quod_fw-la now_o what_o i_o pray_v you_o be_v all_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n but_o doctrine_n and_o thing_n beside_o the_o word_n of_o god_n beside_o that_o which_o st_n paul_n and_o christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n do_v preach_v yea_o even_o contrary_a for_o all_o doctrine_n teach_v as_o necessary_a to_o faith_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v also_o contrary_a unto_o the_o scripture_n see_v it_o be_v against_o the_o prohibition_n to_o add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 15.9_o mat._n 15.9_o and_o god_n condemn_v they_o who_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n the_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o mark_v that_o christ_n jesus_n in_o this_o chap._n of_o st_n matthew_n do_v special_o condemn_v the_o pharisee_n because_o they_o transgress_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n by_o their_o tradition_n and_o what_o i_o pray_v you_o be_v those_o tradition_n they_o be_v not_o thing_n express_o forbid_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o simple_a addition_n and_o willing_a devotion_n without_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o which_o outward_o smell_v of_o nothing_o but_o devotion_n purity_n and_o holiness_n as_o to_o fast_v three_o time_n a_o week_n to_o wash_v the_o cup_n &_o the_o platter_n to_o tithe_v mint_n and_o annise_v to_o make_v conscience_n to_o heal_v any_o sick_a man_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n to_o make_v long_a prayer_n to_o abstain_v from_o certain_a meat_n and_o that_o not_o through_o a_o conceit_n that_o those_o thing_n be_v pollute_v but_o through_o a_o willing_a devotion_n and_o humility_n of_o spirit_n or_o through_o a_o desire_n to_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n but_o because_o those_o thing_n be_v teach_v as_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n wherefore_o they_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o contrary_a to_o his_o holy_a word_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o by_o this_o passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n st_n paul_n we_o cite_v before_o be_v also_o condemn_v all_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n which_o be_v teach_v and_o preach_v to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o true_o be_v beside_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v preach_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n for_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v preach_v so_o many_o thing_n pertain_v to_o faith_n and_o salvation_n and_o never_o speak_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o in_o any_o of_o their_o book_n nor_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v the_o history_n of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a action_n and_o sermon_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o more_o than_o twenty_o year_n see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n speak_v there_o of_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n of_o indulgency_n purgatory_n prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a of_o the_o communion_n under_o one_o kind_n or_o of_o the_o rest_n and_o if_o those_o and_o the_o like_a thing_n be_v not_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o be_v beside_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o he_o that_o preach_v they_o be_v accurse_v and_o anathema_n and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o pertain_v to_o faith_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o tradition_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n teach_v as_o article_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o come_v from_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n nor_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v apostolic_a nor_o divine_a but_o papal_a and_o humane_a to_o say_v no_o worse_o there_o be_v almost_o none_o of_o they_o the_o history_n of_o that_o church_n show_v not_o by_o what_o pope_n or_o bishop_n they_o be_v invent_v and_o at_o what_o time_n they_o have_v their_o beginning_n ritib._n baro._n annal_n eccle._n gualther_n chronol_n durant_n the_o ritib._n see_v the_o author_n who_o handle_v the_o same_o lest_o i_o shall_v be_v too_o prolix_a in_o this_o matter_n be_v desirous_a to_o lay_v open_a another_o of_o not_o much_o less_o importance_n chap._n vii_o that_o we_o can_v ground_v our_o belief_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n those_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n to_o authorise_v their_o tradition_n which_o be_v beside_o nay_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n send_v we_o to_o the_o father_n as_o to_o other_o judge_n to_o determine_v our_o difference_n who_o doctrine_n they_o affirm_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o that_o which_o they_o teach_v certain_o i_o have_v think_v antiquity_n in_o itself_o to_o be_v very_o venerable_a and_o worthy_a to_o be_v respect_v especial_o the_o father_n who_o grave_n and_o learned_a book_n deserve_v praise_n of_o all_o good_a spirit_n principal_o if_o their_o doctrine_n be_v conformable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a infallible_a rule_n of_o all_o good_a doctrine_n and_o to_o speak_v true_o i_o find_v that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o first_o age_n condemn_v in_o a_o number_n of_o place_n so_o manifest_o the_o error_n and_o superstitious_a doctrine_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n that_o i_o have_v marvail_v oftentimes_o how_o they_o can_v have_v the_o boldness_n to_o allege_v they_o in_o their_o favour_n it_o be_v true_a that_o as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o st_n paul_n the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v already_o work_v