Selected quad for the lemma: christian_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
christian_n body_n church_n union_n 1,510 5 9.6741 5 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A58130 A dialogue betwixt two Protestants in answer to a popish catechism called A short catechism against all sectaries : plainly shewing that the members of the Church of England are no sectaries but true Catholicks and that our Church is a found part of Christ's holy Catholick Church in whose communion therefore the people of this nation are most strictly bound in conscience to remain : in two parts. Rawlet, John, 1642-1686. 1685 (1685) Wing R352; ESTC R11422 171,932 286

There are 7 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

member_n of_o their_o church_n they_o do_v separate_v themselves_o from_o all_o other_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o disown_n this_o universal_a headship_n of_o the_o pope_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o error_n l._n but_o they_o boast_v much_o of_o the_o union_n of_o their_o church_n because_o say_v they_o go_v where_o you_o will_v you_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o worship_n the_o same_o mass_n and_o this_o frequent_v in_o all_o place_n where_o their_o church_n be_v own_v by_o the_o member_n of_o it_o t._n still_o this_o be_v but_o a_o union_n among_o themselves_o such_o i_o say_v as_o any_o party_n may_v have_v quaker_n for_o instance_n may_v go_v to_o quaker_n meeting_n where_o ever_o they_o travel_v and_o yet_o still_o remain_v a_o schismatical_a party_n and_o though_o i_o lay_v no_o great_a stress_n upon_o it_o yet_o former_o even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n however_o it_o be_v now_o with_o they_o they_o have_v have_v much_o variety_n in_o their_o public_a office_n according_a to_o the_o different_a usage_n of_o different_a place_n but_o still_o i_o say_v be_v they_o never_o so_o perfect_o agree_v in_o their_o own_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o well_o as_o in_o doctrine_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o to_o prove_v they_o the_o one_o catholic_n church_n nay_o it_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v one_o with_o it_o as_o a_o sound_a part_n thereof_o except_o their_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v such_o as_o agree_v with_o that_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o age_n for_o any_o party_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o may_v agree_v among_o themselves_o even_o whilst_o they_o be_v schismatical_o divide_v from_o other_o l._n but_o they_o say_v our_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o thus_o unite_v because_o many_o separate_a from_o her_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n t._n and_o what_o be_v there_o no_o unity_n therefore_o among_o the_o member_n of_o our_o church_n because_o there_o be_v some_o who_o through_o peevishness_n weakness_n or_o any_o other_o cause_n separate_v from_o it_o do_v not_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o people_n of_o this_o kingdom_n through_o god_n mercy_n join_v in_o religious_a communion_n and_o can_v free_o resort_v to_o any_o parish_n church_n where_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v if_o some_o that_o live_v in_o the_o nation_n will_v not_o thus_o join_v be_v that_o a_o argument_n against_o the_o union_n of_o those_o that_o do_v in_o some_o popish_a country_n be_v there_o not_o many_o thousand_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o do_v they_o take_v that_o for_o a_o good_a reason_n to_o prove_v they_o not_o to_o be_v unite_v who_o join_v with_o it_o i_o trow_v not_o but_o yet_o it_o may_v do_v much_o to_o prove_v there_o be_v little_a true_a union_n among_o they_o to_o consider_v by_o what_o mean_v they_o be_v hold_v together_o viz._n partly_o by_o force_n and_o violence_n at_o least_o in_o many_o place_n and_o partly_o by_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o ignorance_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o fine_a kind_n of_o union_n think_v you_o to_o have_v man_n chain_v together_o in_o iron_n fetter_n and_o keep_v in_o a_o dark_a dungeon_n where_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o stir_v a_o foot_n from_o each_o other_o have_v they_o never_o so_o much_o mind_n and_o have_v the_o people_n in_o italy_n and_o spain_n but_o more_o light_a and_o more_o liberty_n you_o will_v quick_o see_v what_o vast_a number_n will_v depart_v from_o their_o communion_n there_o as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o other_o place_n but_o ignorance_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o their_o union_n as_o well_o as_o the_o mother_n of_o their_o devotion_n l._n yet_o be_v there_o nothing_o more_o common_a with_o they_o than_o to_o cry_v up_o the_o unity_n of_o their_o church_n and_o to_o exclaim_v against_o the_o division_n which_o they_o say_v be_v in_o we_o t._n they_o exclaim_v against_o they_o whilst_o more_o way_n than_o one_o they_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v they_o they_o use_v also_o their_o utmost_a art_n to_o aggravate_v and_o enhance_v they_o and_o make_v they_o be_v think_v much_o great_a than_o they_o be_v whilst_o they_o cunning_o endeavour_v to_o lessen_v and_o conceal_v those_o among_o themselves_o which_o yet_o i_o reckon_v to_o be_v far_o great_a than_o even_o those_o betwixt_o our_o church_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o such_o as_o dissent_v from_o it_o and_o sometime_o these_o their_o difference_n have_v be_v manage_v with_o as_o much_o heat_n and_o violence_n and_o have_v produce_v fight_v and_o bloodshed_n as_o you_o will_v find_v large_o relate_v in_o the_o most_o learned_a dr._n stillingfleet_n discourse_n on_o that_o subject_n but_o beside_o this_o certain_o the_o papist_n of_o all_o people_n have_v little_a reason_n to_o cry_v out_o against_o schismatic_n and_o sectary_n since_o they_o themselves_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v as_o great_a schismatic_n as_o any_o at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o and_o as_o dangerous_a too_o if_o we_o may_v judge_n of_o they_o by_o their_o principle_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o whole_a popish_a church_n may_v just_o be_v account_v schismatical_a in_o divide_v itself_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o christendom_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o those_o of_o they_o who_o live_v among_o we_o do_v whole_o separate_v from_o our_o church_n and_o pass_v a_o much_o more_o heavy_a doom_n upon_o we_o than_o i_o think_v most_o of_o our_o other_o sectary_n do_v for_o these_o do_v general_o acknowledge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o grant_v her_o doctrine_n to_o be_v sound_a and_o good_a and_o profess_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o we_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n whilst_o they_o withdraw_v from_o we_o on_o account_n of_o some_o mode_n and_o ceremony_n in_o divine_a worship_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o many_o of_o they_o but_o now_o the_o papist_n do_v plain_o declare_v against_o our_o church_n and_o minister_n that_o we_o have_v no_o true_a faith_n nor_o sacrament_n nor_o christian_a virtue_n or_o piety_n but_o be_v curse_a heretic_n in_o the_o most_o miserable_a state_n of_o damnation_n and_o all_o this_o chief_o because_o we_o submit_v not_o to_o the_o usurpation_n of_o a_o foreign_a power_n that_o of_o the_o pope_n which_o at_o least_o in_o spiritual_n they_o prefer_v before_o the_o power_n of_o our_o own_o governor_n whether_o in_o church_n or_o state_n so_o that_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v in_o england_n than_o the_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o disobey_v the_o king_n and_o bishop_n and_o all_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n at_o least_o i_o say_v in_o all_o matter_n that_o relate_v to_o religion_n and_o whilst_o the_o pope_n himself_o be_v judge_n in_o the_o case_n what_o may_v he_o not_o hook_n in_o under_o that_o pretence_n and_o therefore_o may_v the_o papist_n among_o we_o just_o be_v reckon_v as_o schismatic_n whilst_o they_o refuse_v communion_n with_o that_o christian_a church_n where_o they_o live_v which_o be_v a_o sound_a part_n of_o christ_n catholic_n church_n and_o require_v nothing_o unlawful_a of_o its_o member_n and_o very_o dangerous_a they_o