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CHAP. IX. Containeth an obseruation of the Wonders and supposed Miracles, which, as Christ hath fore-told, the Pseudo-Christs and Prophets shall doe, for the sedu∣cing of Gods Elect, if it were possible.
AMongst the diuers markes which Cardinall Ballarmine brings to shew vs, [unspec 1] which is the true Church,* 1.1 and to which societie of Chri∣stian beleeuers were ought to ioyne our selues, to bee true children of Christ, hee vrgeth for his eleuenth Marke the glorie of Miracles, in these wordes: Miracles are necessarie to perswade men to a new faith,* 1.2 or to an extraordinarie mission, and are sufficient and efficacious to proue the same, so that where true Miracles are found, without doubt there is the true Faith. Which Assertion when I considered deepely with due obseruation of all points of doctrine concerning the working of Miracles, I found this Marke to make as much for the Faith of the present English Church; for that it is the same which being new in the A∣postles time, was confirmed in the hearts of all beleeuers by the Miracles of the Apostles, and holy Men of the Pri∣mitiue Church, at the first planting of the Christian Faith; and hereby I am put in minde that as Aristotle saith,* 1.3 Pruden∣tis est distinguere, it is the part of a prudent man to distin∣guish, betwixt times & times, betwixt doctrines; & faithfully compare the beleeuers of the first Ages, euen of Rome it selfe, with those of after-ages; which as I indeuoured to performe, in examining this marke of miracles, I obserue that vnlesse it were done with great prudence, infinite numbers may bee carried simply and ignorantly into grosse errors, to the great impeachment of Gods glorie, and miserable seduction of