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church_n according_a doctrine_n england_n 4,578 5 6.1093 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62616 Sermons, and discourses some of which never before printed / by John Tillotson ... ; the third volume.; Sermons. Selections Tillotson, John, 1630-1694. 1687 (1687) Wing T1253; ESTC R18219 203,250 508

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not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v have_v no_o where_o say_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v see_v and_o yet_o have_v not_o believe_v much_o less_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o believe_v direct_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o see_v to_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n it_o will_v appear_v with_o how_o little_a truth_n and_o reason_n and_o regard_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o common_a christianity_n it_o be_v so_o often_o say_v by_o our_o adversary_n that_o there_o be_v as_o good_a argument_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o transubstantiation_n as_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n when_o they_o themselves_o do_v acknowledge_v with_o we_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o they_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n but_o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n i_o have_v plain_o show_v to_o 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he_o may_v manage_v the_o distribution_n of_o this_o great_a charity_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o see_v the_o good_a effect_n of_o it_o with_o his_o own_o eye_n he_o always_o once_o but_o usual_o twice_o a_o year_n at_o his_o own_o charge_n travel_v over_o a_o great_a part_n of_o wales_n none_o of_o the_o best_a country_n to_o travel_v in_o but_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o man_n he_o endure_v all_o that_o together_o with_o the_o extremity_n of_o heat_n and_o cold_a which_o in_o their_o several_a season_n be_v both_o very_a great_a there_o not_o only_o with_o patience_n but_o with_o pleasure_n so_o that_o all_o thing_n consider_v there_o have_v not_o since_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n be_v many_o among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o who_o that_o glorious_a character_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n may_v be_v better_o apply_v that_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o wales_n may_v as_o worthy_o boast_v of_o this_o true_o apostolical_a man_n as_o of_o their_o 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suppose_v to_o die_v so_o imperfect_a that_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o be_v purge_v and_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o imperfection_n be_v to_o be_v detain_v a_o short_a or_o a_o long_a time_n in_o purgatory_n but_o now_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v no_o text_n in_o scripture_n from_o whence_o any_o such_o state_n can_v probable_o be_v conclude_v as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o many_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o even_o that_o text_n which_o they_o have_v most_o insist_v upon_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n be_v give_v up_o by_o they_o as_o insufficient_a to_o conclue_n the_o thing_n estius_n be_v very_o glad_a to_o get_v off_o it_o by_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o against_o purgatory_n why_o no_o body_n pretend_v that_o but_o we_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v something_o for_o it_o in_o a_o text_n which_o have_v be_v so_o often_o produce_v and_o urge_v by_o they_o for_o the_o 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there_o be_v in_o we_o a_o natural_a love_n of_o life_n and_o a_o natural_a horror_n and_o dread_n of_o death_n so_o that_o our_o spirit_n be_v apt_a to_o shrink_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o approach_n of_o it_o but_o this_o fear_n may_v very_o much_o be_v mitigate_v and_o even_a overrule_v by_o reason_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o religion_n for_o death_n be_v not_o so_o dreadful_a in_o itself_o as_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o those_o will_v be_v as_o we_o be_v comfortable_a and_o happy_a to_o the_o good_a but_o dismal_a and_o miserable_a to_o the_o wicked_a so_o that_o the_o only_a true_a antidote_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v the_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n and_o the_o only_a firm_a ground_n of_o these_o hope_n be_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o jefus_fw-la christ_n upon_o our_o due_a preparation_n for_o another_o world_n by_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n for_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n and_o when_o that_o be_v take_v away_o the_o terror_n and_o bitterness_n of_o death_n be_v past_a and_o then_o death_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v