Selected quad for the lemma: authority_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
authority_n bishop_n church_n jurisdiction_n 5,357 5 9.3309 5 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
A33943 A modest enquiry, whether St. Peter were ever at Rome, and bishop of that church? wherein, I. the arguments of Cardinall Bellarmine and others, for the affirmative are considered, II. some considerations taken notice of that render the negative highly probable. Care, Henry, 1646-1688. 1687 (1687) Wing C529; ESTC R7012 75,600 120

There are 5 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

express_o tell_v we_o euodius_n be_v its_o first_o bishop_n and_o so_o far_o likewise_o from_o affirm_v that_o st._n peter_n be_v twenty_o five_o year_n bishop_n of_o rome_n that_o he_o do_v not_o say_v he_o be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n at_o all_o but_o only_o that_o peter_n have_v first_o found_v the_o church_n of_o antioch_n go_v to_o rome_n peter_n be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n twenty_o five_o year_n be_v none_o of_o eusebius_n testimony_n there_o be_v not_o a_o syllable_n to_o that_o purpose_n in_o the_o original_a greek_a in_o which_o language_n he_o write_v but_o those_o word_n be_v foist_v into_o the_o latin_a copy_n which_o be_v very_o much_o interpolate_v and_o corrupt_v as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o scaliger_n animadversion_n hence_o that_o learned_a roman_a catholic_n valesius_fw-la 21._o public_o acknowledge_v sciendum_fw-la est_fw-la eusebium_fw-la apostolos_fw-la in_o ordine_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la minime_fw-la numerare_fw-la that_o eusebius_n do_v not_o rank_a the_o apostle_n in_o the_o order_n of_o bishop_n nay_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o those_o ancient_n who_o speak_v of_o peter_n be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n do_v use_v the_o word_n bishop_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n to_o imply_v that_o during_o his_o abode_n there_o which_o upon_o papias_n conjecture_n and_o vulgar_a same_o they_o suppose_v he_o preach_v unto_o and_o take_v care_n of_o that_o church_n for_o the_o same_o person_n do_v no_o less_o affirm_v that_o paul_n also_o be_v bishop_n of_o the_o same_o church_n at_o the_o same_o time_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v but_o in_o such_o a_o large_a sense_n as_o aforesaid_a hence_o ruffinus_n say_v gaudent_fw-la linus_n &_o cletus_n fuerunt_fw-la ante_fw-la clementem_fw-la episcopi_fw-la in_fw-la urbe_fw-la roma_fw-it sed_fw-la superstite_fw-la petro_n videlicet_fw-la ut_fw-la illi_fw-la episcopatus_fw-la curam_fw-la gererent_fw-la iste_fw-la vero_fw-la apostolatus_fw-la impleret_fw-la officium_fw-la linus_n and_o cletus_n be_v bishop_n in_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n before_o clement_n but_o whilst_o peter_n be_v yet_o alive_a they_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o bishop_n and_o he_o attend_v to_o the_o office_n apostolical_a in_o which_o word_n though_o he_o who_o flourish_v towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o century_n take_v for_o grant_v peter_n be_v at_o rome_n yet_o he_o plain_o distinguish_v the_o apostolical_a and_o episcopal_a office_n and_o refer_v they_o not_o to_o one_o but_o several_a person_n and_o so_o deny_v that_o peter_n be_v ever_o bishop_n of_o rome_n name_v two_o other_o who_o govern_v that_o church_n in_o that_o capacity_n during_o his_o life_n time_n let_v we_o consider_v cui_fw-la bono_n bishop_n to_o what_o purpose_n serve_v this_o assignment_n of_o a_o fictitious_a episcopacy_n to_o peter_n whatever_o privilege_n can_v attend_v his_o person_n be_v bestow_v upon_o he_o either_o as_o a_o believe_a disciple_n of_o christ_n or_o as_o a_o apostle_n as_o such_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o as_o such_o he_o be_v command_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n as_o such_o christ_n promise_v to_o build_v the_o church_n on_o the_o faith_n he_o profess_v as_o a_o apostle_n he_o with_o the_o rest_n have_v the_o care_n of_o all_o church_n that_o be_v as_o far_o as_o every_o one_o be_v able_a commit_v unto_o he_o as_o a_o apostle_n he_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o enable_v infallible_o to_o reveal_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n now_o all_o these_o thing_n belong_v to_o he_o as_o a_o believer_n and_o apostle_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o further_a privilege_n can_v accrue_v to_o he_o beside_o as_o bishop_n of_o any_o particular_a place_n be_v it_o either_o antioch_n or_o rome_n if_o the_o romanist_n will_v show_v we_o any_o body_n succeed_v peter_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o extraordinary_a privilege_n before_o mention_v they_o must_v bespeak_v such_o person_n to_o succeed_v he_o in_o his_o apostleship_n and_o not_o in_o his_o pretend_a bishopric_n for_o whatever_o authority_n power_n or_o jurisdiction_n peter_n have_v over_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n or_o whatever_o unerring_a judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n the_o same_o belong_v unto_o he_o as_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n long_o before_o he_o be_v fancy_v to_o have_v be_v the_o bishop_n of_o any_o particular_a place_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o one_o shall_v succeed_v peter_n in_o his_o episcopacy_n why_o not_o much_o more_o necessary_a in_o his_o apostleship_n and_o then_o why_o be_v it_o not_o needful_a that_o paul_n shall_v have_v a_o successor_n as_o well_o as_o peter_n and_o john_n the_o survivor_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o any_o of_o they_o again_o if_o we_o must_v believe_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v peter_n successor_n it_o will_v i_o hope_v not_o be_v unlawful_a to_o inquire_v wherein_o and_o therefore_o i_o demand_v 1._o do_v the_o pope_n succeed_v st._n peter_n in_o