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
of_o foreign_a testimony_n which_o indeed_o make_v more_o for_o these_o book_n that_o against_o they_o 15_o answer_v make_v to_o that_o objection_n concern_v the_o adulterate_n or_o falsify_v of_o scripture_n 16_o last_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v verify_v the_o content_n of_o the_o four_o book_n sect_n i._o in_o particular_a such_o religion_n as_o be_v repugnant_a to_o christianity_n be_v confute_v 2_o and_o first_o against_o paâ—…nisme_n here_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n that_o create_v mind_n be_v good_a or_o evil_n the_o good_a be_v not_o to_o be_v worship_v but_o according_a to_o god_n prescript_n 3_o the_o bad_a spirit_n be_v worship_v by_o the_o pagan_n which_o be_v a_o odious_a thing_n 4_o against_o the_o pagan_n worshop_v of_o â—en_n decease_v 5_o against_o the_o worship_v of_o star_n and_o element_n 6_o against_o the_o worship_v of_o bruit_n beast_n 7_o last_o against_o the_o worship_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v no_o substance_n 8_o answer_n to_o the_o pagan_n objection_n take_v from_o some_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v among_o they_o 9_o and_o from_o their_o oracle_n 10_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o pagan_n be_v thereby_o confute_v for_o that_o the_o same_o of_o it_o own_o accord_n fade_v away_o as_o soon_o as_o humane_a help_n fail_v 11_o answer_n to_o they_o that_o ascribe_v the_o beginning_n and_o downfall_n of_o any_o religion_n to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o star_n 12_o last_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o pagan_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n seem_v incredible_a therein_o the_o like_a may_v be_v find_v among_o the_o pagan_n the_o content_n of_o the_o five_o book_n sect_n i._o ivdaisme_n be_v confute_v 2_o the_o jew_n ought_v to_o account_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n for_o sufficient_a 3_o answer_n to_o that_o which_o they_o say_v these_o miracle_n be_v do_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o devil_n 4_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o word_n or_o syllable_n 5_o that_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o jesus_n be_v divine_a and_o that_o he_o teach_v the_o worship_n of_o one_o god_n who_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n 6_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n take_v from_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o jesus_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o perfect_a law_n give_v than_o that_o of_o moses_n 7_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v observe_v by_o jesus_n while_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n and_o no_o other_o precept_n be_v afterward_o abolish_v but_o sueâ—…_n be_v not_o essen_v tally_n good_a 8_o such_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n which_o of_o themselves_o be_v neuâ—_n wel-pleasing_a unto_o god_n 9_o also_o the_o difference_n of_o meâ—…_n 10_o and_o of_o day_n 11_o and_o outward_a circumcision_n 12_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n be_v gentle_a in_o the_o permission_n of_o toleration_n thereof_o 13_o a_o argument_n against_o the_o jew_n for_o that_o they_o grant_v tâ—…erâ—_n be_v a_o worthy_a messiah_n promise_v 14_o the_o same_o messiah_n come_v at_o the_o time_n appoint_v 15_o answer_n to_o that_o which_o they_o object_v concern_v the_o defer_v of_o his_o come_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n 16_o also_o from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n compare_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o law_n promise_v 17_o jesus_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n by_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v foretell_v concern_v the_o messiah_n 18_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v say_v of_o some_o thing_n not_o yet_o fulfil_v 19_o also_o to_o that_o which_o be_v object_v touch_v the_o mâ—…e_a state_n and_o miserable_a death_n of_o jesus_n 20_o as_o though_o they_o have_v be_v honest_a man_n that_o put_v he_o to_o death_n 21_o answer_n to_o that_o objection_n of_o many_o god_n which_o they_o say_v be_v worship_v by_o the_o christian_n 22_o also_o that_o the_o humane_a nature_n be_v worship_v 23_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o part_n with_o prayer_n and_o supplication_z to_o god_n for_o the_o jew_n the_o content_n of_o the_o six_o and_o last_o book_n sect_n i._o mahumetanisme_n confute_v the_o original_n thereof_o 〈◊〉_d set_v down_o 2_o the_o ground_n of_o mahumetismâ—_n overthrow_v chief_o for_o that_o the_o make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o man_n theâ—…_n inquire_v into_o their_o religion_n 3_o proof_n against_o the_o mahuâ—…â—ans_n out_o of_o the_o sacred_a wâ—…_n of_o hebrew_n and_o christian_n 4_o mahumet_n compare_v wâ—…_n christ_n in_o their_o person_n 5_o in_o their_o acts._n 6_o the_o first_o professor_n of_o both_o religion_n 7_o the_o manner_n how_o both_o law_n be_v propagate_v and_o publish_v 8_o last_o the_o precept_n of_o both_o compare_v 9_o answer_n to_o that_o which_o mahumetan_n object_n concern_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 10_o sundry_a absurdity_n be_v repeat_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o mahometan_n 11_o a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n direct_v to_o christian_n who_o be_v admonish_v of_o their_o duty_n by_o occasion_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v before_o in_o the_o several_a book_n a_o christian_a prayer_n for_o the_o adversary_n of_o true_a religion_n merciful_a god_n who_o have_v make_v