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church_n apostle_n bishop_n succession_n 9,913 5 9.7671 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A42238 The truth of Christian religion in six books / written in Latine by Hugo Grotius ; and now translated into English, with the addition of a seventh book, by Symon Patrick ...; De veritate religionis Christianae. English Grotius, Hugo, 1583-1645.; Patrick, Simon, 1626-1707. 1680 (1680) Wing G2128; ESTC R7722 132,577 348

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though_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a may_v be_v false_a nay_o which_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a must_v be_v false_a because_o the_o scripture_n testify_v against_o it_o further_o 4thly_a to_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o have_v god_n express_a warrant_n and_o commandment_n without_o any_o colour_n for_o any_o prohibition_n but_o to_o believe_v their_o church_n infallible_a we_o have_v no_o commandment_n much_o less_o any_o express_a commandment_n nay_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v we_o be_v prohibit_v so_o to_o do_v in_o such_o word_n as_o those_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n which_o require_v we_o to_o examine_v before_o we_o trust_v and_o consequent_o not_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o blindfold_a to_o those_o who_o confident_o claim_v the_o infallibility_n of_o st._n peter_n but_o can_v produce_v any_o evidence_n of_o it_o again_o 5thly_a by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v keep_v to_o that_o which_o be_v always_o believe_v and_o every_o where_o receive_v but_o by_o follow_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o shall_v make_v ourselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o change_n and_o alteration_n which_o they_o have_v make_v as_o another_o great_a champion_n of_o our_o church_n have_v observe_v in_o the_o apostolical_a creed_n by_o make_v a_o new_a one_o contain_v thing_n that_o hold_v no_o conformity_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o the_o apostolical_a succession_n by_o engross_a the_o whole_a succession_n to_o rome_n and_o make_v other_o bishop_n to_o be_v but_o the_o pope_n deputy_n as_o to_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o in_o the_o apostolical_a government_n by_o erect_v a_o new_a and_o universal_a monarchy_n in_o the_o church_n and_o last_o in_o the_o apostolical_a communion_n by_o excommunicate_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n by_o 6thly_a follow_v the_o roman_a church_n also_o we_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o 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sight_n the_o distinction_n of_o meat_n the_o sabbath_n and_o feast-day_n be_v but_o type_n and_o shadow_n of_o thing_n which_o exist_v in_o christ_n and_o in_o christian_n in_o like_a manner_n by_o occasion_n of_o mahumetism_n these_o admonition_n be_v give_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n foretell_v that_o after_o his_o time_n there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n which_o shall_v lie_v and_o say_v they_o be_v send_v of_o god_n but_o suppose_v that_o a_o angel_n shall_v come_v from_o heaven_n yet_o we_o may_v not_o receive_v or_o entertain_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v leave_v we_o confirm_v by_o so_o many_o testimony_n for_o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v unto_o the_o godly_a that_o live_v in_o time_n past_a have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n the_o lord_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n 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manner_n this_o also_o i_o beg_v of_o every_o one_o that_o they_o do_v not_o unprofitable_o detain_v the_o talon_n commit_v to_o they_o upon_o trust_n but_o that_o they_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a to_o win_v other_o unto_o christ_n for_o which_o purpose_n we_o must_v not_o only_o use_v good_a exhortation_n and_o wholesome_a speech_n but_o also_o the_o example_n of_o good_a life_n that_o so_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o master_n may_v appear_v by_o his_o servant_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o law_n by_o our_o landable_a action_n last_o my_o discourse_n return_v thither_o where_o it_o begin_v i_o entreat_v such_o reader_n as_o be_v my_o countryman_n that_o if_o hereby_o they_o reap_v any_o good_a they_o will_v give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o it_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v less_o please_v to_o they_o they_o will_v have_v a_o regard_n both_o to_o the_o common_a infirmity_n of_o man_n nature_n that_o be_v prone_a to_o error_n and_o to_o the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o this_o work_n be_v rather_o hasty_o bring_v forth_o than_o elaborate_o compose_v the_o seven_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n