Selected quad for the lemma: authority_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
authority_n believe_v catholic_a church_n 4,198 5 5.5583 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A41593 The Catholic representer, or, The papist misrepresented. Second part Gother, John, d. 1704. 1687 (1687) Wing G1327; ESTC R30311 98,893 108

There are 9 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

upon_o the_o same_o ground_n turn_v christianity_n out_o of_o door_n and_o own_o it_o to_o be_v build_v on_o no_o better_a foundation_n than_o the_o ignorant_a zeal_n and_o confidence_n of_o its_o asserter_n the_o motive_n of_o st._n augustin_n for_o his_o embrace_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n he_o express_o declare_v cont_n ep._n fundam_fw-la that_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n except_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n move_v he_o to_o it_o from_o this_o same_o authority_n it_o be_v he_o receive_v every_o article_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o since_o in_o his_o very_a creed_n he_o be_v teach_v to_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n he_o think_v he_o have_v reason_n enough_o to_o do_v it_o and_o whosoever_o tax_v he_o of_o weakness_n or_o confidence_n for_o so_o do_v do_v nothing_o less_o than_o call_v he_o a_o fool_n for_o believe_v his_o creed_n and_o this_o be_v only_a one_o remove_v from_o tell_v he_o that_o if_o he_o will_v be_v wise_a and_o have_v good_a reason_n for_o what_o he_o do_v he_o must_v be_v no_o christian_a other_o may_v be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o believe_v only_o eleven_o article_n of_o their_o creed_n for_o his_o part_n he_o think_v it_o no_o reflection_n upon_o his_o wisdom_n to_o believe_v twelve_o he_o be_v teach_v so_o many_o when_o he_o be_v a_o child_n and_o he_o do_v not_o find_v he_o have_v outgrow_v any_o one_o of_o the_o number_n this_o catholic_a church_n which_o by_o the_o creed_n every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v be_v as_o be_v explicate_v in_o our_o last_o the_o congregation_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n under_o the_o government_n and_o direction_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n descend_v from_o the_o apostle_n who_o by_o god_n appointment_n be_v set_v over_o the_o flock_n to_o feed_v and_o rule_v it_o and_o who_o the_o flock_n be_v oblige_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v and_o who_o faith_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v in_o each_o respective_a age._n it_o be_v thus_o deliver_v to_o he_o by_o st._n paul_n heb._n 13._o 7_o 17._o remember_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o who_o faith_n follow_v obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o and_o this_o way_n of_o the_o faithful_a receive_v their_o instruction_n in_o the_o christian_a belief_n from_o the_o catholic_a church_n speak_v to_o they_o by_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o say_a church_n which_o be_v the_o method_n he_o observe_v as_o to_o every_o article_n of_o his_o faith_n have_v be_v always_o look_v on_o so_o sound_a and_o reasonable_a that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o very_a apostle_n and_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v never_o any_o use_v but_o this_o it_o be_v by_o this_o mean_v the_o world_n first_o become_v christian_n and_o by_o the_o very_a same_o orthodox_n christianity_n have_v be_v always_o preserve_v in_o its_o vigour_n and_o purity_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o subtle_n malicious_n or_o self-interested_n adversary_n he_o that_o have_v but_o read_v the_o scripture_n can_v but_o have_v observe_v that_o the_o method_n prescribe_v by_o cbrist_n himself_o for_o the_o plant_n and_o propagate_a the_o mystery_n of_o his_o holy_a faith_n in_o the_o world_n be_v by_o ordain_v and_o commissionate_v apostle_n and_o disciple_n to_o inform_v all_o mankind_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o only_a reasonable_a mean_n for_o any_o at_o that_o time_n to_o arrive_v to_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v to_o hear_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o those_o that_o be_v thus_o send_v to_o preach_v and_o teach_v it_o this_o be_v the_o way_n by_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v first_o plant_v in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o this_o it_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o maintain_v the_o same_o pastor_n and_o overseer_n that_o be_v to_o teach_v the_o gospel_n have_v another_o part_n of_o their_o charge_n viz._n to_o stand_v up_o in_o case_n of_o any_o difficulty_n or_o division_n arise_v in_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o by_o their_o decision_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o controversy_n so_o to_o preserve_v unity_n among_o the_o faithful_a and_o defeat_v all_o the_o attempt_n of_o turbulent_a and_o presume_v spirit_n this_o method_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n direct_v and_o feed_v and_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o flock_n to_o submit_v and_o obey_v as_o necessary_a for_o continue_v one_o faith_n among_o believer_n he_o have_v learn_v to_o be_v reasonable_a and_o of_o divine_a institution_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o he_o find_v act_v 15._o that_o a_o controversy_n be_v start_v at_o antioch_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n it_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o every_o particular_a believer_n to_o think_v and_o decide_v the_o matter_n as_o they_o judge_v fit_a according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o part_n neither_o do_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n with_o other_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n undertake_v to_o define_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o particular_a no_o what_o be_v the_o common_a concern_v of_o all_o christian_n be_v not_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o ruler_n and_o pastor_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o as_o belong_v to_o all_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remit_v to_o the_o consideration_n and_o decision_n of_o those_o who_o have_v all_o under_o their_o charge_n that_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o universal_a or_o catholic_a church_n and_o thus_o do_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n for_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n the_o cause_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o hear_v and_o sentence_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n assemble_v at_o jurusalem_n and_o as_o it_o be_v determine_v by_o they_o thus_o in_o body_n it_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o faithful_a with_o consolation_n not_o only_o at_o antioch_n but_o in_o all_o other_o place_n wheresoever_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n deliver_v they_o the_o decree_n for_o to_o keep_v that_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n who_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n act._n 16._o 4._o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o stand_v record_v in_o holy_a writ_n providential_o there_o describe_v that_o their_o successor_n the_o ruler_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o future_a age_n from_o this_o authentic_a precedent_n may_v be_v provide_v of_o a_o mean_n whereby_o to_o maintain_v a_o unity_n in_o faith_n among_o all_o true_a believer_n however_o spread_v throughout_o the_o different_a and_o divide_a nation_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o know_v how_o to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o all_o grow_a schism_n and_o heresy_n as_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n put_v a_o stop_n to_o this_o debate_n concern_v the_o circumcision_n by_o determine_v in_o council_n in_o what_o manner_n the_o faithful_a be_v to_o be_v teach_v be_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v in_o this_o particular_a and_o by_o this_o determination_n preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n among_o the_o faithful_a and_o prevent_v the_o many_o division_n which_o otherwise_o may_v have_v tear_v the_o flock_n asunder_o have_v they_o be_v every_o one_o lest_o to_o their_o own_o thought_n to_o judge_v of_o it_o as_o they_o please_v in_o like_a manner_n do_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n succeed_v they_o in_o their_o charge_n in_o the_o like_a circumstance_n for_o when_o there_o appear_v any_o enter_v in_o among_o the_o flock_n as_o be_v foretell_v by_o st._n paul_n act._n 20._o 29._o and_o like_o grievous_a wolf_n not_o spare_v it_o but_o speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o they_o the_o overseer_n who_o be_v to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o command_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n to_o watch_n and_o take_v heed_n to_o all_o the_o flock_n ib._n v._n 28._o assemble_v in_o council_n and_o by_o their_o determination_n declare_v to_o all_o under_o their_o charge_n the_o faith_n deliver_v and_o direct_v they_o which_o way_n to_o believe_v as_o to_o the_o point_n in_o debate_n this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n when_o as_o yet_o acknowledge_v pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a thus_o do_v the_o pastor_n then_o in_o the_o first_o general_n council_n at_o nice_a decide_v the_o controversy_n raise_v by_o arius_n thus_o they_o do_v in_o the_o second_o at_o constantinople_n in_o the_o three_o at_o ephesus_n in_o the_o foutth_n at_o chalcedon_n the_o faithful_a always_o receive_v with_o great_a veneration_n the_o determination_n of_o their_o pastor_n thus_o assemble_v and_o look_v upon_o this_o submission_n to_o their_o doctrine_n as_o the_o most_o reasonable_a mean_n whereby_o
