true_a religion_n explain_v and_o defend_v against_o the_o archenemy_n thereof_o in_o these_o time_n in_o six_o book_n publish_a by_o authority_n for_o the_o common_a good_a buy_v the_o truth_n p_o 〈…〉_z london_n print_v for_o ri._n royston_n in_o ivy_n lane_n 1632_o t_n câ—â—â—ll_v sculp_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o frontispâ—â—â—_n or_o title_n page_n 1._o jehevah_n at_o the_o top_n â—eaching_v out_o 〈…〉_z the_o old_a to_o the_o lieu_n and_o the_o new_a to_o the_o 〈…〉_z former_a with_o a_o promise_n 〈…〉_z the_o lattâ—…_n of_o the_o gentleâ—…_n in_o the_o gospel_n without_o exâ—…â—…on_n of_o any_o hom._n 1â—…_n 2_o religion_n the_o effect_n whereof_o the_o aposâ—…_n jam._n 1._o 2d_o 1_o for_o her_o habit_n she_o have_v a_o 〈◊〉_d garment_n tâ—…_n she_o regard_v not_o the_o transient_o wealth_n and_o â—…ty_n of_o this_o world_n 2_o she_o hold_v the_o book_n in_o her_o hand_n where_o â—n_o the_o lawâ—…_n god_n be_v write_v 3_o her_o breast_n be_v baâ—â—_n to_o show_v her_o canâ—on_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 4_o she_o leave_v upon_o the_o cross_n because_o thereupon_o 〈…〉_z find_v rest_n and_o quiet_a repose_n 5_o winge_a sheis_n to_o reach_v man_n to_o mount_v up_o alâ—…_n 6_o as_o it_o be_v shine_v by_o a_o radiant_a 〈…〉_z that_o she_o dispel_v the_o misty_a darkâ—_n 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o mind_n 7_o the_o bridle_n be_v hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n to_o teach_v man_n how_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o curb_v bridle_n and_o subâ—…_n the_o triâ—â—leâ—â—_n passion_n of_o the_o mind_n 8_o she_o tread_v and_o example_n upon_o death_n because_o sheâ—…_n very_o have_v and_o downfall_n of_o death_n 3_o the_o christian_n kneel_v upon_o the_o cross_n which_o he_o mâ—…_n take_v up_o mat._n 16._o 24._o having_n glory_n shine_a upon_o he_o to_o represent_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o tâ—…_n religion_n 4_o the_o turk_n stand_v with_o his_o sword_n in_o his_o hand_n by_o which_o he_o defend_v his_o religion_n that_o spring_v from_o mahâ—met_n a_o false_a prophet_n foretell_v in_o general_a by_o christ_n mat._n 24._o 5._o 24._o also_o a_o half_a moon_n 5_o the_o lieu_n kneel_v have_v the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law_n by_o which_o he_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v not_o as_o yet_o believe_v in_o christ_n because_o his_o eye_n be_v blind_v isaiah_n 29._o 10._o 6_o the_o pagan_a have_v the_o sun_n before_o he_o which_o together_o with_o other_o creature_n he_o be_v wont_a toworship_n howbeit_o hope_n there_o be_v that_o all_o the_o heatheo_fw-la shall_v become_v the_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n psal_n 72._o 11._o a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o chief_a point_n according_a to_o the_o several_a section_n of_o each_o book_n the_o preface_n show_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o work_n the_o content_n of_o the_o first_o book_n sect_n i._o in_o the_o first_o section_n it_o be_v prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n 2_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n 3_o all_o perfection_n be_v in_o god_n 4_o and_o that_o after_o a_o infinite_a manner_n 5_o god_n be_v eternal_a omnipotent_a omniscient_a and_o absolute_o good_a 6_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n 7_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o evil_a 8_o against_o they_o which_o imagine_v there_o be_v two_o principle_n the_o one_o good_a and_o the_o other_o evil_n 9_o the_o whole_a universe_n be_v govern_v by_o god_n 10_o so_o be_v all_o sublunary_a thing_n yea_o every_o particular_a and_o singular_a thing_n 11_o which_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o preservation_n of_o empire_n 12_o and_o by_o miracle_n 13_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v wrought_v among_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v verify_v by_o the_o long_a continuance_n of_o their_o religion_n 14_o also_o by_o the_o truth_n and_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n 15_o and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o stranger_n and_o alien_n from_o the_o covenans_fw-la 16_o the_o same_o likewise_o be_v confirm_v by_o prediction_n and_o other_o argument_n 17_o a_o objection_n answer_v for_o that_o no_o miracle_n be_v now_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d as_o former_o have_v be_v 18_o and_o that_o iniquity_n so_o greatâ—…nds_v in_o these_o day_n 19_o in_o so_o much_o that_o good_a and_o goâ—dly_a man_n be_v oppress_v abuse_v 20_o but_o this_o be_v retort_v to_o prove_v the_o