o there_o be_v certain_a book_n extant_a not_o only_o of_o private_a man_n as_o of_o phlegon_n and_o other_o but_o also_o some_o public_a act_n whereunto_o the_o christian_n appeal_v for_o that_o in_o they_o there_o be_v mention_n make_v of_o the_o star_n that_o appear_v at_o christ_n nativity_n and_o also_o of_o the_o earthquake_n and_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n against_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v then_o 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._o 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 far_o object_v against_o these_o book_n i_o see_v not_o 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 must_v be_v grant_v that_o what_o be_v common_a to_o other_o book_n may_v happen_v nay_o do_v happen_v to_o those_o namely_o that_o by_o the_o carelessness_n or_o the_o perverse_a care_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
the_o keeper_n of_o these_o book_n for_o first_o of_o all_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v lead_v away_o captive_a by_o the_o assyrian_n into_o media_n then_o afterward_o the_o two_o other_o tribe_n and_o many_o of_o these_o also_o after_o cyrus_n grant_v they_o liberty_n to_o return_v settle_v themselves_o in_o foreign_a country_n the_o macedonian_n invite_v they_o with_o great_a promise_n to_o come_v into_o alexandria_n the_o cruelty_n of_o antiochus_n the_o civil_a war_n of_o the_o maccabee_n together_o with_o those_o of_o pompey_n and_o sossius_n from_o without_o do_v disperse_v and_o scatter_v abroad_o many_o of_o they_o the_o part_n of_o africa_n about_o cyrene_n be_v full_a of_o the_o jew_n so_o be_v the_o city_n of_o asia_n macedonia_n lycaonia_n and_o likewise_o the_o isle_n of_o cyprus_n crete_n and_o other_o also_o what_o a_o number_n of_o they_o there_o be_v at_o rome_n may_v be_v learn_v out_o of_o horace_n juvenal_n and_o martial_n now_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o such_o multitude_n so_o far_o distant_a one_o from_o another_o shall_v be_v cozen_v in_o this_o kind_n neither_o can_v they_o ever_o accord_v all_o in_o the_o coin_n of_o a_o untruth_n add_v moreover_o that_o almost_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n at_o the_o appointment_n and_o care_n of_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n those_o book_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o greek_a tongue_n by_o those_o that_o be_v call_v the_o seventy_o interpreter_n so_o as_o then_o the_o grecian_n have_v the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o they_o though_o in_o another_o language_n whereby_o they_o be_v the_o less_o liable_a to_o be_v change_v nay_o more_o these_o book_n be_v translate_v both_o into_o the_o chaldee_n tongue_n and_o into_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v the_o half_a syriac_n a_o little_a before_o and_o a_o little_a after_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n other_o greek_a translation_n afterward_o there_o be_v as_o namely_o by_o aquila_n symmachus_n and_o theodotion_n all_o which_o origen_n compare_v with_o that_o of_o the_o seventy_o interpreter_n and_o after_o he_o other_o also_o who_o can_v find_v no_o diversity_n of_o history_n or_o of_o any_o matter_n worth_n speak_v of_o philo_z live_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o caligula_n and_o josephus_n survive_v the_o time_n of_o both_o the_o vespasian_n which_o two_o writer_n allege_v out_o of_o the_o hebrew_n book_n the_o same_o thing_n that_o we_o read_v at_o this_o day_n now_o in_o these_o very_a time_n begin_v christian_a religion_n to_o be_v more_o and_o more_o propagate_v be_v profess_v by_o many_o of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o by_o sundry_a person_n that_o have_v learn_v the_o hebrew_n tongue_n who_o if_o the_o jew_n have_v falsify_v in_o any_o notable_a part_n can_v have_v quick_o discover_v it_o by_o compare_v more_o ancient_a copy_n and_o so_o have_v make_v it_o public_o know_v but_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v this_o that_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o allege_v many_o testimony_n out_o of_o the_o old_a covenant_n to_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o meaning_n that_o they_o be_v use_v by_o the_o hebrew_n which_o hebrew_n may_v soon_o be_v accuse_v of_o any_o other_o fault_n than_o i_o will_v not_o say_v falsehood_n but_o of_o so_o much_o as_o negligence_n about_o these_o book_n which_o they_o have_v so_o religious_o and_o exact_o describe_v and_o compare_v that_o they_o know_v how_o often_o any_o one_o letter_n be_v find_v therein_o the_o last_o though_o not_o the_o least_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o purposely_o corrupt_a or_o alter_v the_o scripture_n may_v be_v because_o the_o christian_n out_o