dreadful_a that_o in_o reason_n it_o be_v extreme_o desirable_a because_o it_o let_v we_o into_o a_o better_a state_n such_o as_o only_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o life_n he_o vivunt_fw-la qui_fw-la ex_fw-la corporum_fw-la vinculis_fw-la tanquam_fw-la è_fw-la carcere_fw-la evolaverunt_fw-la vestra_fw-la vero_fw-la quae_fw-la dicitur_fw-la vita_fw-la mors_fw-la est_fw-la they_o true_o live_v can_v he_o heathen_a say_n who_o have_v make_v their_o escape_n out_o of_o this_o prison_n of_o the_o body_n but_o that_o which_o man_n common_o call_v life_n be_v rather_o death_n than_o life_n to_o live_v indeed_o be_v to_o be_v well_o and_o to_o be_v happy_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v till_o we_o be_v get_v beyond_o the_o grave_n 4._o this_o consideration_n shall_v comfort_v we_o under_o the_o loss_n and_o death_n of_o friend_n which_o certain_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a grievance_n and_o trouble_n of_o humane_a life_n for_o if_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o god_n and_o go_v to_o he_o when_o they_o die_v they_o be_v infinite_o happy_a than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o have_v be_v in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o trouble_n of_o their_o absence_n from_o we_o be_v full_o balance_v by_o their_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n for_o why_o shall_v we_o lament_v the_o end_n of_o that_o life_n which_o we_o be_v assure_v be_v the_o begin_n of_o immortality_n one_o reason_n of_o our_o trouble_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o friend_n be_v because_o we_o love_v they_o but_o it_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o our_o love_n to_o they_o to_o grudge_v and_o repine_v at_o their_o happiness_n but_o we_o hope_v to_o have_v enjoy_v they_o long_o be_v it_o so_o yet_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v trouble_v that_o they_o be_v happy_a soon_o than_o we_o expect_v but_o they_o be_v part_v from_o we_o and_o the_o thought_n of_o this_o be_v grievous_a but_o yet_o 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of_o gross_a hypocrisy_n who_o pretend_v a_o further_a obligation_n of_o conscience_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v give_v this_o plain_a demonstration_n which_o rely_v upon_o concession_n general_o make_v on_o all_o hand_n and_o by_o all_o party_n no_o protestant_a that_o i_o know_v of_o hold_v himself_o oblige_v to_o go_v and_o preach_v up_o his_o religion_n and_o make_v convert_v in_o spain_n or_o italy_n nor_o do_v either_o the_o protestant_a minister_n or_o popish_a priest_n think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o turkey_n and_o to_o confute_v the_o alcheran_n to_o convert_v the_o mahometan_n and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n because_o of_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o inquisition_n in_o popish_a country_n and_o of_o the_o law_n in_o turkey_n but_o do_v the_o danger_n then_o alter_v the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n no_o certain_o but_o it_o make_v man_n throw_v off_o the_o false_a pretence_n and_o disguise_n of_o it_o but_o where_o 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serve_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o flood_n or_o the_o god_n of_o the_o amorites_n in_o who_o land_n you_o dwell_v idolatry_n be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o father_n and_o have_v spread_v itself_o over_o the_o great_a and_o most_o ancient_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o most_o famous_a for_o learning_n and_o art_n the_o chaldean_n and_o egyptian_n and_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o amorites_n and_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o so_o that_o joshua_n represent_v the_o heathen_a religion_n with_o all_o its_o strength_n and_o advantage_n and_o do_v not_o dissemble_v its_o confident_a pretence_n to_o antiquity_n and_o universality_n whereby_o they_o will_v also_o insinuate_v the_o novelty_n and_o singularity_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o it_o be_v very_o well_o worthy_a our_o observation_n that_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o have_v always_o be_v the_o exception_n of_o false_a religion_n especial_o of_o idolatry_n and_o 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the_o way_n say_v st._n paul_n that_o you_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_v i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n by_o which_o we_o see_v that_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o the_o first_o who_o call_v it_o heresy_n to_o reject_v humane_a tradition_n and_o to_o make_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v do_v long_o before_o by_o their_o reverend_a predecessor_n the_o scribe_n and_o and_z pharisee_n and_o the_o gentile_n they_o pretend_v against_o it_o both_o antiquity_n and_o universality_n the_o constant_a belief_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o age_n and_o almost_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n sequimur_fw-la majores_fw-la nostros_fw-la qui_fw-la feliciter_fw-la secuti_fw-la sunt_fw-la suos_fw-la say_v symmachus_n we_o follow_v our_o forefather_n who_o happy_o follow_v they_o but_o you_o bring_v in_o a_o new_a religion_n never_o know_v nor_o hear_v of_o in_o 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these_o two_o exception_n with_o