against_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n the_o seven_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o a_o introduction_n show_v what_o make_v the_o addition_n of_o another_o book_n necessary_a if_o those_o apostolical_a exhortation_n which_o conclude_v the_o last_o book_n have_v be_v careful_o follow_v there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o say_v any_o more_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o man_n mind_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o the_o unhappy_a difference_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n and_o which_o be_v maintain_v with_o unspeakable_a animosity_n and_o hatred_n nay_o with_o anathema_n also_o which_o one_o part_n pronounce_v against_o the_o rest_n have_v make_v many_o man_n doubtful_a which_o of_o these_o hold_v the_o true_a 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which_o every_o one_o of_o we_o ought_v to_o preserve_v with_o the_o great_a care_n as_o a_o most_o inestimable_a treasure_n for_o as_o this_o be_v common_a to_o every_o religion_n to_o have_v many_o dispute_v about_o it_o and_o different_a opinion_n in_o it_o and_o as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n foretell_v there_o will_v many_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a apostle_n and_o false_a prophet_n arise_v as_o be_v say_v before_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o forego_n book_n who_o will_v lie_v and_o say_v they_o be_v send_v when_o they_o be_v not_o introduce_v false_a doctrine_n and_o call_v they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o as_o they_o give_v we_o a_o good_a reason_n also_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o that_o man_n probity_n and_o sincerity_n may_v be_v try_v and_o bring_v hereby_o to_o the_o touchstone_n and_o that_o their_o diligence_n and_o care_n in_o preserve_a themselves_o may_v be_v exercise_v so_o bless_a be_v our_o lord_n the_o true_a christian_a religion_n 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now_o make_v the_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n require_v nothing_o more_o at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o those_o that_o be_v by_o baptism_n receive_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o creed_n common_o call_v the_o apostle_n this_o creed_n be_v recite_v there_o by_o the_o priest_n and_o this_o alone_a when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o font_n and_o he_o interrogate_v the_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v if_o they_o be_v adult_n or_o their_o undertaker_n if_o they_o be_v infant_n about_o no_o other_o belief_n upon_o the_o profession_n of_o which_o he_o bid_v they_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o celestial_a blessing_n from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v a_o part_n with_o he_o and_o with_o his_o saint_n and_o have_v again_o examine_v adult_n person_n ask_v they_o do_v you_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n etc._n etc._n and_o mention_v no_o other_o article_n of_o faith_n he_o baptise_n they_o and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v regenerate_v and_o to_o have_v remission_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o so_o do_v we_o do_v here_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o different_a practice_n in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o every_o where_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o consent_v to_o this_o creed_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o brief_a explication_n what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy-ghost_n in_o who_o name_n we_o be_v baptize_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n beyond_o this_o which_o we_o be_v necessary_o bind_v to_o believe_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v then_o propound_v when_o we_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n for_o baptism_n give_v we_o a_o right_a and_o title_n to_o salvation_n if_o we_o do_v not_o forfeit_v it_o afterward_o by_o apostasy_n or_o by_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o this_o faith_n with_o a_o promise_n to_o 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who_o call_v the_o creed_n now_o mention_v the_o rule_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o church_n throughout_o all_o the_o world_n say_v irenaeus_n though_o it_o be_v disperse_v to_o the_o most_o extreme_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o disciple_n and_o believe_v as_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o soul_n and_o one_o heart_n in_o so_o many_o man_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a consent_n preach_v and_o teach_v and_o deliver_v these_o thing_n as_o have_v but_o one_o mouth_n for_o though_o there_o be_v divers_a language_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o one_o and_o the_o same_o tradition_n prevail_v every_o where_n for_o neither_o the_o church_n in_o germany_n