immortality_n of_o soul_n after_o the_o death_n and_o â—…lution_n of_o body_n 21_o which_o truth_n be_v further_o confirm_v by_o tradition_n 22_o namely_o such_o as_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v allege_v against_o it_o 23_o but_o â—…ther_o many_o argument_n make_v for_o it_o 24_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o end_n of_o man_n be_v his_o happiness_n and_o welfare_n after_o this_o life_n 25_o which_o to_o obtain_v true_a religion_n must_v be_v seek_v for_o the_o same_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o eternity_n the_o content_n of_o the_o second_o book_n sect_n i._o to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o title_n of_o true_a religion_n agree_v to_o christian_a religion_n the_o author_n here_o prove_v first_o that_o jesus_n once_o live_v upon_o earth_n 2_o and_o that_o he_o suffer_v a_o ignominious_a and_o reproachful_a death_n 3_o howbeit_o after_o his_o death_n he_o be_v worship_v and_o adore_v by_o wise_a man_n 4_o the_o cause_n of_o which_o their_o worship_v he_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o for_o the_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o he_o 5_o and_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o any_o efficacy_n of_o rature_n or_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o proceed_v only_o from_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 6_o the_o author_n further_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n his_o resurrection_n by_o sufficient_a testimony_n 7_o he_o answer_v a_o doubt_n for_o that_o the_o resurrection_n seem_v impossible_a 8_o this_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n be_v grant_v it_o serve_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n 9_o christian_a religion_n excel_v all_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n 10_o as_o be_v prove_v first_o from_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n which_o be_v promise_v and_o propound_v thereunto_o 11_o whereupon_o by_o the_o way_n a_o objection_n be_v answer_v for_o that_o it_o seem_v impossible_a for_o body_n once_o dissolve_v to_o be_v restore_v again_o to_o their_o former_a integrity_n 12_o second_o the_o former_a truth_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o exact_a holiness_n of_o christian_a precept_n touch_v the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n 13_o also_o from_o those_o courteous_a duty_n of_o humanity_n which_o we_o owe_v and_o aught_o to_o perform_v to_o our_o neighbour_n though_o hurt_n or_o injure_v by_o they_o 14_o also_o from_o the_o union_n and_o love_n of_o man_n and_o wife_n 15_o from_o the_o use_n of_o temporal_a good_n and_o commodity_n 16_o from_o a_o oath_n 17_o and_o from_o other_o christian_a acts._n 18_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n take_v from_o the_o controversy_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n 19_o the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v further_o declare_v from_o the_o dignity_n of_o its_o author_n 20_o from_o the_o wonderful_a propagation_n thereof_o 21_o special_o consider_v the_o weakness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o they_o which_o at_o the_o beginning_n teach_v the_o same_o 22_o together_o with_o the_o great_a impediment_n which_o may_v have_v withhold_v man_n from_o embrace_v it_o or_o deter_v they_o from_o profess_v the_o same_o 23_o answer_v make_v to_o they_o that_o do_v desire_v strong_a argument_n the_o content_n of_o the_o three_o book_n sect_n i._o here_o be_v show_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n 2_o such_o book_n as_o have_v name_n of_o author_n be_v the_o same_o man_n write_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v 3_o concern_v such_o book_n as_o ancient_o be_v question_v the_o doubt_n take_v away_o 4_o those_o book_n that_o have_v no_o name_n prefix_v have_v suâ—…enâ—_n authority_n as_o be_v prove_v from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o write_n themselves_o 5_o the_o holy_a pen_n man_n of_o these_o book_n write_v nothing_o but_o truth_n because_o they_o have_v certain_a notice_n thereof_o 6_o and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o lie_v 7_o this_o be_v also_o evident_a by_o the_o miracle_n they_o wrought_v 8_o and_o likewise_o because_o the_o event_n of_o many_o thing_n therein_o record_v have_v make_v it_o appear_v the_o same_o be_v divine_o inspire_v 9_o and_o last_o from_o the_o care_n god_n be_v to_o have_v that_o counterfeit_a write_n may_v not_o be_v obtrude_v or_o forge_v in_o the_o church_n 10_o a_o objection_n answer_v that_o sundry_a of_o these_o book_n be_v not_o reserve_v by_o all_o 11_o a_o scruple_n take_v away_o for_o that_o some_o impossibility_n sleme_v to_o be_v 〈…〉_z 12_o or_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v râ—…_n pâ—…_n to_o reason_n 13_o another_o doubt_n answer_v touch_v some_o diversity_n â—…rieâ—â—_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o those_o write_n 14_o the_o consideration_n