be_v because_o they_o prefer_v a_o foreign_a usurper_n before_o all_o the_o power_n of_o our_o own_o church_n especial_o if_o you_o also_o consider_v the_o current_a doctrine_n of_o their_o church_n that_o this_o same_o usurper_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v power_n to_o depose_v heretical_a king_n as_o they_o account_v we_o and_o to_o absolve_v their_o subject_n from_o their_o allegiance_n and_o dispose_v of_o their_o kingdom_n to_o other_o and_o this_o most_o intolerable_a tyranny_n over_o prince_n have_v sundry_a pope_n exercise_v when_o they_o have_v have_v power_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o have_v more_o than_o once_o attempt_v it_o in_o these_o kingdom_n yea_o to_o this_o day_n many_o of_o the_o rigid_a and_o strict_a sort_n of_o papist_n refuse_v to_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n wherein_o this_o extravagant_a power_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v deny_v judge_n then_o whether_o i_o have_v not_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o man_n retain_v these_o principle_n and_o on_o that_o account_n reject_v our_o communion_n be_v themselves_o such_o notorious_a and_o dangerous_a schismatic_n as_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o accuse_v other_o of_o schism_n and_o division_n l._n but_o though_o we_o own_v not_o the_o pope_n to_o be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n have_v not_o we_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o union_n in_o our_o church_n t._n yes_o we_o have_v so_o whilst_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v plain_o reveal_v and_o do_v also_o grant_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n have_v power_n to_o compose_v all_o difference_n
bishop_n to_o succeed_v he_o and_o so_o have_v the_o succession_n continue_v to_o this_o day_n and_o therefore_o sure_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o apostolical_a church_n t._n in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v wave_v the_o dispute_n whether_o indeed_o st._n peter_n be_v ever_o bishop_n of_o rome_n or_o no_o and_o shall_v pass_v by_o all_o that_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o frequent_a schism_n which_o have_v happen_v among_o they_o by_o their_o have_v sometime_o two_o or_o three_o pope_n at_o once_o and_o that_o for_o many_o year_n together_o nor_o shall_v i_o tell_v of_o the_o fine_a trick_n and_o politic_a intrigue_n of_o the_o cardinal_n at_o the_o election_n of_o a_o pope_n nor_o of_o those_o vile_a art_n which_o be_v frequent_o use_v by_o such_o as_o aspire_v to_o that_o dignity_n all_o which_o tend_v very_o much_o to_o abate_v their_o honour_n and_o show_v how_o unlike_a they_o be_v to_o the_o apostle_n who_o successor_n they_o boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v but_o wave_v these_o thing_n let_v i_o only_o desire_v you_o to_o consider_v how_o little_a force_n there_o be_v in_o this_o argument_n to_o prove_v their_o church_n to_o be_v now_o apostolical_a that_o once_o there_o be_v a_o apostle_n bishop_n of_o it_o except_o there_o still_o continue_v with_o they_o the_o same_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n and_o purity_n of_o worship_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v at_o first_o teach_v and_o establish_v for_o let_v we_o grant_v that_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n with_o other_o holy_a man_n plant_v a_o church_n at_o rome_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o possible_a that_o here_o as_o well_o as_o at_o ephesus_n may_v afterward_o arise_v man_n who_o shall_v teach_v perverse_a thing_n as_o we_o find_v it_o express_v act._n 20._o 30._o and_o thereby_o corrupt_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v it_o not_o thus_o in_o many_o other_o church_n and_o may_v it_o not_o be_v so_o at_o rome_n too_o yea_o most_o certain_o we_o know_v it_o be_v so_o for_o though_o we_o grant_v that_o church_n to_o have_v remain_v for_o a_o considerable_a time_n pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a yet_o for_o many_o age_n bypass_a to_o this_o very_a day_n there_o have_v be_v such_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n current_o receive_v and_o establish_v in_o that_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n never_o teach_v to_o they_o nor_o to_o any_o other_o and_o with_o respect_n to_o these_o i_o say_v they_o deserve_v not_o the_o title_n of_o a_o apostolical_a church_n mere_o because_o a_o apostle_n at_o first_o plant_v it_o and_o preside_v over_o it_o the_o papist_n themselves_o will_v not_o now_o allow_v this_o title_n to_o any_o of_o the_o greek_a church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n because_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o erroneous_a and_o schismatical_a and_o certain_o they_o themselves_o have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o challenge_v it_o as_o any_o of_o their_o neighbour_n be_v at_o least_o as_o gross_o degenerate_v as_o any_o though_o they_o may_v have_v more_o prosperity_n and_o great_a number_n of_o people_n adhere_v to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o then_o so_o much_o the_o sit_v in_o the_o same_o chair_n as_o teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n with_o the_o apostle_n that_o make_v a_o bishop_n to_o be_v a_o true_a successor_n of_o they_o wherefore_o those_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o holy_a man_n after_o the_o apostle_n be_v dead_a and_o go_v if_o they_o receive_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o retain_v the_o same_o worship_n and_o sacrament_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v these_o may_v most_o just_o be_v account_v apostolical_a church_n sound_a member_n of_o the_o one_o holy_a catholic_n apostolic_a church_n of_o christ._n l._n i_o think_v there_o be_v great_a reason_n so_o to_o account_v they_o but_o it_o seem_v very_o unreasonable_a that_o any_o one_o church_n shall_v style_v itself_o the_o apostolic_a church_n so_o as_o to_o exclude_v all_o other_o from_o that_o title_n especial_o so_o unsound_a a_o church_n as_o that_o of_o rome_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n so_o very_o unlike_a to_o what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n t._n it_o be_v indeed_o every_o whit_n as_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o alone_o the_o name_n of_o catholic_n which_o we_o discourse_v of_o before_o nay_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o this_o very_a day_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n lead_v the_o same_o good_a life_n and_o use_v the_o same_o holy_a worship_n and_o discipline_n so_o that_o their_o church_n indeed_o deserve_v to_o be_v own_a as_o apostolical_a yet_o what_o in_o reason_n can_v be_v infer_v from_o hence_o more_o than_o this_o viz._n that_o the_o people_n in_o their_o own_o diocese_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o they_o and_o that_o all_o other_o sister_n church_n ought_v to_o give_v they_o due_a respect_n and_o maintain_v such_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o those_o at_o a_o distance_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o it_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o follow_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v christ_n vicar_n upon_o earth_n and_o their_o church_n the_o only_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n so_o that_o none_o must_v have_v this_o title_n but_o those_o who_o enslave_v themselves_o to_o the_o pope_n l._n you_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o convince_v i_o how_o very_o absurd_a it_o be_v for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o style_v herself_o the_o catholic_n apostolic_a church_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n but_o papist_n yet_o pray_v tell_v i_o may_v not_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v reckon_v a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n t._n at_o the_o best_a it_o be_v but_o a_o small_a part_n as_o i_o have_v before_o tell_v you_o and_o also_o a_o very_a unsound_a part_n yea_o i_o will_v not_o doubt_v to_o add_v that_o take_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n even_o in_o the_o large_a sense_n as_o comprehend_v all_o those_o that_o submit_v to_o the_o pope_n as_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n under_o christ_n they_o may_v just_o be_v reckon_v a_o schismatical_a