when_o printing_n do_v begin_v they_o be_v either_o lose_v or_o consume_v by_o fire_n or_o time_n or_o by_o the_o worm_n or_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o accident_n which_o we_o see_v do_v eat_v and_o consume_v the_o very_a stone_n and_o iron_n now_o those_o first_o manuscript_n have_v be_v copy_v out_o by_o divers_a writer_n and_o that_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o be_v disperse_v and_o preserve_v from_o age_n to_o age_n and_o run_v over_o kingdom_n and_o after_o a_o multitude_n of_o transcription_n pass_v by_o example_n since_o our_o saviour_n time_n to_o we_o how_o many_o fault_n and_o what_o alteration_n have_v be_v make_v in_o those_o book_n and_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o father_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n almost_o how_o able_a soever_o who_o can_v brag_v that_o he_o can_v transcribe_v a_o sheet_n of_o paper_n without_o commit_v some_o one_o or_o more_o fault_n how_o many_o will_v there_o be_v then_o in_o a_o great_a volume_n as_o one_o of_o st_n augustins_n or_o st_n chrysostoms_n and_o as_o those_o clerk_n or_o transcriber_n who_o be_v call_v amanuensis_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n mercenary_a and_o do_v all_o for_o money_n and_o profit_n live_v by_o that_o trade_n it_o be_v likely_a they_o take_v not_o much_o care_n but_o think_v only_o upon_o a_o quick_a dispatch_n that_o they_o may_v gain_v the_o more_o and_o when_o they_o find_v any_o thing_n that_o seem_v a_o fault_n to_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v real_o so_o or_o not_o they_o change_v and_o correct_v it_o according_a to_o their_o mind_n and_o passion_n it_o fare_v with_o fault_n as_o with_o ball_n of_o snow_n which_o the_o more_o they_o be_v roll_v grow_v the_o big_a so_o far_o be_v their_o fault_n to_o be_v lessen_v by_o their_o writer_n thav_v they_o be_v rather_o augment_v and_o multiply_v the_o old_a continue_v or_o rather_o grow_v worse_o and_o daily_o more_o new_a one_o be_v make_v so_o that_o some_o little_a time_n after_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o every_o book_n that_o it_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n no_o more_o the_o same_o book_n but_o altogether_o another_o be_v so_o much_o change_v and_o alter_v and_o the_o romish_a church_n grow_v in_o power_n and_o authority_n when_o she_o find_v any_o thing_n in_o those_o book_n contrary_a to_o her_o doctrine_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o her_o greatness_n or_o against_o her_o design_n and_o intention_n she_o do_v condemn_v the_o same_o as_o falsify_v and_o false_o attribute_v to_o the_o father_n and_o correct_v it_o after_o her_o own_o mind_n and_o fancy_n and_o when_o printing_n be_v come_v in_o use_n she_o make_v choice_n of_o that_o which_o be_v most_o conformable_a to_o her_o doctrine_n or_o rather_o mould_v and_o form_v it_o by_o her_o agent_n and_o supporter_n to_o her_o own_o mind_n cause_v it_o so_o to_o be_v print_v suppress_v and_o forbid_v other_o copy_n as_o spurious_a and_o corrupt_a say_v they_o by_o some_o heretic_n or_o malicious_a people_n or_o false_o attribute_v to_o their_o author_n and_o so_o who_o can_v now_o say_v in_o the_o world_n certain_o that_o the_o writing_n father_v upon_o irenaeus_n cyrillus_n augustin_n and_o other_o ancient_a father_n be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a write_n of_o those_o father_n not_o falsify_v or_o suppose_v and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o hard_a a_o matter_n to_o preserve_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v but_o a_o little_a book_n in_o comparison_n of_o those_o other_o in_o its_o purity_n through_o so_o many_o age_n when_o printing_n be_v not_o in_o use_n what_o can_v we_o say_v of_o those_o great_a volume_n which_o be_v not_o in_o so_o great_a request_n nor_o so_o much_o respect_v and_o where_o the_o change_n and_o alteration_n be_v not_o of_o so_o great_a importance_n to_o care_v so_o much_o but_o where_o every_o one_o take_v often_o the_o authority_n to_o change_v according_a to_o his_o fancy_n and_o accommodate_v the_o father_n to_o his_o mind_n to_o authorise_v his_o belief_n i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o good_a judgement_n in_o the_o world_n who_o see_v not_o clear_o the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o this_o so_o manifest_a truth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o ground_v any_o certain_a belief_n such_o as_o that_o of_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v upon_o so_o uncertain_a ground_n beside_o that_o though_o they_o be_v most_o certain_a yet_o be_v man_n subject_a to_o mistake_n and_o error_n we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o make_v their_o opinion_n our_o judge_n if_o they_o be_v not_o conformable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o truth_n for_o which_o cause_n i_o shall_v not_o strive_v in_o this_o book_n to_o allege_v many_o passage_n of_o father_n but_o only_o show_v my_o opinion_n ground_v upon_o strong_a reason_n and_o upon_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o scripture_n my_o intention_n not_o be_v to_o make_v a_o great_a volume_n but_o only_o a_o little_a book_n of_o small_a cost_n and_o little_a time_n and_o pain_n both_o for_o myself_o and_o the_o reader_n chap._n viii_o concern_v the_o chief_a point_n of_o controversy_n to_o wit_n that_o st_n peter_n have_v no_o primacy_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o primacy_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v a_o unlawful_a usurpation_n as_o i_o have_v ever_o believe_v that_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o important_a point_n among_o all_o the_o controversy_n betwixt_o the_o catholic_a reform_v and_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v that_o of_o the_o primacy_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o whether_o he_o be_v vicar_n of_o christ_n jesus_n on_o earth_n universal_a and_o general_a bishop_n over_o all_o christian_n and_o be_v head_n and_o superior_a of_o the_o catholic_a church_n so_o it_o be_v the_o first_o motive_n of_o my_o conversion_n and_o that_o which_o i_o esteem_v to_o have_v most_o need_v to_o be_v well_o consider_v and_o examine_v as_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o the_o romish_a belief_n which_o once_o over-turned_n she_o must_v of_o necessity_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o howsoever_o there_o be_v many_o other_o point_n of_o great_a importance_n this_o nevertheless_o be_v as_o the_o centre_n where_o all_o the_o rest_n do_v meet_v and_o the_o axletree_n on_o which_o they_o all_o move_v and_o the_o foundation_n that_o uphold_v they_o because_o that_o whatsoever_o point_n of_o faith_n or_o scripture_n be_v in_o controversy_n those_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n will_v have_v none_o but_o the_o church_n for_o judge_n or_o as_o i_o have_v show_v the_o pope_n say_v he_o be_v vicar_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o consequent_o sole_a judge_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v the_o pope_n of_o rome_n pretend_v this_o authority_n only_o so_o far_o as_o he_o vaunt_v himself_o to_o be_v successor_n of_o st_n peter_n to_o who_o he_o say_v that_o christ_n jesus_n have_v give_v this_o power_n i_o have_v diligent_o examine_v the_o question_n to_o see_v what_o reason_n and_o ground_n the_o doctor_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n have_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o and_o howsoever_o they_o reject_v the_o scripture_n and_o will_v not_o admit_v it_o to_o be_v judge_n of_o controversy_n they_o be_v nevertheless_o necessitate_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o it_o and_o receive_v it_o for_o judge_n in_o this_o point_n for_o the_o question_n be_v of_o the_o pope_n he_o must_v not_o be_v judge_n and_o party_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o insufferable_a impertinency_n to_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v the_o pope_n by_o the_o pope_n and_o maintain_v that_o he_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n because_o maintain_v he_o and_o affirm_v it_o he_o must_v then_o of_o necessity_n declare_v and_o produce_v his_o other_o title_n and_o show_v by_o what_o virtue_n he_o possese_v this_o authority_n there_o be_v no_o proscription_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o conscience_n for_o otherwise_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o idolater_n will_v have_v be_v think_v the_o best_a and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o evangelist_n will_v never_o have_v be_v plant_v for_o which_o cause_n also_o he_o labour_v to_o prove_v this_o his_o article_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o that_o end_n we_o shall_v first_o set_v down_o the_o strong_a of_o his_o reason_n by_o way_n of_o objection_n the_o weakness_n and_o nullity_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v show_v and_o although_o it_o be_v sufficient_a enough_o for_o evidence_v his_o power_n to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o usurp_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o his_o title_n be_v false_a and_o of_o no_o force_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o bring_v proof_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o a_o point_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o hold_v for_o sole_a rule_n
