will_v be_v take_v heed_n lest_o no_o man_n deceive_v you_o for_o many_o shall_v come_v in_o my_o name_n say_v i_o be_o christ_n and_o shall_v deceive_v many_o many_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n and_o there_o be_v christ_n believe_v it_o not_o for_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a behold_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o thus_o he_o foretell_v how_o christianity_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v by_o imposture_n and_o fraud_n again_o say_v he_o they_o shall_v deliver_v you_o up_o to_o be_v afflict_v and_o kill_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v hate_v of_o all_o nation_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n and_o then_o shall_v many_o be_v offend_v and_o shall_v betray_v one_o another_o and_o shall_v hate_v one_o another_o thus_o he_o 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so_o when_o christ_n come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o observation_n which_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v unavoidable_a from_o the_o text_n that_o even_o after_o christ_n there_o will_v be_v degenerate_a age_n for_o this_o be_v plain_o suppose_v as_o the_o cause_n why_o there_o will_v be_v but_o little_a faith_n find_v when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o visit_v the_o earth_n for_o the_o iniquity_n and_o offence_n it_o abound_v with_o the_o 2._o supposition_n be_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o our_o lord_n will_v then_o appear_v to_o set_v thing_n right_a when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n to_o interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v intimate_v manifest_o that_o his_o come_n be_v then_o to_o be_v expect_v when_o little_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o man_n and_o consequent_o when_o scandal_n and_o temptation_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o bear_v up_o against_o they_o i_o have_v say_v already_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v all_o man_n receive_v it_o and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v all_o that_o receive_v it_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o among_o christian_n themselves_o there_o be_v as_o monstrous_a error_n and_o lewd_a example_n as_o ever_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n before_o christianity_n or_o as_o there_o be_v now_o where_o christianity_n be_v not_o at_o all_o profess_a now_o at_o this_o rate_n shall_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v thing_n go_v as_o they_o will_v it_o will_v in_o time_n come_v to_o pass_v that_o nothing_o of_o christianity_n will_v remain_v in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o name_n of_o it_o and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o do_v more_o hurt_n with_o it_o than_o can_v be_v do_v without_o it_o but_o how_o be_v it_o that_o divine_a providence_n will_v interpose_v or_o according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o text_n that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n will_v come_v and_o will_v make_v good_a his_o promise_n of_o be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v never_o more_o remarkable_o fulfil_v than_o when_o he_o interpose_v in_o those_o circumstance_n which_o make_v man_n think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o interpose_v and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v what_o become_v of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n because_o our_o lord_n have_v not_o make_v the_o gospel_n a_o irresistible_a mean_n of_o convince_a unbeliever_n and_o reform_v wicked_a man_n therefore_o it_o will_v in_o time_n be_v needful_a that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o true_a religion_n and_o make_v christian_n such_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o he_o i_o say_v shall_v by_o his_o providence_n correct_v his_o own_o disciple_n and_o reduce_v wretched_a mankind_n into_o a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n of_o consideration_n that_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o utter_o fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o lose_v the_o true_a profession_n of_o christianity_n our_o lord_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o maintain_v it_o when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n god_n come_v and_o sweep_v away_o mankind_n with_o a_o flood_n and_o save_v noah_n to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o a_o new_a and_o better_a generation_n when_o their_o prosperity_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n he_o call_v abraham_n forth_o to_o preserve_v true_a religion_n in_o he_o and_o in_o his_o family_n and_o these_o and_o the_o like_a providence_n be_v pledge_n of_o the_o same_o care_n to_o
some_o one_o occasion_n at_o least_o to_o have_v say_v let_v nothing_o be_v do_v without_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n if_o he_o have_v know_v of_o any_o such_o privilege_n and_o power_n confer_v on_o he_o by_o our_o lord_n but_o if_o pergamos_n be_v justifiable_a in_o remove_v those_o corruption_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o that_o church_n without_o stay_v for_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n england_n in_o remove_v more_o corruption_n and_o of_o equal_a danger_n be_v to_o proceed_v also_o without_o his_o leave_n if_o it_o can_v not_o be_v have_v 2._o as_o to_o his_o patriarchal_a power_n over_o this_o nation_n it_o do_v not_o ancient_o belong_v to_o he_o he_o have_v it_o not_o when_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a confine_v he_o to_o his_o own_o province_n nor_o when_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n decree_v that_o no_o bishop_n shall_v presume_v to_o invade_v any_o other_o province_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n have_v not_o be_v under_o his_o or_o his_o predecessor_n jurisdiction_n or_o if_o any_o do_v and_o make_v it_o his_o own_o by_o force_n that_o he_o shall_v restore_v it_o and_o then_o the_o church_n of_o britain_n be_v free_a acknowledge_v no_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n the_o power_n that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n gain_v here_o in_o after-age_n be_v get_v by_o fraud_n and_o hold_v by_o force_n and_o be_v ever_o and_o anon_o dispute_v and_o gainsay_v and_o overrule_v and_o sure_o no_o injury_n be_v do_v he_o when_o that_o authority_n be_v resume_v which_o he_o have_v usurp_v 3._o as_o to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o saxon_n by_o austin_n send_v hither_o by_o pope_n gregory_n i_o say_v it_o follow_v not_o if_o long_o since_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o island_n receive_v any_o benefit_n from_o rome_n therefore_o they_o shall_v in_o all_o age_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o usurpation_n of_o that_o place_n afterward_o nor_o that_o because_o we_o once_o receive_v true_a religion_n from_o rome_n therefore_o posterity_n must_v 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with_o those_o which_o we_o charge_v upon_o they_o there_o must_v have_v be_v great_a opposition_n make_v to_o any_o the_o least_o design_n of_o such_o a_o alteration_n in_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o such_o account_n of_o thing_n in_o history_n therefore_o these_o be_v not_o innovation_n but_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o omit_v this_o that_o concern_v most_o of_o their_o innovation_n we_o can_v very_o near_o show_v the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o but_o can_v plain_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o they_o be_v not_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v much_o more_o easy_a to_o conceive_v that_o in_o a_o thousand_o year_n time_n error_n shall_v creep_v into_o