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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
authority_n allow_v church_n scripture_n 2,953 5 6.4955 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A25228 Some queries to Protestants answered and an explanation of the Roman Catholick's belief in four great points considered : I. concerning their church, II. their worship, III. justification, IV. civil government. Altham, Michael, 1633-1705. 1686 (1686) Wing A2934; ESTC R8650 37,328 44

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1._o this_o inference_n do_v plain_o imply_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n to_o who_o in_o all_o matter_n in_o difference_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o appeal_n and_o who_o decision_n shall_v be_v final_a now_o if_o this_o be_v real_o so_o then_o 1._o it_o be_v mighty_a strange_a that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o pretend_v faithful_o to_o deliver_v the_o whole_a mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n shall_v never_o once_o mention_v such_o a_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n or_o 2._o if_o they_o shall_v omit_v to_o mention_v so_o necessary_a a_o thing_n in_o their_o writing_n and_o only_o deliver_v it_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n to_o their_o immediate_a successor_n it_o be_v no_o less_o strange_a that_o they_o shall_v either_o not_o know_v or_o never_o make_v use_n of_o such_o a_o expedient_a for_o the_o end_n of_o those_o controversy_n that_o arise_v in_o their_o day_n 3._o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o either_o the_o church_n have_v be_v mighty_a careless_a of_o her_o own_o peace_n or_o that_o this_o judge_n have_v be_v very_o negligent_a in_o his_o business_n to_o suffer_v so_o great_a and_o so_o fatal_a controversy_n to_o continue_v so_o long_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n when_o there_o be_v so_o ready_a a_o way_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o they_o 2._o our_o explainer_n in_o this_o inference_n acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o great_a end_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o such_o a_o judge_n be_v necessary_a viz._n the_o end_n of_o all_o controversy_n in_o our_o religion_n and_o settle_v of_o peace_n in_o our_o conscience_n these_o indeed_o be_v great_a thing_n and_o great_o to_o be_v desire_v but_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o expedient_a or_o if_o there_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o end_n be_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n now_o that_o from_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o this_o very_a day_n these_o great_a end_n have_v not_o be_v universal_o attain_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o evident_a which_o to_o i_o be_v a_o very_a great_a argument_n that_o either_o god_n never_o institute_v any_o such_o expedient_a or_o if_o he_o do_v that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o these_o end_n which_o will_v be_v a_o mighty_a reflection_n upon_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n but_o because_o some_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v do_v it_o therefore_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n to_o deliver_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o place_n to_o we_o without_o who_o we_o can_v never_o attain_v thereunto_o and_o from_o who_o decision_n there_o lie_v no_o appeal_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v see_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o consequence_n for_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v as_o it_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v by_o he_o and_o of_o infallible_a authority_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o either_o god_n will_v not_o or_o can_v not_o explain_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o word_n as_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a as_o any_o such_o judge_n will_v or_o can_v do_v or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o necessity_n of_o any_o such_o judge_n upon_o that_o account_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o attain_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o only_o the_o decision_n of_o such_o a_o judge_n than_o what_o way_n or_o mean_n be_v leave_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o declaration_n of_o that_o judge_n will_v there_o not_o want_v another_o judge_n to_o determine_v that_o and_o another_o to_o explain_v he_o and_o so_o in_o infinitum_fw-la but_o let_v we_o for_o once_o suppose_v though_o we_o do_v not_o grant_v it_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o order_n to_o the_o attain_n of_o these_o great_a end_n let_v we_o see_v how_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v qualify_v and_o where_o we_o shall_v find_v he_o this_o judge_n must_v be_v a_o person_n or_o number_n of_o people_n who_o must_v have_v a_o superiority_n not_o only_o of_o order_n but_o influence_n over_o all_o other_o to_o who_o decision_n and_o determination_n all_o christian_a people_n ought_v to_o conform_v their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n nor_o must_v that_o influence_n be_v precarious_a but_o authoritative_a for_o nothing_o can_v warrant_v their_o imposition_n but_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o they_o be_v impose_v nor_o can_v any_o authority_n suffice_v to_o oblige_v mankind_n to_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v neither_o necessary_a as_o to_o its_o matter_n nor_o evident_a as_o to_o its_o proof_n antecedent_o to_o the_o definition_n of_o such_o a_o authority_n but_o only_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v infallible_a now_o where_o shall_v we_o und_fw-ge such_o a_o one_o see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o pretender_n to_o