all_o that_o he_o have_v in_o commission_n and_o be_v empower_v to_o do_v in_o reference_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v he_o succeed_v he_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o call_n to_o his_o office_n peter_n be_v call_v immediate_o by_o christ_n in_o his_o own_o person_n the_o pope_n be_v elect_v by_o the_o conclave_n of_o cardinal_n concern_v who_o their_o office_n privilege_n power_n and_o right_n to_o choose_v the_o successor_n of_o st._n peter_n there_o be_v not_o one_o syllable_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o any_o monument_n of_o pure_a antiquity_n for_o divers_a hundred_o year_n and_o how_o many_o time_n the_o cardinal_n have_v be_v influence_v by_o powerful_a strumpet_n baronius_n himself_o have_v inform_v we_o and_o how_o much_o in_o latter_a age_n to_o this_o day_n the_o faction_n of_o several_a prince_n prevail_v can_v be_v unknown_a to_o any_o that_o be_v not_o a_o stranger_n to_o history_n and_o the_o modern_a transaction_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o do_v the_o pope_n succeed_v peter_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o personal_a discharge_n of_o his_o office_n and_o employment_n not_o in_o the_o least_o for_o peter_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o his_o commission_n and_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_n of_o his_o lord_n travel_v to_o and_o fro_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o plant_v and_o water_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o patience_n self-denial_n humility_n zeal_n temperance_n and_o meekness_n whereas_o the_o pope_n reign_v at_o rome_n in_o ease_n exalt_v himself_o above_o king_n and_o without_o take_v the_o least_o pain_n in_o his_o own_o person_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n or_o edification_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n 3._o do_v every_o pope_n or_o bishop_n of_o rome_n succeed_v peter_n in_o his_o personal_a qualification_n which_o be_v of_o such_o extraordinary_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o his_o day_n viz._n his_o faith_n love_n holiness_n light_n and_o knowledge_n this_o can_v with_o any_o modesty_n be_v allege_v since_o the_o best_a historian_n of_o the_o roman_a cast_n confess_v many_o pope_n to_o have_v be_v gross_o ignorant_a and_o flagitious_o wicked_a 4._o do_v the_o pope_n succeed_v peter_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o exercise_v his_o care_n and_o authority_n towards_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o little_a as_o in_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n for_o peter_n do_v it_o by_o his_o prayer_n for_o the_o church_n by_o his_o personal_a visitation_n and_o instruction_n of_o they_o by_o his_o write_n divine_o inspire_a for_o their_o direction_n and_o guidance_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o the_o pope_n proceed_v by_o bull_n and_o consistorial_n determination_n execute_v by_o intricate_a process_n and_o officer_n unknown_a not_o only_o to_o peter_n but_o all_o antiquity_n and_o who_o way_n order_n term_n and_o practice_n st._n peter_n himself_o be_v he_o here_o again_o upon_o earth_n will_v as_o little_o understand_v as_o approve_v 5._o do_v the_o pope_n succeed_v peter_n in_o his_o personal_a infallibility_n let_v the_o romanist_n agree_v if_o they_o can_v among_o themselves_o upon_o a_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n or_o do_v he_o succeed_v he_o in_o his_o power_n of_o work_a mirale_n i_o do_v not_o hear_v that_o his_o present_a holiness_n pretend_v to_o that_o talon_n though_o pope_n gregory_n 7._o seem_v to_o have_v have_v some_o inclination_n that_o way_n when_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o scare_v the_o people_n by_o shake_a fire_n out_o of_o his_o sleeve_n as_o cardinal_z benno_n relate_v the_o story_n last_o do_v the_o pope_n succeed_v peter_n in_o the_o doctrine_n that_o he_o teach_v it_o have_v be_v prove_v a_o thousand_o time_n and_o we_o be_v ready_a when_o ever_o call_v upon_o to_o demonstrate_v it_o again_o that_o he_o do_v not_o but_o have_v add_v to_o detract_v from_o and_o many_o way_n pervert_v it_o wherein_o then_o do_v this_o succession_n of_o the_o pope_n to_o peter_n which_o
they_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o consist_v why_o in_o his_o power_n authority_n jurisdiction_n and_o supremacy_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a monarchy_n with_o the_o secular_a advantage_n of_o riches_n honour_n and_o pomp_n that_o attend_v it_o a_o excellent_a contrivance_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o peter_n real_o enjoy_v and_o which_o be_v of_o singular_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o pope_n disclaim_v or_o dare_v not_o pretend_v any_o succession_n unto_o he_o but_o fix_v it_o on_o thing_n wherein_o he_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v but_o which_o vast_o make_v for_o their_o own_o worldly_a interest_n on_o this_o supposititious_a anvil_n do_v they_o forge_v out_o to_o themselves_o a_o monarchy_n direct_v and_o absolute_a in_o ecclesiastical_a thing_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n indirect_a at_o least_o and_o in_o ordine_fw-la ad_fw-la spiritualia_fw-la over_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a diana_n in_o make_v of_o shrine_n for_o which_o the_o main_a business_n and_o livelihood_n of_o many_o thousand_o of_o their_o inferior_a craftsman_n do_v consist_v but_o still_o to_o prove_v peter_n be_v be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n rome_n the_o cardinal_n argue_v from_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o say_v he_o be_v ever_o account_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o other_o but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o but_o because_o st._n peter_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o proper_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o that_o church_n