party_n divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n set_v up_o a_o false_a head_n and_o governor_n and_o appoint_v unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n and_o though_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o master_n and_o leader_n of_o the_o faction_n be_v in_o the_o great_a guilt_n yet_o the_o people_n who_o be_v seduce_v be_v also_o more_o or_o less_o guilty_a according_a to_o the_o capacity_n they_o be_v in_o of_o get_v better_a information_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o schism_n they_o be_v in_o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o many_o error_n and_o abuse_n that_o be_v among_o they_o whilst_o they_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o own_o their_o baptism_n they_o may_v be_v allow_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n such_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ._n and_o how_o uncharitable_a soever_o they_o be_v to_o we_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v many_o good_a christian_n among_o they_o who_o do_v hearty_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o it_o according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o who_o on_o that_o account_n may_v be_v style_v true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o all_o honest_a true_a heart_a christian_n be_v notwithstanding_o those_o error_n and_o fault_n they_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o which_o do_v not_o utter_o violate_v their_o baptismal_a covenant_n nor_o destroy_v that_o faith_n and_o holiness_n by_o which_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o so_o be_v live_v member_n of_o his_o body_n the_o church_n but_o still_o i_o say_v this_o title_n belong_v not_o to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v papist_n embrace_v the_o peculiar_a tenant_n of_o their_o own_o church_n but_o as_o they_o be_v christian_n hold_v the_o essential_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n together_o with_o our_o own_o and_o all_o other_o church_n for_o as_o to_o popery_n it_o be_v real_o a_o disease_n a_o corruption_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o as_o a_o disease_a man_n may_v have_v his_o vital_n so_o sound_v that_o even_o the_o plague_n or_o leprosy_n may_v not_o kill_v he_o so_o may_v there_o be_v some_o among_o the_o papist_n in_o who_o the_o great_a and_o common_a truth_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v so_o deep_o implant_v and_o so_o faithful_o retain_v and_o improve_v that_o the_o disease_n of_o popery_n may_v not_o prove_v mortal_a whilst_o they_o hold_v the_o foundation_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n though_o the_o hay_n and_o stubble_n which_o they_o build_v upon_o it_o shall_v be_v burn_v yet_o may_v they_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v save_v so_o as_o by_o fire_n that_o be_v with_o great_a difficulty_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n and_o
be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v unanswerable_a now_o let_v we_o hear_v the_o second_o l._n it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o religion_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a roman_a catholic_n church_n have_v be_v any_o way_n change_v in_o any_o article_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o religion_n by_o any_o pope_n council_n or_o catholic_n bishop_n nor_o can_v any_o of_o they_o be_v produce_v that_o have_v change_v it_o but_o it_o be_v rather_o prove_v that_o the_o very_a same_o faith_n have_v remain_v entire_a and_o inviolate_a from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o very_a day_n and_o by_o continual_a succession_n or_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n as_o it_o be_v be_v come_v to_o our_o hand_n whence_o be_v manifest_o gather_v that_o it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v and_o therefore_o the_o same_o that_o they_o learn_v from_o christ_n their_o master_n in_o his_o school_n t._n the_o answer_n which_o i_o have_v just_a now_o give_v to_o his_o first_o proposition_n do_v whole_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o this_o second_o also_o for_o pray_v consider_v we_o do_v not_o charge_v those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o direct_o change_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o we_o grant_v they_o still_o retain_v the_o apostle_n creed_n wherein_o that_o faith_n be_v brief_o comprise_v and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n where_o it_o be_v more_o large_o teach_v but_o our_o great_a charge_n against_o they_o be_v their_o add_v to_o this_o old_a faith_n new_a article_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v some_o of_o they_o utter_o uncertain_a some_o notorious_o false_a which_o yet_o they_o impose_v as_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n even_o as_o much_o as_o the_o apostle_n creed_n itself_o and_o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o these_o novelty_n they_o give_v very_o corrupt_a and_o false_a interpretation_n of_o the_o ancient_a article_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n themselves_o such_o as_o the_o first_o christian_n writer_n never_o give_v thus_o for_o instance_n they_o will_v have_v the_o catholic_n church_n mention_v in_o the_o creed_n to_o signify_v the_o roman_a church_n and_o so_o to_o comprehend_v only_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christ_n vicar_n upon_o earth_n whereas_o none_o of_o the_o ancient_n do_v ever_o thus_o explain_v this_o article_n so_o that_o by_o their_o corrupt_a gloss_n they_o do_v in_o some_o instance_n very_o much_o change_v the_o doctrine_n whilst_o they_o retain_v the_o word_n but_o as_o to_o these_o novel_a addition_n which_o they_o will_v thrust_v upon_o we_o we_o do_v utter_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v ever_o teach_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n nor_o consequent_o can_v be_v deliver_v down_o from_o they_o successive_o to_o this_o present_a age._n nay_o our_o learned_a writer_n show_v as_o to_o many_o of_o they_o the_o very_a time_n when_o they_o be_v introduce_v by_o what_o degree_n and_o what_o art_n it_o be_v do_v and_o with_o what_o difficulty_n and_o opposition_n they_o meet_v they_o name_v the_o very_a pope_n who_o first_o obtain_v the_o title_n of_o supreme_a bishop_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n they_o name_v the_o council_n where_o image-worship_n be_v first_o establish_v and_o after_o that_o when_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o pope_n power_n of_o depose_v prince_n be_v decree_v etc._n etc._n though_o as_o our_o writer_n common_o urge_v it_o be_v a_o most_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a thing_n when_o we_o demonstrate_v the_o error_n of_o their_o church_n for_o they_o to_o say_v there_o be_v none_o because_o we_o can_v show_v the_o precise_a time_n when_o they_o be_v first_o bring_v in_o as_o if_o when_o the_o tare_n be_v plain_o see_v in_o the_o field_n the_o servant_n shall_v have_v deny_v there_o be_v any_o because_o no_o body_n can_v exact_o tell_v when_o they_o be_v sow_v it_o be_v do_v while_o the_o master_n sleep_v it_o be_v enough_o that_o we_o can_v tell_v the_o time_n long_o after_o the_o apostle_n when_o their_o erroneous_a doctrine_n be_v not_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o ancient_a faith_n of_o christian_n which_o have_v be_v always_o and_o every_o where_o receive_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n nay_o as_o to_o one_o most_o corrupt_a custom_n of_o their_o church_n that_o of_o take_v the_o cup_n from_o the_o laity_n when_o they_o first_o establish_v it_o by_o a_o decree_n viz._n in_o the_o council_n of_o constance_n not_o three_o hundred_o year_n ago_o they_o themselves_o do_v there_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v permit_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n yet_o it_o now_o seem_v fit_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o what_o reason_n you_o must_v not_o inquire_v to_o order_v the_o contrary_a to_o that_o primitive_a practice_n but_o to_o conclude_v that_o faith_n which_o indeed_o the_o apostle_n learn_v in_o christ_n school_n and_o from_o he_o teach_v to_o their_o follower_n and_o which_o from_o they_o have_v be_v transmit_v from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o down_o to_o this_o present_a time_n this_o we_o do_v most_o