all_o man_n and_o hate_v nothing_o that_o thou_o have_v make_v nor_o will_v the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o live_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o lewes_z turk_n infidel_n and_o heretic_n and_o take_v from_o they_o all_o ignorance_n hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o contempt_n of_o thy_o word_n and_o so_o fetch_v they_o home_o bless_a lord_n to_o thy_o flock_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v among_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o true_a israelite_n and_o be_v make_v one_o fâ—ld_v â—nderone_v sleepheard_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n who_o live_v and_o reign_v with_o thou_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n now_o and_o ever_o amen_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n the_o preface_n show_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o work_n i_o have_v eftsoon_o work_n be_v demand_v by_o a_o man_n that_o have_v deserve_v excellent_a well_o of_o his_o country_n and_o of_o learning_n and_o of_o i_o also_o what_o the_o argument_n of_o those_o book_n be_v which_o be_v write_v by_o i_o in_o my_o country_n language_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o christian_a religion_n neither_o do_v i_o wonder_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o question_n for_o he_o that_o with_o so_o good_a judgement_n do_v apply_v himself_o to_o the_o read_n of_o all_o thing_n worthy_a to_o be_v read_v be_v not_o ignorant_a with_o what_o skill_n that_o matter_n have_v be_v handle_v by_o raymond_n sebund_a after_o a_o subtle_a philosophical_a manner_n by_o judovicus_n vives_n in_o divers_a dialogue_n but_o especial_o with_o most_o learning_n and_o eloquence_n by_o their_o famous_a mornay_n wherefore_o the_o translate_n of_o they_o into_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n be_v more_o for_o use_n than_o for_o make_v any_o new_a work_n whereof_o what_o other_o man_n will_v judge_v i_o know_v not_o but_o this_o i_o be_o persuade_v will_v satisfy_v he_o if_o i_o tell_v he_o how_o that_o read_n not_o only_o those_o author_n above_o mention_v but_o also_o the_o write_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o their_o old_a jewish_a and_o also_o of_o christian_n for_o our_o christian_a religion_n i_o think_v good_a withal_o to_o use_v my_o own_o judgement_n such_o as_o it_o be_v and_o give_v some_o freedom_n to_o my_o mind_n which_o my_o body_n want_v when_o i_o write_v that_o work_n for_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o most_o sit_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n only_o with_o truth_n and_o that_o also_o with_o such_o truth_n as_o whereof_o i_o be_v persuade_v full_o in_o my_o own_o mind_n for_o i_o know_v it_o be_v but_o a_o vanity_n in_o i_o to_o go_v about_o to_o teach_v other_o to_o credit_v those_o thing_n that_o i_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v of_o myself_o therefore_o omit_v such_o argument_n as_o in_o my_o judgement_n be_v of_o less_o importance_n as_o also_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n which_o either_o i_o certain_o know_v or_o just_o suspect_v to_o be_v forge_v and_o counterfeit_a i_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o such_o reason_n both_o out_o of_o ancient_a &_o late_a write_n as_o may_v be_v best_a approve_v of_o and_o as_o for_o those_o which_o please_v i_o best_o the_o same_o i_o do_v both_o methodical_o dispose_v and_o also_o expound_v as_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v distinguish_v they_o by_o certain_a verse_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o commit_v to_o memory_n for_o my_o purpose_n be_v to_o benefit_v all_o my_o countryman_n but_o special_o sea-faring-man_n that_o they_o may_v not_o as_o too_o many_o do_v lose_v and_o misspend_v their_o time_n wherefore_o beginning_n with_o the_o commendation_n of_o our_o country_n
needs_o follow_v as_o the_o jew_n have_v confess_v that_o these_o work_v proceed_v from_o a_o more_o than_o natural_a or_o humane_a power_n that_o be_v from_o some_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n that_o they_o proceed_v not_o from_o any_o evil_a spirit_n may_v be_v prove_v because_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o confirmation_n whereof_o these_o work_n be_v wrought_v be_v quite_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a to_o bad_a spirit_n for_o it_o prohibit_v the_o worship_v of_o evil_a angel_n and_o dissuade_v man_n from_o all_o unclearnesse_n of_o affection_n and_o manner_n wherein_o such_o spirit_n be_v much_o delight_v and_o this_o be_v also_o plain_a for_o that_o wheresoever_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v receive_v and_o establish_v there_o follow_v the_o ruin_n and_o downfall_n of_o idol_n the_o contempt_n and_o detestation_n of_o magical_a art_n together_o with_o a_o serious_a hatred_n of_o all_o diabolical_a worship_n as_o be_v a_o thing_n contrary_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god._n neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v think_v that_o any_o wicked_a spirit_n be_v so_o ignorant_a and_o foolish_a as_o to_o effect_v and_o often_o bring_v to_o pass_v thing_n that_o be_v cause_n of_o its_o own_o hurt_n and_o disgrace_n and_o no_o way_n conduce_v to_o its_o honour_n or_o benefit_n beside_o it_o stand_v no_o way_n with_o the_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o suffer_v so_o harmless_a and_o innocent_a man_n such_o as_o fear_v he_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o delusion_n of_o devil_n and_o such_o be_v the_o first_o follower_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o their_o innocent_a life_n