authority_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v to_o decide_v controversy_n of_o faith_n art._n 20._o and_o this_o be_v not_o to_o ordain_v or_o enforce_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v that_o be_v against_o the_o scripture_n but_o whether_o that_o which_o it_o decide_v be_v against_o or_o according_a to_o scripture_n this_o every_o man_n be_v to_o decide_v again_o by_o his_o own_o private_a reason_n they_o maintain_v the_o authority_n of_o general_n council_n but_o because_o these_o may_v err_v art._n 21._o their_o decree_n have_v neither_o strength_n nor_o authority_n unless_o it_o may_v be_v declare_v that_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o holy_a scripture_n but_o whether_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o scripture_n or_o no_o this_o every_o private_a man_n must_v judge_v for_o himself_o and_o this_o dr._n burnet_n assert_n positive_o in_o his_o exam._n of_o meth._n p._n 82._o the_o principle_n of_o protestant_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o majority_n even_o in_o a_o general_n council_n be_v that_o when_o any_o doctrine_n be_v establish_v or_o condemn_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n those_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o do_v think_v that_o the_o council_n misunderstand_v the_o scripture_n be_v bind_v to_o suspect_v themselves_o a_o little_a and_o to_o review_v the_o matter_n with_o great_a application_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v require_v to_o profess_v that_o they_o believe_v opinion_n which_o they_o think_v false_a if_o they_o be_v never_o so_o inconsiderable_a no_o man_n ought_v to_o go_v against_o his_o conscience_n and_o if_o any_o synod_n of_o protestant_n have_v decree_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o this_o in_o so_o far_o they_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o protestant_a principle_n but_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v more_o full_o express_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o discourse_n before_o mention_v concern_v a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n who_o p._n 11._o at_o the_o bottom_n clear_v it_o thus_o if_o you_o ask_v who_o judgement_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o every_o private_a christian_n i_o answer_v say_v he_o and_o mark_v it_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o necessity_n must_v take_v place_n as_o to_o external_a government_n to_o determine_v what_o shall_v be_v profess_v and_o practise_v in_o her_o communion_n and_o no_o private_a christian_n have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v in_o these_o matter_n but_o when_o the_o question_n be_v what_o be_v right_o or_o wrong_n true_a or_o false_a in_o what_o we_o may_v obey_v and_o in_o what_o not_o here_o every_o private_a christian_a who_o will_v not_o believe_v without_o understanding_n nor_o follow_v his_o guide_n blindfold_a must_v judge_v for_o himself_o and_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o his_o soul_n be_v worth_a to_o judge_v right_a do_v you_o see_v here_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n so_o great_a and_o safe_a among_o they_o but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o every_o private_a christian_n and_o though_o there_o be_v the_o name_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o church_n yet_o let_v that_o command_n prescribe_v and_o ordain_v what_o it_o will_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o that_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v or_o believe_v but_o be_v esteem_v as_o a_o piece_n of_o formality_n not_o to_o be_v rely_v on_o every_o man_n when_o he_o think_v fit_a must_v set_v himself_o up_o above_o church_n and_o authority_n and_o even_o judge_v for_o himself_o be_v not_o here_o every_o controversy_n leave_v to_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o private_a spirit_n and_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n a_o gate_n open_v to_o all_o the_o fanaticism_n and_o quakerism_n in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o creed_n all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n and_o st._n paul_n heb._n 13._o v_o 7._o command_v all_o to_o obey_v and_o submit_v to_o those_o that_o be_v over_o they_o and_o this_o not_o only_o as_o to_o external_n government_n but_o likewise_o as_o to_o truth_n and_o belief_n and_o therefore_o ses_fw-fr he_o v._n 7._o who_o faith_n follow_v but_o here_o you_o see_v though_o your_o divine_n maintain_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o church_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n on_o any_o member_n of_o submit_v to_o it_o as_o to_o any_o point_n of_o faith_n they_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o indeed_o as_o to_o the_o govern_n or_o politic_a part_n but_o as_o to_o the_o christian_a or_o believe_v part_n here_o every_o christian_a as_o to_o what_o he_o be_v to_o obey_v and_o what_o not_o be_v to_o judge_v for_o himself_o and_o pray_v now_o what_o do_v all_o this_o end_n in_o but_o the_o private_a spirit_n can_v it_o desire_v any_o fair_a plea_n than_o this_o certain_o this_o their_o church_n be_v it_o the_o catholic_a church_n the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n it_o will_v not_o thus_o be_v commendable_o leave_v to_o be_v overrule_v by_o every_o private_a man_n reason_n there_o will_v not_o be_v this_o liberty_n for_o every_o one_o to_o run_v astray_o from_o it_o by_o prefer_v their_o own_o judgement_n before_o the_o decision_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v say_v heretofore_o and_o we_o know_v by_o who_o let_v he_o that_o do_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n he_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n but_o now_o it_o seem_v that_o man_n alone_o be_v as_o blind_a as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n who_o do_v not_o rather_o hear_v himself_o than_o the_o church_n i_o wonder_v how_o long_o this_o have_v be_v so_o misrepresent_v i_o will_v warrant_v you_o now_o you_o have_v get_v in_o your_o head_n the_o question_n where_o be_v the_o protestant_a church_n before_o luther_n but_o dont_fw-fr reproach_n this_o church_n and_o persuade_v the_o world_n she_o be_v as_o yet_o but_o in_o her_o infancy_n if_o you_o have_v see_v a_o book_n entit'led_a the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n you_o will_v see_v it_o there_o prove_v that_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v ancient_o and_o general_o profess_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n before_o the_o reformation_n p._n 1._o represent_v you_o have_v bring_v in_o this_o question_n now_o by_o head_n and_o shoulder_n but_o since_o it_o be_v start_v satisfy_v i_o so_o far_o as_o to_o let_v i_o know_v where_o this_o church_n be_v before_o the_o pretend_a reformation_n in_o what_o country_n or_o nation_n be_v it_o visible_a whether_o in_o the_o eastern_a or_o western_a world_n we_o have_v a_o fair_a historical_a account_n of_o it_o from_o luther_n time_n to_o our_o day_n but_o i_o will_v willing_o know_v where_o it_o be_v in_o all_o those_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n from_o christ_n ascension_n to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o prophet_n luther_n as_o he_o be_v style_v by_o slydan_n misrepresent_v why_o this_o author_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n assert_n it_o positive_o and_o prove_v that_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v ancient_o and_o general_o profess_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n before_o the_o reformation_n and_o sure_o you_o that_o pretend_v to_o history_n and_o religion_n can_v be_v ignorant_a where_o that_o religion_n be_v which_o be_v ancient_o and_o general_o profess_v among_o christian_n throughout_o the_o world._n represent_v certain_o then_o this_o man_n must_v have_v have_v some_o extraordinary_a revelation_n or_o make_v some_o new_a discovery_n for_o the_o former_a protestant_n who_o live_v near_o luth●r's_n time_n know_v nothing_o of_o this_o religion_n be_v general_o profess_v ●oannes_n regius_n lib._n apol_n p._n 176_o bishop_n jewel_n apol._n p._n 4._o c._n 4._o d._n 2._o and_o mr._n parkins_n e●po●_n credit_n p._n 400._o confe●s_v that_o before_o the_o day_n of_o luther_n and_o zuingli●_n the_o church_n viz._n protestant_n be_v invisible_a unknown_a unheard_a of_o that_o for_o the_o space_n of_o many_o hundred_o year_n a_o universal_a apostasy_n overspread_v the_o whole_a face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o church_n be_v not_o then_o visible_a to_o the_o world._n so_o that_o by_o what_o i_o see_v author_n do_v agree_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o then_o beside_o this_o in_o a_o late_a familiar_a discourse_n betwixt_o a_o minister_n and_o his_o parishioner_n the_o question_n be_v propose_v p._n 14_o where_o be_v your_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v now_o reform_v when_o luther_n begin_v his_o reformation_n as_o to_o this_o particular_a the_o minister_n answer_v it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a in_o the_o abassine_n and_o egyptian_a church_n among_o the_o armenian_a christian_n it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v in_o a_o corner_n under_o a_o cloud_n cover_v with_o rubbish_n what_o if_o we_o say_v it_o be_v no_o where_o misrepresent_v well_o and_o what_o then_o represent_v nothing_o but_o that_o i_o see_v it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o be_v find_v some_o find_v it_o general_o profess_v
see_v misrepresenter_n how_o many_o different_a conception_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n or_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v express_v by_o this_o one_o and_o the_o same_o word_n worship_n and_o all_o these_o the_o papist_n give_v to_o these_o several_a object_n due_a proportion_n be_v always_o observe_v according_a to_o their_o different_a degree_n of_o excellency_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v all_o call_v by_o the_o same_o name_n of_o worship_n yet_o it_o signify_v a_o different_a affection_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o due_a to_o each_o respective_a object_n upon_o this_o hinge_n turn_v this_o controversy_n and_o if_o you_o will_v be_v so_o sincere_a as_o to_o explicate_v this_o truth_n and_o not_o present_o make_v every_o thing_n idolatry_n where_o you_o see_v a_o worship_n pay_v much_o of_o this_o unchristian_a wrangle_a which_o have_v disturb_v the_o world_n these_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n may_v be_v prevent_v for_o the_o future_a mr._n thorndike_n be_v so_o honest_a as_o to_o give_v this_o notice_n to_o his_o reader_n epilogue_n p._n 3._o p._n 353._o where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o word_n adoration_n worship_n respect_n reverence_n or_o howsoever_o you_o translate_v the_o word_n cultus_fw-la be_v or_o may_v be_v in_o despite_n of_o our_o heart_n equivocal_a and_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o equivocation_n be_v the_o want_n of_o word_n proper_o to_o signify_v conception_n which_o come_v not_o from_o common_a use_n st._n augustine_n declare_v this_o truth_n