of_o the_o very_a book_n which_o be_v read_v by_o the_o jew_n do_v evince_v and_o as_o they_o trust_v very_o strong_o that_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n be_v that_o same_o very_a messiah_n which_o be_v ancient_o promise_v to_o the_o jew_n their_o forefather_n which_o above_o all_o thing_n the_o jew_n will_v have_v take_v care_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v do_v when_o the_o controversy_n arise_v between_o they_o and_o the_o christian_n if_o ever_o it_o have_v be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o have_v change_v what_o they_o list_v the_o four_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o a_o particular_a confutation_n of_o the_o religion_n opposite_a to_o christianity_n the_o four_o book_n begin_v with_o that_o pleasure_n which_o many_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o take_v in_o behold_v the_o danger_n wherein_o other_o be_v while_o they_o be_v in_o none_o themselves_o show_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o great_a pleasure_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n in_o this_o life_n not_o only_o to_o rejoice_v and_o bless_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v find_v out_o the_o truth_n but_o to_o lend_v his_o help_n also_o to_o other_o that_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o labyrinth_n of_o error_n and_o to_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n which_o we_o in_o some_o measure_n have_v endeavour_v to_o do_v in_o the_o former_a book_n the_o demonstration_n of_o that_o which_o be_v true_a contain_v in_o itself_o the_o confutation_n of_o what_o be_v false_a yet_o in_o regard_n that_o all_o kind_n of_o religion_n which_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o the_o christian_a viz._n paganism_n judaisme_n and_o mahometism_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o have_v certain_a error_n proper_a to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o and_o their_o peculiar_a argument_n which_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o oppose_v we_o withal_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o make_v a_o particular_a disputation_n against_o every_o one_o of_o these_o first_o beseech_v the_o reader_n to_o free_v their_o judgement_n from_o lean_v to_o a_o party_n and_o from_o long_a custom_n and_o prejudice_n as_o impediment_n of_o a_o good_a mind_n that_o with_o the_o great_a indifferency_n they_o may_v take_v cognizance_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v say_v sect_n ii_o and_o first_o of_o paganism_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n create_v spirit_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a the_o good_a not_o to_o be_v honour_v but_o as_o the_o most_o high_a god_n direct_v to_o begin_v then_o against_o pagan_n if_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a eternal_a and_o coequal_a god_n we_o have_v confute_v this_o opinion_n before_o in_o the_o first_o book_n where_o we_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v but_o only_o one_o god_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n or_o if_o they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n do_v understand_v the_o create_v spirit_n which_o be_v superior_a to_o man_n they_o then_o either_o mean_v the_o good_a or_o the_o bad_a if_o they_o say_v the_o good_a first_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o such_o be_v so_o indeed_o otherwise_o they_o commit_v a_o dangerous_a error_n in_o receive_v enemy_n in_o stead_n of_o friend_n and_o traitor_n for_o ambassador_n then_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v in_o their_o very_a worship_n make_v a_o evident_a difference_n between_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o those_o spirit_n and_o likewise_o be_v satisfy_v what_o order_n there_o be_v among_o they_o what_o good_a may_v be_v expect_v from_o each_o of_o they_o and_o what_o honour_n the_o most_o high_a be_v willing_a shall_v be_v bestow_v on_o every_o one_o of_o they_o all_o which_o being_n want_v in_o their_o religion_n it_o be_v plain_a from_o thence_o how_o uncertain_a that_o religion_n be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v a_o safe_a course_n for_o they_o to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o one_o almighty_a god_n which_o even_o plato_n confess_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o wise_a man_n special_o for_o that_o to_o whosoever_o god_n be_v propitious_a and_o favourable_a to_o they_o these_o good_a angel_n must_v needs_o be_v serviceable_a and_o gracious_a be_v the_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a sect_n iii_o evil_a spirit_n adore_v by_o pagan_n and_o how_o impious_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v but_o it_o