that_o church_n by_o degree_n and_o without_o noise_n than_o that_o in_o a_o church_n plant_v by_o a_o apostle_n as_o pergamos_n be_v guard_v by_o the_o angel_n or_o bishop_n place_v there_o by_o a_o apostle_n as_o pergamos_n be_v shall_v so_o soon_o tolerate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o balaamite_n and_o nicolaitan_n even_o while_o their_o apostle_n be_v alive_a and_o therefore_o very_a soon_o after_o he_o depart_v from_o they_o 2._o they_o say_v that_o the_o perpetual_a succession_n of_o their_o bishop_n from_o st._n peter_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o true_a doctrine_n among_o they_o in_o the_o purity_n thereof_o but_o behold_v a_o apostolical_a church_n in_o which_o a_o bishop_n succeed_v a_o apostle_n yet_o alive_a corrupt_v in_o her_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n can_v they_o have_v great_a can_v they_o have_v as_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o a_o perpetual_a uninterrupted_a succession_n after_o so_o many_o age_n as_o the_o church_n of_o pergame_n have_v before_o one_o age_n be_v go_v or_o do_v their_o infallibility_n grow_v with_o their_o succession_n or_o the_o far_o they_o be_v remove_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n be_v they_o the_o sure_a still_o that_o they_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v teach_v at_o first_o 3._o they_o say_v we_o be_v depart_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v visible_a everywhere_o upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o the_o reformation_n be_v begin_v see_v there_o be_v then_o no_o communion_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o have_v be_v long_o before_o that_o profess_v the_o same_o doctrine_n in_o all_o point_n which_o the_o reformation_n bring_v in_o now_o in_o great_a liberality_n to_o admit_v for_o once_o that_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n have_v corrupt_v its_o way_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v do_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o true_a but_o i_o say_v admitting_z it_o what_o will_v then_o come_v of_o it_o that_o we_o depart_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n no_o but_o that_o we_o depart_v from_o the_o general_a error_n and_o corruption_n of_o it_o and_o by_o that_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n whereof_o we_o ourselves_o be_v a_o part_n unless_o we_o depart_v also_o from_o ourselves_o nay_o but_o say_v they_o this_o be_v to_o fall_v into_o another_o damnable_a error_n and_o that_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v fail_v from_o the_o earth_n and_o so_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v perish_v for_o some_o age_n till_o the_o reformation_n bring_v it_o to_o life_n again_o not_o so_o neither_o for_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o error_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o to_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o that_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o damnable_a and_o that_o they_o make_v the_o salvation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o extreme_o hazardous_a but_o yet_o that_o we_o hope_v well_o of_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n maintain_v in_o the_o church_n and_o want_v mean_n to_o discover_v her_o corruption_n serve_v god_n according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n so_o that_o we_o do_v not_o say_v the_o church_n have_v perish_v but_o that_o her_o purity_n have_v be_v lose_v even_o as_o pergamos_n be_v a_o church_n and_o so_o acknowledge_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o because_o she_o hold_v fast_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o creed_n while_o yet_o she_o be_v corrupt_v with_o notorious_a error_n to_o this_o according_a to_o their_o usual_a way_n of_o argue_v they_o will_v reply_v that_o the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o between_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o pergamos_n be_v and_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n from_o which_o luther_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o separate_v themselves_o but_o then_o i_o will_v answer_v that_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v upon_o for_o if_o a_o particular_a church_n though_o under_o great_a error_n may_v yet_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o like_a reason_n if_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v overspread_v with_o foul_a error_n it_o will_v nevertheless_o still_o remain_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o obligation_n to_o depart_v from_o those_o error_n in_o the_o latter_a case_n as_o in_o the_o former_a and_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o depart_v from_o such_o error_n do_v no_o more_o depart_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n than_o she_o do_v from_o herself_o 4._o they_o pretend_v antiquity_n for_o their_o error_n and_o be_v often_o ask_v that_o shrewd_a question_n as_o they_o deem_v it_o where_o be_v your_o religion_n before_o luther_n i_o will_v answer_v this_o question_n with_o another_o that_o after_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n have_v purge_v away_o the_o corruption_n of_o that_o church_n where_o be_v the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n before_o that_o reformation_n every_o one_o of_o common_a sense_n will_v answer_v it_o be_v where_o it_o be_v now_o and_o where_o it_o ever_o be_v since_o it_o be_v first_o a_o
maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o that_o profession_n against_o another_o that_o have_v superad_v new_a and_o false_a doctrine_n to_o it_o and_o yet_o the_o reform_a part_n may_v labour_v under_o discord_n that_o affect_v their_o very_a communion_n while_o the_o other_o do_v not_o there_o may_v be_v on_o the_o one_o side_n disobedience_n to_o authority_n overvalue_v of_o question_n of_o no_o great_a moment_n a_o great_a stress_n lay_v upon_o opinion_n or_o practice_n than_o the_o cause_n will_v bear_v and_o this_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o break_v christian_a communion_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n whilst_o gross_a error_n be_v maintain_v on_o the_o other_o side_n with_o one_o consent_n the_o difference_n that_o happen_v by_o the_o bye_n may_v be_v so_o overrule_v by_o authority_n by_o force_n and_o power_n and_o by_o the_o sensible_a interest_n of_o this_o world_n that_o how_o wide_o so_o ever_o they_o be_v they_o shall_v not_o yet_o rend_v communion_n but_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v the_o fond_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o choose_v a_o doctrine_n by_o the_o mark_n of_o unity_n among_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o therefore_o in_o this_o divide_a state_n of_o christendom_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v what_o christian_n be_v to_o do_v to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v and_o to_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o be_v within_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o respect_n 1._o i_o need_v not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v first_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o common_a faith_n of_o christian_n for_o without_o this_o they_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o continue_v in_o that_o body_n into_o which_o they_o be_v baptise_a only_a i_o may_v add_v that_o they_o be_v to_o lay_v it_o up_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o value_v it_o as_o the_o great_a treasure_n and_o to_o proclaim_v their_o esteem_n of_o it_o and_o to_o acknowledge_v all_o that_o profess_v it_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o they_o this_o be_v that_o faith_n which_o christ_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n