long_o ago_o l._n 10._o de_fw-la civit._fw-la dei_fw-la c._n 1._o where_o he_o show_v all_o these_o word_n servitus_fw-la cultus_fw-la religio_fw-la pietas_n service_n worship_n religion_n piety_n to_o be_v equivocal_a and_o may_v be_v apply_v both_o to_o god_n and_o creature_n and_o thus_o catholic_o many_o time_n use_v they_o without_o the_o least_o entrench_v upon_o the_o divine_a prerogative_n or_o scandal_n to_o their_o neighbour_n which_o have_v never_o be_v heighten_v to_o that_o degree_n as_o be_v at_o this_o day_n have_v not_o some_o as_o the_o pharisee_n do_v to_o our_o b._n saviour_n stand_v by_o and_o take_v as_o much_o pain_n to_o wrest_v every_o thing_n into_o a_o wrong_a sense_n as_o charity_n oblige_v to_o interpret_v in_o a_o right_a one_o and_o as_o worship_n be_v understand_v in_o all_o this_o latitude_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o make_v it_o out_o that_o man_n be_v to_o pray_v to_o every_o thing_n they_o worship_n or_o that_o prayer_n be_v necessary_o depend_v on_o it_o but_o then_o again_o if_o the_o catechism_n by_o his_o pray_v to_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o pray_v at_o or_o before_o image_n i_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v to_o it_o i_o only_o complain_v of_o it_o because_o by_o his_o expression_n as_o it_o stand_v there_o he_o seem_v willing_a to_o have_v his_o reader_n understand_v it_o that_o the_o papist_n so_o pray_v to_o image_n as_o if_o they_o expect_v to_o be_v hear_v by_o they_o or_o that_o they_o shall_v obtain_v or_o grant_v their_o request_n which_o be_v a_o most_o foul_a misrepresentation_n but_o as_o for_o pray_v before_o they_o it_o be_v wat_fw-mi we_o own_o and_o practice_n and_o since_o to_o at_z and_o before_o come_v to_o be_v all_o one_o with_o he_o let_v the_o word_n of_o abjuration_n quote_v by_o spelman_n be_v thus_o understand_v as_o dr._n stillingfleet_n make_v bow_v to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o at_o it_o idol_n of_o ch._n r._n p._n 111._o ed._n 1._o to_o be_v the_o same_o and_o then_o it_o plain_o declare_v our_o doctrine_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o fall_v out_o much_o upon_o this_o matter_n publish_a with_o allowance_n london_n print_v by_o henry_n hill_n printer_n to_o the_o king_n be_v most_o excellent_a majesty_n for_o his_o household_n and_o chapel_n 1686._o the_o catholic_a representer_n chap._n vi_o the_o papist_n do_v not_o believe_v but_o upon_o most_o convince_v reason_n mystery_n of_o faith_n above_o reason_n not_o contrary_a to_o it_o the_o papist_n be_v not_o deprive_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o keep_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o do_v not_o pray_v to_o the_o cross_n more_o than_o protestant_n pray_v to_o their_o bibles_n or_o the_o sacrament_n three_o protestant_a query_n answer_v the_o papist_n misrepresent_v know_v no_o reason_n for_o the_o religion_n he_o profess_v he_o be_v overrule_v by_o authority_n and_o be_v force_v to_o submit_v his_o belief_n to_o such_o point_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o reason_n he_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v in_o a_o miserable_a ignorance_n of_o his_o duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o his_o neighbour_n the_o papist_n represent_v very_o commendable_o inquire_v into_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o his_o belief_n he_o search_v into_o the_o motive_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o here_o apply_v all_o the_o reason_n he_o be_v able_a to_o examine_v consider_v weigh_v and_o judge_n of_o thing_n aright_o not_o take_v one_o step_v forward_o in_o order_n to_o give_v the_o least_o assent_n by_o faith_n till_o his_o judgement_n be_v thorough_o convince_v that_o in_o reason_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v self-condemned_a by_o his_o own_o knowledge_n or_o conscience_n if_o he_o do_v not_o submit_v upon_o such_o evidence_n and_o full_a conviction_n this_o be_v what_o he_o be_v teach_v to_o do_v as_o to_o the_o motive_n or_o reason_n of_o his_o believe_v all_o those_o point_n which_o be_v pure_o mystery_n of_o faith._n but_o although_o he_o have_v good_a reason_n for_o give_v his_o assent_n by_o faith_n to_o all_o the_o article_n of_o christian_a religion_n yet_o because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v above_o his_o reason_n and_o therefore_o proper_o call_v mystery_n he_o can_v pretend_v to_o measure_v they_o by_o his_o shortsighted_a reason_n no_o more_o than_o take_v the_o dimension_n of_o the_o heaven_n by_o his_o span_n which_o be_v out_o of_o his_o reach_n for_o how_o can_v reason_n without_o a_o dare_a presumption_n undertake_v to_o fathom_v such_o thing_n which_o however_o agreeable_a to_o the_o infinite_a understanding_n of_o god_n bear_v no_o proportion_n with_o any_o create_a faculty_n whilst_o encompass_v with_o flesh_n in_o the_o mystery_n therefore_o of_o his_o faith_n his_o reason_n be_v overrule_v by_o authority_n so_o that_o in_o these_o he_o go_v much_o far_a than_o his_o reason_n will_v carry_v he_o his_o reason_n indeed_o direct_v he_o to_o the_o authority_n but_o then_o have_v discover_v this_o his_o faith_n follow_v with_o certainty_n and_o security_n where_o reason_n can_v give_v she_o no_o light._n misrepresent_v upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v i_o declare_v to_o my_o follower_n that_o the_o papist_n believe_v without_o reason_n that_o whosoever_o will_v be_v a_o papist_n must_v cast_v a_o blind_a over_o all_o his_o rational_a faculty_n and_o by_o a_o slavish_a obedience_n submit_v his_o faith_n without_o control_n represent_v and_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n you_o be_v a_o misrepresenter_n and_o slander_v the_o papist_n for_o the_o papist_n use_v their_o reason_n as_o much_o as_o any_o protestant_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o already_o they_o apply_v their_o reason_n to_o search_v with_o the_o strict_a scrutiny_n into_o all_o the_o motive_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v a_o thing_n credible_a and_o never_o submit_v their_o faith_n but_o where_o their_o reason_n upon_o the_o strong_a and_o most_o convince_a argument_n oblige_v they_o to_o it_o and_o that_o so_o forcible_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o their_o reason_n not_o to_o submit_v can_v any_o protestant_a do_v more_o than_o this_o misrepresent_v yes_o we_o search_v into_o the_o very_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o believe_v no_o far_o than_o be_v agreeable_a to_o our_o reason_n at_o least_o so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v against_o it_o a_o protestant_n by_o his_o religion_n be_v so_o reasonable_a a_o creature_n that_o no_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n can_v oblige_v he_o to_o believe_v contrary_a to_o his_o reason_n he_o will_v believe_v thing_n above_o his_o reason_n but_o not_o contrary_a to_o it_o represent_v thus_o you_o deceive_v yourselves_o and_o all_o that_o follow_v you_o why_o all_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o papist_n be_v teach_v to_o do_v you_o pretend_v to_o reformation_n condemn_v the_o papist_n for_o go_v blindfold_a and_o yet_o what_o you_o do_v be_v downright_a popery_n there_o be_v no_o papist_n in_o the_o world_n be_v teach_v to_o believe_v contrary_a to_o reason_n they_o believe_v such_o mystery_n as_o be_v above_o reason_n but_o nothing_o contrary_a to_o it_o let_v i_o examine_v you_o a_o little_a in_o this_o point_n and_o we_o shall_v soon_o find_v what_o agreement_n there_o be_v betwixt_o we_o you_o believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n misrepresent_v yes_o represent_v but_o can_v any_o
protestant_a reason_v discover_v or_o even_o apprehend_v how_o there_o can_v be_v three_o distinct_a person_n in_o one_o divine_a nature_n undivided_a or_o how_o god_n can_v be_v make_v man_n be_v bear_v suffer_v and_o die_v but_o not_o to_o go_v so_o high_a can_v you_o conceive_v it_o as_o agreeable_a to_o your_o reason_n how_o all_o this_o world_n can_v be_v make_v out_o of_o nothing_o can_v you_o conceive_v what_o eternity_n be_v to_o be_v without_o begin_n or_o end_v for_o the_o body_n of_o all_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n to_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a after_o have_v pass_v through_o so_o many_o successive_a corruption_n how_o the_o body_n of_o the_o just_a shall_v become_v spiritual_a and_o put_v on_o incorruption_n and_o those_o of_o the_o wicked_a be_v torment_v for_o ever_o as_o long_o as_o god_n shall_v be_v god_n can_v you_o conceive_v apprehend_v or_o by_o your_o reason_n tell_v how_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v can_v your_o reason_n by_o be_v protestant_n open_a unto_o you_o these_o mystery_n and_o i_o hope_v you_o believe_v they_o with_o a_o firm_a and_o undoubting_a faith._n misrepresent_v yes_o i_o believe_v they_o all_o and_o to_o speak_v plain_o i_o think_v they_o be_v far_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o humane_a reason_n man_n may_v endeavour_v to_o explicate_v they_o by_o similitude_n or_o some_o proportion_n in_o nature_n but_o these_o still_a fall_n much_o short_a of_o the_o real_a truth_n of_o those_o mystery_n and_o he_o that_o think_v he_o comprehend_v they_o do_v only_o deceive_v himself_o and_o like_o those_o who_o try_v to_o look_v the_o sun_n full_a in_o the_o face_n see_v nothing_o by_o presume_v to_o see_v too_o much_o however_o notwithstanding_o this_o great_a disproportion_n the_o mystery_n of_o christian_a religion_n bear_v with_o humane_a reason_n yet_o i_o believe_v they_o all_o with_o a_o firm_a and_o certain_a faith_n to_o be_v true_a upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n reveal_v they_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o represent_v speak_v like_o a_o christian_a and_o if_o all_o protestant_n will_v join_v with_o you_o in_o this_o sentiment_n there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o many_o reason_v atheist_n in_o the_o world_n as_o there_o be_v but_o give_v i_o leave_v misrepresenter_n be_v it_o not_o a_o very_a spiteful_a and_o un-neighbour_o trick_n that_o whilst_o you_o thus_o in_o private_a profess_v and_o own_v so_o sovereign_a a_o truth_n as_o this_o and_o that_o you_o believe_v such_o mystery_n according_a to_o your_o religion_n which_o your_o reason_n can_v neither_o see_v nor_o understand_v yet_o when_o you_o come_v to_o appear_v in_o public_a and_o be_v to_o win_v the_o favour_n of_o the_o people_n by_o declaim_v against_o popery_n you_o then_o dress_v