so_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v marveil_v that_o they_o be_v man_n some_o thing_n have_v now_o and_o then_o insensible_o creep_v into_o the_o writing_n of_o some_o of_o they_o which_o be_v not_o altogether_o so_o pure_a and_o seem_v somewhat_o to_o incline_v to_o superstition_n which_o by_o little_a and_o little_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o the_o church_n but_o i_o believe_v that_o though_o all_o their_o book_n shall_v seem_v manifest_o to_o contradict_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o receive_v they_o as_o our_o judge_n neither_o as_o irreprochable_a witness_n and_o howsoever_o i_o esteem_v high_o of_o the_o author_n yet_o we_o can_v ground_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n upon_o their_o write_n but_o so_o far_o as_o we_o find_v they_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o toucstone_n of_o all_o truth_n neither_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o they_o any_o way_n for_o if_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o they_o and_o receive_v they_o for_o judge_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o be_v to_o bring_v our_o faith_n and_o the_o point_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o a_o impossibility_n at_o least_o moral_a because_o all_o christian_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o have_v they_o and_o to_o have_v they_o all_o or_o the_o most_o part_n which_o be_v not_o possible_a but_o to_o the_o rich_a sort_n and_o have_v they_o they_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o read_v they_o almost_o all_o and_o that_o whole_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v compare_v one_o with_o another_o and_o see_v if_o they_o agree_v one_o with_o another_o in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o if_o they_o be_v conformable_a to_o themselves_o every_o where_n and_o so_o none_o but_o those_o who_o have_v great_a leisure_n can_v read_v they_o and_o be_v almost_o all_o of_o they_o either_o in_o latin_a or_o greek_a or_o other_o strange_a tongue_n &_o but_o few_o of_o they_o in_o vulgar_a tongue_n what_o shall_v they_o do_v who_o understand_v neither_o latin_a nor_o greek_a there_o will_v be_v none_o then_o but_o the_o rich_a and_o learneder_n and_o those_o who_o have_v no_o other_o employment_n but_o to_o read_v can_v be_v assure_v of_o their_o faith_n and_o so_o all_o other_o shall_v be_v without_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o manifest_a way_n of_o perdition_n by_o their_o ignorance_n notwithstanding_o our_o saviour_n his_o come_n be_v to_o teach_v the_o poor_a as_o well_o as_o the_o rich_a the_o ignorant_a as_o the_o learned_a the_o merchant_n and_o tradesman_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o be_v not_o so_o much_o employ_v beside_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o build_v upon_o their_o write_n any_o belief_n of_o faith_n for_o as_o printing_n be_v not_o in_o their_o time_n but_o only_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o year_n since_o those_o who_o have_v write_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n even_o to_o our_o time_n since_o our_o saviour_n which_o have_v be_v thirteen_o or_o fourteen_o hundred_o year_n have_v leave_v we_o nothing_o but_o manuscript_n which_o behoove_v to_o be_v transcribe_v that_o they_o may_v be_v disperse_v now_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o will_v not_o confess_v that_o the_o original_n and_o first_o manuscript_n write_v or_o at_o least_o revise_v and_o correct_v by_o the_o father_n which_o compose_v they_o have_v be_v see_v but_o of_o a_o few_o and_o little_a or_o nothing_o of_o they_o all_o be_v to_o be_v find_v at_o this_o time_n nor_o be_v find_v
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
temporal_a thing_n and_o that_o with_o that_o subtlety_n and_o craft_n which_o bellarmine_n and_o other_o romish_a doctor_n call_v indirect_a jurisdiction_n and_o power_n whereby_o he_o make_v all_o the_o state_n empire_n and_o action_n of_o prince_n liable_a to_o his_o authority_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o some_o interest_n or_o pretext_n of_o religion_n or_o spiritual_a good_a be_v always_o mix_v with_o it_o over_o which_o the_o pope_n pretend_v direct_a authority_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n in_o the_o romish_a school_n that_o he_o may_v depose_v establish_v and_o excommunicate_a king_n interdict_v their_o dominion_n and_o kingdom_n give_v all_o their_o estate_n in_o prey_n to_o the_o first_o conqueror_n under_o the_o pretext_n and_o colour_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o he_o think_v they_o not_o stong_o addict_v to_o maintain_v his_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n or_o rather_o if_o they_o show_v not_o themselves_o zealous_a of_o the_o augmentation_n and_o 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all_o the_o wealth_n in_o christendom_n but_o of_o this_o perchance_o in_o another_o place_n at_o this_o time_n man_n be_v wise_a and_o go_v no_o more_o in_o procession_n from_o far_a country_n to_o kiss_v the_o pope_n pantofle_n and_o if_o any_o go_v for_o the_o present_a it_o be_v more_o through_o curiosity_n than_o for_o respect_n and_o devotion_n though_o they_o cease_v not_o to_o transport_v many_o million_o of_o gold_n daily_o out_o of_o some_o kingdom_n to_o the_o great_a grief_n of_o many_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n and_o carry_v it_o to_o rome_n to_o entertain_v the_o pope_n court_n in_o the_o pleasure_n and_o insolence_n know_v to_o most_o man_n to_o enrich_v his_o nephew_n and_o kinsfolk_n and_o whorle_fw-mi the_o cardinal_n with_o a_o cortage_n of_o forty_o or_o fifty_o coach_n in_o a_o word_n to_o maintain_v the_o romish_a clergy_n in_o such_o abomination_n and_o dissoluteness_n that_o s._n lewes_n king_n of_o france_n can_v never_o have_v the_o