bellarm._n the_o rom._n pontif._n l._n 2._o c._n 4._o for_o answer_v to_o which_o be_v please_v to_o observe_v 1._o what_o a_o pretty_a circle_n be_v here_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o church_n because_o st._n peter_n be_v its_o bishop_n but_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o st._n peter_n be_v its_o bishop_n because_o rome_n be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o church_n risum_fw-la teneatis_fw-la 2._o as_o the_o calling_n peter_n prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v but_o a_o compliment_n for_o though_o some_o of_o the_o four_o century_n call_v he_o so_o yet_o they_o explain_v themselves_o to_o mean_v thereby_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o or_o chief_a in_o order_n as_o a_o chairman_n or_o speaker_n but_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o prince_n or_o ruler_n and_o when_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o the_o word_n begin_v to_o be_v abuse_v unto_o pretension_n of_o preeminence_n the_o council_n of_o carthage_n express_o condemn_v it_o allow_v none_o to_o be_v call_v princeps_fw-la sacerdotum_fw-la the_o prince_n of_o priest_n so_o neither_o be_v it_o true_a that_o rome_n be_v always_o account_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o church_n for_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o mother_n church_n plant_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o person_n and_o his_o twelve_o apostle_n with_o who_o be_v the_o seventy_o disciple_n such_o teacher_n as_o no_o other_o church_n ever_o have_v at_o once_o and_o from_o thence_o the_o gospel_n be_v propagate_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o rome_n itself_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v celebrate_v in_o scripture_n for_o be_v enrich_v with_o all_o utterance_n and_o all_o knowledge_n and_o for_o come_v behind_o in_o no_o gift_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 5_o and_o 7._o the_o church_n of_o the_o ephesian_n for_o i_o think_v that_o place_n may_v much_o more_o just_o be_v restrain_v to_o that_o particular_a church_n than_o it_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o roman_a which_o we_o often_o see_v do_v be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_n be_v commend_v for_o follow_v the_o church_n of_o judea_n not_o that_o of_o rome_n though_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v from_o thence_o 1_o thess_n 2._o 14._o it_o be_v true_a the_o primitive_a church_n of_o rome_n want_v not_o its_o praise_n too_o for_o st._n paul_n faith_n that_o their_o faith_n be_v speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n rom._n 1._o 8._o that_o be_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o place_n far_o distant_a but_o this_o be_v because_o rome_n be_v the_o chief_a city_n of_o the_o empire_n to_o which_o stranger_n from_o all_o part_n do_v daily_o upon_o secular_a occasion_n resort_n their_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v in_o all_o nation_n among_o not_o above_o who_o be_v you_o also_o rom._n 1._o 5_o and_o 6._o but_o what_o be_v this_o commendation_n of_o their_o faith_n then_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o after_o time_n when_o they_o may_v be_v decline_v therein_o for_o that_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n total_o to_o fall_v away_o by_o unbelief_n we_o learn_v from_o the_o same_o apostle_n ch._n 11._o 20._o and_o therefore_o he_o admonish_v they_o not_o to_o be_v high-minded_a but_o fear_v 3._o in_o the_o next_o age_n there_o be_v no_o such_o extraordinary_a account_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n its_o bishop_n by_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n be_v style_v no_o more_o than_o brother_n colleague_n or_o fellow-bishop_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n cyprian_n appeal_n to_o rome_n be_v forbid_v by_o several_a council_n 5._o irenaeus_n bishop_n of_o lion_n one_o of_o the_o early_a of_o the_o father_n for_o he_o flourish_v before_o the_o year_n 200_o sharp_o reprove_v victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n 22._o because_o he_o go_v about_o to_o excommunicate_v the_o eastern_a chruche_n for_o not_o keep_v of_o easter_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n he_o do_v 24._o st._n hierom_n allow_v he_o no_o such_o superiority_n quicunque_fw-la fuerit_fw-la episcopus_fw-la sive_fw-la romae_fw-la sive_fw-la alibi_fw-la ejusdem_fw-la est_fw-la meriti_fw-la &_o sacerdotii_fw-la evagrium_fw-la whosoever_o say_v he_o shall_v be_v a_o bishop_n whether_o of_o rome_n or_o elsewhere_o be_v of_o the_o same_o worth_n the_o same_o priesthood_n nay_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o one_o that_o be_v afterward_o a_o pope_n himself_o i_o mean_v aeneas_n silvius_n 1._o who_o confess_v that_o before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a every_o church_n keep_v to_o itself_o and_o there_o be_v but_o little_a respect_n pay_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o as_o its_o esteem_n at_o first_o begin_v not_o on_o the_o account_n of_o peter_n but_o because_o it_o be_v the_o imperial_a city_n for_o so_o say_v the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n hold_v ann._n 451._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n because_o old_a rome_n be_v the_o imperial_a city_n therefore_o the_o father_n have_v right_o give_v privilege_n to_o that_o see_n so_o the_o reverence_n and_o vogue_n of_o jursdiction_n it_o afterward_o obtain_v be_v by_o the_o favoar_n of_o the_o emperor_n and_o especial_o from_o the_o artifices_fw-la of_o its_o bishop_n improve_n all_o advantage_n and_o make_v use_n of_o many_o very_a carnal_a mean_n very_o well_o know_v and_o therefore_o not_o necessary_a here_o to_o be_v recount_v chap._n iu._n ancient_a author_n allege_v for_o peter_n be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n consider_v as_o papias_n linus_n egesippus_fw-la the_o decretal_a