be_v the_o bad_a not_o the_o good_a spirit_n which_o the_o pagan_n do_v worship_v as_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o weighty_a reason_n first_o because_o these_o adore_a angel_n do_v not_o throw_v off_o their_o worshipper_n unto_o the_o service_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v labour_v to_o abolish_v the_o same_o or_o at_o least_o in_o every_o respect_n require_v equal_a honour_n with_o the_o almighty_a second_o because_o they_o procure_v all_o the_o mischief_n they_o can_v to_o the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o one_o most_o high_a god_n by_o provoke_v both_o magistrate_n and_o people_n to_o inflict_v punishment_n upon_o they_o for_o when_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o poet_n to_o sing_v of_o the_o murder_n and_o adultery_n commit_v by_o the_o god_n and_o for_o the_o epicure_n to_o take_v away_o all_o divine_a providence_n and_o any_o other_o religion_n though_o never_o
and_o apparel_n we_o ought_v to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o so_o much_o as_o will_v suffice_v nature_n and_o the_o like_a or_o if_o happy_o there_o be_v some_o point_n in_o christianity_n hard_a to_o be_v believe_v yet_o the_o like_a also_o be_v find_v among_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o as_o before_o we_o have_v show_v concern_v the_o immortality_n of_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o body_n thus_o plato_n as_o he_o learn_v from_o the_o chaldean_n distinguish_v the_o divine_a nature_n into_o the_o father_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o father_n which_o he_o call_v also_o the_o branch_n of_o god_n the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o soul_n or_o spirit_n which_o keep_v together_o and_o preserve_v all_o thing_n julian_n as_o great_a a_o enemy_n as_o he_o be_v of_o christian_n think_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n may_v be_v join_v to_o the_o humane_a and_o give_v instance_n in_o aesculapius_n who_o he_o imagine_v to_o have_v descend_v from_o heaven_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v teach_v man_n the_o art_n of_o physic_n the_o cross_n of_o christ_n offend_v many_o but_o what_o do_v not_o the_o pagan_a writer_n tell_v of_o their_o god_n that_o some_o of_o they_o wait_v upon_o king_n and_o prince_n other_o be_v thunderstruck_a other_o cut_v in_o sunder_o and_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o say_v that_o the_o more_o it_o cost_v we_o to_o be_v honest_a the_o more_o joy_n and_o delight_v it_o afford_v we_o to_o conclude_v plato_n in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o his_o commonwealth_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o prophet_n say_v for_o a_o man_n to_o appear_v true_o just_a and_o upright_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o his_o virtue_n be_v bereave_v of_o all_o outward_a ornament_n so_o that_o he_o be_v by_o other_o account_v a_o wicked_a wretch_n and_o scoff_v at_o and_o last_o of_o all_o hang_v and_o indeed_o that_o christ_n may_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o great_a patience_n can_v not_o otherwise_o be_v obtain_v the_o five_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o a_o refutation_n of_o the_o jew_n begin_v with_o a_o speech_n unto_o they_o or_o prayer_n for_o they_o just_o like_o that_o glimmer_n between_o light_n and_o darkness_n which_o appear_v to_o those_o who_o by_o little_a and_o little_o be_v endeavour_v to_o get_v out_o of_o a_o dark_a cave_n or_o dungeon_n such_o do_v judaisme_n present_v itself_o to_o we_o who_o be_v step_v out_o of_o the_o thick_a mist_n of_o paganism_n of_o which_o we_o have_v be_v discourse_v as_o a_o part_n and_o beginning_n of_o truth_n i_o request_v the_o jew_n therefore_o not_o to_o be_v averse_a to_o hear_v we_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o they_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o holy_a man_n who_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o visit_v both_o by_o his_o prophet_n and_o by_o his_o angel_n of_o this_o nation_n spring_v our_o messiah_n and_o the_o first_o doctor_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v their_o tree_n whereinto_o we_o be_v ingraff_v they_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o god_n oracle_n which_o we_o do_v reverence_n as_o much_o as_o they_o and_o with_o st._n paul_n sigh_v unto_o god_n for_o they_o and_o pray_v that_o the_o day_n may_v quick_o come_v when_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o which_o hang_v over_o their_o face_n they_o with_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n and_o when_o as_o it_o be_v in_o their_o prophecy_n every_o one_o of_o we_o that_o be_v stranger_n shall_v lay_v hold_n on_o the_o cloak_n of_o he_o