believe_v otherways_o or_o deliver_v any_o thing_n else_o nor_o they_o in_o spain_n nor_o they_o in_o france_n nor_o they_o in_o the_o east_n nor_o they_o in_o egypt_n nor_o they_o in_o libya_n nor_o they_o that_o be_v found_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o world_n but_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o truth_n enlighten_v all_o man_n who_o will_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o neither_o he_o who_o be_v most_o eloquent_a among_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n preach_v any_o thing_n different_a for_o no_o man_n be_v above_o his_o master_n nor_o do_v he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o speech_n lessen_v in_o the_o least_o this_o tradition_n for_o there_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o faith_n he_o that_o have_v most_o to_o say_n can_v enlarge_v it_o nor_o he_o that_o have_v least_o diminish_v it_o thus_o they_o declare_v their_o mind_n in_o those_o early_a day_n when_o there_o be_v no_o catholic_n man_n or_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n require_v to_o believe_v any_o of_o those_o doctrine_n now_o in_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o set_v down_o in_o the_o creed_n of_o pope_n pius_n iv_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o they_o all_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o simple_a belief_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v in_o their_o creed_n the_o great_a man_n in_o the_o church_n deliver_v no_o more_o nor_o the_o mean_a saying_n less_o and_o with_o this_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n satisfy_v themselves_o in_o time_n succeed_v as_o appear_v by_o this_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o st._n hilary_n in_o his_o little_a book_n which_o he_o himself_o deliver_v to_o the_o emperor_n constantius_n where_o he_o thus_o complain_v faith_n be_v now_o inquire_v after_o as_o if_o we_o have_v none_o faith_n must_v be_v set_v down_o in_o write_v as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o heart_n be_v regenerate_v by_o faith_n we_o be_v now_o teach_v what_o to_o believe_v as_o if_o that_o regeneration_n can_v have_v be_v without_o faith_n we_o learn_v christ_n after_o baptism_n as_o if_o there_o can_v have_v be_v any_o baptism_n without_o faith_n in_o christ_n sect_n v._o christianity_n therefore_o be_v not_o there_o in_o its_o purity_n but_o much_o corrupt_v which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o sincere_o preserve_v in_o that_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o withhold_v we_o from_o join_v with_o they_o in_o impose_v thus_o upon_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o thereby_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n and_o turn_v man_n away_o from_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o palpable_a falsity_n and_o absurd_a mixture_n which_o be_v bring_v into_o it_o and_o that_o as_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o adulterate_n of_o which_o we_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o consent_v but_o maintain_v it_o in_o that_o purity_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v it_o to_o their_o successor_n as_o we_o find_v it_o set_v down_o in_o the_o work_v of_o a_o great_a many_o follow_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o name_n i_o forbear_v but_o be_v ready_a at_o hand_n to_o make_v good_a what_o i_o quote_v just_a now_o out_o of_o irenaeus_n who_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o a_o sincere_a christian_a who_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o epiphanius_n recite_v his_o word_n which_o be_v then_o extant_a in_o greek_a that_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o receive_v in_o baptism_n firm_a and_o unmoveable_a he_o can_v be_v a_o heretic_n who_o thus_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n wherein_o the_o nicene_n creed_n not_o add_v any_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o declare_v what_o be_v believe_v from_o the_o beginning_n have_v explain_v the_o word_n but_o they_o be_v schismatic_n who_o call_v he_o so_o and_o will_v not_o admit_v he_o into_o their_o communion_n unless_o he_o consent_v to_o other_o thing_n and_o hold_v they_o to_o be_v equal_o certain_a and_o necessary_a with_o the_o ancient_a rule_n of_o faith_n sect_n vi_o answer_n to_o a_o evasion_n from_o the_o force_n of_o the_o forego_n argument_n to_o pretend_v that_o all_o those_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o now_o impose_v though_o not_o express_o mention_v in_o the_o creed_n yet_o be_v contain_v in_o one_o article_n of_o it_o viz._n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o make_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creed_n unnecessary_a and_o to_o establish_v this_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o for_o if_o by_o believe_v the_o catholic_n church_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v as_o they_o will_v have_v we_o whatsoever_o the_o catholic_n church_n propound_v than_o it_o have_v be_v enough_o to_o have_v say_v to_o those_o catechuman_n that_o come_v for_o baptism_n do_v you_o believe_v in_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n and_o to_o add_v any_o more_o have_v be_v utter_o superfluous_a but_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o further_a appear_v in_o that_o