again_o in_o prepare_v himself_o to_o sail_v and_o about_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o rage_a wave_n call_v upon_o a_o piece_n of_o wood_n more_o rot_v than_o the_o vessel_n that_o carry_v he_o for_o very_o desire_v of_o gain_n devise_v that_o and_o the_o workman_n build_v it_o by_o his_o skill_n judge_v i_o pray_v you_o if_o all_o this_o do_v not_o agree_v and_o be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o simple_a people_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o as_o great_a reason_n to_o condemn_v they_o of_o idolatry_n as_o those_o of_o who_o it_o be_v speak_v in_o this_o place_n and_o be_v not_o they_o which_o place_n those_o image_n and_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o people_n which_o authorise_v they_o by_o their_o doctrine_n and_o solicit_v the_o people_n thereunto_o the_o causer_n and_o protector_n of_o idolatry_n but_o as_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n say_v in_o that_o place_n the_o desire_n of_o game_n have_v devise_v that_o for_o it_o especial_o have_v be_v the_o only_a covetousness_n of_o priest_n and_o clergy_n to_o gain_v and_o gather_v the_o money_n and_o offering_n of_o the_o people_n which_o have_v make_v they_o expose_v the_o image_n and_o erect_v they_o in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v many_o of_o those_o image_n worth_a great_a revenue_n to_o the_o clergy_n and_o i_o know_v some_o worth_n above_o ten_o thousand_o crown_n yearly_a to_o their_o priest_n and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o marvel_v that_o the_o romish_a clergy_n so_o careful_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o image_n for_o as_o the_o people_n go_v but_o seldom_o to_o god_n but_o by_o the_o saint_n so_o do_v they_o but_o seldom_o go_v to_o the_o saint_n but_o by_o the_o priest_n to_o wit_n by_o their_o mass_n pilgrimage_n and_o other_o the_o like_a mean_n and_o howsoever_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n take_v no_o money_n for_o their_o pain_n they_o have_v no_o need_n they_o nevertheless_o which_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n can_v well_o take_v it_o refuse_v nothing_o although_o they_o have_v no_o hand_n but_o the_o priest_n have_v hand_n enough_o for_o all_o for_o they_o take_v that_o which_o be_v offer_v they_o with_o one_o hand_n &_o with_o the_o other_o that_o which_o be_v offer_v to_o their_o image_n so_o they_o handsome_o take_v as_o man_n common_o say_v two_o maulter_n of_o one_o sack_n and_o know_v how_o to_o flay_v the_o poor_a beast_n without_o noise_n care_v little_a whether_o the_o people_n commit_v idolatry_n or_o not_o provide_v they_o find_v their_o profit_n and_o howsoever_o the_o priest_n know_v well_o enough_o that_o the_o people_n commit_v idolatry_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o image_n in_o render_v to_o they_o the_o honour_n that_o be_v due_a to_o god_n nevertheless_o that_o doctrine_n be_v so_o profitable_a to_o they_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o preach_v against_o it_o or_o reprove_v it_o and_o as_o a_o notable_a and_o very_a learned_a bishop_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n who_o be_v yet_o alive_a and_o who_o i_o well_o know_v a_o man_n unblameable_a in_o his_o conversation_n do_v begin_v not_o long_o ago_o eager_o to_o preach_v and_o write_v against_o those_o great_a abuse_n against_o the_o congregation_n and_o tiercer_n against_o pilgrimage_n and_o those_o artificial_a superstition_n and_o the_o idolatry_n practise_v by_o the_o ignorant_a with_o vicious_a simplicity_n and_o invent_v of_o purpose_n by_o the_o priest_n to_o snatch_v man_n money_n those_o who_o be_v the_o more_o interress_v rise_v up_o against_o he_o incontinent_a and_o prevail_v so_o far_o by_o their_o practice_n with_o the_o great_a that_o he_o be_v forbid_v to_o preach_v and_o write_v and_o have_v be_v disgrace_v and_o banish_v these_o many_o year_n although_o he_o be_v esteem_v for_o that_o of_o the_o most_o judicious_a and_o even_o of_o they_o who_o do_v solicit_v against_o he_o but_o profit_n and_o gain_v suffocate_v and_o strangle_v oftentimes_o the_o reason_n and_o truth_n especial_o in_o the_o romish_a church_n chap._n xix_o of_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n the_o strong_a reason_n they_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n have_v to_o authorise_v their_o invocation_n of_o saint_n be_v a_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o miracle_n which_o they_o say_v be_v do_v by_o the_o saint_n at_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o book_n of_o their_o miracle_n be_v of_o such_o credit_n at_o this_o day_n in_o that_o church_n that_o it_o be_v their_o word_n of_o god_n and_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o book_n in_o great_a estimation_n among_o the_o people_n and_o where_o scarce_o one_o bible_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o whole_a parish_n a_o hundred_o book_n of_o the_o life_n and_o miracle_n of_o saint_n be_v to_o be_v see_v true_o for_o my_o part_n i_o once_o account_v of_o they_o as_o other_o man_n do_v and_o because_o there_o be_v many_o strange_a accident_n surpass_v the_o force_n of_o nature_n i_o take_v great_a pleasure_n in_o read_v those_o history_n for_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o our_o spirit_n to_o be_v delight_v with_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o common_a thence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o be_v not_o delight_v with_o the_o read_n of_o roman_n although_o they_o know_v they_o to_o be_v fabulous_a and_o thing_n invent_v of_o purpose_n to_o pass_v idle_a time_n but_o when_o i_o come_v to_o sound_v and_o examine_v the_o manner_n in_o which_o those_o thing_n be_v leave_v unto_o we_o i_o find_v there_o be_v but_o small_a reason_n to_o brag_v of_o those_o miracle_n or_o oppose_v they_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o practice_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n for_o there_o be_v none_o but_o they_o know_v that_o those_o book_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o especial_o that_o which_o be_v most_o esteem_v at_o this_o present_a and_o call_v the_o flower_n of_o the_o saint_n compose_v by_o ribadeneyra_n a_o spanish_a jesuit_n have_v be_v extract_v out_o of_o the_o ancient_a legend_n and_o life_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o which_o the_o most_o judicious_a of_o the_o romish_a church_n as_o the_o cardinal_n baronius_n and_o other_o acknowledge_v so_o many_o absurdity_n and_o lie_n that_o they_o be_v ashamed_a to_o hold_v they_o for_o authentic_a such_o be_v the_o tripartite_a history_n metaphrastus_fw-la nicephorus_n the_o life_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o hermit_n attribute_v to_o st._n jerome_n who_o never_o dream_v of_o it_o the_o golden_a legend_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n where_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o life_n of_o many_o saint_n be_v which_o be_v never_o in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o the_o modern_n have_v not_o neglect_v to_o take_v out_o of_o all_o those_o book_n the_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o they_o least_o absurd_a and_o they_o think_v easy_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o so_o have_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o world_n not_o with_o more_o truth_n but_o with_o more_o likelihood_n of_o truth_n but_o i_o will_v willing_o ask_v they_o who_o tell_v they_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v pick_v out_o of_o those_o ancient_a book_n and_o old_a legend_n esteem_v to_o be_v apocrypha_fw-la be_v true_a than_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v leave_v behind_o for_o they_o be_v not_o present_a to_o know_v it_o and_o all_o thing_n which_o may_v have_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o be_v do_v be_v not_o therefore_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o if_o any_o author_n have_v write_v of_o they_o they_o have_v take_v they_o one_o from_o another_o as_o divers_a writer_n do_v so_o true_o all_o those_o author_n old_a and_o modern_a do_v not_o deliver_v they_o as_o holy_a scripture_n or_o thing_n certain_a and_o infallible_a and_o the_o more_o judicious_a through_o all_o age_n have_v never_o give_v great_a credit_n thereto_o notwithstanding_o because_o many_o author_n be_v cite_v in_o they_o who_o write_v those_o thing_n which_o indeed_o they_o have_v never_o see_v but_o read_v or_o learn_v from_o their_o predecessor_n or_o find_v in_o some_o manuscript_n wherein_o be_v write_v many_o lie_n and_o false_a history_n to_o make_v they_o more_o plausible_a to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v sell_v better_o to_o the_o people_n and_o to_o make_v they_o the_o more_o credible_a they_o write_v they_o often_o under_o the_o name_n of_o some_o dead_a saint_n or_o some_o grave_a author_n who_o have_v be_v famous_a and_o the_o simple_a which_o make_v profession_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v mould_v or_o print_v especial_o be_v dazzle_v with_o the_o name_n of_o so_o many_o author_n whereof_o some_o be_v account_v saint_n receive_v that_o as_o gospel_n firm_o believe_v the_o same_o but_o not_o the_o more_o judicious_a and_o wise_a among_o they_o and_o as_o for_o miracle_n i_o be_o not_o incline_v to_o incredulity_n but_o i_o be_o of_o so_o easy_a belief_n in_o that_o point_n as_o a_o