ready_o own_v and_o embrace_v even_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o comprise_v in_o the_o creed_n and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o of_o rome_n do_v acknowledge_v this_o faith_n we_o have_v no_o quarrel_n with_o they_o but_o the_o new_a article_n decree_v by_o late_a council_n of_o their_o own_o by_o no_o mean_n can_v we_o admit_v not_o a_o syllable_n of_o they_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o many_o of_o they_o be_v direct_o contrary_a thereto_o as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v and_o will_v yet_o further_o appear_v in_o my_o answer_n to_o his_o follow_a argument_n to_o which_o you_o may_v proceed_v l._n his_o three_o proposition_n be_v that_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o either_o the_o ceremony_n sacrament_n or_o any_o doctrine_n of_o their_o church_n contain_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o holy_a scripture_n but_o rather_o their_o learned_a doctor_n clear_o teach_v and_o demonstrate_v all_o the_o foresay_a thing_n to_o be_v plain_o consonant_a to_o holy_a writ_n such_o be_v these_o word_n this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o other_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o lutheran_n calvinist_n and_o other_o sectary_n have_v unground_o and_o without_o reason_n separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o roman_a church_n that_o also_o they_o who_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n bosom_n can_v give_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o turn_v rather_o to_o the_o lutheran_n than_o to_o the_o calvinist_n anabaptist_n or_o such_o other_o heretic_n t._n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v bring_v in_o custom_n contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v very_o evident_a from_o that_o instance_n i_o give_v under_o the_o last_o head_n viz._n their_o take_v away_o the_o cup_n from_o the_o people_n at_o the_o communion_n contrary_a to_o our_o saviour_n own_o institution_n and_o practice_n who_o give_v the_o cup_n as_o well_o as_o the_o bread_n to_o his_o apostle_n require_v they_o all_o to_o drink_v of_o it_o and_o this_o not_o as_o apostle_n mere_o but_o as_o they_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o he_o enjoin_v they_o to_o do_v this_o hereafter_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o and_o consequent_o to_o give_v both_o the_o bread_n and_o the_o wine_n to_o all_o christian_n that_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n express_o require_v let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o every_o man_n that_o be_v whether_o of_o the_o clergy_n or_o laity_n and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup._n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n then_o every_o man_n that_o be_v bind_v to_o examine_v and_o prepare_v himself_o for_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n ought_v to_o drink_v of_o the_o cup_n as_o well_o as_o eat_v of_o the_o bread_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v general_o use_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n by_o their_o own_o confession_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v and_o yet_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n out_o of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o pretend_v reverence_n for_o the_o cup_n no_o body_n must_v partake_v of_o it_o ordinary_o but_o the_o priest_n that_o consecrate_v which_o be_v i_o say_v most_o express_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n but_o for_o their_o excuse_n they_o have_v devise_v forsooth_o a_o fine_a doctrine_n of_o concomitancy_n which_o if_o you_o will_v do_v they_o the_o small_a favour_n to_o grant_v that_o of_o transubstantiation_n to_o be_v true_a they_o think_v well_o enough_o solve_v all_o for_o they_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o blood_n so_o accompany_v the_o flesh_n that_o he_o who_o receive_v one_o partake_v of_o the_o other_o also_o and_o
either_o by_o apostasy_n heresy_n or_o schism_n 1_o apostasy_n be_v a_o renounce_v not_o only_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o very_a name_n and_o title_n to_o christianity_n no_o man_n will_v say_v that_o ever_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n fall_v thus_o 2_o heresy_n be_v a_o adhesion_n to_o some_o private_a or_o singular_a opinion_n or_o error_n in_o faith_n contrary_a to_o the_o general_a approve_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v ever_o adhere_v to_o any_o singular_a or_o new_a opinion_n disagreeable_a to_o the_o common_a receive_v doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n i_o pray_v you_o satisfy_v i_o to_o these_o particular_n 1._o by_o what_o general_n council_n be_v she_o condemn_v 2._o or_o which_o of_o the_o father_n write_v against_o she_o 3._o or_o by_o what_o authority_n be_v she_o otherwise_o reprove_v for_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o thing_n very_o incongruous_a that_o so_o great_a a_o church_n shall_v be_v condemn_v by_o every_o one_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o condemn_v she_o 3_o schism_n be_v a_o departure_n or_o a_o division_n from_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o that_o bond_n and_o communion_n hold_v with_o some_o former_a church_n be_v break_v and_o dissolve_v if_o ever_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n divide_v itself_o by_o schism_n from_o any_o other_o body_n of_o faithful_a christian_n break_v communion_n or_o go_v forth_o from_o the_o society_n of_o any_o elder_a church_n i_o pray_v satisfy_v i_o to_o these_o particular_n who_o company_n do_v she_o leave_v from_o who_o do_v she_o go_v forth_o where_o be_v the_o true_a church_n which_o she_o do_v forsake_v for_o it_o appear_v a_o little_a strange_a to_o i_o that_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v account_v schismatical_a when_o there_o can_v be_v assign_v another_o church_n different_a from_o she_o which_o from_o age_n to_o age_n have_v continue_v visible_a from_o which_o she_o depart_v hence_o he_o infer_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n that_o lead_v to_o a_o eternity_n of_o bliss_n t._n this_o indeed_o they_o common_o boast_v of_o as_o a_o unanswerable_a demonstration_n which_o they_o often_o scatter_v abroad_o in_o paper_n for_o the_o delude_n of_o silly_a people_n now_o though_o i_o see_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o have_v already_o be_v answer_v again_o and_o again_o yet_o for_o your_o full_a satisfaction_n consider_v 1_o suppose_v that_o we_o shall_v grant_v his_o whole_a argument_n and_o every_o word_n in_o it_o to_o be_v true_a yet_o will_v it_o do_v little_a service_n to_o their_o cause_n nor_o will_v by_o any_o mean_n yield_v that_o inference_n he_o will_v draw_v from_o it_o viz._n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o therefore_o to_o her_o communion_n we_o must_v betake_v ourselves_o leave_v the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o ever_o we_o hope_v for_o salvation_n for_o pray_v what_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v which_o yet_o he_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v at_o this_o day_n as_o true_a and_o sound_a and_o flourish_a a_o church_n as_o we_o own_v it_o once_o to_o have_v be_v and_o shall_v yield_v that_o it_o never_o fall_v by_o apostasy_n heresy_n or_o schism_n what_o follow_v hence_o i_o beseech_v you_o what_o that_o she_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n no_o by_o no_o mean_n but_o only_o that_o she_o ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o therefore_o that_o her_o member_n viz._n the_o christian_n of_o that_o diocese_n ought_v to_o live_v in_o strict_a fellowship_n with_o she_o and_o all_o other_o neighbour_a church_n ought_v to_o give_v her_o due_a respect_n in_o maintain_v such_o communion_n with_o she_o as_o sister-churche_n be_v capable_a of_o hold_v one_o with_o another_o but_o it_o do_v not_o i_o say_v in_o the_o least_o follow_v that_o she_o be_v the_o supreme_a mistress_n and_o governess_n of_o all_o other_o church_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n must_v render_v subjection_n to_o she_o and_o her_o bishop_n otherwise_o they_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o no_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o at_o present_a in_o a_o capacity_n of_o salvation_n for_o such_o a_o supreme_a mistress_n as_o this_o