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
most_o of_o all_o admire_v as_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o dead_a unto_o life_n again_o and_o therefore_o that_o objection_n be_v of_o no_o force_n sect_n xii_o or_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n neither_o be_v they_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o assent_v unto_o who_o say_v that_o some_o doctrine_n be_v comprise_v in_o these_o book_n which_o be_v disagree_v to_o right_a reason_n for_o such_o be_v confute_v first_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o so_o many_o learned_a grave_a judicious_a and_o wise_a nien_z as_o have_v allow_v and_o admit_v of_o these_o book_n for_o authentical_a ever_o since_o the_o primitive_a time_n then_o by_o that_o which_o we_o have_v before_o declare_v in_o the_o first_o book_n to_o be_v consonant_n to_o right_a reason_n as_o namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a and_o infinite_a in_o virtue_n life_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o who_o all_o thing_n that_o have_v any_o be_v be_v make_v who_o care_n and_o providence_n reach_v over_o all_o his_o work_n especial_o unto_o man_n and_o who_o can_v after_o this_o life_n bountiful_o reward_n all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o beside_o there_o be_v show_v how_o that_o all_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v to_o be_v bridle_v and_o subdue_v that_o among_o man_n there_o be_v kindred_n and_o alliance_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o love_v one_o another_o with_o sincere_a affection_n all_o which_o be_v most_o plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o say_a book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n now_o we_o know_v how_o unsafe_a it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n beside_o this_o peremptory_o to_o be_v true_a either_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o his_o will_n special_o if_o it_o be_v ground_v only_o upon_o humane_a reason_n and_o further_o we_o may_v guesle_v how_o uncertain_a it_o will_v be_v both_o by_o the_o jar_a opinion_n of_o the_o schoolman_n among_o themselves_o as_o also_o by_o the_o contrary_a conclusion_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n for_o if_o man_n do_v so_o farte_v disagree_v in_o their_o opinion_n touch_v their_o own_o soul_n than_o they_o must_v needs_o much_o more_o dissent_v when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o determine_v any_o thing_n not_o reveal_v concern_v the_o high_a mind_n and_o the_o most_o supreme_a spirit_n which_o so_o far_o transcend_v our_o weak_a appiehension_n or_o if_o as_o prudent_a man_n do_v think_v the_o inquiry_n into_o the_o counsel_n of_o king_n be_v dangerous_a and_o not_o to_o be_v attempt_v or_o attain_v by_o we_o who_o then_o be_v there_o so_o wise_a and_o prudent_a that_o hope_n he_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v reserve_v in_o his_o own_o freedom_n and_o secret_a council_n wherefore_o plato_n say_v very_o well_o that_o none_o of_o these_o hide_a mystery_n can_v be_v know_v without_o a_o oracle_n now_o there_o can_v no_o oracle_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o oracle_n indeed_o by_o any_o clear_a testimony_n than_o those_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o say_a book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n contrary_n to_o which_o book_n it_o be_v neither_o prove_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o affirm_v by_o any_o that_o god_n ever_o publish_v any_o thing_n concern_v his_o nature_n and_o essence_n neither_o be_v there_o extant_a any_o letter_n revelation_n or_o other_o signification_n of_o his_o will_n that_o can_v be_v believe_v for_o true_a for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n otherwise_o command_v or_o permit_v before_o christ_n time_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v indifferent_a that_o be_v neither_o due_a nor_o dishonest_a yet_o the_o same_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o say_a write_n fince_n that_o in_o such_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n the_o last_o law_n or_o commandment_n that_o be_v give_v do_v abolish_v and_o annul_v the_o former_a sect_n xiii_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n that_o some_o