can_v be_v nothing_o save_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o truth_n together_o with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n sect_n xxiiii_o answer_v to_o they_o that_o require_v more_o forcible_a reason_n final_o if_o any_o yet_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o these_o argument_n abovesaid_a but_o desire_v more_o forcible_a reason_n for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n let_v such_o know_v that_o as_o there_o be_v variety_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v true_a so_o be_v there_o divers_a way_n of_o prove_v or_o manifest_v the_o truth_n thus_o be_v there_o one_o way_n in_o mathematics_n another_o in_o physics_n a_o three_o in_o ethic_n and_o last_o another_o kind_n when_o a_o mater_fw-la of_o fact_n be_v in_o â—_z wherein_n very_o we_o must_v rest_v content_a with_o such_o testimony_n as_o be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o untruth_n otherwise_o down_o go_v all_o the_o frame_n and_o use_v of_o history_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o art_n of_o physic_n together_o with_o all_o dutifulnesse_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o parent_n and_o child_n for_o matter_n of_o practicâ—_n can_v no_o way_n else_o be_v know_v but_o by_o such_o testimony_n now_o it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o almighty_a god_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v so_o that_o the_o very_a belief_n thereof_o may_v be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o obedience_n shall_v not_o so_o evident_o appear_v as_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v apprehend_v by_o sense_n and_o plain_a demonstration_n but_o only_o be_v so_o far_o forth_o reveal_v as_o may_v beget_v faith_n and_o a_o persuasion_n thereof_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o obstinate_a that_o so_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v as_o a_o touchstine_a for_o trial_n of_o man_n judgement_n whether_o they_o be_v sound_a or_o unsound_a for_o see_v these_o argument_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v have_v induce_v so_o many_o honest_a godly_a and_o wise_a man_n to_o approve_v of_o this_o religion_n it_o be_v thereby_o plain_a enough_o that_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n infidelity_n be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a testimony_n but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o have_v that_o to_o be_v have_v and_o embrace_v for_o truth_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o wilful_a desire_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o they_o to_o relinquish_v their_o honour_n and_o set_v at_o naught_o other_o commodity_n which_o thing_n they_o know_v they_o ought_v to_o do_v if_o they_o admit_v of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o obey_v what_o he_o have_v command_v and_o this_o be_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v note_v of_o they_o for_o that_o many_o other_o historical_a narration_n be_v approve_v by_o they_o to_o be_v true_a which_o notwithstanding_o be_v only_o manifest_a by_o authority_n and_o not_o by_o any_o such_o strong_a proof_n and_o persuasion_n or_o token_n as_o do_v declare_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v evident_a partly_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o those_o jowe_n that_o be_v yet_o alive_a and_o partly_o in_o those_o company_n and_o congregation_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v any_o where_o to_o be_v find_v whereof_o doubtless_o there_o be_v some_o cause_n last_o see_v the_o long_a duration_n or_o continuance_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o large_a oxtent_n thereof_o can_v be_v ascribe_v to_o no_o humane_a power_n therefore_o the_o same_o must_v be_v attribute_v to_o miracle_n or_o if_o any_o deny_v that_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v through_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n this_o very_a get_v so_o great_a strength_n and_o power_n without_o a_o miracle_n may_v be_v think_v to_o surpass_v any_o miracle_n the_o three_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n after_o that_o a_o man_n be_v once_o persuade_v by_o the_o reason_n abovesaid_a or_o be_v induce_v by_o any_o other_o argument_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o same_o religion_n which_o christian_n profess_v be_v the_o true_a and_o absolute_o the_o best_a if_o he_o desire_v more_o distinct_o to_o know_v the_o part_n thereof_o then_o must_v he_o have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o most_o ancient_a write_n that_o contain_v the_o same_o religion_n and_o which_o common_o we_o call_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o new_a covenant_n this_o truth_n no_o man_n can_v just_o deny_v for_o as_o every_o sect_n be_v they_o good_a or_o bad_a shall_v be_v believe_v when_o they_o tell_v we_o true_o in_o what_o book_n or_o write_v their_o opinion_n be_v comprise_v thus_o we_o credit_v the_o turk_n who_o affirm_v that_o the_o religion_n of_o mahumet_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o alcoran_n so_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o say_a book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n since_o the_o same_o be_v general_o agree_v upon_o and_o constant_o have_v red_a by_o all_o christian_n forasmuch_o then_o as_o we_o have_v before_o prove_v that_o this_o religion_n be_v most_o true_a if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n yet_o this_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v and_o avouch_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n aforesaid_a wherein_o the_o same_o religion_n be_v contain_v which_o truth_n to_o demonstrate_v more_o particular_o let_v we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n take_v for_o grant_v by_o all_o indifferent_a man_n that_o he_o who_o go_v about_o to_o disprove_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o book_n or_o writing_n which_o have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n receive_v and_o allow_v of_o must_v use_v such_o argument_n as_o do_v derogate_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o book_n otherwise_o the_o authority_n thereof_o be_v no_o whit_n diminish_v but_o may_v still_o be_v defend_v and_o maintain_v sect_n ii_o here_o be_v show_v that_o such_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o have_v prefix_v we_o say_v then_o that_o those_o book_n which_o be_v not_o in_o question_n among_o christian_n but_o have_v certain_a title_n be_v the_o very_a work_n of_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v to_o wit_n because_o those_o primitive_a father_n justin_n iraeneus_n clemens_n and_o other_o do_v commend_v those_o book_n under_o the_o same_o author_n name_n as_o also_o be_v cause_n tertullian_n witness_v that_o there_o be_v original_a copy_n of_o those_o book_n extant_a in_o his_o time_n and_o beside_o all_o the_o church_n receive_v those_o book_n for_o authentical_a before_o there_o be_v any_o common_a public_a meeting_n neither_o do_v ever_o the_o pagan_n or_o jew_n make_v doubt_v thereof_o but_o judian_n himself_o plain_o confess_v that_o those_o be_v the_o write_n of_o peter_n and_o paul_n matthew_n mark_v and_o luke_n which_o christian_n under_o those_o name_n have_v read_v and_o receive_v for_o as_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o those_o write_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o homer_n and_o virgil_n be_v true_o they_o because_o the_o one_o have_v be_v so_o long_a time_n receive_v among_o the_o latin_n 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 now_o receive_v which_o be_v not_o so_o receive_v from_o the_o beginning_n as_o namely_o the_o one_o epistle_n of_o peter_n that_o of_o james_n and_o jude_n two_o of_o john_n the_o presbyter_n the_o revelation_n and_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o though_o not_o in_o all_o yet_o be_v still_o allow_v by_o most_o church_n as_o be_v very_o probable_a in_o that_o the_o ancient_a christian_n do_v allege_v divers_a testimony_n out_o of_o they_o as_o be_v sacred_a and_o holy_a and_o it_o be_v likely_a too_o 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 canen_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 we_o shall_v think_v they_o to_o be_v supposititious_a and_o counterfeit_a write_n for_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 four_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