epistle_n etc._n etc._n forgery_n in_o the_o name_n of_o antiquity_n detect_v particalar_o a_o feign_a decretal_a epistle_n from_o clemens_n to_o st._n james_n and_o another_o from_o pope_n cornelius_n about_o remove_v peter_n body_n a_o remarkable_a testimony_n from_o baronius_n although_o i_o have_v go_v through_o cardinal_n bellarmin_n special_a argument_n and_o all_o that_o i_o know_v of_o producible_a by_o any_o of_o the_o romanist_n for_o prove_v peter_n to_o have_v be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n or_o at_o any_o time_n there_o and_o have_v brief_o show_v as_o i_o think_v that_o none_o of_o they_o be_v free_a from_o just_a exception_n nor_o all_o conjoin_v of_o sufficient_a weight_n to_o oblige_v a_o rational_a man_n assent_n much_o less_o such_o a_o firm_a and_o steady_a belief_n as_o be_v requisite_a in_o a_o matter_n so_o high_o concern_v religion_n as_o this_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v yet_o since_o both_o he_o and_o other_o cite_v many_o pretend_a ancient_a author_n as_o give_v suffrage_n in_o favour_n of_o their_o assertion_n i_o hold_v it_o not_o unfit_a to_o inform_v the_o unlearned_a reader_n who_o such_o a_o specious_a parade_n may_v possible_o amuse_v somewhat_o more_o particular_o concern_v the_o same_o 1._o this_o testimony_n be_v it_o never_o so_o numerous_a be_v still_o but_o humane_a and_o so_o can_v i_o conceive_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n 2._o that_o although_o we_o do_v serious_o pay_v a_o just_a reverence_n to_o antiqnity_n yet_o still_o we_o hold_v ourselves_o oblige_v in_o discretion_n to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o pure_a and_o counterfeit_a record_n not_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v betray_v into_o a_o unwary_a prejudicial_a confederacy_n with_o a_o parcel_n of_o neighbour_a
forth_o to_o meet_v we_o etc._n etc._n but_o we_o hear_v not_o a_o word_n of_o peter_n either_o come_v or_o send_v to_o paul_n which_o undoubted_o if_o he_o have_v be_v bishop_n there_o he_o will_v have_v do_v nor_o will_v st._n luke_n have_v neglect_v to_o record_v it_o but_o the_o three_o day_n after_o paul_n send_v for_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o jew_n and_o reason_v with_o they_o about_o the_o faith_n they_o answer_v he_o thus_o we_o will_v hear_v what_o thou_o do_v think_v for_o touch_v this_o sect_n the_o christian_n it_o be_v every_o where_o speak_v against_o and_o when_o at_o a_o day_n appoint_v paul_n have_v preach_v unto_o they_o the_o jew_n fall_v at_o variance_n about_o it_o for_o some_o believe_v and_o some_o believe_v not_o all_o which_o show_v that_o the_o jew_n at_o rome_n have_v hear_v very_o little_a of_o christ_n before_o paul_n arrival_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v if_o peter_n the_o peculiar_a apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n have_v then_o or_o for_o a_o matter_n of_o fourteen_o year_n ever_o since_o the_o second_o of_o claudius_n or_o indeed_o for_o any_o time_n before_o be_v at_o rome_n and_o bishop_n there_o in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o year_n of_o nero_n two_o whole_a year_n nero._n say_v the_o text_n act_v 28._o 30._o paul_n continue_v a_o prisoner_n at_o large_a at_o rome_n after_o his_o come_n thither_o now_o that_o peter_n be_v not_o in_o any_o of_o that_o space_n there_o we_o rational_o conclude_v not_o only_o because_o nicephorus_n l_o 2._o ca._n 3._o say_v that_o during_o all_o that_o time_n st._n paul_n live_v by_o the_o labour_n of_o his_o hand_n whereas_o if_o peter_n have_v be_v there_o in_o his_o pontifical_a dignity_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v cause_v he_o to_o be_v better_o provide_v for_o but_o especial_o for_o that_o in_o the_o several_a epistle_n write_v by_o paul_n from_o thence_o in_o that_o time_n partly_o and_o partly_o perhaps_o some_o time_n after_o for_o how_o much_o long_o he_o continue_v at_o rome_n than_o after_o the_o say_v two_o year_n elapse_v we_o have_v no_o certain_a account_n he_o no_o where_o make_v mention_v of_o peter_n which_o if_o peter_n have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o sovereign_n of_o the_o church_n and_o his_o be_v bishop_n of_o such_o a_o place_n a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n can_v never_o have_v be_v especial_o since_o paul_n have_v often_o very_o just_a occasion_n to_o have_v take_v notice_n thereof_o as_o in_o that_o to_o the_o galatian_n where_o paul_n be_v enforce_v to_o assert_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o apostleship_n which_o some_o seek_v to_o impair_v speak_v much_o of_o the_o former_a acquaintance_n between_o he_o and_o peter_n but_o not_o a_o word_n of_o see_v he_o at_o this_o time_n when_o peter_n testimony_n by_o subscription_n or_o otherwise_o will_v ready_o have_v satisfy_v those_o opposer_n or_o paul_n instead_o of_o all_o the_o argument_n he_o make_v use_v of_o may_v have_v say_v no_o more_o than_o this_o here_o be_v peter_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n bishop_n of_o this_o city_n which_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o eclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n to_o the_o world_n end_n who_o do_v at_o this_o instant_n own_a and_o allow_v my_o apostleship_n and_o give_v i_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n nay_o paul_n in_o these_o epistle_n do_v not_o only_o omit_v to_o mention_n peter_n but_o use_v word_n that_o in_o effect_n deny_v his_o be_v then_o at_o rome_n as_o in_o that_o to_o the_o colossian_n which_o must_v be_v write_v about_o this_o time_n because_o therein_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o demas_n as_o be_v then_o with_o paul_n who_o afterward_o forsake_v he_o as_o appear_v in_o the_o second_o of_o timothy_n have_v tell_v they_o that_o aristarchus_n his_o fellow_n prisoner_n and_o marcus_n sister_n son_n to_o barnabas_n and_o jesus_n call_v justus_n who_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n