out_o this_o in_o the_o papist_n as_o the_o great_a piece_n of_o nonsense_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v then_o nothing_o but_o go_v blindfold_a lay_v aside_o reason_n a_o slavish_a submission_n and_o a_o thousand_o worse_a thing_n beside_o come_v let_v i_o tell_v you_o this_o your_o put_v on_o at_o pleasure_n different_a face_n be_v no_o credit_n to_o your_o cause_n and_o it_o make_v some_o begin_v to_o think_v that_o many_o of_o your_o popular_a harangue_n have_v more_o of_o policy_n in_o they_o than_o religion_n that_o they_o drive_v more_o at_o keep_v up_o a_o party_n than_o save_v of_o soul_n otherwise_o why_o shall_v you_o in_o public_a set_v that_o forth_o as_o ridiculous_a in_o the_o papist_n which_o in_o your_o more_o sober_a conversation_n between_o friend_n you_o profess_v yourselves_o and_o own_o as_o reasonable_a and_o christian_n misrepresent_v this_o be_v nothing_o better_a than_o raillery_n why_o i_o do_v blame_v the_o papist_n upon_o this_o account_n i_o only_o pity_v and_o condemn_v they_o because_o poor_a soul_n they_o be_v force_v to_o take_v up_o all_o religion_n upon_o trust_n they_o be_v not_o allow_v the_o use_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o so_o can_v examine_v by_o their_o own_o reason_n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o mystery_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o without_o all_o see_v or_o reason_v must_v take_v all_o that_o be_v give_v they_o for_o good_a and_o so_o be_v mere_o lead_v captive_n depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o will_n of_o their_o ignorant_a guide_n and_o if_o they_o will_v but_o say_v as_o they_o say_v they_o be_v good_a catholic_n though_o they_o understand_v not_o a_o word_n this_o be_v it_o i_o call_v go_v blindfold_a hood-winking_a of_o reason_n and_o slavish_a obedience_n represent_v you_o be_v come_v now_o to_o your_o popular_a topic_n and_o yet_o you_o can_v turn_v yourself_o in_o it_o without_o misrepresent_v deceive_a and_o stretch_v your_o story_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o truth_n you_o please_v your_o people_n by_o put_v the_o bible_n into_o their_o hand_n encourage_v they_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n that_o so_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n may_v dwell_v rich_o in_o they_o in_o all_o wisdom_n then_o you_o tell_v they_o of_o the_o great_a blessing_n they_o enjoy_v in_o as_o much_o as_o their_o lot_n be_v not_o fall_v in_o those_o unhappy_a place_n where_o the_o people_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n procure_v the_o read_n of_o the_o bible_n can_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o of_o their_o duty_n but_o must_v walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o see_v no_o light._n misrepresent_v well_o and_o be_v not_o this_o true_a represent_v it_o be_v like_o the_o truth_n you_o general_o tell_v when_o you_o rail_v against_o the_o papist_n it_o have_v a_o little_a of_o truth_n in_o it_o and_o the_o great_a part_n false_a it_o have_v a_o truth_n for_o the_o foundation_n but_o than_o you_o raise_v so_o many_o false_a construction_n wrong_v inference_n and_o misapplication_n upon_o it_o that_o the_o truth_n be_v violent_o bear_v down_o and_o almost_o sink_v into_o nothing_o misrepresent_v come_v let_v i_o take_v my_o turn_n you_o catechise_v i_o in_o one_o point_n now_o let_v i_o examine_v you_o in_o another_o do_v you_o believe_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n represent_v yes_o i_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o contain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o such_o i_o be_o command_v to_o respect_n honour_n and_o reverence_n it_o and_o so_o i_o do_v sincere_o desire_v rather_o to_o lose_v my_o life_n than_o contemn_v or_o injure_v that_o sacred_a volume_n misrepresent_v do_v you_o think_v it_o convenient_a for_o the_o people_n to_o know_v and_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n it_o deliver_v represent_v i_o think_v it_o not_o only_o convenient_a but_o also_o necessary_a for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o understand_v it_o and_o that_o salvation_n be_v not_o attainable_a by_o those_o who_o do_v not_o do_v as_o be_v there_o command_v or_o do_v not_o believe_v as_o be_v there_o teach_v misrepresent_v why_o then_o do_v you_o deprive_v the_o vulgar_a and_o ordinary_a people_n of_o this_o holy_a food_n of_o their_o soul_n which_o you_o judge_v necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n why_o do_v you_o take_v the_o light_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n and_o force_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o darkness_n represent_v the_o ordinary_a people_n and_o vulgar_a of_o our_o communion_n have_v more_o of_o this_o holy_a food_n be_v better_o serve_v with_o this_o light_n of_o truth_n than_o those_o of_o any_o other_o persuasion_n whatsoever_o and_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o aspersion_n of_o you_o to_o say_v they_o be_v deprive_v of_o this_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o be_v leave_v without_o mean_n of_o know_v their_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n do_v you_o but_o consider_v a_o little_a misrepresenter_n be_v those_o people_n deprive_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o be_v teach_v it_o by_o their_o pastor_n by_o god_n appointment_n ordain_v to_o teach_v they_o or_o do_v he_o take_v the_o better_a course_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o his_o christian_a duty_n who_o leave_v his_o pastor_n go_v about_o to_o teach_v himself_o man_n do_v it_o general_o think_v that_o flock_n to_o be_v deprive_v of_o its_o food_n which_o be_v careful_o feed_v by_o the_o shepherd_n neither_o be_v that_o sick_a man_n leave_v without_o mean_n for_o his_o cure_n who_o receive_v prescription_n from_o the_o physician_n without_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o apothecarie_n shop_n to_o take_v what_o best_o suit_n with_o his_o taste_n or_o his_o fancy_n where_o though_o all_o be_v good_a if_o right_o apply_v yet_o it_o be_v easy_a mistake_v the_o use_n of_o the_o drug_n and_o take_v kill_v one_o instead_o of_o cure_v why_o then_o shall_v you_o defame_v the_o papist_n as_o not_o have_v god_n word_n dwell_v in_o their_o heart_n whenas_o though_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o general_o by_o read_v it_o themselves_o yet_o they_o be_v instruct_v in_o that_o sacred_a truth_n and_o feed_v with_o it_o by_o
the_o scripture_n in_o their_o memory_n more_o text_n at_o their_o tongue_n command_n more_o of_o the_o book_n in_o their_o hand_n but_o it_o be_v where_o more_o care_n be_v take_v for_o imprint_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n in_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o people_n and_o where_o be_v use_v the_o most_o prudential_a method_n for_o the_o lead_v they_o into_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o mystery_n contain_v in_o that_o sacred_a volume_n and_o in_o this_o point_n the_o papist_n will_v yield_v to_o none_o for_o it_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a truth_n that_o when_o a_o book_n contain_v high_a mystery_n of_o religion_n mystery_n superior_a to_o all_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o those_o not_o deliver_v in_o expression_n suit_v to_o every_o capacity_n but_o obnoxious_a to_o various_a interpretation_n such_o as_o may_v be_v wrest_v by_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 16._o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a truth_n i_o say_v that_o that_o people_n be_v in_o all_o probability_n likely_a to_o have_v more_o of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o this_o book_n and_o to_o be_v better_o inform_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o mystery_n it_o contain_v who_o be_v instruct_v in_o it_o by_o the_o learned_a of_o that_o communion_n and_o teach_v it_o by_o their_o pastor_n prelate_n and_o those_o who_o god_n have_v place_v over_o they_o to_o govern_v and_o feed_v the_o flock_n than_o any_o other_o people_n who_o have_v the_o book_n put_v into_o their_o own_o hand_n to_o read_v it_o and_o search_v it_o and_o satisfy_v themselves_o for_o why_o be_v not_o the_o pastor_n more_o capable_a of_o teach_v the_o people_n than_o the_o people_n be_v to_o teach_v themselves_o or_o be_v it_o commendable_a in_o scripture_n only_o and_o religion_n for_o every_o one_o to_o be_v his_o own_o master_n which_o in_o any_o other_o matter_n whosoever_o do_v it_o shall_v be_v esteem_v a_o fool_n we_o know_v moses_n deut._n 31._o 9_o give_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o levite_n to_o keep_v and_o read_v it_o every_o seven_o year_n to_o the_o people_n and_o in_o king_n jehoshaphats_n reign_n 2_o chron._n 17._o 9_o the_o priest_n and_o levit_n do_v read_v it_o and_o teach_v the_o people_n so_o do_v jeremy_n jer._n 36._o by_o god_n command_n so_o isaiah_n so_o ezekiel_n so_o the_o levit_n nehemiah_n 8._o 8._o read_v in_o the_o book_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n distinct_o and_o give_v the_o sense_n and_o cause_v they_o the_o people_n to_o understand_v the_o read_n and_o do_v not_o our_o bless_a saviour_n luc._n 4._o 17._o take_v the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o read_v it_o and_o expound_v it_o to_o the_o people_n and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o office_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o deacon_n to_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n and_o instruct_v their_o follower_n what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v for_o this_o intention_n be_v ananias_n send_v to_o saul_n peter_n to_o cornelius_n and_o philip_n to_o the_o eunuch_n who_o profess_o own_a he_o can_v not_o understand_v the_o prophet_n in_o so_o necessary_a a_o point_n as_o that_o of_o the_o messiah_n without_o a_o interpreter_n how_o can_v i_o understand_v say_v he_o except_o some_o man_n shall_v guide_v i_o act._n 8._o 31._o since_o therefore_o the_o papist_n in_o deliver_v the_o scripture_n come_v near_o to_o this_o method_n command_v by_o god_n in_o the_o old_a law_n prescribe_v and_o practise_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a what_o people_n can_v be_v better_o instruct_v in_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o and_o understand_v more_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n than_o they_o with_o what_o reason_n can_v it_o be_v urge_v against_o the_o vulgar_a of_o his_o communion_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v