Selected quad for the lemma: church_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
church_n authority_n believe_v infallibility_n 2,951 5 11.3667 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61590 The reformation justify'd in a sermon preached at Guild-Hall Chappel Septemb. 21, 1673, before the Lord Major and Aldermen, &c. / by Edw. Stillingfleet ... Stillingfleet, Edward, 1635-1699. 1674 (1674) Wing S5626; ESTC R14334 23,407 58

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

he_o do_v against_o st._n paul_n they_o charge_v we_o with_o bring_v in_o new_a sect_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o reformation_n or_o with_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o thereby_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o faction●nd_a ●nd_z schism_n these_o be_v heavy_a charge_n but_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o those_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o the_o elder_n make_v against_o st._n paul_n and_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n his_o defence_n and_o vindication_n be_v we_o too_o for_o we_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n and_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a antiquity_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v judge_v according_a to_o these_o these_o three_o thing_n therefore_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o before_o i_o conclude_v 1._o that_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o they_o produce_v against_o the_o reformation_n will_v have_v hold_v against_o the_o spread_a of_o christianity_n at_o first_o 2._o that_o the_o same_o defence_n which_o st._n paul_n make_v for_o christianity_n will_v justify_v the_o reformation_n 3._o that_o we_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o follow_v the_o courage_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o own_v and_o defend_v our_o religion_n not_o with_o stand_v the_o imputation_n which_o be_v cast_v upon_o it_o 1._o that_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o they_o produce_v against_o the_o reformation_n will_v have_v hold_v against_o christianity_n at_o first_o what_o have_v all_o the_o clamour_n of_o our_o adversary_n for_o above_o a_o hundred_o year_n come_v to_o but_o the_o very_a same_o which_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v as_o the_o jew_n objection_n against_o christianity_n viz._n novelty_n and_o faction_n where_o be_v your_o church_n before_o the_o reformation_n produce_v your_o succession_n in_o all_o age_n of_o person_n who_o agree_v in_o all_o thing_n with_o you_o where_o be_v those_o distinct_a body_n of_o man_n who_o find_v fault_n with_o those_o corruption_n that_o you_o pretend_v to_o reform_v our_o church_n have_v have_v a_o constant_a and_o glorious_a succession_n of_o bishop_n and_o martyr_n and_o consessor_n and_o religious_a order_n of_o man_n virgin_n and_o widow_n but_o suppose_v such_o a_o distinct_a succession_n be_v not_o necessary_a yet_o show_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o so_o many_o error_n and_o corruption_n to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n and_o no_o one_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o and_o discover_v they_o where_o be_v the_o watchful_a eye_n of_o providence_n over_o the_o church_n all_o this_o while_n what_o all_o the_o pastor_n asleep_a at_o once_o or_o all_o conspire_v together_o to_o deceive_v their_o posterity_n beside_o how_o can_v the_o protestant_n ever_o answer_v their_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n which_o they_o live_v under_o and_o to_o who_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o infallible_a spirit_n how_o can_v they_o clear_v themselves_o from_o faction_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n which_o live_v in_o so_o great_a unity_n and_o peace_n before_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o objection_n against_o the_o reformation_n which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o we_o have_v mention_v before_o as_o produce_v by_o the_o jew_n against_o christianity_n if_o the_o argument_n be_v good_a now_o they_o be_v so_o then_o if_o they_o be_v good_a then_o for_o all_o that_o i_o can_v see_v the_o high_a priest_n and_o elder_n be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o wrong_n if_o they_o be_v not_o good_a then_o but_o be_v now_o some_o remarkable_a disparity_n must_v be_v show_v between_o their_o case_n and_o we_o and_o that_o must_v lie_v in_o show_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v great_a infallibility_n promise_v than_o the_o jewish_a have_v 2._o that_o the_o first_o christian_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n than_o the_o reformer_n have_v as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 3_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n can_v not_o hold_v in_o the_o christian_n but_o if_o none_o of_o these_o can_v be_v make_v good_a than_o the_o case_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o 1._o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v great_a infallibility_n promise_v than_o the_o jewish_a have_v of_o which_o we_o have_v this_o plain_a evidence_n that_o one_o of_o the_o strong_a argument_n produce_v for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v take_v from_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o jewish_a how_o often_o have_v deut._n 17._o 8_o 9_o 10._o be_v make_v use_v of_o to_o prove_v infallibility_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n if_o they_o have_v any_o better_a argument_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n will_v they_o ever_o run_v so_o far_o back_o to_o a_o command_n that_o most_o evident_o relate_v to_o the_o jewish_a constitution_n where_o have_v ever_o god_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v dwell_v in_o st._n peter_n at_o rome_n as_o he_o do_v that_o he_o will_v dwell_v in_o his_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n what_o boasting_n and_o triumph_n will_v there_o have_v be_v if_o any_o such_o word_n have_v be_v in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v rome_n as_o there_o be_v of_o old_a concern_v jerusalem_n viz._n that_o god_n have_v 16._o sanctify_v it_o that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v there_o for_o ever_o and_o his_o eye_n and_o his_o heart_n shall_v be_v there_o perpetual_o what_o pitiful_a proof_n in_o comparison_n of_o this_o be_v all_o those_o bring_v out_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o authority_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n what_o be_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o remarkable_o accomplish_v in_o they_o to_o this_o plain_a promise_n of_o god_n particular_a presence_n in_o that_o place_n for_o ever_o suppose_v st._n peter_n have_v privilege_n above_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n how_o