heart_n to_o see_v they_o 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pope_n alone_o who_o be_v elect_v and_o choose_v by_o such_o humane_a or_o rather_o worldly_a or_o rather_o diabolical_a mean_n so_o often_o deceive_v in_o his_o judgement_n so_o subject_a to_o vice_n and_o infirmity_n yea_o and_o so_o uncertain_a of_o his_o own_o salvation_n i_o can_v not_o see_v how_o that_o can_v be_v a_o sure_a ground_n of_o a_o firm_a belief_n such_o as_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o of_o our_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o place_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o give_v he_o either_o right_a to_o judge_v or_o infallibility_n to_o do_v the_o same_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v more_o ample_o with_o other_o thing_n so_o that_o i_o do_v imagine_v all_o this_o to_o be_v only_o a_o humane_a invention_n and_o deceit_n flow_v from_o the_o ambition_n and_o power_n of_o the_o pope_n so_o dazzle_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o simple_a and_o weak_a understanding_n and_o a_o refuge_n for_o want_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n teach_v in_o that_o church_n 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treachery_n and_o inhumanity_n of_o my_o young_a brethren_n much_o oblige_v to_o i_o but_o as_o papist_n angry_a at_o my_o conversion_n contrary_a to_o all_o the_o oath_n of_o security_n they_o so_o often_o make_v to_o i_o my_o occasion_n call_v i_o among_o they_o but_o god_n of_o his_o grace_n have_v not_o only_o deliver_v i_o beyond_o all_o humane_a expectation_n but_o also_o make_v i_o the_o instrument_n to_o bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n my_o own_o keeper_n who_o be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o i_o and_o the_o mean_n of_o my_o deliverance_n i_o have_v now_o more_o obligation_n than_o ever_o to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o wish_v that_o all_o man_n be_v in_o the_o straight_a path_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o give_v more_o perfect_a praise_n to_o god_n for_o all_o his_o favour_n it_o be_v not_o my_o intention_n to_o treat_v here_o ample_o of_o all_o the_o controversy_n of_o religion_n a_o infinite_a number_n of_o grave_n and_o worthy_a author_n have_v 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assembly_n of_o confessor_n in_o sundry_a place_n of_o missionary_n in_o many_o canton_n where_o i_o have_v be_v and_o be_v actual_o employ_v when_o i_o leave_v the_o romish_a church_n evidence_n sufficient_o the_o opinion_n and_o estimation_n which_o be_v have_v of_o i_o in_o the_o order_n i_o be_v of_o pass_v with_o silence_n the_o applause_n and_o affection_n of_o people_n in_o many_o city_n and_o country_n sufficient_o know_v to_o thousand_o but_o to_o god_n be_v the_o glory_n and_o honour_n before_o who_o i_o protest_v worthy_a reader_n i_o shall_v write_v nothing_o here_o but_o the_o simple_a truth_n sincere_o as_o i_o think_v and_o know_v it_o according_a to_o the_o true_a feeling_n i_o have_v let_v no_o unreasonable_a scruple_n or_o vain_a fear_n divert_v you_o from_o read_v this_o treatise_n for_o there_o be_v no_o commandment_n under_o heaven_n can_v hinder_v you_o to_o seek_v your_o salvation_n and_o to_o see_v and_o inquire_v if_o you_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n or_o not_o you_o will_v read_v willing_o a_o comedy_n a_o roman_a a_o book_n of_o love_n or_o song_n without_o scruple_n wherefore_o will_v you_o not_o read_v this_o that_o concern_v your_o salvation_n if_o the_o pope_n forbid_v it_o it_o be_v because_o he_o be_v interest_v but_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v judge_n in_o his_o own_o cause_n beside_o have_v you_o never_o hear_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 22.29_o isai_n 15.3_o mat._n 22.29_o my_o people_n be_v captive_a because_o they_o be_v without_o knowledge_n and_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 22_o 29._o you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n and_o as_o i_o desire_v nothing_o but_o your_o profit_n and_o god_n glory_n so_o shall_v you_o not_o see_v here_o any_o affectation_n of_o vain_a eloquence_n but_o only_o strong_a
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his_o fierce_a battery_n to_o hinder_v the_o read_n thereof_o and_o in_o the_o last_o general_a council_n at_o trent_n where_o many_o canon_n be_v make_v concern_v bad_a and_o dangerous_a book_n and_o many_o clauss_n and_o degree_n of_o those_o book_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v place_v in_o the_o first_o clausse_fw-fr and_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o pernicious_a and_o dangerous_a book_n in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o those_o canon_n they_o who_o shall_v read_v it_o in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n must_v incur_v as_o great_a and_o great_a malediction_n and_o anathema_n as_o those_o who_o shall_v kill_v their_o father_n and_o mother_n or_o read_v the_o alkoran_n or_o the_o most_o wicked_a filthy_a and_o detestable_a book_n in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o simple_a priest_n or_o a_o bishop_n can_v absolve_v a_o man_n from_o excommunication_n for_o other_o thing_n but_o to_o read_v the_o bible_n in_o a_o vulgar_a tongue_n that_o be_v in_o english_a french_a 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a_o man_n and_o be_v think_v ordinary_o to_o be_v incline_v to_o his_o pleasure_n as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o be_v trouble_v with_o those_o who_o ask_v licence_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n he_o have_v appoint_v at_o rome_n a_o certain_a company_n of_o cardinal_n call_v the_o congregation_n of_o cardinal_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v permission_n to_o read_v it_o and_o power_n to_o give_v licence_n