Selected quad for the lemma: authority_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
authority_n church_n scripture_n true_a 13,977 5 5.9688 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
A35026 The naked truth, or, The true state of the primitive church by an humble moderator. Croft, Herbert, 1603-1691. 1675 (1675) Wing C6970; ESTC R225557 74,185 74

There are 11 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

who_o i_o can_v more_o ready_o submit_v than_o to_o st._n austin_n a_o person_n of_o wonderful_a sharpness_n in_o understanding_n and_o yet_o of_o great_a modesty_n no_o way_n affect_v to_o take_v new_a opinion_n much_o less_o to_o impose_v they_o no_o other_o now_o i_o pray_v consider_v how_o can_v we_o have_v assurance_n of_o any_o doctrine_n he_o deliver_v more_o than_o another_o i_o mean_v assurance_n from_o his_o own_o authority_n or_o reason_n what_o he_o deliver_v from_o scripture_n authority_n be_v another_o matter_n we_o believe_v st._n austin_n err_v in_o some_o thing_n whereof_o he_o be_v most_o confident_a he_o believe_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o child_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o i_o say_v he_o believe_v it_o a_o direct_a heresy_n to_o hold_v there_o be_v any_o antipode_n lactantius_n another_o great_a wit_n and_o great_a scholar_n believe_v the_o like_a with_o divers_z other_o who_o then_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o other_o thing_n also_o wherefore_o let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o all_o man_n liar_n in_o this_o sense_n to_o deliver_v lie_v material_o that_o be_v falsity_n for_o truth_n what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o father_n must_v certain_o hold_v good_a of_o counsel_n also_o though_o ever_o so_o general_a ever_o so_o primitive_a for_o this_o and_o that_o father_n may_v and_o have_v err_v sure_o then_o that_o and_o that_o may_v also_o err_v i_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n in_o man_n nor_o can_v i_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n in_o men._n the_o general_a objection_n make_v against_o this_o be_v the_o promise_n which_o christ_n make_v unto_o his_o church_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o the_o apostle_n unto_o the_o world_n end_n as_o for_o that_o other_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n he_o that_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n i_o can_v but_o wonder_v that_o man_n of_o any_o brain_n or_o modesty_n shall_v so_o gross_o abuse_v this_o say_n speak_v of_o several_a difference_n between_o man_n and_o man_n to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o termination_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o they_o usual_o and_o by_o order_n shall_v assemble_v in_o and_o refer_v this_o to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n not_o in_o the_o least_o point_a at_o there_o wherefore_o i_o pass_v this_o over_o as_o very_o impertinent_a and_o proceed_v to_o answer_v the_o former_a objection_n of_o more_o weight_n yet_o no_o way_n conclude_v as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o no_o man_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n can_v more_o firm_o believe_v than_o i_o do_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o that_o christ_n will_v be_v with_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v nor_o be_o i_o bind_v by_o scripture_n to_o believe_v such_o exposition_n as_o the_o popish_a church_n make_v of_o this_o place_n by_o what_o authority_n do_v the_o romish_a church_n challenge_v to_o themselves_o to_o be_v expositor_n of_o scripture_n more_o than_o other_o church_n i_o find_v nothing_o for_o it_o in_o scripture_n which_o be_v my_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o proceed_v then_o to_o the_o business_n of_o general_a counsel_n whether_o they_o may_v err_v in_o some_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o why_o not_o all_o the_o evangelical_n doctor_n grant_v the_o late_a general_a counsel_n have_v err_v if_o so_o why_o not_o the_o former_a what_o promise_n have_v the_o former_a from_o christ_n more_o than_o the_o late_a what_o period_n be_v there_o set_v in_o scripture_n for_o their_o not_o err_v or_o what_o promise_n be_v there_o at_o all_o for_o any_o not_o to_o err_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n i_o grant_v what_o be_v this_o to_o a_o general_n council_n not_o the_o thousand_o part_n of_o the_o clergy_n not_o the_o thousand_o thousand_o part_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v scripture_n be_v always_o put_v for_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o faithful_a though_o of_o late_o it_o be_v translate_v into_o quite_o another_o notion_n and_o take_v for_o the_o clergy_n only_o but_o you_o will_v say_v a_o general_n council_n be_v the_o representative_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n what_o then_o what_o promise_n be_v make_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o representative_a shall_v not_o err_v you_o further_o urge_v if_o the_o representative_a err_v it_o be_v probable_a the_o whole_a church_n will_v receive_v their_o error_n i_o answer_v we_o be_v now_o treat_v of_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o must_v not_o depend_v on_o humane_a probability_n but_o divine_a certainty_n beside_o it_o be_v not_o so_o probable_a the_o church_n will_v receive_v the_o error_n of_o the_o representative_a we_o know_v the_o whole_a church_n have_v not_o receive_v a_o truth_n determine_v by_o they_o much_o loss_n a_o error_n and_o i_o pray_v have_v not_o counsel_n be_v against_o counsel_n put_v then_o the_o case_n a_o general_n council_n shall_v err_v in_o some_o matter_n you_o can_v therefore_o say_v the_o whole_a church_n have_v err_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n have_v prevail_v against_o the_o church_n i_o pray_v consider_v can_v you_o true_o say_v the_o great_a turk_n have_v prevail_v against_o the_o christian_a army_n because_o he_o have_v kill_v the_o thousand_o part_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o the_o great_a general_n council_n hold_v a_o less_o proportion_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o i_o will_v grant_v yet_o more_o put_v the_o case_n the_o whole_a church_n shall_v deviate_v into_o some_o erroneous_a superstition_n have_v the_o devil_n therefore_o prevail_v against_o it_o can_v i_o say_v i_o have_v prevail_v against_o another_o man_n because_o i_o give_v he_o some_o slight_a hurt_n in_o his_o leg_n or_o thigh_n as_o long_o as_o his_o head_n his_o heart_n his_o arm_n be_v whole_a he_o still_o be_v able_a to_o fight_v and_o wound_v i_o as_o bad_a or_o worse_o till_o the_o devil_n can_v so_o wound_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o destroy_v the_o vital_n the_o fundamental_o and_o make_v it_o no_o church_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v prevail_v against_o it_o now_o god_n be_v bless_v there_o have_v continue_v all_o along_o several_a church_n as_o great_a or_o great_a than_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o have_v still_o maintain_v in_o defiance_n of_o satan_n one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o several_a other_o sound_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n how_o then_o have_v satan_n prevail_v when_o so_o many_o million_o have_v wage_v war_n against_o he_o and_o uphold_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o christ_n the_o scripture_n plain_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o anti-christ_n great_a power_n the_o church_n shall_v be_v drive_v into_o the_o wilderness_n scarce_o visible_a in_o the_o world_n neither_o pope_n nor_o devil_n have_v yet_o so_o prevail_v but_o as_o then_o christ_n shall_v have_v so_o christ_n have_v still_o have_v a_o church_n war_a against_o satan_n sure_o no_o learned_a papist_n will_v deny_v but_o that_o about_o the_o second_o century_n the_o millenaries_n be_v far_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n scarce_o any_o write_a doctor_n in_o those_o day_n but_o have_v this_o error_n do_v satan_n then_o prevail_v and_o in_o st._n augustine_n day_n the_o necessity_n of_o infant_n receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n be_v so_o general_a and_o hold_v so_o necessary_a a_o principle_n that_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o infant_n baptism_n this_o sacrament_n be_v to_o precede_v the_o other_o in_o those_o day_n a_o lantern_n will_v have_v be_v necessary_a to_o find_v out_o a_o church_n without_o this_o error_n do_v satan_n then_o prevail_v but_o say_v you_o no_o general_n council_n determine_v those_o error_n why_o because_o none_o be_v call_v about_o they_o have_v any_o be_v call_v who_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o will_v have_v avow_v that_o in_o the_o council_n which_o they_o all_o teach_v in_o their_o church_n no_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v have_v preserve_v they_o from_o it_o show_v i_o that_o promise_n in_o scripture_n if_o god_n spirit_n do_v not_o preserve_v they_o from_o teach_v the_o whole_a church_n so_o i_o fear_v the_o spirit_n will_v not_o have_v preserve_v they_o more_o in_o council_n than_o in_o congregation_n where_o all_o suck_a in_o this_o error_n from_o their_o infancy_n will_v hardly_o have_v quit_v it_o by_o a_o determination_n in_o council_n i_o humble_o crave_v pardon_n for_o this_o bold_a presumption_n be_v lead_v into_o it_o
particular_n and_o you_o will_v find_v a_o small_a remainder_n that_o preach_v pious_o and_o edify_v also_o very_o few_o to_o equal_a the_o compiler_n of_o our_o homily_n and_o then_o calm_o consider_v the_o great_a use_n yea_o the_o great_a necessity_n of_o such_o homily_n but_o if_o you_o can_v furnish_v all_o our_o church_n with_o pious_a discreet_a edify_a preach_a pastor_n i_o be_o abundant_o satisfy_v and_o do_v you_o seal_v up_o the_o book_n of_o homily_n till_o a_o new_a dearth_n of_o spiritual_a food_n which_o god_n in_o his_o great_a mercy_n prevent_v amen_n concern_v bishop_n and_o priest_n whoever_o unbiased_a read_v the_o scripture_n thence_o proceed_v to_o the_o first_o christian_n writer_n and_o so_o go_v on_o from_o age_n to_o age_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o church_n be_v always_o govern_v by_o bishop_n that_o be_v by_o one_o elder_a or_o presbyter_n or_o precedent_n or_o what_o else_o you_o please_v to_o call_v he_o set_v over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n with_o authority_n to_o ordain_v to_o exhort_v to_o rebuke_n to_o judge_n and_o censure_n as_o he_o find_v cause_n no_o other_o form_n of_o government_n be_v mention_v by_o any_o authority_n for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n from_o the_o apostle_n downward_o now_o who_o can_v in_o reason_n and_o modesty_n suspect_v those_o primitive_a bishop_n who_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n choose_v by_o they_o into_o the_o church_n succeed_v they_o in_o church_n government_n yea_o and_o in_o martyrdom_n also_o for_o the_o faith_n as_o clemens_n ignatius_n polycarpus_n and_o other_o who_o i_o say_v can_v suspect_v they_o to_o be_v prevaricator_n in_o church_n discipline_n and_o take_v upon_o they_o another_o form_n of_o episcopal_a government_n contrary_a to_o apostolican_n institution_n these_o great_a master_n of_o self-denial_n who_o give_v their_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n will_v they_o transmit_v unto_o posterity_n a_o church_n government_n contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n let_v who_o will_v believe_v it_o i_o can_v neither_o believe_v it_o nor_o suspect_v it_o and_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o thing_n very_o observable_a that_o all_o the_o orthodox_n church_n disperse_v all_o the_o world_n over_o some_o part_n have_v no_o correspondence_n at_o all_o with_o the_o other_o by_o reason_n of_o distance_n some_o by_o war_n divide_v and_o make_v cruel_a enemy_n yet_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o form_n of_o government_n and_o not_o only_o the_o orthodox_n but_o also_o the_o schismatic_n and_o heretic_n who_o separate_v from_o hate_a and_o persecute_v the_o orthodox_n church_n they_o likewise_o retain_v still_o this_o form_n of_o government_n as_o if_o all_o be_v of_o necessity_n compel_v to_o acknowledge_v this_o have_v never_o know_v hear_v nor_o dream_v of_o other_o and_o therefore_o nothing_o but_o necessity_n if_o that_o can_v excuse_v those_o who_o first_o set_v up_o another_o form_n of_o government_n to_o their_o own_o master_n let_v they_o stand_v or_o fall_v i_o will_v not_o presume_v to_o censure_v they_o i_o will_v only_o say_v that_o from_o the_o begin_n it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o i_o thank_v god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o we_o but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n