come_v the_o entail_n to_o be_v make_v to_o all_o his_o successor_n and_o only_o at_o rome_n and_o no_o where_o else_o where_o be_v the_o deed_n keep_v that_o contain_v this_o gift_n why_o be_v they_o not_o produce_v during_o all_o this_o contest_v and_o yet_o we_o see_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n where_o such_o a_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o a_o particular_a place_n no_o such_o thing_n as_o infallibility_n be_v employ_v in_o it_o 2._o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o the_o first_o christian_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n than_o our_o reformer_n have_v to_o reject_v that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o know_v here_o it_o will_v be_v present_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n see_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o wrought_v many_o themselves_o and_o receive_v a_o immediate_a commission_n from_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o the_o church_n infallibility_n be_v then_o seat_v all_o which_o i_o grant_v to_o be_v true_a in_o itself_o but_o can_v be_v plead_v by_o they_o who_o contend_v for_o absolute_a obedience_n to_o the_o present_a church_n authority_n as_o infallible_a my_o reason_n be_v because_o upon_o this_o principle_n they_o can_v not_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n for_o his_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n depend_v upon_o two_o thing_n viz._n the_o fulfil_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o miracle_n now_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o either_o of_o these_o without_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o prophecy_n depend_v upon_o the_o sense_n of_o many_o obscure_a place_n of_o scripture_n about_o which_o they_o say_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o for_o miracle_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a way_n of_o judge_v true_a and_o false_a but_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n now_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o what_o ground_n can_v the_o first_o christian_n have_v to_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n when_o in_o both_o these_o they_o must_v oppose_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n 3._o they_o can_v never_o prove_v that_o the_o same_o cause_n of_o corruption_n do_v not_o hold_v as_o to_o the_o christian_a which_o do_v as_o to_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o those_o age_n which_o we_o charge_v with_o introduce_v the_o corruption_n be_v degenerate_v into_o great_a ignorance_n barbarism_n luxury_n and_o superstition_n than_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o its_o darkness_n from_o the_o cessation_n of_o prophecy_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n our_o adversary_n themselves_o confess_v that_o for_o a_o long_a time_n there_o be_v nothing_o either_o of_o learning_n or_o humanity_n among_o they_o nothing_o but_o ease_n and_o luxury_n and_o ambition_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n among_o the_o chief_a ruler_n among_o they_o nay_o
vindicate_v themselves_o they_o must_v show_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o such_o corruption_n to_o come_v in_o and_o no_o more_o notice_n be_v take_v of_o they_o such_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v introduce_v without_o some_o notable_a alteration_n and_o in_o such_o a_o one_o the_o author_n the_o time_n the_o place_n the_o manner_n may_v be_v assign_v we_o can_v tell_v say_v they_o all_o these_o circumstance_n in_o the_o idolatry_n of_o jeroboam_n ahab_n and_o manasseh_n if_o so_o great_a alteration_n have_v happen_v in_o the_o state_n of_o our_o church_n that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o reform_v it_o name_v we_o the_o person_n the_o time_n the_o place_n the_o manner_n how_o all_o these_o corruption_n come_v in_o when_o come_v man_n first_o to_o forsake_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n who_o first_o bring_v in_o the_o pharisaical_a superstition_n what_o be_v his_o name_n where_o be_v his_o abode_n who_o first_o oppose_v and_o condemn_v he_o be_v all_o man_n asleep_o then_o to_o suffer_v such_o alteration_n and_o to_o say_v nothing_o at_o all_o against_o they_o what_o can_v one_o generation_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o and_o if_o not_o how_o can_v such_o change_n happen_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o no_o one_o take_v care_n to_o discover_v it_o and_o prevent_v the_o infect_v of_o posterity_n by_o it_o have_v no_o person_n any_o regard_n to_o god_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n then_o if_o they_o have_v will_v they_o suffer_v strange_a fire_n to_o come_v upon_o god_n altar_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n at_o all_o of_o it_o why_o do_v not_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n when_o he_o so_o frequent_o and_o vehement_o declaim_v against_o the_o pharisaical_a hypocrisy_n and_o superstition_n and_o false_a doctrine_n show_v to_o the_o people_n when_o and_o where_o and_o how_o these_o thing_n come_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n he_o only_o condemn_v they_o and_o speak_v sharp_o against_o they_o but_o he_o say_v not_o one_o word_n to_o satisfy_v the_o scientifical_a man_n among_o they_o how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o corruption_n to_o come_v in_o and_o prevail_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n and_o yet_o no_o circumstance_n of_o time_n or_o place_n be_v assignable_a of_o it_o thus_o the_o jew_n still_o believe_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a ancient_a visible_a catholic_n and_o infallible_a church_n of_o god_n and_o despise_v the_o poor_a christian_n as_o a_o novel_a and_o upstart_a sect_n of_o nazarene_o which_o be_v the_o first_o imputation_n the_o christian_n suffer_v under_o 2._o they_o suffer_v under_o the_o imputation_n of_o faction_n and_o sedition_n which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n employ_v in_o the_o name_n of_o sect_n or_o heresy_n here_o mention_v and_o that_o they_o charge_v upon_o they_o two_o way_n 1._o for_o not_o submit_v to_o the_o church_n authority_n 2._o for_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o people_n 1._o for_o not_o submit_v to_o the_o church_n authority_n not_o that_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n do_v out_o of_o humour_n or_o fancy_n or_o only_o to_o make_v a_o party_n break_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o matter_n mere_o of_o order_n and_o indifferency_n no_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o find_v they_o extreme_o cautious_a of_o give_v any_o offence_n in_o such_o matter_n which_o temper_n they_o learn_v of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n who_o comply_v with_o many_o thing_n that_o other_o may_v