which_o for_o skill_n and_o diligence_n in_o navigation_n excel_v the_o jest_n i_o exhort_v they_o to_o use_v that_o art_n not_o only_o for_o their_o own_o proper_a gain_n and_o commodity_n but_o also_o for_o the_o propagation_n of_o true_a christian_a religion_n for_o neither_o be_v there_o want_v matter_n for_o such_o their_o endeavour_n since_o that_o they_o may_v try_v their_o fortune_n abroad_o in_o far_o distant-forren_a country_n and_o make_v incursion_n either_o upon_o the_o pagan_n such_o as_o live_v in_o arabia_n and_o guinea_n or_o upon_o the_o mahometan_n as_o those_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o turk_n the_o persian_a and_o carthaginian_n or_o last_o upon_o the_o jew_n and_o such_o as_o at_o this_o day_n be_v profess_v enemy_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v disperse_v through_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v there_o want_v such_o wicked_a man_n as_o do_v secret_o for_o fear_n harbour_v the_o poison_n of_o error_n and_o publish_v the_o same_o unto_o the_o weak_a sort_n when_o they_o see_v fit_a opportunity_n against_o which_o evil_n my_o desire_n be_v we_o may_v be_v well_o fortify_v with_o truth_n and_o that_o such_o as_o be_v furnish_v with_o learning_n will_v endeavour_v according_a to_o their_o ability_n to_o confute_v error_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n let_v other_o beware_v that_o they_o be_v not_o surprise_v by_o those_o that_o be_v enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o which_o end_n that_o i_o may_v make_v it_o appear_v how_o that_o religion_n be_v no_o vain_a frivolous_a thing_n in_o my_o first_o book_n i_o do_v begin_v at_o the_o ground_n or_o foundation_n thereof_o which_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n this_o truth_n i_o thus_o proceed_v to_o prove_v as_o follow_v the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o there_o be_v somethingsâ—hich_v â—hich_z have_v a_o beginning_n be_v clear_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o howbeit_o those_o thing_n be_v not_o cause_n to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o be_v for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o can_v produce_v any_o thing_n neither_o have_v it_o power_n to_o be_v before_o it_o be_v therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o say_v thing_n have_v their_o beginning_n from_o some_o other_o thing_n different_a from_o themselves_o which_o may_v be_v aver_v not_o only_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o now_o we_o see_v or_o ever_o have_v behold_v but_o of_o such_o also_o as_o give_v original_a unto_o these_o and_o so_o upward_o until_o we_o come_v to_o some_o prime_a cause_n which_o never_o begin_v to_o be_v and_o which_o as_o we_o say_v have_v its_o existence_n by_o necessity_n and_o not_o after_o any_o cont_a nt_v manner_n and_o this_o what_o ever_o it_o be_v whereof_o by_o and_o by_o we_o shall_v speak_v be_v that_o which_o be_v mean_v by_o divine_a power_n or_o godhead_n another_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o divine_a majesty_n be_v take_v from_o the_o most_o manifest_a consent_n of_o all_o nation_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o have_v not_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n altogether_o eclipse_v or_o abolish_v by_o their_o savage_a cruelty_n and_o wild_a affection_n for_o see_v that_o such_o thing_n as_o proceed_v from_o man_n will_n and_o arbitrement_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o all_o man_n but_o often_o subject_a to_o mutability_n yet_o this_o notion_n be_v every_o where_o admit_v of_o and_o never_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o no_o not_o by_o aristotle_n himself_o a_o man_n not_o very_o credulous_a in_o this_o kind_n therefore_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v some_o agent_n that_o extend_v itself_o unto_o all_o mankind_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o either_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n himself_o or_o some_o tradition_n derive_v from_o the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n the_o former_a whereof_o if_o we_o admit_v than_o we_o have_v that_o which_o be_v in_o question_n or_o if_o the_o late_a be_v grant_v yet_o there_o can_v no_o good_a reason_n be_v give_v why_o we_o may_v think_v that_o those_o first_o parent_n shall_v gull_v all_o posterity_n with_o any_o fulsity_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n moreover_o whether_o we_o consider_v those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v ancient_o know_v or_o those_o that_o be_v late_o find_v out_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v as_o we_o have_v say_v any_o relic_n of_o humanity_n there_o certain_o be_v this_o truth_n acknowledge_v as_o well_o by_o such_o heathen_n as_o have_v any_o ingenuity_n and_o wisdom_n as_o also_o by_o those_o that_o be_v of_o a_o more_o dull_a and_o stupid_a disposition_n the_o former_a whereof_o questionless_a can_v not_o all_o be_v deceive_v neither_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o these_o late_a so_o si_fw-mi lie_v and_o simple_a shall_v any_o way_n devise_v how_o to_o deceive_v one_o another_o neither_o let_v any_o man_n here_o object_n that_o in_o sundry_a age_n there_o have_v be_v some_o most_o common_o which_o either_o can_v not_o believe_v or_o else_o will_v not_o profess_v they_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n for_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o number_n of_o such_o atheist_n be_v but_o small_a and_o in_o regard_n that_o straight_o way_n upon_o the_o discuss_n of_o their_o rerson_n their_o opinion_n general_o be_v set_v at_o naught_o thence_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o proceed_v not_o from_o the_o use_n of_o right_a reason_n which_o be_v common_a to_o man_n but_o either_o from_o the_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n such_o as_o be_v in_o he_o that_o will_v needs_o demonstrate_v the_o snow_n to_o be_v black_a or_o from_o a_o corrupt_a mind_n like_v as_o when_o meat_n to_o a_o distemper_a palate_n do_v taste_v otherwise_o than_o indeed_o they_o be_v but_o especial_o because_o both_o history_n and_o other_o write_n declare_v that_o by_o how_o much_o any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o honest_a by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o diligent_o do_v he_o preserve_v and_o increase_v this_o knowledge_n in_o himself_o concern_v god_n and_o further_o that_o this_o conceit_n so_o opposite_a to_o the_o ancient_o receive_v opinion_n chief_o proceed_v from_o the_o bad_a disposition_n of_o those_o who_o it_o will_v most_o of_o all_o profit_n or_o advantage_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n that_o be_v no_o judge_n of_o humane_a action_n it_o be_v evident_a in_o this_o respect_n