so_o it_o be_v now_o with_o we_o and_o ever_o shall_v be_v i_o trust_v in_o god_n amen_o but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o any_o distinct_a superior_a order_n from_o and_o above_o the_o presbyter_n or_o one_o of_o the_o same_o order_n set_v over_o the_o rest_n with_o power_n to_o ordain_v elder_n to_o exhort_v rebuke_n chastise_v as_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v constitute_v by_o st._n paul_n for_o though_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o the_o other_o elder_n and_o pastor_n yet_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o some_o to_o be_v place_v with_o great_a authority_n to_o rule_v over_o the_o rest_n the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v several_a seduce_a teacher_n lead_v the_o people_n into_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o more_o be_v to_o follow_v after_o the_o apostle_n time_n grievous_a wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o pick_v out_o some_o of_o eminent_a soundness_n in_o faith_n and_o godliness_n of_o life_n and_o set_v they_o up_o on_o high_a with_o great_a authority_n as_o fix_v star_n in_o the_o heaven_n so_o style_v revel_v 1._o to_o who_o all_o may_v have_v regard_n in_o dangerous_a time_n as_o mariner_n observe_v in_o their_o seafaring_a journey_n but_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o express_v any_o distinction_n of_o order_n among_o the_o elder_n we_o find_v there_o but_o two_o order_n mention_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n of_o deacon_n we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o order_n of_o bishop_n and_o priest_n which_o the_o scripture_n distinguish_v not_o for_o there_o we_o find_v but_o one_o kind_n of_o ordination_n then_o certain_o but_o one_o order_n for_o two_o distinct_a order_n can_v be_v confer_v in_o the_o same_o instant_n by_o the_o same_o word_n by_o the_o same_o action_n they_o who_o think_v deaconship_n and_o priesthood_n distinct_a the_o one_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o other_o though_o they_o intend_v in_o the_o same_o hour_n to_o consecrate_v the_o same_o man_n deacon_n and_o priest_n do_v they_o not_o first_o complete_a he_o deacon_n than_o priest_n i_o pray_v let_v any_o man_n show_v i_o from_o scripture_n as_o i_o say_v timothy_n or_o titus_n or_o any_o one_o ordain_v twice_o make_v first_o priest_n than_o bishop_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a if_o they_o be_v distinct_a character_n and_o it_o be_v general_o affirm_v though_o i_o humble_o conceive_v they_o scarce_o understand_v what_o they_o affirm_v i_o mean_v they_o understand_v not_o what_o these_o character_n be_v whether_o greek_a hebrew_n or_o arabic_a or_o what_o else_o but_o let_v that_o pass_v i_o desire_v they_o only_o to_o show_v i_o how_o a_o man_n can_v make_v two_o character_n with_o one_o stroke_n or_o motion_n a._n and_o b._n at_o the_o same_o instant_n if_o then_o neither_o timothy_n nor_o titus_n nor_o any_o other_o be_v but_o once_o ordain_v whence_o can_v we_o gather_v these_o two_o distinct_a character_n these_o two_o distinct_a order_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o once_o ordain_v those_o by_o the_o apostle_n but_o once_o ordain_v and_o so_o on_o when_o st._n paul_n leave_v titus_n in_o crete_n to_o ordain_v he_o mention_n only_o one_o ordination_n that_o of_o presbyter_n so_o the_o word_n in_o greek_a no_o other_o there_o be_v no_o commission_n give_v he_o to_o ordain_v bishop_n and_o presbyter_n who_o then_o be_v to_o ordain_v bishop_n there_o not_o titus_n he_o have_v no_o such_o command_n we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o st._n paul_n himself_o do_v and_o sure_o you_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o the_o presbyter_n which_o titus_n ordain_v that_o they_o can_v ordain_v bishop_n there_o for_o you_o will_v not_o allow_v they_o to_o ordain_v so_o much_o as_o presbyter_n yet_o bishop_n you_o will_v needs_o have_v in_o every_o city_n and_o in_o crete_n be_v very_o many_o who_o ordain_v bishop_n for_o they_o all_o true_o i_o can_v find_v nor_o you_o neither_o i_o believe_v but_o you_o will_v say_v the_o superior_a order_n contain_v in_o it_o virtual_o the_o inferior_a order_n let_v this_o pass_n at_o present_a do_v presbyter_n then_o virtual_o cantain_n bishop_n if_o so_o then_o all_o presbyter_n be_v bishop_n no_o say_v you_o bishop_n be_v the_o superior_a order_n and_o that_o contain_v in_o it_o presbyter_n you_o say_v so_o but_o by_o your_o leave_n you_o be_v to_o prove_v so_o or_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v otherwise_o especial_o see_v i_o have_v scripture_n for_o my_o say_n and_o you_o have_v none_o for_o you_o but_o shall_v i_o grant_v bishop_n the_o superior_a what_o then_o we_o find_v titus_n ordain_v not_o any_o but_o presbyter_n as_o he_o be_v command_v by_o st._n paul_n so_o we_o be_v still_o at_o a_o loss_n for_o our_o bishop_n we_o find_v not_o their_o ordination_n or_o do_v st._n paul_n mistake_v in_o his_o expression_n and_o mean_v bishop_n in_o every_o city_n say_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n let_v this_o pass_v also_o and_o i_o pray_v let_v we_o see_v what_o you_o mean_v by_o this_o the_o superior_a order_n virtual_o contain_v the_o inferior_a do_v not_o you_o say_v they_o be_v two_o distinct_a order_n two_o real_a distinct_a indelible_a character_n imprint_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o schoolman_n affirm_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o talk_v their_o language_n though_o i_o understand_v it_o not_o if_o i_o take_v a_o fair_a paper_n and_o make_v a_o a._n upon_o it_o for_o the_o character_n of_o presbyter_n and_o then_o make_v a_o b._n upon_o it_o for_o the_o character_n of_o
the_o naked_a truth_n or_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n by_o a_o humble_a moderator_n zach._n 8._o 19_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o peace_n gal._n 4._o 16._o be_o i_o therefore_o become_v your_o enemy_n because_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n print_a in_o the_o year_n 1675._o a_o humble_a petition_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n my_o lord_n and_o noble_a gentleman_n you_o have_v full_o express_v your_o zeal_n to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n in_o make_v law_n for_o unity_n in_o faith_n and_o uniformity_n in_o discipline_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v a_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o can_v stand_v so_o the_o same_o may_v certain_o be_v say_v of_o a_o church_n the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o for_o both_o and_o i_o call_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n the_o god_n of_o life_n and_o death_n to_o witness_v that_o i_o will_v most_o ready_o yea_o most_o joyful_o sacrifice_v all_o i_o have_v in_o this_o world_n my_o life_n and_o all_o that_o all_o nonconformist_n be_v reduce_v to_o our_o church_n but_o it_o fall_v out_o most_o sad_o that_o your_o law_n have_v not_o the_o desire_a effect_n our_o church_n be_v more_o and_o more_o divide_v such_o be_v the_o perverse_a nature_n of_o man_n niti_fw-la in_o vetitum_fw-la obstinate_o to_o oppose_v authority_n especial_o when_o they_o can_v pretend_v the_o colour_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n this_o carry_v so_o great_a a_o applause_n among_o the_o vulgar_a still_o envious_a at_o superior_n that_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v nut_n to_o a_o ape_n sweet_a to_o they_o than_o any_o other_o thing_n this_o world_n afford_v for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o they_o will_v endure_v any_o thing_n imprisonment_n loss_n of_o good_n yea_o sometime_o of_o life_n also_o and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o main_o nourish_v our_o division_n give_v great_a advantage_n to_o the_o growth_n of_o popery_n and_o threaten_v the_o total_a ruin_n of_o our_o church_n many_o who_o be_v former_o very_o zealous_a for_o our_o church_n see_v these_o our_o sad_a division_n and_o not_o see_v those_o of_o the_o roman-church_n nor_o their_o gross_a superstition_n which_o their_o priest_n conceal_v till_o they_o have_v get_v man_n fast_o be_v easy_o seduce_v by_o their_o pretend_a unity_n and_o daily_o fall_v from_o we_o this_o make_v my_o heart_n to_o bleed_v and_o my_o soul_n with_o anguish_n ready_a to_o expire_v rather_o than_o live_v to_o see_v that_o dismal_a day_n of_o relapse_n into_o their_o manifold_a idolatry_n wherefore_o i_o humble_v my_o soul_n before_o god_n in_o fast_v and_o prayer_n beg_v daily_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o direct_v i_o to_o some_o heal_a salve_n for_o these_o our_o bleed_a wound_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o follow_a paper_n come_v from_o the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n who_o never_o fail_v those_o who_o seek_v he_o in_o humility_n and_o sincerity_n both_o which_o i_o be_o confident_a i_o have_v do_v and_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o no_o worldly_a design_n have_v move_v i_o to_o this_o but_o have_v often_o tempt_v i_o to_o give_v it_o over_o i_o be_o also_o sure_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o contain_v therein_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o land_n in_o this_o only_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v transgress_v in_o put_v it_o forth_o without_o licence_n and_o for_o this_o i_o beg_v of_o god_n and_o you_o as_o naaman_n do_v of_o elisha_n in_o this_o thing_n the_o lord_n and_o you_o pardon_v your_o servant_n and_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v say_v unto_o i_o as_o elisha_n do_v unto_o naaman_n go_v in_o peace_n and_o i_o far_o hope_v this_o shall_v not_o cast_v such_o a_o prejudice_n upon_o it_o as_o to_o make_v you_o cast_v it_o by_o or_o read_v it_o with_o disgust_n i_o do_v not_o expect_v you_o shall_v approve_v any_o thing_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o my_o seek_v god_n in_o this_o but_o upon_o my_o reason_n allege_v nor_o do_v i_o expect_v that_o upon_o my_o reason_n you_o shall_v approve_v all_o yet_o i_o beseech_v you_o serious_o consider_v all_o and_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n direct_v you_o to_o that_o which_o may_v make_v for_o the_o unity_n of_o our_o church_n by_o yield_v to_o weak_a one_o if_o not_o wilful_a one_o also_o as_o far_o as_o your_o reason_n and_o conscience_n will_v permit_v sure_o you_o can_v so_o loathe_v all_o condescension_n as_o not_o to_o loathe_v more_o and_o detest_v papal_a confusion_n which_o certain_o come_v on_o apace_o by_o our_o division_n and_o of_o two_o evil_n both_o reason_n and_o religion_n require_v we_o to_o choose_v the_o less_o now_o doubtless_o you_o can_v think_v condescension_n if_o evil_a at_o all_o sure_a not_o so_o evil_a as_o papal_a idolatry_n and_o that_o papistry_n be_v idolatry_n be_v so_o clear_o prove_v by_o our_o learned_a dr._n still_v fleet_n as_o it_o be_v lose_v labour_n to_o say_v more_o of_o it_o condescension_n may_v seem_v in_o some_o respect_v imprudent_a but_o whether_o in_o this_o conjuncture_n of_o affair_n imprudent_a i_o beseech_v you_o again_o consider_v well_o the_o wise_a man_n have_v change_v their_o counsel_n and_o resolve_n upon_o second_o thought_n much_o more_o upon_o experience_n and_o approach_v evil_n not_o at_o first_o discover_v it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n with_o prince_n when_o they_o find_v their_o main_a enemy_n power_n increase_n much_o to_o make_v peace_n with_o lesser_a enemy_n on_o condition_n never_o before_o to_o be_v endure_v self-preservation_n be_v the_o prime_a principle_n in_o all_o creature_n rational_a and_o irrational_a spring_v from_o nature_n itself_o it_o shall_v in_o nature_n and_o reason_n overbalance_n any_o other_o consideration_n and_o whatever_o be_v do_v to_o this_o end_n if_o not_o sinful_o do_v must_v needs_o be_v wise_o do_v i_o most_o humble_o beseech_v the_o alwise_a god_n and_o sole_a giver_n of_o wisdom_n to_o pour_v down_o his_o holy_a and_o wise_a spirit_n upon_o you_o amen_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n so_o i_o term_v you_o hope_v you_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o desire_v it_o more_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n humility_n charity_n not_o to_o censure_v my_o error_n and_o inveigh_v against_o they_o but_o to_o pity_v and_o endeavour_v to_o rectify_v they_o if_o you_o find_v any_o and_o i_o assure_v you_o in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o christian_a i_o shall_v be_v far_o more_o ready_a to_o recant_v than_o to_o vent_v a_o error_n if_o you_o be_v not_o thus_o christianly_o dispose_v i_o earnest_o beseech_v you_o read_v no_o furtner_n for_o i_o be_o sure_a you_o will_v be_v displease_v with_o it_o and_o can_v you_o