minister_n which_o as_o it_o be_v against_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o many_o age_n from_o the_o beginning_n so_o direct_o oppose_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n who_o set_v his_o apostle_n in_o a_o superiority_n to_o the_o lxx_o as_o his_o apostle_n set_v such_o man_n as_o timothy_n and_o titus_n in_o a_o superiority_n over_o the_o presbytery_n of_o those_o church_n which_o they_o can_v no_o long_o attend_v themselves_o sect_n x._o argument_n enough_o in_o the_o forego_n book_n to_o prove_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n not_o to_o be_v sincere_o preserve_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n one_o be_v their_o way_n of_o worship_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o show_v how_o much_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v deviate_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o consider_v particular_o the_o falsity_n of_o every_o one_o of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v add_v to_o the_o ancient_a creed_n but_o it_o will_v be_v more_o proper_a in_o so_o short_a a_o treatise_n as_o this_o only_o to_o bring_v to_o the_o reader_n mind_v some_o principle_n in_o the_o forego_n book_n which_o direct_v we_o as_o plain_o to_o reject_v popery_n and_o upon_o the_o very_a same_o ground_n as_o those_o false_a religion_n for_o who_o confutation_n he_o allege_v they_o and_o first_o let_v the_o reader_n again_o weigh_v his_o argument_n against_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o he_o will_v find_v they_o in_o several_a thing_n as_o strong_a against_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n who_o practice_n it_o will_v hereby_o appear_v be_v no_o less_o faulty_a than_o their_o faith_n as_o for_o example_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n for_o the_o former_a they_o shall_v not_o only_o as_o he_o discourse_v there_o book_n iv_o in_o their_o very_a worship_n make_v a_o evident_a difference_n between_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o those_o angel_n to_o who_o they_o commend_v themselves_o which_o they_o do_v not_o do_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o quite_o contrary_a in_o the_o external_a act_n of_o adoration_n have_v none_o that_o be_v appropriate_v to_o god_n alone_o but_o be_v all_o common_a to_o he_o with_o other_o as_o adoration_n invocation_n burn_v incense_n nay_o offering_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n in_o their_o honour_n and_o make_v vow_n to_o they_o but_o be_v satisfy_v also_o what_o order_n there_o be_v among_o the_o angel_n what_o good_a may_v be_v expect_v from_o each_o of_o they_o and_o what_o honour_n the_o most_o high_a god_n be_v willing_a shall_v be_v bestow_v upon_o every_o one_o of_o they_o all_o which_o being_n want_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o reveal_v about_o such_o matter_n it_o be_v plain_a from_o thence_o how_o uncertain_a that_o religion_n be_v and_o how_o much_o safe_o it_o will_v be_v for_o they_o to_o betake_v themselves_o as_o we_o do_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o almighty_a god_n alone_o especial_o for_o that_o to_o whosoever_o he_o be_v favourable_a to_o they_o the_o 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the_o divinity_n they_o worship_v also_o which_o be_v still_o worse_o such_o for_o saint_n as_o never_o be_v in_o be_v and_o other_o who_o saintship_n there_o be_v too_o much_o reason_n to_o question_n be_v apparent_o guilty_a of_o such_o crime_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o it_o for_o instance_n our_o thomas_n à_fw-la becket_n by_o who_o blood_n they_o have_v pray_v our_o lord_n christ_n that_o they_o may_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o do_v still_o pray_v upon_o decemb._n 29._o that_o they_o who_o implore_v his_o help_n may_v have_v the_o save_a effect_n of_o his_o petition_n who_o our_o forefather_n even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o perjure_a person_n and_o as_o a_o traitor_n be_v not_o only_o call_v so_o by_o the_o king_n but_o in_o parliament_n accuse_v of_o treason_n the_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o other_o be_v present_a and_o the_o bishop_n of_o winchester_n pronounce_v the_o sentence_n against_o he_o in_o short_a the_o devotion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v so_o like_o the_o ancient_a idolatry_n that_o the_o cunning_a man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v find_v any_o difference_n without_o a_o great_a many_o nice_a and_o subtle_a