salute_v they_o colos_n 4._o 10._o &_o 11._o he_o add_v these_o only_o be_v my_o fellow-helper_n which_o i_o understand_v of_o those_o of_o the_o circumcision_n to_o who_o he_o have_v just_a before_o restrain_v his_o speech_n for_o present_o he_o mention_n epaphras_n luke_n and_o demas_n who_o possible_o may_v be_v greek_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n who_o have_v be_v a_o comfort_n unto_o i_o to_o philemon_n he_o send_v salutation_n from_o the_o same_o person_n and_o call_v they_o again_o his_o fellow-labourer_n now_o be_v peter_n suppose_v too_o that_o he_o long_v before_o and_o at_o that_o time_n be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n inferior_a to_o these_o be_v he_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v name_v be_v the_o salutation_n the_o benediction_n of_o the_o apostle_n not_o to_o be_v expect_v at_o my_o first_o defence_n i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v before_o nero_n at_o this_o time_n we_o be_v treat_v of_o say_v the_o same_o apostle_n no_o man_n stand_v with_o i_o but_o all_o man_n forsake_v i_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 16._o can_v we_o imagine_v with_o any_o kind_n of_o sobriety_n that_o peter_n be_v then_o at_o rome_n whether_o st._n paul_n depart_v from_o rome_n immediate_o after_o the_o say_v two_o year_n of_o his_o be_v a_o prisoner_n at_o large_a reign_n be_v not_o specify_v in_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o in_o that_o space_n have_v so_o well_o plant_v the_o gospel_n there_o he_o may_v as_o soon_o as_o opportunity_n will_v admit_v travel_v into_o other_o part_n to_o disseminate_a the_o same_o glad_a tiding_n and_o especial_o in_o spain_n which_o country_n it_o appear_v rom._n 15._o 24._o he_o have_v long_o before_o design_v to_o visit_v some_o author_n say_v that_o not_o only_o he_o but_o st._n peter_n too_o be_v in_o our_o britain_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v as_o true_a as_o that_o peter_n be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n but_o very_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o paul_n do_v again_o return_v to_o rome_n and_o be_v there_o not_o long_o before_o his_o death_n for_o in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n he_o write_v i_o be_o now_o ready_a to_o be_v offer_v and_o the_o time_n of_o my_o departure_n be_v at_o hand_n etc._n etc._n ch._n 4._o 6._o now_o as_o it_o appear_v both_o by_o the_o subscription_n and_o circumstance_n that_o this_o epistle_n be_v date_v from_o rome_n when_o paul_n be_v bring_v that_o be_v in_o danger_n or_o ready_a short_o after_o to_o be_v bring_v before_o nero_n the_o second_o time_n so_o it_o be_v agree_v that_o paul_n suffer_v near_o the_o end_n of_o nero_n reign_n but_o at_o that_o time_n peter_n be_v not_o at_o rome_n for_o paul_n very_o mournful_o complain_v v._o 10._o demas_n have_v forsake_v i_o have_v love_v this_o present_a world_n and_o be_v depart_v into_o thessalonica_n crescens_n to_o galatia_n titus_n into_o dalmatia_n only_a luke_n be_v with_o i_o therefore_o do_v thy_o diligence_n to_o corie_n short_o unto_o i_o and_o bring_v mark_n with_o thou_o for_o he_o be_v profitable_a unto_o i_o for_o the_o ministry_n if_o only_a luke_n be_v with_o he_o at_o rome_n than_o peter_n be_v not_o there_o nor_o do_v we_o hear_v a_o syllable_n of_o his_o two_o pretend_v suffragans_fw-la linus_n and_o cletus_n if_o peter_n have_v be_v there_o at_o that_o time_n what_o need_v of_o such_o earnest_n send_v so_o far_o as_o ephesus_n for_o timothy_n nor_o have_v peter_n be_v at_o rome_n in_o any_o of_o the_o intermediate_n year_n after_o paul_n first_o arrival_n as_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o that_o passage_n in_o tacitus_n where_o relate_v how_o nero_n endeavour_v to_o cast_v the_o odium_n of_o burn_v of_o rome_n which_o happen_v near_o the_o end_n of_o his_o reign_n upon_o the_o christian_n he_o take_v notice_n that_o then_o or_o about_o that_o time_n that_o sect_n have_v begin_v to_o revive_v again_o or_o increase_v more_o than_o for_o some_o year_n before_o which_o may_v well_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o sense_n that_o the_o christian_n who_o during_o paul_n absence_n have_v somewhat_o decline_v do_v now_o at_o his_o return_n begin_v to_o re-flourish_a and_o multiply_v but_o if_o peter_n in_o that_o ten_o year_n space_n or_o thereabouts_o of_o paul_n absence_n have_v be_v at_o rome_n exercise_v his_o episcopacy_n there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o place-for_a that_o observation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n revive_v which_o suppose_v a_o decay_n for_o some_o year_n before_o at_o that_o particular_a juncture_n chap_n vii_o objection_n answer_v and_o one_o argument_n add_v that_o we_o can_v without_o great_a dishonour_n to_o st._n peter_n imagine_v he_o to_o have_v be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o be_v pretend_v to_o avoid_v this_o plain_a deduction_n from_o holy_a scripture_n travel_n cardinal_n bellarmin_n be_v force_v to_o use_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n and_o art_n and_o thus_o at_o