not_o take_v advantage_n by_o his_o omission_n of_o they_o to_o slight_a and_o contemn_v they_o thus_o when_o other_o be_v baptize_v 15._o of_o john_n he_o will_v be_v so_o too_o not_o that_o he_o have_v any_o need_n of_o wash_v away_o of_o sin_n but_o he_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o a_o particular_a privilege_n to_o bring_v any_o discountenance_n upon_o a_o general_a duty_n thus_o we_o see_v he_o go_v up_o at_o the_o solemn_a feast_n to_o jerusalem_n as_o other_o do_v and_o not_o only_o be_v present_a in_o the_o temple_n but_o vindicate_v by_o a_o miracle_n the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o it_o by_o drive_v out_o the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n from_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o it_o although_o they_o have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n of_o be_v ready_a at_o hand_n to_o serve_v the_o necessity_n of_o such_o as_o 12._o be_v to_o sacrifice_v to_o god_n in_o the_o temple_n nay_o st._n mark_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o vessel_n to_o be_v carry_v through_o the_o temple_n and_o this_o he_o do_v 16._o not_o upon_o any_o reason_n peculiar_a to_o the_o levitical_a law_n but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n and_o this_o example_n his_o apostle_n follow_v who_o after_o they_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n pour_v upon_o they_o yet_o they_o attend_v the_o temple_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o prayer_n 1._o but_o most_o remarkable_a to_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o instance_n of_o st._n paul_n at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o he_o be_v seize_v upon_o and_o like_a to_o be_v destroy_v by_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o understand_v at_o jerusalem_n from_o st._n james_n that_o there_o be_v many_o thousand_o of_o believe_a jew_n that_o be_v still_o zealous_a of_o 21._o the_o law_n and_o be_v inform_v that_o st._n paul_n among_o the_o gentile_n slight_v circumcision_n and_o the_o levitical_a custom_n he_o to_o give_v they_o all_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n that_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v no_o unnecessary_a breach_n among_o they_o about_o indifferent_a matter_n submit_v himself_o to_o a_o legal_a purification_n in_o the_o temple_n for_o seven_o day_n together_o before_o 7._o the_o end_n of_o which_o the_o jew_n make_v a_o tumult_n and_o seize_v upon_o he_o and_o so_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o answer_v the_o accusation_n against_o he_o in_o this_o chapter_n thus_o careful_a st._n paul_n be_v to_o give_v no_o ground_n for_o suspicion_n that_o he_o delight_v in_o disorder_n and_o separation_n this_o example_n he_o do_v leave_v to_o all_o prudent_a christian_n rather_o to_o submit_v to_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v no_o great_a value_n for_o as_o no_o doubt_n at_o this_o time_n st._n paul_n have_v very_o little_a for_o the_o levitical_a custom_n than_o to_o hazard_v the_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o matter_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o care_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n they_o can_v not_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o faction_n because_o they_o will_v not_o entire_o submit_v their_o judgement_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o this_o be_v the_o great_a pretence_n they_o stand_v upon_o that_o they_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n by_o god_n own_o institution_n that_o they_o be_v to_o explain_v and_o interpret_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o this_o be_v express_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o law_n that_o in_o all_o case_n of_o difficulty_n they_o be_v to_o go_v up_o to_o the_o place_n which_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n shall_v choose_v and_o to_o go_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o levite_n and_o to_o the_o judge_n and_o they_o shall_v show_v thou_o the_o 12._o sentence_n of_o judgement_n and_o thou_o shall_v do_v according_a to_o the_o sentence_n which_o they_o of_o that_o place_n which_o the_o lord_n shall_v choose_v shall_v show_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v observe_v to_o do_v according_a to_o all_o that_o they_o inform_v thou_o and_o the_o man_n that_o will_v do_v presumptuous_o and_o will_v not_o bearken_v to_o the_o priest_n that_o stand_v to_o minister_v there_o before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n or_o unto_o the_o judge_n even_o that_o man_n shall_v die_v and_o thou_o shall_v put_v away_o the_o evil_a from_o israel_n upon_o this_o place_n they_o may_v certain_o much_o better_o establish_v the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o own_o church_n than_o other_o draw_v a_o argument_n for_o infallibility_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n from_o it_o however_o absolute_a obedience_n will_v serve_v their_o turn_n to_o charge_v the_o christian_n with_o faction_n in_o not_o submit_v to_o their_o authority_n for_o be_v not_o this_o a_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n whether_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o temporal_a prince_n or_o not_o concern_v what_o time_n and_o place_n and_o person_n the_o prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v who_o be_v the_o competent_a judge_n in_o this_o case_n but_o those_o who_o god_n have_v establish_v by_o his_o law_n if_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v charge_v with_o false_a gloss_n and_o corrupt_v the_o law_n by_o their_o tradition_n the_o christian_n be_v not_o to_o take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o but_o to_o appeal_v to_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o the_o sanhedrin_n who_o be_v the_o only_a lawful_a judge_n in_o these_o matter_n their_o duty_n be_v submission_n and_o patience_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n ought_v they_o