it_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o pope_n themselves_o the_o jesuit_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o high_a papalin_n than_o his_o holiness_n will_v carry_v away_o the_o bell_n but_o if_o we_o believe_v general_a council_n and_o those_o who_o defend_v their_o supremacy_n than_o they_o will_v carry_v it_o from_o the_o pope_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v other_o of_o equal_a credit_n than_o the_o catholic_n church_n diffusive_a will_v carry_v it_o from_o both_o so_o that_o if_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o a_o judge_n you_o see_v it_o be_v not_o agree_v upon_o among_o themselves_o who_o he_o be_v but_o 3._o our_o explainer_n determine_v this_o controversy_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o free_a general_n council_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o and_o in_o this_o we_o hearty_o join_v with_o he_o for_o we_o profess_v to_o have_v as_o great_a a_o deference_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o free_a general_n council_n as_o they_o have_v or_o can_v have_v and_o to_o have_v as_o great_a a_o regard_n to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n as_o they_o nay_o it_o may_v be_v great_a than_o they_o will_v pretend_v to_o have_v for_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o decline_v it_o that_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o we_o we_o appeal_v thereunto_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v conclude_v thereby_o be_v as_o well_o assure_v as_o the_o record_n of_o those_o age_n still_o remain_v can_v assure_v we_o that_o it_o be_v on_o our_o side_n but_o if_o by_o church_n here_o he_o mean_v the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n as_o it_o stand_v divide_v from_o other_o communion_n we_o deny_v that_o she_o have_v any_o more_o authority_n to_o impose_v a_o sense_n of_o scripture_n upon_o we_o than_o we_o upon_o she_o or_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n upon_o either_o of_o we_o or_o if_o by_o council_n he_o mean_v those_o western_a council_n which_o have_v be_v hold_v in_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o latter_a age_n we_o can_v allow_v they_o either_o to_o be_v free_a or_o general_a and_o consequent_o can_v grant_v nor_o have_v they_o any_o reason_n to_o claim_v any_o such_o authority_n over_o we_o but_o if_o by_o council_n he_o mean_v those_o primitive_a council_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o most_o free_a and_o general_a and_o best_a deserve_v to_o be_v style_v the_o church_n representative_a we_o have_v so_o great_a a_o veneration_n for_o their_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o decline_v to_o submit_v the_o umpirage_n of_o our_o cause_n to_o they_o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n which_o at_o this_o day_n so_o arrogant_o claim_v a_o right_a and_o authority_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n and_o impose_v her_o sense_n upon_o we_o for_o unless_o she_o can_v prove_v herself_o infallible_a all_o her_o pretend_a authority_n in_o this_o case_n will_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n if_o she_o be_v indeed_o infallible_a she_o will_v do_v well_o to_o let_v the_o world_n know_v whence_o she_o have_v her_o infallibility_n she_o must_v have_v it_o either_o immediate_o from_o god_n or_o by_o delegation_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n diffusive_a if_o from_o god_n let_v she_o produce_v her_o charter_n if_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n diffusive_a than_o it_o depend_v upon_o her_o authority_n and_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n she_o may_v recall_v it_o again_o when_o she_o please_v so_o that_o upon_o this_o ground_n it_o will_v prove_v but_o a_o very_a fallible_a infallibility_n we_o know_v she_o challenge_v it_o by_o virtue_n of_o those_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o promise_v they_o themselves_o do_v confess_v to_o have_v be_v make_v only_o to_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o therefore_o though_o a_o infallibility_n even_o in_o judgement_n be_v
sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o other_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o none_o have_v fail_v of_o their_o duty_n therein_o qu._n 12._o whether_o all_o that_o be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v not_o true_a according_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n so_o deliver_v ans_fw-fr all_o that_o be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v undoubted_o true_a according_a to_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o qu._n 13._o whether_o a_o obstinate_a contradiction_n of_o any_o one_o truth_n thus_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n though_o there_o appear_v no_o necessity_n it_o shall_v have_v be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v not_o injurious_a to_o that_o divine_a authority_n and_o veracity_n and_o which_o unrepented_a of_o shall_v bring_v damnation_n ans_fw-fr a_o obstinate_a contradiction_n of_o any_o one_o plain_a truth_n deliver_v in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v certain_o a_o very_a great_a injury_n to_o divine_a authority_n and_o veracity_n qu._n 14._o when_o difficulty_n do_v arise_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o matter_n of_o faith_n whither_o the_o dicision_n of_o those_o controversy_n be_v carry_v and_o whether_o the_o present_a church_n of_o every_o age_n be_v not_o to_o decide_v it_o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v undoubted_o the_o practice_n and_o be_v most_o rational_a that_o the_o present_a church_n in_o every_o age_n shall_v decide_v such_o controversy_n for_o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o they_o shall_v inquire_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n and_o no_o question_n