word_n of_o god_n even_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o the_o pope_n do_v not_o only_o extend_v those_o word_n unto_o internal_a and_o external_a sin_n but_o persuade_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v especial_o say_v to_o he_o all_z that_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o all_o that_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o loose_v the_o band_n of_o oath_n loose_a and_o exempt_a subject_n from_o the_o subjection_n and_o fidelity_n they_o owe_v to_o their_o natural_a prince_n and_o child_n from_o the_o obedience_n they_o owe_v to_o their_o father_n and_o mother_n when_o they_o become_v religious_a in_o any_o monastery_n by_o the_o same_o authority_n they_o lose_v marriage_n lawful_o contract_v if_o it_o be_v find_v that_o the_o husband_n and_o the_o wife_n together_o have_v present_v a_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v or_o be_v ally_v by_o the_o confirmation_n and_o so_o it_o seem_v that_o 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this_o present_a which_o that_o it_o may_v be_v most_o clear_o see_v i_o entreat_v the_o reader_n and_o especial_o they_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n to_o see_v in_o the_o life_n of_o their_o saint_n which_o they_o hold_v for_o their_o bible_n and_o holy_a scripture_n there_o let_v they_o read_v the_o life_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o holy_a martyr_n nay_o even_o of_o all_o those_o who_o they_o call_v the_o confessor_n of_o the_o first_o age_n as_o of_o st._n augustine_n chrysostome_n athanasius_n and_o basilius_n who_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v founder_n of_o the_o oriental_a monk_n of_o st._n anthony_n and_o st._n paul_n the_o hermit_n final_o of_o all_o those_o of_o the_o four_o five_o and_o six_o age_n yea_o and_o since_o i_o be_o assure_v they_o will_v never_o find_v that_o any_o of_o those_o ancient_a father_n do_v make_v any_o auricular_a and_o secret_a confession_n to_o the_o priest_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v esteem_v to_o have_v be_v very_o zealous_a man_n in_o christian_a religion_n and_o man_n of_o virtue_n and_o exemplary_a perfection_n who_o will_v never_o have_v omit_v it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v of_o so_o great_a importance_n see_v both_o their_o life_n and_o death_n there_o be_v never_o a_o word_n speak_v of_o auricular_a confession_n which_o if_o they_o have_v use_v it_o will_v questionless_a have_v be_v mention_v some_o where_o in_o some_o one_o of_o those_o life_n which_o be_v in_o great_a number_n and_o he_o especial_o who_o not_o long_o ago_o have_v gather_v and_o collect_v all_o those_o life_n and_o who_o have_v omit_v nothing_o which_o he_o think_v may_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o romish_a church_n will_v never_o have_v leave_v out_o this_o point_n if_o he_o have_v find_v the_o least_o trace_n of_o it_o in_o any_o place_n and_o i_o even_o marvel_v he_o have_v not_o add_v it_o as_o he_o have_v do_v many_o other_o thing_n of_o his_o own_o invention_n but_o we_o must_v say_v that_o either_o he_o do_v not_o bethink_v himself_o of_o it_o or_o god_n have_v not_o permit_v it_o to_o confound_v this_o new_a doctrine_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n by_o look_v to_o the_o ancient_a and_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o father_n and_o mark_v how_o the_o same_o author_n forget_v not_o to_o mention_v this_o point_n in_o the_o time_n of_o those_o where_o he_o find_v it_o to_o have_v be_v use_v and_o because_o that_o this_o auricular_a confession_n have_v be_v in_o great_a estimation_n within_o this_o short_a time_n than_o ever_o before_o so_o there_o be_v no_o saint_n in_o those_o last_o age_n in_o who_o life_n there_o be_v not_o very_o special_a mention_n make_v of_o their_o frequent_a confession_n and_o their_o sincerity_n therein_o but_o in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o ancient_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o it_o at_o all_o moreover_o i_o marvel_v often_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n turn_v over_o i_o pray_v you_o augustine_n irenaeus_n theodoret_n 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not_o in_o use_n in_o those_o day_n for_o they_o be_v so_o godly_a man_n and_o the_o most_o famous_a of_o their_o age_n they_o will_v often_o questionless_a have_v use_v it_o and_o recommend_v it_o to_o other_o and_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a they_o will_v have_v compose_v so_o big_a volume_n without_o make_v clear_a mention_n in_o some_o place_n nay_o even_o in_o many_o place_n of_o that_o which_o be_v esteem_v so_o necessary_a a_o sacrament_n and_o of_o so_o great_a importance_n furthermore_o you_o will_v find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o ancient_a hermit_n attribute_v to_o st_n jerome_n how_o those_o ancient_n be_v sometime_o nay_o even_o often_o and_o in_o many_o place_n of_o egypt_n four_o or_o five_o thousand_o hermit_n or_o cenobite_n or_o more_o under_o one_o superior_a &_o master_n accustom_v themselves_o to_o the_o sing_n of_o psalm_n read_v and_o meditation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o it_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o forbid_v in_o those_o time_n and_o to_o work_v with_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o body_n to_o win_v their_o live_n and_o be_v burdensome_a to_o none_o as_o st_n paul_n do_v and_o common_o there_o be_v but_o one_o priest_n for_o that_o great_a multitude_n who_o often_o do_v not_o live_v among_o they_o but_o come_v to_o see_v they_o every_o sabbath_n to_o celebrate_v divine_a service_n unto_o they_o now_o there_o be_v no_o appearance_n that_o the_o confession_n be_v in_o use_n in_o those_o time_n for_o one_o or_o two_o priest_n will_v not_o suffice_v to_o confess_v often_o so_o great_a a_o number_n and_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v do_v no_o other_o thing_n in_o a_o fortnight_n he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o confess_v two_o thousand_o and_o those_o book_n of_o their_o life_n make_v no_o mention_n that_o they_o
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a_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o be_v read_v for_o fear_n of_o mistake_v the_o meaning_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o scripture_n consist_v of_o many_o book_n write_v by_o divers_a author_n at_o divers_a time_n yea_o and_o in_o divers_a age_n and_o for_o divers_a end_n contain_z great_a diversity_n of_o style_n for_o in_o some_o place_n it_o be_v historical_a in_o other_o prophetical_a in_o some_o metaphorical_a in_o some_o moral_n and_o in_o some_o mingle_v and_o although_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o diversity_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v write_v for_o our_o salvation_n as_o say_v saint_n paul_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v our_o profit_n thereof_o 13._o rom._n 13._o nevertheless_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v there_o both_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v many_o obscure_a thing_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o style_n in_o which_o the_o thing_n be_v writren_a for_o prophecy_n parable_n and_o metaphor_n be_v ever_o accompany_v with_o obscurity_n but_o as_o our_o saviour_n do_v make_v but_o a_o short_a speech_n upon_o earth_n and_o have_v live_v some_o 33_o year_n preach_v but_o 3_o or_o thereabouts_o during_o which_o small_a time_n he_o do_v preach_v and_o teach_v clear_o and_o sound_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o that_o the_o most_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a may_v understand_v he_o and_o be_v sufficient_o instruct_v by_o his_o sermon_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o but_o reprobate_n who_o will_v say_v that_o god_n be_v come_v to_o save_v mankind_n do_v not_o give_v sufficient_a instruction_n and_o clear_a enough_o for_o all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v otherwise_o how_o can_v he_o have_v condemn_v corasin_n and_o bethsaida_n and_o pronounce_v those_o word_n against_o those_o town_n etc._n matth._n 11.20_o etc._n etc._n woe_n be_v unto_o thou_o corasin_n woe_n be_v unto_o thou_o bethsaida_n for_o if_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o have_v be_v do_v in_o you_o have_v be_v do_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o have_v repent_v long_o ago_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o the_o land_n of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n then_o for_o thou_o and_o thou_o capernaum_n if_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o have_v be_v do_v in_o thou_o have_v be_v do_v in_o sodom_n it_o will_v have_v remain_v unto_o this_o day_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o the_o land_n of_o sodom_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n then_o for_o thou_o out_o of_o all_o question_n those_o city_n will_v have_v receive_v clear_a and_o sufficient_a instruction_n for_o their_o salvation_n otherwise_o he_o will_v have_v condemn_v they_o wrongful_o and_o if_o christ_n jesus_n do_v preach_v clear_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o that_o those_o who_o follow_v he_o and_o hear_v he_o preach_v may_v attain_v to_o perfect_a faith_n the_o evangelist_n have_v set_v down_o his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n to_o we_o especial_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a and_o also_o endeavour_v so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o