for_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o conclude_v or_o determine_v whether_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o succession_n of_o some_o lâ—…age_n without_o beginning_n or_o the_o confluence_n of_o moor_n in_o the_o sun_n or_o what_o other_o thing_n soever_o they_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o same_o have_v in_o it_o no_o less_o if_o not_o more_o difficulty_n and_o absurdity_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v to_o any_o man_n that_o do_v but_o with_o indifferency_n ponder_v the_o thing_n more_o credible_a than_o that_o opinion_n which_o be_v already_o receive_v as_o touch_v that_o which_o some_o man_n pretend_v because_o they_o can_v see_v god_n therefore_o they_o can_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v if_o they_o see_v any_o thing_n they_o see_v enough_o to_o convince_v they_o for_o if_o this_o be_v truth_n what_o a_o indignity_n be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v he_o have_v a_o soul_n which_o notwithstanding_o he_o never_o see_v more_o than_o the_o divine_a essence_n of_o god_n neither_o ought_v we_o to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o divine_a nature_n when_o by_o our_o weak_a judgement_n we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o same_o for_o this_o be_v common_a to_o every_o inferior_a creature_n not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o a_o high_a and_o more_o excellent_a nature_n thus_o the_o bruit_n beast_n conceive_v not_o what_o man_n be_v much_o less_o do_v they_o know_v after_o what_o manner_n man_n do_v ordain_v and_o govern_v common_a wealth_n measure_v the_o course_n of_o the_o star_n or_o sail_v upon_o the_o ocean_n for_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v beyond_o and_o above_o their_o reach_n forasmuch_o then_o as_o man_n have_v obtain_v a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n than_o the_o beast_n and_o that_o not_o of_o himself_o thence_o he_o may_v conclude_v that_o that_o same_o thing_n whereby_o he_o be_v advance_v above_o the_o condition_n of_o bruit_n be_v as_o far_o superior_a to_o he_o as_o those_o bruit_n be_v below_o himself_o and_o therefore_o some_o more_o noble_a nature_n there_o be_v which_o transcend_v his_o apprehension_n sect_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v baâ—_n one_o god_n this_o be_v manifest_a then_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o we_o speak_v of_o some_o of_o his_o attribute_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n not_o many_o go_n this_o truth_n may_v be_v declare_v first_o because_o god_n as_o be_v say_v before_o be_v that_o same_o
the_o contrary_a â—…ly_a the_o dominion_n give_v to_o â—nto_fw-mi man_n over_o his_o own_o action_n â—he_v natural_a desire_n that_o be_v in_o he_o â—o_o be_v immortal_a the_o comfort_n oâ—…â—ood_a conscience_n for_o well_o do_v â—eeds_o though_o such_o be_v accompany_v with_o much_o difficulty_n â—nd_v on_o the_o contrary_a the_o sting_n of_o â—…gnawing_a conscience_n at_o the_o remembrance_n of_o ungodly_a and_o â—…icked_a action_n especial_o when_o â—he_n hour_n of_o death_n approach_v â—nto_o the_o wicked_a who_o do_v then_o â—…eeme_v more_o sensible_a of_o a_o immiâ—…ent_a judgement_n and_o this_o gnaw_a â—…orme_n of_o conscience_n the_o most_o â—…rophane_a wretch_n and_o wicked_a â—…yrants_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o â—tterly_o mortific_a and_o destroy_v in_o they_o no_o not_o then_o when_o they_o most_o of_o all_o desire_a as_o divers_a example_n do_v testify_v sect_n xxiiii_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o eâ—â—_n of_o all_o shall_v be_v man_n happineâ—…_n after_o this_o life_n see_v then_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o 〈…〉_z nature_n that_o in_o itself_o have_v 〈…〉_z ground_n or_o cause_n of_o its_o own_o corruption_n and_o see_v also_o thiâ—_n god_n by_o many_o sign_n and_o tokenâ—…_n have_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v his_o wiâ—…_n the_o same_o soul_n shall_v surviâ—…_n the_o body_n what_o more_o noble_a 〈…〉_z can_v be_v propound_v to_o man_n thaâ—_n the_o state_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o in_o effect_n be_v the_o same_o that_o plato_n and_o the_o pythagoreaâ—â—_n speak_v of_o say_v that_o it_o be_v gooâ—_n for_o man_n if_o he_o can_v become_v moâ—â—_n like_o unto_o god_n sect_n xxv_o â—…hich_v to_o obtain_v man_n must_v get_v the_o true_a religion_n now_o what_o this_o happiness_n be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attaineâ—â—…en_o may_v find_v out_o by_o probable_a â—…iectures_n but_o if_o any_o thing_n concern_v that_o matter_n be_v reveal_v â—…y_a god_n in_o scripture_n the_o same_o â—ust_z be_v hold_v for_o a_o most_o certain_a â—nd_n undoubted_a truth_n which_o â—nce_n that_o religionâ—…emes_v â—…emes_z to_o pretend_v above_o other_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v examine_v in_o the_o next_o â—ooke_n whether_o or_o no_o man_n ought_v â—…o_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o and_o assured_o build_v their_o faith_n thereon_o the_o second_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o our_o purpose_n in_o this_o second_o book_n to_o handle_v all_o the_o point_n of_o christianity_n out_o after_o our_o hearty_a prayer_n make_v to_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o heaven_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v for_o such_o a_o work_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o most_o true_a and_o certain_a religion_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n namely_o as_o follow_v sect_n ii_o here_o be_v show_v that_o jesus_n live_v it_o be_v a_o truth_n most_o stead_n fast_o profess_v by_o all_o the_o christianâ—_n that_o breath_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n that_o jesus_n of_o nazreth_n then_o live_v in_o judea_n wheâ—_n tiberius_n be_v emperor_n of_o the_o roman_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v not_o only_o by_o christian_n but_o also_o by_o all_o the_o jew_n that_o ever_o live_v heretofore_o or_o yet_o survive_v nay_o the_o very_a pagan_a writer_n thâ—…_n be_v such_o as_o be_v neither_o of_o the_o jewish_a nor_o christian_a religion_n namely_o suetonises_n tacitus_n pliny_n the_o young_a and_o many_o more_o after_o they_o do_v testify_v the_o same_o sect_n iii_o and_o be_v put_v to_o a_o igâ—…ious_a death_n moreover_o all_o be_v it_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o death_n may_v be_v think_v inglorious_a and_o dishonourable_a to_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n yet_o all_o christian_n do_v confess_v that_o this_o same_o jesis_n be_v crucify_v by_o pontius_n pilate_n governor_n of_o judea_n the_o jew_n also_o do_v the_o â—ike_a though_o they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a how_o that_o they_o become_v most_o odious_a to_o those_o christiansâ—n_n â—n_z who_o dominion_n they_o live_v because_o of_o this_o murder_n commit_v by_o pilate_n whereof_o their_o ancestor_n be_v the_o chief_a author_n as_o the_o heathenish_a writer_n have_v also_o record_v the_o same_o yea_o these_o act_n of_o pilate_n be_v extant_a a_o long_a time_n after_o whereunto_o the_o christian_n do_v sometime_o make_v their_o appeal_n and_o further_o neither_o do_v julian_n himself_o nor_o any_o other_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n ever_o make_v doubt_n hereof_o so_o that_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o more_o true_a and_o certain_a story_n than_o this_o which_o we_o see_v may_v be_v confirm_v not_o only_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o few_o man_n but_o also_o by_o