to_o those_o who_o ask_v and_o who_o they_o shall_v think_v capable_a through_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o those_o of_o france_n spain_n england_n hungary_n and_o poland_n yea_o even_o of_o the_o east_n and_o west_n indies_n who_o will_v have_v licence_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n must_v according_a to_o the_o canon_n of_o that_o council_n write_v or_o send_v to_o rome_n either_o by_o themselves_o or_o by_o exchange_n and_o obtain_v licence_n in_o writing_n for_o that_o condition_n be_v express_v in_o the_o prohibition_n and_o i_o myself_o have_v it_o in_o that_o sort_n which_o doubtless_o can_v be_v have_v in_o remote_a country_n without_o great_a pain_n charge_n and_o time_n so_o that_o by_o this_o mean_n the_o poor_a though_o they_o be_v the_o most_o capable_a and_o judicious_a the_o most_o zealous_a and_o affectionate_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v deprive_v of_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v for_o ever_o in_o the_o romish_a church_n i_o know_v indeed_o a_o great_a many_o bishop_n in_o that_o church_n scorn_v that_o prohibition_n as_o altogether_o unjust_a and_o ridiculous_a and_o call_v themselves_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n think_v they_o have_v sufficient_a authority_n by_o their_o office_n and_o dignity_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o give_v licence_n to_o those_o of_o their_o diocese_n who_o they_o esteem_v capable_a without_o send_v to_o the_o pope_n who_o many_o among_o they_o hold_v only_o for_o their_o equal_a but_o such_o be_v the_o order_n of_o that_o council_n hold_v by_o they_o to_o be_v general_a and_o call_v most_o holy_a and_o have_v be_v confirm_v since_o and_o make_v strict_a by_o a_o express_a bull_n such_o be_v also_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o order_n and_o the_o resolution_n of_o their_o canonist_n and_o the_o absolute_a will_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n so_o that_o if_o he_o be_v universal_a bishop_n and_o have_v power_n to_o command_v over_o all_o christian_n as_o they_o affirm_v in_o the_o romish_a church_n this_o aught_o to_o have_v place_n and_o be_v obey_v by_o the_o papist_n under_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o anathema_n this_o be_v also_o so_o exact_o observe_v almost_o every_o where_n among_o they_o that_o hardly_o shall_v a_o bible_n be_v find_v in_o a_o hundred_o house_n yea_o there_o be_v many_o priest_n and_o pastor_n in_o who_o house_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v see_v &_o it_o may_v be_v be_v never_o see_v and_o who_o have_v never_o read_v it_o i_o say_v not_o only_o not_o 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of_o all_o question_n do_v proceed_v that_o great_a ignorance_n which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v among_o the_o people_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o not_o be_v ten_o among_o a_o hundred_o instruct_v sufficient_o to_o salvation_n or_o that_o can_v give_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n of_o their_o belief_n i_o say_v even_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o own_o church_n this_o be_v special_o to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o country_n parish_n and_o in_o many_o city_n also_o where_o though_o there_o be_v more_o frequent_a preach_n the_o communion_n and_o confession_n be_v often_o haunt_v yet_o the_o people_n be_v nothing_o the_o better_o instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n for_o all_o that_o nor_o know_v they_o sufficient_o that_o which_o concern_v their_o salvation_n this_o defect_n can_v be_v impute_v to_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o the_o forbid_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o book_n of_o life_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o instruction_n and_o consolation_n of_o the_o faithful_a for_o howsoever_o they_o make_v many_o catechism_n and_o the_o preacher_n endeavour_v often_o to_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o their_o belief_n they_o be_v but_o little_a the_o wise_a or_o better_o instruct_v for_o all_o that_o for_o they_o nourish_v they_o not_o with_o the_o book_n of_o life_n to_o wit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o true_a bread_n of_o the_o faithful_a institute_v by_o god_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o comfort_n where_o on_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n there_o be_v not_o one_o almost_o but_o he_o can_v give_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o belief_n if_o he_o have_v any_o judgement_n and_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n though_o often_o they_o can_v read_v but_o have_v only_o hear_v the_o scripture_n read_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v in_o many_o place_n a_o infinite_a number_n of_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a people_n in_o humane_a learning_n who_o know_v the_o bible_n a_o great_a deal_n better_o than_o many_o great_a bishop_n in_o popish_a university_n and_o famous_a preacher_n among_o they_o which_o i_o protest_v i_o have_v often_o see_v with_o great_a admiration_n as_o do_v many_o other_o also_o to_o the_o great_a confusion_n questionless_a of_o the_o romish_a church_n what_o ever_o they_o can_v allege_v as_o for_o my_o part_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v never_o find_v any_o sufficient_a reason_n in_o that_o prohibition_n for_o read_v the_o scripture_n for_o if_o the_o scripture_n we_o call_v the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o same_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v leave_v unto_o we_o by_o moses_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n as_o be_v most_o certain_a i_o see_v nothing_o more_o common_a in_o that_o word_n than_o straight_o command_v to_o read_v