upon_o their_o own_o authority_n to_o begin_v a_o new_a church_n and_o to_o broach_v new_a doctrine_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o sanhedrin_n yea_o after_o they_o have_v pronounce_v sentence_n against_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o condemn_v he_o to_o death_n and_o excommunicate_v his_o follower_n and_o punish_v as_o many_o as_o they_o can_v get_v into_o their_o power_n what_o can_v it_o in_o their_o opinion_n be_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o faction_n and_o disobedience_n thus_o to_o oppose_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n in_o believe_v contrary_a to_o its_o decree_n and_o reform_v without_o any_o power_n derive_v from_o it_o we_o see_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n how_o severe_o they_o check_v any_o of_o the_o people_n who_o speak_v favourable_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n as_o though_o the_o poor_a ignorant_a people_n be_v fit_a to_o judge_v of_o these_o matter_n to_o understand_v prophecy_n and_o to_o know_v the_o true_a messiah_n when_o he_o shall_v appear_v and_o therefore_o when_o some_o of_o their_o officer_n that_o have_v be_v send_v to_o apprehend_v he_o come_v back_o with_o admiration_n of_o he_o and_o say_v never_o man_n speak_v like_o this_o man_n they_o take_v they_o up_o short_a and_o tell_v they_o they_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v what_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o judge_v of_o such_o matter_n no_o they_o must_v submit_v to_o their_o governor_n have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o he_o but_o this_o people_n which_o know_v 49._o not_o the_o law_n be_v curse_v i_o e._n when_o they_o set_v up_o their_o own_o judgement_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o after_o our_o saviour_n death_n at_o a_o solemn_a council_n at_o jerusalem_n when_o peter_n and_o john_n be_v summon_v before_o they_o the_o first_o question_n they_o ask_v be_v by_o what_o power_n or_o by_o what_o name_n have_v you_o do_v this_o they_o never_o inquire_v 7._o whether_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v or_o no_o or_o whether_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a all_o their_o question_n be_v about_o their_o mission_n whether_o it_o be_v ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a or_o what_o authority_n they_o can_v pretend_v to_o that_o be_v not_o send_v by_o themselves_o but_o let_v the_o thing_n be_v never_o so_o true_a which_o they_o say_v if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o flaw_n in_o their_o mission_n according_a to_o their_o own_o rule_n and_o law_n this_o they_o think_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o forbid_v they_o to_o preach_v any_o more_o and_o to_o charge_v they_o with_o faction_n if_o they_o disobey_v 2._o they_o charge_v the_o christian_n with_o faction_n in_o be_v so_o active_a and_o busy_a to_o promote_v christianity_n to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o part_n this_o tertullus_n accuse_v st._n paul_n of_o that_o he_o be_v a_o mover_n of_o sedition_n among_o all_o the_o jew_n throughout_o the_o 5._o world_n and_o according_o the_o jew_n at_o thessalonica_n take_v the_o christian_n by_o force_n and_o carry_v they_o to_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o city_n cry_v those_o that_o have_v turn_v the_o world_n upside_o down_o be_v come_v hither_o also_o this_o 6._o they_o know_v be_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o render_v they_o odious_a to_o all_o governor_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v all_o new_a thing_n as_o dangerous_a and_o think_v no_o truth_n can_v compensate_a the_o hazard_n of_o alteration_n thus_o it_o be_v especial_o among_o the_o roman_a governor_n who_o have_v learn_v from_o the_o counsel_n give_v to_o augustus_n to_o be_v particular_o jealous_a of_o all_o innovation_n in_o religion_n and_o have_v much_o rather_o the_o people_n shall_v continue_v quiet_a under_o a_o old_a error_n than_o have_v the_o peace_n disturb_v for_o the_o great_a truth_n this_o be_v real_o the_o great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o christianity_n it_o come_v no_o where_o but_o people_n be_v possess_v before_o hand_n with_o quite_o other_o apprehension_n of_o religion_n than_o the_o christian_n bring_v among_o they_o the_o jewish_a and_o pagan_a religion_n be_v in_o possession_n in_o all_o place_n and_o the_o people_n be_v at_o ease_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o what_o then_o must_v the_o christian_n do_v must_v they_o let_v they_o alone_o and_o not_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o own_o doctrine_n if_o so_o they_o be_v unfaithful_a to_o their_o trust_n betrayer_n of_o truth_n and_o false_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o they_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v man_n out_o of_o their_o religion_n they_o know_v such_o be_v the_o fondness_n most_o man_n have_v for_o their_o own_o opinion_n especial_o in_o religion_n that_o where_o they_o may_v hope_v to_o convince_v one_o they_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o enrage_v many_o especial_o of_o those_o who_o interest_n lie_v in_o uphold_v the_o old_a religion_n how_o little_a do_v reason_n signify_v with_o most_o man_n where_o interest_n be_v against_o it_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n be_v odd_a kind_n of_o metaphysical_a thing_n to_o they_o which_o they_o do_v not_o care_v to_o trouble_v their_o head_n with_o but_o what_o make_v for_o or_o against_o their_o interest_n be_v think_v easy_a and_o substantial_a all_o other_o matter_n be_v as_o gallio_n say_v question_n of_o name_n and_o word_n which_o they_o care_v not_o for_o but_o no_o man_n will_v soon_o offer_v to_o demonstrate_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v false_a than_o they_o who_o know_v it_o to_o be_v against_o their_o interest_n to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o these_o great_a man_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o come_v down_o to_o accuse_v paul_n they_o easy_o see_v whither_o this_o new_a religion_n tend_v and_o if_o it_o prevail_v among_o their_o people_n farewell_o then_o to_o all_o the_o pomp_n and_o splendour_n of_o the_o high-priesthood_n at_o jerusalem_n farewell_o then_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o city_n whither_o all_o the_o tribe_n come_v up_o to_o worship_n thrice_o a_o year_n farewell_o then_o to_o all_o the_o riches_n and_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n which_o they_o enjoy_v and_o what_o be_v the_o great_a truth_n and_o best_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o they_o in_o comparison_n with_o these_o these_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o they_o to_o accuse_v truth_n itself_o of_o deceive_a man_n and_o the_o most_o peaceable_a doctrine_n of_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o faction_n and_o sedition_n thus_o we_o have_v consider_v the_o false_a imputation_n which_o be_v cast_v upon_o christianity_n at_o first_o employ_v in_o these_o word_n after_o the_o way_n which_o be_v call_v heresy_n 2._o i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o way_n take_v by_o st._n paul_n to_o remove_v these_o false_a imputation_n which_o he_o do_v 1._o by_o a_o appeal_n to_o scripture_n as_o the_o ground_n and_o rule_v of_o his_o faith_n believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n 2._o by_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a antiquity_n as_o to_o the_o object_n of_o worship_n so_o worship_v i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n not_o bring_v in_o any_o new_a religion_n but_o restore_v it_o to_o its_o primitive_a purity_n 1._o by_o a_o appeal_n to_o