all_o the_o brevity_n and_o clearness_n i_o can_v and_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o universality_n though_o that_o be_v no-wise_a necessary_a to_o justify_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n we_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o they_o if_o we_o take_v in_o the_o christian_n of_o all_o age_n and_o of_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o antiquity_n that_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v clear_o the_o advantage_n of_o they_o all_o our_o faith_n be_v unquestionable_o ancient_a there_o be_v not_o so_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o universality_n which_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o know_v not_o for_o what_o reason_n will_v needs_o make_v a_o inseparable_a property_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o they_o never_o stout_a at_o the_o protestant_a religion_n with_o so_o good_a a_o grace_n among_o the_o ignorant_a people_n as_o when_o they_o be_v 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the_o sewer_n so_o have_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n often_o be_v without_o any_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n what_o think_v we_o of_o the_o church_n in_o abraham_n time_n which_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v be_v confine_v to_o one_o family_n and_o one_o small_a kingdom_n that_o of_o melchisedec_n king_n of_o salem_n what_o think_v we_o of_o it_o in_o moses_n his_o time_n when_o it_o be_v confine_v to_o one_o people_n wander_v in_o a_o wilderness_n what_o of_o it_o in_o elijah_n time_n when_o beside_o the_o two_o tribe_n that_o worship_v at_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v in_o the_o other_o ten_o but_o seven_o thousand_o that_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n what_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n when_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n consist_v of_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o seventy_o disciple_n and_o some_o few_o follower_n beside_o how_o will_v bellarmine_n have_v despise_v this_o little_a flock_n because_o it_o want_v one_o or_o two_o of_o his_o goodly_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n universality_n and_o splendour_n and_o what_o think_v we_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o height_n of_o arianism_n and_o pelagianism_n when_o a_o great_a part_n of_o christendom_n be_v overrun_v with_o these_o error_n and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o orthodox_n be_v inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o heretic_n but_o what_o need_v i_o to_o urge_v these_o instance_n as_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v estimate_v and_o carry_v by_o the_o major_a vote_n which_o as_o it_o can_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o none_o but_o fool_n so_o i_o dare_v say_v no_o honest_a and_o wise_a man_n ever_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o a_o solid_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o any_o church_n or_o religion_n if_o multitude_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o man_n be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o vain_a then_o have_v the_o scripture_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a for_o if_o this_o argument_n be_v of_o any_o force_n the_o great_a number_n never_o go_v wrong_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o antiquity_n this_o be_v not_o always_o a_o certain_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n for_o sure_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o christianity_n begin_v and_o be_v a_o new_a profession_n and_o then_o both_o judaisme_n and_o paganism_n have_v certain_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o in_o point_n of_o antiquity_n but_o the_o proper_a question_n in_o this_o case_n be_v which_o be_v the_o true_a ancient_a christian_a faith_n that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o we_o and_o to_o make_v this_o matter_n plain_a it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a faith_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o as_o namely_o the_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n as_o explain_v by_o the_o first_o four_o general_n council_n and_o these_o make_v up_o our_o whole_a faith_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v matter_n of_o mere_a and_o simple_a belief_n that_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o salvation_n and_o in_o this_o faith_n of_o