distinction_n which_o in_o practice_n make_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o sect_n xi_o another_o be_v the_o way_n of_o promote_a their_o religion_n there_o be_v this_o argument_n also_o against_o it_o as_o grotius_n speak_v of_o paganism_n book_n 4._o sect._n 10._o take_v from_o the_o religion_n itself_o that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o support_v by_o humane_a power_n or_o policy_n immediate_o it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n for_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o wise_a man_n of_o our_o own_o get_v and_o increase_v its_o absolute_a authority_n over_o man_n conscience_n by_o obtrude_a on_o the_o world_n supposititious_a write_n and_o corrupt_v the_o monument_n of_o former_a time_n by_o false_a miracle_n and_o forge_v false_a story_n by_o war_n also_o and_o persecution_n by_o massacre_n treason_n and_o rebellion_n in_o short_a by_o all_o manner_n of_o carnal_a mean_n whether_o violent_a or_o fraudulent_a so_o take_v away_o these_o support_n and_o that_o religion_n can_v stand_v by_o its_o own_o strength_n and_o true_o his_o reason_n in_o the_o three_o section_n of_o the_o same_o book_n against_o the_o paganish_a worship_n that_o it_o be_v from_o evil_a spirit_n because_o they_o instigate_v their_o worshipper_n to_o destroy_v they_o that_o worship_v one_o god_n hold_v good_a still_o if_o there_o be_v any_o force_n in_o it_o to_o prove_v the_o roman_a church_n not_o to_o be_v act_v by_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n because_o they_o will_v not_o let_v those_o live_v have_v they_o sufficient_a power_n who_o worship_n only_o one_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o belief_n before_o mention_v into_o which_o they_o be_v baptise_a not_o presume_v to_o superadd_a any_o thing_n else_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o while_o they_o have_v be_v most_o cruel_a to_o those_o who_o for_o fear_n of_o offend_a god_n dare_v not_o allow_v the_o worship_n they_o give_v to_o saint_n which_o they_o think_v belong_v to_o he_o alone_o nor_o fall_v down_o before_o the_o sacrament_n and_o adore_v it_o as_o very_o god_n himself_o they_o have_v tolerate_v such_o without_o any_o censure_n who_o have_v raise_v st._n francis_n into_o a_o equality_n with_o if_o not_o superiority_n unto_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o make_v the_o bless_a virgin_n a_o kind_n of_o goddess_n nay_o call_v the_o pope_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o lord_n give_v he_o such_o a_o power_n over_o all_o king_n and_o kingdom_n as_o sober_a man_n among_o themselves_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o which_o be_v just_a after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o
and_o piety_n and_o that_o they_o may_v confirm_v this_o to_o be_v their_o sense_n of_o the_o divinity_n they_o bid_v the_o jesuit_n observe_v one_o part_n of_o the_o altar_n in_o their_o temple_n to_o be_v void_a of_o image_n and_o to_o be_v hide_v in_o a_o obscure_a and_o dark_a place_n which_o they_o say_v be_v the_o proper_a seat_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o can_v not_o be_v represent_v in_o any_o form_n and_o shape_n and_o that_o the_o image_n which_o stand_v about_o that_o place_n be_v the_o representation_n of_o their_o intercessor_n with_o he_o who_o have_v great_a power_n with_o the_o most_o high_a god_n do_v obtain_v many_o gift_n and_o blessing_n for_o those_o that_o invocate_v they_o how_o this_o differ_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n i_o do_v not_o see_v unless_o it_o be_v in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v sometime_o adventure_v to_o represent_v god_n himself_o in_o a_o shape_n otherwise_o the_o worship_n be_v the_o very_a same_o the_o dead_a man_n who_o be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o only_o change_v and_o may_v very_o well_o justify_v we_o if_o we_o say_v and_o therein_o we_o speak_v very_o moderate_o that_o their_o worship_n be_v a_o image_n at_o least_o of_o the_o ancient_a idolatry_n and_o move_v they_o to_o make_v the_o resemblance_n more_o perfect_a unto_o the_o very_a same_o rage_n and_o violence_n which_o be_v in_o the_o pagan_n against_o all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o can_v consent_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o that_o way_n prosecute_a they_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o cruelty_n as_o if_o they_o be_v utter_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o religion_n by_o which_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o only_a true_a christian_n that_o they_o be_v a_o very_a degenerate_a part_n of_o christ_n church_n want_v that_o great_a mark_n of_o his_o faithful_a disciple_n to_o love_v one_o another_o even_o as_o christ_n love_v we_o to_o which_o they_o be_v such_o stranger_n that_o quite_o contrary_a they_o not_o only_o hate_v and_o persecute_v but_o endeavour_n as_o i_o say_v to_o root_v out_o