and_o which_o he_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o inspire_v his_o apostle_n withal_o to_o reveal_v it_o to_o we_o and_o to_o confirm_v it_o for_o we_o by_o the_o write_n and_o by_o the_o miracle_n of_o inspire_a person_n it_o be_v by_o this_o faith_n and_o this_o profession_n therefore_o which_o include_v baptism_n that_o they_o be_v christian_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n 2._o let_v they_o keep_v themselves_o from_o entertain_v any_o corrupt_a or_o false_a doctrine_n not_o only_o any_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n but_o any_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o scripture_n for_o thus_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o keep_v themselves_o from_o any_o dangerous_a error_n and_o continue_v not_o only_o true_a but_o pure_a believer_n and_o they_o sure_o be_v not_o the_o less_o but_o the_o more_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n who_o receive_v nothing_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n but_o what_o by_o the_o undoubted_a record_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n appear_v to_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n 3._o let_v every_o private_a christian_a be_v most_o careful_a to_o observe_v the_o command_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o his_o affection_n and_o all_o his_o action_n for_o unity_n in_o this_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v among_o all_o christian_n since_o without_o obedience_n no_o man_n how_o qualify_v soever_o he_o may_v be_v in_o the_o church_n upon_o other_o account_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n without_o this_o it_o be_v not_o the_o be_v of_o the_o one_o church_n it_o be_v not_o the_o profess_v of_o the_o one_o faith_n no_o nor_o the_o be_v of_o a_o pure_a profession_n and_o a_o pure_a communion_n that_o will_v unite_v we_o real_o and_o effectual_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o he_o as_o branch_n that_o bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n 4._o let_v he_o maintain_v a_o universal_a charity_n to_o all_o christian_n good_a will_n to_o those_o that_o be_v mislead_v and_o seduce_v in_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v they_o as_o he_o have_v opportunity_n in_o pray_v for_o they_o readiness_n to_o be_v beneficial_a to_o all_o his_o brethren_n to_o forgive_v injury_n and_o to_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a compassion_n to_o the_o miserable_a pleasure_n in_o that_o which_o be_v for_o the_o particular_a good_a of_o any_o one_o of_o his_o brethren_n and_o much_o more_o in_o what_o be_v for_o the_o general_a good_a of_o all_o thus_o he_o shall_v preserve_v himself_o in_o the_o other_o unity_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n the_o unity_n of_o charity_n and_o good_a will._n 5._o let_v he_o live_v in_o strict_a communion_n with_o the_o particular_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o in_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o for_o the_o guidance_n of_o religious_a assembly_n for_o the_o order_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o fall_v under_o human_a authority_n i.e._n the_o authority_n of_o the_o lawful_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o the_o edification_n and_o well_o govern_v of_o it_o thus_o he_o shall_v maintain_v a_o unity_n of_o communion_n with_o his_o brethren_n and_o his_o guide_n and_o so_o in_o effect_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n where_o the_o part_n of_o it_o do_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o most_o undoubted_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o any_o of_o they_o in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o do_v as_o they_o ought_v not_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o advice_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o to_o a_o good_a man_n as_o easy_a to_o be_v practise_v there_o be_v no_o need_n for_o he_o to_o trouble_v his_o own_o mind_n with_o nice_a and_o intricate_a question_n about_o unity_n because_o he_o will_v maintain_v his_o part_n in_o order_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o do_v his_o plain_a duty_n by_o stick_v to_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v profess_v by_o all_o christian_n the_o faith_n into_o which_o we_o be_v baptise_a by_o reject_v whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v they_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o religious_a persuasion_n which_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o do_v by_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n in_o which_o yet_o undoubted_o all_o church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o every_o church_n ought_v to_o conspire_v though_o this_o part_n of_o unity_n be_v hardly_o remember_v when_o man_n talk_v of_o the_o church_n by_o bear_v christian_a affection_n towards_o all_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n whereby_o he_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o unity_n towards_o they_o which_o whether_o they_o do_v or_o not_o they_o ought_v to_o perform_v too_o final_o by_o frequent_v the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o public_a prayer_n and_o exhortation_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o in_o particular_a the_o grace_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o member_n and_o which_o observe_v the_o institution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o all_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n for_o thus_o he_o perform_v his_o part_n of_o unity_n towards_o the_o whole_a church_n with_o respect_n to_o communion_n nor_o be_v he_o nor_o can_v be_v to_o blame_v if_o other_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o fond_a thing_n to_o think_v of_o seek_v a_o true_a church_n that_o be_v the_o only_a church_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o or_o to_o be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o divide_a state_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o can_v help_v and_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o seek_v for_o unity_n to_o mind_v nothing_o else_o we_o be_v to_o preserve_v ourselves_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o profess_v true_a doctrine_n and_o by_o lead_v good_a life_n by_o a_o charitable_a spirit_n and_o behaviour_n towards_o all_o christian_n by_o frequent_v prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o lawful_a guide_n in_o all_o thing_n of_o indifference_n and_o prudence_n and_o then_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o whatever_o other_o do_v we_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o though_o after_o all_o the_o church_n be_v not_o that_o one_o body_n which_o it_o will_v be_v if_o all_o man_n do_v their_o duty_n yet_o