scripture_n as_o the_o ground_n and_o rule_v of_o his_o faith_n the_o jew_n plead_v possession_n tradition_n authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n against_o all_o these_o st._n paul_n fix_v upon_o a_o certain_a and_o unmoveable_a foundation_n the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n he_o do_v not_o here_o insist_v upon_o any_o particular_a revelation_n make_v to_o himself_o but_o offer_v the_o whole_a matter_n in_o dispute_n to_o be_v try_v by_o a_o common_a rule_n that_o be_v allow_v on_o both_o side_n and_o his_o meaning_n be_v if_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o he_o either_o assert_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n than_o they_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o accuse_v he_o of_o innovation_n or_o beginning_n of_o a_o new_a sect_n but_o if_o the_o foundation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n lie_v in_o what_o themselves_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v from_o god_n than_o they_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o charge_v he_o with_o introduce_v a_o new_a sect_n among_o they_o but_o the_o great_a question_n here_o be_v what_o ground_n st._n paul_n have_v to_o decline_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n since_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v the_o priest_n to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o in_o doubtful_a case_n resort_n be_v to_o be_v make_v to_o they_o and_o not_o the_o judgement_n leave_v to_o particular_a person_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v apparent_a st._n paul_n decline_v all_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a
church_n for_o at_o that_o very_a time_n the_o high-priest_n and_o elder_n come_v down_o to_o accuse_v he_o and_o he_o take_v not_o the_o least_o notice_n of_o their_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v therefore_o now_o show_v that_o st._n paul_n have_v very_o great_a reason_n so_o to_o do_v and_o to_o appeal_v only_o to_o scripture_n 1._o because_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n be_v more_o liable_a to_o error_n and_o mistake_n than_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n be_v 2._o because_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o more_o partiality_n than_o that_o be_v 1._o because_o it_o be_v more_o liable_a to_o error_n and_o mistake_n than_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n be_v it_o be_v agree_v on_o both_o side_n that_o the_o law_n be_v from_o god_n and_o that_o the_o prophet_n speak_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n all_o that_o be_v now_o leave_v be_v only_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o and_o to_o compare_v prophecy_n with_o event_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o messiah_n if_o the_o circumstance_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n have_v their_o exact_a accomplishment_n in_o christ_n as_o may_v appear_v to_o those_o who_o careful_o compare_v they_o if_o he_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n when_o the_o sceptre_n be_v depart_v from_o it_o and_o during_o the_o second_o temple_n and_o all_o other_o circumstance_n agree_v then_o though_o the_o ordinary_a judgement_n concern_v true_a prophet_n belong_v to_o the_o sanhedrin_n yet_o it_o be_v far_o more_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v mistake_v than_o that_o all_o the_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v in_o a_o person_n that_o be_v not_o the_o true_a messiah_n for_o those_o prophecy_n be_v not_o intend_v only_o for_o the_o priest_n and_o ruler_n but_o for_o direction_n to_o the_o people_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o otherwise_o when_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n condemn_v our_o saviour_n the_o people_n can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n if_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n to_o submit_v their_o judgement_n whole_o to_o the_o church_n authority_n it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v so_o evident_a to_o private_a capacity_n that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o submit_v in_o it_o to_o the_o present_a authority_n of_o a_o church_n for_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o the_o command_n of_o submit_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o their_o priest_n and_o ruler_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a concernment_n viz._n concern_v the_o true_a messiah_n man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o present_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n although_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o elder_n have_v condemn_v he_o for_o a_o deceiver_n and_o malefactor_n but_o beside_o this_o particular_a case_n there_o may_v be_v several_a other_o wherein_o man_n may_v lawful_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n and_o those_o be_v when_o that_o authority_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o overthrow_v those_o thing_n which_o must_v be_v suppose_v antecedent_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o such_o authority_n as_o 1._o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n 2._o the_o force_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n 3._o the_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n concern_v truth_n and_o falsehood_n all_o these_o must_v necessary_o be_v suppose_v before_o any_o authority_n of_o a_o church_n but_o if_o any_o church_n go_v about_o to_o overthrow_v these_o it_o thereby_o forfeit_v its_o own_o authority_n over_o man_n 1._o if_o it_o require_v thing_n contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n as_o in_o that_o instance_n wherein_o some_o of_o the_o jewish_a rabbi_n require_v submission_n to_o their_o authority_n viz._n in_o believe_v the_o right_a hand_n to_o be_v the_o left_a or_o the_o left_a to_o be_v the_o right_n if_o they_o determine_v so_o or_o suppose_v the_o jew_n to_o have_v require_v the_o people_n to_o deny_v that_o they_o ever_o see_v any_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n or_o in_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o loaf_n that_o what_o they_o see_v and_o handle_v and_o taste_v to_o be_v bread_n be_v true_a bread_n or_o to_o say_v that_o the_o same_o individual_a body_n may_v be_v in_o a_o thousand_o place_n at_o once_o or_o that_o thing_n who_o nature_n it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o another_o can_v subsist_v without_o their_o proper_a subject_n what_o church_n soever_o require_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o from_o its_o member_n to_o be_v believe_v give_v they_o just_a reason_n to_o reject_v its_o authority_n 2._o if_o it_o require_v thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o force_n and_o reason_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n as_o