hear_v meditate_v ruminate_v and_o observe_v the_o same_o to_o write_v it_o upon_o the_o post_n of_o our_o house_n and_o carry_v it_o tie_v to_o our_o finger_n that_o be_v to_o have_v it_o 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know_v his_o intention_n and_o that_o which_o he_o desire_v we_o to_o do_v to_o become_v worthy_a child_n of_o so_o good_a a_o father_n and_o to_o possess_v the_o inheritance_n he_o have_v purchase_v for_o we_o through_o his_o merit_n and_o blood_n be_v there_o any_o man_n of_o judgement_n in_o the_o world_n who_o can_v believe_v that_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o his_o commandment_n last_o will_v and_o intention_n as_o altogether_o needful_a to_o salvation_n and_o not_o suffer_v we_o to_o read_v the_o same_o and_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o wit_n the_o pope_n who_o have_v power_n to_o read_v and_o explain_v the_o same_o to_o other_o where_o be_v that_o so_o important_a prohibition_n set_v down_o where_o be_v it_o so_o speak_v have_v not_o we_o as_o much_o part_n in_o the_o inheritance_n of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o our_o father_n the_o pope_n by_o what_o right_o shall_v christian_n be_v deprive_v of_o the_o read_n of_o the_o will_n and_o intention_n of_o their_o father_n the_o will_v of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a commandment_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o know_v and_o do_v under_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n be_v there_o any_o power_n or_o authority_n under_o heaven_n that_o can_v hinder_v they_o see_v god_n enjoin_v and_o command_v the_o same_o the_o thing_n be_v of_o so_o great_a importance_n to_o they_o that_o none_o can_v be_v answerable_a for_o they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v there_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n that_o can_v dispense_v they_o no_o no_o this_o prohibition_n be_v altogether_o unjust_a and_o against_o both_o reason_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n yes_o but_o some_o will_v say_v the_o intention_n of_o god_n his_o testament_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v make_v know_v to_o christian_n by_o the_o sermon_n which_o they_o call_v common_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a the_o preach_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o orthodox_n preacher_n be_v high_o to_o be_v esteem_v for_o they_o may_v learn_v and_o profit_n much_o thereby_o but_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n betwixt_o a_o man_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v altogether_o divine_a and_o holy_a and_o the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o which_o we_o can_v doubt_v and_o the_o sermon_n of_o preacher_n howsoever_o they_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o speak_v proper_o the_o word_n of_o god_n except_o only_o that_o which_o be_v simple_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o rest_n be_v only_o humane_a word_n subject_a to_o fault_n and_o defect_n to_o passion_n and_o error_n especial_o in_o the_o romish_a church_n where_o many_o among_o they_o cite_v often_o plato_n seneca_n plutarch_n or_o some_o other_o than_o they_o do_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o if_o they_o cite_v they_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o that_o they_o may_v rather_o be_v term_v profane_a than_o pious_o cite_v and_o sincere_o explain_v final_o it_o be_v to_o deceive_v christian_n to_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o sermon_n shall_v serve_v they_o in_o place_n of_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v fill_v with_o a_o better_a spirit_n than_o all_o the_o best_a sermon_n in_o the_o world_n for_o there_o it_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o speak_v to_o we_o whereof_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o doubt_v nor_o can_v we_o enter_v into_o any_o suspicion_n of_o deception_n but_o sermon_n be_v only_o the_o word_n of_o man_n institute_v to_o instruct_v and_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o god_n we_o ought_v indeed_o to_o respect_v they_o much_o and_o hear_v they_o willing_o but_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o hear_v and_o receive_v they_o with_o so_o great_a respect_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o examine_v and_o confer_v they_o with_o the_o scripture_n as_o do_v those_o noble_a berean_o have_v hear_v st_n paul_n preach_v to_o see_v if_o that_o which_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o act._n 17.11_o neither_o do_v st_n paul_n nor_o st_n luke_n 17.11_o act._n 17.11_o nor_o any_o other_o ever_o blame_v they_o for_o that_o action_n and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o reproach_v the_o jew_n that_o be_v send_v from_o god_n his_o father_n they_o will_v neither_o receive_v he_o nor_o believe_v in_o he_o say_v to_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n 5.39_o joh._n 5.39_o for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n for_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o and_o in_o the_o history_n of_o poor_a lazarus_n and_o the_o wicked_a rich_a man_n be_v write_v in_o st_n luke_n chap._n 16._o 16.28_o luk._n 16.28_o when_o this_o damn_a wretch_n desire_v that_o god_n will_v show_v miracle_n and_o raise_v some_o