and_o because_o this_o exhortation_n be_v also_o add_v to_o the_o epistle_n send_v to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n part_n of_o which_o i_o have_v now_o read_v to_o you_o i_o may_v also_o exhort_v you_o to_o hear_v or_o rather_o i_o need_v not_o since_o our_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o have_v require_v you_o so_o to_o do_v st._n john_n who_o have_v be_v the_o founder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n be_v now_o in_o the_o isle_n of_o patmos_n banish_v thither_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n as_o he_o witness_v himself_o chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 9_o i_o john_n who_o also_o be_o your_o brother_n and_o companion_n in_o tribulation_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o patience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o the_o isle_n that_o be_v call_v patmos_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ._n but_o he_o have_v commit_v this_o church_n to_o the_o care_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o his_o absence_n who_o be_v here_o call_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o who_o this_o epistle_n be_v direct_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n under_o his_o care_n and_o it_o consist_v of_o these_o three_o general_a part_n i._o of_o a_o commendation_n ii_o of_o a_o reproof_n iii_o a_o warn_v to_o repent_v i._o a_o commendation_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v and_o thou_o hold_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n even_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o antipas_n be_v my_o faithful_a martyr_n who_o be_v slay_v among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v which_o commendation_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n retain_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o point_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n for_o if_o she_o have_v part_v with_o any_o point_n necessary_a she_o must_v then_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o a_o church_n she_o be_v by_o our_o lord_n be_v own_o acknowledgement_n and_o therefore_o by_o hold_v fast_o his_o name_n and_o not_o deny_v his_o faith_n we_o must_v needs_o understand_v that_o she_o have_v keep_v entire_a that_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n the_o apostolical_a creed_n which_o st._n john_n have_v leave_v among_o they_o 2._o that_o which_o heighten_v her_o praise_n be_v that_o she_o have_v do_v this_o in_o such_o a_o place_n where_o there_o be_v so_o great_a temptation_n to_o apostasy_n first_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v i._n e._n where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o idol-temple_n that_o no_o place_n in_o asia_n can_v show_v so_o many_o as_o if_o pergamos_n have_v be_v satan_n principal_a court_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world._n second_o where_o by_o consequence_n there_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v and_o where_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o great_a persecution_n of_o the_o gospel_n under_o which_o antipas_n a_o faithful_a martyr_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o zeal_n and_o courage_n be_v a_o example_n to_o the_o rest_n be_v slay_v this_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n that_o in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n she_o have_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o she_o have_v hold_v fast_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v his_o faith._n but_o there_o follow_v ii_o a_o reproof_n but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n who_o teach_v balak_n to_o cast_v a_o stumbling-block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n so_o have_v thou_o also_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o thing_n i_o hate_v i._n e._n although_o she_o have_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o faith_n yet_o within_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n be_v teach_v and_o practise_v she_o have_v suffer_v damnable_a doctrine_n and_o wicked_a practice_n to_o take_v place_n which_o be_v likely_a enough_o to_o endanger_v the_o subvert_v of_o the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n profess_v among_o they_o but_o more_o particular_o 1._o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n be_v open_o teach_v among_o they_o and_o that_o be_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o idolater_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o idol_n for_o this_o be_v the_o stumbling-block_n which_o balaam_n lay_v before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n not_o only_o draw_v they_o to_o carnal_a fornication_n with_o the_o daughter_n of_o moab_n but_o spiritual_a fornication_n also_o with_o their_o idol_n now_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v such_o a_o grievous_a persecution_n of_o the_o church_n at_o pergamos_n that_o some_o of_o that_o communion_n to_o ease_v the_o church_n from_o it_o teach_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o have_v external_n communion_n with_o idolater_n in_o their_o worship_n to_o wit_n by_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n pretend_v as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o commendation_n give_v they_o in_o the_o former_a verse_n that_o if_o they_o do_v but_o still_o hold_v fast_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o deny_v any_o necessary_a point_n of_o his_o faith_n their_o external_n compliance_n with_o idolater_n in_o their_o worship_n will_v not_o deserve_v any_o severe_a reproof_n but_o that_o because_o they_o shall_v still_o retain_v the_o name_n and_o essence_n of_o a_o true_a church_n they_o shall_v therefore_o sufficient_o approve_v their_o fidelity_n to_o christ_n notwithstanding_o their_o burn_a incense_n and_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o give_v divine_a honour_n by_o their_o outward_a act_n to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o god._n 2._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n be_v also_o hold_v among_o they_o that_o be_v a_o doctrine_n that_o tend_v to_o a_o licentious_a life_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o good_a manner_n and_o it_o be_v call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n from_o nicolas_n the_o deacon_n who_o be_v upbraid_v for_o dote_v too_o much_o upon_o his_o fair_a wife_n to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v upon_o that_o account_n make_v a_o prostitution_n of_o she_o to_o all_o comer_n which_o lewd_a example_n have_v it_o seem_v spread_v its_o contagion_n into_o some_o of_o the_o asian_a church_n especial_o at_o pergamos_n where_o many_o of_o they_o hold_v community_n of_o woman_n to_o be_v lawful_a which_o be_v so_o vile_a and_o detestable_a a_o doctrine_n that_o god_n be_v here_o say_v to_o hate_v it_o so_o that_o the_o doctrine_n for_o tolerate_v of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n be_v here_o reprehend_v be_v such_o as_o grate_v very_o near_o upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n the_o former_a lead_n to_o idolatry_n the_o latter_a to_o a_o impure_a and_o vicious_a life_n a_o very_a strange_a corruption_n of_o the_o state_n of_o that_o church_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n from_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o it_o now_o iii_o we_o have_v in_o this_o message_n of_o jesus_n to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n a_o warning_n to_o repent_v and_o to_o make_v haste_n to_o repent_v too_o repent_v or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n and_o what_o be_v she_o to_o repent_v of_o but_o of_o suffer_v those_o coruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n to_o prevail_v in_o her_o communion_n for_o which_o she_o be_v reprove_v before_o and_o how_o be_v she_o to_o repent_v but_o by_o reform_v those_o abuse_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o her_o communion_n those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v and_o return_v to_o the_o primitive_a purity_n of_o her_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o manner_n and_o if_o she_o will_v not_o do_v this_o jesus_n threaten_v that_o he_o will_v sudden_o take_v the_o matter_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o cut_v they_o off_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n from_o be_v a_o church_n at_o all_o who_o be_v so_o soon_o degenerate_v from_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o upon_o this_o warning_n she_o do_v repent_v and_o reform_v for_o she_o be_v not_o speedy_o cut_v off_o as_o god_n have_v threaten_v she_o shall_v be_v if_o she_o do_v not_o repent_v but_o continue_v a_o church_n for_o many_o age_n afterward_o till_o at_o length_n fall_v again_o into_o great_a corruption_n of_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n she_o with_o all_o the_o other_o six_o church_n of_o asia_n write_v to_o by_o our_o lord_n fall_v to_o be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o and_o the_o temple_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v upon_o be_v now_o become_v turkish_a mosque_n and_o so_o the_o burden_n of_o pergamos_n be_v fulfil_v and_o