think_v it_o wisdom_n to_o run_v yourself_o into_o displeasure_n enjoy_v your_o present_a quiet_a and_o let_v i_o rest_v but_o if_o you_o be_v so_o christianly_o dispose_v as_o i_o mention_v than_o i_o as_o earnest_o hag_n of_o you_o to_o proceed_v to_o discover_v my_o error_n and_o amend_v they_o but_o perchance_o you_o will_v ask_v who_o i_o be_o why_o do_v i_o not_o tell_v you_o by_o put_v my_o name_n to_o this_o pamphlet_n i_o will_v ingenuous_o confess_v the_o cause_n i_o be_o a_o weak_a man_n of_o great_a passion_n not_o able_a to_o bear_v commendation_n or_o reproach_n my_o small_a ability_n put_v i_o out_o of_o danger_n of_o the_o first_o but_o in_o great_a fear_n of_o the_o late_a why_o then_o be_v i_o so_o forward_o to_o publish_v my_o weakness_n to_o have_v it_o cure_v yet_o true_o i_o have_v not_o be_v very_o forward_o for_o it_o be_v now_o above_o two_o year_n since_o i_o have_v these_o thought_n in_o which_o time_n i_o have_v read_v and_o confer_v all_o i_o can_v to_o discover_v if_o i_o be_v in_o a_o error_n but_o for_o all_o i_o yet_o can_v meet_v with_o do_v not_o find_v it_o so_o but_o hope_v all_o i_o say_v be_v truth_n and_o that_o it_o may_v he_o useful_a to_o the_o public_a in_o this_o present_a conjuncture_n of_o affair_n therefore_o i_o proceed_v and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n most_o humble_o beseech_v all_o that_o read_v this_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o bias_n of_o interest_n or_o education_n both_o be_v very_o great_a i_o be_o sure_a i_o find_v it_o so_o very_o long_o before_o i_o can_v master_v they_o and_o that_o of_o education_n most_o difficult_a be_v it_o not_o so_o there_o can_v not_o be_v that_o difference_n of_o opinion_n in_o christian_a religion_n all_o allow_v the_o bible_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o papist_n themselves_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o but_o add_v to_o it_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n i_o very_o believe_v there_o be_v thousand_o of_o papist_n lutheran_n calvinist_n
heretical_a profession_n though_o not_o their_o opinion_n who_o conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o dissimulation_n and_o desirous_a to_o get_v favour_n with_o st._n austin_n a_o person_n of_o great_a veneration_n and_o authority_n with_o all_o relate_v unto_o he_o this_o specious_a story_n which_o st._n augustine_n great_a charity_n be_v apt_a to_o believe_v as_o st._n paul_n say_v believe_v all_o thing_n and_o from_o hence_o conclude_v that_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a to_o use_v the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a sword_n to_o reduce_v heretic_n to_o the_o church_n but_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v evidence_v that_o these_o donatists_n heart_n be_v change_v as_o well_o as_o their_o profession_n a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o prove_v all_o this_o prove_v nothing_o three_o put_v the_o case_n their_o heart_n be_v real_o change_v as_o to_o matter_n of_o belief_n it_o be_v evident_a their_o heart_n be_v very_o worldly_a still_o grovel_v on_o the_o earth_n not_o one_o step_n near_o heaven_n our_o saviour_n say_v a_o evil_a tree_n can_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n and_o sure_a their_o heart_n be_v evil_a which_o be_v far_o more_o move_v for_o the_o quiet_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n good_a than_o for_o the_o bless_a enjoyment_n of_o christ._n four_o though_o we_o far_o grant_v that_o the_o prune_n of_o the_o magistrate_n sword_n do_v real_o correct_v the_o viciousness_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o make_v it_o bring_v forth_o some_o good_a fruit_n yet_o shall_v we_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o god_n forbid_v say_v st._n paul_n put_v the_o case_n malchus_n have_v be_v convert_v by_o st._n peter_n cut_v off_o his_o ear_n this_o will_v not_o have_v excuse_v st._n peter_n act_n which_o our_o saviour_n so_o sharp_o reprove_v and_o threaten_v with_o perish_v by_o the_o sword_n and_o give_v he_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o use_v the_o sword_n in_o his_o cause_n think_v thou_o that_o i_o can_v pray_v unto_o my_o father_n and_o he_o will_v present_o give_v i_o more_o than_o twelve_o legion_n of_o angel_n can_v thou_o do_v any_o thing_n more_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o my_o godhead_n than_o to_o think_v i_o want_v the_o help_n of_o man_n to_o defend_v i_o and_o according_a to_o this_o may_v our_o saviour_n say_v think_v thou_o that_o i_o can_v pray_v unto_o my_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v i_o more_o than_o twelve_o million_o of_o soul_n to_o worship_v my_o name_n or_o can_v thou_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o eclipse_v more_o the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o have_v ordain_v to_o be_v set_v up_o by_o weakness_n and_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v and_o thereby_o to_o subdue_v both_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gentile_n as_o i_o myself_o have_v conquer_v all_o enemy_n by_o preach_v and_o suffer_v so_o must_v my_o disciple_n tread_v in_o my_o step_n and_o just_o so_o we_o find_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v most_o miraculous_o advance_v over_o all_o the_o world_n by_o preach_v and_o suffer_v for_o it_o not_o by_o compel_v other_o to_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o upon_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v by_o god_n to_o eternal_a life_n believe_v and_o sure_o those_o who_o be_v not_o ordain_v by_o god_n to_o eternal_a life_n can_v never_o be_v bring_v thither_o by_o the_o ordinance_n or_o power_n of_o man_n wherefore_o when_o the_o minister_n have_v preach_v and_o pray_v they_o have_v perform_v all_o they_o can_v do_v the_o rest_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o justice_n or_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v so_o that_o the_o sharp_a sword_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v enter_v their_o hard_a heart_n no_o more_o than_o a_o adamant_n all_o this_o i_o say_v in_o reference_n to_o compel_a man_n to_o believe_v or_o conform_v still_o reserve_v to_o the_o magistrate_n power_n according_a to_o scripture_n to_o punish_v evil_a doer_n not_o evil_a believer_n not_o who_o think_v but_o do_v publish_v or_o do_v practise_v something_o to_o subvert_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n or_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o state_n or_o injure_v their_o neighbour_n god_n the_o only_a searcher_n of_o heart_n reserve_v unto_o himself_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil_a thought_n of_o evil_a belief_n which_o man_n can_v never_o have_v a_o right_a cognizance_n of_o for_o the_o great_a professor_n may_v be_v the_o great_a atheist_n but_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v conceive_v he_o have_v sufficient_a warrant_n to_o punish_v also_o evil_a believer_n and_o shall_v proceed_v to_o execution_n or_o on_o that_o pretence_n shall_v punish_v true_a believer_n the_o scripture_n be_v most_o clear_a that_o the_o subject_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v and_o bear_v it_o with_o all_o christian_a patience_n to_o the_o loss_n of_o good_n liberty_n or_o life_n not_o only_o patient_o to_o bear_v it_o but_o to_o rejoice_v in_o it_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a if_o he_o have_v any_o true_a religion_n any_o right_a understanding_n in_o he_o he_o will_v rejoice_v on_o his_o own_o behalf_n because_o his_o reward_n be_v exceed_o great_a therefore_o whoever_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n raise_v any_o tumult_n or_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o the_o magistrate_n to_o preserve_v himself_o from_o persecution_n absolute_o declare_v himself_o either_o a_o stark_a fool_n or_o a_o stark_a atheist_n either_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o reward_n or_o be_v mad_a to_o reject_v the_o opportunity_n of_o gain_v it_o and_o so_o at_o the_o best_a be_v fit_a for_o bedlam_n at_o the_o worst_a for_o the_o gallow_n now_o let_v he_o choose_v a_o appendix_n to_o the_o former_a subject_n before_o i_o leave_v this_o matter_n of_o impose_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n i_o desire_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n or_o two_o concern_v the_o authority_n of_o counsel_n and_o father_n in_o relation_n to_o it_o when_o the_o superstition_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o popish_a church_n especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o indulgence_n grow_v so_o very_o gross_a as_o not_o long_o to_o be_v endure_v luther_n melancthon_n oecolompadius_fw-la bucer_fw-la &_o divers_a other_o oppose_v they_o and_o come_v to_o dispute_v with_o their_o adversary_n about_o these_o thing_n the_o popish_a doctor_n have_v no_o scripture_n for_o their_o error_n quote_v several_a father_n and_o council_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o they_o the_o evangelical_n doctor_n so_o call_v because_o they_o chief_o urge_v evangelium_fw-la the_o gospel_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v most_o of_o they_o breed_v up_o from_o their_o infancy_n in_o the_o popish_a church_n and_o therein_o teach_v even_o to_o adore_v all_o council_n and_o father_n and_o education_n be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o command_v and_o awe_n both_o the_o will_n and_o judgement_n of_o man_n make_v they_o very_o rich_a and_o timorous_a to_o reject_v that_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v long_o reverence_v in_o modesty_n therefore_o some_o of_o the_o evangelical_n doctor_n be_v content_a to_o admit_v the_o authority_n of_o father_n and_o council_n for_o three_o or_o four_o of_o the_o first_o century_n some_o admit_v five_o or_o six_o whereby_o they_o be_v reduce_v some_o time_n to_o great_a straits_n in_o their_o disputation_n for_o though_o neither_o all_o nor_o half_o the_o popish_a error_n can_v be_v find_v in_o the_o council_n and_o father_n of_o these_o century_n yet_o some_o of_o they_o be_v creep_v very_o early_o into_o the_o church_n this_o superstition_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o chrism_n be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o second_o century_n the_o milenary_a error_n get_v foot_v about_o that_o time_n the_o necessity_n of_o infant_n receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n come_v in_o soon_o after_o about_o the_o four_o century_n there_o be_v some_o touch_n in_o oratory_n sermon_n by_o way_n of_o rhetorical_a ejaculation_n like_o pray_v to_o saint_n but_o long_o after_o come_v to_o be_v formal_o use_v as_o now_o in_o church_n and_o so_o superstition_n come_v in_o some_o at_o one_o time_n and_o some_o at_o another_o the_o papist_n themselves_o do_v not_o receive_v all_o these_o error_n but_o reject_v some_o as_o that_o of_o the_o millenaries_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o infant_n receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n now_o i_o ask_v first_o the_o papist_n by_o what_o rule_n they_o retain_v some_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o reject_v other_o second_o i_o ask_v the_o evangelical_n by_o what_o rule_n they_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o century_n and_o refuse_v other_o both_o will_v answer_v i_o because_o they_o believe_v some_o to_o be_v erroneus_fw-la some_o to_o be_v orthodox_n whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o neither_o submit_v to_o the_o father_n authority_n as_o command_v