that_o be_v a_o hebrew_n desire_v that_o we_o may_v together_o with_o a_o pious_a consent_n worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob._n sect_n ii_o the_o jew_n ought_v to_o account_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n sufficient_o prove_v first_o of_o all_o then_o we_o must_v entreat_v they_o not_o to_o think_v that_o to_o be_v unjust_a in_o another_o man_n case_n which_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v just_a and_o equitable_a in_o their_o own_o if_o any_o pagan_a demand_n of_o they_o why_o they_o believe_v that_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o moses_n they_o can_v give_v no_o other_o answer_n save_v that_o there_o be_v always_o so_o constant_a a_o report_n thereof_o among_o their_o nation_n that_o it_o can_v not_o but_o proceed_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o such_o as_o have_v see_v the_o same_o thus_o that_o the_o widow_n oil_n be_v increase_v by_o elisha_n that_o naaman_n the_o syrian_a be_v sudden_o cure_v of_o the_o leprosy_n that_o the_o woman_n son_n in_o who_o house_n he_o lodge_v be_v restore_v to_o life_n and_o other_o such_o like_a be_v believe_v by_o the_o jew_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o witness_n of_o good_a credit_n have_v record_v to_o posterity_n that_o such_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o they_o believe_v elias_n his_o take_v up_o into_o heaven_n only_o for_o the_o single_a testimony_n of_o elisha_n as_o a_o man_n beyond_o all_o exception_n but_o we_o produce_v twelve_o witness_n of_o unblameable_a life_n to_o testify_v that_o christ_n ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o many_o more_o that_o see_v he_o upon_o the_o earth_n after_o his_o death_n which_o thing_n if_o they_o be_v true_a then_o necessary_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v true_a also_o and_o indeed_o nothing_o at_o all_o can_v be_v allege_v by_o the_o jew_n for_o themselves_o which_o by_o equal_a right_n or_o more_o just_a title_n may_v not_o be_v apply_v to_o we_o also_o but_o to_o omit_v further_a testimony_n it_o be_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o talmud_n and_o other_o jew_n themselves_o that_o strange_a wonder_n be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n which_o ought_v to_o suffice_v for_o this_o particular_a for_o god_n can_v any_o way_n more_o effectual_o gain_v authority_n unto_o a_o doctrine_n publish_v by_o man_n than_o by_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n sect_n iii_o and_o not_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o devil_n these_o miracle_n of_o christ_n some_o say_v be_v do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o devil_n but_o this_o calumny_n have_v be_v confute_v before_o when_o we_o show_v that_o wheresoever_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v teach_v and_o know_v there_o all_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v break_v in_o piece_n other_o reply_v that_o jesus_n learn_v magic_a art_n in_o egypt_n but_o this_o slander_n have_v no_o more_o nay_o not_o so_o much_o colour_n of_o truth_n than_o the_o like_a accusation_n by_o the_o pagan_n frame_v against_o moses_n whereof_o we_o read_v in_o pliny_n and_o apuleius_n for_o that_o ever_o jesus_n be_v in_o egypt_n do_v not_o appear_v save_v only_o out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o his_o disciple_n who_o add_v further_a that_o he_o be_v a_o infant_n when_o he_o return_v thence_o but_o it_o be_v certain_a by_o his_o own_o and_o other_o report_n that_o moses_n live_v a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o time_n after_o he_o be_v grow_v to_o man_n estate_n in_o egypt_n howbeit_o the_o law_n as_o well_o of_o moses_n as_o of_o christ_n free_v they_o both_o from_o this_o crime_n plain_o forbid_v such_o art_n as_o abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o without_o all_o question_n if_o in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n there_o have_v be_v either_o in_o egypt_n or_o any_o where_o else_o any_o such_o magical_a art_n whereby_o man_n may_v have_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v the_o like_a marvel_n as_o be_v relate_v of_o christ_n to_o wit_n give_v speech_n to_o the_o dumb_a on_o a_o sudden_a make_v the_o lame_a to_o walk_v and_o the_o blind_a to_o see_v then_o will_v tiberius_n nero_n and_o other_o emperor_n have_v find_v it_o out_o who_o spare_v no_o cost_n and_o charge_n in_o the_o inquiry_n after_o such_o like_a thing_n nay_o if_o it_o be_v true_a which_o the_o jew_n relate_v how_o that_o the_o senator_n of_o the_o great_a council_n be_v skilled_a in_o magic_a art_n that_o they_o may_v convince_v they_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o iniquity_n then_o sure_o they_o be_v so_o