the_o approbation_n of_o several_a nation_n otherwise_o disagree_v and_o jar_v among_o themselves_o sect_n iv._o yet_o afterward_o be_v worship_v by_o by_o prudent_a and_o godly_a man_n all_o which_o though_o it_o be_v most_o true_a of_o christ_n ignominious_a death_n yet_o we_o see_v hoâ—_n that_o throughout_o the_o remoâ—…_n part_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v worship_v as_o lord_n and_o that_o not_o in_o our_o day_n only_o but_o ever_o since_o the_o time_n that_o this_o be_v do_v to_o wit_n ever_o since_o the_o reign_n of_o nero_n the_o emperor_n when_o many_o people_n that_o profess_v this_o worship_n of_o christ_n and_o christian_a religion_n be_v for_o that_o cause_n torture_v and_o put_v to_o death_n as_o tacitus_n and_o other_o do_v witness_n sect_n v_o the_o cause_n whereof_o be_v for_o that_o in_o his_o life_n time_n there_o be_v miracle_n do_v by_o he_o now_o among_o such_o as_o profess_a christianity_n there_o be_v many_o judicious_a &_o learned_a man_n for_o to_o say_v nothing_o now_o of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v sergius_n governor_n of_o cyprus_n dionysius_n areopagita_n polycarpus_n justinus_n irenaeus_n athenagoras_n origen_n tertullian_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n with_o divers_a other_o who_o almost_o all_o be_v broughtup_a in_o other_o religion_n neither_o can_v have_v any_o hope_n of_o wealth_n or_o preferment_n in_o christianity_n yet_o become_v worshipper_n of_o this_o man_n that_o die_v so_o ignominious_a a_o death_n and_o exhibit_v due_a honour_n to_o he_o as_o god_n no_o other_o reason_n whereof_o can_v be_v give_v than_o this_o that_o move_v they_o so_o to_o do_v namely_o because_o they_o like_v prudent_a man_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n by_o diligent_a inquiry_n find_v the_o truth_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o same_o which_o be_v bruit_v abroad_o concern_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n as_o the_o heal_n of_o many_o that_o be_v sore_o disease_v with_o his_o word_n only_o the_o restore_n of_o sight_n to_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a the_o feed_n of_o many_o thousand_o with_o some_o few_o loaf_n of_o bread_n the_o restore_n of_o some_o to_o life_n again_o that_o be_v dead_a and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a wonderful_a work_n the_o truth_n whereof_o neither_o celsus_n nor_o julian_n when_o they_o write_v against_o christian_n dare_v dare_v to_o deny_v but_o it_o be_v confess_v both_o by_o they_o and_o also_o most_o plain_o by_o the_o hebrew_n doctor_n that_o be_v author_n of_o the_o talmnd_a sect_n vi_o which_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v either_o by_o the_o help_n of_o nature_n or_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o mere_o by_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o god_n that_o theft_n wondrous_a work_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o any_o natural_a power_n it_o be_v manifest_a because_o they_o be_v call_v wonder_n and_o miracle_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a in_o nature_n that_o any_o grievous_a disease_n and_o infirmity_n shall_v be_v cure_v mere_o by_o a_o man_n voice_n or_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o touch_n and_o that_o even_o upon_o a_o sudden_a and_o it_o be_v likely_a if_o such_o work_n have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n only_o than_o the_o same_o will_v have_v be_v make_v know_v and_o reveal_v either_o by_o those_o that_o be_v profess_a enemy_n of_o christ_n while_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n or_o by_o those_o that_o have_v be_v adversary_n of_o his_o gospel_n since_o his_o death_n by_o the_o same_o argument_n we_o may_v prove_v that_o such_o work_n come_v not_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o power_n and_o deceit_n of_o sataâ—_n or_o by_o any_o diabolical_a enchantment_n because_o they_o be_v do_v open_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o people_n among_o who_o divers_a of_o the_o learned_a sort_n do_v malign_v and_o â—earâ—_n ill_o will_v unto_o christ_n not_o without_o envy_n observe_v all_o that_o he_o do_v add_v further_o that_o the_o same_o work_n be_v often_o iterate_v and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o be_v not_o transitory_a but_o permaneant_fw-la and_o durable_a all_o which_o be_v due_o ponder_v it_o must_v
or_o the_o natural_a and_o mutual_a love_n of_o parent_n and_o child_n be_v utter_o extinguish_v the_o law_n of_o the_o hebrew_n prohibit_v all_o kind_n of_o uncleanness_n yet_o tolerate_v a_o man_n to_o have_v many_o wife_n and_o in_o some_o case_n license_v the_o husband_n to_o put_v away_o his_o wife_n which_o the_o mahumitan_n at_o this_o day_n use_v to_o do_v like_v to_o the_o old_a grecian_n and_o lacineâ—_n yea_o cato_n himself_o who_o be_v wont_a to_o lend_v their_o wife_n one_o to_o another_o for_o a_o season_n but_o the_o most_o perfect_a law_n of_o christ_n strike_v at_o the_o very_a root_n of_o this_o sin_n that_o lie_v lurk_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n account_v he_o that_o only_o cast_v a_o want_n on_o eye_n upon_o a_o woman_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o commit_v adultery_n with_o she_o at_o least_o in_o thought_n namely_o before_o he_o that_o see_v and_o judge_n the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n and_o because_o all_o true_a friendship_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v constant_a and_o indissoluble_a therefore_o by_o this_o law_n it_o be_v appoint_v that_o husband_n and_o wise_n be_v yoke-fellowe_n in_o a_o cohabitation_n and_o union_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n which_o doubtless_o will_v be_v more_o convenient_a and_o behooveful_a for_o the_o education_n of_o their_o child_n the_o german_n roman_n and_o some_o other_o people_n among_o the_o heathen_a be_v content_a with_o one_o wife_n only_o the_o christian_n also_o follow_v this_o custom_n to_o the_o end_n that_o love_a affection_n between_o man_n and_o wife_n may_v be_v mutual_o preserve_v together_o with_o a_o good_a success_n of_o affair_n in_o domestical_a government_n under_o one_o head_n that_o so_o many_o wife_n cause_v not_o strife_n and_o contention_n among_o their_o several_a child_n sect_n xvi_o touch_v the_o use_n of_o temporal_a thing_n in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o good_n and_o temporal_a commodity_n concern_v which_o we_o find_v that_o among_o some_o heathenish_a gentile_n to_o wit_n the_o egyptian_n and_o lacedaemonian_n man_n be_v permit_v to_o filch_v and_o steal_v and_o herein_o they_o seem_v not_o unlike_o the_o roman_n of_o old_a for_o robbing_n and_o deprecation_n of_o who_o their_o orator_n speak_v say_v that_o if_o every_o man_n have_v his_o own_o there_o be_v many_o that_o may_v lodge_v in_o poor_a cottage_n now_o the_o hebrew_n have_v no_o such_o custom_n yet_o their_o law_n that_o it_o may_v seem_v more_o easy_a permit_v they_o to_o take_v usury_n of_o stranger_n among_o other_o thing_n promise_v the_o reward_n of_o richesâ—o_v they_o that_o observe_v the_o same_o law_n but_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n forbid_v not_o only_o all_o kind_n of_o injustice_n but_o also_o it_o prohibit_v we_o to_o take_v any_o cark_n and_o excessive_a care_n for_o these_o transitory_a thing_n because_o our_o mind_n be_v not_o able_a diligent_o and_o due_o to_o attend_v unto_o two_o several_a matter_n either_o of_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o take_v up_o a_o whole_a man_n and_o oftentimes_o drive_v we_o into_o contrary_a thought_n and_o odd_a quandary_n