by_o the_o bold_a assertion_n of_o the_o papist_n tell_v we_o without_o warrant_v how_o god_n will_v preserve_v their_o council_n from_o error_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o his_o privy_a council_n we_o be_v not_o to_o search_v into_o god_n secret_a counsel_n for_o what_o he_o will_v permit_v or_o why_o he_o permit_v this_o or_o that_o i_o search_v only_o into_o his_o declare_a promise_n and_o with_o all_o the_o search_n i_o can_v possiby_o make_v i_o can_v find_v any_o such_o promise_n to_o general_n council_n as_o not_o to_o err_v no_o only_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n to_o destroy_v it_o which_o he_o have_v hitherto_o make_v good_a and_o i_o be_o sure_a will_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o beyond_o his_o promise_n i_o be_o not_o sure_a of_o any_o thing_n though_o it_o seem_v ever_o so_o rational_a god_n will_v not_o endure_v to_o be_v fetter_v with_o sophistical_a sophism_n and_o humane_a consequence_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o afraid_a to_o wander_v from_o his_o wise_a and_o holy_a word_n and_o trust_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n seem_v ever_o so_o wise_a ever_o so_o holy_a i_o reverence_v their_o person_n but_o can_v believe_v in_o their_o doctrine_n i_o be_o teach_v to_o believe_v only_o in_o god_n not_o in_o the_o church_n much_o less_o in_o any_o member_n or_o congregation_n or_o council_n but_o to_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n that_o be_v that_o god_n have_v have_v now_o have_v and_o will_v have_v to_o the_o world_n end_n a_o select_a company_n of_o faithful_a one_o confess_v and_o serve_v he_o to_o who_o be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n concern_v ceremony_n and_o church_n service_n first_o as_o to_o ceremony_n i_o wonder_v man_n of_o any_o tolerable_a discretion_n shall_v be_v so_o eager_a either_o for_o or_o against_o they_o our_o salvation_n no_o way_n depend_v on_o they_o but_o much_o hazard_v by_o our_o contention_n about_o they_o break_v peace_n the_o principal_a thing_n recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n sure_o both_o be_v very_o sinful_a for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v all_o subject_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o establish_a ceremony_n of_o that_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n unless_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n flat_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o to_o disobey_v our_o superior_n be_v direct_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 13._o submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o do_v not_o submit_v have_v need_n have_v as_o clear_v a_o evidence_n out_o of_o scripture_n that_o the_o thing_n he_o reject_v be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n otherwise_o he_o break_v a_o evident_a commandment_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o in_o a_o doubtful_a thing_n which_o without_o doubt_n be_v damnable_a st._n paul_n require_v one_o brother_n to_o yield_v unto_o another_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a much_o more_o child_n to_o parent_n subject_n to_o governor_n but_o no_o man_n that_o know_v this_o world_n can_v expect_v all_o child_n all_o subject_n will_v be_v dutiful_a and_o obedient_a and_o therefore_o as_o child_n be_v to_o obey_v their_o parent_n so_o parent_n ought_v not_o to_o provoke_v their_o child_n to_o disobedience_n by_o impose_v unnecessary_a thing_n and_o very_o offensive_a yet_o if_o they_o do_v impose_v such_o thing_n the_o child_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v unless_o the_o thing_n impose_v be_v offensive_a to_o god_n also_o than_o they_o be_v acquit_v not_o otherwise_o but_o still_o parent_n must_v remember_v they_o be_v to_o give_v account_n to_o god_n of_o their_o command_n as_o child_n be_v for_o their_o obedience_n and_o set_v this_o aside_o nature_n alone_o shall_v prompt_v parent_n to_o seek_v the_o love_n of_o their_o child_n especial_o spiritual_a parent_n style_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n who_o be_v love_n shall_v not_o they_o desire_v rather_o to_o lead_v the_o people_n into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n by_o love_n than_o whip_v they_o in_o by_o fear_n to_o have_v their_o church_n full_a rather_o than_o empty_a to_o put_v on_o such_o a_o habit_n as_o will_v invite_v they_o in_o and_o not_o such_o as_o will_v fright_v they_o out_o what_o wise_a and_o love_a father_n will_v put_v on_o a_o wind_a sheet_n on_o his_o head_n to_o fright_v his_o weak_a and_o simple_a child_n i_o say_v this_o to_o the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o inferior_a minister_n who_o must_v observe_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o chief_a and_o the_o chief_a aught_o to_o consider_v the_o disposition_n of_o inferior_n what_o will_v be_v most_o edify_v for_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n continue_v to_o observe_v the_o not_o eat_v of_o blood_n and_o thing_n strangle_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o jew_n so_o the_o surplice_n with_o other_o thing_n be_v wise_o and_o pious_o retain_v by_o the_o reformer_n from_o popery_n when_o probable_o many_o long_a nourish_v up_o in_o those_o ceremony_n will_v not_o have_v come_v in_o to_o the_o church_n have_v all_o those_o be_v cast_v out_o but_o now_o to_o be_v zealous_a for_o they_o when_o the_o people_n be_v so_o passionate_a against_o they_o savour_v more_o of_o passion_n likewise_o in_o governor_n than_o religion_n as_o if_o they_o have_v rather_o show_v their_o authority_n than_o their_o charity_n if_o they_o answer_v that_o many_o of_o their_o flock_n be_v as_o zealous_a for_o these_o thing_n as_o other_o against_o they_o and_o they_o have_v rather_o gratify_v the_o obedient_a conformer_n than_o the_o disobedient_a gainsayers_a i_o reply_v first_o this_o be_v no_o obedience_n to_o conform_v to_o such_o ordinance_n of_o their_o superior_n as_o they_o have_v a_o passion_n fox_n the_o superior_n in_o this_o conform_a rath●r_n to_o they_o than_o they_o to_o their_o superior_n try_v their_o obedience_n if_o they_o will_v submit_v to_o the_o take_n of_o these_o thing_n away_o and_o then_o you_o may_v have_v more_o reason_n to_o gratify_v they_o yet_o you_o know_v you_o be_v rather_o to_o bear_v with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a than_o please_v the_o strong_a love_v your_o friend_n most_o value_v the_o obedient_a most_o but_o love_v your_o enemy_n also_o endeavour_v to_o gain_v the_o disobedient_a also_o the_o first_o be_v your_o dutiful_a son_n abide_v always_o with_o you_o all_o that_o you_o have_v be_v they_o but_o yet_o when_o the_o prodigal_a the_o stray_n return_v rejoice_v and_o kill_v the_o fat_a calf_n yea_o if_o he_o will_v not_o return_v leave_v the_o ninety_o and_o nine_o and_o go_v seek_v that_o one_o that_o be_v lose_v but_o you_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o gain_v he_o you_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o conscience_n but_o faction_n and_o wilful_a perverseness_n keep_v he_o off_o oh_o do_v not_o despair_v believe_v better_o of_o he_o charity_n hope_v all_o thing_n believe_v all_o thing_n but_o you_o know_v it_o be_v so_o with_o he_o then_o pity_v he_o the_o more_o go_v headlong_o into_o hell_n yield_v the_o more_o to_o save_v his_o soul_n from_o hell_n overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a fetter_v he_o bind_v he_o fast_o with_o chain_n of_o love_n what_o be_v strong_a than_o love_n it_o will_v overcome_v schism_n faction_n sedition_n any_o thing_n it_o will_v overcome_v god_n himself_o and_o even_o force_n god_n to_o withhold_v he_o by_o his_o merciful_a and_o powerful_a hand_n and_o thus_o convert_v this_o perverse_a sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n you_o will_v save_v his_o soul_n alive_a and_o cover_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sin_n a_o bless_a and_o joyful_a work_n whereat_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n will_v rejoice_v and_o sing_v alleluja_n amen_n oh_o my_o father_n my_o father_n that_o shall_v preach_v and_o practise_v the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n to_o your_o child_n vouchsafe_v at_o my_o humble_a request_n to_o read_v rom._n 14._o see_v what_o great_a liberty_n that_o great_a grandfather_n of_o the_o church_n allow_v his_o child_n and_o observe_v in_o the_o general_n how_o he_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n to_o gain_v some_o and_o will_v not_o you_o in_o some_o thing_n comply_v to_o gain_v all_o will_v you_o restrain_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o rigidity_n of_o your_o discipline_n to_o lose_v some_o to_o lose_v many_o and_o perchance_o in_o the_o end_n to_o loose_v all_o yourselves_o and_o all_o be_v pious_a be_v charitable_a be_v prudent_a build_v your_o church_n on_o a_o rock_n that_o will_v endure_v storm_n and_o not_o on_o the_o sand_n of_o ceremony_n that_o will_v both_o raise_v storm_n and_o probable_o overturn_v your_o church_n ever_o long_o but_o you_o will_v say_v if_o you_o yield_v to_o some_o dissenter_n in_o this_o you_o
people_n and_o honour_n to_o the_o church_n than_o now_o they_o be_v i_o most_o humble_o beseech_v all_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n to_o consider_v these_o thing_n lay_v aside_o the_o veil_n of_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n which_o blind_v their_o eye_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o discover_v the_o naked_a truth_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o call_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n to_o witness_v i_o wish_v unto_o all_o clergyman_n both_o double_a honour_n and_o double_a maintenance_n also_o i_o can_v think_v any_o thing_n too_o much_o for_o those_o who_o conscientious_o labour_v in_o the_o ministry_n but_o see_v as_o i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o regain_n the_o church_n maintenance_n we_o in_o prudence_n shall_v seek_v out_o such_o help_n as_o may_v be_v have_v and_o true_o i_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_n that_o be_v this_o rule_n observe_v of_o put_v only_o grave_a discreet_a and_o conscientious_a person_n into_o the_o ministry_n whether_o university_n man_n or_o not_o it_o matter_n not_o so_o as_o full_o instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o sound_a commentator_n many_o person_n of_o good_a rank_n and_o estate_n will_v think_v it_o no_o dishonour_n but_o rather_o a_o high_a honour_n to_o enter_v into_o it_o as_o they_o do_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n julian_n near_o relate_v to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o afterward_o emperor_n himself_o think_v it_o a_o honour_n to_o be_v admit_v a_o reader_n one_o of_o the_o low_a office_n in_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o better_a advance_v this_o business_n and_o fit_v all_o sort_n of_o man_n with_o convenient_a knowledge_n for_o the_o ministry_n i_o humble_o conceive_v it_o very_o fit_a there_o shall_v be_v one_o good_a and_o brief_a english_a comment_n of_o scripture_n select_v and_o compile_v out_o of_o those_o many_o voluminous_a author_n lay_v aside_o all_o impertinent_a criticism_n abstruse_a question_n nice_a speculation_n and_o the_o like_a set_v down_o only_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o obvious_a sense_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o good_a life_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n such_o a_o book_n to_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o authority_n with_o a_o command_n that_o no_o man_n in_o sermon_n exhortation_n or_o catechise_n teach_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o and_o what_o ever_o learning_n beyond_o that_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o pulpit_n let_v it_o rather_o be_v explode_v then_o applaud_v for_o if_o any_o countenance_n be_v give_v to_o excursion_n there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n the_o itch_n man_n have_v to_o show_v their_o learning_n will_v soon_o bring_v we_o again_o into_o the_o vain_a unedifying_a practice_n we_o now_o be_v in_o i_o humble_o conceive_v it_o fit_v also_o that_o the_o book_n of_o homily_n be_v review_v not_o to_o correct_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o for_o they_o be_v most_o excellent_a sound_a exhortation_n contain_v the_o true_a primitive_a spirit_n but_o to_o add_v to_o they_o what_o ever_o be_v want_v to_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o good_a manner_n to_o teach_v every_o person_n how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o his_o several_a vocation_n and_o these_o command_v to_o be_v read_v once_o over_o every_o year_n for_o i_o have_v observe_v several_a even_o good_a and_o conscientious_a preacher_n to_o take_v quite_o another_o method_n and_o preach_v on_o this_o or_o that_o chapter_n and_o so_o in_o the_o whole_a year_n yea_o perchance_o in_o two_o or_o three_o year_n never_o preach_v on_o the_o duty_n between_o man_n and_o wife_n parent_n and_o child_n master_n and_o servant_n magistrate_n and_o subject_n or_o omit_v to_o treat_v of_o pride_n or_o malice_n or_o cheat_v or_o the_o like_a by_o reason_n of_o which_o omission_n several_a in_o the_o congregation_n be_v ignorant_a in_o necessary_a duty_n though_o right_o instruct_v in_o many_o thing_n unnecessary_a i_o expect_v that_o many_o will_v cry_v out_o of_o this_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o introduce_v laziness_n into_o the_o ministry_n and_o a_o hindrance_n from_o exercise_v those_o talent_n god_n have_v endow_v they_o with_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o i_o have_v rather_o the_o minister_n shall_v be_v lazy_a than_o the_o people_n ignorant_a in_o their_o duty_n but_o second_o i_o answer_v that_o beside_o pulpit_n preach_v the_o minister_n may_v find_v enough_o to_o do_v to_o keep_v he_o from_o laziness_n and_o exercise_v the_o best_a that_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a talent_n of_o a_o minister_n to_o visit_v