we_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v that_o can_v be_v show_v in_o any_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o thus_o far_o our_o faith_n and_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v undoubted_o of_o equal_a antiquity_n that_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o christianity_n itself_o all_o the_o question_n be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n between_o we_o the_o principal_a whereof_o be_v the_o twelve_o new_a article_n of_o the_o creed_n of_o pope_n pius_n the_o iv_o concern_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n transubstantiation_n the_o communion_n in_o one_o kind_n only_o purgatory_n etc._n etc._n not_o one_o of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o ancient_a creed_n or_o confession_n of_o faith_n general_o allow_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o antiquity_n of_o these_o we_o deny_v and_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v innovation_n and_o have_v particular_o prove_v 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and_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o these_o addition_n and_o corruption_n be_v their_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v distinct_a from_o we_o and_o both_o because_o they_o be_v corruption_n and_o novelty_n we_o have_v reject_v they_o and_o our_o rejection_n of_o these_o be_v our_o reformation_n and_o our_o reformation_n we_o grant_v if_o this_o will_v do_v they_o any_o good_a not_o to_o be_v so_o ancient_a as_o their_o corruption_n all_o reformation_n necessary_o suppose_v corruption_n and_o error_n to_o have_v be_v before_o it_o and_o now_o we_o be_v at_o a_o little_a better_a leisure_n to_o answer_v that_o captious_a question_n of_o they_o where_o be_v your_o religion_n before_o luther_n wherever_o christianity_n be_v in_o some_o place_n more_o pure_a in_o other_o more_o corrupt_v but_o especial_o in_o these_o western_a part_n of_o christendom_n overgrow_v for_o several_a age_n with_o
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present_a at_o the_o service_n of_o god_n but_o no_o soul_n or_o as_o if_o they_o be_v all_o distract_a and_o out_o of_o their_o wit_n and_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o let_v in_o the_o light_n upon_o they_o but_o to_o speak_v more_o distinct_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n we_o charge_v they_o withal_o and_o which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o deny_v their_o perform_v the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o i_o shall_v first_o tell_v you_o what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v against_o these_o thing_n and_o then_o consider_v what_o they_o pretend_v for_o they_o 1._o as_o for_o their_o perform_v the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o tongue_n unknown_a to_o the_o people_n and_o i_o begin_v with_o st._n paul_n who_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n have_v a_o whole_a chapter_n on_o purpose_n to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o thing_n and_o how_o 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in_o their_o prayer_n use_v the_o greek_a and_o the_o roman_n the_o latin_a tongue_n and_o so_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o language_n pray_v unto_o god_n and_o praise_v he_o as_o he_o be_v able_a and_o not_o only_o in_o origen_n time_n but_o for_o more_o than_o the_o first_o six_o hundred_o year_n the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v always_o perform_v in_o a_o know_a tongue_n and_o this_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o their_o own_o church_n do_v not_o deny_v and_o cardinal_n cajetan_n as_o cassander_n tell_v we_o say_v it_o be_v much_o better_o this_o custom_n be_v restore_v and_o be_v reprove_v for_o say_v so_o he_o say_v he_o learn_v it_o from_o st._n paul_n and_o bellarmine_n himself_o confess_v that_o the_o armenians_n egyptians_n ethiopian_n russian_n and_o other_o do_v use_v their_o own_o language_n in_o their_o liturgy_n at_o this_o day_n but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o now_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o have_v be_v for_o several_a age_n and_o it_o seem_v they_o lay_v great_a stress_n upon_o it_o not_o only_o as_o a_o thing_n or_o great_a use_n but_o necessity_n for_o pope_n gregory_n the_o vii_o forbid_v the_o prince_n of_o bohemia_n to_o permit_v to_o the_o people_n the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a office_n in_o the_o sclavonian_a tongue_n and_o command_v he_o to_o oppose_v they_o herein_o with_o all_o his_o force_n it_o seem_v he_o think_v it_o a_o cause_n worthy_a the_o fight_n for_o and_o that_o it_o be_v much_o better_a the_o people_n shall_v be_v kill_v than_o suffer_v to_o understand_v their_o prayer_n but_o let_v we_o reason_n this_o matter_n a_o little_a calm_o with_o they_o be_v it_o necessary_a for_o man_n to_o understand_v any_o thing_n they_o do_v in_o religion_n and_o be_v not_o prayer_n one_o