and_o by_o the_o many_o calamity_n which_o they_o endure_v for_o conserence_n sake_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o thou_o affirm_v that_o those_o work_n of_o christ_n proceed_v from_o some_o good_a spirit_n which_o be_v inferior_a to_o god_n in_o so_o say_v thou_o do_v confess_v that_o the_o same_o work_n be_v well_o please_v unto_o god_n and_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n forasmuch_o as_o good_a spirit_n do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v acceptable_a and_o glorious_a unto_o god_n to_o say_v no_o more_o then_o some_o of_o christ_n work_n there_o be_v so_o miraculous_a that_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v god_n himself_o for_o the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o can_v not_o have_v be_v do_v but_o by_o the_o immediate_a finger_n of_o a_o omnipotent_a power_n as_o special_o the_o restore_a divers_a person_n from_o death_n unto_o life_n again_o now_o god_n do_v not_o produce_v any_o miracle_n nor_o suffer_v any_o such_o wonder_n to_o be_v wrought_v without_o just_a cause_n for_o it_o become_v not_o a_o wise_a law_n giver_n to_o forsake_v and_o depart_v from_o his_o own_o law_n unless_o upon_o some_o good_a and_o weighty_a reason_n now_o no_o other_o cause_n of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v give_v than_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v by_o christ_n himself_o namely_o that_o hereby_o his_o doctrine_n may_v be_v verify_v and_o confirm_v and_o doubtless_o they_o that_o be_v spectator_n of_o his_o work_n can_v conceive_v no_o other_o reason_n thereof_o for_o since_o among_o those_o spectator_n and_o beholder_n of_o his_o miracle_n there_o be_v as_o be_v say_v many_o godly_a man_n pious_o and_o devout_o affect_v it_o be_v horrible_a impiety_n to_o imagine_v that_o god_n do_v work_v these_o thing_n only_o to_o delude_v and_o deceive_v they_o and_o this_o be_v one_o or_o the_o only_a cause_n why_o very_a many_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o live_v about_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n even_o such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o relinquish_v or_o omit_v one_o jot_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o jesus_n be_v a_o doctor_n or_o master_n send_v from_o heaven_n sect_n vii_o christ_n resurrection_n prove_v by_o credible_a reason_n beside_o the_o miracle_n that_o christ_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n another_o argument_n may_v be_v take_v from_o his_o wonderful_a resurrection_n to_o life_n again_o after_o that_o he_o be_v crucify_v dead_a and_o bury_v for_o the_o christian_n of_o all_o age_n and_o country_n allege_v the_o same_o not_o only_o for_o a_o truth_n but_o also_o as_o the_o most_o strong_a sortresse_n and_o chief_a foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o those_o that_o first_o teach_v christianity_n do_v persuade_v their_o auditor_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o for_o certain_a and_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o induce_v any_o wise_a man_n to_o the_o belief_n hereof_o unless_o they_o can_v very_o affirm_v that_o themselves_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o this_o matter_n for_o without_o such_o a_o ocular_a testimony_n no_o man_n of_o wisdom_n and_o judgement_n will_v willing_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o special_o in_o such_o perilous_a and_o dangerous_a time_n as_o then_o be_v but_o that_o this_o be_v their_o constant_a assertion_n both_o their_o own_o book_n and_o other_o write_n do_v testify_v for_o out_o of_o their_o book_n it_o appear_v that_o they_o appeal_v unto_o five_o hundred_o witness_n that_o have_v behold_v jesus_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a now_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fashion_n of_o liar_n and_o dissembler_n to_o appeal_v to_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o witness_n neither_o can_v it_o possible_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o so_o many_o man_n shall_v agree_v and_o conspire_v together_o to_o bear_v false_a witness_n or_o suppose_v there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o witness_n save_o those_o twelve_o know_a apostle_n the_o first_o publisher_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o this_o have_v be_v sufficient_a no_o man_n be_v a_o leasing-mung_a for_o god-have-mercy_o any_o honour_n for_o their_o lie_v they_o can_v not_o expect_v in_o regard_n that_o all_o kind_n of_o dignity_n and_o promotion_n do_v then_o belong_v unto_o the_o pagan_n or_o jew_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v nothing_o but_o reproach_n and_o ignominy_n neither_o can_v they_o hope_v for_o any_o wealth_n and_o commodity_n because_o this_o profession_n be_v oftentimes_o punish_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o good_n and_o possession_n or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o the_o gospel_n can_v not_o be_v teach_v by_o they_o sincere_o unless_o they_o omit_v or_o neglect_v all_o solicitous_a and_o anxious_a care_n for_o temporal_a commodity_n neither_o can_v the_o hope_n of_o any_o other_o worldly_a profit_n move_v they_o to_o fit_a or_o utter_a untruth_n see_v that_o the_o very_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n do_v expose_v they_o to_o labour_n hunger_n thirst_n stripe_n and_o imprisonment_n to_o get_v credit_n and_o reputation_n only_o among_o their_o own_o country_n man_n be_v not_o so_o much_o worth_n that_o they_o poor_a innocent_a man_n be_v such_o as_o in_o their_o life_n and_o doctrine_n abhor_v losty_a mindedness_n shall_v therefore_o run_v upon_o so_o great_a inconvenience_n neither_o