beside_o the_o excessive_a care_n both_o for_o get_v and_o keep_v riches_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o bondage_n and_o anxiety_n which_o blunt_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o comfort_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o a_o moderate_a desire_n and_o hope_n of_o commodity_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o nature_n require_v be_v not_o many_o or_o hard_a to_o be_v obtain_v for_o nature_n be_v content_a with_o a_o little_a yet_o if_o god_n bestow_v any_o overplus_n upon_o we_o so_o that_o we_o have_v some_o what_o to_o spare_v we_o be_v not_o command_v to_o cast_v the_o same_o into_o the_o sea_n as_o some_o philosopher_n unadvised_a have_v do_v neither_o must_v we_o keep_v any_o thing_n unprofitable_o or_o lavish_a it_o out_o wasteful_o burr_n rather_o therewith_o we_o ought_v to_o supply_v the_o want_n and_o â—xigences_n of_o other_o man_n either_o by_o give_v or_o by_o lend_v to_o they_o that_o will_v borrow_v for_o thus_o it_o become_v we_o to_o think_v that_o we_o be_v not_o lord_n and_o master_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o enjoy_v but_o as_o steward_n and_o dispenser_n under_o god_n almighty_a the_o father_n and_o master_n of_o all_o know_v also_o that_o a_o benefit_n well_o bestow_v be_v a_o treasureful_a of_o good_a hope_n which_o neither_o the_o wickedness_n of_o thief_n nor_o any_o casualty_n can_v diminish_v a_o rare_a example_n of_o this_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a liberality_n we_o find_v in_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o send_v relief_n out_o of_o macedonia_n and_o achaiah_n to_o succour_v they_o that_o live_v in_o palestine_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a world_n have_v be_v but_o one_o family_n and_o here_o in_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v provide_v that_o no_o hope_n of_o recompense_n or_o honour_n shall_v blemish_v and_o disgrace_v our_o bounty_n which_o will_v be_v little_o set_v by_o in_o god_n sight_n if_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o refer_v to_o his_o glory_n and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v cloak_n his_o covetousness_n as_o many_o use_n to_o do_v by_o fear_v they_o shall_v have_v need_n of_o wealth_n when_o they_o be_v old_a or_o that_o some_o mischance_n may_v fall_v out_o which_o will_v drive_v they_o into_o poverty_n therefore_o the_o law_n promise_v a_o special_a care_n for_o such_o as_o keep_v the_o commandment_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o animate_v and_o encourage_v they_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o feed_v the_o wild_a beast_n and_o cattle_n in_o preserve_v the_o grass_n &_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n now_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o we_o &_o dishonourable_a to_o so_o good_a &_o powerful_a a_o god_n not_o to_o believe_v more_o than_o we_o see_v or_o have_v a_o pawn_n for_o sect_n xvii_o of_o swear_v there_o be_v some_o law_n that_o forbid_v perjury_n but_o this_o law_n of_o christ_n will_v have_v we_o to_o refrain_v from_o all_o kind_n of_o swear_v unless_o we_o be_v lawful_o call_v thereunto_o upon_o necessity_n nay_o such_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n shall_v always_o be_v in_o our_o word_n and_o action_n that_o there_o never_o need_v any_o oath_n be_v exact_v of_o we_o sect_n xviii_o of_o other_o matter_n moreover_o there_o can_v nothing_o be_v find_v commendable_a and_o praiseworthy_a either_o in_o the_o philosophical_a write_n of_o the_o grecian_n or_o in_o the_o say_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o other_o nation_n which_o be_v not_o either_o express_o or_o virtual_o contain_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o christianity_n be_v establish_v by_o divine_a authority_n as_o namely_o concern_v modesty_n temperance_n goodness_n honesty_n prudence_n the_o office_n of_o magistrate_n and_o subject_n parent_n and_o child_n master_n and_o servant_n man_n and_o wife_n between_o themselves_o and_o chief_o the_o eschew_v those_o vice_n which_o among_o many_o of_o the_o grecian_n and_o roman_n go_v under_o the_o name_n and_o colour_n of_o honesty_n such_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o to_o be_v short_a admirable_a be_v the_o substantial_a brevity_n of_o these_o precept_n namely_o comprehend_v in_o these_o few_o word_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o that_o be_v we_o must_v do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o sect_n xix_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n touch_v the_o controversy_n abound_v among_o christian_n but_o here_o peradventure_o some_o will_v object_v against_o this_o which_o we_o speak_v concern_v the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n and_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o great_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n among_o christian_n whereupon_o there_o have_v spring_v so_o many_o sect_n and_o faction_n as_o do_v now_o abound_v in_o the_o church_n for_o answer_v whereunto_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o like_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n happen_v almost_o in_o all_o kind_n of_o art_n and_o science_n to_o wit_n partly_o through_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a apprehension_n and_o partly_o because_o man_n judgement_n be_v hinder_v and_o entangle_v with_o many_o employment_n howbeit_o this_o variety_n of_o opinion_n be_v contain_v within_o certain_a bound_n and_o limit_n for_o there_o be_v some_o common_a principle_n whereof_o it_o be_v agree_v upon_o by_o all_o and_o whereupon_o they_o ground_n their_o doubt_n thus_o in_o mathematics_n it_o be_v question_v whether_o a_o circle_n may_v be_v make_v quadrangular_a but_o not_o whether_o after_o the_o take_n away_o of_o equal_a part_n from_o equal_a the_o residue_n will_v not_o remain_v equal_a the_o same_o may_v be_v see_v in_o natural_a philosophy_n also_o in_o the_o art_n of_o physic_n and_o in_o other_o discipline_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o common_a consent_n and_o agreement_n in_o those_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 certain_a 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 the_o same_o and_o this_o that_o we_o have_v speak_v may_v suffice_v concern_v the_o author_n sect_n viii_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o write_n connirm_v by_o the_o event_n that_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v according_o as_o they_o be_v reveal_v there_o be_v other_o reason_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n and_o sidelity_n of_o these_o author_n write_n for_o many_o thing_n be_v therein_o fâ—re_v old_a shall_v after_o ward_n happen_v which_o notwithstanding_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n by_o their_o own_o power_n and_o ingeny_n to_o know_v or_o bring_v to_o pass_v yet_o we_o see_v the_o truth_n thereof_o confirm_v by_o the_o event_n which_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v according_o for_o so_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o this_o religion_n shall_v upon_o a_o sudden_a have_v a_o large_a and_o ample_a increase_n that_o it_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o &_o think_v it_o be_v reject_v by_o most_o of_o the_o jew_n yet_o shall_v it_o be_v embrace_v by_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v stranger_n to_o it_o thus_o likewise_o be_v foretell_v what_o hatred_n &_o spite_n the_o jew_n will_v bear_v against_o they_o that_o profess_v this_o religion_n &_o what_o grievous_a persecution_n the_o professor_n