and_o comfort_v the_o sick_a and_o afflict_a to_o compose_v difference_n and_o reconcile_v jangler_n to_o examine_v and_o instruct_v the_o mean_a and_o dull_a part_n of_o his_o flock_n who_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o pulpit_n preach_v to_o who_o they_o must_v inculcate_v both_o doctrine_n and_o admonition_n ten_o time_n over_o and_o scarce_o so_o make_v they_o apprehend_v any_o spiritual_a matter_n experience_v only_o can_v raise_v a_o belief_n how_o extreme_o dull_a the_o common_a people_n be_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o but_o little_o quick_a in_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o good_a life_n christ_n die_v to_o save_v these_o poor_a vulgar_a soul_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o the_o gentry_n and_o more_o learned_a yet_o the_o labour_n of_o most_o minister_n be_v to_o entertain_v those_o that_o know_v enough_o and_o be_v very_o lazy_a in_o catechise_v those_o poor_a soul_n that_o know_v nothing_o let_v these_o be_v full_o instruct_v and_o then_o for_o i_o let_v they_o show_v their_o talent_n by_o preach_v as_o often_o as_o they_o please_v to_o other_o all_o that_o i_o labour_v for_o be_v that_o those_o may_v have_v it_o who_o most_o want_v it_o either_o by_o enjoin_v such_o homily_n as_o i_o mention_v to_o be_v yearly_o read_v or_o such_o sermon_n to_o be_v yearly_o preach_v i_o be_o no_o enemy_n to_o true_a apostolical_a preach_v god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v but_o to_o vain_a scholastical_a useless_a preach_v to_o have_v the_o pastor_n who_o shall_v daily_o watch_v over_o his_o flock_n sit_v in_o his_o study_n all_o the_o week_n long_o pick_v from_o that_o or_o this_o acquaint_v author_n a_o few_o beautiful_a flower_n and_o then_o come_v on_o sunday_n with_o his_o nosegay_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o entertain_v lady_n and_o courtier_n for_o my_o part_n i_o count_v this_o far_o more_o sinful_a laziness_n then_o to_o read_v a_o pious_a homily_n on_o sunday_n and_o all_o the_o week_n after_o go_v up_o and_o down_o from_o house_n to_o house_n take_v pain_n to_o instruct_v and_o exhort_v such_o as_o i_o mention_v but_o these_o shall_v be_v call_v dumb_a dog_n yet_o sure_o by_o none_o but_o bark_a cur_n who_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a in_o true_a apostolic_a preach_v pardon_v i_o if_o i_o return_v they_o their_o due_n who_o speak_v evil_a of_o that_o they_o understand_v not_o they_o will_v object_n the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a disciple_n do_v not_o read_v homily_n but_o preach_v themselves_o neither_o do_v i_o desire_v that_o any_o one_o homily_n shall_v ever_o be_v read_v so_o as_o we_o have_v the_o true_a apostolic_a preach_v both_o o●_n sundays_n in_o public_a and_o weekday_n also_o in_o private_a where_o there_o be_v need_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a such_o pious_a homily_n as_o i_o mention_v be_v no_o way_n contrary_a to_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a practice_n and_o be_v far_o more_o useful_a than_o such_o preach_v as_o we_o have_v now_o adays_o and_o i_o be_o also_o sure_a that_o in_o the_o pure_a and_o most_o primitive_a time_n homily_n under_o another_o name_n be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o epistle_n of_o apostolic_a godly_a bishop_n write_v to_o other_o church_n be_v read_v in_o the_o congregation_n with_o great_a veneration_n shall_v the_o name_n of_o epistle_n make_v the_o one_o applaud_v the_o name_n of_o homily_n make_v the_o other_o reproach_v the_o content_n and_o the_o intent_n be_v the_o same_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n to_o godliness_n if_o this_o will_v satisfy_v let_v the_o homily_n be_v style_v epistle_n to_o such_o or_o such_o a_o church_n and_o then_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v pass_v for_o current_n but_o you_o will_v say_v the_o compiler_n of_o our_o homily_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a authority_n to_o those_o primitive_a epistler_n let_v that_o pass_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v of_o far_o more_o authority_n than_o most_o of_o our_o preacher_n i_o pray_v consider_v how_o many_o giddy_a youth_n be_v of_o our_o ministry_n how_o many_o of_o great_a age_n but_o of_o as_o little_a gravity_n or_o discretion_n how_o many_o that_o vain_o preach_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o ability_n not_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n how_o many_o that_o preach_v pious_o and_o yet_o not_o useful_o but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o many_o thing_n unnecessary_a omit_v many_o necessary_a sum_v up_o all_o these_o
cure_n and_o then_o present_v they_o to_o such_o as_o be_v appoint_v to_o licence_n they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o humble_o conceive_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o add_v unto_o the_o catechism_n a_o short_a and_o plain_a paraphrase_n upon_o every_o sentence_n in_o the_o creed_n the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o ten_o commandment_n and_o particular_o to_o explain_v every_o unusual_a hard_a word_n therein_o for_o those_o general_a question_n at_o the_o end_n of_o they_o do_v not_o so_o sufficient_o open_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o weak_a or_o dull_a youth_n as_o that_o they_o know_v how_o to_o apply_v those_o general_n to_o each_o particular_a sentence_n but_o many_o youth_n who_o can_v most_o ready_o say_v the_o catechism_n to_o a_o little_a yet_o understand_v many_o word_n no_o more_o than_o if_o they_o be_v greek_a and_o scarce_o be_v able_a to_o give_v you_o the_o meaning_n of_o any_o sentence_n in_o their_o own_o word_n and_o although_o they_o have_v all_o perfect_o by_o heart_n as_o we_o say_v yet_o have_v very_o little_a in_o their_o head_n and_o understanding_n and_o so_o a_o parrot_n may_v be_v well_o nigh_o as_o capable_a of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o some_o of_o those_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o i_o fear_v as_o much_o minister_n of_o the_o best_a part_n as_o those_o of_o the_o mean_a for_o this_o necessary_a work_n of_o catechise_v lest_o both_o have_v the_o same_o effect_n though_o they_o act_v extreme_o different_a the_o one_o talk_v nonsense_n the_o other_o above_o common_a sense_n both_o of_o they_o confound_v the_o brain_n of_o the_o poor_a youth_n who_o understand_v neither_o of_o they_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o learned_a minister_n call_v the_o youth_n together_o ask_v a_o few_o catechism-question_n which_o the_o boy_n answer_v ready_o be_v commend_v and_o dismiss_v and_o then_o begin_v this_o learned_a man_n a_o profound_a lecture_n shape_v according_a to_o his_o own_o large_a dimension_n at_o which_o both_o boy_n and_o man_n also_o for_o the_o most_o part_n gaze_v as_o at_o a_o prodigious_a monster_n of_o learning_n and_o perchance_o some_o of_o they_o say_v to_o themselves_o the_o same_o that_o festus_n say_v to_o st._n paul_n the_o man_n be_v beside_o himself_o much_o learning_n have_v make_v he_o mad_a sure_o he_o do_v not_o know_v where_o he_o be_v not_o in_o a_o university-school_n of_o divinity_n but_o in_o a_o assembly_n of_o weak_a and_o silly_a youth_n who_o must_v be_v feed_v with_o milk_n and_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o strong_a meat_n where_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o with_o st._n paut_n to_o speak_v five_o word_n with_o his_o understanding_n that_o by_o his_o voice_n he_o may_v teach_v other_o also_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n or_o in_o such_o english_a as_o they_o understand_v no_o more_o than_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n i_o humble_o beseech_v these_o man_n to_o attend_v to_o the_o form_n and_o phrase_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o mark_v what_o kind_n of_o matter_n and_o language_n the_o divine_a oracle_n use_v in_o preach_v it_o even_o to_o the_o learned_a scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o to_o learn_v of_o he_o who_o be_v lowly_a in_o heart_n and_o come_v not_o to_o seek_v his_o own_o glory_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o he_o that_o send_v he_o i_o desire_v they_o also_o to_o read_v the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o 1_o cor._n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o second_o and_o learn_v from_o thence_o to_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o weak_a and_o foolish_a way_n of_o preach_v to_o instruct_v and_o gain_v the_o weak_a and_o foolish_a yet_o wise_a unto_o god_n really_n no_o man_n that_o have_v not_o make_v some_o experience_n can_v believe_v how_o strange_o weak_a and_o dull_a thousand_o both_o of_o boy_n and_o man_n also_o be_v in_o apprehend_v spiritual_a matter_n so_o that_o a_o man_n have_v need_v to_o study_v much_o how_o to_o fit_v their_o weak_a head_n with_o a_o suitable_a discourse_n and_o have_v as_o much_o need_n of_o great_a patience_n also_o to_o repeat_v every_o thing_n again_o and_o again_o and_o even_o beat_v it_o into_o their_o head_n i_o have_v observe_v that_o plato_n manner_n of_o many_o short_a and_o plain_a question_n and_o answer_n to_o effect_n much_o and_o likewise_o familiar_a similitude_n from_o thing_n within_o their_o own_o occupation_n and_o knowledge_n and_o now_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o this_o toilsome_a work_n i_o beseech_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o these_o weak_a simple_a one_o cost_v our_o saviour_n as_o dear_a as_o those_o of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o therefore_o be_v as_o dear_a to_o he_o yea_o it_o seem_v dear_a see_v st._n paul_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o place_n before_o cite_v that_o he_o call_v more_o of_o they_o to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o dear_a to_o our_o saviour_n minister_n and_o to_o be_v chief_o call_v and_o seek_v by_o they_o and_o then_o they_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v their_o reward_n from_o this_o our_o lowly_a saviour_n in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o conceive_v it_o necessary_a to_o consider_v what_o course_n may_v be_v take_v to_o bring_v all_o to_o catechise_n for_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o pious_a minister_n much_o complain_v that_o they_o have_v use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n yet_o can_v effect_v it_o and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v expect_v that_o many_o of_o the_o youth_n will_v come_v unless_o compel_v by_o parent_n and_o master_n of_o who_o many_o be_v so_o careless_a many_o so_o covetous_a as_o they_o think_v every_o hour_n lose_v which_o be_v not_o spend_v on_o their_o worldly_a affair_n so_o that_o the_o parent_n and_o master_n need_v compulsion_n as_o well_o as_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n and_o consider_v how_o this_o necessary_a work_n of_o catechise_n have_v be_v neglect_v for_o many_o year_n past_a it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o age_a need_n it_o as_o much_o as_o the_o youth_n but_o will_v parent_n and_o master_n well_o consider_v the_o great_a advantage_n that_o will_v accrue_v to_o they_o even_o in_o their_o worldly_a concern_v they_o will_v be_v very_o zealous_a to_o come_v themselves_o and_o both_o see_v and_o hear_v their_o youth_n catechize_v and_o breed_v up_o in_o piety_n and_o godliness_n the_o want_n whereof_o have_v breed_v that_o great_a undutifulness_n in_o child_n that_o sloth_n and_o falseness_n of_o servant_n which_o we_o sad_o behold_v in_o this_o degenerate_v age_n and_o let_v i_o mention_v once_o again_o the_o strict_a account_n parent_n and_o master_n must_v give_v to_o god_n for_o so_o great_a neglect_n to_o those_o commit_v to_o their_o charge_n wherefore_o unless_o some_o fit_a expedient_a can_v be_v find_v i_o humble_o conceive_v it_o will_v have_v some_o effect_n if_o such_o careless_a parent_n and_o master_n be_v not_o admit_v themselves_o to_o the_o holy_a communion_n who_o be_v faulty_a in_o this_o kind_n for_o though_o many_o of_o they_o be_v not_o very_o zealous_a of_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o can_v easy_o pass_v it_o by_o yet_o for_o reputation_n sake_n they_o will_v not_o easy_o incur_v the_o be_v reject_v and_o doubtless_o many_o of_o they_o will_v be_v move_v thereby_o and_o the_o example_n of_o some_o will_v be_v follow_v by_o other_o and_o so_o by_o degree_n the_o number_n will_v increase_v and_o when_o catechise_v by_o this_o mean_n begin_v to_o grow_v in_o fashion_n it_o will_v quick_o be_v take_v up_o by_o all_o god_n be_v merciful_a to_o we_o that_o religion_n in_o many_o be_v chief_o for_o fashion_n sake_n yet_o i_o hope_v by_o god_n assist_v grace_n religion_n begin_n though_o but_o in_o fashion_n will_v end_v at_o last_o in_o true_a devotion_n at_o least_o in_o many_o if_o not_o in_o all_o however_o it_o be_v good_a that_o god_n shall_v public_o be_v glorify_v the_o public_a will_v sdeed_n the_o better_a for_o it_o though_o the_o private_a hypocrite_n suffer_v punishment_n in_o the_o end_n god_n in_o his_o mercy_n turn_v their_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v escape_v of_o church_n government_n my_o last_o particular_a which_o remain_v yet_o to_o be_v handle_v be_v that_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n to_o govern_v as_o well_o as_o to_o ordain_v and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n who_o can_v but_o wonder_v to_o see_v man_n so_o zealous_a in_o assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n so_o much_o neglect_v and_o even_o whole_o abandon_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n that_o of_o excommunication_n so_o high_a and_o so_o dreadful_a which_o though_o by_o great_a abuse_n in_o latter_a time_n be_v make_v very_o contemptible_a yet_o in_o the_o original_a institution_n and_o primitive_a practice_n be_v very_o terrible_a a_o power_n to_o deliver_v man_n over_o unto_o satan_n that_o prince_n