again_o can_v they_o have_v any_o hope_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n wâ—â—_n be_v oppose_v both_o by_o corrupt_a covetous_a nature_n &_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v some_o way_n animate_v and_o encourage_v by_o the_o divine_a promise_n of_o god_n and_o further_o this_o fame_n or_o reputation_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v be_v not_o likely_a to_o continue_v for_o ever_o they_o can_v not_o promise_v to_o themselves_o that_o it_o will_v be_v perpetual_a see_v that_o god_n purposely_o conceal_v his_o counsel_n concern_v the_o end_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n have_v leave_v the_o time_n thereof_o doubtful_a as_o be_v always_o imminent_a at_o hand_n which_o the_o write_n of_o the_o christian_n that_o live_v in_o those_o time_n and_o of_o those_o that_o succeed_v they_o do_v most_o plainâ—â—y_o witness_v it_o remain_v therefore_o â—…f_o they_o lie_v that_o they_o have_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o religion_n how_o beâ—…t_v this_o can_v just_o be_v lay_v against_o they_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v right_o consider_v for_o either_o they_o â—did_v sincere_o believe_v that_o this_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n or_o else_o they_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a nay_o if_o they_o think_v not_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o the_o best_a they_o will_v never_o have_v make_v choice_n hereof_o and_o refuse_v other_o religion_n far_o more_o safe_a and_o commodious_a nay_o further_o though_o they_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v most_o true_a yet_o they_o will_v not_o have_v profess_v it_o unless_o they_o have_v be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o profession_n there_o of_o be_v necessary_a special_o for_o that_o they_o may_v have_v easy_o foresee_v and_o partly_o they_o can_v tell_v by_o experience_n what_o troop_n of_o man_n be_v expose_v to_o death_n for_o this_o profession_n which_o without_o
can_v be_v nothing_o save_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o truth_n together_o with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n sect_n xxiiii_o answer_v to_o they_o that_o require_v more_o forcible_a reason_n final_o if_o any_o yet_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o these_o argument_n abovesaid_a but_o desire_v more_o forcible_a reason_n for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n let_v such_o know_v that_o as_o there_o be_v variety_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v true_a so_o be_v there_o divers_a way_n of_o prove_v or_o manifest_v the_o truth_n thus_o be_v there_o one_o way_n in_o mathematics_n another_o in_o physics_n a_o three_o in_o ethic_n and_o last_o another_o kind_n when_o a_o mater_fw-la of_o fact_n be_v in_o â—_z wherein_n very_o we_o must_v rest_v content_a with_o such_o testimony_n as_o be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o untruth_n otherwise_o down_o go_v all_o the_o frame_n and_o use_v of_o history_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o art_n of_o physic_n together_o with_o all_o dutifulnesse_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o parent_n and_o child_n for_o matter_n of_o practicâ—_n can_v no_o way_n else_o be_v know_v but_o by_o such_o testimony_n now_o it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o almighty_a god_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v so_o that_o the_o very_a belief_n thereof_o may_v be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o obedience_n shall_v not_o so_o evident_o appear_v as_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v apprehend_v by_o sense_n and_o plain_a demonstration_n but_o only_o be_v so_o far_o forth_o reveal_v as_o may_v beget_v faith_n and_o a_o persuasion_n thereof_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o obstinate_a that_o so_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v as_o a_o touchstine_a for_o trial_n of_o man_n judgement_n whether_o they_o be_v sound_a or_o unsound_a for_o see_v these_o argument_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v have_v induce_v so_o many_o honest_a godly_a and_o wise_a man_n to_o approve_v of_o this_o religion_n it_o be_v thereby_o plain_a enough_o that_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n infidelity_n be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a testimony_n but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o have_v that_o to_o be_v have_v and_o embrace_v for_o truth_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o wilful_a desire_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o they_o to_o relinquish_v their_o honour_n and_o set_v at_o naught_o other_o commodity_n which_o thing_n they_o know_v they_o ought_v to_o do_v if_o they_o admit_v of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o obey_v what_o he_o have_v command_v and_o this_o be_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v note_v of_o they_o for_o that_o many_o other_o historical_a narration_n be_v approve_v by_o they_o to_o be_v true_a which_o notwithstanding_o be_v only_o manifest_a by_o authority_n and_o not_o by_o any_o such_o strong_a proof_n and_o persuasion_n or_o token_n as_o do_v declare_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v evident_a partly_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o those_o jowe_n that_o be_v yet_o alive_a and_o partly_o in_o those_o company_n and_o congregation_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v any_o where_o to_o be_v find_v whereof_o doubtless_o there_o be_v some_o cause_n last_o see_v the_o long_a duration_n or_o