those_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o obedient_o believe_v all_o that_o they_o can_v find_v our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v and_o profess_v they_o be_v ready_a with_o all_o their_o heart_n to_o receive_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o any_o body_n can_v further_o teach_v they_o to_o be_v his_o mind_n nay_o be_v very_o desirous_a and_o diligent_a to_o know_v it_o spare_v no_o pain_n to_o understand_v the_o whole_a truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n sect_n xv._o answer_v to_o what_o they_o say_v about_o miracle_n they_o pretend_v indeed_o abundance_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o their_o church_n as_o a_o sufficient_a condemnation_n of_o those_o who_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o invocate_v saint_n to_o worship_v their_o image_n and_o the_o consecrate_a host_n to_o believe_v purgatory_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o these_o wonder_n be_v allege_v but_o herein_o also_o they_o imitate_v the_o pagan_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o like_a deceit_n and_o the_o same_o answer_n will_v serve_v here_o which_o grotius_n give_v there_o l._n four_o sect._n 8._o in_o his_o confutation_n of_o the_o old_a idolatry_n for_o first_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o they_o have_v reject_v many_o of_o these_o miracle_n as_o not_o support_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o credible_a witness_n nay_o as_o plain_a fiction_n other_o also_o of_o they_o which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v of_o better_a credit_n happen_v in_o some_o private_a place_n in_o the_o night_n before_o one_o or_o two_o person_n who_o eye_n crafty_a priest_n as_o he_o speak_v may_v easy_o delude_v with_o false_a show_n and_o counterfeit_a appearance_n of_o thing_n and_o further_o there_o be_v other_o which_o only_o raise_v admiration_n among_o people_n ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v no_o true_a miracle_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o may_v have_v thing_n be_v do_v among_o they_o which_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v effect_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o yet_o no_o divine_a that_o be_v omnipotent_a power_n be_v needful_a to_o their_o production_n for_o those_o spirit_n which_o be_v interpose_v between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v able_a by_o their_o nimbleness_n cunning_a activity_n and_o strength_n to_o make_v such_o strange_a application_n of_o thing_n very_o distant_a one_o to_o another_o as_o shall_v astonish_v the_o spectator_n with_o wonderful_a effect_n but_o there_o be_v too_o great_a reason_n to_o think_v they_o be_v not_o good_a spirit_n that_o do_v these_o feat_n because_o they_o revive_v hereby_o the_o ancient_a superstition_n or_o uphold_v the_o image_n of_o it_o still_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o endanger_n the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n who_o have_v be_v so_o far_o mislead_v as_o not_o only_o to_o fancy_v great_a virtue_n in_o the_o image_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o cry_v up_o also_o some_o image_n particular_o of_o our_o lady_n of_o loretto_n for_o instance_n as_o endue_v with_o some_o singular_a power_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o other_o but_o to_o honour_v they_o so_o high_o as_o for_o one_o miracle_n say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o crucifix_n to_o report_v a_o hundred_o to_o be_v wrought_v at_o such_o or_o such_o a_o shrine_n of_o she_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a also_o to_o omit_v the_o rest_n which_o he_o note_v in_o the_o v._o book_n out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o it_o suppose_v god_n may_v permit_v some_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v only_o for_o their_o trial_n whether_o the_o people_n will_v persist_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o undoubted_a and_o far_o great_a and_o more_o numerous_a miracle_n read_v deuteron_n xiii_o 1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v excellent_o express_v and_o with_o advantage_n by_o a_o great_a man_n of_o our_o own_o in_o these_o word_n or_o to_o this_o effect_n the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o believe_v that_o be_v the_o bible_n have_v be_v confirm_v as_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o side_n by_o innumerable_a supernatural_a and_o true_o divine_a miracle_n and_o consequent_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o in_o many_o point_n be_v plain_o opposite_a to_o the_o bible_n be_v condemn_v by_o they_o i_o mean_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o strange_a thing_n have_v be_v do_v in_o that_o church_n they_o prove_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n which_o foretell_v that_o god_n providence_n permit_v it_o and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o