thereof_o shall_v undergo_v also_o what_o a_o great_a siege_n and_o destruction_n there_o shall_v be_v both_o of_o jerusalem_n that_o great_a city_n and_o of_o the_o temple_n together_o with_o a_o miserable_a calamity_n among_o the_o jew_n sect_n ix_o as_o also_o from_o god_n care_n in_o preserve_v his_o people_n from_o false_a write_n beside_o this_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o god_n out_o of_o his_o providence_n careful_o respect_v and_o govern_v humane_a affair_n special_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o worship_n than_o it_o can_v be_v that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v so_o great_a a_o multitude_n to_o be_v cheat_v and_o deceive_v with_o lie_a book_n those_o man_n i_o mean_v who_o full_a intent_n and_o purpose_n be_v to_o worship_n god_n after_o a_o holy_a manner_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o among_o so_o many_o sect_n that_o have_v spring_v up_o in_o christianity_n there_o have_v not_o be_v one_o that_o receive_v not_o either_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o those_o book_n except_v some_o few_o that_o contain_v no_o singular_a matter_n above_o the_o rest_n this_o i_o think_v may_v be_v a_o great_a argument_n that_o no_o material_a thing_n can_v be_v object_v against_o these_o write_n special_o since_o the_o say_a sect_n be_v so_o partial_a and_o spiteful_o bend_v against_o another_o that_o what_o one_o approve_a of_o another_o common_o will_v be_v displease_v therewith_o even_o because_o the_o same_o be_v like_v of_o by_o other_o sect_n x._o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n that_o divers_a book_n be_v not_o receive_v by_o all_o indeed_o there_o be_v some_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v christian_n who_o notwithstanding_o refuse_v to_o admit_v of_o such_o book_n as_o they_o do_v perceive_v contain_v any_o thing_n that_o make_v against_o their_o doctrine_n and_o these_o be_v either_o such_o as_o out_o of_o hatred_n against_o the_o jew_n speak_v ill_o of_o their_o law_n and_o reuâ—led_v the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o make_v and_o framer_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o else_o they_o be_v such_o as_o fear_v the_o great_a affliction_n and_o persecution_n that_o christian_n suffer_v and_o thereupon_o think_v it_o the_o safe_a way_n to_o â—urke_v under_o the_o name_n of_o jew_n who_o have_v free_a liberty_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n howbeit_o these_o lurker_n be_v reject_v and_o forsake_v by_o all_o the_o open_a profess_a christian_n that_o live_v in_o those_o time_n when_o as_o all_o that_o any_o way_n disagree_v in_o opinion_n if_o they_o keep_v unity_n of_o affection_n and_o piety_n may_v have_v be_v suffer_v with_o great_a patience_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n commandement_fw-fr as_o for_o the_o former_a kind_n of_o these_o bastard_n or_o counterfeit_n christian_n i_o think_v they_o have_v be_v sufficient_o confute_v both_o by_o that_o which_o we_o have_v say_v before_o when_o we_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a true_a god_n the_o sole_a framer_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o also_o by_o those_o very_a book_n which_o that_o they_o may_v have_v some_o semblance_n of_o christian_n they_o do_v admit_v of_o special_o the_o gospel_n of_o luke_n wherein_o be_v evident_o show_v that_o the_o same_o god_n who_o moses_n and_o the_o hebrew_n worship_v be_v preach_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o other_o sort_n we_o shall_v more_o fit_o confute_v when_o we_o speak_v against_o those_o that_o both_o be_v and_o will_v be_v call_v jew_n for_o the_o present_a only_o this_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v great_a impudence_n in_o they_o to_o fleight_n and_o extenuate_v the_o authority_n of_o paul_n see_v very_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n that_o expound_v and_o teach_v more_o charche_n than_o he_o do_v who_o be_v report_v at_o that_o time_n to_o have_v wrought_v many_o miracle_n when_o as_o ere_o while_o we_o say_v there_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v trial_n and_o inquiry_n make_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n if_o then_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o wrought_v wenders_z why_o may_v we_o not_o believe_v he_o concern_v his_o heavenly_a vision_n and_o instruction_n receive_v from_o christ_n himself_o to_o who_o since_o he_o be_v so_o deate_o belove_v it_o can_v be_v that_o he_o shall_v teach_v any_o thing_n inglorious_a or_o ingrateful_a unto_o christ_n as_o falsity_n or_o untruth_n will_v have_v be_v and_o as_o touch_v that_o particular_a whereof_o they_o accuse_v he_o namely_o his_o doctrine_n of_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n which_o be_v purchase_v for_o the_o hebrew_n from_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v former_o command_v they_o by_o moses_n there_o be_v not_o any_o cause_n in_o regard_n of_o himself_o why_o he_o shall_v speak_v any_o thing_n but_o truth_n therein_o for_o both_o he_o be_v circumcise_v and_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n he_o do_v observe_v the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o law_n but_o for_o christian_a religion_n sake_n he_o be_v both_o to_o do_v and_o suffer_v more_o difficult_a matter_n than_o either_o be_v command_v by_o the_o law_n or_o can_v happen_v by_o occasion_n of_o the_o law_n he_o teach_v also_o that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v do_v and_o suffer_v the_o like_a whence_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o utter_v no_o flatter_a or_o enrice_v speech_n unto_o his_o auditor_n who_o be_v teach_v in_o stead_n of_o the_o sab_v to_o keep_v every_o day_n holy_a for_o divine_a worship_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o little_a expense_n which_o the_o law_n require_v to_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o their_o good_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o blood_n beast_n to_o consecrate_v their_o own_o blood_n unto_o god_n and_o further_o paul_n himself_o plain_o affirm_v that_o peter_n john_n and_o james_n in_o token_n of_o their_o consent_n with_o he_o give_v he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n which_o he_o never_o dare_v have_v speak_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v true_a because_o the_o same_o man_n be_v then_o alive_a may_v have_v convict_v he_o for_o a_o liar_n but_o to_o leave_v these_o man_n that_o searce_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n beside_o this_o which_o we_o have_v now_o say_v concern_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o sacred_a pen_n man_n aforesaid_a and_o concern_v the_o singular_a providence_n of_o god_n about_o affair_n of_o this_o kind_n the_o manifest_a consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o all_o other_o christian_a congregation_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o these_o book_n may_v induce_v any_o inidifferent_a man_n to_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o special_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v wont_n common_o to_o credit_v other_o book_n of_o history_n without_o any_o such_o testimony_n unless_o they_o see_v some_o plain_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o of_o those_o book_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v sect_n xi_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n that_o these_o book_n seem_v to_o contain_v thing_n impossible_a for_o if_o any_o do_v object_n say_v that_o divers_a thing_n be_v there_o in_o relate_v which_o seem_v to_o be_v impossible_a ever_o to_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v we_o answer_v as_o before_o have_v be_v intimate_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n impossible_a for_o man_n to_o do_v which_o not_o withstand_v be_v possible_a unto_o god_n such_o as_o include_v in_o they_o no_o contradiction_n or_o contrariety_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v those_o wonderful_a effect_n which_o we_o