continuance_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o large_a oxtent_n thereof_o can_v be_v ascribe_v to_o no_o humane_a power_n therefore_o the_o same_o must_v be_v attribute_v to_o miracle_n or_o if_o any_o deny_v that_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v through_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n this_o very_a get_v so_o great_a strength_n and_o power_n without_o a_o miracle_n may_v be_v think_v to_o surpass_v any_o miracle_n the_o three_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n after_o that_o a_o man_n be_v once_o persuade_v by_o the_o reason_n abovesaid_a or_o be_v induce_v by_o any_o other_o argument_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o same_o religion_n which_o christian_n profess_v be_v the_o true_a and_o absolute_o the_o best_a if_o he_o desire_v more_o distinct_o to_o know_v the_o part_n thereof_o then_o must_v he_o have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o most_o ancient_a write_n that_o contain_v the_o same_o religion_n and_o which_o common_o we_o call_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o new_a covenant_n this_o truth_n no_o man_n can_v just_o deny_v for_o as_o every_o sect_n be_v they_o good_a or_o bad_a shall_v be_v believe_v when_o they_o tell_v we_o true_o in_o what_o book_n or_o write_v their_o opinion_n be_v comprise_v thus_o we_o credit_v the_o turk_n who_o affirm_v that_o the_o religion_n of_o mahumet_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o alcoran_n so_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o say_a book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n since_o the_o same_o be_v general_o agree_v upon_o and_o constant_o have_v red_a by_o all_o christian_n forasmuch_o then_o as_o we_o have_v before_o prove_v that_o this_o religion_n be_v most_o true_a if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n yet_o this_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v and_o avouch_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n aforesaid_a wherein_o the_o same_o religion_n be_v contain_v which_o truth_n to_o demonstrate_v more_o particular_o let_v we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n take_v for_o grant_v by_o all_o indifferent_a man_n that_o he_o who_o go_v about_o to_o disprove_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o book_n or_o writing_n which_o have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n receive_v and_o allow_v of_o must_v use_v such_o argument_n as_o do_v derogate_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o book_n otherwise_o the_o authority_n thereof_o be_v no_o whit_n diminish_v but_o may_v still_o be_v defend_v and_o maintain_v sect_n ii_o here_o be_v show_v that_o such_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o have_v prefix_v we_o say_v then_o that_o those_o book_n which_o be_v not_o in_o question_n among_o christian_n but_o have_v certain_a title_n be_v the_o very_a work_n of_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v to_o wit_n because_o those_o primitive_a father_n justin_n iraeneus_n clemens_n and_o other_o do_v commend_v those_o book_n under_o the_o same_o author_n name_n as_o also_o be_v cause_n tertullian_n witness_v that_o there_o be_v original_a copy_n of_o those_o book_n extant_a in_o his_o time_n and_o beside_o all_o the_o church_n receive_v those_o book_n for_o authentical_a before_o there_o be_v any_o common_a public_a meeting_n neither_o do_v ever_o the_o pagan_n or_o jew_n make_v doubt_v thereof_o but_o judian_n himself_o plain_o confess_v that_o those_o be_v the_o write_n of_o peter_n and_o paul_n matthew_n mark_v and_o luke_n which_o christian_n under_o those_o name_n have_v read_v and_o receive_v for_o as_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o those_o write_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o homer_n and_o virgil_n be_v true_o they_o because_o the_o 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
unknown_a nor_o doubt_v of_o the_o two_o epistle_n of_o john_n and_o the_o revelation_n because_o some_o man_n do_v question_n whether_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v john_n the_o apostle_n or_o some_o other_o of_o that_o name_n for_o the_o name_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o the_o quality_n or_o condition_n of_o the_o writer_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o receive_v many_o book_n of_o history_n who_o author_n be_v to_o we_o unknown_a as_o that_o concern_v the_o alexandrian_a war_n by_o cesar_n because_o we_o may_v perceive_v that_o he_o whosoever_o write_v the_o same_o live_v in_o those_o time_n ad_fw-la be_v present_a when_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o like_a manner_n it_o ought_v to_o suffice_v we_o that_o whosoever_o write_v the_o book_n we_o speak_v of_o both_o live_v in_o the_o primitive_a age_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o apostolical_a gift_n for_o he_o speak_v very_o improbable_o that_o say_v these_o quality_n be_v but_o counterfeit_n and_o that_o other_o write_n may_v bear_v the_o name_n of_o these_o author_n who_o every_o where_o press_a truth_n and_o pretty_a can_v be_v think_v to_o play_v the_o â—…ning_a sophister_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o falsehood_n a_o thing_n not_o only_o odious_a among_o all_o good_a man_n but_o by_o the_o roman_a law_n be_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n sect_n v._o these_o penman_n write_v the_o truth_n because_o they_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o what_o they_o write_v thus_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v write_v by_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v or_o by_o such_o as_o bear_v witness_n