mighty_o incense_v against_o jesus_n as_o they_o be_v and_o envy_v the_o honour_n and_o respect_n which_o he_o obtain_v chief_o by_o his_o miracle_n will_v either_o themselves_o have_v do_v the_o like_a work_n by_o the_o same_o art_n or_o by_o sufficient_a reason_n will_v have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n proceed_v from_o no_o other_o cause_n sect_n iu._n or_o by_o the_o power_n of_o word_n and_o syllable_n moreover_o that_o be_v not_o only_o a_o mere_a fable_n but_o impudent_a lie_n which_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n have_v invent_v concern_v the_o miracle_n do_v by_o christ_n which_o they_o ascribe_v to_o a_o certain_a secret_a name_n which_o as_o they_o say_v be_v place_v in_o the_o temple_n by_o solomon_n be_v preserve_v safe_a by_o two_o lion_n
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
shall_v mistake_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o secure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o with_o honest_a and_o upright_a heart_n continue_v to_o inquire_v after_o the_o truth_n design_v nothing_o else_o that_o error_n shall_v not_o prejudice_v we_o but_o god_n will_v either_o discover_v to_o we_o his_o mind_n or_o not_o condemn_v we_o for_o our_o error_n of_o weakness_n not_o of_o wilfulness_n sect_n xx._n the_o vanity_n of_o their_o appeal_n to_o tradition_n as_o for_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n by_o tradition_n they_o may_v be_v pretend_v and_o talk_v of_o but_o can_v be_v produce_v in_o most_o place_n where_o we_o be_v desirous_a of_o that_o help_n which_o we_o glad_o receive_v when_o we_o can_v have_v it_o by_o a_o true_o universal_a consent_n but_o as_o for_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n they_o do_v not_o absolute_o agree_v with_o each_o other_o in_o their_o exposition_n of_o those_o text_n upon_o which_o controversy_n of_o great_a moment_n be_v now_o ground_v nay_o they_o oft_o time_n propound_v divers_a interpretation_n alike_o probable_a and_o sometime_o plain_o intimate_v their_o doubtfulness_n and_o make_v but_o imperfect_a conjecture_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o intend_v to_o excite_v posterity_n to_o seek_v for_o further_a resolution_n therefore_o we_o shall_v not_o dissent_v from_o they_o though_o we_o do_v not_o assent_v to_o all_o their_o particular_a interpretation_n nay_o we_o can_v more_o dissent_v from_o they_o than_o by_o follow_v their_o interpretation_n on_o such_o strict_a term_n as_o the_o romanist_n will_v bind_v we_o all_o to_o do_v when_o they_o seem_v to_o make_v for_o their_o advantage_n for_o then_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o surmise_n or_o conjecture_v of_o any_o one_o father_n but_o must_v suffice_v against_o the_o joint_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o which_o rule_n of_o serve_v their_o interest_n they_o be_v so_o true_a that_o they_o stick_v not_o to_o reject_v any_o interpretation_n of_o the_o father_n when_o they_o think_v good_a and_o which_o be_v more_o to_o prefer_v their_o own_o exposition_n before_o they_o and_o so_o they_o do_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o all_o other_o tradition_n though_o call_v apostolical_a for_o instance_n the_o threefold_a immersion_n in_o baptism_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v flow_v from_o a_o apostolical_a canon_n be_v long_o ago_o abolish_v say_v their_o canus_n by_o a_o contrary_a custom_n and_o so_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o give_v the_o communion_n to_o infant_n which_o prevail_v say_v their_o maldonate_fw-it for_o 600._o year_n in_o the_o church_n not_o only_o antiquate_v by_o they_o but_o decree_v to_o be_v unlawful_a which_o clear_o show_v that_o they_o may_v if_o they_o please_v make_v a_o end_n of_o all_o the_o controversy_n that_o trouble_v the_o church_n without_o any_o disparagement_n but_o rather_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o its_o authority_n for_o challenge_v a_o power_n to_o alter_v even_o the_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o take_v away_o the_o cup_n from_o the_o people_n in_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o much_o more_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n what_o need_v all_o this_o stir_n about_o apostolical_a tradition_n or_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o may_v lay_v aside_o at_o their_o pleasure_n and_o have_v lay_v aside_o as_o appear_v by_o many_o other_o instance_n beside_o those_o now_o name_v that_o may_v be_v give_v of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o direction_n of_o every_o honest_a heart_a man_n to_o know_v which_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n can_v be_v and_o may_v be_v undoubted_o rely_v on_o that_o