commit_v adultery_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o revenge_v injury_n a_o man_n may_v be_v the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n only_o and_o the_o league_n or_o bond_n of_o matrimony_n ought_v to_o be_v constant_a and_o perpetual_a man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o special_o to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o want_n we_o must_v refrain_v from_o swear_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v and_o as_o for_o our_o food_n and_o apparel_n we_o ought_v to_o content_v our_o self_n 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 not_o altogether_o so_o credible_a 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 plate_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 both_o the_o council_n and_o branch_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n as_o also_o the_o soul_n or_o spirit_n which_o preserve_v all_o thing_n iâ—lian_n so_o great_a a_o enemy_n of_o christian_n think_v that_o the_o assumption_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v possible_a for_o god_n as_o he_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 yet_o be_v there_o not_o worse_o relate_v by_o the_o heathen_a writer_n concern_v their_o godâ—_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v attendant_n unto_o king_n and_o prince_n other_o slay_v with_o lightning_n other_o cut_v in_o sunder_o and_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o say_v that_o any_o honest_a thing_n be_v the_o more_o joyous_a and_o delightsome_a by_o how_o much_o it_o cost_v they_o the_o dear_a to_o conclude_v plato_n in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o his_o common_a wealth_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 become_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 and_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 it_o can_v no_o otherwise_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o five_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_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 as_o those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o a_o dark_a dungeon_n by_o little_a &_o little_o perceive_v some_o brightness_n and_o glimmer_n between_o light_n and_o darkness_n so_o have_v do_v with_o the_o think_v miss_v of_o paganism_n and_o enter_v upon_o judaism_n we_o behold_v some_o beam_n and_o light_n of_o truth_n wherefore_o i_o request_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o will_v hear_v we_o patient_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a how_o that_o they_o be_v the_o of_o spring_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 holy_a prophet_n and_o bless_a 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 they_o be_v the_o tree_n wherinto_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 asmuch_o as_o they_o even_o make_v sigh_n unto_o god_n for_o they_o &_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 shall_v lay_v hold_n on_o the_o cloak_n of_o the_o hebrew_n man_n desire_v that_o we_o may_v together_o with_o a_o holy_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 intre_n at_o they_o not_o to_o think_v that_o to_o be_v unjust_a in_o another_o man_n â—ase_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 belceve_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 elisaus_n that_o naamâ—d_v the_o syrian_a be_v sudden_o cure_v of_o the_o leprosy_n that_o the_o hostess_n daughter_n 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 hiâ—_n take_v up_o into_o heaven_n only_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o elizaeus_n a_o man_n beyond_o all_o exception_n but_o we_o can_v produce_v twelve_o witness_n oâ—…_n honest_a report_n to_o testify_v that_o christ_n ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n after_o he_o have_v be_v see_v upon_o earth_n after_o his_o death_n by_o many_o more_o person_n which_o thing_n iâ—…_n 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 belong_v not_o unto_o we_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 under_z be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n which_o may_v suffice_v for_o this_o particular_a neither_o can_v god_n any_o way_n more_o effectual_o gain_v authority_n unto_o his_o doctrine_n which_o be_v 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 vanish_v away_o 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 then_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 can_v be_v prove_v save_o 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 other_o proof_n that_o moses_n live_v the_o most_o part_n of_o his_o youth_n in_o egypt_n howbeit_o the_o law_n aswell_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 be_v 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 the_o cure_n of_o the_o speechless_a the_o heal_n of_o the_o lame_a the_o give_a sight_n to_o the_o blind_a then_o will_v tiberius_n nero_n and_o other_o emperor_n have_v have_v notice_n thereof_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 seâ—…_n of_o the_o great_a council_n be_v child_n 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 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 four_o or_o by_o the_o power_n of_o word_n and_o syllable_n moreover_o that_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a fable_n or_o impudenâ—lye_v which_o certain_a
for_o iâ—_n the_o same_o thing_n have_v have_v in_o they_o any_o necessary_a ground_n why_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v do_v then_o will_v god_n have_v prescribe_v they_o not_o to_o one_o but_o to_o all_o the_o people_n and_o not_o after_o that_o mankind_n have_v live_v above_o the_o space_n of_o two_o thousand_o year_n but_o even_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o all_o neither_o abel_n enoch_n noah_n me'châ—sedeck_n job_n abxuham_n isaac_n or_o jacob_n though_o all_o of_o they_o be_v godly_a man_n and_o dear_o be_v love_v of_o god_n know_v this_o part_n of_o the_o law_n but_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a or_o very_a little_a acquaint_v there_o with_o yet_o notwithstanding_o for_o all_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o of_o god_n love_n unto_o they_o beside_o neither_o do_v moses_n exhort_v jethro_n his_o father_n in_o law_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o these_o rite_n nor_o do_v jonah_n the_o ninivite_n neither_o do_v any_o other_o prophet_n reprehend_v the_o chaldean_n egyptian_n sydonian_o tyrian_n idumean_n &_o mâ—abites_n for_o not_o admit_v those_o ceremony_n though_o when_o they_o write_v unto_o they_o they_o reckon_v up_o their_o sin_n exact_o enough_o these_o than_o be_v peculiar_a precept_n give_v either_o for_o the_o eschew_v of_o some_o evil_n which_o the_o jew_n be_v prone_a unto_o or_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o obedience_n or_o for_o the_o signification_n of_o some_o future_a thing_n wherefore_o it_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v wonder_v that_o these_o be_v abolish_v than_o if_o any_o king_n shall_v abrogate_v some_o municipal_a statute_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v establish_v one_o law_n within_o his_o dominion_n neither_o can_v there_o any_o reason_n be_v allege_v