seem_v to_o i_o that_o our_o saviour_n say_v drink_v you_o all_o of_o this_o and_o therefore_o that_o you_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n may_v as_o well_o take_v the_o bread_n as_o the_o cup_n from_o the_o laity_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o st._n paul_n call_v the_o communion_n of_o christ_n body_n bread_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o your_o church_n say_v it_o be_v bread_n no_o long_o after_o consecration_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n speak_v for_o a_o whole_a chapter_n against_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o yet_o your_o church_n do_v it_o it_o seem_v also_o to_o i_o that_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v absolute_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v offer_v once_o for_o all_o and_o that_o he_o sit_v down_o thenceforth_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n but_o you_o pretend_v to_o fetch_v he_o down_o from_o heaven_n and_o offer_v he_o a_o thousand_o time_n in_o a_o day_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o god_n have_v forbid_v the_o make_n of_o image_n to_o worship_v they_o as_o absolute_o and_o universal_o as_o word_n can_v do_v it_o and_o yet_o you_o picture_n god_n and_o make_v similitude_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n and_o image_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o worship_v they_o when_o you_o have_v do_v i_o demand_v now_o why_o i_o may_v not_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o these_o place_n upon_o as_o reasonable_a ground_n as_o you_o suppose_v i_o may_v be_v of_o those_o which_o in_o your_o judgement_n conclude_v for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o your_o church_n if_o i_o may_v than_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o scripture_n condemn_v what_o you_o say_v and_o do_v in_o these_o point_n but_o if_o i_o may_v not_o be_v reasonable_o assure_v that_o i_o understand_v these_o in_o my_o judgement_n plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n because_o i_o want_v a_o infallible_a judge_n to_o interpret_v for_o i_o than_o i_o demand_v again_o why_o do_v you_o urge_v i_o 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till_o he_o do_v already_o believe_v it_o that_o be_v till_o it_o be_v a_o needless_a thing_n to_o do_v it_o because_o he_o do_v believe_v it_o already_o and_o therefore_o when_o all_o be_v do_v we_o must_v be_v content_a to_o understand_v the_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o to_o find_v out_o the_o rest_n as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v and_o if_o the_o scripture_n plain_o condemn_v what_o you_o say_v and_o do_v we_o have_v more_o reason_n from_o thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o you_o have_v err_v than_o to_o conclude_v that_o you_o can_v err_v because_o you_o say_v so_o of_o yourselves_o and_o indeed_o i_o look_v upon_o this_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n to_o be_v a_o error_n of_o the_o most_o pernicious_a consequence_n because_o it_o seal_v they_o up_o under_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o add_v incorrigibleness_n which_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o obstinacy_n to_o all_o their_o other_o error_n and_o it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o 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the_o christian_a world_n a_o universal_a reformation_n have_v be_v make_v but_o the_o latter_a perhaps_o be_v improbable_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o vast_a distance_n of_o some_o christian_a church_n from_o one_o another_o and_o the_o former_a be_v make_v impossible_a by_o the_o overrule_a power_n of_o italy_n which_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v do_v upon_o particular_a church_n by_o common_a consent_n and_o perhaps_o there_o must_v never_o be_v a_o far_a reformation_n till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o very_o necessary_a therefore_o that_o christian_a kingdom_n shall_v proceed_v in_o provincial_n and_o national_a council_n to_o reform_v themselves_o as_o this_o church_n have_v do_v under_o her_o king_n and_o bishop_n parliament_n and_o convocation_n that_o be_v by_o all_o that_o authority_n which_o can_v be_v desire_v to_o make_v a_o public_a reformation_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o this_o particular_a church_n and_o this_o proceed_n have_v be_v authorize_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a age_n of_o the_o church_n when_o it_o be_v think_v fit_a not_o always_o to_o tarry_v for_o general_n council_n but_o very_o often_o for_o particular_a church_n to_o proceed_v out_o of_o hand_n to_o the_o root_n out_o of_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o to_o the_o reform_v of_o whatsoever_o they_o think_v amiss_o among_o themselves_o and_o for_o this_o we_o be_v to_o appeal_v to_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n gangra_n carthage_n and_o many_o other_o which_o be_v no_o general_n council_n to_o conclude_v such_o error_n as_o have_v overspread_v the_o church_n before_o the_o reformation_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o in_o their_o consequence_n so_o pernicious_a that_o every_o christian_a man_n ought_v to_o reform_v himself_o from_o they_o inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n much_o more_o may_v a_o public_a reformation_n be_v make_v by_o due_a authority_n but_o we_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n who_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v either_o as_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o the_o patriarch_n of_o the_o west_n or_o as_o the_o converter_n of_o the_o english_a nation_n and_o we_o be_v not_o only_o in_o communion_n with_o he_o but_o in_o subjection_n to_o he_o when_o the_o reformation_n be_v make_v so_o that_o what_o cause_n soever_o there_o may_v be_v for_o it_o the_o reformation_n be_v however_o schismatical_a to_o all_o which_o i_o answer_v in_o short_a 1._o as_o to_o the_o universal_a supremacy_n it_o be_v a_o point_n to_o which_o antiquity_n be_v whole_o a_o stranger_n scripture_n and_o the_o father_n say_v nothing_o of_o it_o ignatius_n who_o so_o often_o require_v that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v do_v of_o moment_n in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o bishop_n will_v have_v find_v out_o