hide_v from_o they_o that_o they_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n do_v not_o the_o pastor_n expound_v the_o scripture_n to_o they_o do_v not_o they_o instruct_v they_o in_o every_o point_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o teach_v they_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v it_o not_o this_o they_o do_v in_o their_o pulpit_n in_o their_o catechism_n in_o the_o confessionary_n in_o so_o many_o hundred_o spiritual_a book_n plain_o lay_v before_o they_o their_o whole_a obligation_n both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o good_a manner_n and_o be_v this_o to_o conceal_v from_o they_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n hide_v from_o they_o because_o they_o have_v their_o pastor_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o it_o or_o be_v they_o any_o way_n injure_v because_o they_o have_v learnede_a man_n than_o themselves_o to_o teach_v they_o be_v the_o multitude_n a_o better_a judge_n of_o scripture_n and_o more_o able_a to_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o than_o those_o who_o god_n have_v place_v over_o they_o have_v god_n so_o desert_v the_o pastor_n and_o prelate_n of_o his_o church_n and_o be_v the_o flock_n of_o late_o become_v so_o wise_a the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v first_o plant_v by_o christ_n preach_a it_o to_o the_o multitude_n by_o the_o same_o way_n it_o be_v propagate_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v deliver_v down_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n faith_n come_v by_o hear_v by_o this_o mean_v many_o barbarous_a nation_n say_v st._n irenaeus_n l._n 3._o adv_n har_z c._n 3._o believe_v in_o christ_n have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n without_o the_o help_n of_o book_n and_o religious_o observe_v the_o tradition_n believe_v in_o one_o god_n etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o truth_n of_o this_o christian_a faith_n with_o all_o its_o mystery_n be_v unquestionable_o preserve_v in_o christ_n catholic_a church_n and_o the_o people_n be_v to_o receive_v it_o and_o not_o to_o find_v out_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n every_o one_o for_o themselves_o if_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o be_v deceive_v when_o they_o rely_v on_o their_o pastor_n for_o it_o they_o run_v ten_o time_n the_o hazard_n when_o they_o trust_v to_o themselves_o the_o papist_n therefore_o be_v teach_v that_o since_o christ_n have_v a_o church_n upon_o earth_n in_o which_o be_v conserve_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v safe_o and_o more_o prudential_a for_o the_o people_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o this_o truth_n from_o the_o pastor_n of_o this_o church_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v of_o its_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n than_o by_o commit_v the_o book_n itself_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o let_v every_o one_o understand_v it_o for_o themselves_o he_o know_v it_o be_v a_o very_a popular_a thing_n and_o acceptable_a to_o the_o pry_a multitude_n to_o have_v a_o book_n at_o command_n which_o direct_v the_o way_n to_o salvation_n but_o since_o it_o be_v not_o the_o book_n be_v to_o save_v he_o but_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n which_o it_o teach_v he_o believe_v it_o be_v better_a learning_n this_o from_o those_o who_o be_v wise_a and_o be_v commissionated_a from_o heaven_n to_o teach_v than_o to_o venture_v at_o it_o himself_o without_o any_o authority_n the_o unhappy_a division_n among_o christian_n sufficient_o inform_v he_o that_o to_o such_o reader_n as_o st._n peter_n call_v unreary_a and_o ignorant_a however_o wise_a they_o may_v think_v themselves_o a●ianism_n may_v be_v as_o obvious_a in_o this_o book_n as_o christ_n divinity_n and_o that_o when_o such_o a_o one_o undertake_v the_o interpret_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o hazard_n whether_o at_o the_o end_n he_o come_v out_o quaker_n anabaptist_n presbyterian_a independent_a mugletonian_n socinian_n or_o atheist_n it_o be_v a_o venture_n whether_o the_o trinity_n shall_v have_v place_n in_o his_o creed_n or_o no_o whether_o he_o will_v allow_v of_o baptism_n or_o any_o sacrament_n and_o whether_o cruelty_n cut_v of_o throat_n oppression_n tyranny_n dethrone_v of_o king_n and_o murder_n of_o prince_n shall_v not_o with_o he_o become_v a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o a_o true_a serve_v of_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o these_o and_o more_o damnable_a doctrine_n have_v he_o see_v preach_v up_o and_o practise_v by_o those_o who_o have_v have_v the_o bible_n in_o their_o banner_n who_o have_v be_v esteem_v searcher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o presumptuous_o make_v their_o comment_n upon_o this_o sacred_a text._n and_o be_v it_o not_o this_o abuse_n that_o have_v occasion_v so_o many_o schism_n and_o almost_o break_v the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n into_o piece_n that_o whereas_o all_o his_o follower_n shall_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n now_o no_o body_n know_v what_o religion_n his_o neighbour_n be_v of_o but_o every_o wall_n now_o part_n religion_n more_o than_o sea_n do_v heretofore_o and_o
clout_n and_o some_o other_o report_n that_o have_v be_v warm_o carry_v about_o this_o last_o month_n by_o man_n of_o all_o coat_n come_v all_o out_o of_o the_o same_o mi●t_n and_o be_v it_o not_o that_o the_o people_n you_o deal_v with_o be_v so_o wonderful_o short-memoryed_a when_o a_o lie_n be_v discover_v and_o again_o so_o wretched_o credulous_a when_o a_o fresh_a one_o be_v broach_v these_o fiction_n will_v be_v your_o utter_a confusion_n but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o this_o matter_n there_o be_v a_o mourn_a hearse_n indeed_o place_v in_o the_o chapel_n in_o memory_n of_o the_o decease_a party_n and_o prayer_n be_v offer_v up_o for_o his_o soul_n after_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o her_o purity_n above_o thirteen_o hundred_o year_n ago_o and_o as_o it_o be_v then_o perform_v to_o constantine_n the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n who_o body_n after_o his_o decease_n as_o it_o be_v relate_v by_o eusebius_n l._n 4._o de_fw-fr vit._n const_n c._n 71._o be_v expose_v upon_o a_o stately_a throne_n great_a number_n of_o people_n together_o with_o the_o priest_n offer_v up_o prayer_n to_o god_n not_o without_o sigh_n and_o tear_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o emperor_n thus_o perform_v a_o most_o acceptable_a office_n to_o their_o prince_n of_o pious_a memory_n and_o this_o pious_a office_n be_v not_o only_o perform_v to_o the_o faithful_a depart_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o departure_n but_o every_o year_n at_o the_o return_n of_o that_o day_n and_o thus_o say_v tertullian_n l._n 10._o de_fw-fr monog_n c._n 10._o speak_v of_o a_o christian_a widow_n she_o pray_v for_o his_o her_o husband_n soul_n and_o make_v oblation_n on_o the_o anniversary_n day_n of_o his_o departure_n this_o be_v what_o we_o now_o do_v and_o all_o that_o be_v perform_v in_o our_o chapel_n but_o for_o the_o erog_n and_o crab_n they_o be_v no_o where_o but_o in_o your_o brain_n misrepresent_v i_o will_v send_v some_o to_o see_v within_o a_o day_n or_o two_o represent_v you_o have_v enough_o ready_a to_o go_v upon_o such_o a_o errand_n if_o they_o bring_v you_o any_o crab_n or_o frog_n thence_o pray_v let_v i_o have_v a_o sight_n of_o they_o publish_a with_o allowance_n london_n print_v by_o henry_n hill_n printer_n to_o the_o king_n be_v most_o excellent_a majesty_n for_o his_o household_n and_o chapel_n mdclxxxvi_o the_o catholic_a representer_n chap._n x._o private_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n the_o occasion_n of_o division_n some_o protestant_a divine_n call_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o authority_n and_o guide_n but_o all_o end_n in_o the_o private_a spirit_n the_o question_n start_v where_o be_v the_o protestant_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v now_o reform_a before_o luther_n the_o answer_n of_o some_o protestant_a divine_n represent_v you_o break_v off_o my_o last_o discourse_n with_o your_o dream_n of_o frog_n and_o crab_n but_o i_o will_v take_v it_o up_o now_o and_o therefore_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o i_o can_v but_o admire_v your_o proceeding_n in_o leave_v the_o holy_a bible_n to_o the_o vulgar_a to_o be_v scan_v and_o interpret_v by_o they_o at_o pleasure_n it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v of_o different_a capacity_n and_o inclination_n they_o can_v never_o so_o agree_v in_o their_o interpretation_n as_o to_o meet_v in_o one_o faith_n to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o spirit_n as_o be_v command_v by_o st._n paul._n 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o this_o be_v too_o clear_o demonstrate_v in_o the_o distraction_n of_o this_o our_o nation_n where_o so_o many_o set_n up_o for_o interpreter_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v religious_a sect_n division_n persuasion_n faith_n and_o creed_n multiply_v without_o number_n to_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o christian_a name_n every-one_a pretend_v to_o the_o truth_n while_o yet_o these_o be_v so_o numerous_a the_o true_a faith_n be_v but_o one_o one_o god_n and_o one_o faith_n eph._n 4._o 5._o and_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o division_n be_v obvious_a for_o though_o the_o bible_n be_v but_o one_o in_o all_o their_o hand_n yet_o this_o sacred_a book_n do_v not_o instruct_v and_o direct_v they_o but_o by_o certain_a mean_n to_o be_v use_v on_o their_o part_n and_o these_o mean_n be_v according_a to_o d._n reynolds_n and_o whitaker_n the_o read_v it_o their_o conference_n of_o place_n their_o weigh_v of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n their_o skill_n in_o the_o tongue_n their_o diligence_n and_o prayer_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v all_o agree_v in_o their_o exposition_n of_o h._n writ_n since_o these_o action_n on_o their_o behalf_n be_v but_o humane_a endeavour_n subject_a to_o error_n oversight_n infirmity_n and_o as_o different_a as_o their_o several_a part_n and_o capacity_n can_v all_o compare_v text_n alike_o can_v they_o all_o weigh_v circumstance_n alike_o be_v they_o all_o skilled_a in_o language_n alike_o how_o then_o shall_v they_o be_v instruct_v and_o direct_v alike_o