church_n of_o rome_n who_o he_o suppose_v and_o perhaps_o the_o roman_n may_v give_v it_o out_o so_o to_o have_v the_o same_o founder_n every_o country_n almost_o in_o process_n of_o time_n such_o be_v the_o natural_a itch_n of_o ambition_n and_o vainglory_n in_o man_n pretend_v to_o have_v be_v convert_v by_o some_o apostle_n or_o illustrious_a name_n though_o often_o time_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o be_v like_o itself_o by_o very_o mean_a and_o as_o to_o outward_a glory_n or_o fame_n contemptible_a instrument_n but_o from_o this_o testimony_n of_o eusebius_n we_o may_v rational_o collect_v that_o in_o his_o time_n peter_n be_v at_o rome_n be_v but_o a_o dark_a kind_n of_o business_n provable_a only_o by_o report_n and_o such_o odd_a testimony_n of_o a_o few_o obscure_a author_n that_o have_v as_o little_a weight_n as_o clearness_n but_o how_o then_o come_v the_o same_o afterward_o to_o be_v so_o general_o entertain_v and_o believe_v object_n and_o several_a of_o the_o father_n to_o call_v rome_n st._n peter_n chair_n to_o this_o may_v be_v answer_v answer_n that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n after_o constantine_n have_v raise_v they_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o wealth_n and_o reputation_n puff_v up_o with_o ambition_n from_o their_o preside_v over_o the_o imperial_a city_n begin_v to_o aspire_v above_o their_o brethren_n and_o first_o claim_v a_o primacy_n and_o right_n of_o receive_v appeal_n from_o all_o part_n not_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la or_o as_o successor_n to_o st._n peter_n but_o as_o grant_v to_o they_o by_o council_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n forge_v two_o canon_n on_o the_o famous_a nicene_n council_n as_o be_v mention_v before_o but_o find_v themselves_o cut_v short_a and_o balk_v therein_o by_o the_o sagacity_n of_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n they_o cast_v about_o to_o derive_v a_o supremacy_n over_o all_o other_o church_n from_o a_o high_a title_n and_o observe_v peter_n to_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a apostle_n and_o some_o word_n to_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o he_o by_o our_o saviour_n that_o may_v colourable_o be_v wrest_v to_o intimate_v as_o if_o he_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o superiority_n over_o or_o great_a privilege_n than_o the_o rest_n they_o will_v have_v it_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o founder_n of_o their_o church_n and_o though_o sometime_o they_o join_v paul_n with_o he_o because_o the_o scripture_n give_v such_o illustrious_a testimony_n of_o his_o pain_n there_o yet_o for_o the_o most_o part_n peter_n without_o the_o least_o countenance_n from_o but_o rather_o against_o the_o tenor_n of_o scripture_n have_v the_o great_a vogue_n and_o preference_n and_o know_v the_o mobile_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v deceive_v with_o name_n and_o title_n and_o apt_a to_o frame_v idea_n of_o thing_n past_a from_o what_o appear_v at_o present_a they_o give_v out_o that_o he_o be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o this_o purpose_n they_o press_v all_o the_o fragment_n of_o antiquity_n into_o the_o service_n papias_n conjecture_n be_v make_v a_o authentic_a proof_n and_o this_o say_n of_o eusebius_n and_o his_o hearsays_a must_v pass_v for_o undoubted_a evidence_n yet_o not_o therewith_o content_a abundance_n of_o other_o write_n be_v counterfeit_v under_o ancient_a venerable_a name_n as_o i_o make_v appear_v before_o and_o thus_o in_o short_a time_n the_o story_n may_v gain_v credit_n and_o whenever_o any_o of_o the_o father_n though_o unwary_o deceive_v by_o a_o spurious_a tradition_n or_o the_o common_a vogue_n not_o think_v it_o perhaps_o a_o matter_n much_o worth_a inquire_v into_o as_o not_o dream_v what_o strange_a inference_n will_v thence_o be_v make_v in_o after_o time_n speak_v thereof_o in_o a_o stile_n accommodate_v to_o vulgar_a opinion_n and_o call_v rome_n st._n peter_n chair_n or_o her_o bishop_n peter_n successor_n this_o be_v file_v as_o a_o fresh_a testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v once_o gain_v this_o point_n that_o it_o be_v believe_v that_o peter_n preach_v at_o rome_n which_o they_o call_v his_o be_v bishop_n there_o they_o proceed_v further_o to_o pretend_v that_o not_o only_a peter_n have_v a_o sovereign_a power_n confer_v upon_o he_o but_o that_o the_o same_o be_v derive_v to_o they_o as_o his_o successor_n and_o so_o thou_o be_v peter_n i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o key_n i_o have_v pray_v for_o thou_o here_o be_v two_o sword_n etc._n etc._n become_v sufficient_a argument_n both_o that_o peter_n be_v prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n vicar_n of_o christ_n and_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o that_o he_o be_v so_o dignify_v and_o bishop_n of_o rome_n all_o the_o succeed_a bishop_n of_o that_o see_v be_v his_o successor_n must_v be_v invest_v with_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o other_o church_n and_o be_v infallible_a and_o the_o only_a catholic_n church_n that_o the_o pope_n have_v a_o direct_a sovereignty_n over_o all_o the_o world_n in_o spiritual_n and_o indirect_a in_o ordine_fw-la ad_fw-la spiritualia_fw-la etc._n etc._n all_o which_o be_v close_o and_o vigorous_o though_o gradual_o pursue_v in_o ignorant_a ture_n and_o especial_o after_o the_o roman_a bishop_n by_o the_o favour_n of_o p●●cas_n the_o traitor_n have_v gain_v the_o title_n of_o universal_a and_o a_o ascendent_n over_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n when_o every_o thing_n tend_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o advantage_n of_o that_o see_v meet_v with_o encouragement_n and_o the_o roman_a bishop_n only_o be_v capable_a of_o bestow_v preferment_n and_o all_o be_v snib_v and_o crush_v that_o dare_v offer_v any_o thing_n that_o displease_v they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o for_o many_o age_n scarce_o any_o at_o least_o who_o write_n yet_o remain_v for_o we_o know_v who_o have_v then_o the_o keep_n of_o all_o library_n dare_v open_o controvert_v or_o deny_v st._n peter_n be_v at_o rome_n and_o bishop_n there_o since_o this_o be_v a_o blow_n at_o the_o root_n and_o strike_v effectual_o at_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n infallibility_n and_o other_o pompous_a claim_n which_o be_v all_o found_v on_o that_o pretence_n touch_v which_o what_o need_v i_o say_v more_o but_o brief_o sum_v up_o the_o state_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n if_o st._n peter_n be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n or_o so_o much_o as_o ever_o there_o be_v not_o provable_a by_o scripture_n nor_o any_o other_o convince_v argument_n but_o whatever_o