have_v in_o store_n for_o all_o honest_a mind_n and_o that_o instead_o of_o run_v cross_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n either_o here_o or_o hereafter_o it_o show_v a_o infallible_a way_n to_o single_a person_n and_o to_o community_n to_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o all_o man_n to_o be_v for_o ever_o bless_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v we_o will_v rather_o have_v expect_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v foretell_v that_o no_o man_n in_o any_o age_n will_v ever_o set_v himself_o to_o oppose_v the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n if_o likewise_o we_o observe_v what_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a testimony_n of_o divine_a revelation_n god_n approve_v and_o own_v it_o by_o how_o high_o reasonable_a the_o principle_n thereof_o be_v and_o how_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n yet_o be_v once_o reveal_v do_v satisfy_v our_o reason_n and_o approve_v themselves_o to_o it_o how_o evident_a the_o design_n thereof_o be_v how_o plain_a the_o precept_n how_o few_o the_o positive_a institution_n of_o it_o be_v and_o how_o significant_a and_o profitable_a they_o be_v and_o how_o full_a of_o instruction_n final_o how_o manifest_a those_o necessary_a doctrine_n be_v the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_a and_o what_o that_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v which_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v confess_v and_o without_o controversy_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o these_o thing_n and_o no_o far_o we_o shall_v rather_o have_v expect_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n shall_v never_o have_v be_v gainsay_v never_o pervert_v never_o mingle_v with_o error_n never_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o wrangle_v and_o discord_n and_o never_o have_v become_v the_o matter_n of_o nice_a and_o angry_a dispute_n but_o only_o of_o a_o unblamable_a faith_n and_o practice_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v undoubted_o a_o faithful_a say_v or_o doctrine_n 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a_o terrible_a prejudice_n a_o secret_a enemy_n against_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o his_o heart_n rise_v with_o as_o much_o anger_n against_o that_o doctrine_n of_o god_n that_o tell_v he_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o pursue_v his_o worldly_a and_o fleshly_a desire_n as_o he_o will_v but_o to_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v they_o as_o herod_n when_o he_o take_v his_o brother_n wife_n express_v against_o john_n the_o baptist_n for_o say_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o thou_o to_o have_v she_o man_n nature_n affect_v a_o lawless_a liberty_n and_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v confine_v it_o be_v disease_v and_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v heal_v and_o it_o be_v therefore_o likely_a enough_o that_o very_o many_o will_v reject_v the_o physician_n and_o be_v angry_a with_o those_o very_a remedy_n that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v send_v the_o true_a and_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n my_o brethren_n if_o it_o be_v believe_v can_v but_o make_v we_o very_o uneasy_a and_o unquiet_a while_o we_o be_v conscious_a of_o sin_n and_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v reform_v because_o it_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o all_o our_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n it_o forewarn_v we_o of_o a_o dreadful_a sentence_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o of_o a_o everlasting_a punishment_n which_o we_o be_v unwilling_a at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o venture_v in_o which_o we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o reconcile_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o repentance_n and_o man_n that_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n and_o lover_n of_o gain_n can_v easy_o admit_v a_o doctrine_n which_o give_v they_o as_o much_o uneasiness_n and_o disturbance_n as_o if_o the_o point_n of_o a_o sword_n be_v always_o turn_v towards_o their_o very_a heart_n for_o this_o reason_n the_o pharisee_n can_v not_o endure_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n and_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o heathen_n oppose_v it_o and_o persecute_v it_o and_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o christian_n have_v corrupt_v it_o by_o find_v out_o other_o way_n to_o avoid_v damnation_n than_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n and_o effectual_a reformation_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god._n it_o be_v this_o that_o have_v make_v way_n for_o satisfactory_a commutation_n merit_n of_o other_o and_o the_o absolute_a power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o all_o those_o device_n which_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o reconcile_v a_o wicked_a life_n to_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o entangle_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n he_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n and_o do_v they_o not_o i_o will_v liken_v he_o to_o a_o foolish_a man_n that_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o the_o rain_n fall_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n thereof_o that_o be_v it_o suffer_v a_o irreparable_a ruin._n 2._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n it_o be_v no_o way_n frame_v to_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o ambitious_a and_o worldly-minded_n man_n or_o to_o help_v they_o in_o pursue_v those_o end_n by_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o will_v be_v by_o some_o or_o other_o mould_v for_o that_o purpose_n when_o opportunity_n shall_v serve_v our_o saviour_n teach_v the_o world_n no_o other_o principle_n of_o morality_n no_o other_o article_n of_o faith_n than_o what_o be_v equal_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o part_n of_o mankind_n to_o believe_v and_o follow_v a_o common_a good_a and_o a_o equal_a benefit_n be_v intend_v in_o they_o all_o for_o let_v they_o prevail_v without_o corruption_n and_o alteration_n the_o honour_n and_o safety_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n be_v secure_v and_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n to_o subject_n neighbour-nation_n shall_v give_v strength_n and_o confidence_n instead_o of_o create_v jealousy_n to_o one_o another_o the_o master_n shall_v be_v better_o serve_v and_o the_o servant_n better_o use_v the_o church_n by_o her_o doctrine_n and_o spiritual_a authority_n will_v be_v a_o guard_n to_o the_o state_n and_o receive_v at_o the_o same_o time_n protection_n from_o it_o here_o be_v no_o design_n in_o christianity_n to_o set_v up_o any_o nation_n or_o party_n of_o man_n in_o opposition_n and_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o all_o mankind_n beside_o but_o it_o plain_o aim_v at_o a_o general_a good_a and_o under_o its_o penalty_n require_v all_o its_o professor_n to_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o too_o and_o condemn_v those_o who_o be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o among_o the_o great_a offender_n and_o this_o
in_o their_o error_n thus_o because_o there_o be_v some_o who_o abuse_v the_o liberty_n this_o church_n give_v to_o all_o of_o use_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o who_o reject_v the_o assistance_n of_o their_o guide_n they_o that_o be_v concern_v the_o people_n shall_v know_v as_o little_a of_o the_o bible_n as_o be_v possible_a argue_v from_o the_o folly_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o former_a how_o dangerous_a a_o instrument_n it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o laity_n and_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v allow_v to_o all_o must_v be_v liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v they_o that_o abuse_v it_o to_o the_o make_n of_o sect_n and_o party_n and_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o innovation_n give_v a_o candle_n to_o that_o church_n to_o glory_n in_o her_o dissension_n which_o provide_v that_o all_o shall_v believe_v as_o she_o believe_v because_o of_o her_o authority_n and_o that_o no_o man_n judge_n of_o the_o particular_n of_o his_o faith_n for_o himself_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o instance_n of_o this_o mischief_n be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o undeniable_a that_o whenever_o any_o great_a scandal_n be_v give_v by_o community_n or_o church_n that_o consist_v in_o one_o extreme_a a_o man_n may_v without_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n foretell_v that_o if_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n