she_o never_o be_v when_o in_o her_o best_a and_o pure_a state_n nor_o therefore_o ought_v she_o to_o be_v esteem_v so_o at_o this_o day_n neither_o do_v we_o of_o this_o church_n owe_v obedience_n to_o she_o nor_o ought_v we_o to_o leave_v our_o own_o church_n for_o her_o sake_n or_o at_o her_o command_n l._n i_o can_v see_v how_o his_o argument_n prove_v we_o at_o all_o oblige_v thereto_o nor_o consequent_o how_o it_o reach_v his_o purpose_n t._n that_o it_o do_v not_o will_n still_o appear_v plain_a if_o instead_o of_o rome_n you_o name_v any_o other_o ancient_a church_n suppose_v that_o of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v once_o very_o glorious_a and_o flourish_a and_o deserve_v above_o all_o other_o to_o be_v style_v a_o mother-church_n now_o suppose_v that_o at_o this_o day_n it_o remain_v as_o sound_v and_o good_a as_o ever_o it_o be_v and_o to_o use_v his_o language_n that_o it_o never_o fall_v by_o apostasy_n heresy_n or_o schism_n pray_o will_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o all_o other_o church_n and_o particular_o this_o of_o england_n must_v therefore_o yield_v subjection_n to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o our_o bishop_n must_v pay_v homage_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o church_n own_v their_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v refuse_v to_o do_v thus_o must_v our_o people_n therefore_o forsake_v their_o own_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n and_o withdraw_v from_o the_o church_n where_o they_o officiate_v and_o entertain_v bishop_n or_o priest_n that_o be_v send_v over_o to_o we_o from_o jerusalem_n and_o run_v into_o corner_n with_o they_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n sure_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o reason_n for_o any_o of_o this_o and_o not_o a_o whit_n more_o be_v there_o for_o our_o be_v thus_o subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n or_o for_o our_o receive_n and_o join_v with_o the_o priest_n which_o be_v send_v over_o to_o we_o by_o his_o authority_n there_o never_o be_v nor_o be_v now_o any_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v be_v thus_o enslave_v to_o the_o romish_a church_n for_o in_o the_o very_a day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o some_o hundred_o year_n after_o when_o that_o church_n be_v in_o its_o best_a and_o pure_a state_n we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n render_v no_o such_o obedience_n to_o it_o own_a no_n such_o dependence_n upon_o it_o neither_o indeed_o do_v the_o bishop_n of_o that_o church_n then_o claim_v any_o such_o power_n and_o supremacy_n over_o we_o and_o other_o foreign_a church_n wherefore_o as_o our_o ancestor_n the_o british_a christian_n do_v not_o subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n nor_o ever_o think_v such_o a_o subjection_n necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n no_o more_o have_v we_o reason_n to_o do_v whatever_o power_n or_o precedency_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n may_v afterward_o have_v in_o these_o western_a part_n either_o by_o favour_n of_o the_o emperor_n or_o by_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n among_o themselves_o or_o most_o of_o all_o by_o their_o own_o daily_a encroachment_n by_o the_o mere_a advantage_n of_o their_o seat_n without_o either_o law_n or_o reason_n this_o i_o say_v nothing_o at_o all_o concern_v we_o at_o this_o day_n since_o all_o his_o power_n here_o be_v utter_o abrogate_a and_o take_v away_o by_o just_a and_o lawful_a authority_n in_o a_o most_o mature_a and_o deliberate_a manner_n as_o you_o before_o hear_v and_o i_o than_o tell_v you_o how_o in_o henry_n the_o eighth_n time_n before_o our_o happy_a reformation_n it_o be_v general_o own_a and_o declare_v by_o the_o popish_a clergy_n themselves_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v no_o more_o authority_n over_o we_o in_o england_n than_o the_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n antioch_n or_o any_o other_o foreign_a bishop_n and_o long_o before_o that_o our_o law_n limit_v and_o restrain_v the_o pope_n power_n as_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o our_o ruler_n and_o so_o do_v popish_a prince_n themselves_o at_o this_o day_n suffer_v he_o to_o have_v no_o more_o power_n or_o privilege_v among_o they_o than_o themselves_o think_v fit_a since_o then_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o very_a day_n of_o its_o primitive_a purity_n and_o glory_n have_v no_o power_n over_o we_o in_o this_o church_n no_o more_o have_v it_o at_o this_o day_n nor_o aught_o to_o have_v though_o it_o be_v still_o as_o pure_a and_o good_a as_o at_o first_o it_o be_v
the_o jewish_a church_n by_o the_o solemn_a rite_n of_o circumcision_n and_o since_o our_o saviour_n have_v no_o where_o give_v the_o least_o intimation_n that_o this_o privilege_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o they_o i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n may_v not_o be_v solemn_o consecrate_v to_o god_n by_o baptism_n and_o so_o admit_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o to_o omit_v many_o other_o text_n which_o speak_v in_o favour_n of_o infant_n this_o without_o any_o wrest_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v fair_o draw_v from_o that_o commission_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n mat._n 28._o 19_o go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v or_o disciple_n all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v to_o make_v disciple_n of_o whole_a nation_n which_o sure_o comprehend_v both_o parent_n and_o child_n first_o the_o parent_n be_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o upon_o their_o profession_n of_o it_o to_o be_v baptize_v and_o then_o they_o themselves_o be_v devote_v to_o god_n and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o since_o parent_n have_v power_n over_o their_o child_n to_o dispose_v of_o they_o for_o their_o good_a and_o to_o lay_v engagement_n on_o they_o for_o that_o end_n sure_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o devote_v their_o child_n also_o to_o god_n and_o to_o enter_v they_o into_o covenant_n with_o he_o by_o baptism_n thereby_o lay_v a_o strict_a obligation_n upon_o they_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n to_o perform_v their_o part_n of_o this_o holy_a covenant_n if_o ever_o they_o hope_v for_o any_o benefit_n by_o it_o the_o parent_n also_o be_v bind_v to_o acquaint_v their_o child_n with_o their_o duty_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o learning_n it_o thus_o when_o any_o one_o from_o among_o the_o heathen_n become_v a_o proselyte_n to_o the_o jew_n when_o he_o himself_o be_v circumcise_v so_o be_v his_o child_n also_o yea_o learned_a man_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v also_o the_o custom_n to_o wash_v these_o proselyte_n in_o pure_a water_n and_o that_o very_o probable_o our_o saviour_n be_v please_v to_o accommodate_v himself_o to_o this_o same_o usage_n of_o they_o in_o his_o institute_n of_o baptism_n for_o the_o more_o solemn_a admission_n of_o member_n into_o his_o church_n now_o as_o a_o excellent_a writer_n argue_v suppose_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n instead_o of_o the_o word_n baptise_v shall_v have_v use_v that_o of_o circumcise_n and_o have_v say_v go_v teach_v all_o nation_n circumcise_n they_o in_o the_o name_n etc._n etc._n will_v not_o all_o man_n have_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o same_o privilege_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v of_o admit_v their_o child_n into_o covenant_n by_o circumcision_n that_o christian_a parent_n also_o shall_v have_v the_o like_a why_o then_o may_v not_o the_o same_o be_v reasonable_o argue_v from_o the_o word_n though_o baptism_n be_v here_o name_v and_o not_o circumcision_n very_o probable_a it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n thus_o understand_v it_o and_o that_o they_o practise_v according_o when_o we_o read_v of_o their_o baptise_v such_o and_o such_o person_n and_o their_o household_n as_o act._n 16._o 15_o 33._o among_o who_o there_o may_v be_v some_o child_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v show_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o certain_a we_o be_v that_o very_o early_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n insant_n