of_o the_o most_o solemn_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v not_o man_n understand_v their_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o any_o thing_n else_o they_o do_v in_o religion_n be_v it_o good_a that_o people_n shall_v understand_v their_o private_a prayer_n that_o we_o thank_v they_o they_o allow_v and_o why_o not_o the_o public_a as_o well_o be_v there_o less_o of_o religion_n in_o public_a prayer_n be_v god_n less_o honour_v by_o they_o or_o be_v we_o not_o as_o capable_a of_o be_v edify_v and_o of_o have_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n move_v and_o excite_v by_o they_o where_o then_o lie_v the_o difference_n the_o more_o i_o consider_v it_o the_o more_o i_o be_o at_o a_o loss_n what_o tolerable_a reason_n any_o man_n can_v give_v why_o people_n shall_v not_o understand_v their_o public_a devotion_n as_o well_o as_o their_o private_a if_o man_n can_v hearty_o and_o devout_o pray_v alone_o without_o understand_v what_o they_o ask_v of_o god_n no_o more_o say_v i_o can_v they_o hearty_o and_o devout_o join_v in_o the_o public_a prayer_n which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o priest_n without_o understanding_n what_o they_o be_v if_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o priest_n to_o understand_v they_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o priest_n only_o be_v present_a at_o they_o unless_o the_o people_n do_v not_o meet_v to_o worship_n god_n but_o only_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o priest_n but_o by_o say_v the_o priest_n understand_v they_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v better_a some_o body_n shall_v understand_v they_o than_o not_o and_o why_o be_v not_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o the_o priest_n good_a for_o the_o people_n so_o that_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v edify_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v fit_a the_o church_n shall_v order_v thing_n contrary_a to_o edification_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n be_v useless_a and_o unprofitable_a to_o the_o
exhortation_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v likewise_o read_v to_o the_o people_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n be_v these_o direct_v to_o god_n or_o to_o the_o people_n only_o and_o be_v they_o not_o design_v by_o god_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o read_v either_o to_o that_o purpose_n or_o to_o none_o and_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o instruct_v man_n by_o what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v this_o be_v a_o new_a and_o wonderful_a way_n of_o teach_v by_o conceal_v from_o the_o people_n the_o thing_n which_o they_o shall_v learn_v be_v it_o not_o all_o one_o as_o to_o all_o purpose_n of_o edification_n as_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o read_v or_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o place_n of_o they_o as_o they_o many_o time_n do_v their_o legend_n which_o the_o wise_a sort_n among_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v when_o they_o read_v they_o for_o all_o thing_n be_v alike_o to_o they_o that_o understand_v none_o as_o all_o thing_n be_v of_o a_o colour_n in_o the_o dark_a ignorance_n know_v no_o difference_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v only_a knowledge_n that_o can_v distinguish_v 3._o they_o say_v that_o some_o do_v at_o least_o in_o some_o measure_n understand_v the_o particular_a prayer_n if_o they_o do_v that_o be_v no_o thanks_o to_o they_o it_o be_v by_o accident_n if_o they_o be_v more_o know_v than_o the_o rest_n and_o more_o than_o the_o church_n either_o desire_n or_o intend_v for_o if_o they_o desire_v it_o they_o may_v order_v their_o service_n so_o as_o every_o man_n may_v understand_v it_o 4._o they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v convenient_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v serve_v and_o worship_v in_o the_o same_o language_n all_o the_o world_n over_o convenient_a for_o who_o for_o god_n or_o for_o the_o people_n not_o for_o god_n sure_o for_o he_o understand_v all_o other_o language_n as_o well_o as_o latin_a and_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v to_o the_o contrary_n like_v they_o as_o well_o and_o certain_o it_o can_v be_v so_o convenient_a for_o the_o people_n 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the_o scripture_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o they_o say_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o that_o the_o church_n can_v give_v leave_n to_o man_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o this_o not_o without_o great_a trouble_n and_o difficulty_n there_o must_v be_v a_o licence_n for_o it_o under_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o inquisitor_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o priest_n or_o confessor_n concern_v the_o fitness_n of_o the_o person_n that_o desire_v this_o privilege_n