same_o know_v to_o we_o as_o clear_o as_o our_o saviour_n have_v preach_v it_o otherwise_o they_o shall_v be_v very_o blameworthy_a and_o we_o shall_v have_v great_a reason_n to_o except_v against_o they_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v preach_v a_o doctrine_n so_o clear_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v of_o all_o man_n they_o shall_v have_v leave_v it_o in_o so_o obscure_a and_o hard_a term_n that_o none_o except_o the_o learned_a divine_n be_v capable_a to_o understand_v what_o not_o the_o learned_a theologian_n nay_o none_o i_o say_v in_o the_o world_n except_o one_o man_n to_o wit_v the_o pope_n be_v able_a to_o understand_v and_o give_v its_o true_a meaning_n and_o explication_n no_o no_o it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o imagine_v it_o but_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o evangelist_n be_v the_o same_o our_o saviour_n preach_v be_v leave_v to_o we_o with_o all_o the_o facility_n and_o clearness_n be_v possible_a and_o sufficient_a to_o instruct_v to_o true_a faith_n and_o salvation_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v blame_v of_o any_o defect_n especial_o be_v direct_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o that_o end_n this_o impertinency_n also_o may_v be_v confute_v by_o the_o only_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o those_o who_o tax_v the_o same_o of_o obscurity_n or_o hardness_n do_v it_o undoubted_o out_o of_o malice_n or_o ignorance_n never_o have_v read_v it_o nor_o it_o may_v be_v never_o see_v it_o whereof_o be_v a_o infinite_a multitude_n in_o the_o romish_a church_n for_o certain_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a especial_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n that_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o simple_a may_v understand_v it_o and_o that_o oftentimes_o better_o than_o many_o learned_a who_o presumption_n of_o their_o science_n seek_v subtle_a and_o curious_a interpretation_n in_o the_o simple_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n beyond_o the_o purity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o his_o intention_n be_v by_o his_o just_a judgement_n deprive_v of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o same_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o say_v in_o those_o word_n 11.26_o mat._n 11.26_o i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n it_o be_v so_o father_n because_o such_o have_v be_v thy_o good_a pleasure_n and_o be_v assure_v no_o man_n how_o ignorant_a soever_o provide_v he_o have_v common_a sense_n shall_v ever_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o simplicity_n and_o a_o mind_n only_o desirous_a to_o seek_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n but_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o have_v indict_v the_o same_o will_v give_v he_o with_o a_o singular_a consolation_n and_o satisfaction_n a_o easy_a and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o if_o any_o passage_n somewhat_o hard_o be_v find_v which_o be_v very_o rare_a in_o the_o evangelist_n they_o may_v be_v pass_v over_o as_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a or_o rather_o for_o great_a satisfaction_n the_o opinion_n of_o learned_a man_n may_v be_v ask_v about_o it_o nor_o must_v we_o marvel_v if_o sometime_o we_o find_v diversity_n in_o their_o explication_n for_o be_v matter_n not_o absolute_o necessary_a nor_o touch_v the_o essence_n of_o faith_n the_o controversy_n in_o such_o point_n be_v not_o of_o great_a importance_n but_o to_o say_v that_o we_o must_v instruct_v all_o and_o not_o read_v it_o for_o fear_n of_o mistake_v some_o thing_n be_v a_o mere_a invention_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n or_o rather_o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o desire_v to_o establish_v many_o article_n of_o faith_n to_o maintain_v his_o authority_n and_o the_o greatness_n &_o riches_n of_o his_o estate_n and_o clergy_n and_o see_v nothing_o clear_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o authorise_v his_o doctrine_n have_v go_v about_o to_o make_v christian_n believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a and_o that_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o only_o to_o declare_v their_o true_a meaning_n and_o determine_v that_o which_o belong_v or_o belong_v not_o to_o faith_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o presume_v to_o read_v they_o further_o he_o have_v straight_o forbid_v they_o under_o pain_n of_o anathema_n and_o a_o eternal_a curse_n fear_v lest_o the_o people_n come_v once_o to_o read_v they_o shall_v there_o find_v the_o condemnation_n of_o his_o false_a doctrine_n and_o the_o more_o prohibition_n there_o be_v the_o more_o also_o be_v the_o gain_n and_o profit_n he_o make_v thereby_o upon_o those_o who_o
the_o word_n pope_n which_o be_v as_o to_o say_v father_n or_o if_o you_o will_v father_n of_o father_n pater_fw-la patrum_fw-la it_o be_v a_o name_n common_a in_o ancient_a time_n to_o all_o bishop_n and_o when_o they_o call_v he_o bishop_n that_o be_v neither_o universal_a nor_o yet_o of_o rome_n nor_o roman_a but_o very_a seldom_o but_o only_a bishop_n of_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n to_o show_v that_o in_o those_o time_n his_o jurisdiction_n extend_v not_o without_o the_o wall_n and_o suburb_n of_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n whence_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o in_o much_o probability_n the_o bishop_n yet_o of_o those_o time_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o pastor_n of_o parish_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v at_o the_o first_o institution_n there_o be_v not_o yet_o at_o that_o time_n speech_n of_o diocese_n nor_o of_o pastor_n that_o have_v authority_n over_o many_o pastor_n or_o church_n and_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v but_o small_a every_o where_n one_o 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same_o in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n for_o so_o many_o age_n chap._n xii_o in_o what_o manner_n and_o at_o what_o time_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n usurp_v the_o primacy_n those_o who_o will_v read_v and_o consider_v attentive_o the_o history_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n especial_o the_o life_n and_o history_n of_o the_o pope_n write_v by_o popish_a author_n themselves_o will_v clear_o see_v that_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o time_n of_o pope_n sylvester_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n do_v pretend_v no_o authority_n over_o the_o bishop_n nor_o do_v any_o give_v he_o the_o title_n of_o universal_a head_n and_o bishop_n in_o any_o of_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v write_v unto_o he_o the_o bishop_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n afflict_v with_o the_o persecution_n and_o tyranny_n of_o the_o emperor_n employ_v their_o thought_n rather_o for_o the_o conservation_n of_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o humility_n and_o patience_n than_o in_o ambition_n and_o usurpation_n of_o any_o authority_n which_o belong_v no_o way_n unto_o they_o but_o as_o honour_n change_v manner_n and_o seldom_o to_o the_o better_a constantine_n the_o emperor_n have_v be_v baptize_v by_o sylvester_n then_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o make_v the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n by_o a_o excessive_a zeal_n of_o devotion_n to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n since_o of_o all_o christendom_n transfer_v his_o court_n to_o constantinople_n leave_v the_o city_n of_o rome_n to_o sylvester_n with_o a_o donation_n of_o many_o land_n lordship_n and_o rent_n so_o by_o that_o gift_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n become_v the_o rich_a and_o great_a lord_n and_o most_o considerable_a without_o comparison_n of_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v know_v through_o the_o world_n that_o the_o sole_a emperor_n and_o monarch_n of_o the_o world_n have_v leave_v he_o his_o imperial_a city_n and_o enrich_v and_o gratify_v he_o with_o so_o great_a wealth_n and_o honour_n for_o he_o and_o his_o successor_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o howsoever_o this_o good_a bishop_n do_v see_v himself_o possess_v of_o all_o this_o wealth_n yet_o do_v he_o never_o usurp_v any_o primacy_n nor_o title_n of_o head_n and_o superior_a over_o other_o bishop_n or_o christian_n himself_o nor_o his_o successor_n for_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o his_o death_n it_o be_v true_a that_o be_v make_v the_o rich_a potent_a and_o most_o considerable_a among_o all_o the_o bishop_n many_o begin_v to_o honour_v he_o more_o and_o write_v to_o he_o with_o great_a respect_n which_o ever_o follow_v riches_n and_o greatness_n and_o be_v thus_o eminent_a among_o all_o christian_n if_o there_o be_v any_o bishop_n who_o be_v persecute_v by_o other_o bishop_n or_o