nothing_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n than_o this_o that_o the_o doctor_n of_o it_o declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v full_a and_o perspicuous_a in_o all_o needful_a matter_n and_o therefore_o there_o need_v no_o other_o tradition_n but_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o satisfy_v we_o abundant_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v universal_o receive_v sect_n xxi_o and_o their_o guilt_n in_o what_o they_o say_v about_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o can_v therefore_o be_v a_o great_a demonstration_n of_o their_o guilt_n than_o this_o that_o notwithstanding_o such_o evident_a testimony_n from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o the_o concurrent_a stream_n of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o christ_n church_n they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o avoid_v this_o trial_n by_o the_o scripture_n to_o say_v so_o many_o scandalous_a thing_n as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o disparagement_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n many_o of_o they_o be_v common_o know_v and_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o repeat_v the_o rest_n but_o only_o say_v this_o great_a truth_n that_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o their_o church_n such_o as_o it_o be_v receive_v all_o its_o authority_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o the_o scripture_n from_o it_o for_o we_o can_v have_v no_o notion_n as_o be_v say_v before_o of_o a_o church_n or_o of_o its_o authority_n but_o from_o the_o scripture_n which_o therefore_o must_v be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o that_o which_o receive_v authority_n from_o they_o and_o be_v first_o suppose_v to_o be_v infallible_a before_o they_o can_v make_v we_o believe_v any_o thing_n else_o be_v so_o for_o we_o must_v be_v secure_a of_o the_o proof_n before_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o thing_n prove_v by_o it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o proof_n but_o leave_v we_o as_o much_o in_o doubt_n as_o we_o be_v before_o it_o be_v allege_v if_o they_o say_v and_o what_o else_o can_v be_v say_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o must_v indeed_o learn_v their_o church_n infallibility_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o then_o learn_v the_o rest_n from_o their_o church_n mark_v i_o beseech_v you_o what_o follow_v then_o it_o be_v manifest_a first_o that_o they_o themselves_o make_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o one_o article_n at_o least_o concern_v the_o catholic_n church_n infallibility_n which_o we_o must_v therefore_o believe_v and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n because_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o first_o infallible_o believe_v do_v teach_v and_o prove_v it_o whence_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o private_a man_n may_v and_o must_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n without_o the_o help_n of_o their_o church_n authority_n before_o they_o can_v believe_v any_o thing_n else_o because_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n for_o their_o belief_n of_o that_o infallibility_n which_o their_o church_n pretend_v which_o to_o they_o be_v the_o general_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o from_o thence_o it_o follow_v further_o that_o the_o scripture_n which_o to_o we_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n aught_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o they_o to_o be_v more_o than_o so_o even_o the_o rule_n of_o 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be_v peter_n etc._n etc._n feed_v my_o sheep_n or_o any_o other_o from_o whence_o they_o challenge_v it_o and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v require_v to_o learn_v these_o or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o christian_a faith_n mere_o from_o their_o church_n when_o we_o learn_v they_o so_o easy_o by_o the_o scripture_n in_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v more_o clear_o deliver_v than_o any_o thing_n we_o read_v about_o their_o church_n let_v no_o man_n doubt_v but_o if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v teach_v we_o that_o article_n of_o the_o church_n infallibility_n immediate_o by_o the_o scripture_n without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o church_n infallible_a authority_n as_o they_o themselves_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v because_o else_o the_o church_n can_v have_v no_o authority_n then_o he_o will_v immediate_o teach_v we_o by_o the_o same_o scripture_n any_o other_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n