be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n and_o thence_o have_v it_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n to_o be_v the_o general_a custom_n of_o all_o church_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o pray_v take_v good_a notice_n that_o though_o our_o church_n allow_v nothing_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o our_o belief_n or_o practice_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o god_n holy_a word_n yet_o she_o have_v great_a regard_n to_o antiquity_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o true_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o current_a doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n and_o require_v minister_n to_o have_v due_a respect_n thereto_o in_o their_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o without_o any_o contradiction_n to_o herself_o may_v very_o well_o admit_v the_o observation_n of_o such_o custom_n that_o have_v so_o much_o ground_n from_o scripture_n be_v recommend_v also_o by_o the_o early_a and_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o i_o say_v she_o may_v very_o well_o do_v but_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n thereby_o oblige_v to_o receive_v all_o the_o tradition_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n for_o many_o of_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v true_o plead_v either_o from_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n but_o very_o much_o against_o they_o from_o both_o l._n this_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o satisfactory_a pray_v let_v we_o have_v his_o next_o question_n t._n it_o be_v this_o can_v you_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o i_o how_o your_o sectary_n can_v with_o reason_n and_o sufficient_a ground_n condemn_v all_o the_o catholic_n that_o be_v so_o many_o age_n before_o luther_n and_o calvin_n for_o be_v no_o better_a than_o heathen_n and_o convince_v i_o that_o by_o adhere_v to_o you_o i_o shall_v be_v more_o secure_a of_o my_o salvation_n than_o if_o i_o join_v myself_o to_o they_o that_o have_v be_v hold_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n in_o most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o man_n that_o have_v the_o true_a and_o only_o save_v religion_n what_o answer_n give_v you_o to_o this_o l._n first_o i_o know_v no_o body_n that_o do_v thus_o condemn_v all_o catholic_n before_o luther_n and_o calvin_n for_o as_o to_o those_o christian_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n who_o true_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o catholic_n whether_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n or_o any_o other_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o condemn_v that_o we_o admire_v and_o applaud_v they_o we_o approve_v of_o their_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n and_o do_v embrace_v and_o profess_v it_o we_o honour_v their_o memory_n and_o endeavour_v to_o imitate_v their_o example_n but_o as_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o latter_a age_n who_o he_o mean_v i_o suppose_v by_o his_o catholic_n though_o we_o do_v not_o say_v they_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o heathen_n yet_o we_o do_v true_o say_v that_o they_o have_v very_o much_o corrupt_v christian_a religion_n by_o false_a doctrine_n and_o superstitious_a usage_n and_o therefore_o we_o think_v it_o a_o much_o safe_a way_n to_o salvation_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o ancient_a certain_a truth_n of_o christianity_n every_o where_o receive_v and_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o that_o pure_a and_o holy_a manner_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n both_o teach_v and_o use_v than_o to_o embrace_v those_o addition_n make_v by_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o be_v no_o part_n of_o true_a and_o save_a religion_n nor_o have_v ever_o be_v so_o account_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n and_o though_o our_o ancestor_n may_v have_v some_o excuse_n from_o the_o state_n of_o this_o church_n in_o their_o day_n yet_o we_o their_o posterity_n shall_v be_v utter_o inexcusable_a if_o now_o that_o our_o church_n have_v so_o just_o reform_v herself_o from_o popish_a corruption_n we_o shall_v break_v off_o from_o her_o communion_n and_o go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v this_o be_v to_o add_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n to_o that_o of_o superstition_n t._n your_o answer_n be_v very_o clear_a and_o full_a and_o may_v well_o enough_o serve_v for_o the_o solution_n of_o his_o five_o query_n which_o be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n with_o the_o former_a viz._n can_v you_o make_v evident_a at_o least_o that_o in_o your_o little_a flock_n or_o in_o luther_n and_o calvin_n their_o guide_n more_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v find_v than_o in_o the_o catholic_n and_o that_o it_o be_v this_o little_a flock_n of_o you_o not_o the_o catholic_n that_o go_v the_o narrow_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n l._n to_o this_o may_v easy_o be_v answer_v as_o you_o have_v former_o instruct_v i_o that_o though_o luther_n and_o calvin_n be_v learned_a and_o good_a man_n who_o in_o their_o own_o time_n and_o place_n do_v much_o service_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n yet_o they_o never_o have_v authority_n in_o our_o church_n nor_o do_v we_o own_v they_o as_o our_o guide_n the_o bless_a jesus_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o after_o he_o the_o holy_a apostle_n be_v the_o teacher_n of_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o christianity_n itself_o and_o consequent_o the_o true_a way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n even_o that_o narrow_a way_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n which_o the_o whole_a flock_n of_o christ_n
their_o condition_n shall_v be_v let_v we_o leave_v to_o the_o just_a judge_n of_o all_o man_n remember_v the_o apostle_n say_v not_o he_o who_o commend_v himself_o be_v approve_v but_o he_o who_o the_o lord_n commend_v how_o far_o the_o ill_a education_n and_o ignorance_n of_o any_o of_o they_o may_v serve_v to_o excuse_v or_o lessen_v their_o fault_n it_o become_v not_o we_o to_o determine_v but_o as_o to_o ourselves_o we_o may_v safe_o assert_v that_o for_o we_o to_o go_v against_o the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n in_o profess_v their_o error_n and_o join_v in_o their_o corrupt_a worship_n will_v be_v a_o piece_n of_o inexcusable_a and_o damnable_a wickedness_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o may_v rest_v full_o satisfy_v and_o assure_v that_o if_o we_o sincere_o believe_v the_o holy_a gospel_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n pure_o and_o plain_o teach_v in_o our_o church_n and_o live_v in_o strict_a and_o steadfast_a obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o which_o be_v daily_o inculcate_v upon_o we_o we_o shall_v most_o certain_o obtain_v that_o eternal_a salvation_n which_o in_o this_o gospel_n be_v promise_v to_o all_o such_o obedient_a believer_n of_o this_o we_o be_v as_o sure_a as_o that_o god_n be_v true_a for_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v soon_o fail_v than_o one_o tittle_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n on_o which_o we_o depend_v l._n whilst_o we_o depend_v on_o this_o word_n certain_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v deceive_v or_o disappoint_v but_o methinks_v it_o be_v very_o bold_a language_n and_o little_o better_a than_o blasphemy_n with_o which_o my_o author_n conclude_v his_o book_n when_o he_o say_v that_o his_o roman_a catholic_n may_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n with_o confidence_n use_v those_o word_n of_o a_o ancient_a writer_n o_o lord_n if_o it_o be_v error_n which_o we_o have_v believe_v we_o be_v deceive_v by_o thou_o for_o thou_o have_v confirm_v these_o thing_n to_o we_o by_o such_o sign_n and_o prodigy_n as_o can_v not_o be_v do_v but_o by_o thou_o with_o more_o to_o that_o purpose_n t._n this_o can_v only_o with_o truth_n be_v speak_v concern_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o which_o god_n bare_a witness_n by_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n but_o to_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o popery_n be_v indeed_o no_o better_a than_o blasphemy_n for_o