can_v be_v say_v for_o it_o be_v easy_o answer_v and_o render_v not_o so_o much_o as_o probable_a if_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o story_n be_v at_o open_a war_n and_o contradiction_n in_o the_o circumstance_n yet_o all_o pretend_v to_o a_o most_o punctual_a exactness_n and_o the_o learned_a and_o most_o subtle_a advocate_n of_o the_o party_n sweat_v in_o vain_a to_o invent_v even_o so_o much_o as_o colour_n to_o reconcile_v they_o if_o from_o scripture_n and_o history_n and_o a_o due_a comparison_n of_o all_o circumstance_n it_o be_v improbable_a to_o the_o high_a degree_n that_o ever_o peter_n be_v at_o rome_n much_o more_o that_o he_o be_v bishop_n thereof_o if_o the_o story_n depend_v on_o counterfeit_n author_n or_o such_o as_o just_o be_v of_o little_a credit_n and_o abundance_n of_o shameful_a forgery_n have_v be_v invent_v and_o make_v use_n of_o to_o support_v it_o if_o it_o be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o st._n peter_n memory_n to_o assert_v it_o in_o fine_a if_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a task_n to_o apprehend_v and_o show_v by_o what_o method_n and_o degree_n it_o may_v be_v advance_v to_o popular_a credit_n and_o for_o what_o end_v if_o i_o say_v all_o this_o be_v make_v appear_v and_o how_o far_o this_o brief_a disquisition_n may_v be_v satisfactory_a that_o way_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o judicious_a unbigotted_a peruser_n and_o posterity_n to_o determine_v i_o conceive_v the_o old_a outcry_n of_o great_a be_v diana_n of_o the_o ephesian_n the_o no●●e_n of_o st._n peter_n chair_n and_o peter_n successor_n will_v henceforth_o abate_v so_o newhat_o of_o its_o influence_n or_o indeed_o signify_v very_o little_a unless_o it_o be_v to_o expose_v their_o confidence_n that_o use_v it_o however_o if_o any_o shall_v still_o be_v amuse_v and_o prevail_v upon_o by_o those_o empty_a sound_n and_o vnravelled_a charm_n i_o may_v perhaps_o admire_v their_o faith_n or_o rather_o pity_v their_o weak_a credulity_n but_o must_v crave_v leave_n to_o say_v that_o till_o my_o reason_n be_v better_a satisfy_v which_o with_o the_o uttermost_a diligence_n and_o impartiality_n i_o have_v endeavour_v it_o shall_v have_v no_o room_n in_o my_o creed_n and_o so_o reader_n farewell_n finis_fw-la a_o end_n of_o controversy_n desirable_a by_o what_o obstruct_a the_o occasion_n of_o this_o discourse_n discourse_n
under_o the_o title_n of_o a_o collection_n of_o council_n and_o decretal_a epistle_n pretend_v to_o be_v make_v by_o isidore_n bishop_n of_o hispalis_n that_o be_v sevil_n in_o spain_n with_o a_o preface_n in_o his_o name_n wherein_o he_o declare_v that_o he_o collect_v the_o same_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o fourscore_o bishop_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v counterfeit_n to_o make_v the_o piece_n uniform_a not_o only_o the_o material_n be_v forgery_n but_o the_o collection_n itself_o and_o its_o author_n be_v counterfeit_v for_o although_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n and_o of_o eminent_a note_n in_o the_o church_n as_o isidore_n bishop_n of_o sevil_n yet_o he_o can_v not_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o collection_n and_o preface_n as_o be_v prove_v at_o large_a by_o blondel_n in_o his_o book_n entitle_v pseudo-isidorns_a or_o turrianus_n vapulans_fw-la where_o 2._o he_o observe_v that_o those_o that_o write_v of_o isidore_n death_n at_o high_a fix_v it_o on_o the_o year_n 647._o as_o vasaeus_n in_o his_o chronicle_n other_o on_o the_o year_n 643._o as_o 18._o rodericus_fw-la toletanus_n or_o on_o the_o year_n 635._o as_o the_o proper_a office_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o spain_n or_o last_o on_o the_o year_n 636._o as_o redemptus_fw-la diaconus_fw-la who_o say_v he_o be_v himself_o a_o eye-witness_n of_o isidore_n death_n and_o with_o who_o agree_v baronius_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o best_a learned_a romanist_n so_o that_o the_o same_o be_v the_o common_a opinion_n now_o this_o counterfeit_a isidore_n that_o be_v the_o prefacer_n in_o isidore_n name_n before_o this_o collection_n make_v mention_n of_o pope_n agatho_n who_o come_v not_o into_o the_o chair_n until_o the_o year_n 679._o pontif._n which_o must_v be_v about_o 40._o year_n after_o isidore_n death_n follow_v which_o of_o the_o before-cited_n author_n you_o please_v and_o talk_v of_o the_o 6_o ecumenical_a council_n which_o be_v the_o 3_o of_o constantinople_n hold_v an._n dom._n 681._o nay_o write_v of_o boniface_n of_o mentz_n slay_v as_o baronius_n observe_v in_o the_o year_n 755_o long_o after_o himself_o be_v in_o his_o grave_n hence_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o can_v agree_v about_o this_o author_n surname_n some_o call_v he_o isidore_n pacensis_n other_o isidore_z mercator_n apr._n the_o merchant_n and_o other_o isidore_z peccator_fw-la the_o sinner_n which_o addition_n they_o say_v he_o assume_v out_o of_o humility_n beside_o soon_o after_o the_o say_a collection_n peep_v abroad_o not_o only_a hincmarus_n archbishop_n of_o rheims_n one_o of_o the_o learnede_a man_n of_o that_o time_n write_v against_o it_o but_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o french_a bishop_n about_o the_o year_n 865_o oppose_v it_o allege_v that_o isidore_n ware_n than_o new_o begin_v to_o be_v sell_v can_v not_o have_v the_o force_n of_o canon_n 5._o because_o they_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o authentic_a code_n or_o book_n of_o canon_n former_o know_v bellarmin_n confess_v 14._o that_o error_n be_v creep_v into_o these_o epistle_n and_o that_o he_o dare_v not_o say_v they_o be_v indubitable_a yet_o hope_n to_o excuse_v all_o by_o say_v that_o he_o doubt_v not_o at_o all_o but_o they_o be_v very_o ancient_a but_o what_o import_v it_o how_o old_a they_o be_v if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o old_a as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v nor_o write_v