to_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v so_o bind_v himself_o as_o that_o he_o will_v change_v nothing_o of_o the_o same_o for_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o precept_n be_v perpetual_a the_o same_o word_n man_n oftentimes_o use_v when_o they_o will_v signify_v that_o that_o which_o they_o command_v be_v not_o yearly_a or_o for_o a_o certain_a time_n suppose_v in_o the_o time_n of_o war_n peace_n or_o famine_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o thereby_o hinder_v from_o make_v new_a constitution_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n special_o when_o the_o public_a good_a require_v the_o same_o thus_o in_o like_a manner_n some_o law_n give_v to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v only_o temporary_a during_o the_o people_n abode_n in_o the_o wilderness_n other_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_o appoint_v for_o their_o habitation_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n therefore_o for_o distinction_n sake_n of_o these_o from_o the_o other_o he_o call_v they_o perpetual_a whereby_o may_v be_v understand_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o any_o where_o to_o be_v change_v or_o ever_o intermit_v unless_o god_n signify_v that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n so_o to_o be_v which_o manner_n of_o speak_v since_o it_o be_v common_o use_v by_o all_o people_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o consider_v that_o in_o their_o law_n the_o same_o be_v call_v a_o perpetual_a statute_n and_o a_o perpetual_a bondage_n which_o continue_v only_o from_o one_o jubily_n to_o another_o and_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v call_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o jubily_n or_o the_o great_a jubily_n of_o all_o thus_o in_o the_o hebrew_n prophet_n there_o be_v ancient_o a_o promise_n of_o make_v a_o new_a covenant_n as_o in_o jerem_n 31._o where_o god_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n which_o shall_v be_v put_v into_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v in_o their_o heart_n neither_o shall_v man_n have_v annoe_v that_o one_o shall_v learn_v religion_n of_o another_o for_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v manifest_a unto_o all_o and_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v yea_o further_o tâ—e_v lord_n will_v forgive_v they_o their_o former_a iniquity_n and_o will_v remember_v their_o â—inâ—t_n no_o more_o which_o be_v as_o if_o a_o king_n after_o great_a enmity_n and_o discord_n have_v among_o his_o citizen_n &_o subject_n shall_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n among_o they_o abolish_v divers_a law_n and_o make_v a_o perfectâ—_n 〈◊〉_d common_a to_o they_o all_o promise_v forgiveness_n of_o fault_n bypass_a if_o afterward_o they_o doeamend_v and_o this_o which_o have_v be_v say_v may_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v for_o the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o law_n the_o part_n whereof_o we_o will_v iâ—_n the_o next_o place_n show_n be_v neither_o such_o as_o in_o themselves_o can_v be_v well_o please_v unto_o god_n nor_o ought_v they_o to_o continue_v for_o ever_o sect_n viii_o as_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o of_o themselves_o be_v never_o wel-pleasing_a unto_o god_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o sacrifice_n which_o many_o of_o the_o hebrew_n think_v be_v invent_v by_o man_n before_o that_o they_o be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o true_a it_o be_v indeed_o the_o hebrew_n be_v desirous_a of_o many_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n enjoin_v they_o so_o many_o or_o else_o because_o he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o return_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o fulse_n god_n by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o their_o sojourn_v in_o egypt_n howbeit_o when_o their_o posterity_n make_v so_o great_a reckon_n of_o they_o as_o though_o of_o themselves_o they_o have_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o a_o part_n of_o true_a piety_n then_o do_v the_o prophet_n reprehend_v they_o for_o it_o i_o will_v not_o reprove_v thou_o say_v god_n by_o david_n in_o the_o fifty_o psalm_n for_o thy_o sacrifice_n or_o thy_o burn_a offering_n to_o have_v be_v continual_o before_o i_o i_o will_v take_v no_o bullock_n out_o of_o thy_o house_n nor_o he_o goat_n out_o of_o thy_o fold_n for_o every_o beast_n of_o the_o forest_n be_v i_o and_o so_o be_v the_o cattle_n upon_o a_o thousand_o hill_n i_o know_v all_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o mountain_n and_o the_o wild_a beast_n of_o the_o field_n be_v i_o if_o i_o be_v hungry_a i_o will_v not_o tell_v thou_o for_o the_o world_n be_v i_o and_o the_o fullness_n there_o of_o think_v thou_o that_o i_o â—illâ—â—t_v the_o flesh_n of_o bull_n or_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o goat_n offer_v unto_o god_n thanksgiving_n and_o pay_v thy_o vow_n unto_o the_o most_o high_a some_o there_o be_v among_o the_o hebrew_n who_o think_v that_o this_o be_v speak_v because_o they_o that_o offer_v those_o sacrifice_n be_v of_o a_o impure_a mind_n and_o dishonest_a conversation_n but_o the_o word_n now_o allege_v show_v another_o matter_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o be_v no_o whit_n receptable_a unto_o god_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o whole_a series_n and_o order_n of_o the_o psalm_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n in_o these_o word_n speak_v unto_o the_o godly_a for_o he_o have_v say_v gather_v my_o saint_n together_o unto_o i_o and_o hear_v my_o people_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o a_o teacher_n and_o one_o that_o instruct_v then_o have_v end_v the_o say_n unto_o the_o godly_a as_o his_o manner_n be_v he_o speak_v unto_o the_o wicked_a but_o unto_o the_o wicked_a god_n say_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n we_o may_v cite_v other_o place_n as_o in_o the_o 51._o psal_n thou_o desire_v not_o sacrifice_v else_o will_v i_o give_v it_o thou_o but_o thou_o delight_v not_o in_o burn_a offering_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n be_v a_o break_a spirit_n a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n o_o god_n thou_o will_v not_o despise_v so_o likewise_o in_o the_o forty_o psalm_n sacrifice_n and_o offering_n thou_o do_v not_o desire_n my_o ear_n have_v thou_o open_v burn_v offering_n and_o sin_n offer_v have_v thou_o not_o require_v then_o say_v i_o lo_o i_o come_v in_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o book_n it_o be_v write_v of_o i_o i_o delight_v to_o do_v thy_o will_n o_o my_o god_n yea_o thy_o law_n be_v within_o my_o heart_n i_o have_v preach_v righteousness_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n loe_o i_o have_v not_o refrain_v my_o lip_n o_o lord_n thou_o know_v i_o have_v not_o hide_v thy_o righteousness_n within_o my_o heart_n i_o have_v declare_v thy_o faithfulness_n and_o thy_o salvation_n i_o have_v not_o conceal_v thy_o love_a kindness_n and_o thy_o truth_n from_o the_o great_a congregation_n the_o like_a we_o read_v in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n 〈◊〉_d to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o be_o full_a of_o the_o burn_a offering_n of_o ram_n and_o the_o sit_v of_o say_v beast_n and_o i_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o bullock_n or_o of_o lamb_n or_o of_o begoat_n when_o you_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o i_o who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n to_o tread_v my_o court_n