prevent_v it_o not_o it_o will_v in_o time_n beget_v the_o other_o extreme_a it_o be_v the_o great_a unhappiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o opposite_a error_n which_o look_v as_o if_o one_o will_v destroy_v the_o other_o do_v real_o strive_v to_o support_v one_o another_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o foolish_a advice_n more_o frequent_a than_o to_o run_v from_o a_o extreme_a as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a as_o if_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o it_o but_o by_o this_o mean_v woeful_a mischief_n have_v happen_v in_o the_o world_n division_n have_v be_v multiply_v uncharitableness_n increase_v and_o man_n more_o and_o more_o harden_a in_o their_o way_n of_o error_n and_o sin._n 6._o the_o scandal_n of_o mix_v absurd_a and_o impious_a doctrine_n with_o the_o truth_n and_o unjustifiable_a practice_n with_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v have_v this_o notorious_a mischief_n still_o attend_v it_o that_o it_o hinder_v the_o conversion_n of_o insidel_n and_o be_v a_o terrible_a obstruction_n to_o the_o propagate_a of_o christianity_n averro_n do_v not_o speak_v his_o own_o sense_n alone_o when_o he_o say_v since_o the_o christian_n eat_v their_o god_n let_v my_o soul_n be_v with_o the_o philosopher_n the_o scandal_n that_o be_v give_v to_o jew_n and_o turk_n i_o need_v not_o name_n but_o to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o this_o unpleasing_a argument_n 7._o and_o last_o the_o mischief_n of_o these_o and_o all_o other_o offence_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a because_o when_o once_o offence_n be_v give_v no_o man_n can_v tell_v where_o the_o mischief_n will_v end_v for_o instance_n suppose_v by_o my_o example_n i_o animate_v another_o to_o sin_n in_o like_a manner_n or_o that_o i_o do_v not_o only_o corrupt_v his_o manner_n but_o his_o principle_n too_o and_o so_o do_v he_o all_o the_o hurt_n i_o can_v who_o can_v say_v that_o this_o be_v all_o the_o mischief_n i_o have_v do_v be_v it_o not_o likely_a that_o he_o will_v infect_v other_o as_o i_o have_v infect_v he_o and_o that_o they_o may_v go_v on_o to_o propagate_v the_o mischief_n which_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o i_o and_o that_o the_o next_o age_n may_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o i_o and_o that_o my_o gild_n may_v be_v grow_a age_n after_o i_o be_o dead_a apply_v this_o to_o all_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v give_v in_o the_o world_n and_o consider_v not_o only_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o mischief_n they_o do_v but_o the_o spread_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v great_a reason_n in_o those_o sad_a word_n of_o our_o lord_n woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n but_o 2._o whence_o come_v it_o that_o offence_n be_v take_v and_o so_o all_o this_o mischief_n do_v by_o they_o in_o general_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v that_o for_o whatever_o cause_n some_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o give_v offence_n for_o the_o same_o other_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o call_v over_o in_o this_o place_n the_o unsuitableness_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o to_o the_o vanity_n of_o mankind_n whether_o it_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o manner_n or_o worship_n but_o to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v add_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o in_o the_o world_n who_o for_o want_v of_o either_o good_a natural_a ability_n or_o good_a education_n have_v little_a ability_n to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o most_o part_n take_v their_o impression_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o other_o man_n example_n or_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o fall_v into_o ill_a hand_n they_o fare_v according_o to_o which_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o particular_a regard_n in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n whosoever_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o which_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n so_o that_o because_o there_o will_v be_v some_o person_n sincere_o dispose_v who_o in_o many_o thing_n can_v not_o judge_v for_o themselves_o but_o must_v be_v lead_v by_o authority_n our_o saviour_n for_o their_o great_a security_n provide_v this_o frightful_a threaten_v to_o deter_v all_o man_n from_o take_v the_o advantage_n of_o their_o weakness_n to_o mislead_v they_o 2._o some_o stumble_v at_o offence_n lay_v before_o they_o and_o take_v up_o pernicious_a doctrine_n mere_o from_o impatience_n of_o consider_v and_o take_v time_n to_o lay_v thing_n together_o he_o that_o judge_v rash_o and_o hasty_o may_v by_o chance_n make_v a_o true_a judgement_n but_o he_o shall_v as_o often_o judge_v false_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a thing_n as_o i_o observe_v last_o time_n to_o lay_v such_o colour_n upon_o error_n as_o will_v require_v some_o leisure_n to_o see_v through_o they_o and_o in_o such_o case_n if_o a_o man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o take_v pain_n and_o desire_n to_o come_v present_o and_o easy_o to_o the_o conclusion_n he_o give_v the_o seducer_n all_o the_o advantage_n he_o can_v desire_v and_o be_v indeed_o just_a the_o person_n he_o desire_v to_o meet_v with_o one_o easy_o deceive_v by_o a_o false_a appearance_n of_o reason_n 3._o the_o strange_a influence_n which_o the_o carnal_a affection_n of_o man_n and_o their_o worldly_a interest_n have_v upon_o their_o judgement_n be_v a_o fatal_a cause_n of_o lay_v they_o open_a to_o the_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n we_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o desire_v doctrine_n and_o example_n in_o favour_n of_o liberty_n to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v offer_v we_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a as_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o guard_v ourselves_o against_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o god_n say_v by_o jeremy_n jer._n 5.31_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v false_o and_o my_o people_n love_n to_o have_v it_o so_o to_o these_o i_o may_v add_v other_o cause_n viz._n the_o prejudice_n of_o education_n undue_a admiration_n of_o man_n person_n prejudice_n against_o truth_n arise_v from_o prejudice_n against_o person_n a_o inclination_n to_o opinion_n suitable_a to_o our_o own_o temper_n and_o complexion_n love_v of_o novelty_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hatred_n to_o change_v though_o it_o be_v for_o the_o better_a all_o which_o disposition_n and_o circumstance_n expose_v those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o to_o the_o mischief_n of_o offence_n but_o i_o shall_v be_v over-tedious_a to_o run_v into_o all_o the_o particular_n under_o this_o head_n which_o may_v also_o be_v more_o profitable_o supply_v by_o direction_n in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o intention_n which_o be_v to_o reduce_v what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o matter_n of_o exhortation_n and_o i_o shall_v leave_v with_o you_o these_o two_o necessary_a caution_n i._o be_v careful_a to_o give_v no_o offence_n ii_o be_v careful_a to_o take_v none_o 1._o be_v careful_a to_o give_v no_o offence_n i._n e._n to_o lay_v no_o stumbling-block_n in_o any_o man_n way_n to_o lead_v he_o into_o sin_n or_o error_n or_o to_o confirm_v he_o in_o it_o remember_v the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n woe_n be_v to_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v now_o the_o way_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o free_a from_o this_o guilt_n be_v to_o love_v the_o truth_n