neither_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n ever_o teach_v these_o doctrine_n nor_o do_v god_n ever_o work_v a_o miracle_n for_o the_o confirm_v of_o they_o l._n sure_o it_o will_v argue_v more_o modesty_n to_o suspect_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o better_a to_o examine_v their_o cause_n rather_o than_o to_o charge_n god_n himself_o with_o deceive_v they_o if_o they_o be_v deceive_v t._n very_o true_a but_o you_o know_v the_o proverb_n none_o so_o bold_a as_o those_o that_o be_v blind_a otherwise_o certain_o they_o have_v reason_n enough_o to_o suspect_v that_o cause_n to_o be_v very_o weak_a which_o be_v support_v by_o no_o better_a argument_n than_o these_o which_o your_o author_n have_v produce_v who_o yet_o no_o doubt_n have_v give_v we_o the_o best_a he_o can_v devise_v of_o his_o own_o head_n or_o meet_v with_o in_o their_o writer_n chap._n v._n of_o the_o number_n of_o sacrament_n with_o some_o other_o thing_n brief_o discuss_v and_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a l._n sir_n i_o be_o now_o come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o my_o little_a book_n and_o aught_o therefore_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o trouble_n i_o have_v give_v you_o yet_o before_o we_o part_v will_v you_o please_v to_o satisfy_v i_o in_o one_o thing_n of_o which_o i_o find_v no_o mention_n in_o my_o author_n t._n i_o shall_v willing_o when_o i_o hear_v what_o it_o be_v l._n it_o be_v concern_v the_o number_n of_o sacrament_n for_o papist_n charge_v it_o as_o a_o great_a defect_n upon_o our_o church_n that_o we_o have_v but_o two_o whilst_o they_o say_v they_o have_v seven_o t._n how_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v for_o this_o charge_n will_v soon_o appear_v if_o you_o consider_v that_o as_o to_o four_o of_o these_o five_o which_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o have_v more_o than_o we_o though_o we_o give_v they_o not_o the_o name_n of_o sacrament_n yet_o we_o have_v the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o as_o to_o the_o five_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v receive_v or_o they_o retain_v it_o for_o your_o full_a satisfaction_n i_o shall_v name_v they_o to_o you_o and_o in_o a_o few_o word_n make_v good_a what_o i_o have_v say_v l._n pray_v will_v you_o please_v to_o do_v it_o and_o i_o shall_v trouble_v you_o with_o no_o more_o question_n hereafter_o t._n to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o both_o we_o and_o they_o receive_v they_o do_v further_o add_v confirmation_n holy_a order_n marriage_n penance_n and_o extreme_a unction_n now_o as_o to_o the_o name_n of_o sacrament_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o dispute_v about_o word_n till_o we_o be_v agree_v of_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o for_o if_o by_o sacrament_n they_o mean_v any_o sacred_a rite_n or_o usage_n that_o may_v signify_v some_o grace_n or_o some_o good_a duty_n or_o by_o way_n of_o allusion_n may_v serve_v to_o some_o good_a purpose_n in_o religion_n than_o instead_o of_o seven_o they_o may_v perhaps_o reckon_v seventeen_o sacrament_n or_o many_o more_o and_o in_o this_o large_a and_o loose_a sense_n the_o ancient_n common_o make_v use_n of_o the_o word_n give_v the_o name_n of_o sacrament_n to_o many_o thing_n relate_v to_o religion_n which_o be_v any_o way_n mystical_a or_o significant_a yea_o frequent_o they_o call_v our_o religion_n itself_o a_o sacrament_n or_o mystery_n and_o if_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v use_v the_o word_n in_o this_o large_a sense_n and_o so_o style_v the_o several_a thing_n now_o mention_v sacrament_n let_v they_o enjoy_v their_o liberty_n i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o worth_a contend_v about_o only_o let_v they_o not_o say_v that_o we_o despise_v the_o thing_n themselves_o because_o we_o think_v it_o not_o so_o fit_a to_o give_v they_o this_o name_n for_o by_o a_o sacrament_n we_o understand_v as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o our_o church-catechism_n a_o outward_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a grace_n give_v unto_o we_o ordain_v by_o christ_n as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o we_o receive_v the_o same_o grace_n and_o a_o pledge_n to_o assure_v we_o thereof_o now_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o say_v that_o only_a baptism_n and_o the_o lords-supper_n be_v proper_o to_o be_v call_v sacrament_n be_v ordain_v by_o christ_n express_a command_n as_o a_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o the_o bestow_n of_o his_o grace_n upon_o all_o that_o due_o partake_v of_o they_o these_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o divine_n use_v to_o style_v they_o which_o all_o christian_n if_o they_o have_v opportunity_n be_v oblige_v to_o make_v use_n of_o for_o hereby_o we_o do_v in_o a_o solemn_a manner_n profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n and_o engage_v ourselves_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o holy_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o so_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o upon_o our_o sincerity_n herein_o we_o receive_v grace_n from_o god_n to_o enable_v we_o for_o our_o duty_n and_o have_v a_o assurance_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o of_o all_o the_o blessing_n that_o flow_v from_o it_o in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ._n thus_o have_v our_o lord_n plain_o ordain_v that_o all_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v be_v baptise_a with_o water_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o for_o the_o receive_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n with_o spiritual_a regeneration_n thus_o do_v he_o institute_v the_o holy_a communion_n command_v all_o christian_n to_o celebrate_v the_o same_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o for_o a_o commemoration_n of_o his_o death_n till_o his_o second_o come_v and_o hereby_o we_o partake_v of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o refresh_n and_o strengthen_v of_o our_o soul_n plain_o then_o you_o see_v how_o these_o two_o sacrament_n be_v ordain_v by_o christ_n himself_o for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o badge_n of_o their_o profession_n that_o hereby_o they_o may_v solemn_o testify_v their_o consent_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n may_v receive_v the_o blessing_n of_o this_o covenant_n but_o now_o this_o can_v be_v say_v of_o those_o other_o thing_n which_o the_o papist_n call_v sacrament_n how_o useful_a soever_o any_o of_o they_o may_v be_v in_o other_o respect_n for_o though_o
much_o disturbance_n to_o both_o moreover_o i_o thank_v god_n i_o be_o so_o full_o convince_v not_o only_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o duty_n but_o of_o the_o great_a and_o unspeakable_a advantage_n of_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o i_o feel_v not_o in_o myself_o the_o least_o inclination_n to_o depart_v from_o it_o for_o here_o we_o have_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n free_o allow_v we_o and_o daily_o read_v among_o we_o very_o frequent_o they_o be_v explain_v to_o we_o and_o our_o duty_n from_o they_o enforce_v upon_o we_o in_o useful_a practical_a sermon_n our_o prayer_n i_o be_o satisfy_v be_v holy_a and_o good_a such_o that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n we_o may_v use_v they_o with_o much_o devotion_n the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v here_o administer_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n own_o appointment_n so_o far_o as_o he_o have_v express_v it_o and_o as_o to_o any_o ceremony_n or_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n establish_v by_o the_o prudence_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n i_o know_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o innocent_a and_o lawful_a very_a grave_n and_o decent_a agreeable_a to_o the_o solemnity_n of_o divine_a worship_n so_o that_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o say_v with_o st._n peter_n lord_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v since_o here_o we_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n here_o we_o have_v the_o way_n to_o it_o plain_o discover_v and_o the_o mean_n for_o attain_v it_o plentiful_o afford_v t._n i_o be_o very_o glad_a to_o hear_v you_o discourse_v so_o honest_o and_o