the_o jew_n themselves_o will_v have_v acknowledge_v if_o any_o authority_n among_o they_o have_v go_v about_o either_o to_o have_v leave_v out_o the_o second_o commandment_n or_o make_v it_o lawful_a to_o give_v religious_a worship_n to_o image_n under_o any_o distinction_n whatsoever_o or_o if_o the_o priest_n have_v take_v away_o from_o the_o people_n their_o share_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n under_o pretence_n of_o the_o unsanctified_a tooth_n or_o the_o long_a beard_n of_o the_o laity_n which_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o touch_v what_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n but_o we_o need_v not_o put_v case_n among_o they_o for_o our_o saviour_n therefore_o bid_v man_n have_v a_o care_n of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n because_o by_o 6._o their_o tradition_n they_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v as_o in_o their_o corban_n if_o they_o make_v a_o vow_n to_o god_n they_o think_v themselves_o excuse_v from_o relieve_v their_o parent_n and_o in_o this_o way_n our_o saviour_n general_o deal_v with_o they_o show_v that_o though_o they_o pretend_v to_o keep_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o by_o their_o corrupt_a addition_n and_o false_a gloss_n they_o overthrow_v the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o it_o which_o he_o think_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o reject_v their_o authority_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o bid_v his_o disciple_n observe_v and_o do_v what_o soever_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n bid_v they_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v 3._o only_o while_o they_o keep_v to_o the_o letter_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o law_n for_o if_o he_o have_v intend_v a_o absolute_a obedience_n he_o will_v never_o elsewhere_o bid_v his_o disciple_n beware_v of_o their_o doctrine_n 12._o 3._o if_o it_o take_v away_o all_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n concern_v truth_n and_o falsehood_n in_o religion_n for_o this_o be_v a_o natural_a right_n which_o every_o man_n have_v to_o judge_v for_o himself_o and_o they_o that_o take_v this_o away_o may_v as_o well_o command_v all_o man_n to_o put_v out_o their_o eye_n that_o they_o may_v better_o follow_v their_o guide_n but_o the_o other_o be_v so_o much_o worse_o because_o it_o be_v a_o assault_n upon_o our_o understanding_n it_o be_v a_o rob_v we_o of_o the_o great_a talon_n god_n have_v commit_v to_o our_o management_n it_o be_v a_o rape_n upon_o our_o best_a faculty_n and_o prostitute_v they_o to_o the_o lust_n of_o spiritual_a tyrant_n it_o be_v not_o captivate_v our_o understanding_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n but_o enslave_v they_o to_o the_o proud_a and_o domineer_a usurpation_n of_o man_n wherein_o they_o will_v do_v by_o we_o as_o the_o philistine_n do_v by_o samson_n they_o will_v put_v out_o our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v grind_v in_o their_o prison_n and_o make_v they_o sport_n i_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v it_o be_v the_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n i_o plead_v for_o and_o not_o of_o practice_n that_o may_v be_v just_o restrain_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n where_o the_o other_o be_v allow_v because_o the_o obligation_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n be_v different_a from_o those_o to_o faith_n and_o inward_a assent_n and_o that_o no_o absolute_a submission_n of_o judgement_n can_v be_v require_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n notwithstanding_o the_o command_n of_o outward_a obedience_n in_o the_o case_n mention_v deut._n 17._o 8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n be_v most_o evident_a from_o hence_o because_o that_o law_n make_v provision_n for_o a_o sin-offering_n in_o case_n 13._o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o israel_n sin_n through_o ignorance_n and_o the_o thing_n be_v hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o assembly_n or_o supreme_a council_n and_o they_o have_v do_v something_o against_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o have_v be_v a_o law_n make_v to_o no_o purpose_n if_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a for_o their_o chief_a authority_n to_o have_v err_v or_o be_v mistake_v
in_o their_o judgement_n from_o hence_o we_o see_v st._n paul_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o appeal_v from_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o elder_n to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n because_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o mistake_n but_o these_o be_v not_o 2._o because_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v less_o liable_a to_o partiality_n than_o a_o live_a judge_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n i_o have_v ofttimes_o wonder_v to_o hear_v man_n speak_v so_o advantageous_o of_o a_o live_a judge_n before_o a_o infallible_a rule_n in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n of_o controversy_n if_o all_o they_o mean_v be_v only_o that_o a_o end_n be_v put_v to_o they_o no_o matter_n how_o i_o confess_v a_o live_a judge_n in_o that_o case_n have_v much_o the_o advantage_n but_o so_o will_v any_o other_o way_n that_o person_n will_v agree_v upon_o as_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o next_o person_n we_o meet_v with_o or_o lottery_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o if_o we_o will_v have_v thing_n fair_o examine_v and_o hear_v and_o a_o judgement_n give_v according_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n the_o case_n will_v be_v find_v very_o different_a here_o from_o what_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a cause_n for_o here_o the_o judge_n must_v be_v a_o party_n concern_v when_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o interest_n be_v question_v and_o liable_a to_o all_o those_o passion_n which_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o in_o their_o own_o case_n which_o will_v be_v notorious_o evident_a in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o between_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o elder_n on_o one_o side_n and_o st._n paul_n on_o the_o other_o they_o plead_v that_o if_o any_o difficulty_n arise_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n it_o belong_v to_o they_o to_o judge_v of_o it_o st._n paul_n decline_v their_o judgement_n and_o appeal_v only_o to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v it_o be_v reasonable_a in_o this_o case_n for_o felix_n to_o have_v refer_v the_o judgement_n to_o they_o who_o be_v the_o party_n so_o deep_o concern_v a_o live_a judge_n may_v have_v a_o great_a advantage_n over_o a_o bare_a rule_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o