world_n deserve_v it_o strange_a sign_n and_o wonder_n shall_v be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v false_a doctrine_n that_o they_o which_o love_v not_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v give_v over_o to_o strong_a delusion_n so_o that_o now_o we_o have_v reason_n rather_o to_o suspect_v and_o be_v afraid_a of_o pretend_a miracle_n as_o sign_n of_o false_a doctrine_n than_o much_o to_o regard_v they_o as_o certain_a argument_n of_o truth_n neither_o be_v it_o strange_a that_o god_n shall_v permit_v some_o true_a wonder_n to_o be_v do_v to_o delude_v those_o who_o have_v forge_v so_o many_o wonder_n to_o deceive_v the_o world_n sect_n xvi_o answer_v to_o another_o objection_n but_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a they_o say_v that_o religion_n shall_v be_v thus_o deprave_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n because_o their_o ancestor_n be_v man_n of_o great_a virtue_n and_o honesty_n than_o to_o suffer_v the_o least_o alteration_n which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o jew_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o believe_v our_o saviour_n be_v unjust_o condemn_v and_o his_o religion_n reject_v by_o their_o priest_n and_o elder_n as_o grotius_n observe_v in_o the_o vth._n book_n out_o of_o which_o i_o may_v produce_v several_a thing_n as_o i_o have_v do_v out_o of_o the_o forego_n to_o prove_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o romish_a tradition_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o show_v also_o how_o they_o have_v bring_v back_o judaisme_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n by_o the_o vast_a burden_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n wherewith_o they_o have_v encumber_a christian_n religion_n but_o i_o shall_v wave_v all_o this_o because_o i_o will_v make_v this_o book_n as_o short_a as_o the_o rest_n and_o only_o observe_v in_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v now_o pretend_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v consider_v as_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o ancestor_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o kind_n of_o man_n for_o several_a age_n sit_v in_o the_o chair_n of_o rome_n and_o how_o ignorant_a the_o people_n general_o be_v he_o
shall_v mistake_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o secure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o with_o honest_a and_o upright_a heart_n continue_v to_o inquire_v after_o the_o truth_n design_v nothing_o else_o that_o error_n shall_v not_o prejudice_v we_o but_o god_n will_v either_o discover_v to_o we_o his_o mind_n or_o not_o condemn_v we_o for_o our_o error_n of_o weakness_n not_o of_o wilfulness_n sect_n xx._n the_o vanity_n of_o their_o appeal_n to_o tradition_n as_o for_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n by_o tradition_n they_o may_v be_v pretend_v and_o talk_v of_o but_o can_v be_v produce_v in_o most_o place_n where_o we_o be_v desirous_a of_o that_o help_n which_o we_o glad_o receive_v when_o we_o can_v have_v it_o by_o a_o true_o universal_a consent_n but_o as_o for_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n they_o do_v not_o absolute_o agree_v with_o each_o other_o in_o their_o exposition_n of_o those_o text_n upon_o which_o controversy_n of_o great_a moment_n be_v now_o ground_v nay_o they_o oft_o time_n propound_v divers_a interpretation_n alike_o probable_a and_o sometime_o plain_o intimate_v their_o doubtfulness_n and_o make_v but_o imperfect_a conjecture_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o intend_v to_o excite_v posterity_n to_o seek_v for_o further_a resolution_n therefore_o we_o shall_v not_o dissent_v from_o they_o though_o we_o do_v not_o assent_v to_o all_o their_o particular_a interpretation_n nay_o we_o can_v more_o dissent_v from_o they_o than_o by_o follow_v their_o interpretation_n on_o such_o strict_a term_n as_o the_o romanist_n will_v bind_v we_o all_o to_o do_v when_o they_o seem_v to_o make_v for_o their_o advantage_n for_o then_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o surmise_n or_o conjecture_v of_o any_o one_o father_n but_o must_v suffice_v against_o the_o joint_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o which_o rule_n of_o serve_v their_o interest_n they_o be_v so_o true_a that_o they_o stick_v not_o to_o reject_v any_o interpretation_n of_o the_o father_n when_o they_o think_v good_a and_o which_o be_v more_o to_o prefer_v their_o own_o exposition_n before_o they_o and_o so_o they_o do_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o all_o other_o tradition_n though_o call_v apostolical_a for_o instance_n the_o threefold_a immersion_n in_o baptism_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v flow_v from_o a_o apostolical_a canon_n be_v long_o ago_o abolish_v say_v their_o canus_n by_o a_o contrary_a custom_n and_o so_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o give_v