the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o declare_v matter_n of_o faith_n but_o not_o to_o make_v any_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n qu._n 15._o whether_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v to_o have_v a_o authoritative_a power_n in_o this_o decision_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o universal_o leave_v to_o the_o head_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n assemble_v together_o ans_fw-fr every_o particular_a person_n have_v undoubted_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n allow_v he_o in_o matter_n of_o that_o nature_n but_o the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o decide_v and_o determine_v be_v in_o the_o head_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n assemble_v together_o for_o that_o end_n qu._n 16._o whether_o such_o a_o force_n of_o hope_n or_o fear_n can_v possible_o happen_v at_o once_o upon_o all_o the_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n assemble_v together_o or_o after_o consent_v to_o those_o that_o be_v assemble_v as_o shall_v make_v they_o declare_v that_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n reveal_v by_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o so_o deliver_v to_o they_o to_o have_v be_v the_o ever_o esteem_a sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o perpetual_a tradition_n which_o be_v not_o so_o ans_fw-fr whilst_o man_n be_v man_n they_o will_v be_v liable_a to_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o they_o if_o therefore_o we_o consider_v the_o head_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o such_o we_o can_v allow_v they_o a_o exemption_n therefrom_o and_o consequent_o there_o may_v be_v no_o impossibility_n in_o the_o thing_n propound_v we_o grant_v that_o in_o a_o general_n council_n lawful_o assemble_v we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_v for_o the_o presence_n direction_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ●…t_v how_o far_o the_o passion_n and_o humour_n of_o man_n may_v frustrate_v our_o hope_n we_o know_v not_o this_o we_o certain_o know_v that_o the_o act_n of_o one_o council_n have_v be_v make_v void_a by_o another_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o one_o of_o they_o do_v declare_v something_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n reveal_v by_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o so_o deliver_v unto_o they_o qu._n 17._o whether_o the_o decision_n of_o such_o assembly_n or_o general_a council_n be_v not_o always_o esteem_v obligatory_a in_o the_o church_n and_o whether_o particular_a person_n or_o church_n obstinate_o gainsay_v such_o decision_n receive_v by_o a_o much_o major_a part_n of_o the_o church_n diffuse_v be_v not_o always_o esteem_v to_o have_v incur_v those_o anathema_n pronounce_v by_o such_o council_n ans_fw-fr if_o those_o assembly_n or_o council_n be_v true_o general_a we_o do_v very_o much_o reverence_v their_o authority_n and_o think_v their_o decision_n to_o be_v obligatory_a but_o we_o do_v not_o think_v all_o to_o be_v such_o that_o be_v call_v so_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v by_o some_o sort_n of_o man_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o general_a council_n and_o all_o their_o religion_n almost_o build_v upon_o the_o authority_n thereof_o and_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o england_n never_o receive_v the_o decision_n of_o that_o council_n nor_o do_v the_o galican_n church_n for_o many_o year_n and_o yet_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o do_v for_o all_o that_o esteem_v themselves_o to_o have_v incur_v the_o anathema_n pronounce_v by_o that_o council_n qu._n 18._o whether_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v not_o in_o all_o age_n practice_n this_o way_n of_o decide_v controversy_n and_o whether_o these_o be_v not_o as_o universal_a a_o tradition_n of_o this_o as_o the_o practice_n be_v universal_a without_o interruption_n ans_fw-fr universal_a practice_n will_v amount_v to_o a_o universal_a tradition_n and_o that_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a weight_n we_o deny_v not_o nor_o shall_v we_o oppose_v the_o same_o course_n now_o provide_v the_o council_n be_v free_a and_o general_a but_o the_o enquirer_n go_v on_o some_o will_v perhaps_o say_v that_o such_o council_n can_v err_v in_o fundamental_o but_o may_v in_o not_o fundamental_o i_o ask_v these_o qu._n what_o be_v fundamental_o and_o what_o not_o ans_fw-fr those_o thing_n which_o be_v essential_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o religion_n may_v proper_o be_v call_v fundamental_a but_o those_o thing_n which_o only_o respect_v order_n and_o decency_n therein_o and_o vary_v according_a to_o time_n and_o place_n and_o be_v alterable_a by_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o see_v cause_v these_o be_v not_o fundamental_a qu._n whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o thing_n fundamental_o to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o to_o every_o particular_a ans_fw-fr there_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n fundamental_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o that_o church_n but_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v ●…ndamental_a to_o the_o be_v of_o religion_n be_v equal_o so_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o qu._n whether_o a_o obstinate_a denial_n of_o what_o be_v fundamental_a or_o necessary_a to_o the_o universal_a church_n or_o grant_v as_o i_o may_v say_v upon_o what_o be_v fundamental_a by_o a_o particular_a person_n be_v not_o in_o time_n a_o fundamental_a error_n especial_o after_o a_o universal_a declaration_n of_o it_o as_o truth_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ans_fw-fr this_o query_n as_o it_o be_v here_o word_a be_v hardly_o reconcileable_a to_o sense_n but_o i_o suppose_v his_o meaning_n