of_o these_o book_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o other_o some_o do_v further_a object_n that_o in_o these_o book_n there_o be_v some_o diversity_n of_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n but_o for_o answer_v whosoever_o will_v but_o due_o ponder_v this_o matter_n he_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o to_o be_v another_o argument_n beside_o the_o some_o to_o justify_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o say_a book_n namely_o because_o they_o do_v most_o manifest_o and_o apparent_o agree_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o history_n which_o consent_n and_o accord_n can_v elsewhere_o be_v find_v among_o any_o other_o writer_n that_o be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sect_n or_o profession_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o jew_n or_o the_o greek_a philosophess_n the_o physician_n or_o the_o roman_a lawyer_n all_o which_o do_v not_o only_o differ_v much_o among_o themselves_o yea_o even_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o sect_n as_o plato_n and_o xenophon_n but_o oftentimes_o one_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o writer_n to_o affirm_v now_o one_o thing_n than_o another_o as_o if_o he_o be_v forgetful_a of_o himself_o or_o know_v not_o what_o to_o resolve_v upon_o but_o these_o other_o writer_n to_o wit_n the_o holy_a penman_n of_o who_o we_o speak_v do_v inculcate_v and_o express_v the_o same_o point_n of_o faith_n they_o deliver_v the_o same_o commandment_n and_o as_o for_o their_o narration_n of_o the_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n the_o sum_n and_o substance_n in_o they_o all_o be_v the_o very_a same_o as_o touch_v some_o particular_a circumstance_n such_o as_o be_v of_o small_a or_o no_o moment_n happy_o they_o may_v be_v well_o reconcile_v though_o perhaps_o the_o manner_n how_o be_v unknown_a namely_o because_o of_o the_o similitude_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v at_o divers_a time_n or_o for_o the_o doubtful_a signification_n of_o some_o word_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o several_a name_n and_o appellation_n of_o this_o man_n or_o that_o place_n and_o the_o like_a nay_o this_o i_o think_v may_v bee_n motive_n to_o vindicate_v and_o free_v these_o writer_n from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o falsehood_n it_o be_v usual_a with_o those_o that_o will_v have_v lie_n and_o untruth_n credit_v to_o relate_v all_o circumstance_n so_o straight_o and_o trim_o as_o there_o shall_v not_o appear_v any_o colour_n or_o show_v of_o difference_n or_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o for_o any_o small_a difference_n which_o can_v easy_o be_v reconcile_v a_o whole_a book_n shall_v lose_v its_o credit_n then_o i_o trow_v we_o must_v believe_v no_o book_n at_o all_o special_o those_o os_fw-la history_n yet_o we_o see_v that_o polybius_n halicarnassensis_n levy_n and_o plutarch_n for_o the_o substance_n oâ—_n they_o be_v esteem_v authentical_a and_o true_a though_o in_o some_o circumstance_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v faulty_a therefore_o it_o be_v unequal_a that_o sacred_a writer_n shall_v lose_v then_o credit_n for_o one_o or_o two_o seem_a slip_n if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o their_o write_n who_o so_o serious_o desire_v and_o earnest_o endeavour_v to_o express_v both_o truth_n and_o piety_n therein_o sect_n xiiii_o answer_v to_o a_o objection_n take_v from_o outward_a testimony_n which_o make_v more_o for_o these_o book_n another_o way_n of_o confirm_v what_o we_o have_v say_v some_o think_v may_v be_v by_o allege_v the_o contrary_a testimony_n of_o those_o that_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n but_o i_o dare_v bold_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o testimony_n to_o be_v find_v unless_o a_o man_n will_v produce_v the_o say_n of_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v a_o long_a time_n after_o who_o do_v open_o profess_v enmity_n against_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o fit_a witness_n for_o this_o matter_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o need_n be_v we_o can_v allege_v many_o testimony_n to_o confirm_v divers_a part_n of_o the_o history_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o say_a book_n thus_o both_o hebrew_n and_o pagan_n report_n that_o jesus_n be_v crucify_v and_o that_o sundry_a miracle_n be_v do_v by_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n those_o know_a book_n of_o josephus_n which_o be_v write_v about_o forty_o year_n after_o christ_n ascension_n do_v make_v mention_n of_o herod_n pilate_n festus_n felix_n john_n the_o baptist_n gamliel_n and_o of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o large_a herewith_o all_o agree_v that_o which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o talmud_n have_v record_v concern_v those_o time_n tacitus_n relate_v how_o cruel_o nero_n use_v the_o christian_n and_o ancient_o there_o be_v certain_a book_n extant_a not_o only_o of_o private_a man_n as_o of_o phlegon_n and_o other_o but_o also_o some_o public_a act_n whereunto_o the_o christian_n appeal_v namely_o for_o that_o in_o they_o there_o be_v mention_n make_v of_o the_o star_n that_o appear_v at_o christ_n birth_n and_o