of_o themselves_o if_o we_o add_v further_o that_o they_o know_v well_o the_o matter_n where_o of_o they_o write_v to_o be_v true_a and_o have_v no_o purpose_n to_o lie_v or_o dissemble_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o commit_v to_o writing_n be_v both_o certain_a and_o true_a because_o every_o untruth_n proceed_v either_o from_o ignorance_n or_o from_o a_o wicked_a desire_n to_o deceive_v as_o touch_v matthew_n john_n peter_n and_o johu_n they_o be_v all_o of_o the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n of_o those_o twelve_o who_o jesus_n do_v choose_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v relate_v the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o james_n who_o be_v either_o a_o apostle_n or_o as_o some_o think_v the_o next_o a_o kin_n to_o jesus_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n consecrate_v bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n paul_n also_o can_v not_o err_v through_o lack_n of_o knowledge_n either_o about_o those_o point_n which_o he_o profess_v be_v reveal_v to_o he_o by_o jesus_n himself_o triumph_v in_o heaven_n orabout_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v by_o he_o have_v luke_n a_o follow_v companion_n with_o he_o in_o his_o journey_n this_o luke_n may_v easy_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o write_v concern_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n for_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v in_o the_o place_n next_o adjoin_v to_o palestina_n through_o which_o country_n when_o he_o travel_v he_o say_v he_o speak_v with_o such_o person_n as_o be_v eyewitness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v for_o doubtless_o beside_o the_o apostle_n with_o who_o he_o have_v familiarity_n there_o live_v many_o other_o at_o that_o time_n who_o have_v be_v cure_v by_o jesus_n who_o they_o see_v both_o before_o his_o death_n and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n if_o we_o will_v give_v credit_n to_o tacitus_n and_o suetoniâ—…_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o happen_v a_o long_a time_n before_o they_o be_v bear_v because_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o diligent_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n thereof_o how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o believe_v this_o writer_n who_o say_v that_o he_o reeive_v all_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o relate_v from_o they_o that_o have_v see_v the_o same_o it_o be_v credible_o report_v of_o mark_n that_o he_o be_v a_o daily_a companion_n with_o peter_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o he_o write_v may_v be_v think_v as_o suggest_v or_o witness_v by_o peter_n who_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o beside_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o he_o write_v be_v almost_o all_o extant_a in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n neither_o can_v the_o author_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v deceive_v or_o delude_v in_o those_o vision_n which_o he_o say_v be_v reveal_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n no_o more_o can_v he_o that_o write_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n err_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o profess_v either_o to_o be_v inspire_v into_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o else_o teach_v he_o by_o the_o apostle_n sect_n vi_o as_o also_o because_o they_o will_v not_o lie_v the_o other_o reason_n we_o speak_v of_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o say_v holy_a writer_n be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o will_n or_o desire_v to_o tell_v a_o untruth_n and_o this_o have_v be_v touch_v before_o in_o general_a when_o we_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n those_o that_o will_v accuse_v any_o witness_n for_o the_o pravity_n of_o their_o will_n must_v produce_v such_o proof_n and_o evidence_n as_o may_v probable_o make_v it_o appear_v why_o the_o will_n shall_v be_v divert_v from_o utter_v the_o truth_n but_o this_o can_v be_v aver_v of_o the_o say_a author_n for_o if_o any_o do_v object_n and_o say_v that_o they_o speak_v for_o their_o own_o advantage_n upon_o enquiry_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o they_o seek_v after_o no_o such_o by-end_n have_v neither_o hope_n of_o get_v commodity_n or_o of_o eschew_v any_o danger_n but_o rather_o by_o their_o profession_n they_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o lose_v all_o their_o commodity_n and_o be_v liable_a unto_o all_o sort_n of_o peril_n if_o they_o aim_v at_o any_o advantage_n it_o be_v only_o to_o gain_v honour_n unto_o god_n which_o doubtless_o can_v be_v compatible_a with_o lie_v and_o dissemble_v special_o in_o such_o a_o business_n as_o whereon_o depend_v the_o everlasting_a salvation_n of_o mankind_n far_o be_v it_o then_o from_o any_o man_n to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o great_a impiety_n their_o doctrine_n be_v full_o of_o all_o sanctity_n and_o their_o lift_n exemplary_a for_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n free_a from_o the_o accusation_n of_o their_o great_a adversary_n who_o only_o condemn_v they_o for_o lack_v of_o knowledge_n a_o fault_n unlikely_a to_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o falsehood_n no_o if_o they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o never_o so_o little_a fraud_n or_o deceit_n in_o that_o kind_n sure_o they_o will_v not_o have_v record_v to_o posterity_n their_o own_o trespass_n as_o namely_o their_o forsake_v of_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o poters_n denial_n of_o he_o three_o