when_o their_o instruction_n and_o direction_n as_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n depend_v upon_o these_o mean_n and_o while_o they_o thus_o rely_v on_o their_o own_o endeavour_n their_o own_o search_v and_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n as_o the_o mean_n whereby_o to_o arrive_v to_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v it_o not_o a_o miserable_a thing_n to_o consider_v that_o these_o divide_a christian_n have_v reject_v the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n do_v now_o every_o one_o rely_v on_o so_o unsafe_a mean_n for_o their_o faith_n and_o salvation_n that_o no_o man_n dare_v trust_v to_o but_o themselves_o that_o be_v every_o private_a person_n on_o his_o own_o private_a search_n and_o interpretation_n of_o h._n writ_n which_o whilst_o every_o one_o depend_v on_o for_o himself_o yet_o no_o body_n dare_v trust_v to_o beside_o nor_o think_v it_o sufficient_a whereon_o to_o build_v their_o salvation_n and_o the_o result_n of_o this_o be_v to_o bring_v all_o to_o the_o private_a spirit_n misrepresent_v i_o have_v let_v you_o run_v on_o so_o long_o declaim_v against_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o private_a spirit_n to_o see_v what_o you_o will_v be_v at_o and_o now_o you_o have_v spend_v so_o much_o breath_n you_o have_v at_o last_o say_v nothing_o but_o in_o the_o air_n why_o we_o be_v not_o for_o the_o private_a spirit_n if_o you_o read_v mr._n sa._n crispe_n be_v sermon_n at_o the_o primary_n visitation_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o norwich_n 1686._o you_o will_v see_v the_o guidance_n of_o the_o private_a spirit_n prove_v nothing_o better_a than_o enthusiasm_n p._n 6._o that_o it_o have_v make_v so_o much_o havoc_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o worst_a design_n in_o the_o murder_n of_o prince_n the_o overturning_a of_o kingdom_n and_o church_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o vile_a or_o monstrous_a earthly_a sensual_a or_o devilish_a but_o if_o this_o pretence_n be_v admit_v may_v pass_v for_o inspiration_n and_o that_o consequent_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rely_v on_o as_o proper_a to_o conduct_v any_o to_o salvation_n he_o declare_v plain_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o guide_n in_o this_o affair_n and_o that_o all_o those_o who_o desire_v not_o to_o miss_v their_o way_n must_v not_o only_o apply_v themselves_o with_o due_a modesty_n to_o the_o search_v the_o scripture_n but_o must_v likewise_o careful_o use_v the_o ministerial_a aid_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o be_v give_v over_o to_o strong_a delusion_n and_o to_o believe_v a_o lie_n he_o say_v p._n 7._o be_v because_o out_o of_o pride_n or_o wantonness_n they_o forsake_v the_o guide_n of_o god_n appointment_n the_o like_a application_n to_o church_n guide_n or_o ministerial_a help_n be_v require_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o discourse_n concern_v a_o guide_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n p._n 38._o as_o likewise_o by_o the_o late_a discourse_n concern_v a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n so_o that_o you_o see_v these_o protestant_n divine_n be_v not_o for_o encourage_v the_o enthusiasm_n of_o every_o man_n private_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n no_o they_o be_v for_o a_o just_a deference_n to_o authority_n and_o the_o use_n of_o guide_n represent_v i_o confess_v some_o of_o they_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o face_n of_o a_o church_n do_v speculative_o contend_v for_o authority_n and_o guide_n but_o then_o in_o fact_n they_o again_o defeat_v all_o these_o their_o pretension_n whilst_o they_o own_v no_o authority_n to_o be_v so_o great_a or_o safe_a with_o they_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v subject_v to_o the_o control_n of_o every_o private_a examiner_n and_o so_o to_o be_v follow_v or_o not_o follow_v as_o every_o man_n in_o his_o own_o private_a capacity_n shall_v think_v fit_a so_o that_o the_o vltimate_a appeal_n with_o they_o be_v not_o to_o authority_n but_o to_o the_o private_a spirit_n they_o maintain_v the_o
other_o invisible_o profess_v other_o travel_v a_o great_a way_n to_o find_v it_o and_o return_v back_o with_o a_o may_v be_v and_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v under_o the_o rubbish_n and_o what_o if_o one_o shall_v here_o enforce_v the_o argument_n in_o the_o plain_a man_n reply_n he_o be_v upon_o enquiry_n who_o be_v the_o infallible_a judge_n assert_v by_o catholic_o and_o because_o he_o do_v find_v author_n agree_v upon_o the_o point_n where_o he_o shall_v find_v he_o p._n 18._o 25._o he_o there_o conclude_v they_o all_o to_o be_v but_o trifler_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o judge_n in_o the_o world._n will_v not_o this_o conclude_v as_o forcible_o that_o there_o be_v no_o protestant_n church_n in_o the_o world_n before_o luther_n since_o be_v now_o upon_o the_o search_n to_o what_o church_n or_o communion_n one_o be_v to_o have_v apply_v himself_o in_o k._n henry_n the_o seventh_n time_n to_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n they_o general_o agree_v there_o be_v such_o a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o some_o send_v we_o to_o armenia_n for_o it_o some_o to_o greece_n some_o to_o the_o hussites_n some_o to_o a_o invisible_a corner_n some_o to_o a_o cloud_n some_o to_o look_v under_o the_o rubbish_n what_o can_v a_o man_n call_v this_o but_o in_o the_o plain_a man_n phrase_n trifle_a and_o yet_o plain_a as_o he_o be_v he_o stand_v fair_a for_o this_o same_o title_n of_o honour_n he_o have_v so_o bountiful_o bestow_v upon_o other_o for_o as_o other_o so_o he_o tell_v we_o p._n 10._o that_o true_a religion_n shall_v never_o be_v so_o far_o drive_v out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v always_o have_v somewhere_o or_o other_o some_o that_o believe_v and_o profess_v it_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n i_o inquire_v where_o these_o be_v twenty_o year_n before_o the_o pretend_a reformation_n he_o assure_v i_o they_o be_v certain_o in_o the_o world_n some_o where_o or_o other_o great_a satisfaction_n to_o a_o enquirer_n be_v not_o this_o just_a as_o if_o i_o be_v travel_v to_o a_o certain_a town_n as_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o plain_a man_n reply_n p._n 19_o and_o do_v ask_v the_o next_o man_n i_o meet_v which_o be_v the_o right_a way_n he_o tell_v i_o it_o be_v a_o very_a cross-road_n to_o find_v and_o i_o may_v easy_o miss_v it_o but_o say_v he_o though_o i_o can_v direct_v you_o myself_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o man_n live_v in_o that_o village_n who_o know_v every_o step_n so_o exact_o that_o if_o you_o take_v he_o for_o your_o guide_n you_o can_v possible_o be_v mistake_v pray_v say_v i_o at_o what_o house_n do_v this_o honest_a man_n live_v how_o may_v i_o come_v to_o the_o speech_n of_o he_o nay_o say_v he_o i_o know_v nothing_o of_o all_o that_o but_o you_o must_v find_v he_o as_o you_o can_v now_o suppose_v every_o man_n in_o the_o village_n give_v i_o the_o same_o wise_a answer_n what_o a_o admirable_a direction_n will_v this_o prove_v be_v this_o any_o thing_n but_o trifle_a this_o be_v just_a our_o case_n i_o be_o inquire_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a protestant_n church_n before_o luther_n all_o assure_v i_o it_o be_v certain_o in_o the_o world_n but_o when_o i_o come_v to_o ask_v where_o the_o plain_a man_n reply_n be_v some_z where_o or_o other_o misrepr_fw-la though_o they_o do_v agree_v where_o it_o be_v just_a before_o luther_n yet_o all_o agree_v it_o be_v general_o profess_v by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n represent_v then_o i_o see_v we_o must_v despair_v of_o find_v it_o the_o thousand_o year_n before_o luther_n and_o what_o be_v the_o primitive_a church_n we_o will_v inquire_v in_o our_o next_o publish_a with_o allowance_n london_n print_v by_o henry_n hill_n printer_n to_o the_o king_n be_v most_o excellent_a majesty_n for_o his_o household_n and_o chapel_n m_o dc_o lxxx_o vi_o the_o catholic_a representer_n chap._n xi_o a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o constantine_n the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v general_o profess_v among_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o pure_a time_n represent_v we_o be_v now_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o see_v whether_o that_o be_v protestant_n or_o catholic_a but_o we_o must_v first_o know_v how_o many_o year_n or_o age_n you_o will_v allow_v we_o to_o look_v into_o that_o be_v how_o long_o you_o say_v the_o true_a pretestant_n religion_n as_o now_o establish_v be_v profess_v and_o practise_v ancient_o and_o general_o among_o christian_n after_o the_o apostle_n day_n before_o corruption_n creep_v in_o upon_o it_o settle_v this_o point_n and_o then_o we_o will_v proceed_v misrepresent_v if_o you_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n he_o give_v you_o some_o account_n of_o this_o the_o author_n of_o the_o discourse_n concern_v a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n late_o publish_v say_v p._n 15._o for_o authority_n we_o appeal_v to_o the_o best_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o three_o first_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o i_o presume_v by_o he_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v ancient_o and_o general_o profess_v and_o practise_v to_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 400._o calvin_n reynolds_n and_o fulk_n own_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o be_v protestant_n in_o the_o time_n of_o cyprian_a jerom_n austin_n the_o last_o of_o who_o live_v till_o the_o year_n 430._o again_o in_o the_o discourse_n entitle_v papist_n not_o misrepresent_v by_o protestant_n be_v say_v p._n 56._o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n remain_v clear_a and_o strong_a till_o after_o the_o first_o four_o general_n council_n the_o last_o of_o which_o be_v that_o of_o chalcedon_n establish_v in_o england_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n an._n 1_o eliz._n be_v hold_v in_o the_o year_n 450._o so_o that_o i_o may_v allow_v you_o to_o search_v into_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o the_o first_o four_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n for_o so_o long_o i_o question_v not_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v general_o profess_v and_o practise_v and_o that_o religion_n as_o