a_o short_a mass_n in_o great_a confusion_n rub_v their_o bead_n against_o the_o image_n and_o receive_v in_o haste_n some_o small_a suffrage_n for_o their_o money_n and_o see_v and_o hear_v a_o great_a disorder_n throughout_o the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o press_n of_o the_o people_n and_o those_o who_o gain_v most_o there_o be_v the_o priest_n and_o the_o devil_n as_o i_o remain_v in_o another_o town_n big_a than_o the_o former_a there_o be_v a_o child_n of_o twelve_o year_n of_o age_n who_o have_v his_o sinew_n so_o contract_v and_o draw_v in_o that_o he_o can_v not_o walk_v but_o crooked_o and_o lean_v upon_o his_o hand_n and_o knee_n and_o be_v four_o year_n in_o that_o manner_n after_o which_o time_n a_o gentlewoman_n of_o quality_n who_o have_v some_o skill_n in_o physic_n do_v undertake_v to_o cure_v he_o and_o while_o he_o be_v in_o her_o hand_n for_o some_o week_n his_o parent_n carry_v he_o to_o a_o famous_a church_n dedicate_v to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n where_o be_v come_v at_o the_o earnest_a solicitation_n of_o his_o parent_n he_o constrain_v himself_o to_o walk_v and_o indeed_o do_v walk_v a_o little_a and_o then_o do_v they_o cry_v out_o a_o miracle_n believe_v their_o child_n be_v heal_v by_o a_o mere_a miracle_n which_o the_o honest_a gentlewoman_n do_v contradict_v maintain_v that_o it_o be_v by_o her_o industry_n and_o remedy_n but_o she_o be_v command_v by_o the_o priest_n to_o keep_v silence_n say_v that_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o virgin_n the_o glory_n due_a unto_o she_o and_o that_o she_o do_v not_o well_o but_o because_o the_o child_n do_v not_o walk_v firm_o but_o as_o if_o he_o be_v totter_v and_o very_o weak_o and_o as_o one_o who_o sinew_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o sufficient_o strengthen_v as_o i_o do_v see_v with_o my_o eye_n and_o as_o it_o happen_v to_o those_o who_o be_v cure_v by_o the_o art_n of_o physic_n it_o be_v a_o very_a strong_a proof_n to_o all_o man_n of_o good_a understanding_n that_o that_o cure_n have_v be_v do_v 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wherewith_o to_o fill_v their_o book_n as_o many_o writer_n in_o our_o time_n in_o the_o time_n past_a and_o as_o they_o have_v do_v at_o all_o time_n in_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o concern_v the_o dead_a which_o be_v raise_v i_o have_v but_o this_o one_o word_n to_o say_v to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v hundred_o yea_o and_o thousand_o who_o be_v say_v in_o the_o legend_n to_o have_v be_v resuscitate_v at_o divers_a time_n and_o by_o divers_a saint_n there_o be_v nothing_o see_v nor_o find_v of_o all_o the_o say_v dead_a or_o write_v after_o they_o be_v raise_v and_o i_o marvel_v that_o man_n do_v not_o careful_o gather_v all_o the_o news_n they_o may_v have_v bring_v from_o the_o other_o world_n where_o they_o have_v be_v and_o how_o they_o do_v live_v after_o for_o my_o part_n if_o i_o know_v a_o man_n who_o be_v raise_v 200._o league_n hence_o i_o think_v i_o will_v willing_o go_v thither_o to_o see_v he_o and_o to_o learn_v something_o from_o he_o of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v know_v and_o do_v from_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n to_o his_o resurrection_n and_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v carry_v he_o through_o the_o world_n as_o they_o do_v monster_n and_o rare_a thing_n i_o suppose_v he_o will_v gain_v more_o money_n than_o do_v ever_o any_o man_n hitherto_o with_o any_o other_o thing_n but_o we_o must_v say_v either_o our_o forefather_n have_v not_o bethink_v themselves_o of_o that_o as_o now_o they_o may_v do_v or_o rather_o they_o be_v but_o all_o fable_n and_o except_o those_o who_o have_v be_v raise_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o see_v not_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v so_o much_o as_o one_o and_o although_o there_o be_v no_o miracle_n now_o see_v among_o we_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o famous_a church_n wherein_o they_o do_v not_o often_o publish_v some_o and_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n and_o order_n that_o do_v not_o daily_o represent_v to_o the_o people_n some_o new_a image_n of_o saint_n who_o be_v or_o have_v live_v as_o they_o say_v not_o long_o ago_o in_o their_o monastery_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n which_o in_o truth_n have_v never_o be_v do_v or_o otherways_o be_v not_o miracle_n but_o notwithstanding_o shall_v be_v write_v for_o miracle_n by_o the_o posterity_n i_o be_v the_o last_o year_n in_o close_a prison_n above_o eleven_o month_n together_o where_o i_o have_v no_o other_o company_n but_o two_o little_a tame_a dove_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v give_v to_o i_o of_o god_n for_o my_o consolation_n and_o recreation_n in_o the_o affliction_n wherein_o i_o be_v for_o the_o confession_n of_o his_o name_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o beside_o some_o few_o popish_a book_n there_o i_o chance_v to_o reader_n among_o other_o a_o certain_a english_a author_n call_v as_o i_o remember_v ordericus_n vitalis_n a_o benedictine_a monk_n who_o live_v about_o st_n bernard_n time_n a_o man_n zealous_a of_o the_o welfare_n and_o honour_n of_o his_o 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earnest_o pray_v to_o he_o that_o it_o will_v please_v he_o to_o pour_v out_o upon_o their_o royal_a majesty_n and_o their_o princely_a progeny_n upon_o your_o most_o honourable_a person_n and_o this_o whole_a land_n all_o the_o heavenly_a and_o earthly_a blessing_n that_o can_v wish_v most_o illustrious_a assembly_n your_o most_o humble_a and_o obedient_a servant_n francis_z de_fw-fr nevil_n london_n this_o 28._o of_o march_n 1642._o authoris_fw-la submissio_fw-la sacrosanctae_fw-la &_o individuae_fw-la trinitatis_fw-la catholicae_fw-la &_o orthodoxae_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la authoritatis_fw-la &_o omnis_fw-la sanae_fw-la sincerae_fw-la &_o non_fw-la praeoccupatae_fw-la mentis_fw-la judicio_fw-la &_o censurae_fw-la haec_fw-la quae_fw-la scripta_fw-la sunt_fw-la hic_fw-la subiecta_fw-la sunto_fw-la to_o the_o reader_n friendly_a reader_n if_o you_o find_v any_o thing_n faulty_a and_o unpolisht_a in_o this_o book_n know_v that_o the_o english_a tongue_n be_v strange_a to_o the_o author_n 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from_o the_o dead_a to_o convert_v his_o brethren_n god_n who_o be_v understand_v by_o father_n abraham_n do_v he_o not_o answer_v they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o harken_v to_o they_o that_o be_v let_v they_o read_v and_o see_v what_o they_o say_v for_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v already_o dead_a and_o can_v not_o speak_v but_o by_o their_o book_n st_n john_n the_o evangelist_n have_v write_v the_o apocalypse_v which_o be_v the_o most_o obscure_a and_o difficile_a book_n of_o all_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a whereof_o st_n jerome_n say_v that_o it_o contain_v as_o many_o mystery_n as_o word_n yet_o st_n john_n who_o write_v it_o forbid_v not_o the_o read_n thereof_o to_o christian_n nor_o say_v that_o none_o but_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n or_o the_o bishop_n and_o doctor_n have_v power_n and_o presumption_n to_o read_v it_o but_o stir_v up_o every_o one_o to_o read_v it_o and_o proclaim_v a_o blessing_n upon_o 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within_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o authority_n for_o my_o part_n i_o do_v not_o remember_v to_o have_v see_v any_o christian_n who_o have_v not_o in_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n fall_v soon_o to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o doubt_n about_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o as_o black_a be_v never_o better_o see_v than_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v near_o to_o white_a in_o the_o light_n so_o the_o lie_v and_o false_a doctrine_n be_v confront_v and_o place_v by_o the_o truth_n can_v but_o appear_v immediate_o and_o there_o be_v but_o few_o learned_a man_n who_o perceive_v not_o this_o clear_o enough_o but_o be_v interest_v in_o that_o party_n and_o be_v bind_v to_o it_o with_o humane_a cord_n and_o band_n they_o strive_v to_o dissemble_v the_o same_o that_o they_o may_v conserve_v their_o good_n and_o dignity_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o pusillanimity_n or_o avarice_n endeavour_v to_o suffocate_v and_o tread_v 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and_o again_o without_o weariness_n let_v no_o power_n nor_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n no_o prohibition_n of_o any_o whosoever_o hinder_v you_o from_o the_o read_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v against_o the_o will_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o power_n nor_o authority_n in_o the_o earth_n can_v bind_v we_o from_o it_o on_o the_o contrary_a god_n who_o command_v it_o must_v rather_o be_v obey_v than_o all_o the_o pope_n that_o forbid_v it_o although_o they_o be_v universal_a pastor_n as_o they_o false_o brag_v themselves_o to_o be_v and_o undoubted_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o neglect_v and_o set_v at_o naught_o the_o commandment_n of_o our_o god_n in_o that_o point_n to_o obey_v man_n and_o therefore_o i_o exhort_v you_o again_o to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n courageous_o and_o often_o to_o have_v they_o continual_o before_o your_o eye_n to_o compare_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o our_o salvation_n with_o they_o and_o hold_v they_o for_o a_o sure_a rule_n of_o all_o truth_n to_o meditate_v and_o ruminate_v they_o incessant_o and_o obey_v the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o preach_v to_o we_o therein_o for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o you_o may_v reap_v great_a profit_n for_o your_o soul_n necessary_a instruction_n for_o your_o salvation_n and_o a_o singular_a consolation_n and_o because_o that_o some_o one_o by_o god_n punishment_n and_o just_a judgement_n abuse_v the_o same_o find_v death_n instead_o of_o life_n be_v that_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o deprive_v other_o thereof_o &_o forbid_v the_o read_n of_o it_o because_o the_o sun_n the_o fire_n or_o the_o water_n occasion_n sometime_o great_a damage_n to_o certain_a person_n ought_v the_o use_v thereof_o be_v forbid_v to_o all_o man_n therefore_o as_o most_o dangerous_a some_o there_o be_v who_o abuse_n both_o