time_n sect_n vii_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o sidelity_n of_o these_o author_n from_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v on_o the_o other_o side_n god_n himself_o give_v testimony_n of_o their_o fidelity_n by_o work_a wonder_n which_o both_o they_o and_o their_o disciple_n with_o great_a boldness_n public_o avouch_v add_v also_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o their_o assertion_n may_v easy_o have_v be_v discover_v by_o the_o inquisition_n of_o the_o magistrate_n more_o particular_o among_o the_o wonder_n that_o they_o wrought_v we_o may_v note_v as_o most_o sensible_a and_o certain_a the_o use_n of_o tongue_n among_o so_o many_o thousand_o which_o never_o learn_v they_o and_o their_o cure_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n upon_o a_o sudden_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o people_n neither_o be_v they_o any_o whit_n dismay_v with_o fear_n either_o of_o the_o jewish_a magistrate_n of_o those_o time_n who_o they_o know_v to_o be_v most_o malicious_o set_v against_o they_o or_o of_o the_o roman_n who_o deal_v very_o unjust_o with_o they_o omit_v no_o fit_a occasion_n that_o may_v be_v matter_n for_o traduce_v or_o accuse_v they_o as_o inventor_n of_o a_o new_a religion_n nay_o the_o very_a jew_n or_o pagan_n in_o the_o time_n immediate_o follow_v dare_v never_o deny_v that_o wonder_n be_v wrought_v by_o those_o man_n for_o so_o much_o be_v confess_v of_o peter_n miracle_n by_o phlegon_n in_o his_o annal_n who_o live_v under_o adrian_n the_o emperor_n moreover_o the_o christian_n themselves_o in_o those_o book_n that_o contain_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o they_o exhibit_v to_o the_o emperor_n to_o the_o senate_n and_o to_o the_o governor_n do_v relate_v these_o thing_n as_o most_o manifest_a and_o unquestionable_a truth_n yea_o they_o open_o report_v that_o
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
god_n as_o they_o do_v in_o time_n past_a neither_o have_v they_o defile_v themselves_o with_o cruelty_n nor_o be_v they_o accuse_v of_o fornication_n and_o adultery_n but_o by_o prayer_n and_o fasting_n they_o labour_v to_o appease_v god_n wrath_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o hear_v which_o thing_n be_v so_o one_o of_o these_o two_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v namely_o that_o either_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v give_v by_o moses_n be_v quite_o abolish_v or_o the_o jew_n be_v guilty_a of_o some_o notorious_a crime_n which_o have_v continue_v for_o so_o many_o age_n together_o which_o what_o it_o be_v let_v themselves_o speak_v or_o if_o they_o can_v tell_v then_o let_v they_o believe_v we_o that_o this_o sin_n be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v come_v before_o that_o these_o evil_n begin_v to_o fall_v upon_o they_o sect_n xvii_o jesus_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n by_o those_o prophecy_n which_o be_v foretell_v concern_v the_o messiah_n by_o this_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o messiah_n come_v many_o age_n ago_o we_o add_v further_o that_o the_o same_o be_v no_o other_o but_o jesus_n for_o what_o other_o person_n soever_o either_o be_v or_o will_v have_v be_v account_v the_o messiah_n the_o same_o leave_v no_o sect_n behind_o they_o to_o uphold_v &_o maintain_v that_o opinion_n there_o be_v not_o any_o at_o this_o day_n that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v follower_n either_o of_o herod_n or_o of_o judas_n gaulonita_n or_o of_o that_o great_a impostor_n barchochebas_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o adrian_n say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o deceive_v some_o even_n of_o the_o more_o learned_a but_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n have_v continue_v from_o the_o time_n that_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n even_o until_o this_o day_n be_v not_o a_o few_o only_a in_o this_o or_o that_o country_n but_o very_o many_o disperse_v as_o far_o as_o the_o world_n extend_v i_o can_v allege_v many_o other_o testimony_n ancient_o foretell_v concern_v the_o messiah_n which_o we_o believe_v be_v accomplish_v in_o jesâ—…_n since_o they_o can_v be_v affirm_v of_o any_o other_o as_o namely_o that_o he_o come_v of_o the_o posterity_n of_o david_n and_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n which_o be_v divine_o reveal_v to_o he_o that_o marry_v that_o virgin_n who_o he_o will_v have_v put_v away_o suppose_v she_o have_v be_v get_v with_o child_n by_o another_o also_o that_o this_o messiah_n be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n and_o begin_v first_o to_o publish_v his_o doctrine_n in_o galilee_n heal_v all_o kind_n of_o disease_n give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o make_v the_o lame_a to_o walk_v but_o this_o one_o may_v suffice_v for_o many_o that_o his_o doctrine_n continue_v entire_a unto_o this_o day_n it_o be_v most_o manifest_a by_o the_o prophecy_n of_o david_n isaiah_n zachariah_n and_o hosea_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o instructor_n not_o only_o of_o the_o jew_n but_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_a by_o who_o all_o worshipping_n of_o false_a god_n shall_v come_v to_o ruin_v and_o a_o huge_a multitude_n of_o alien_n and_o stranger_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n before_o this_o jesus_n his_o come_n almost_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v confound_v with_o false_a worship_n and_o religion_n which_o afterward_o by_o little_a and_o little_o begin_v to_o vanish_v away_o and_o many_o man_n both_o of_o the_o common_a sort_n and_o of_o high_a