be_v whether_o for_o any_o particular_a person_n obstinate_o to_o deny_v what_o be_v fundamental_a or_o necessary_a to_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o declare_v to_o be_v a_o truth_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o a_o fundamental_a error_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o every_o particular_a christian_n ought_v with_o all_o deference_n to_o submit_v his_o own_o private_a judgement_n to_o the_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o though_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v so_o plain_a to_o he_o yet_o he_o ought_v rather_o to_o suspect_v his_o own_o than_o that_o of_o the_o church_n but_o if_o in_o some_o thing_n he_o can_v be_v satisfy_v and_o therein_o happen_v to_o differ_v from_o the_o church_n provide_v he_o do_v not_o thereby_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v hardly_o amount_v to_o a_o fundamental_a error_n but_o what_o if_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o truth_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n will_v not_o that_o make_v it_o so_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o no_o declaration_n of_o the_o church_n how_o universal_a soever_o it_o be_v can_v make_v that_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o real_o be_v not_o so_o and_o therefore_o in_o that_o case_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o their_o write_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o either_o in_o express_a word_n contain_v therein_o or_o by_o sound_a consequence_n draw_v therefrom_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o comply_v with_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o fundamental_a error_n to_o differ_v therein_o qu._n whether_o the_o universal_a church_n assemble_v in_o a_o general_n council_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v just_o esteem_v the_o decider_n of_o what_o be_v fundamental_a and_o what_o
member_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o sinful_a and_o dangerous_a schism_n and_o whilst_o he_o continue_v therein_o can_v have_v no_o roason_n to_o expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o those_o promise_n 3._o that_o there_o may_v be_v sometime_o a_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n as_o when_o a_o church_n make_v the_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n such_o as_o a_o man_n can_v communicate_v with_o she_o without_o sin_n and_o danger_n but_o in_o this_o case_n particular_a member_n ought_v to_o be_v mighty_a wary_a and_o cautious_a for_o it_o be_v not_o every_o dissatisfaction_n of_o their_o own_o or_o every_o irregularity_n of_o that_o church_n that_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o separation_n unless_o the_o term_n of_o her_o communion_n be_v manifest_o and_o apparent_o sinful_a 4._o that_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o excommunication_n be_v the_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o the_o person_n excommunicate_v it_o do_v not_o therefore_o make_v void_a the_o promise_n of_o god_n nor_o utter_o deprive_v the_o sentence_a person_n of_o the_o benefit_n thereof_o but_o only_o by_o a_o temporary_a correction_n show_v he_o his_o folly_n and_o danger_n and_o call_v upon_o he_o by_o a_o timely_a repentance_n and_o amendment_n to_o recover_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o one_o and_o prevent_v the_o other_o but_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o if_o a_o man_n obstinate_o continue_v in_o that_o condition_n and_o live_v and_o die_v under_o that_o sentence_n his_o condition_n will_v be_v very_o dangerous_a these_o may_v serve_v as_o general_a answer_n to_o this_o query_n but_o if_o by_o the_o separation_n or_o excommunication_n here_o mention_v be_v mean_v as_o no_o question_n it_o be_v a_o separation_n of_o excommunication_n from_o the_o society_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n then_o we_o have_v this_o further_a to_o say_v 1._o that_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n have_v separate_v herself_o from_o the_o one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n by_o set_v up_o such_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o be_v never_o teach_v practise_v nor_o allow_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n or_o their_o successor_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n 2._o that_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n have_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n such_o as_o none_o without_o sin_n and_o danger_n can_v communicate_v with_o she_o and_o by_o that_o mean_n have_v justify_v a_o separation_n from_o she_o 3._o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v not_o nor_o ever_o have_v any_o lawful_a power_n or_o authority_n over_o the_o church_n of_o england_n nor_o be_v we_o subject_a to_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o that_o see_v whether_o we_o consider_v it_o as_o episcopal_n or_o as_o metropolitan_a or_o as_o patriarchal_a and_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v just_o charge_v with_o a_o separation_n therefrom_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o for_o some_o time_n she_o have_v tyrannical_o usurp_v a_o unjust_a power_n over_o we_o and_o keep_v we_o in_o bondage_n and_o slavery_n to_o she_o but_o god_n be_v thank_v we_o at_o last_o find_v a_o opportunity_n to_o shake_v off_o those_o chain_n and_o deliver_v ourselves_o from_o the_o servitude_n under_o which_o we_o have_v so_o long_o groan_v and_o this_o we_o have_v do_v and_o be_v still_o ready_a to_o justify_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o be_v no_o sinful_a separation_n 4._o that_o a_o excommunication_n thunder_v out_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n against_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v but_o only_a brutum_fw-la fulmen_fw-la a_o insignicant_a