before_o it_o be_v give_v they_o by_o the_o wicked_a and_o perfidious_a emperor_n phocas_n who_o have_v overcome_v and_o take_v maurice_n succeed_v in_o his_o place_n and_o because_o he_o be_v free_o and_o without_o any_o contradiction_n crown_v at_o rome_n in_o recompense_n will_v oblige_v the_o roman_n and_o ordain_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n shall_v thereafter_o be_v chief_a of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o that_o boniface_n the_o three_o than_o pope_n shall_v be_v universal_a bishop_n and_o so_o be_v the_o controversy_n determine_v by_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o emperor_n if_o after_o all_o this_o the_o title_n of_o head_n universal_a and_o general_a bishop_n ought_v to_o be_v think_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o of_o divine_a and_o apostolic_a institution_n give_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n i_o have_v do_v believe_v that_o the_o gift_n and_o declaration_n of_o a_o wicked_a emperor_n make_v not_o the_o institution_n divine_a thus_o you_o may_v perceive_v friendly_a reader_n that_o christ_n never_o give_v it_o to_o st_n peter_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n never_o believe_v any_o such_o thing_n nor_o do_v st_n peter_n himself_o ever_o imagine_v to_o have_v it_o or_o make_v use_n of_o it_o you_o see_v how_o almost_o six_o hundred_o year_n be_v finish_v which_o questionless_a be_v a_o long_a time_n after_o the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n before_o either_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v esteem_v or_o do_v esteem_v himself_o general_a bishop_n and_o superior_a over_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o now_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v it_o not_o to_o think_v man_n fool_n and_o believe_v they_o be_v goose_n void_a of_o all_o sense_n and_o reason_n not_o to_o perceive_v the_o imposture_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o but_o simple_a and_o weak_a wit_n will_v believe_v it_o in_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o if_o it_o be_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o pope_n &_o his_o adherent_n preach_v and_o as_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n declare_v there_o be_v none_o by_o that_o reason_n in_o the_o romish_a church_n but_o weak_a judgement_n who_o be_v in_o the_o path_n of_o salvation_n chap._n xiii_o how_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v and_o do_v labour_n to_o maintain_v his_o usurp_a primacy_n and_o after_o what_o manner_n the_o pope_n be_v elect_v at_o this_o present_a i_o know_v the_o cardinal_n baronius_n a_o man_n otherwise_o learned_a and_o of_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n have_v endeavour_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o show_v the_o primacy_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o his_o painful_a labour_n but_o i_o protest_v that_o he_o say_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o all_o i_o have_v speak_v here_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o pope_n except_o only_o that_o he_o strive_v to_o draw_v more_o advantageous_a consequence_n for_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n but_o with_o what_o sincerity_n and_o ground_n the_o indifferent_a reader_n may_v judge_v and_o because_o he_o show_v that_o which_o i_o have_v grant_v that_o letter_n be_v write_v from_o divers_a place_n and_o from_o many_o church_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n since_o st_n peter_n death_n either_o to_o have_v his_o advice_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o clear_v of_o some_o doubt_n in_o religion_n or_o compose_v of_o some_o difference_n rise_v among_o the_o bishop_n as_o to_o one_o of_o their_o fellow-bishop_n and_o brethren_n who_o have_v great_a authority_n among_o they_o as_o be_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o metropolis_n of_o the_o world_n where_o the_o emperor_n do_v reside_v he_o conclude_v every_o where_o the_o primacy_n but_o with_o very_o bad_a consequence_n as_o do_v many_o more_o of_o his_o fellow_n who_o take_v pay_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n either_o for_o fear_n to_o loose_v the_o benefice_n they_o have_v or_o in_o hope_n to_o obtain_v better_a and_o great_a do_v all_o that_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n to_o extol_v the_o same_o dissemble_v often_o those_o error_n they_o perceive_v and_o labour_v to_o cloak_n and_o excuse_n that_o which_o they_o can_v deny_v certain_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o read_v the_o cardinal_n baronius_n with_o a_o mind_n void_a of_o passion_n will_v not_o clear_o perceive_v that_o he_o proceed_v after_o that_o manner_n and_o indeed_o according_a to_o the_o policy_n and_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v nevertheless_o foolishness_n before_o god_n he_o can_v not_o do_v otherwise_o for_o he_o be_v wise_a enough_o to_o see_v and_o foresee_v if_o he_o write_v otherwise_o than_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o the_o romish_a church_n he_o can_v never_o have_v aspire_v to_o the_o cardinalship_n which_o he_o obtain_v thereby_o nor_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o gratification_n the_o pope_n impart_v to_o he_o thereafter_o for_o have_v maintain_v so_o advantageous_o his_o authority_n and_o pretend_a right_n now_o to_o return_v to_o my_o purpose_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v once_o obtain_v the_o title_n of_o universal_a bishop_n and_o general_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o donation_n and_o investure_n of_o the_o emperor_n he_o be_v already_o in_o possession_n of_o great_a authority_n and_o abundance_n of_o great_a riches_n it_o be_v not_o hard_a for_o he_o to_o maintain_v and_o conserve_v it_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o opposition_n that_o be_v raise_v from_o time_n to_o time_n by_o bishop_n who_o have_v not_o so_o much_o riches_n and_o authority_n as_o he_o nor_o a_o back_o strong_a enough_o to_o contest_v it_o against_o he_o and_o make_v he_o quit_v the_o title_n but_o rather_o have_v labour_v to_o exalt_v himself_o more_o and_o more_o take_v occasion_n from_o the_o weakness_n and_o necessity_n or_o the_o simplicity_n and_o devotion_n of_o prince_n to_o augment_v his_o authority_n and_o estate_n and_o he_o who_o