and_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o they_o will_v think_v none_o fit_a but_o those_o of_o who_o they_o have_v the_o great_a confidence_n and_o security_n and_o whoever_o presume_v to_o do_v it_o otherwise_o be_v to_o be_v deny_v absolution_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o damn_v man_n for_o presume_v to_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o their_o leave_n and_o whatever_o they_o may_v allow_v here_o in_o england_n where_o they_o hold_v their_o people_n upon_o more_o slippery_a term_n yet_o this_o privilege_n be_v very_o rare_o grant_v where_o they_o be_v in_o full_a possession_n of_o their_o power_n and_o have_v the_o people_n perfect_o under_o their_o yoke_n 2._o they_o tell_v we_o they_o instruct_v the_o people_n otherwise_o this_o indeed_o be_v something_o if_o they_o do_v it_o to_o purpose_n but_o general_o they_o do_v it_o very_o spare_o and_o slight_o their_o sermon_n be_v common_o make_v up_o of_o feign_a story_n and_o miracle_n of_o saint_n and_o exhortation_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o they_o and_o especial_o of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o of_o their_o image_n and_o relic_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o innumerable_a volume_n of_o their_o sermon_n and_o postil_v in_o print_n which_o i_o suppose_v be_v none_o of_o their_o worst_a i_o be_o sure_a erasmus_n say_v that_o in_o his_o time_n in_o several_a country_n the_o people_n do_v scarce_o once_o in_o half_a a_o year_n hear_v a_o profitable_a sermon_n to_o exhort_v they_o to_o true_a piety_n indeed_o they_o allow_v the_o people_n some_o catechism_n and_o manual_n of_o devotion_n and_o yet_o in_o many_o of_o they_o they_o have_v the_o conscience_n and_o the_o confidence_n to_o steal_v away_o the_o second_o commandment_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o eight_o but_o to_o bring_v the_o matter_n to_o a_o point_n if_o those_o help_n of_o instruction_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n why_o be_v they_o so_o afraid_a the_o people_n shall_v read_v the_o scripture_n if_o they_o be_v not_o why_o do_v they_o deceive_v and_o delude_v they_o 3._o they_o say_v that_o people_n be_v apt_a to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o that_o the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o they_o have_v be_v the_o great_a occasion_n of_o heresy_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o very_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v health_n and_o light_n and_o liberty_n as_o well_o as_o knowledge_n but_o must_v all_o these_o be_v therefore_o take_v away_o this_o very_a inconvenience_n of_o people_n wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o ruin_n st._n peter_n take_v notice_n of_o in_o his_o day_n but_o he_o do_v not_o therefore_o forbid_v man_n the_o read_n of_o they_o as_o his_o more_o prudent_a successor_n have_v do_v since_o suppose_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o heresy_n be_v there_o ever_o more_o than_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o neither_o the_o apostle_n nor_o their_o successor_n ever_o prescribe_v this_o remedy_n but_o be_v they_o in_o earnest_n must_v not_o man_n know_v the_o truth_n for_o sear_v of_o fall_v into_o error_n because_o man_n may_v possible_o miss_v their_o way_n at_o noonday_n must_v they_o never_o travel_v but_o in_o the_o night_n when_o they_o be_v sure_a to_o lose_v it_o and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v this_o be_v not_o true_a that_o heresy_n have_v spring_v from_o this_o cause_n they_o have_v general_o be_v broach_v by_o the_o learned_a from_o who_o the_o scripture_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v conceal_v and_o for_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o history_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n i_o be_o well_o assure_v the_o ancient_a father_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n st._n chrysostome_n say_v if_o man_n will_v be_v conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o attend_v to_o they_o they_o will_v not_o only_o not_o fall_v into_o error_n themselves_o but_o rescue_v those_o that_o be_v deceive_v and_o that_o the_o scripture_n will_v instruct_v man_n both_o in_o right_a opinion_n and_o a_o good_a life_n and_o st._n hierome_n more_o express_o to_o our_o purpose_n that_o infinite_a evil_n arise_v from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o from_o that_o cause_n the_o most_o part_n of_o heresy_n have_v come_v but_o if_o what_o they_o say_v be_v true_a be_v not_o this_o to_o lay_v the_o blame_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a heresy_n upon_o 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time_n i_o have_v purposely_o reserve_v this_o for_o the_o last_o place_n because_o it_o be_v their_o last_o refuge_n and_o if_o this_o fail_v they_o they_o be_v go_v to_o show_v the_o weakness_n of_o this_o pretence_n we_o will_v if_o they_o please_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v