scarecrow_n which_o upon_o mature_a consideration_n we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o for_o she_o have_v no_o power_n over_o we_o we_o be_v not_o accountable_a to_o she_o nor_o subject_n to_o any_o sentence_n pronounce_v by_o she_o and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o that_o pretend_a separation_n or_o excommunication_n from_o the_o society_n and_o unity_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o make_v so_o much_o noise_n with_o we_o be_v in_o no_o apprehension_n of_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o those_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o his_o one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n of_o grace_n here_o and_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o qu._n 3._o do_v christian_a religion_n consist_v in_o matter_n of_o morality_n or_o ceremony_n of_o indifferency_n to_o be_v accept_v or_o reject_v and_o alter_v at_o the_o choice_a judgement_n and_o well_o like_v of_o private_a person_n corporation_n or_o state_n ans_fw-fr religion_n in_o general_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o in_o its_o essential_o or_o as_o it_o be_v clothe_v with_o circumstantial_o the_o former_a of_o which_o be_v unalterable_a but_o the_o latter_a may_v be_v subject_a to_o change_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a fall_n under_o the_o same_o consideration_n the_o be_v whereof_o consist_v indeed_o in_o matter_n of_o morality_n which_o be_v innitute_v and_o ordain_v by_o christ_n be_v not_o alterable_a by_o men._n but_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n which_o be_v thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o well_o be_v of_o that_o religion_n consist_v in_o ceremony_n and_o thing_n indifferent_a which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n alterable_a and_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o man_n may_v be_v alter_v by_o man_n but_o not_o by_o any_o private_a person_n for_o whatsoever_o have_v be_v establish_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n can_v be_v alter_v by_o any_o particular_a member_n or_o any_o number_n of_o man_n who_o be_v member_n of_o that_o body_n nor_o by_o any_o authority_n less_o than_o that_o by_o which_o at_o first_o it_o be_v establish_v and_o here_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v by_o what_o power_n and_o authority_n she_o have_v make_v so_o bold_a with_o the_o very_a essential_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n alter_v some_o and_o add_v other_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v never_o teach_v by_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n and_o impose_v they_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o those_o of_o her_o communion_n qu._n 4._o or_o do_v it_o consist_v in_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n of_o christian_n so_o important_a and_o bind_a as_o that_o by_o the_o contempt_n thereof_o one_o must_v lose_v eternal_a happiness_n ans_fw-fr this_o query_n be_v very_o little_a different_a from_o the_o former_a and_o have_v i_o think_v receive_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n in_o the_o solution_n of_o that_o for_o by_o matter_n of_o morality_n there_o wherein_o i_o say_v the_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v consist_v i_o mean_v moral_a and_o unchangeable_a truth_n which_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o believe_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o moral_a action_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o for_o our_o belief_n and_o performance_n of_o these_o thing_n we_o have_v such_o law_n and_o rule_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o be_v bind_v unto_o all_o the_o contempt_n whereof_o may_v very_a much_o endanger_v and_o without_o a_o serious_a and_o seasonable_a repentance_n and_o amendment_n will_v certain_o forfeit_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v high_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o consider_v whether_o she_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o such_o contempt_n whether_o in_o some_o of_o her_o public_a order_n and_o decree_n she_o have_v not_o apparent_o contradict_v some_o of_o these_o important_a law_n and_o rule_n qu._n 5._o whether_o those_o law_n and_o rule_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n bound_v as_o well_o the_o christian_n of_o succeed_a age_n who_o can_v not_o be_v present_a to_o see_v and_o hear_v they_o as_o they_o bind_v those_o who_o be_v present_a hear_v they_o teach_v and_o see_v their_o original_a write_n ans_fw-fr that_o these_o law_n and_o rule_n be_v as_o bind_v to_o i_o now_o as_o they_o be_v to_o any_o of_o the_o disciple_n in_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n time_n i_o willing_o grant_v and_o if_o this_o concession_n will_v do_v this_o enquirer_n any_o service_n much_o good_a may_v do_v he_o with_o it_o for_o if_o the_o see_v of_o the_o original_a write_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n or_o be_v present_a to_o hear_v they_o deliver_v those_o law_n and_o rule_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v they_o obligatory_a then_o ought_v we_o to_o have_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o write_v and_o preach_v the_o same_o thing_n over_o again_o not_o only_o in_o every_o age_n but_o in_o every_o year_n &_o every_o day_n of_o that_o year_n and_o in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n too_o but_o let_v we_o proceed_v and_o see_v what_o mighty_a use_n this_o enquirer_n will_v make_v of_o this_o wire_n draw_v this_o query_n qu._n 6._o whether_o after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n by_o his_o institution_n other_o person_n successive_o