circumcision_n and_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n that_o of_o themselves_o be_v neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a final_o here_o in_o christianity_n a_o moderate_a use_n of_o meat_n and_o wine_n be_v allow_v of_o but_o there_o in_o mahumetisme_n man_n be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n and_o to_o drink_v wine_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v a_o great_a gift_n of_o god_n beneficial_a both_o for_o body_n and_o mind_n if_o it_o be_v sober_o take_v and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o some_o childish_a rudiment_n be_v teach_v before_o so_o perfect_a a_o law_n as_o that_o of_o christ_n be_v but_o after_o the_o promulgation_n thereof_o to_o return_v again_o to_o type_n and_o figure_n be_v prepostetous_a neither_o can_v any_o just_a reason_n be_v give_v why_o after_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v clear_o the_o best_a there_o shall_v any_o other_o be_v propound_v and_o teach_v sect_n ix_o answer_v to_o the_o mahometan_n objection_n concern_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o mahometan_n tell_v we_o they_o be_v not_o a_o little_a displease_v with_o we_o for_o say_v that_o god_n have_v a_o son_n see_v he_o use_v not_o a_o wife_n as_o though_o the_o word_n son_n can_v not_o have_v a_o more_o divine_a signification_n in_o god_n but_o mahumet_n himself_o attribute_n many_o thing_n as_o dishonourable_a and_o ill-beseeming_a god_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o wife_n thus_o he_o say_v that_o god_n have_v a_o cold_a hand_n which_o himself_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o god_n be_v carry_v in_o a_o chair_n and_o the_o like_a howbeit_o when_o we_o say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o do_v but_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o he_o mean_v when_o he_o call_v he_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o word_n be_v after_o a_o sort_n generate_v of_o the_o mind_n add_v further_o that_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n only_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n supply_v the_o virtue_n or_o esticacy_n of_o a_o father_n that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n he_o be_v carry_v up_o into_o heaven_n all_o which_o be_v confess_v even_o by_o mahumet_n himself_o do_v show_v that_o jesus_n by_o a_o singular_a prerogative_n and_o peculiar_a right_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n sect_n x._o many_o absurd_a thing_n in_o the_o book_n of_o mahumetan_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o will_v be_v long_o to_o relate_v how_o many_o thing_n there_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o history_n and_o many_o thing_n very_o ridiculous_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o mahometan_n such_o be_v that_o fable_n of_o a_o fair_a and_o beautiful_a woman_n that_o learn_v a_o solemn_a th'army_n or_o enchant_v verse_n of_o some_o angel_n that_o be_v merry_a with_o wine_n whereby_o she_o be_v wont_a to_o ascend_v into_o the_o sky_n and_o likewise_o descend_v again_o and_o ascend_v once_o a_o great_a height_n into_o heaven_n she_o be_v catch_v of_o god_n and_o there_o make_v fast_o and_o so_o be_v call_v the_o star_n of_o venus_n like_o to_o this_o be_v that_o of_o a_o mouse_n in_o noah_n ark_n that_o be_v breed_v of_o a_o elephant_n dung_n and_o a_o cat_n of_o the_o breath_n of_o a_o lion_n more_o special_o the_o most_o notorious_a fiction_n of_o all_o be_v that_o concern_v death_n which_o shall_v be_v change_v into_o a_o ram_n that_o must_v remain_v in_o the_o middle_a space_n between_o heaven_n and_o hell_n such_o also_o be_v the_o fable_n of_o their_o delicate_a meat_n which_o they_o say_v shall_v be_v purge_v out_o by_o sweat_n in_o the_o other_o life_n which_o be_v to_o come_v when_o likewise_o they_o imagine_v there_o shall_v be_v whole_a troop_n of_o woman_n assign_v to_o every_o man_n for_o pleasure_n of_o carnal_a