by_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v as_o if_o a_o old_a deed_n be_v call_v into_o question_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n make_v undeniable_a that_o it_o be_v a_o forgery_n he_o that_o hold_v his_o possession_n by_o it_o shall_v say_v it_o have_v be_v interline_v indeed_o and_o corrupt_v in_o many_o place_n nor_o be_v it_o sign_v or_o seal_v by_o the_o person_n that_o be_v name_v a_o party_n thereunto_o nor_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o same_o witness_n but_o yet_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v credit_v it_o in_o favour_n of_o my_o title_n for_o i_o be_o confident_a it_o be_v very_o old_a who_o will_v not_o smile_v at_o such_o a_o advocate_n baronius_n who_o see_v more_o clear_o through_o the_o imposture_n and_o how_o much_o dishonour_n such_o a_o heap_n of_o forgery_n detect_v in_o this_o learned_a age_n will_v reflect_v on_o the_o contriver_n and_o abetter_n acknowledge_v 8._o that_o this_o compilement_n be_v false_o father_v upon_o isidore_n of_o hispalis_n and_o that_o all_o those_o epistle_n of_o the_o roman_a bishop_n from_o st._n peter_n down_o to_o siricius_n that_o be_v till_o the_o year_n 387._o be_v just_o suspect_v nay_o he_o call_v they_o infirm_a adventitious_a and_o late_o invent_v and_o to_o remove_v the_o scandal_n of_o forge_v they_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n tell_v we_o they_o be_v first_o bring_v out_o of_o spain_n into_o france_n by_o one_o riculphus_fw-la in_o the_o time_n of_o charlemaigne_n that_o none_o say_v he_o may_v slanderous_o say_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n feign_v they_o but_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v first_o start_v in_o spain_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v still_o not_o unjusty_a labounr_n under_o a_o suspicion_n of_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o intrigue_n if_o we_o consider_v first_o that_o the_o main_a drift_n of_o these_o epistle_n be_v to_o advance_v her_o honour_n now_o if_o as_o most_o plain_a it_o be_v they_o be_v forge_v cui_fw-la bono_n who_o shall_v do_v it_o but_o they_o who_o interest_n alone_o be_v thereby_o promote_v two_o that_o when_o hincmarus_n oppose_v they_o he_o be_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n so_o rigorous_o deal_v with_o that_o it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v force_v to_o retract_v three_o that_o when_o benedictus_n levita_n have_v out_o of_o they_o extract_v canon_n be_v conscious_a how_o weak_a their_o credit_n be_v he_o sue_v and_o easy_o obtain_v to_o have_v the_o same_o confirm_v by_o the_o pope_n authority_n 7._o so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o original_o underhand_a his_o holiness_n natural_a child_n they_o thenceforth_o at_o least_o become_v his_o by_o adoption_n thus_o much_o touch_v the_o author_n of_o this_o collection_n and_o indeed_o to_o show_v the_o epistle_n themselves_o to_o be_v forgery_n or_o of_o no_o credit_n we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o have_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v hand_v into_o the_o world_n by_o a_o counterfeit_n for_o what_o need_v false_a light_n where_o the_o ware_n be_v not_o braid_v why_o a_o vizard_n in_o a_o affair_n otherwise_o so_o safe_a and_o honourable_a if_o no_o ill_a intrigue_n on_o foot_n however_o i_o will_v add_v some_o further_a reason_n take_v from_o the_o subject_a matter_n phrase_n absurdity_n and_o late_o appear_v of_o these_o epistle_n which_o to_o i_o be_v invincible_a argument_n that_o they_o be_v altogether_o spurious_a 1._o as_o to_o their_o matter_n or_o content_n forgery_n they_o purport_v to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o most_o primitive_a age_n some_o of_o they_o whilst_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n at_o least_o st._n john_n be_v yet_o alive_a by_o holy_a man_n zealous_a of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n live_v under_o affliction_n and_o dreadful_a persecution_n scarce_o one_o of_o they_o but_o be_v a_o martyr_n for_o the_o gospel_n now_o if_o such_o man_n have_v indeed_o leave_v behind_o they_o any_o letter_n or_o write_a memoir_n survive_v the_o fury_n of_o their_o pagan_a enemy_n to_o our_o time_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o we_o shall_v there_o find_v the_o sweet_a breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n god_n infinite_a love_n to_o miserable_a mankind_n manifest_v in_o the_o incarnation_n and_o suffer_v of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n for_o their_o redemption_n and_o the_o term_n of_o the_o salvation_n thereby_o purchase_v free_o offer_v to_o sinner_n we_o shall_v observe_v the_o most_o press_a exhortation_n to_o repentance_n holiness_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n the_o grand_a concernment_n of_o religion_n faith_n in_o christ_n mortification_n self-denial_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o outward_a grandeurs_fw-fr and_o such_o like_v true_o christian_a duty_n every_o where_o serious_o inculcate_v but_o of_o all_o this_o in_o these_o epistle_n there_o be_v altum_fw-la silentium_fw-la their_o drift_n look_v not_o that_o way_n they_o forget_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o time_n handle_v nothing_o of_o doctrine_n nothing_o of_o the_o necessary_a office_n of_o the_o minister_n nor_o main_a duty_n of_o christian_a people_n nor_o indeed_o any_o thing_n else_o suitable_a unto_o that_o age_n or_o much_o worth_a consideration_n for_o their_o main_a business_n every_o where_o appear_v to_o be_v by_o wrest_v of_o scripture_n falsify_v story_n and_o other_o indirect_a mean_n to_o advance_v and_o lend_v colour_n to_o the_o support_v or_o spread_v the_o honour_n the_o pomp_n and_o empire_n of_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n thus_o anacletus_fw-la in_o his_o first_o epistle_n be_v bring_v in_o gloss_v those_o word_n of_o christ_n upon_o this_o rock_n