of_o darkness_n to_o take_v full_a possession_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o sometime_o of_o their_o body_n also_o both_o be_v sentence_v thereby_o to_o the_o everlasting_a flame_n of_o hell_n and_o likewise_o a_o power_n to_o release_v penitent_a soul_n from_o the_o chain_n of_o darkness_n and_o slavery_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o restore_v they_o to_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n under_o heaven_n fit_a to_o stir_v up_o the_o ambition_n of_o mortal_a man_n yea_o a_o ambition_n in_o angel_n themselves_o sure_o this_o be_v it_o who_o can_v forgive_v sin_n but_o god_n alone_o say_v the_o jew_n to_o our_o saviour_n christ_n swell_v with_o indignation_n against_o he_o for_o this_o though_o they_o have_v see_v many_o divine_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o yet_o this_o be_v so_o peculiar_a so_o transcendent_a a_o divine_a act_n as_o not_o to_o be_v offer_v at_o by_o any_o but_o the_o great_a god_n jehovah_n himself_o but_o bless_v for_o ever_o be_v this_o great_a and_o gracious_a god_n who_o by_o his_o eternal_a son_n christ_n jesus_n have_v give_v this_o power_n unto_o man_n as_o his_o heavenly_a father_n send_v he_o with_o this_o power_n so_o send_v he_o his_o apostle_n with_o this_o power_n say_v unto_o they_o whosesoever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o whosesoever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v wherefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n to_o be_v stand_v upon_o and_o challenge_v peculiar_a to_o themselves_o certain_o it_o shall_v be_v this_o yet_o this_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n quite_o relinquish_v unto_o their_o chancellor_n layman_n who_o have_v no_o more_o capacity_n to_o sentence_n or_o absolve_v a_o sinner_n then_o to_o dissolve_v the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o make_v a_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n and_o this_o pretend_a power_n of_o chancellor_n be_v sometime_o purchase_v with_o a_o sum_n of_o money_n their_o money_n perish_v with_o they_o good_a god_n what_o a_o horrid_a abuse_n be_v this_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n but_o this_o notorious_a transgression_n be_v excuse_v as_o they_o think_v by_o this_o that_o a_o minister_n call_v the_o bishop_n surrogate_n but_o be_v indeed_o the_o chancellor_n servant_n choose_v call_v and_o place_v there_o by_o he_o to_o be_v his_o crier_n in_o the_o court_n no_o better_o that_o when_o he_o have_v examine_v hear_v and_o sentence_v the_o cause_n than_o the_o minister_n forsooth_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n just_a as_o a_o rector_n of_o a_o parish_n church_n shall_v exclude_v any_o of_o his_o congregation_n and_o lock_v he_o out_o of_o the_o church_n then_o come_v the_o clerk_n show_v and_o jingle_v the_o key_n that_o all_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o he_o be_v exclude_v and_o by_o this_o his_o authority_n the_o chancellor_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o sentence_v not_o only_a layman_n but_o clergy_n man_n also_o bring_v into_o his_o court_n for_o any_o delinquency_n and_o in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o arch_n there_o they_o sentence_v even_o bishop_n themselves_o this_o be_v a_o common_a practice_n in_o late_a age_n but_o in_o st._n ambrose_n his_o time_n so_o great_a a_o wonder_n as_o with_o amazement_n cry_v out_o against_o the_o emperor_n valentinian_n when_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o judge_v in_o such_o case_n say_v when_o be_v it_o ever_o hear_v of_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n that_o layman_n shall_v judge_v of_o spiritual_n he_o mean_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n not_o in_o temporal_a thing_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n belong_v to_o the_o lay-magistrate_n this_o be_v that_o ambrose_n of_o who_o the_o other_o great_a emperor_n as_o good_a as_o great_a theodosius_n father_n to_o this_o valeninian_n affirm_v ambrose_n only_o know_v how_o to_o act_v the_o bishop_n and_o with_o all_o christian_a humility_n this_o great_a emperor_n submit_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o this_o godly_a bishop_n deny_v he_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n for_o the_o cruelty_n act_v by_o his_o soldier_n at_o thessilonica_fw-la by_o his_o command_n and_o upon_o his_o great_a repentance_n and_o penance_n perform_v six_o month_n together_o and_o after_o public_a confession_n in_o the_o church_n be_v again_o absolve_v and_o joyful_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n oh_o my_o great_a and_o reverend_a father_n of_o the_o church_n the_o bishop_n who_o christ_n have_v cleaved_a to_o his_o high_a dignity_n who_o he_o have_v make_v king_n and_o prince_n who_o he_o have_v call_v to_o sit_v with_o he_o on_o his_o throne_n there_o to_o give_v sentence_n of_o eternal_a life_n or_o eternal_a death_n can_v you_o so_o tame_o part_v with_o this_o prime_a flower_n of_o your_o crown_n yea_o the_o very_a apex_n of_o it_o and_o suffer_v the_o lay-member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o usurp_v this_o divine_a authority_n or_o how_o can_v you_o answer_v it_o to_o the_o chief_a bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n if_o any_o one_o soul_n by_o the_o ill_a management_n of_o the_o chancellor_n shall_v certain_o perish_v shall_v not_o his_o blood_n be_v require_v at_o your_o hand_n but_o perchance_o some_o of_o you_o will_v answer_v it_o be_v no_o fault_n of_o you_o but_o of_o your_o predecessor_n who_o give_v such_o patent_n unto_o they_o as_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o they_o exercise_v this_o power_n will_v you_o will_v you_o it_o be_v too_o true_a and_o i_o remember_v when_o the_o bishop_n of_o wells_n hear_v of_o a_o cause_n corrupt_o manage_v and_o come_v into_o the_o court_n to_o rectify_v it_o the_o chancellor_z dr._n duke_n fair_a and_o mannerly_o bid_v he_o be_v go_v for_o he_o have_v no_o power_n there_o to_o act_v any_o thing_n and_o there_o with_o all_o pull_v out_o his_o patent_n seal_v by_o the_o bishop_n predecessor_n which_o like_o perseus_n shield_n with_o the_o gorgon_n head_n fright_v the_o poor_a bishop_n out_o of_o the_o court_n where_o be_v you_o parliament_n man_n you_o great_a son_n of_o the_o church_n so_o zealous_a for_o episcopal_a government_n yet_o suffer_v this_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o to_o be_v thus_o alienate_v and_o usurp_v by_o layman_n if_o a_o unordained_a person_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o pray_v or_o preach_v with_o what_o outcry_n and_o severe_a law_n and_o with_o great_a reason_n also_o you_o fall_v upon_o he_o but_o if_o a_o unordained_a person_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o judge_v sentence_n and_o excommunicate_a bishop_n themselves_o you_o calm_o pass_v it_o over_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o you_o will_v answer_v i_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o pass_v it_o over_o yea_o and_o pass_v it_o away_o from_o themselves_o and_o their_o successor_n for_o to_o gratify_v their_o kinsman_n or_o their_o friend_n or_o perchance_o for_o worse_a why_o then_o shall_v you_o stir_v in_o it_o true_o in_o this_o you_o have_v reason_n and_o the_o balm_n most_o whole_o light_v on_o they_o who_o do_v not_o use_v all_o possible_a endeavour_n and_o implore_v your_o assistance_n also_o to_o rectify_v this_o great_a abuse_n which_o subvert_v the_o main_a pillar_n of_o the_o church_n government_n this_o be_v no_o ceremonial_a matter_n but_o the_o very_a substance_n of_o it_o they_o strain_v at_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v camel_n for_o chancellor_n to_o intermeddle_v in_o probate_n of_o will_n payment_n of_o tithe_n or_o any_o other_o temporal_a matter_n there_o be_v no_o scripture_n nor_o reason_n to_o condemn_v but_o rather_o to_o condemn_v bishop_n shall_v they_o interpose_v in_o such_o matter_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o commission_n from_o scripture_n but_o rather_o a_o prohibition_n from_o that_o say_n of_o our_o svaiour_n man_n who_o make_v i_o a_o judge_n or_o a_o divider_n over_o you_o but_o than_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o chancellor_n have_v also_o power_n of_o temporal_a punishment_n and_o not_o profane_v that_o high_a and_o holy_a power_n in_o sordid_a earthly_a thing_n certain_o a_o great_a profanation_n than_o to_o convert_v a_o church_n into_o a_o chandler_n shop_n the_o church_n be_v a_o bulk_n of_o earthly_a material_n and_o holy_a only_o by_o dedication_n the_o power_n of_o its_o key_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o original_a constitution_n spiritual_a and_o divine_a if_o uzza_n be_v no_o levite_n suffer_v death_n for_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o sacred_a ark_n of_o god_n to_o support_v and_o hold_v it_o up_o what_o shall_v he_o suffer_v who_o be_v no_o consecrate_a person_n lay_v hold_v on_o the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o gnd_a to_o pull_v it_o down_o from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n let_v they_o consider_v but_o let_v not_o the_o civilian_n for_o this_o account_n i_o a_o enemy_n to_o their_o profession_n which_o no_o man_n honour_n more_o and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v much_o more_o of_o our_o civil_a matter_n be_v
commit_v to_o their_o management_n and_o judicature_n the_o civil_a law_n be_v that_o whereby_o most_o of_o the_o civilise_a world_n be_v govern_v and_o if_o we_o will_v have_v commerce_n with_o they_o it_o be_v fit_a we_o shall_v have_v able_a civilian_n to_o deal_v with_o they_o which_o will_v never_o be_v unelss_o they_o have_v profitable_a and_o honourabl_a place_n to_o encourage_v they_o for_o it_o all_o that_o i_o beg_v of_o they_o be_v that_o they_o will_v contain_v themselves_o within_o their_o own_o sphere_n of_o activity_n and_o not_o intrude_v into_o spiritual_a and_o sacred_a matter_n commit_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o the_o priesthood_n and_o so_o i_o beg_v of_o priest_n that_o they_o will_v not_o intermeddle_v in_o lay_v and_o temporol_n officer_n in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n when_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a affair_n be_v all_o intermingle_v and_o horrible_o confound_v as_o the_o pope_n take_v upon_o he_o secular_a and_o imperial_a authority_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n and_o constitution_n of_o christ_n so_o the_o bishop_n and_o priest_n under_o he_o intermeddle_v in_o all_o secular_a affair_n and_o office_n and_o in_o this_o nation_n bishop_n be_v frequent_o lord_n keeper_n treasurer_n chief_a justice_n viceroy_n what_o not_o which_o be_v strange_o unapostolical_a and_o unlawful_a their_o vocation_n be_v whole_o spiritual_a as_o man_n choose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o it_o than_o of_o mere_a necessity_n for_o food_n and_o raiment_n wherefore_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o any_o lay-office_n which_o must_v needs_o take_v they_o off_o much_o from_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n be_v doubtless_o very_o sinful_a for_o act_n 6._o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o these_o and_o will_v not_o endure_v to_o have_v these_o interrupt_v by_o that_o charitable_a office_n of_o take_v care_n for_o the_o poor_a certain_o than_o they_o will_v have_v much_o less_o endure_v yea_o abominate_v to_o be_v take_v off_o by_o temporal_a and_o worldly_a office_n and_o on_o this_o occasion_n let_v i_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o