church_n which_o be_v almost_o without_o number_n and_o mark_v that_o in_o all_o age_n this_o have_v be_v the_o malice_n of_o heretic_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o tradition_n when_o the_o scripture_n fail_v they_o dei_fw-la tertull._n de_fw-fr monog_n cap._n 2._o joh._n 16.12_o bellarm._n lib._n 5._o de_fw-la verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la so_o tertullian_n be_v become_v heretical_a in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr monogania_n cap._n 2._o maintain_v the_o heresy_n of_o montanus_n by_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o which_o be_v the_o passage_n bellarmine_n cit_v for_o tradition_n cap._n 5._o of_o his_o book_n of_o the_o unwritten_a word_n and_o yet_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o follow_a verse_n that_o our_o saviour_n by_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v for_o the_o present_a bear_n mean_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o come_v as_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o fall_v out_o which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n and_o not_o any_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n irenaeus_n in_o the_o second_o chap._n of_o his_o three_o book_n say_v 3._o irenaeus_n cap._n 2._o lib._n 3._o that_o when_o any_o do_v convince_v the_o heretic_n with_o scripture_n they_o begin_v to_o accuse_v the_o scripture_n say_v that_o the_o truth_n can_v not_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o those_o who_o know_v not_o the_o tradition_n because_o it_o be_v not_o give_v in_o writing_n but_o only_o speak_v verbal_o now_o this_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o romish_a church_n more_o than_o by_o any_o sect_n that_o have_v ever_o yet_o be_v because_o see_v scripture_n do_v fail_v she_o to_o maintain_v her_o tyranny_n and_o innumerable_a superstitious_a policy_n she_o have_v invent_v a_o word_n not_o write_v which_o she_o call_v tradition_n equal_v their_o authority_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o those_o tradition_n be_v invent_v and_o augment_v from_o time_n to_o time_n according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o fancy_n of_o the_o pope_n for_o some_o of_o they_o have_v invent_v the_o mass_n and_o some_o other_o ceremony_n and_o one_o or_o other_o of_o they_o have_v now_o and_o then_o add_v to_o they_o or_o take_v from_o augment_v or_o diminish_v the_o same_o some_o of_o they_o have_v invent_v purgatory_n other_o indulgence_n some_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n other_o the_o relic_n some_o the_o communion_n under_o one_o kind_n and_o yet_o to_o this_o day_n their_o number_n be_v not_o perfect_a neither_o be_v it_o yet_o know_v to_o the_o romish_a church_n that_o which_o our_o saviour_n preach_v as_o necessary_a to_o faith_n and_o salvation_n for_o as_o there_o be_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n make_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o be_v the_o last_o general_a council_n among_o they_o as_o that_o of_o justification_n and_o original_a sin_n so_o do_v they_o hope_v to_o make_v yet_o more_o in_o the_o next_o council_n as_o it_o may_v be_v of_o the_o conception_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n of_o predestination_n with_o or_o without_o merit_n or_o some_o other_o here_o be_v another_o objection_n those_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n think_v to_o be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o which_o i_o myself_o have_v often_o use_v dispute_v against_o those_o of_o the_o romish_a religion_n pretend_v thereby_o to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o tradition_n and_o to_o refer_v ourselves_o to_o the_o church_n for_o say_v they_o who_o give_v you_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o tradition_n and_o whence_o know_v you_o the_o canonical_a book_n from_o those_o that_o be_v not_o canonical_a but_o by_o the_o determination_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v true_a that_o every_o particular_a man_n receive_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o the_o church_n he_o live_v in_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o pure_a or_o impure_a church_n so_o the_o apostle_n have_v receive_v from_o the_o priest_n and_o scribe_n enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o in_o that_o the_o church_n do_v only_o the_o office_n of_o a_o witness_n and_o not_o of_o a_o judge_n it_o only_o witness_v that_o those_o book_n be_v holy_a and_o canonical_a but_o it_o judge_v not_o they_o to_o be_v holy_a nor_o give_v they_o any_o authority_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n witness_v those_o book_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o holy_a be_v only_o a_o protestation_n of_o her_o subjection_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o a_o usurpation_n of_o her_o authority_n above_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n he_o who_o show_v the_o king_n to_o a_o stranger_n be_v not_o therefore_o above_o the_o king_n nor_o give_v he_o any_o authority_n to_o the_o king_n and_o a_o bookseller_n show_v to_o a_o buyer_n the_o book_n of_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o kingdom_n do_v not_o for_o that_o authorise_v those_o statute_n and_o some_o man_n may_v receive_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o the_o church_n and_o afterward_o use_v it_o to_o condemn_v the_o same_o church_n and_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o innumerable_a eye_n and_o ear_n see_v the_o lightning_n and_o hear_v the_o thunder_n make_v we_o say_v that_o it_o thunder_v and_o lighten_v so_o the_o testimony_n of_o innumerable_a church_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v from_o god_n cause_v we_o to_o give_v a_o assent_n to_o they_o as_o divine_v where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o as_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o ought_v to_o take_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o ought_v to_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o those_o time_n and_o refer_v ourselves_o to_o their_o testimony_n without_o make_v they_o for_o that_o judge_n of_o the_o controversy_n nor_o do_v it_o appertain_v to_o he_o who_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o make_v himself_o judge_n of_o that_o word_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v a_o great_a impertinency_n to_o infer_v from_o this_o objection_n the_o necessity_n of_o tradition_n to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o virtue_n with_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n chap._n vi_o tradition_n condemn_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o have_v see_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o reason_n they_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n bring_v to_o establish_v the_o doctrine_n of_o tradition_n now_o let_v we_o see_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o same_o scripture_n which_o the_o orthodox_n and_o reform_a church_n allege_v to_o condemn_v those_o tradition_n and_o consider_v which_o of_o they_o be_v of_o great_a strength_n as_o for_o i_o have_v mature_o consider_v the_o passage_n i_o can_v see_v how_o their_o force_n can_v be_v elude_v or_o rather_o that_o man_n yield_v not_o to_o their_o clearness_n the_o prophet_n moses_n say_v to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n deut._n 12.13_o 12.13_o deut._n 12.13_o you_o shall_v do_v that_o which_o i_o command_v you_o before_o the_o lord_n neither_o add_v nor_o diminish_v there_o from_o and_o more_o clear_o in_o chap._n 12._o you_o shall_v add_v nothing_o to_o the_o word_n which_o i_o command_v you_o nor_o take_v nothing_o from_o it_o and_o solomon_n in_o his_o proverb_n say_v 30.6_o pro._n 30.6_o add_v thou_o nothing_o unto_o his_o word_n lest_o he_o reprove_v thou_o and_o thou_o be_v find_v a_o liar_n which_o be_v not_o deniable_a but_o that_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n what_o do_v the_o scripture_n thereby_o but_o condemn_v most_o clear_o the_o tradition_n which_o be_v questionless_a new_a invention_n add_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o my_o part_n after_o i_o begin_v to_o consider_v attentive_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n st_n paul_n on_o this_o subject_n i_o can_v never_o see_v how_o those_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n can_v maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o tradition_n as_o pertain_v to_o faith_n and_o equal_a in_o authority_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 1.8_o gal._n 1.8_o mark_v i_o pray_v you_o with_o i_o those_o word_n gal._n 1.8_o if_o we_o ourselves_o or_o any_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v to_o you_o any_o other_o gospel_n than_o that_o which_o have_v be_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v note_v these_o word_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v which_o be_v of_o no_o small_a importance_n and_o observe_v the_o word_n beside_o praeterquam_fw-la quod_fw-la be_v in_o the_o vulgar_a translation_n of_o st_n jerome_n which_o be_v more_o full_o express_v by_o the_o word_n beside_o than_o by_o the_o word_n otherwise_o as_o it_o be_v in_o some_o corrupt_a impression_n and_o above_o all_o note_n that_o he_o say_v not_o against_o but_o beside_o praeterquam_fw-la