then_o practise_v be_v the_o same_o as_o now_o establish_v by_o law_n here_o in_o england_n and_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n you_o and_o you_o shall_v so_o declaim_v against_o it_o represent_v pardon_v i_o here_o for_o i_o profess_v myself_o to_o have_v so_o great_a a_o veneration_n for_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o i_o resolve_v to_o believe_v as_o that_o believe_v and_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o that_o church_n be_v the_o protestant_a church_n i_o will_v even_o be_v protestant_a to_o morrow_n but_o let_v we_o go_v on_o upon_o our_o enquiry_n you_o say_v you_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v general_o profess_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n for_o the_o first_o four_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n for_o your_o satisfaction_n and_o i_o we_o will_v take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o then_o profess_v and_o that_o we_o may_v proceed_v with_o more_o security_n and_o certainty_n we_o will_v not_o descend_v at_o present_a so_o low_a as_o you_o allow_v but_o look_v at_o it_o as_o it_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a who_o die_v about_o the_o year_n 337._o i_o make_v choice_n of_o this_o time_n because_o this_o be_v the_o first_o 〈◊〉_d that_o give_v liberty_n for_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o establish_v it_o by_o law._n it_o be_v under_o he_o all_o those_o pious_a learned_a and_o holy_a man_n first_o appear_v who_o till_o then_o have_v be_v confine_v by_o cruel_a persecutor_n to_o cave_n rock_n and_o wilderness_n it_o be_v under_o he_o the_o first_o general_n council_n of_o ni●e_n be_v hold_v which_o we_o all_o venerate_a and_o who_o creed_n we_o all_o recite_v and_o assent_v to_o as_o apostolical_a misrepresent_v i_o approve_v the_o circumstance_n for_o if_o ever_o christianity_n be_v pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a it_o must_v certain_o be_v then_o when_o it_o first_o show_v itself_o to_o the_o world_n and_o raise_v up_o its_o head_n from_o under_o perfecution_n and_o now_o you_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o it_o dr._n swadlin_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o 36_o question_n reckon_v this_o emperor_n constantine_n the_o great_a for_o one_o of_o the_o father_n or_o professor_n of_o the_o protestant_a relition_n in_o old_a time_n answ_n 11._o so_o that_o i_o have_v no_o exception_n against_o him._n but_o who_o shall_v give_v we_o the_o account_n of_o the_o religion_n then_o profess_v represent_v even_o the_o father_n or_o professor_n that_o then_o live_v
and_o what_o think_v you_o now_o misrepresenter_n tell_v i_o your_o opinion_n be_v the_o protestant_a religion_n ancient_o and_o general_o profess_v and_o practise_v in_o these_o primitive_a time_n when_o constantine_n govern_v both_o the_o western_a and_o eastern_a world_n do_v the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n practise_v as_o you_o have_v now_o see_v acknowledge_v by_o unquestionable_a authority_n look_v like_o a_o protestant_a church_n if_o you_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o protestant_n tell_v i_o your_o mind_n be_v constantine_n and_o his_o church_n protestant_n or_o no_o misrepresent_v you_o have_v hunt_v out_o for_o all_o the_o superstition_n error_n and_o oversight_n of_o that_o age_n and_o now_o ask_v whether_o the_o professor_n be_v protestant_n and_o i_o answer_v you_o they_o be_v protestant_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o creed_n which_o they_o profess_v though_o not_o as_o to_o their_o oversight_n and_o error_n represent_v that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o plain_a english_a they_o be_v protestant_n as_o the_o papist_n now_o be_v protestant_n any_o honest_a man_n by_o your_o appeal_n to_o and_o pretext_n of_o reformation_n according_a to_o the_o primitive_a time_n will_v have_v expect_v to_o have_v find_v a_o protestant_a religion_n profess_v and_o practise_v in_o those_o time_n as_o it_o be_v now_o here_o in_o this_o nation_n by_o law_n establish_v and_o yet_o when_o we_o have_v take_v a_o prospect_n of_o those_o primitive_a age_n we_o find_v the_o christian_n then_o live_v professor_n of_o no_o other_o protestancy_n than_o such_o as_o be_v see_v practise_v at_o this_o day_n in_o their_o majesty_n chapel_n at_o white-hall_n somerset_n house_n and_o st._n james_n and_o that_o i_o think_v be_v a_o protestancy_n which_o be_v call_v popery_n misrepresent_v why_o in_o our_o reformation_n we_o be_v no_o more_o oblige_v to_o take_v in_o the_o error_n of_o constantine_n be_v time_n than_o those_o corruption_n we_o find_v in_o the_o time_n of_o henry_n 8._o no_o we_o reform_v according_a to_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v no_o other_o rule_n than_o that_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n instruct_v and_o direct_v we_o and_o as_o for_o all_o superstition_n they_o be_v alike_o reject_v by_o we_o though_o some_o have_v antiquity_n to_o plead_v in_o their_o behalf_n represent_v then_o i_o see_v however_o you_o pretend_v your_o reformation_n have_v reduce_v christianity_n to_o that_o state_n as_o it_o be_v profess_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n yet_o when_o we_o come_v to_o look_v into_o those_o time_n think_v to_o find_v a_o flourish_a uncontrole_v protestancy_n general_o and_o public_o profess_v we_o be_v still_o as_o far_o to_o seek_v for_o it_o as_o before_o and_o all_o that_o appear_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o creed_n and_o gospel_n profess_v but_o together_o with_o what_o you_o call_v the_o error_n and_o superstition_n of_o popery_n so_o that_o to_o be_v a_o protestant_n according_a to_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o be_v a_o papist_n certain_o this_o must_v be_v a_o very_a surprise_a disappointment_n to_o some_o to_o find_v constantine_n the_o great_a and_o eusebius_n his_o historian_n to_o be_v such_o kind_n of_o popish_a protestant_n as_o these_o who_o yet_o be_v set_v down_o by_o your_o dr._n swadlin_n as_o the_o ancient_a protestant_n according_a to_o who_o faith_n and_o practice_n the_o present_a reformation_n be_v regulate_v and_o against_o who_o position_n say_v he_o ans_fw-fr 11._o if_o we_o hold_v any_o thing_n name_v it_o we_o answer_v it_o prove_v it_o we_o yield_v so_o that_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o by_o what_o i_o can_v see_v as_o yet_o when_o a_o man_n have_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o look_v back_o to_o those_o primitive_a age_n he_o can_v be_v no_o more_o satisfy_v where_o the_o protestant_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v now_o reform_v be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n than_o when_o luther_n begin_v the_o reformation_n but_o after_o all_o his_o search_n he_o must_v rest_v content_v either_o with_o the_o plain_a man_n reply_n of_o its_o be_v home_o where_o or_o other_o or_o else_o with_o the_o same_o it_o may_v be_v as_o be_v give_v to_o the_o parishioner_n it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_n in_o the_o abassin_n and_o egyptian_a church_n among_o the_o armenian_a christian_n it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v in_o a_o corner_n under_o a_o cloud_n cover_v with_o rubbish_n what_o if_o we_o say_v it_o be_v no_o where_o famil_n discourse_v betwixt_o a_o minister_n and_o parishioner_n p._n 14._o advertisement_n this_o be_v to_o give_v notice_n that_o this_o last_o week_n be_v sound_a here_o in_o london_n several_a good_a protestant_n lie_v concern_v fly_a crab_n see_v in_o the_o chapel_n at_o somersethouse_n and_o of_o the_o parish_n church_n of_o st._n james_n in_o the_o field_n be_v undermine_v by_o the_o papist_n and_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v demolish_v by_o fire-ball_n if_o the_o right_a owner_n will_v appear_v they_o shall_v be_v restore_v to_o they_o without_o cost_n or_o charge_n and_o if_o any_o will_v produce_v they_o they_o shall_v be_v well_o reward_v for_o their_o pain_n publish_a with_o allowance_n publish_a with_o allowance_n print_a by_o henry_n hill_n printer_n to_o the_o king_n be_v most_o excellent_a majesty_n for_o his_o household_n and_o chapel_n mdc_o lxxx_o vi_o the_o catholic_a representer_n chap._n xii_o protestant_n historian_n show_v we_o popery_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n under_o constantine_n but_o no_o protestancy_n the_o christian_n of_o that_o age_n never_o protest_v against_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n profess_o teach_v and_o practise_v in_o those_o time_n therefore_o they_o be_v no_o protestant_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o age_n succeed_v constantine_n represent_v if_o you_o remember_v at_o our_o last_o meeting_n misrepresenter_n we_o be_v look_v back_o into_o the_o primitive_a time_n to_o see_v if_o we_o can_v find_v there_o the_o protestant_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v now_o reform_v general_o profess_v and_o practise_v among_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o pure_a age._n but_o we_o lose_v our_o labour_n and_o all_o the_o hope_v you_o come_v big_a with_o end_v in_o nothing_o but_o a_o disappointment_n misrepresent_v it_o will_v be_v a_o miracle_n indeed_o to_o find_v it_o as_o long_o as_o you_o have_v the_o carry_v and_o management_n of_o the_o light_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o make_v the_o discovery_n represent_v a_o short_a memory_n make_v you_o unreasonable_a have_v you_o forget_v so_o soon_o the_o very_a mean_n and_o method_n by_o which_o we_o enter_v upon_o our_o search_n be_v of_o your_o own_o choice_n at_o least_o by_o approbation_n and_o consent_n our_o business_n be_v to_o make_v enquiry_n after_o the_o protestant_a religion_n we_o agree_v to_o examine_v the_o religion_n practise_v in_o constantine_n time_n who_o as_o your_o dr._n swadlin_n say_v be_v a_o protestant_n and_o in_o who_o time_n according_a to_o your_o divine_n the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v general_o profess_v we_o take_v a_o account_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o that_o age_n from_o eusebius_n a_o protestant_a professor_n too_o if_o you_o credit_v dr._n swadlin_n and_o some_o other_o modern_a protestant_n the_o translation_n of_o eusebias_n we_o make_v use_v of_o be_v do_v by_o a_o protestant_n approve_v and_o publish_v by_o protestant_n and_o print_v at_o cambridge_n anno_fw-la 1683._o a_o protestant_a university_n what_o possible_o can_v be_v fair_a do_v and_o more_o to_o your_o advantage_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o instead_o of_o meeting_n in_o those_o time_n with_o the_o protestant_a religion_n as_o now_o reform_v we_o be_v get_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o good_a catholic_n profess_v and_o practise_v their_o religion_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n pure_a as_o yet_o and_o uncorrupted_a as_o your_o fulk_n and_o calvin_n confess_v and_o such_o as_o you_o under_o the_o specious_a pretext_n of_o reformation_n have_v since_o make_v odious_a and_o criminal_a and_o do_v your_o best_a to_o hiss_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n misrepresent_v the_o reformer_n have_v preserve_v the_o religion_n of_o those_o time_n inviolable_a and_o have_v only_o labour_v to_o purge_v christianity_n of_o the_o error_n then_o or_o since_o that_o time_n bring_v in_o to_o deform_v it_o represent_v this_o be_v the_o proper_a mark_n of_o the_o beast_n never_o a_o reformer_n yet_o even_o from_o arius_n to_o this_o day_n but_o what_o have_v set_v up_o his_o standard_n against_o pretend_a error_n and_o innovation_n and_o this_o be_v the_o stamp_n they_o set_v upon_o every_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o suit_n with_o their_o humour_n fancy_n or_o interest_n the_o reformer_n of_o the_o reformation_n go_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o such_o as_o reform_v again_o upon_o those_o that_o reform_v the_o reformation_n still_o pursue_v this_o method_n till_o at_o last_o they_o have_v