by_o the_o mean_n and_o beneficence_n of_o the_o emperor_n be_v invest_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o his_o greatness_n primacy_n and_o riches_n rise_v in_o a_o small_a time_n to_o that_o point_n as_o to_o strive_v to_o depose_v they_o from_o their_o throne_n and_o usurp_v the_o right_n of_o create_v and_o crown_v they_o make_v they_o kiss_v and_o adore_v his_o foot_n nay_o even_o to_o set_v his_o foot_n upon_o their_o neck_n abuse_v those_o word_n of_o the_o psal_n 91.13_o thou_o shall_v walk_v upon_o the_o asp_n &_o basilisque_n 91.13_o psal_n 91.13_o and_o the_o lion_n and_o the_o dragon_n shall_v thou_o tread_v underfoot_n as_o do_v alexander_n the_o three_o to_o the_o emperor_n frederick_n barberousse_n and_o his_o son_n henry_n the_o sixth_o say_v baronius_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o foot_n of_o pope_n innocent_a the_o three_o there_o to_o receive_v the_o imperial_a crown_n upon_o his_o knee_n and_o it_o be_v set_v upon_o his_o head_n as_o he_o be_v on_o his_o knee_n before_o the_o pope_n who_o be_v on_o a_o throne_n he_o beat_v it_o off_o with_o his_o foot_n say_v to_o he_o with_o a_o unsupportable_a arrogancy_n know_v that_o as_o i_o have_v have_v the_o power_n to_o set_v the_o crown_n on_o thy_o head_n so_o have_v i_o to_o take_v it_o from_o thou_o and_o deprive_v thou_o thereof_o at_o my_o pleasure_n but_o they_o take_v their_o time_n and_o opportunity_n of_o the_o infirmity_n and_o misery_n of_o those_o afflict_a prince_n to_o exercise_v upon_o they_o the_o usurpation_n of_o their_o empire_n and_o no_o man_n of_o understanding_n will_v peruse_v the_o history_n but_o he_o may_v see_v that_o as_o the_o emperor_n have_v invest_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o title_n and_o quality_n of_o head_n of_o the_o church_n so_o for_o a_o long_a time_n after_o they_o retain_v the_o authority_n to_o create_v and_o install_v they_o in_o their_o see_n and_o depose_v and_o turn_v they_o out_o neither_o be_v any_o admit_v on_o receive_v but_o by_o consent_n of_o the_o emperor_n and_o if_o in_o the_o absence_n and_o distance_n of_o the_o emperor_n the_o roman_n at_o any_o time_n meddle_v themselves_o with_o the_o choose_n of_o the_o pope_n they_o send_v continual_o to_o the_o emperor_n to_o have_v his_o consent_n which_o sometime_o he_o give_v and_o other_o time_n refuse_v and_o because_o time_n alter_v and_o change_v all_o thing_n that_o which_o sometime_o before_o be_v do_v by_o all_o the_o roman_a people_n with_o the_o aforesaid_a condition_n become_v by_o little_a and_o little_a to_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o clergy_n alone_o which_o as_o the_o pope_n grow_v great_a and_o rich_a do_v also_o augment_v their_o revenue_n and_o power_n gather_v the_o crumb_n from_o a_o table_n so_o excessive_o furnish_v as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o pope_n and_o so_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o emperor_n begin_v by_o little_a &_o little_a to_o be_v neglect_v but_o principal_o then_o
do_v the_o same_o what_o then_o will_v we_o be_v wise_a than_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o people_n in_o those_o day_n be_v more_o rude_a and_o less_o capable_a of_o mystery_n than_o now_o adays_o for_o they_o be_v but_o new_o come_v out_o of_o paganism_n or_o judaisme_n chap._n xxii_o of_o auricular_a confession_n this_o point_n of_o auricular_a confession_n be_v also_o for_o the_o present_a hold_v to_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o the_o mass_n and_o there_o be_v no_o virtue_n nor_o any_o other_o duty_n so_o much_o recommend_v at_o this_o day_n as_o a_o full_a and_o faithful_a confession_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o even_o a_o general_a confession_n of_o the_o whole_a life_n in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n of_o all_o christian_a doctrine_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o romish_a church_n aim_v at_o that_o point_n and_o although_o you_o shall_v give_v all_o your_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a other_o council_n trident._n tolet._n let_v bonac_n and_o other_o and_o be_v the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o endue_v with_o all_o the_o excellent_a part_n of_o bounty_n and_o virtue_n yet_o if_o you_o confess_v not_o often_o and_o exact_o all_o your_o sin_n great_a and_o small_a all_o the_o adherent_a circumstance_n which_o aggravate_v the_o same_o and_o tell_v faithful_o and_o punctual_o the_o number_n all_o the_o rest_n be_v nothing_o and_o without_o that_o say_v they_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v save_v or_o please_v god_n in_o any_o fashion_n for_o those_o who_o have_v the_o occasion_n and_o commodity_n to_o do_v the_o same_o after_o they_o have_v sin_v to_o prove_v this_o doctrine_n which_o be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o produce_v no_o passage_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o have_v either_o force_n or_o reason_n for_o to_o allege_v that_o of_o s._n james_n 5.16_o jam._n 5.16_o ch_z 5.16_o confess_v your_o fault_n one_o to_o another_o and_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o that_o you_o may_v be_v heal_v be_v without_o sense_n or_o reason_n because_o that_o which_o be_v subjoin_v and_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o show_v clear_o that_o as_o s._n james_n recommend_v not_o prayer_n only_o to_o the_o priest_n so_o he_o command_v none_o to_o confess_v their_o fault_n to_o the_o priest_n alone_o for_o as_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o reciprocal_a prayer_n and_o mutual_a assistance_n so_o speak_v he_o of_o a_o mutual_a confession_n betwixt_o particular_n after_o quarrel_n and_o offence_n as_o the_o cardinal_n caietan_n confess_v and_o acknowledge_v well_o in_o his_o commentary_n in_o this_o epistle_n it_o be_v not_o there_o speak_v say_v