copulation_n all_o which_o be_v so_o very_o egregious_a absurdity_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v they_o deserve_v to_o be_v stupefy_v and_o give_v over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n for_o his_o iniquity_n special_o such_o a_o one_o as_o life_n where_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v sect_n xi_o a_o conclusion_n direct_v unto_o christian_n admonish_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n upon_o their_o occasion_n of_o what_o have_v former_o be_v handle_v and_o thus_o have_v end_v this_o last_o disputation_n against_o the_o mahometan_n there_o remain_v only_o a_o conclusion_n or_o exhortation_n not_o to_o alien_n or_o stranger_n but_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n of_o what_o name_n nation_n or_o quality_n soever_o they_o be_v wherein_o we_o shall_v very_o brief_o show_v the_o use_n or_o application_n of_o what_o have_v hitherto_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o end_n those_o thing_n may_v be_v follow_v and_o seek_v after_o which_o be_v good_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o evil_n eschew_v first_o of_o all_o than_o let_v christian_n be_v exhort_v to_o lift_v up_o prire_n hand_n and_o heart_n unto_o that_o god_n which_o of_o nothing_o make_v all_o visible_a and_o invisible_a thing_n have_v sure_a confidence_n in_o he_o that_o his_o providence_n and_o care_n watch_v over_o we_o see_v that_o without_o his_o permission_n not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o sparrow_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o let_v they_o not_o fear_v those_o which_o can_v only_o kiâ—l_v the_o body_n but_o rather_o let_v then_o fear_v he_o that_o have_v like_o power_n both_o over_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o let_v they_o not_o only_o trust_v in_o god_n the_o father_n but_o also_o in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n upon_o earth_n by_o which_o we_o can_v be_v save_v and_o this_o they_o may_v right_o do_v if_o they_o can_v be_v very_o persuade_v that_o eternal_a life_n be_v prepare_v not_o for_o such_o as_o in_o word_n only_o call_v god_n their_o father_n and_o jesus_n their_o lord_n but_o for_o such_o as_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o jesus_n and_o their_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n furthermore_o christian_n may_v hereby_o be_v admonish_v faithful_o and_o with_o due_a care_n to_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o most_o precious_a treasure_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n let_v they_o often_o read_v and_o meditate_v the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whereby_o no_o man_n can_v be_v deceive_v unless_o first_o he_o deceive_v himself_o for_o the_o author_n and_o penman_n of_o those_o write_n be_v more_o just_a and_o full_a of_o divine_a inspiration_n than_o that_o they_o will_v cozen_v we_o of_o necessary_a truth_n or_o cover_v and_o conceal_v the_o same_o with_o any_o cloud_n howbeit_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n hereof_o we_o must_v bring_v humble_a mind_n together_o with_o obedient_a heart_n and_o will_n which_o if_o we_o do_v than_o nothing_o shall_v be_v hide_v from_o we_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v hope_v for_o or_o do_v by_o we_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v that_o holy_a spirit_n may_v be_v cherish_v and_o excite_v in_o we_o which_o be_v give_v we_o for_o a_o pledge_n of_o our_o future_a happiness_n moreover_o let_v christian_n hereby_o learn_v not_o to_o imitate_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o pagan_n special_o in_o their_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o idle_a name_n that_o the_o damn_a spirit_n do_v use_v to_o alienate_v our_o mind_n and_o affection_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n wherefore_o we_o can_v possible_o participate_v with_o they_o in_o their_o service_n and_o expect_v to_o receive_v benefit_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n second_o neither_o may_v christian_n imitate_v the_o heathen_a in_o their_o licentious_a and_o dissolute_a manner_n os_fw-la life_n have_v no_o other_o law_n than_o what_o be_v suggest_v by_o lust_n and_o prompt_v by_o concupiscence_n for_o it_o be_v requisite_a and_o meet_a that_o in_o holy_a conversation_n they_o shall_v not_o only_o far_o excel_v the_o vicious_a and_o profane_a pagan_n but_o likewise_o the_o lawyer_n and_o pharisy_n among_o the_o jew_n who_o righteousness_n consist_v only_o in_o some_o outward_a performance_n can_v never_o bring_v they_o 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