judicious_o and_o i_o pray_v god_n keep_v you_o ever_o in_o this_o good_a mind_n and_o grant_v that_o you_o and_o all_o other_o christian_n may_v make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o all_o those_o mean_n and_o advantage_n which_o be_v here_o afford_v in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n to_o which_o purpose_n before_o i_o dismiss_v you_o give_v i_o leave_v with_o all_o possible_a earnestness_n to_o beseech_v you_o not_o to_o satisfy_v yourself_o with_o hold_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o be_v of_o a_o true_a church_n who_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v holy_a and_o good_a but_o see_v above_o all_o thing_n that_o you_o yourself_o be_v a_o true_o religious_a and_o good_a man_n else_o what_o shall_v it_o avail_v you_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a church_n in_o the_o world_n if_o you_o be_v a_o impure_a unholy_a person_n no_o true_a live_a member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n though_o loyalty_n to_o our_o prince_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n be_v great_a duty_n yet_o these_o will_v not_o excuse_v our_o disobedience_n to_o any_o of_o christ_n law_n who_o be_v the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n what_o though_o we_o be_v not_o papist_n heretic_n or_o schismatic_n yet_o if_o we_o be_v wicked_a and_o loose_a liver_n we_o be_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o even_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n the_o inordinate_a love_n of_o money_n may_v damn_v a_o man_n as_o well_o as_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o idol_n of_o gold_n or_o silver_n yea_o covetousness_n be_v style_v idolatry_n and_o so_o be_v voluptuousness_n too_o for_o the_o sensual_a man_n be_v say_v to_o make_v his_o belly_n his_o god_n to_o prefer_v the_o creature_n before_o the_o creator_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n before_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n may_v well_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o damnable_a error_n and_o heresy_n he_o that_o live_v in_o malice_n and_o envy_n that_o hate_v his_o brother_n and_o revile_v oppress_v or_o cheat_v he_o be_v a_o most_o factious_a and_o schismatical_a man_n for_o he_o make_v a_o rent_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v break_v off_o from_o it_o by_o be_v destitute_a of_o that_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n by_o which_o fellow_n christian_n be_v unite_v one_o to_o another_o and_o all_o of_o they_o to_o christ_n their_o head_n let_v it_o not_o suffice_v therefore_o that_o you_o live_v in_o a_o excellent_a church_n where_o you_o have_v the_o word_n prayer_n and_o sacrament_n according_a to_o christ_n appointment_n but_o see_v that_o you_o diligent_o improve_v they_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o good_a life_n this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v join_v constant_o in_o the_o prayer_n with_o great_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n and_o then_o live_v according_a to_o your_o prayer_n and_o profession_n firm_o believe_v the_o article_n of_o your_o creed_n and_o let_v your_o faith_n work_n by_o love_n attend_v to_o the_o read_n and_o preach_v of_o god_n word_n with_o care_n and_o seriousness_n and_o see_v that_o you_o be_v not_o a_o hearer_n only_o but_o a_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n often_o reflect_v upon_o your_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o be_v faithful_a to_o it_o in_o fight_v against_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n most_o entire_o devote_v yourself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n in_o lead_v a_o godly_a righteous_a and_o sober_a life_n frequent_o renew_v these_o vow_n at_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o there_o most_o thankful_o commemorate_v the_o death_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o love_v we_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n let_v his_o love_n constrain_v you_o to_o obedience_n and_o let_v the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n mortify_v all_o sin_n in_o you_o and_o quicken_v you_o to_o newness_n of_o life_n let_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n persuade_v you_o to_o repentance_n and_o new_a obedience_n and_o let_v the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a glory_n make_v you_o patient_a constant_a and_o cheerful_a in_o well_o do_v in_o a_o word_n see_v that_o you_o true_o fear_v god_n honour_n and_o obey_v the_o king_n love_v your_o brethren_n and_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o charity_n with_o all_o man_n herein_o continual_o exercise_v yourself_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n by_o such_o a_o true_o religious_a and_o holy_a life_n you_o will_v adorn_v your_o profession_n bring_v honour_n to_o the_o church_n gain_n upon_o its_o enemy_n or_o stop_v their_o mouth_n and_o even_o force_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v in_o you_o of_o a_o truth_n that_o certain_o this_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a church_n who_o member_n be_v of_o such_o a_o true_o christian_a temper_n and_o behaviour_n by_o this_o mean_v you_o will_v best_o be_v secure_v from_o all_o that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v whether_o papist_n or_o separatist_n your_o own_o in_o ward_n sense_n and_o relish_v of_o divine_a thing_n will_v assure_v you_o that_o true_a religion_n consist_v not_o in_o bodily_a exercise_n how_o pompous_a costly_a and_o laborious_a soever_o nor_o will_v you_o fancy_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n to_o be_v manifest_v by_o wrangle_v against_o such_o form_n and_o ceremony_n as_o be_v in_o themselves_o no_o hindrance_n to_o spiritual_a worship_n and_o devotion_n but_o may_v be_v a_o help_n yea_o by_o this_o mean_v you_o will_v certain_o obtain_v eternal_a happiness_n which_o can_v no_o other_o way_n be_v secure_v for_o be_v of_o the_o true_a church_n will_v never_o save_v he_o that_o be_v not_o a_o true_a christian_a which_o no_o wicked_a man_n be_v nor_o will_v right_a opinion_n make_v amends_o for_o bad_a manner_n whereas_o he_o that_o hearty_o and_o honest_o endeavour_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o know_v and_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v either_o be_v preserve_v from_o error_n or_o from_o be_v much_o hurt_n by_o it_o for_o those_o mistake_n which_o neither_o proceed_v from_o a_o vicious_a temper_n of_o mind_n nor_o lead_v to_o any_o evil_a practice_n in_o a_o man_n life_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v very_o hurtful_a to_o himself_o or_o to_o other_o to_o conclude_v then_o let_v your_o conversation_n in_o all_o respect_n be_v such_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v steadfast_a unmovable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v assure_v that_o your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n l._n i_o do_v again_o and_o again_o return_v you_o most_o hearty_a thanks_o for_o all_o the_o good_a counsel_n you_o have_v give_v i_o and_o do_v sincere_o resolve_v by_o god_n help_n to_o follow_v it_o for_o which_o purpose_n i_o beg_v the_o assistance_n of_o your_o prayer_n t._n that_o i_o do_v faithful_o promise_v you_o and_o do_v also_o desire_v you_o that_o i_o myself_o may_v observe_v the_o direction_n i_o have_v give_v and_o not_o contradict_v they_o by_o a_o evil_a example_n and_o god_n grant_v that_o all_o those_o every_o where_o who_o take_v christ_n name_n into_o their_o mouth_n may_v depart_v from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o may_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n lead_v we_o all_o into_o and_o keep_v we_o in_o those_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o serious_a holiness_n which_o may_v bring_v honour_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o religion_n and_o procure_v we_o true_a comfort_n here_o and_o eternal_a glory_n hereafter_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o guidance_n i_o commit_v you_o and_o bid_v you_o hearty_o farewell_n l._n god_n almighty_n hear_v your_o prayer_n bless_v your_o instruction_n and_o plenteous_o reward_v you_o for_o all_o your_o kindness_n and_o pain_n and_o grant_v we_o a_o happy_a meeting_n in_o that_o bless_a world_n above_o where_o we_o shall_v never_o part_v more_o farewell_n dear_a sir_n finis_fw-la