those_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o study_v and_o practice_n physic_n for_o hire_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v likewise_o sinful_a as_o take_v they_o off_o from_o their_o spiritual_a employment_n have_v they_o study_v physic_n before_o they_o enter_v holy_a order_n and_o will_v after_o make_v use_n of_o their_o skill_n among_o their_o poor_a neighbour_n out_o of_o charity_n this_o be_v commendable_a but_o be_v enter_v on_o a_o spiritual_a and_o pastoral_a charge_n which_o require_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o more_o to_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o study_v not_o spiritual_a be_v contrary_a to_o their_o vocation_n and_o consequent_o sinful_a and_o to_o do_v it_o for_o gain_n be_v sordid_a and_o unworthy_a their_o high_a and_o holy_a call_v but_o necessitas_fw-la cogit_fw-la ad_fw-la turpia_fw-la the_o maintenance_n of_o many_o minister_n be_v so_o small_a as_o it_o force_v they_o even_o for_o food_n and_o raiment_n to_o seek_v it_o by_o other_o employment_n which_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n excuse_v they_o but_o mighty_o condemn_v those_o who_o shall_v provide_v better_o for_o they_o whether_o this_o belong_v not_o to_o king_n and_o parliament_n i_o must_v humble_o beseech_v they_o in_o christ_n name_n serious_o to_o consider_v i_o crave_v pardon_n for_o this_o i_o hope_v useful_a digression_n and_o return_v to_o the_o business_n of_o excommunication_n this_o sacred_a authority_n of_o excommunication_n be_v commit_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o apostle_n by_o they_o to_o their_o successor_n be_v use_v in_o weighty_a and_o very_a scandalous_a matter_n very_o few_o example_n of_o it_o in_o scripture_n the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a hymenus_fw-la and_o alexander_n scarce_o another_o clear_o express_v the_o apostle_n be_v full_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o all_o thing_n do_v exercise_v this_o power_n single_o themselves_o but_o the_o succeed_a bishop_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o that_o full_a measure_n use_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o principal_a clergy_n in_o their_o diocese_n that_o the_o act_n may_v be_v more_o solemn_a and_o authentic_a the_o person_n excommunicate_v if_o he_o conceive_v the_o act_n injurious_a appeal_v to_o one_o or_o more_o neighbour_a bishop_n who_o assemble_v together_o and_o discuss_v the_o matter_n either_o confirm_v or_o reverse_v the_o act_n as_o they_o find_v cause_n and_o sometime_o the_o matter_n proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o cause_v a_o assembly_n of_o the_o whole_a province_n but_o each_o bishop_n or_o praepositus_fw-la as_o st._n cyprian_n call_v he_o and_o declare_v that_o he_o be_v absolute_a in_o his_o own_o diocese_n to_o exercise_v his_o power_n and_o none_o condemn_v for_o use_v it_o but_o only_o for_o abuse_v it_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o conscience_n there_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n they_o proceed_v by_o at_o first_o afterward_o when_o bishop_n on_o this_o or_o other_o occasion_n meet_v in_o assembly_n provincial_a or_o general_n they_o make_v it_o divers_a canon_n which_o pass_v for_o rule_n and_o law_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n by_o which_o doubtless_o be_v very_o good_a help_n to_o bridle_v the_o extravagant_a passion_n of_o particular_a man_n very_o apt_a in_o this_o corrupt_a age_n to_o prevaricate_v yet_o i_o can_v conceive_v they_o so_o far_o oblige_v but_o new_a emergent_a circumstance_n may_v just_o cause_v new_a and_o different_a decree_n yet_o so_o as_o every_o particular_a bishop_n be_v oblige_v for_o peace_n sake_n to_o submit_v to_o or_o at_o least_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o general_n decree_n of_o that_o nation_n where_o he_o live_v i_o say_v they_o be_v not_o bind_v entire_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o decree_n of_o former_a council_n either_o provincial_a or_o general_n because_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o all_o their_o decree_n be_v humane_a not_o divine_a and_o all_o humane_a ecclesiastical_a law_n be_v alterable_a according_a to_o the_o time_n and_o occasion_n by_o other_o general_a council_n as_o to_o the_o bound_n of_o each_o bishop_n diocese_n they_o be_v occasion_v several_a way_n the_o apostle_n for_o the_o better_a spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v it_o first_o in_o the_o principal_a city_n which_o general_o have_v great_a influence_n upon_o the_o adjacent_a part_n by_o reason_n that_o the_o occasion_n of_o most_o call_v they_o thither_o and_o in_o these_o city_n they_o settle_v the_o chief_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n with_o power_n to_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o pastor_n in_o other_o lesser_a city_n and_o town_n round_o about_o as_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a increase_v and_o all_o those_o church_n that_o be_v erect_v and_o pastor_n establish_v in_o they_o by_o these_o apostolic_a man_n in_o the_o chief_a city_n i_o humble_o conceive_v in_o reverence_n of_o their_o worth_n and_o apostolic_a authority_n be_v free_o observant_a and_o subject_a to_o they_o which_o afterward_o out_o of_o custom_n grow_v into_o a_o kind_n of_o right_n challenge_v by_o their_o successor_n sometime_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n of_o a_o city_n be_v enlarge_v according_a to_o the_o temporal_a authority_n of_o the_o same_o it_o be_v the_o metropolitan_a of_o this_o or_o that_o country_n for_o so_o we_o find_v in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o other_o council_n the_o chief_a and_o large_a authority_n give_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o old_a rome_n because_o it_o be_v the_o first_o imperial_a city_n to_o constantinople_n as_o the_o second_o imperial_a city_n to_o alexandria_n as_o the_o chief_a city_n of_o that_o part_n of_o africa_n to_o antioch_n jerusalem_n ephesus_n corinth_n phillipi_n etc._n etc._n where_o you_o see_v that_o though_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o first_o city_n from_o whence_o the_o gospel_n issue_v forth_o antioch_n the_o second_o city_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v plant_v and_o where_o the_o faithful_a be_v first_o call_v christian_n yet_o rome_n constantinople_n and_o alexandria_n be_v prefer_v before_o they_o and_o have_v far_o large_a jurisdiction_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a humane_a temporal_a matter_n and_o man_n have_v no_o far_o obligation_n to_o it_o in_o conscience_n than_o for_o peace_n sake_n and_o order_n which_o in_o like_a manner_n oblige_v every_o man_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o magistrate_n within_o their_o respective_a jurisdiction_n there_o be_v yet_o two_o thing_n more_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o business_n first_o where_o the_o apostle_n first_o plant_v the_o gospel_n in_o city_n with_o authority_n over_o the_o adjacent_a part_n it_o be_v in_o rich_a populous_a country_n where_o city_n be_v much_o near_o together_o than_o in_o these_o northern_a part_n and_o the_o circuit_n of_o each_o city_n be_v much_o less_o in_o compass_n so_o that_o the_o bishop_n may_v well_o have_v the_o inspection_n
into_o all_o and_o understand_v the_o behaviour_n of_o each_o pastor_n under_o he_o to_o admonish_v and_o chastise_v when_o there_o be_v cause_n whereas_o with_o we_o partly_o by_o great_a distance_n of_o city_n partly_o by_o the_o favour_n of_o former_a prince_n several_a town_n be_v cast_v into_o one_o diocese_n they_o become_v so_o large_a as_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o one_o bishop_n shall_v have_v a_o sufficient_a inspection_n into_o they_o as_o i_o say_v before_o of_o great_a parish_n so_o here_o of_o diocese_n the_o bishop_n know_v not_o the_o name_n nor_o face_n of_o half_a or_o a_o quarter_n of_o they_o much_o less_o their_o behaviour_n he_o may_v have_v as_o well_o a_o part_n of_o france_n in_o his_o diocese_n to_o govern_v and_o as_o for_o their_o triennial_n and_o circuity_n visitation_n they_o signify_v just_a nothing_o as_o to_o this_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a money_n business_n to_o pay_v procuration_n to_o the_o bishop_n fee_n to_o chancellor_n register_n etc._n etc._n the_o bishop_n indeed_o usual_o make_v a_o speech_n unto_o they_o and_o a_o sermon_n be_v preach_v by_o some_o one_o of_o they_o wherein_o perchance_o good_a admonition_n be_v give_v but_o what_o knowledge_n can_v the_o bishop_n by_o this_o have_v of_o their_o life_n or_o doctrine_n or_o diligence_n if_o he_o continue_v long_o there_o he_o may_v learn_v a_o few_o more_o name_n or_o face_n scarce_o any_o thing_n more_o i_o humble_o conceive_v this_o aught_o to_o be_v redress_v and_o the_o diocese_n bronght_n into_o that_o compass_n that_o each_o bishop_n may_v be_v a_o bishop_n in_o government_n as_o well_o as_o in_o title_n and_o authority_n over_o they_o but_o if_o the_o diocese_n be_v divide_v less_o and_o bishop_n more_o increase_v where_o shall_v we_o have_v maintenance_n for_o so_o many_o bishop_n some_o have_v too_o little_a already_o when_o ever_o i_o shall_v see_v the_o clergy_n of_o this_o nation_n congregat_v by_o his_o majesty_n authority_n resolve_v in_o good_a earnest_n to_o reform_v and_o establish_v all_o according_a to_o the_o holy_a constitution_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o come_v to_o this_o last_o mention_v contract_v the_o bond_n and_o in_o number_n increase_a the_o diocese_n and_o bishop_n for_o they_o i_o will_v undertake_v to_o propose_v way_n both_o rational_a and_o conscientious_a of_o provide_v convenient_a maintenanee_n for_o all_o but_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v at_o present_a least_o greedy_a harpy_n make_v ill_a use_n of_o my_o zealous_a intention_n and_o so_o i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v a_o second_o abuse_n in_o church_n government_n which_o be_v exempt_a jurisdiction_n a_o thing_n altogether_o unknown_a to_o antiquity_n and_o bring_v in_o by_o papal_a tyranny_n the_o pope_n at_o the_o height_n of_o their_o usurp_a dominion_n take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o be_v head_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o be_v the_o universal_a bishop_n thereof_o and_o all_o other_o to_o be_v but_o their_o curate_n take_v then_o upon_o they_o also_o among_o other_o matter_n to_o exempt_v from_o the_o power_n of_o ●●y_a their_o under_z bishop_n whomsover_v they_o please_v and_o out_o of_o policy_n to_o have_v the_o more_o creature_n and_o vassal_n immediate_o depend_v on_o they_o in_o every_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n to_o stickle_v for_o they_o with_o king_n and_o prince_n on_o all_o occasion_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n exempt_v all_o monastery_n who_o with_o their_o near_a relation_n and_o tenant_n make_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n they_o exempt_v also_o several_a dean_n and_o chapterss_n several_a peculiar_a chapel_n several_a archdeaconries_a and_o other_o and_o some_o of_o these_o be_v endow_v with_o archiepiscopal_a jurisdiction_n in_o their_o precinct_n wherein_o they_o act_v whatever_o they_o please_v without_o control_n of_o any_o but_o their_o popeship_n all_o which_o will_v have_v appear_v a_o confuse_a madness_n in_o primitive_a time_n when_o for_o any_o person_n to_o have_v be_v out_o of_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o all_o bishop_n be_v to_o have_v be_v quite_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o will_v have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o infidel_n according_a to_o the_o primitive_a practice_n in_o all_o age_n till_o papal_a usurpation_n and_o therefore_o all_o these_o exempt_a jurisdiction_n be_v mere_a papal_n and_o if_o due_o examine_v will_v be_v find_v opposite_a to_o the_o establish_a law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n since_o the_o reformation_n from_o popery_n as_o they_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o primitive_a canon_n of_o the_o church_n before_o popery_n be_v know_v or_o hear_v of_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o exempt_a jurisdiction_n great_a dispute_n and_o great_a fraud_n arise_v between_o the_o bishop_n and_o they_o and_o the_o poor_a clergy_n be_v so_o pile_v and_o bold_a by_o they_o both_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o go_v in_o threadbare_a coat_n whilst_o the_o several_a officer_n of_o both_o grow_v fat_a and_o fair_a by_o fee_n extract_v from_o they_o wherefore_o i_o humble_o conceive_v the_o bishop_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o both_o house_n of_o parliament_n to_o petition_v his_o majesty_n