currant_n testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n be_v so_o certain_a and_o evident_a that_o many_o learned_a protestant_n upon_o this_o consideration_n refuse_v to_o stand_v the_o test_n of_o their_o authority_n think_v it_o far_o more_o advantageous_a to_o their_o cause_n to_o give_v they_o a_o general_n disclaim_v hence_o mr._n whitaker_n affirm_v the_o popish_a religion_n to_o be_v patch_v up_o out_o of_o the_o father_n error_n cont._n dur_n l._n 6._o p._n 423._o and_o dr._n humphrey_n most_o severe_o reprehend_v mr._n jewel_n for_o his_o so_o bold_a appeal_n to_o the_o primitive_a father_n affirm_v that_o herein_o mr._n jewel_n give_v the_o papist_n too_o large_a a_o scope_n be_v injurious_a to_o himself_o and_o after_o a_o manner_n spoil_v himself_o and_o the_o church_n misrepres_fw-fr so_o then_o i_o see_v you_o intend_v to_o claim_v the_o father_n not_o only_o of_o constantine_n be_v time_n and_o the_o follow_v age_n as_o abettor_n of_o popery_n but_o likewise_o those_o who_o in_o the_o first_o century_n immediate_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n and_o what_o room_n then_o do_v you_o leave_v for_o protestancy_n repres_fw-fr it_o be_v not_o only_o i_o that_o claim_v they_o but_o even_o the_o protestant_n themselves_z you_o see_v of_o the_o precedent_a age_n such_o who_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o speak_v the_o truth_n make_v a_o surrender_n of_o they_o lay_v aside_o all_o pretension_n either_o to_o they_o or_o their_o doctrine_n and_o when_o they_o have_v disow_v all_o the_o father_n one_o by_o one_o from_o clement_n ignatius_n irenaeus_n who_o live_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o succeed_v they_o in_o their_o function_n to_o s._n jerome_n austin_n leo_n gregory_n the_o last_o of_o which_o survive_v the_o five_o century_n when_o they_o have_v declare_v that_o antichrist_n begin_v his_o reign_n and_o obscure_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n even_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o wonder_v what_o room_n as_o you_o say_v there_o be_v leave_v for_o protestancy_n it_o savour_v something_o of_o a_o mystery_n methinks_v call_v nonsense_n to_o say_v the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v the_o same_o pure_a religion_n as_o be_v ancient_o and_o general_o profess_v among_o the_o father_n and_o christian_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o then_o to_o condemn_v the_o same_o father_n and_o christian_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o be_v infect_v with_o popery_n and_o give_v way_n to_o antichrist_n wherefore_o to_o avoid_v these_o inconvenience_n if_o you_o will_v take_v my_o advice_n misrepresenter_n i_o believe_v you_o have_v better_o pretend_v no_o long_o right_o to_o the_o primitive_a father_n but_o as_o you_o have_v condemn_v the_o eight_o hundred_o year_n next_o before_o the_o reformation_n of_o damnable_a error_n and_o popish_a superstition_n to_o take_v one_o step_n further_o back_o and_o even_o take_v in_o the_o other_o six_o hundred_o year_n too_o and_o so_o condemn_v they_o all_o in_o the_o lump_n from_o christ_n time_n to_o luther_n for_o be_v papist_n and_o popish_o affect_v never_o mince_v the_o matter_n they_o be_v all_o man_n you_o know_v and_o subject_a to_o error_n and_o when_o you_o be_v once_o in_o it_o be_v as_o easy_o condemn_v your_o forefather_n for_o fourteen_o age_n as_o for_o eight_o your_o first_o reforming-apostle_n be_v something_o of_o this_o mind_n and_o think_v it_o no_o more_o difficulty_n to_o censure_n and_o condemn_v the_o primitive_a father_n than_o those_o they_o find_v in_o the_o time_n of_o k._n henry_n 8._o but_z be_v for_o reform_v all_o with_o the_o same_o hand_n harken_v a_o little_a to_o your_o courageous_a luther_n in_o the_o write_n say_v he_o of_o jerome_n there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n and_o sound_v religion_n tertullian_n be_v very_o superstitious_a i_o have_v hold_v origen_n long_o since_o accurse_v of_o chrysostome_n i_o make_v no_o account_n basil_n be_v of_o no_o worth_n he_o be_v whole_o a_o monk_n i_o value_v he_o not_o of_o a_o hair_n cyprian_n be_v a_o weak_a divine_a the_o apology_n of_o philip_n melancthon_n far_o excel_v all_o the_o dostor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o exceed_v even_o austin_n himself_o coll._n man_n c._n de_fw-fr patr._n eccles_n and_o in_o another_o place_n the_o father_n say_v he_o of_o so_o many_o age_n have_v be_v plain_o blind_a and_o most_o ignorant_a in_o the_o scripture_n they_o err_v all_o their_o life-time_n and_o unless_o they_o be_v mend_v before_o their_o death_n they_o be_v neither_o saint_n nor_o pertain_v to_o god_n church_n to._n 2._o l._n de_fw-fr seru._n arbit_n peter_n martyr_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o therefore_o say_v plain_o that_o as_o long_o as_o we_o stand_v to_o council_n and_o father_n we_o shall_v always_o remain_v infect_v with_o the_o same_o error_n viz._n of_o popery_n and_o certain_o misrepresenter_n these_o your_o first_o setter_n up_o for_o reformation_n be_v in_o the_o right_n on_o it_o for_o nothing_o can_v possible_o so_o strengthen_v protestancy_n and_o justify_v the_o separation_n as_o this_o level_a divinity_n for_o your_o go_v by_o half_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n fill_v people_n with_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n whilst_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o professor_n of_o those_o time_n instead_o of_o protestancy_n they_o find_v so_o much_o popery_n among_o they_o publish_a with_o allowance_n print_a by_o henry_n hill_n printer_n to_o the_o king_n be_v most_o excellent_a majesty_n for_o his_o household_n and_o chapel_n m_o dc_o lxxx_o vi_o the_o catholic_a representer_n chap._n xvi_o a_o new_a way_n of_o make_v all_o the_o popish_a say_n of_o the_o primitive_a father_n to_o be_v good_a protestancy_n the_o art_n of_o interpret_n do_v feat_n it_o make_v way_n for_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n represent_v how_o stand_v your_o head_n to_o day_n misrepresenter_n have_v you_o consider_v the_o proposal_n i_o make_v you_o at_o our_o last_o meet_v be_v you_o for_o disclaim_v all_o title_n to_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o huff_v those_o ancient_a father_n as_o luther_n peter_n martyr_n and_o other_o do_v who_o design_v a_o through-reformation_n be_v alike_o for_o call_v those_o great_a doctor_n to_o a_o account_n of_o the_o first_o age_n as_o they_o do_v those_o they_o find_v in_o the_o time_n of_o king_n henry_n 8_o or_o be_v you_o for_o reform_v upon_o these_o first_o reformer_n and_o take_v in_o those_o primitive_a father_n of_o the_o church_n for_o protestant_n which_o they_o cast_v off_o and_o condemn_v for_o papist_n misrepres_fw-fr i_o have_v consider_v this_o matter_n very_o serious_o and_o take_v the_o advice_n of_o friend_n upon_o the_o point_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v short_a with_o you_o i_o value_v no_o more_o the_o say_v of_o luther_n than_o he_o do_v those_o ancient_a father_n who_o he_o condemn_v as_o weak_a divine_n superstitious_a and_o value_v not_o of_o a_o hair._n he_o be_v so_o near_o the_o time_n of_o darkness_n that_o he_o can_v not_o well_o look_v back_o and_o make_v judgement_n of_o any_o thing_n behind_o he_o repres_fw-fr nay_o i_o commend_v you_o in_o this_o it_o be_v only_o just_a to_o serve_v he_o in_o his_o kind_n it_o be_v tertullian_n say_v cur●●nm_fw-la idem_fw-la licet_fw-la marcionitis_n quod_fw-la marcioni_fw-la if_o martion_n have_v rebel_v against_o the_o church_n why_o shall_v his_o follower_n think_v much_o to_o rebel_v against_o he_o and_o since_o luther_n cast_v off_o all_o authority_n and_o value_v not_o the_o write_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n why_o shall_v any_o one_o think_v much_o of_o undervalue_v he_o by_o his_o own_o example_n if_o luther_n can_v so_o easy_o throw_v by_o s._n cyprian_n for_o a_o weak_a divine_a and_o s._n basil_n for_o be_v whole_o a_o monk_n be_v not_o this_o precedent_n enough_o for_o any_o follower_n of_o luther_n to_o cast_v he_o off_o for_o a_o apostate_n friar_n and_o a_o ambitious_a divine_a well_o but_o if_o you_o reform_v upon_o luther_n in_o this_o point_n and_o do_v it_o think_v fit_a with_o he_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n as_o erroneous_a and_o superstitious_a what_o do_v you_o do_v with_o all_o those_o troublesome_a passage_n in_o their_o work_n wherein_o they_o be_v such_o positive_a asserter_n of_o popish_a doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o take_v the_o author_n for_o any_o thing_n but_o papist_n which_o do_v not_o well_o suit_n with_o your_o claim_n to_o they_o as_o protestant_n misrepres_fw-fr pish_o i_o value_v no_o more_o these_o difficulty_n than_o luther_n do_v the_o father_n that_o be_v not_o of_o a_o hair._n if_o the_o first_o reformer_n bid_v their_o eye_n but_o half_a open_a what_o be_v that_o to_o we_o who_o have_v the_o noon-light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v upon_o we_o