excommunicate_v by_o his_o patriarch_n or_o metropolitan_a or_o by_o any_o council_n either_o just_o or_o unjust_o he_o go_v present_o to_o rome_n address_v himself_o to_o the_o bishop_n as_o the_o rich_a of_o they_o all_o to_o assist_v he_o and_o the_o most_o powerful_a and_o of_o great_a authority_n to_o protect_v he_o against_o his_o adversary_n and_o as_o necessity_n and_o extremity_n pass_v often_o all_o the_o limit_n of_o truth_n many_o among_o they_o to_o captivate_v his_o good_a will_n and_o favour_n strive_v to_o give_v he_o as_o great_a title_n as_o their_o industry_n can_v suggest_v and_o although_o they_o who_o give_v they_o and_o they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v give_v know_v sufficient_o that_o it_o be_v wrongful_o and_o without_o reason_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nevertheless_o the_o extremity_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o one_o make_v they_o submit_v even_o in_o that_o point_n deprive_v themselves_o of_o something_n which_o just_o belong_v to_o they_o to_o give_v they_o to_o the_o bishop_n from_o who_o they_o expect_v assistance_n and_o the_o vanity_n which_o do_v creep_v in_o and_o diffuse_v itself_o in_o the_o heart_n make_v many_o pope_n receive_v those_o title_n without_o contradiction_n at_o least_o apparent_a or_o opposition_n that_o be_v capable_a to_o hinder_v the_o progress_n in_o sylvester_n his_o time_n indeed_o it_o do_v clear_o appear_v that_o the_o greatness_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n do_v grow_v and_o increase_v mighty_o nevertheless_o the_o title_n of_o general_a pastor_n or_o universal_a head_n of_o bishop_n or_o vicar_n of_o christ_n jesus_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o yet_o in_o use_n nor_o be_v it_o give_v or_o usurp_v by_o any_o and_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o who_o time_n the_o title_n of_o universal_a bishop_n begin_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o be_v gregory_n who_o live_v above_o a_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n after_o sylvester_n between_o the_o five_o and_o six_o age_n i_o call_v they_o and_o other_o saint_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o be_v know_v of_o who_o i_o speak_v i_o have_v no_o purpose_n here_o to_o question_v their_o holiness_n see_v also_o the_o apostle_n call_v all_o christian_n saint_n and_o although_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v already_o much_o change_v under_o this_o pope_n yet_o he_o have_v modesty_n enough_o pertinent_o to_o refuse_v this_o title_n which_o be_v offer_v he_o and_o to_o reprove_v and_o blame_v the_o same_o severe_o in_o the_o bishop_n of_o constantinople_n who_o challenge_v and_o usurp_v that_o which_o hitherto_o have_v be_v attempt_v by_o none_o other_o and_o however_o my_o resolution_n be_v not_o to_o overcharge_v this_o treatise_n with_o passage_n of_o father_n i_o hope_v notwithstanding_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o set_v down_o st_n gregory_n own_o word_n on_o this_o subject_n which_o even_o those_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n confess_v to_o be_v true_a and_o not_o apocrypha_fw-la and_o show_v so_o near_o as_o i_o can_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o history_n there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o constantinople_n a_o bishop_n name_v john_n a_o man_n exceed_v ambitious_a desire_v to_o extend_v the_o limit_n of_o his_o diocese_n as_o far_o as_o be_v those_o of_o the_o empire_n and_o usurp_v the_o title_n of_o universal_a bishop_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n even_o as_o the_o emperor_n who_o have_v his_o residence_n in_o that_o city_n be_v general_a and_o universal_a monarch_n of_o the_o world_n a_o title_n which_o before_o he_o no_o bishop_n dare_v usurp_v which_o gregory_n bishop_n of_o rome_n see_v and_o consider_v how_o great_a consequence_n &_o prejudice_n it_o be_v to_o his_o see_n and_o all_o other_o bishop_n he_o as_o the_o most_o potent_a and_o remarkable_a among_o they_o for_o the_o cause_n i_o have_v already_o set_v down_o oppose_v stout_o labour_v violent_o to_o repel_v the_o boldness_n and_o temeritie_n of_o this_o usurper_n 76._o greg._n l._n 4._o epist_n 76._o without_o complain_v therefore_o that_o john_n have_v therein_o encroach_v upon_o any_o privilege_n appertain_v to_o he_o and_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n but_o he_o courageous_o maintain_v that_o title_n to_o be_v profane_a sacrilegious_a and_o a_o presage_n of_o the_o come_n of_o antichrist_n 78._o idem_fw-la l._n 4._o epist_n 78._o see_v the_o 76_o epistle_n 4_o book_n and_o in_o the_o 78_o epistle_n of_o the_o same_o book_n it_o be_v say_v he_o a_o thing_n too_o hard_o to_o endure_v that_o our_o brother_n and_o fellow-bishop_n shall_v be_v alone_o call_v bishop_n in_o contempt_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o what_o other_o thing_n do_v his_o arrogance_n portend_v but_o that_o the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n approach_v already_o in_o so_o far_o as_o he_o imitate_v he_o who_o disdain_v the_o company_n of_o angel_n assay_v to_o ascend_v to_o the_o top_n of_o singularity_n in_o the_o 80_o epistle_n of_o the_o same_o book_n he_o say_v 80._o idem_fw-la l._n 4._o epist_n 80._o none_o of_o my_o predecessor_n will_v use_v this_o profane_a word_n because_o if_o one_o will_v call_v himself_o universal_a patriarch_n the_o name_n of_o patriarch_n be_v steal_v from_o other_o but_o far_o be_v it_o from_o a_o christian_a soul_n that_o any_o shall_v false_o ascribe_v to_o himself_o that_o whereby_o he_o diminish_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o brethren_n to_o consent_v to_o that_o unjust_a speech_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o to_o fall_v from_o the_o faith_n one_o thing_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o suppress_v pride_n and_o i_o say_v bold_o that_o he_o who_o call_v himself_o pastor_n universal_a or_o desire_v so_o to_o be_v call_v surpass_v the_o antichrist_n in_o pride_n because_o by_o pride_n he_o exalt_v himself_o above_o other_o 188._o idem_fw-la l._n 6_o epist_n 188._o in_o his_o 188_o epistle_n of_o the_o sixth_o book_n see_v his_o word_n i_o have_v say_v that_o he_o can_v not_o have_v peace_n with_o we_o if_o he_o correct_v not_o the_o vanity_n of_o that_o superstitious_a and_o ambitious_a word_n which_o have_v be_v invent_v by_o the_o first_o apostate_n and_o to_o speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o injury_n do_v to_o your_o honour_n if_o a_o bishop_n be_v call_v universal_a that_o universal_a once_o fall_v the_o universal_a church_n must_v also_o fall_v down_o thus_o much_o say_v st_n gregory_n of_o the_o arrogance_n of_o john_n patriarch_n of_o constantinople_n 30._o idem_fw-la l._n 1._o epist_n 30._o who_o will_v appropriate_v this_o title_n to_o himself_o he_o blame_v his_o insolence_n and_o appli_v not_o to_o himself_o that_o which_o he_o deni_v to_o he_o but_o rather_o refuse_v it_o be_v offer_v in_o those_o word_n in_o the_o thirtith_n epistle_n of_o his_o seven_o book_n behold_v say_v he_o in_o the_o preface_n of_o the_o epistle_n you_o have_v send_v unto_o i_o i_o have_v forbid_v it_o you_o have_v write_v a_o word_n full_a of_o ambition_n call_v i_o universal_a pope_n which_o i_o entreat_v you_o you_o will_v use_v no_o more_o for_o it_o be_v take_v from_o you_o which_o be_v give_v to_o any_o other_o more_o than_o reason_n require_v as_o for_o i_o i_o account_v it_o no_o honour_n to_o see_v the_o honour_n of_o my_o brethren_n diminish_v for_o my_o honour_n be_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o the_o solid_a authority_n of_o my_o brethren_n now_o if_o your_o sanctity_n call_v i_o the_o pope_n universal_a you_o deny_v yourself_o to_o be_v such_o in_o call_v i_o universal_a and_o thus_o much_o st_n gregory_n in_o those_o place_n for_o the_o condemn_v of_o that_o title_n as_o well_o in_o his_o own_o person_n as_o in_o john_n who_o will_v not_o for_o all_o submit_v thereto_o but_o persist_v still_o in_o his_o presumption_n nor_o will_v his_o successor_n after_o he_o for_o any_o entreaty_n part_n with_o any_o thing_n judge_n by_o those_o testimony_n if_o in_o those_o time_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v think_v or_o do_v think_v himself_o general_a pastor_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n his_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v already_o very_o great_a but_o not_o yet_o come_v to_o the_o presumption_n of_o usurp_a that_o dignity_n and_o primacy_n for_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o usurpation_n of_o such_o consequence_n and_o prejudice_n to_o all_o other_o bishop_n that_o he_o dare_v not_o attempt_v it_o public_o for_o fear_v of_o a_o general_a opposition_n from_o all_o other_o bishop_n who_o may_v also_o have_v interpose_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o emperor_n and_o howsoever_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n at_o that_o time_n do_v show_v a_o great_a inclination_n to_o their_o primacy_n for_o perfect_v of_o their_o greatness_n yet_o do_v they_o never_o dare_v to_o ascribe_v the_o same_o to_o themselves_o