that_o defile_v a_o man_n but_o to_o eat_v with_o unwashen_n hand_n defile_v not_o a_o man_n i._n e._n do_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n affect_v his_o soul_n or_o his_o conscience_n for_o in_o this_o respect_n he_o be_v neither_o better_o for_o wash_v nor_o worse_o for_o let_v it_o alone_o and_o to_o think_v otherwise_o be_v a_o superstition_n hurtful_a to_o yourselves_o and_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o of_o very_o bad_a consequence_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o impudent_a and_o notorious_a a_o abuse_n as_o the_o make_v void_a of_o god_n law_n by_o the_o other_o lewd_a tradition_n that_o i_o mention_v before_o it_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o method_n and_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n in_o this_o place_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o pharise_n bring_v against_o the_o disciple_n from_o which_o answer_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n to_o be_v gather_v well_o worth_a our_o observation_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o overthrow_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o pretend_a tradition_n that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god._n 2._o that_o if_o there_o be_v one_o traditionary_a doctrine_n that_o notorious_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o one_o instance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o overturn_v the_o credit_n of_o that_o tradition_n which_o pretend_v to_o deliver_v unwritten_a doctrine_n of_o equal_a authority_n with_o those_o that_o be_v write_v 3._o that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o some_o one_o age_n or_o more_o that_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n many_o age_n before_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v so_o deliver_v 4._o that_o we_o have_v a_o great_a reason_n to_o stick_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o examine_v all_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n by_o that_o rule_n and_o to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o unwritten_a tradition_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o overthrow_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o pretend_a tradition_n that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o if_o when_o tradition_n be_v pretend_v for_o any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o show_v that_o the_o same_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o what_o be_v plain_o require_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o to_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o say_v if_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o than_o our_o saviour_n use_v a_o insufficient_a argument_n against_o the_o pretend_a tradition_n of_o not_o suffer_v the_o son_n that_o be_v under_o a_o vow_n of_o the_o contrary_a to_o relieve_v his_o father_n or_o mother_n that_o it_o make_v void_a the_o commandment_n of_o god._n but_o doubtless_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o use_v a_o bad_a argument_n that_o he_o use_v the_o best_a and_o most_o convince_a of_o all_o and_o true_o if_o we_o do_v not_o in_o this_o case_n consider_v our_o saviour_n authority_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v a_o monstrous_a prejudice_n that_o keep_v any_o man_n from_o discern_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o argument_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o unwritten_a doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o what_o be_v write_v for_o nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a than_o that_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a and_o yet_o they_o must_v be_v true_a if_o that_o doctrine_n for_o which_o unwritten_a tradition_n be_v pretend_v can_v be_v of_o god_n though_o it_o contradict_v the_o write_a tradition_n which_o be_v by_o all_o acknowledge_a to_o be_v divine_a but_o as_o plain_a as_o this_o argument_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v very_o well_o for_o we_o that_o we_o find_v our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v such_o authority_n to_o it_o because_o there_o be_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n bear_v up_o themselves_o upon_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v loath_a to_o admit_v this_o argument_n which_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v amaze_v at_o because_o it_o be_v a_o utter_a confutation_n of_o all_o their_o pretence_n we_o charge_v they_o with_o have_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n new_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o new_a doctrine_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o only_o very_o different_a from_o what_o be_v teach_v at_o first_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o some_o of_o they_o contrary_a thereunto_o as_o we_o can_v show_v they_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v do_v by_o no_o mean_n content_v they_o and_o they_o insist_v upon_o it_o that_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v try_v otherwise_o for_o say_v they_o you_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o church_n be_v once_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o teach_v the_o gospel_n sincere_o but_o if_o as_o you_o say_v she_o depart_v from_o the_o pure_a faith_n and_o worship_n which_o the_o apostle_n leave_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o this_o must_v have_v be_v very_o notorious_a because_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v do_v without_o opposition_n and_o resistance_n from_o some_o that_o must_v needs_o observe_v it_o tell_v we_o therefore_o when_o be_v these_o new_a and_o false_a doctrine_n introduce_v who_o be_v the_o man_n that_o bring_v they_o in_o who_o be_v the_o first_o that_o make_v the_o discovery_n what_o council_n condemn_v they_o after_o they_o be_v discover_v for_o if_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v show_v it_o be_v absurd_a to_o think_v that_o any_o such_o alteration_n shall_v have_v be_v as_o you_o say_v which_o reason_v amount_n to_o thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o can_v be_v sure_a that_o in_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o thousand_o year_n there_o be_v a_o great_a alteration_n happen_v in_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n unless_o withal_o we_o can_v tell_v how_o it_o come_v about_o and_o just_a when_o it_o come_v about_o the_o precise_a time_n and_o the_o punctual_a manner_n and_o circumstance_n thereof_o which_o be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o 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betray_v they_o into_o the_o danger_n of_o infinite_a error_n which_o they_o be_v likely_a enough_o to_o fall_v into_o by_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a text_n which_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o laity_n as_o we_o will_v keep_v child_n from_o meddle_v with_o edge_a tool_n and_o lay_v sword_n out_o of_o mad-men_n way_n now_o if_o this_o charge_n be_v true_a the_o bible_n be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a book_n if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a there_o be_v some_o other_o reason_n doubtless_o why_o they_o that_o pretend_v this_o have_v no_o kindness_n for_o the_o bible_n i_o shall_v omit_v several_a advantage_n that_o may_v be_v take_v against_o this_o flourish_n because_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v show_v very_o brief_o that_o it_o pretend_v thing_n that_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n hang_v well_o together_o that_o it_o take_v thing_n for_o grant_v that_o be_v not_o true_a and_o that_o it_o conclude_v as_o strong_o against_o the_o scripture_n be_v 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