for_o the_o redress_n of_o these_o abuse_n by_o pious_a law_n settle_v the_o church_n government_n in_o the_o primitive_a purity_n and_o authority_n which_o most_o evident_o be_v very_o great_a and_o as_o great_o reverence_v bishop_n be_v the_o person_n to_o who_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n commit_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n buy_v with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n and_o to_o his_o holy_a spouse_n the_o church_n be_v all_o sacred_a authority_n for_o ever_o amen_n a_o charitable_a admonition_n to_o all_o nonconformist_n my_o belove_a in_o christ_n you_o see_v how_o earnest_o i_o have_v plead_v for_o you_o to_o the_o father_n and_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n that_o they_o will_v gracious_o condescend_v to_o abolish_v some_o ceremony_n in_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v you_o into_o it_o but_o yet_o i_o have_v no_o great_a hope_n that_o they_o will_v hearken_v to_o i_o you_o yourselves_o for_o who_o i_o plead_v destroy_v my_o hope_n for_o they_o present_o dash_v i_o in_o the_o tooth_n say_v go_v rather_o and_o persuade_v the_o son_n in_o duty_n to_o submit_v to_o their_o father_n than_o father_n to_o yield_v to_o son_n and_o can_v you_o deny_v but_o of_o the_o two_o you_o be_v rather_o to_o submit_v you_o think_v to_o excuse_v this_o by_o say_v be_v it_o not_o against_o your_o conscience_n you_o will_v submit_v but_o you_o dare_v not_o for_o fear_v of_o displease_v god_n his_o holy_a word_n forbid_v you_o i_o beseech_v you_o show_v i_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n any_o one_o clear_a sentence_n against_o any_o one_o ceremony_n command_v in_o our_o church_n you_o see_v plain_o i_o be_o not_o biased_n to_o any_o one_o ceremony_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n all_o over_o several_a time_n and_o i_o humble_o conceive_v it_o be_v no_o pride_n of_o heart_n if_o i_o think_v i_o understand_v scripture_n as_o well_o as_o you_o and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v find_v any_o one_o condemn_v sentence_n in_o scripture_n but_o you_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n enlighten_v you_o which_o i_o want_v by_o this_o rule_n you_o may_v affirm_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o scripture_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v as_o mad_a in_o dispute_v against_o you_o as_o you_o in_o affirm_v it_o it_o be_v madness_n for_o a_o blind_a man_n as_o you_o conceive_v i_o to_o be_v to_o dispute_v of_o colour_n therefore_o if_o you_o be_v so_o void_a of_o all_o reason_n as_o to_o expect_v your_o bare_a affirmation_n that_o you_o have_v light_a aught_o to_o convince_v all_o gainsayers_a i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o or_o you_o to_o gainsay_v you_o far_o but_o address_v myself_o to_o other_o who_o sober_o undertake_v to_o show_v i_o such_o text_n as_o a_o unbiased_a christian_n will_v and_o desirous_a to_o submit_v to_o all_o scripture_n truth_n as_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o be_o may_v discover_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o i_o desire_v those_o sober_a undertaker_n to_o show_v i_o any_o one_o such_o clear_a text_n to_o excuse_v their_o nonconforming_a as_o i_o show_v they_o for_o their_o conform_v submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n 1_o pet._n 2._o 13._o and_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v heb._n 13._o 17._o these_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o you_o ought_v to_o obey_v now_o if_o the_o text_n you_o bring_v be_v not_o so_o clear_a but_o doubtful_a i_o beseech_v you_o be_v your_o conscience_n so_o bold_a against_o a_o clear_a text_n and_o so_o timorous_a at_o a_o doubtful_a text_n be_v this_o
their_o judgement_n but_o receive_v their_o opinion_n as_o agree_v with_o their_o judgement_n this_o be_v evident_o true_a and_o clear_o rational_a and_o full_o agree_v with_o the_o rule_v give_v by_o some_o of_o the_o father_n as_o st._n cyprian_a and_o st._n austin_n two_o as_o general_o and_o as_o deserve_o reverence_v as_o any_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n st._n cyprian_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o very_a praepositus_fw-la which_o we_o call_v bishop_n be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o be_v responsible_a only_o to_o god_n for_o his_o doctrine_n st._n austin_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o submit_v to_o no_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n ever_o so_o learned_a ever_o so_o holy_a any_o further_a than_o he_o prove_v his_o doctrine_n by_o scripture_n or_o reason_n and_o desire_v none_o shall_v do_v otherwise_o by_o he_o this_o be_v plain_a and_o rational_a deal_n have_v the_o evangelical_n doctor_n take_v this_o course_n in_o the_o beginning_n they_o have_v save_v themselves_o from_o many_o intricate_a trouble_n which_o their_o inbred_a over-reverence_a to_o antiquity_n entangle_v they_o in_o but_o sure_o they_o need_v not_o have_v be_v so_o scrupulous_a in_o this_o matter_n see_v there_o be_v scarce_o any_o one_o father_n who_o authority_n the_o papist_n themselves_o do_v not_o in_o some_o particular_a or_o other_o reject_v though_o other_o while_n when_o he_o speak_v for_o they_o they_o try_v it_o up_o to_o that_o height_n as_o if_o it_o be_v even_o a_o matter_n of_o damnation_n not_o to_o submit_v unto_o it_o i_o say_v not_o this_o as_o if_o i_o will_v have_v antiquity_n whole_o reject_v by_o no_o mean_n but_o to_o consult_v the_o father_n with_o great_a regard_n as_o expositor_n of_o scripture_n and_o attentive_o observe_v what_o they_o show_v we_o from_o thence_o i_o be_o not_o of_o those_o who_o admire_v the_o great_a knowledge_n in_o divine_a matter_n reveal_v in_o this_o late_a age_n of_o the_o world_n i_o do_v not_o think_v there_o be_v any_o now_o so_o likely_a to_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o gospel_n mystery_n as_o those_o of_o ancient_a day_n as_o for_o that_o say_n a_o pigmy_n set_v on_o a_o giant_n shoulder_n may_v see_v more_o than_o the_o giant_n pardon_v i_o if_o i_o call_v it_o a_o shallow_a and_o silly_a fancy_n nothing_o to_o our_o purpose_n for_o our_o question_n be_v not_o of_o see_v more_o but_o of_o the_o clear_a discern_a and_o judge_v those_o thing_n we_o all_o see_v but_o be_v in_o doubt_n what_o they_o mean_v if_o a_o pigmy_n and_o a_o giant_n see_v a_o beast_n at_o a_o mile_n distance_n and_o be_v in_o dispute_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o horse_n or_o a_o ox_n the_o pigmy_n set_v on_o the_o giant_n shoulder_n be_v never_o the_o near_o discern_v what_o it_o be_v which_o depend_v on_o the_o sharpness_n of_o sight_n not_o the_o height_n of_o his_o shoulder_n now_o that_o the_o ancient_a and_o holy_a father_n of_o the_o church_n be_v more_o spiritual_a and_o consequent_o sharp_a sight_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n than_o we_o carnal_a creature_n of_o this_o late_a age_n be_v evident_a by_o their_o spiritual_a holy_a life_n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o and_o how_o natural_a how_o carnal_a how_o purblind_a we_o be_v be_v too_o too_o visible_a beside_o a_o purblind_a man_n near_o the_o object_n will_v discern_v it_o better_o than_o a_o much_o sharp_a sight_n at_o great_a distance_n as_o we_o be_v for_o if_o you_o ask_v those_o lofty_a conceit_a pigmy_n why_o they_o give_v more_o credit_n to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o second_o and_o three_o century_n than_o to_o those_o of_o the_o six_o or_o seven_o they_o answer_v because_o those_o that_o live_v near_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v like_o liar_n to_o know_v their_o mind_n better_a than_o those_o of_o remote_a and_o corrupt_v age_n the_o reason_n be_v good_a but_o mighty_o confound_v those_o who_o live_v at_o the_o very_a foot_n of_o the_o hill_n in_o the_o valley_n of_o darkness_n and_o all_o iniquity_n and_o therefore_o not_o so_o likely_a to_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n preach_v on_o the_o top_n of_o mount_n zion_n as_o those_o who_o live_v in_o high_a ascent_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v always_o hearken_v with_o due_a reverence_n unto_o what_o those_o primitive_a holy_a father_n deliver_v and_o the_o more_o holy_a and_o more_o ancient_a doubtless_o more_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o yet_o see_v that_o irenaeus_n and_o before_o he_o papi●●_n hold_v to_o be_v a_o disciple_n of_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o error_n of_o the_o millenaries_n reject_v now_o by_o all_o the_o church_n why_o may_v not_o other_o do_v so_o as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n of_o their_o doctrine_n far_o than_o they_o show_v we_o clear_o from_o scripture_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n as_o i_o show_v before_o but_o in_o any_o point_n of_o religion_n either_o of_o faith_n or_o discipline_n if_o after_o diligent_a and_o humble_a search_n of_o scripture_n the_o matter_n be_v doubtful_a then_o certain_o i_o will_v so_o much_o reverence_n antiquity_n as_o to_o embrace_v what_o i_o find_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o great_a number_n of_o ancient_a father_n and_o what_o i_o find_v general_o approve_v by_o they_o though_o my_o own_o judgement_n do_v much_o incline_v to_o the_o contrary_a yet_o i_o will_v receive_v it_o unless_o it_o appear_v to_o i_o flat_o opposite_a to_o scripture_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n than_o it_o be_v damnation_n in_o i_o to_o forsake_v that_o and_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o father_n on_o earth_n or_o angel_n come_v from_o heaven_n till_o they_o can_v make_v i_o understand_v their_o word_n agree_v with_o god_n word_n i_o must_v be_v save_v by_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n in_o man_n or_o angel_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v be_v bold_a to_o make_v this_o assertion_n that_o the_o man_n who_o read_v scripture_n humble_o and_o attentive_o fast_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n earnest_o consult_v his_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n careful_o and_o modest_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o continue_v in_o some_o error_n by_o blind_a ignorance_n and_o mistake_n of_o scripture_n if_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o ever_o will_v be_v suffer_v by_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v soon_o be_v save_v than_o he_o who_o receive_v a_o true_a opinion_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n which_o he_o sober_o conceive_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o as_o if_o it_o be_v real_o so_o all_o thing_n be_v unclean_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v they_o unclean_a so_o all_o thing_n be_v damnable_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v they_o damnable_a as_o he_o must_v do_v who_o believe_v they_o flat_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n let_v no_o man_n count_v i_o a_o libertine_n in_o faith_n because_o i_o will_v neither_o compel_v nor_o be_v compel_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o men._n i_o trust_v in_o god_n no_o man_n shall_v out-go_v i_o in_o zealous_a contend_v for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n once_o for_o all_o never_o to_o receive_v any_o new_a doctrine_n any_o other_o gospel_n than_o that_o preach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n herein_o i_o be_o no_o libertine_n by_o god_n gracious_a assistance_n neither_o man_n nor_o angel_n shall_v make_v i_o recede_v from_o one_o tittle_n of_o this_o nor_o to_o embrace_v with_o divine_a faith_n one_o tittle_n more_o than_o this_o for_o doubtless_o it_o be_v far_o great_a idolatry_n to_o believe_v in_o man_n than_o to_o sacrifice_v to_o man_n more_o to_o give_v he_o my_o heart_n than_o my_o hand_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o no_o man_n be_v forward_a than_o myself_o to_o receive_v from_o other_o humane_a doctrine_n as_o humane_a that_o be_v i_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o probable_a also_o that_o another_o may_v have_v more_o natural_a understanding_n more_o acquire_v learning_n than_o myself_o and_o so_o may_v find_v out_o that_o in_o scripture_n or_o from_o scripture_n or_o by_o reason_n which_o i_o can_v do_v myself_o but_o yet_o i_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a assurance_n that_o the_o doctrine_n he_o deliver_v to_o i_o be_v absolute_o true_a because_o i_o have_v assurance_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o err_v and_o then_o i_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n but_o that_o he_o may_v err_v in_o that_o very_a doctrine_n he_o now_o deliver_v i_o there_o be_v no_o man_n i_o ever_o yet_o hear_v or_o read_v of_o to_o