call_v their_o priest_n to_o confess_v they_o even_o when_o they_o be_v near_o to_o death_n but_o that_o they_o do_v prepare_v themselves_o for_o that_o passage_n by_o the_o meditation_n and_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o often_o hear_v and_o recite_v of_o psalm_n and_o there_o be_v even_o many_o among_o they_o if_o that_o author_n speak_v truth_n who_o be_v for_o ten_o or_o twelve_o year_n or_o more_o enclose_v in_o little_a chamber_n of_o purpose_n and_o sequester_v from_o all_o humane_a conversation_n without_o see_v or_o speak_v to_o any_o and_o often_o die_v alone_o if_o in_o those_o day_n the_o confession_n have_v be_v hold_v for_o a_o necessary_a sacrament_n man_n will_v have_v judge_v that_o to_o be_v a_o diabolical_a illusion_n and_o deceit_n as_o they_o will_v now_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n if_o there_o be_v any_o find_v who_o to_o follow_v his_o private_a devotion_n shall_v leave_v off_o the_o whole_a way_n and_o practice_v of_o confession_n i_o entreat_v the_o reader_n in_o the_o romish_a church_n to_o consider_v this_o well_o and_o if_o he_o doubt_v i_o speak_v not_o the_o truth_n that_o he_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o see_v those_o book_n and_o ruminate_v the_o matter_n now_o all_o that_o show_v most_o clear_o as_o i_o suppose_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o auricular_a confession_n hold_v to_o be_v of_o so_o great_a importance_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o a_o doctrine_n derive_v from_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n nor_o yet_o practise_v by_o they_o nor_o use_v among_o the_o saint_n and_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n but_o a_o doctrine_n invent_v not_o long_o ago_o by_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o clergy_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o great_a temporal_a profit_n it_o bring_v to_o the_o priest_n for_o of_o all_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v none_o of_o so_o great_a worth_n to_o the_o priest_n as_o that_o of_o the_o confession_n and_o although_o there_o be_v some_o who_o take_v no_o money_n in_o confess_v that_o nevertheless_o be_v only_o to_o refuse_v a_o little_a fish_n for_o a_o big_a one_o and_o the_o gratification_n they_o receive_v from_o their_o penitent_n especial_o of_o the_o female_a sex_n recompense_v full_o all_o their_o pain_n those_o who_o use_v that_o trade_n and_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o practice_n know_v well_o enough_o how_o profitable_a this_o mystery_n be_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o it_o suffice_v to_o tell_v you_o that_o a_o man_n who_o can_v but_o handsome_o handle_v the_o conscience_n and_o the_o spiritual_a of_o man_n can_v but_o easy_o dispose_v of_o all_o their_o temporallity_n and_o the_o gold_n and_o silver_n which_o be_v find_v with_o many_o confessor_n after_o their_o death_n and_o the_o abundance_n of_o all_o thing_n during_o their_o life_n and_o so_o many_o sumptuous_a monastery_n new_o erect_v in_o many_o city_n and_o so_o many_o costly_a ornament_n and_o so_o great_a riches_n and_o wealth_n which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o many_o of_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o effect_n of_o the_o sole_a auricular_a confession_n and_o it_o be_v think_v that_o it_o be_v at_o this_o present_a at_o least_o as_o profitable_a to_o the_o clergy_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n or_o invocation_n of_o saint_n be_v or_o ever_o be_v this_o be_v even_o the_o primum_fw-la mobile_a which_o move_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o they_o who_o do_v profess_v it_o and_o know_v the_o worth_n of_o it_o will_v not_o leave_v it_o off_o for_o any_o thing_n and_o therefore_o labour_v to_o maintain_v it_o by_o all_o mean_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o even_o in_o despite_n of_o the_o bishop_n who_o will_v fain_o hinder_v the_o friar_n from_o use_v it_o think_v themselves_o sufficient_a and_o capable_a enough_o alone_o with_o their_o priest_n to_o govern_v their_o flock_n without_o those_o auxiliary_a troop_n which_o the_o pope_n send_v they_o against_o their_o will_n and_o which_o take_v all_o the_o fat_a and_o flesh_n of_o the_o flock_n whereof_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o the_o full_a charge_n but_o god_n so_o permit_v that_o have_v leave_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v confound_v and_o trouble_v in_o the_o use_n and_o practice_v of_o their_o own_o proper_a invention_n i_o remember_v that_o a_o man_n of_o great_a note_n among_o the_o clergy_n tell_v i_o some_o while_n ago_o at_o london_n that_o many_o of_o the_o clergy_n in_o england_n know_v the_o utility_n and_o profit_v the_o confession_n may_v bring_v they_o be_v sorry_a that_o morsel_n shall_v have_v escape_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o they_o will_v quick_o set_v it_o up_o again_o if_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n i_o know_v not_o if_o he_o judge_v other_o by_o himself_o or_o not_o nevertheless_o i_o believe_v at_o that_o time_n with_o many_o he_o be_v not_o much_o incline_v to_o papistry_n and_o now_o i_o have_v much_o reason_n to_o be_v otherwise_o conceit_v of_o he_o and_o not_o i_o alone_o but_o to_o satisfy_v such_o man_n if_o yet_o any_o such_o be_v which_o god_n forbid_v i_o will_v tell_v they_o that_o as_o the_o confession_n bring_v great_a profit_n to_o some_o particular_a and_o private_a priest_n it_o draw_v also_o after_o it_o insupportable_a inconvenience_n and_o incommodity_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o general_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o confession_n be_v grow_v at_o this_o day_n to_o such_o excess_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o the_o persuasion_n and_o exhortation_n of_o the_o preacher_n that_o as_o the_o pastor_n in_o former_a time_n do_v move_v the_o people_n thereunto_o both_o by_o themselves_o and_o other_o they_o be_v now_o constrain_v to_o divert_v they_o at_o this_o present_a because_o where_o there_o be_v but_o a_o reasonable_a number_n of_o people_n this_o exercise_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o all_o other_o office_n and_o service_n in_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o priest_n and_o penitent_n can_v discharge_v themselves_o faithful_o even_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n for_o where_o there_o be_v for_o example_n 4000_o communicant_n in_o a_o parish_n as_o there_o be_v many_o if_o the_o most_o part_n which_o will_v confess_v themselves_o at_o some_o great_a feast_n as_o at_o christmas_n or_o whitsuntide_n or_o one_o of_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n to_o which_o they_o have_v so_o much_o exhort_v the_o people_n that_o now_o it_o be_v become_v customary_a unto_o they_o and_o he_o that_o do_v it_o not_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n not_o hold_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n every_o priest_n be_v not_o able_a to_o confess_v fifty_o in_o a_o morning_n though_o he_o shall_v labour_v from_o five_o of_o the_o clock_n in_o the_o morning_n till_o midday_n without_o any_o intermission_n so_o that_o there_o must_v be_v above_o twenty_o priest_n to_o confess_v a_o thousand_o in_o a_o forenoon_n and_o above_o forty_o for_o two_o thousand_o and_o yet_o all_o must_v be_v do_v post-haste_a as_o they_o say_v and_o do_v no_o other_o thing_n and_o what_o good_a can_v one_o do_v in_o so_o ticklesome_a a_o business_n in_o such_o precipitation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n who_o shall_v say_v all_o the_o mass_n which_o must_v be_v say_v aloud_o and_o with_o low_a voice_n and_o who_o shall_v help_v to_o sing_v and_o say_v the_o divine_a office_n the_o matin_n and_o other_o canonical_a office_n as_o the_o custom_n be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o who_o shall_v preach_v and_o perfect_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o service_n which_o the_o day_n and_o the_o public_a require_v and_o what_o shall_v be_v do_v where_o there_o be_v not_o so_o many_o priest_n two_o or_o three_o hundred_o be_v sufficient_a to_o cause_v a_o great_a trouble_n beside_o when_o there_o be_v a_o great_a feast_n the_o throng_n be_v so_o great_a almost_o in_o every_o place_n that_o it_o will_v be_v one_o morning_n work_n only_o to_o wait_v his_o turn_n for_o to_o say_v two_o or_o three_o word_n in_o the_o priest_n ear_n in_o great_a haste_n and_o that_o often_o put_v all_o the_o family_n to_o trouble_v and_o discord_n for_o the_o mistress_n be_v angry_a with_o the_o maid_n for_o stay_v too_o long_o and_o the_o husband_n against_o his_o wife_n and_o if_o they_o be_v both_o there_o together_o the_o child_n and_o the_o whole_a household_n be_v in_o confusion_n observe_v also_o that_o there_o be_v few_o other_o but_o woman_n that_o will_v wait_v upon_o this_o wearisome_a and_o troublesome_a devotion_n for_o the_o man_n especial_o the_o wise_a sort_n not_o believe_v it_o so_o easy_o and_o remark_v so_o many_o thing_n which_o offend_v their_o spirit_n leave_v the_o practice_n to_o their_o wife_n which_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o prate_v and_o discharge_v their_o spleen_n and_o discover_v