he_o of_o a_o sacramental_a confession_n as_o appear_v because_o he_o say_v confess_v one_o to_o another_o now_o the_o sacramental_a confession_n be_v not_o make_v one_o to_o another_o but_o to_o the_o priest_n only_o but_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o confession_n by_o which_o we_o mutual_o confess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v sinner_n that_o they_o may_v pray_v for_o we_o and_o of_o the_o confession_n of_o fault_n which_o be_v do_v by_o one_o another_o to_o be_v mutual_o appease_v and_o reconcile_v but_o there_o be_v no_o appearance_n that_o s._n james_n speak_v here_o of_o auricular_a confession_n neither_o of_o confession_n to_o the_o priest_n alone_o and_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o s._n james_n do_v speak_v here_o of_o the_o confession_n to_o priest_n it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o auricular_a confession_n for_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n and_o as_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o confess_v all_o our_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o profitable_a to_o confess_v our_o sin_n public_o also_o and_o before_o man_n in_o token_n of_o repentance_n and_o grief_n and_o to_o edify_v our_o neighbour_n so_o none_o can_v deny_v that_o it_o be_v both_o profitable_a and_o good_a to_o confess_v our_o sin_n to_o the_o priest_n not_o for_o any_o obligation_n they_o have_v to_o do_v it_o there_o be_v no_o commandment_n or_o word_n of_o god_n but_o to_o discharge_v his_o conscience_n and_o seek_v remedy_n for_o his_o imperfection_n consolation_n in_o his_o infirmity_n and_o counsel_n in_o the_o order_n of_o his_o life_n and_o howsoever_o the_o priest_n may_v minister_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o a_o penitent_a and_o afflict_a soul_n upon_o the_o assurance_n he_o may_v give_v he_o that_o his_o sin_n be_v forgive_v he_o if_o he_o be_v true_o penitent_a &_o have_v a_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n notwithstanding_o he_o ought_v not_o presume_v to_o give_v a_o formal_a absolution_n but_o only_o declarative_a or_o else_o deprecative_a nor_o think_v to_o pardon_v sin_n as_o do_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n there_o be_v none_o but_o god_n alone_o that_o can_v pardon_v sin_n 2.7_o mark_v 2.7_o as_o mark._n 2.7_o but_o only_o assure_v and_o declare_v thar_z if_o there_o be_v true_a faith_n and_o repentance_n there_o sin_n be_v remit_v or_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v remit_v they_o and_o as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v say_v to_o the_o apostle_n by_o our_o saviour_n that_o whatsoever_o they_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n it_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o whole_a passage_n that_o it_o be_v only_o understand_v of_o the_o exterior_a power_n of_o excommunication_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o church_n not_o of_o the_o power_n to_o absolve_v from_o interior_a and_o secret_a sin_n for_o see_v the_o passage_n which_o i_o exhort_v the_o reader_n diligent_o to_o consider_v etc._n mat._n 18.15_o etc._n etc._n if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n betwixt_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o two_o or_o three_o more_o that_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n thereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o christ_n mean_v only_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o band_n of_o excommunication_n and_o ejection_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o all_o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n with_o the_o band_n of_o excommunication_n shall_v be_v think_v and_o esteem_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o before_o god_n and_o that_o which_o they_o shall_v loose_v and_o absolve_v on_o earth_n restore_v and_o reconcile_n they_o to_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v hold_v absolve_v and_o restore_v before_o god_n and_o may_v partake_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a nevertheless_o many_o priest_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n hold_v themselves_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o believe_v that_o from_o those_o word_n they_o have_v power_n give_v they_o to_o absolve_v from_o all_o sin_n indifferent_o without_o any_o reservation_n see_v that_o even_o the_o same_o word_n be_v say_v to_o they_o at_o their_o consecration_n but_o the_o bishop_n give_v their_o gloss_n and_o exception_n upon_o and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v to_o they_o it_o belong_v be_v proper_o and_o especial_o the_o true_a successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o priest_n but_o by_o commission_n which_o they_o can_v amplify_v and_o diminish_v at_o their_o pleasure_n in_o the_o absolution_n of_o sin_n limit_v their_o power_n in_o certain_a cause_n and_o reserve_v other_o to_o themselves_o forbid_v the_o priest_n who_o be_v under_o their_o jurisdiction_n to_o absolve_v they_o and_o the_o pope_n who_o term_v himself_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n and_o attribute_v the_o whole_a and_o absolute_a power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o himself_o clip_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o this_o use_v they_o as_o they_o use_v the_o priest_n forbid_v they_o shall_v give_v absolution_n for_o every_o thing_n but_o reserve_v certain_a cause_n to_o himself_o wherein_o he_o forbid_v they_o to_o meddle_v and_o as_o the_o priest_n murmur_v against_o the_o bishop_n for_o that_o so_o do_v the_o bishop_n against_o the_o pope_n believe_v no_o sin_n nor_o case_n whatsoever_o to_o be_v exempt_v from_o their_o jurisdiction_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o thus_o do_v they_o agree_v among_o themselves_o on_o the_o explication_n of_o those_o