i_o say_v will_v outweigh_v any_o authority_n which_o this_o explanation_n can_v pretend_v to_o than_o what_o become_v of_o all_o this_o goodly_a profession_n which_o he_o here_o make_v where_o shall_v we_o find_v all_o that_o faithfulness_n and_o sincerity_n which_o he_o here_o boast_v of_o if_o make_v and_o break_v of_o promise_n if_o swear_v and_o forswear_v if_o the_o violation_n of_o all_o the_o most_o sacred_a bond_n wherewith_o mankind_n can_v be_v oblige_v may_v pass_v for_o faithfulness_n and_o sincerity_n we_o may_v expect_v great_a store_n of_o it_o among_o they_o and_o indeed_o whilst_o there_o be_v a_o power_n give_v to_o the_o pope_n to_o dispense_v with_o oath_n and_o promise_n and_o a_o liberty_n give_v to_o the_o people_n to_o make_v good_a all_o they_o say_v or_o swear_v by_o the_o law_n of_o direct_v the_o intention_n by_o the_o power_n of_o equivocation_n and_o the_o force_n of_o mental_a reservation_n i_o can_v see_v any_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v expect_v better_o but_o if_o this_o be_v the_o faithfulness_n and_o sincerity_n they_o boast_v of_o we_o bless_v god_n that_o we_o know_v none_o such_o among_o we_o and_o we_o hope_v this_o will_v never_o prove_v a_o argument_n sufficient_a to_o persuade_v any_o of_o we_o to_o desert_n the_o communion_n they_o be_v of_o for_o a_o communion_n that_o allow_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o their_o faithfulness_n and_o sincerity_n 2._o the_o other_o thing_n which_o he_o boast_v of_o be_v their_o loyalty_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v most_o strict_o and_o absolute_o bind_v to_o a_o exact_a and_o entire_a performance_n of_o their_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o civil_a power_n under_o who_o protection_n they_o live_v who_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o obey_v not_o only_o for_o fear_n but_o conscience_n sake_n and_o to_o who_o they_o will_v most_o faithful_o observe_v their_o promise_n and_o duty_n of_o obedience_n notwithstanding_o any_o dispensation_n absolution_n or_o other_o proceed_n of_o any_o foreign_a power_n or_o authority_n whatsoever_o we_o do_v indeed_o firm_o believe_v that_o both_o they_o and_o we_o and_o all_o subject_n be_v most_o strict_o and_o absolute_o bind_v to_o a_o exact_a and_o entire_a performance_n of_o all_o those_o promise_n which_o we_o make_v to_o magistrate_n and_o civil_a power_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o power_n on_o earth_n either_o foreign_a or_o domestic_a that_o can_v dispense_v with_o our_o oath_n and_o promise_n or_o absolve_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n and_o allegiance_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o roman_n catholic_n we_o be_v not_o so_o well_o assure_v if_o we_o will_v take_v it_o upon_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o our_o explainer_n it_o be_v but_o have_v find_v he_o faulty_a and_o disingenuous_a in_o the_o former_a point_n we_o may_v suspect_v he_o in_o this_o and_o therefore_o must_v not_o swallow_v all_o that_o he_o say_v for_o gospel_n till_o we_o have_v examine_v it_o we_o very_o well_o know_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o learned_a and_o allow_v casuist_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o who_o have_v great_a authority_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o this_o explanation_n and_o we_o never_o find_v any_o disposition_n in_o they_o to_o so_o great_a a_o condescension_n nor_o ever_o hear_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o reformation_n make_v in_o their_o principle_n and_o practice_n by_o any_o public_a authority_n among_o they_o if_o our_o explainer_n have_v produce_v any_o authentic_a record_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n we_o shall_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o readiness_n and_o rejoice_v have_v embrace_v they_o but_o we_o can_v admit_v of_o his_o bare_a word_n as_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n in_o this_o case_n our_o bless_a saviour_n assure_v we_o that_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n matth._n 6.24_o whilst_o therefore_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n do_v own_o the_o pope_n as_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o allow_v he_o a_o sovereign_a and_o uncontrollable_a power_n over_o they_o both_o in_o temporal_n and_o spiritual_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o he_o can_v dispense_v with_o their_o oath_n and_o promise_n when_o he_o please_v we_o can_v see_v how_o they_o can_v be_v so_o exact_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o promise_n make_v to_o civil_a power_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o possble_a but_o often_o happen_v that_o the_o civil_a power_n under_o who_o protection_n they_o live_v do_v not_o own_o the_o papacy_n nor_o have_v any_o regard_n for_o the_o pretend_a power_n and_o dominion_n thereof_o and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v very_o likely_a their_o command_n will_v interfere_v which_o if_o they_o do_v as_o we_o know_v they_o very_o often_o do_v how_o a_o roman_n catholic_n will_v carry_v himself_o even_o and_o so_o exact_o divide_v his_o obedience_n to_o these_o different_a sovereign_n and_o their_o different_a command_n as_o to_o please_v both_o i_o can_v as_o yet_o imagine_v how_o our_o explainer_n will_v resolve_v this_o case_n i_o know_v not_o but_o i_o very_o well_o know_v that_o the_o doctor_n and_o casuist_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o their_o pope_n too_o will_v roundly_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v superior_a to_o that_o of_o the_o prince_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o if_o so_o than_o what_o become_v of_o all_o that_o loyalty_n and_o fidelity_n to_o civil_a power_n which_o our_o explainer_n so_o much_o boast_v of_o to_o show_v you_o therefore_o that_o notwithstanding_o this_o so_o specious_a explanation_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o this_o point_n we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o