the_o communion_n to_o infant_n which_o prevail_v say_v their_o maldonate_fw-it for_o 600._o year_n in_o the_o church_n not_o only_o antiquate_v by_o they_o but_o decree_v to_o be_v unlawful_a which_o clear_o show_v that_o they_o may_v if_o they_o please_v make_v a_o end_n of_o all_o the_o controversy_n that_o trouble_v the_o church_n without_o any_o disparagement_n but_o rather_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o its_o authority_n for_o challenge_v a_o power_n to_o alter_v even_o the_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o take_v away_o the_o cup_n from_o the_o people_n in_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o much_o more_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n what_o need_v all_o this_o stir_n about_o apostolical_a tradition_n or_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o may_v lay_v aside_o at_o their_o pleasure_n and_o have_v lay_v aside_o as_o appear_v by_o many_o other_o instance_n beside_o those_o now_o name_v that_o may_v be_v give_v of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o direction_n of_o every_o honest_a heart_a man_n to_o know_v which_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n can_v be_v and_o may_v be_v undoubted_o rely_v on_o that_o nothing_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n than_o this_o that_o the_o doctor_n of_o it_o declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v full_a and_o perspicuous_a in_o all_o needful_a matter_n and_o therefore_o there_o need_v no_o other_o tradition_n but_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o satisfy_v we_o abundant_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v universal_o receive_v sect_n xxi_o and_o their_o guilt_n in_o what_o they_o say_v about_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o can_v therefore_o be_v a_o great_a demonstration_n of_o their_o guilt_n than_o this_o that_o notwithstanding_o such_o evident_a testimony_n from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o the_o concurrent_a stream_n of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o christ_n church_n they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o avoid_v this_o trial_n by_o the_o scripture_n to_o say_v so_o many_o scandalous_a thing_n as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o disparagement_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n many_o of_o they_o be_v common_o know_v and_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o repeat_v the_o rest_n but_o only_o say_v this_o great_a truth_n that_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o their_o church_n such_o as_o it_o be_v receive_v all_o its_o authority_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o the_o scripture_n from_o it_o for_o we_o can_v have_v no_o notion_n as_o be_v say_v before_o of_o a_o church_n or_o of_o its_o authority_n but_o from_o the_o scripture_n which_o therefore_o must_v be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o that_o which_o receive_v authority_n from_o they_o and_o be_v first_o suppose_v to_o be_v infallible_a before_o they_o can_v make_v we_o believe_v any_o thing_n else_o be_v so_o for_o we_o must_v be_v secure_a of_o the_o proof_n before_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o thing_n prove_v by_o it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o proof_n but_o leave_v we_o as_o much_o in_o doubt_n as_o we_o be_v before_o it_o be_v allege_v if_o they_o say_v and_o what_o else_o can_v be_v say_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o must_v indeed_o learn_v their_o church_n infallibility_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o then_o learn_v the_o rest_n from_o their_o church_n mark_v i_o beseech_v you_o what_o follow_v then_o it_o be_v manifest_a first_o that_o they_o themselves_o make_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o one_o article_n at_o least_o concern_v the_o catholic_n church_n infallibility_n which_o we_o must_v therefore_o believe_v and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n because_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o first_o infallible_o believe_v do_v teach_v and_o prove_v it_o whence_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o private_a man_n may_v and_o must_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n without_o the_o help_n of_o their_o church_n authority_n before_o they_o can_v believe_v any_o thing_n else_o because_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n for_o their_o belief_n of_o that_o infallibility_n which_o their_o church_n pretend_v which_o to_o they_o be_v the_o general_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o from_o thence_o it_o follow_v further_o that_o the_o scripture_n which_o to_o we_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n aught_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o they_o to_o be_v more_o than_o so_o even_o the_o rule_n of_o 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