in_o no_o age_n more_o power_n than_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o they_o now_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o that_o the_o authority_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v give_v they_o from_o the_o lord_n be_v only_o for_o edification_n but_o not_o for_o destruction_n and_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n make_v it_o the_o business_n of_o a_o whole_a chapter_n to_o show_v that_o the_o perform_v the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n be_v contrary_a to_o edification_n from_o which_o premise_n the_o conclusion_n be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o appoint_v the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v arrogance_n for_o the_o church_n in_o any_o age_n to_o pretend_v to_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o apostle_n have_v this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o our_o adversary_n say_v in_o justification_n of_o themselves_o in_o these_o point_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o confidence_n will_v always_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o say_v something_o for_o any_o thing_n and_o some_o way_n or_o other_o blanch_v over_o the_o black_a and_o most_o absurd_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n whether_o any_o thing_n be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o to_o tell_v man_n in_o effect_n that_o it_o be_v fit_a they_o shall_v understand_v as_o little_a of_o religion_n as_o be_v possible_a that_o god_n have_v publish_v a_o very_a dangerous_a book_n with_o which_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a for_o the_o people_n to_o be_v familiar_o acquaint_v 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freeman_n and_o who_o like_a slave_n who_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n commit_v to_o they_o and_o who_o take_v the_o child_n bread_n from_o they_o who_o they_o be_v that_o when_o their_o child_n ask_v bread_n for_o bread_n give_v they_o a_o stone_n and_o for_o a_o egg_n a_o serpent_n i_o mean_v the_o legend_n of_o their_o saint_n instead_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o who_o they_o be_v that_o lie_v most_o just_o under_o the_o suspicion_n of_o error_n and_o corruption_n they_o who_o bring_v their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n into_o the_o open_a light_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v they_o try_v by_o the_o true_a touchstone_n the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o they_o who_o shun_v the_o light_n and_o decline_v all_o manner_n of_o trial_n and_o examination_n and_o who_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o carry_v on_o a_o worldly_a design_n they_o who_o drive_v a_o trade_n of_o such_o mighty_a gain_n and_o advantage_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o make_v such_o market_n of_o the_o ignorance_n and_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n or_o we_o who_o malice_n itself_o can_v charge_v with_o serve_v any_o worldly_a design_n by_o any_o allow_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o we_o make_v no_o money_n of_o the_o mistake_v of_o the_o people_n nor_o do_v we_o fill_v their_o head_n with_o vain_a fear_n of_o new_a place_n of_o torment_n to_o make_v they_o willing_a to_o empty_v their_o purse_n in_o a_o vain_a hope_n of_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o they_o we_o do_v not_o like_v they_o pretend_v a_o mighty_a bank_n and_o treasure_n of_o merit_n in_o the_o church_n which_o they_o sell_v to_o the_o people_n for_o ready_a money_n giving_z they_o bills_z of_o exchange_n from_o the_o pope_n to_o purgatory_n when_o they_o who_o grant_v they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v they_o will_v avail_v they_o or_o be_v accept_v in_o the_o other_o world_n for_o our_o part_n we_o have_v no_o fear_n 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and_o to_o the_o testimony_n that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o may_v neither_o believe_v they_o nor_o we_o it_o be_v only_o thing_n false_a and_o adulterate_a which_o shun_v the_o light_n and_o sear_v the_o touchstone_n we_o have_v that_o security_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o honest_a confidence_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o cause_n that_o we_o do_v not_o forbid_v the_o people_n to_o read_v the_o best_a book_n our_o adversary_n can_v write_v against_o it_o and_o now_o let_v any_o impartial_a man_n judge_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o better_a argument_n of_o a_o good_a cause_n to_o leave_v man_n at_o liberty_n to_o try_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n than_o the_o course_n which_o be_v take_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o awe_v man_n with_o a_o inquisition_n and_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a to_o keep_v the_o common_a people_n in_o 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