suspect_v the_o candour_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o the_o explainer_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v i_o shall_v only_o confront_v he_o with_o the_o declare_a doctrine_n and_o avow_a practice_n of_o their_o own_o church_n in_o this_o case_n all_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o all_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n depend_v on_o the_o pope_n say_v p._n clem._n 5._o in_o council_n vienn_n and_o pope_n pius_n 5._o in_o his_o bull_n against_o queen_n elizabeth_n do_v strict_o will_n and_o command_v all_o her_o subject_n to_o take_v arm_n against_o that_o heretical_a and_o excommunicate_a queen_n the_o depose_v and_o king_n kill_v doctrine_n dispense_n with_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n etc._n etc._n be_v make_v article_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o the_o four_o general_n council_n at_o lateran_n under_o pope_n innocent_n 3._o and_o it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o observe_v how_o nice_o scrupulous_a some_o of_o their_o great_a man_n be_v in_o resolve_v this_o case_n grave_o tell_v we_o that_o private_a man_n may_v not_o kill_v a_o king_n till_o he_o be_v depose_v but_o if_o once_o he_o be_v excommunicate_a than_o he_o be_v no_o king_n and_o then_o they_o may_v kill_v he_o without_o scruple_n or_o if_o he_o be_v a_o heretic_n which_o the_o pope_n can_v make_v he_o when_o he_o please_v than_o they_o may_v kill_v the_o heretic_n but_o not_o the_o king_n thus_o suarez_n advers._fw-la sect._n anglic._n l._n 6._o c._n 4._o sect._n 14._o and_o c._n 6._o sect._n 22.24_o thus_o also_o azorius_fw-la the_o jesuit_n instit_fw-la moral_a part_n 1._o l._n 8._o c._n 13_o and_o thus_o mariana_n de_fw-fr reg._n instit_fw-la l._n 1._o c._n 7_o etc._n etc._n the_o rebellion_n of_o a_o clergyman_n against_o his_o prince_n be_v not_o treason_n because_o he_o be_v not_o his_o prince_n subject_n say_v emman_n sá_n aphor._n verb._n clericus_fw-la when_o a_o prince_n be_v excommunicate_a before_o the_o denunciation_n the_o subject_n be_v not_o absolve_v from_o their_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n as_o cajetan_n say_v well_o yet_o when_o it_o be_v denounce_v they_o be_v not_o only_o absolve_v from_o their_o obedience_n but_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o obey_v unless_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n or_o loss_n of_o good_n excuse_v they_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o english_a catholic_n in_o the_o time_n of_o henry_n the_o eight_o say_v card._n tolet._n concur_v eccles_n in_o angl._n fol._n 336._o it_o be_v the_o sentence_n of_o all_o catholic_n that_o subject_n be_v bind_v to_o expel_v heretical_a prince_n if_o they_o have_v strength_n enough_o and_o that_o to_o this_o they_o be_v tie_v by_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n the_o most_o strict_a tie_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o extreme_a danger_n of_o their_o soul_n say_v f._n creswel_o in_o philopat_fw-la sect._n 2._o n._n 160_o 161._o nay_o even_o before_o the_o sentence_n be_v declare_v though_o the_o subject_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o it_o yet_o lawful_o they_o may_v deny_v obedience_n to_o a_o heretical_a prince_n say_v gregory_n de_fw-fr valentia_n tom._n 3_o disp_n 1._o q._n 12._o punct_a 2._o a_o excommunicate_a
not_o we_o who_o by_o force_n and_o persuasion_n and_o by_o all_o manner_n of_o artifices_fw-la endeavour_v to_o draw_v people_n from_o the_o unity_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n unto_o new_a congregation_n institution_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n opposite_a to_o and_o destructive_a of_o the_o former_a like_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n of_o old_a they_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v one_o proselyte_n and_o when_o he_o be_v make_v they_o make_v he_o twofold_a more_o the_o child_n of_o hell_n than_o themselves_o matth._n 23.15_o qu._n 13._o whether_o person_n so_o act_v be_v better_a than_o rebel_n and_o usurper_n or_o such_o as_o simon_n magus_n and_o those_o that_o desert_v the_o apostle_n to_o follow_v he_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v avoid_v as_o person_n separate_v from_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n ans_fw-fr that_o they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o such_o as_o he_o have_v here_o name_v and_o describe_v we_o willing_o grant_v and_o upon_o that_o very_a account_n be_v it_o that_o we_o now_o avoid_v communion_n with_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n thus_o have_v i_o give_v a_o answer_n and_o i_o hope_v a_o sufficient_a one_o to_o these_o inquiry_n and_o that_o short_a without_o enter_v upon_o discourse_n of_o thing_n not_o demand_v or_o at_o least_o not_o employ_v in_o those_o demand_n and_o so_o observe_v the_o method_n propound_v by_o the_o enquirer_n a_o explanation_n of_o roman_a catholick_n belief_n concern_v these_o iu_o point_n their_o church_n worship_n justification_n and_o civil_a government_n as_o it_o be_v present_v to_o some_o person_n of_o quality_n for_o their_o particular_a satisfaction_n these_o be_v four_o great_a point_n and_o if_o well_o and_o true_o explain_v the_o explanation_n of_o they_o may_v be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n but_o if_o otherwise_o if_o he_o only_o guild_v the_o pill_n that_o the_o patient_n may_v be_v more_o easy_o persuade_v to_o swallow_v it_o it_o may_v prove_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n instead_o of_o inform_v it_o may_v debauch_v the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n let_v we_o therefore_o look_v before_o we_o leap_v let_v we_o consider_v well_o whether_o this_o explainer_n have_v be_v honest_a and_o faithful_a in_o his_o explanation_n before_o we_o receive_v all_o he_o say_v for_o