rank_n as_o king_n and_o prince_n be_v convert_v unto_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o one_o god_n this_o be_v no_o gramercy_o to_o the_o jewish_a rabbin_n but_o to_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n and_o their_o successor_n thus_o they_o be_v make_v the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o before_o be_v not_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o the_o say_n oâ—…_n old_a jacob_n gen._n 49._o be_v fulfil_v the_o scopter_fw-mi shall_v not_o depart_v from_o juda_n until_o shâ—lo_n come_v which_o word_n the_o chaldee_n and_o other_o interpreter_n expound_v of_o the_o messiah_n to_o who_o the_o foreign_a nation_n shall_v be_v obedient_a sect_n xviii_o answer_v to_o that_o which_o be_v object_v of_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o fulfil_v the_o jew_n usual_o object_n that_o same_o thing_n be_v foretell_v concern_v the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o fulfil_v but_o for_o answer_v those_o matter_n which_o they_o allege_v be_v obscure_a and_o admit_v of_o divers_a signification_n wherefore_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v before_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v more_o manifest_a as_o namely_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o jesus_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o the_o perspicuous_a language_n wherein_o it_o be_v propound_v to_o which_o if_o we_o add_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o miracle_n there_o need_v no_o other_o motive_n for_o inducement_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o his_o doctrine_n as_o for_o those_o prophecy_n which_o gâ—…_n under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o shâ—…_n oâ—â—…sped_a book_n oftentimes_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n thereof_o there_o be_v requisite_a some_o divine_a help_n and_o assistance_n which_o they_o be_v worthy_o deprive_v of_o that_o neglect_v manifest_a truth_n the_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o allege_v be_v diverse_o expound_v as_o themselves_o can_v deny_v and_o if_o any_o man_n please_v to_o compare_v either_o the_o ancient_a interpreter_n which_o live_v when_o the_o people_n be_v lead_v captive_a into_o babylon_n or_o such_o as_o live_v about_o christ_n time_n with_o those_o that_o write_v after_o that_o christianity_n begin_v to_o be_v hateful_a and_o odious_a unto_o the_o jew_n he_o shall_v find_v no_o exposition_n purposely_o invent_v to_o cross_v those_o former_a that_o well_o agree_v with_o christian_a interpretation_n they_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o must_v be_v understand_v by_o a_o trope_n and_o not_o in_o property_n of_o speech_n as_o when_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v descend_v and_o to_o have_v a_o mouth_n ear_n eye_n and_o nostril_n and_o why_o may_v not_o we_o likewise_o expound_v divers_a thing_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o that_o the_o wolf_n shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o leopard_n shall_v lie_v down_o with_o the_o kâ—d_n and_o the_o calf_n and_o the_o young_a lion_n and_o the_o fail_v together_o and_o the_o suck_a child_n shall_v play_v with_o the_o serpent_n and_o the_o mountain_n of_o gold_n shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o other_o mountain_n whither_o stranger_n shall_v come_v and_o worship_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n promise_v which_o by_o antecedent_n and_o consequent_a word_n or_o by_o the_o very_a sense_n imply_v a_o secret_a condition_n in_o they_o thus_o god_n promise_v many_o thing_n unto_o the_o hebrew_n upon_o condition_n they_o will_v receive_v the_o messiah_n that_o be_v send_v and_o obey_v he_o which_o same_o thing_n if_o they_o come_v not_o to_o pass_v according_o than_o may_v they_o blame_v themselves_o that_o be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o again_o other_o matter_n be_v promise_v express_o and_o without_o all_o condition_n which_o if_o they_o be_v not_o already_o accomplish_v yet_o may_v be_v hope_v for_o hereafter_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a even_o among_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o time_n or_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n must_v endure_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n sect_n xix_o and_o to_o that_o which_o be_v object_v of_o the_o mean_a condition_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n many_o do_v take_v exception_n at_o the_o meek_a and_o mean_a condition_n of_o jesus_n but_o unjust_o because_o in_o sacred_a writ_n it_o be_v often_o say_v that_o god_n will_v exalt_v the_o humble_a and_o meek_a but_o cast_v down_o the_o proud_a jacob_n when_o be_v pass_v over_o jordan_n carry_v nothing_o with_o he_o save_v his_o staff_n only_o and_o yet_o be_v enrich_v with_o a_o great_a slocke_n of_o sheep_n moses_n be_v a_o poor_a exile_n and_o feed_v the_o slocke_n when_o god_n appear_v to_o he_o in_o the_o bush_n and_o give_v he_o commission_n for_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o people_n david_n also_o be_v call_v to_o his_o kingdom_n when_o he_o be_v feed_v 〈…〉_z and_o with_o many_o other_o such_o like_a example_n do_v the_o sacred_a story_n abound_v now_o concern_v the_o messiah_n we_o read_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o gladsome_a messenger_n unto_o the_o poor_a that_o he_o shall_v make_v no_o noise_n in_o public_a or_o use_v any_o strife_n and_o contention_n but_o deal_v gentle_o forbear_v to_o break_v the_o shake_a reed_n and_o unwilling_a to_o quench_v the_o smoke_a â—lâ—x_n neither_o can_v any_o of_o his_o affliction_n no_o not_o his_o igâ—…_n death_n