controversy_n but_o then_o we_o must_v suppose_v impartiality_n in_o he_o freedom_n from_o prejudice_n a_o excellent_a judgement_n diligence_n and_o patience_n in_o hear_v all_o the_o evidence_n and_o at_o last_o deliver_v sentence_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n if_o any_o of_o these_o be_v want_v the_o controversy_n may_v soon_o be_v end_v but_o on_o the_o wrong_a side_n i_o suppose_v none_o of_o those_o who_o will_v have_v controversy_n in_o religion_n end_v by_o a_o live_a judge_n will_v for_o shame_n say_v they_o will_v have_v they_o end_v right_a or_o wrong_n but_o if_o they_o will_v have_v truth_n determine_v they_o must_v give_v we_o assurance_n that_o these_o judge_n shall_v lay_v aside_o all_o partiality_n to_o their_o own_o interest_n all_o prejudice_n against_o their_o adversary_n shall_v diligent_o search_v and_o examine_v and_o weigh_v the_o evidence_n on_o both_o side_n and_o then_o shall_v determine_v according_a to_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o law_n how_o likely_a this_o be_v will_v appear_v by_o the_o live_a judge_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v there_o ever_o great_a partiality_n see_v than_o be_v in_o they_o or_o more_o obstinate_a prejudice_n or_o more_o wilful_a error_n or_o a_o more_o malicious_a sentence_n than_o come_v from_o they_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n they_o will_v not_o believe_v his_o miracle_n though_o tell_v they_o by_o those_o that_o see_v they_o when_o they_o see_v they_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o come_v from_o god_n but_o attribute_v they_o to_o the_o devil_n they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o inquire_v the_o true_a place_n of_o his_o nativity_n but_o run_v on_o still_o with_o that_o wilful_a mistake_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v in_o galilee_n and_o by_o this_o they_o think_v to_o confound_v nicodemus_n present_o search_v and_o look_v for_o out_o of_o galilee_n arise_v no_o prophet_n if_o they_o have_v search_v 52._o and_o look_v themselves_o they_o will_v have_v find_v that_o christ_n be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n and_o not_o in_o galilee_n but_o where_o man_n be_v strong_o prejudice_v any_o thing_n serve_v for_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n whereas_o all_o the_o argument_n on_o the_o other_o side_n shall_v be_v despise_v and_o contemn_v how_o captious_a be_v they_o on_o all_o occasion_n towards_o our_o saviour_n lie_v in_o wait_n to_o entrap_v he_o with_o question_n to_o pervert_v his_o word_n and_o draw_v blasphemy_n out_o of_o the_o most_o innocent_a expression_n and_o when_o none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n can_v do_v they_o use_v all_o the_o way_n of_o fraud_n malice_n and_o injustice_n to_o destroy_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n as_o a_o malefactor_n and_o blasphemer_n be_v not_o here_o now_o a_o mighty_a advantage_n which_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n among_o the_o jew_n of_o that_o time_n have_v above_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o knowledge_n st._n paul_n have_v of_o the_o same_o temper_n be_v in_o they_o still_o may_v just_o make_v he_o decline_v their_o judgement_n and_o appeal_v only_o to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o ground_n and_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n 2._o for_o the_o object_n of_o his_o worship_n he_o appeal_v to_o the_o best_a antiquity_n i_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n i_o e._n i_o bring_v no_o new_a religion_n among_o you_o but_o the_o very_a same_o in_o substance_n with_o that_o which_o all_o the_o jew_n have_v own_v so_o some_o render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d deo_fw-la patrio_fw-la the_o god_n who_o all_o my_o brethren_n acknowledge_v but_o he_o rather_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o same_o god_n that_o be_v worship_v by_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n quem_fw-la majores_fw-la nostri_fw-la coluerunt_fw-la so_o st._n peter_n in_o his_o preach_n to_o the_o people_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o novelty_n say_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n and_o of_o isaac_n and_o of_o 13._o jacob_n the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n have_v glorify_v his_o son_n jesus_n and_o again_o to_o the_o sanhedrin_n he_o say_v the_o god_n of_o 30._o our_o father_n raise_v up_o jesus_n and_o st._n paul_n the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n have_v choose_v thou_o in_o the_o use_n of_o which_o expression_n 14._o they_o purposely_o declare_v that_o they_o have_v no_o thought_n of_o bring_v in_o any_o new_a religion_n among_o they_o contrary_a to_o what_o god_n have_v of_o old_a declare_v to_o the_o patriarch_n the_o main_a thing_n in_o which_o the_o jew_n object_v innovation_n to_o they_o do_v either_o concern_v the_o bring_n in_o some_o new_a doctrine_n or_o the_o reformation_n of_o corruption_n among_o they_o 1._o for_o their_o doctrine_n that_o either_o concern_v the_o messiah_n or_o a_o future_a state_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o messiah_n it_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o record_n of_o any_o revelation_n from_o god_n be_v it_o be_v the_o great_a promise_n make_v to_o the_o patriarch_n long_o before_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o even_o moses_n himself_o speak_v of_o he_o as_o st._n steven_n prove_v to_o they_o and_o david_n and_o isaiah_n 37._o and_o jeremiah_n and_o ezekiel_n and_o daniel_n and_o micah_n and_o malachi_n as_o the_o apostle_n at_o large_a prove_v in_o their_o write_n why_o shall_v this_o then_o be_v account_v any_o new_a doctrine_n which_o they_o all_o believe_v and_o receive_v if_o the_o question_n be_v only_o whether_o christ_n be_v that_o messiah_n or_o no_o for_o that_o they_o desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o but_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o quarrel_v with_o they_o upon_o their_o belief_n for_o such_o a_o alteration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n which_o themselves_o believe_v must_v be_v when_o the_o messiah_n come_v for_o in_o he_o not_o only_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v bless_v which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o suppose_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n to_o continue_v in_o its_o force_n and_o obligation_n be_v particular_o suit_v to_o one_o people_n lie_v within_o such_o a_o compass_n as_o they_o may_v three_o time_n a_o year_n attend_v upon_o the_o service_n in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n if_o their_o quarrel_n be_v concern_v a_o future_a state_n as_o though_o that_o be_v a_o new_a doctrine_n st._n paul_n add_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n that_o themselves_o also_o allow_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v aresurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a both_o of_o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a and_o