gospel_n and_o for_o your_o assistance_n herein_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o his_o own_o word_n then_o animadvert_v thereupon_o and_o when_o that_o be_v do_v present_v you_o with_o both_o for_o your_o better_a satisfaction_n the_o explainer_n 1._o we_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o infallible_a authority_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v therein_o contain_v we_o firm_o assent_v unto_o as_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o author_n of_o all_o truth_n but_o since_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n we_o therefore_o profess_v for_o the_o end_n of_o all_o controversy_n in_o our_o religion_n and_o settle_v of_o peace_n in_o our_o conscience_n to_o submit_v our_o private_a judgement_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o free_a general_a council_n the_o animadverter_n 1._o the_o explainer_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o roman_a catholic_n do_v believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o infallible_a authority_n etc._n etc._n a_o very_a fair_a and_o good_a profession_n wherein_o we_o do_v hearty_o join_v with_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a pity_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o secret_a reserve_n to_o spoil_v and_o overthrow_v it_o they_o believe_v this_o but_o be_v this_o all_o they_o believe_v do_v they_o not_o believe_v also_o that_o some_o thing_n which_o before_o the_o church_n definition_n of_o they_o may_v have_v be_v innocent_o disbelieved_a yet_o after_o they_o be_v once_o define_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o any_o other_o thing_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v they_o not_o believe_v also_o that_o some_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n also_o and_o of_o as_o infallible_a authority_n as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n do_v they_o not_o believe_v tradition_n to_o be_v the_o unwritten_a word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o of_o equal_a infallible_a authority_n with_o the_o write_a word_n if_o they_o do_v than_o the_o explainer_n have_v not_o be_v so_o fair_a and_o candid_a so_o just_a and_o faithful_a as_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v in_o his_o explication_n though_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o the_o truth_n he_o have_v not_o tell_v we_o the_o whole_a truth_n and_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v all_o this_o though_o i_o may_v easy_o produce_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n and_o those_o none_o of_o the_o least_o admire_a of_o their_o own_o author_n yet_o because_o i_o design_v brevity_n i_o shall_v content_v myself_o at_o present_a with_o the_o evidence_n and_o authority_n of_o one_o of_o their_o most_o magnify_a council_n which_o they_o call_v both_o free_a and_o general_a though_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v neither_o and_o that_o be_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o sess_n 4_o 8._o apr._n de_fw-fr canon_n script_n take_v the_o book_n of_o toby_n judith_n ecclesiasticus_fw-la wisdom_n and_o maccabee_n into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n though_o they_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o they_o never_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a canon_n nor_o ever_o universal_o receive_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o anathematise_v all_o those_o who_o do_v not_o upon_o this_o declaration_n believe_v they_o to_o be_v canonical_a and_o the_o same_o council_n in_o the_o same_o sess_n profess_v to_o receive_v and_o reverence_v tradition_n with_o no_o less_o pious_a affection_n than_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o not_o in_o matter_n of_o rite_n and_o history_n only_o but_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n also_o now_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o add_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o accuse_v they_o of_o insufficiency_n and_o imperfection_n and_o if_o so_o than_o what_o do_v this_o explainer_n do_v but_o deceive_v those_o person_n of_o quality_n to_o who_o he_o present_v this_o as_o the_o sum_n of_o their_o belief_n but_o the_o explainer_n go_v on_o and_o say_v since_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v by_o the_o way_n only_a remark_n these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o apostle_n indeed_o say_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a but_o not_o impossible_a to_o be_v understand_v for_o if_o man_n will_v use_v the_o mean_n if_o they_o will_v apply_v themselves_o with_o a_o humble_a and_o teachable_a temper_n of_o mind_n diligent_o to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o they_o will_v serious_o meditate_v on_o what_o they_o read_v and_o earnest_o and_o devout_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o the_o assistance_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n therein_o the_o difficulty_n may_v be_v remove_v and_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v right_o to_o understand_v those_o scripture_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o know_v 2._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o to_o who_o those_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v viz._n the_o ignorant_a and_o unstable_a so_o that_o the_o difficulty_n seem_v to_o be_v not_o in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o in_o the_o incapacity_n of_o man_n for_o if_o man_n will_v be_v ignorant_a still_o and_o not_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o know_v better_a or_o if_o they_o will_v content_v themselves_o with_o some_o airy_a notion_n which_o float_n and_o fluctuate_v in_o the_o brain_n without_o ever_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o consistency_n 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