in_o his_o defence_n before_o agrippa_n he_o say_v and_o now_o i_o stand_v and_o be_o judge_v 7._o for_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o promise_n make_v of_o god_n unto_o our_o father_n unto_o which_o promise_n our_o twelve_o tribe_n instant_o serve_v god_n day_n and_o night_n hope_v to_o come_v so_o that_o the_o apostle_n produce_v antiquity_n universality_n and_o consent_n in_o these_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n only_o a_o late_a busy_a and_o politic_a faction_n of_o the_o sadducee_n oppose_v this_o doctrine_n but_o why_o shall_v their_o opposition_n signify_v any_o thing_n against_o so_o full_a a_o stream_n run_v down_o from_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a antiquity_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n 2._o for_o the_o negative_a pair_v or_o the_o reformation_n of_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n among_o they_o this_o be_v s._n paul_n plea_n let_v they_o show_v where_o the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n impose_v any_o of_o those_o heavy_a burden_n which_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n place_n so_o much_o of_o their_o religion_n in_o what_o ground_n be_v there_o in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o pharisaical_a superstition_n and_o vow_n and_o severity_n to_o themselves_o in_o fetch_v blood_n and_o knock_v their_o head_n against_o the_o wall_n and_o different_a garb_n and_o dress_n to_o appear_v more_o holy_a unto_o man_n with_o many_o other_o custom_n of_o they_o the_o observation_n of_o which_o be_v make_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o devout_a man_n and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n they_o shall_v think_v it_o impossible_a such_o thing_n shall_v come_v in_o among_o they_o without_o great_a notice_n be_v take_v of_o it_o for_o although_o sudden_a and_o violent_a change_n may_v have_v all_o the_o circumstance_n know_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o more_o in_o sensible_a &_o gradual_a alteration_n a_o man_n may_v tell_v when_o a_o violent_a fever_n seize_v upon_o he_o and_o inflame_v his_o blood_n but_o he_o can_v do_v so_o by_o a_o hectic_a or_o a_o consumption_n must_v he_o therefore_o believe_v himself_o well_o because_o he_o can_v tell_v the_o punctual_a time_n when_o he_o fall_v sick_a we_o may_v easy_o describe_v the_o circumstance_n of_o a_o landflood_n which_o overflow_v the_o bank_n and_o bear_v all_o before_o it_o but_o we_o can_v do_v so_o by_o the_o come_n in_o of_o the_o tide_n which_o steal_v in_o secret_o and_o insensible_o and_o no_o man_n can_v assign_v the_o place_n where_o the_o salt_n and_o fresh_a water_n first_o mix_v together_o superstition_n be_v a_o hectic_a fever_n to_o religion_n it_o by_o degree_n consume_v the_o vital_n of_o it_o but_o come_v on_o insensible_o and_o be_v not_o easy_o discover_v till_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v cure_v at_o first_o it_o may_v be_v some_o devout_a but_o indiscreet_a man_n make_v way_n for_o it_o who_o love_n to_o find_v out_o some_o mode_n of_o devotion_n different_a from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v greedy_o embrace_v by_o such_o who_o admire_v and_o follow_v they_o this_o example_n take_v another_o begins_z and_o set_v up_o for_o a_o more_o refine_a way_n than_o the_o former_a and_o so_o the_o design_n spread_v till_o at_o last_o true_a piety_n and_o goodness_n be_v swallow_v up_o by_o superstitious_a foppery_n which_o be_v the_o most_o probable_a account_n of_o all_o the_o pharisaical_a corruption_n some_o of_o who_o observation_n may_v be_v begin_v at_o first_o with_o a_o good_a mind_n and_o by_o the_o devout_a person_n of_o that_o time_n but_o afterward_o every_o one_o that_o have_v a_o sour_a look_n and_o a_o worse_a nature_n than_o ordinary_a think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o other_o but_o like_o a_o great_a physician_n he_o must_v have_v his_o nostrum_n something_o of_o his_o own_o find_v out_o a_o new_a garb_n or_o ceremony_n or_o posture_n of_o devotion_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o admire_v for_o his_o sanctity_n thus_o that_o fardel_n of_o superstitious_a rite_n be_v gather_v up_o among_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n who_o he_o most_o severe_o upon_o all_o occasion_n rebuke_n for_o their_o hypocrisy_n in_o place_v so_o much_o of_o their_o religion_n in_o they_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o way_n take_v by_o st._n paul_n to_o vindicate_v christianity_n from_o the_o imputation_n of_o be_v a_o new_a sect_n or_o heresy_n by_o a_o appeal_n to_o scripture_n and_o the_o best_a antiquity_n 3._o there_o remain_v only_o the_o freedom_n and_o courage_n express_v by_o he_o in_o own_v his_o religion_n notwithstanding_o these_o false_a imputation_n but_o this_o i_o confess_v unto_o thou_o that_o after_o the_o way_n which_o be_v call_v heresy_n etc._n etc._n he_o abhor_v that_o mean_a and_o base-spirited_n principle_n which_o make_v it_o lawful_a for_o man_n to_o deny_v their_o religion_n when_o it_o bring_v they_o into_o danger_n he_o study_v no_o secret_a art_n of_o compliance_n with_o his_o adversary_n to_o securehimself_n he_o do_v not_o decline_v appear_v though_o to_o the_o hazard_n of_o his_o life_n in_o so_o just_a a_o cause_n he_o value_v his_o religion_n beyond_o his_o own_o safety_n and_o regard_v not_o all_o the_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n of_o his_o enemy_n as_o long_o as_o he_o make_v this_o his_o constant_a exercise_n to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n 16._o void_a of_o offence_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o this_o he_o elsewhere_o say_v afford_v he_o more_o inward_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n than_o all_o the_o craft_n and_o policy_n in_o the_o world_n can_v give_v he_o for_o our_o rejoice_v 12._o be_v this_o say_v he_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v nothing_o inspire_v man_n with_o so_o much_o courage_n as_o integrity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o mind_n do_v and_o such_o person_n who_o have_v the_o comfort_n of_o that_o have_v not_o only_o better_a hope_n as_o to_o another_o world_n but_o ofttimes_o escape_v better_o as_o to_o this_o than_o other_o do_v for_o even_o their_o enemy_n can_v but_o esteem_v they_o whereas_o the_o fawn_a sneak_v and_o flatter_a hypocrite_n that_o will_v do_v or_o be_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o own_o advantage_n be_v despise_v by_o those_o he_o court_v hate_v by_o good_a man_n and_o at_o last_o torment_v by_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o be_v false_a to_o god_n and_o religion_n but_o we_o may_v see_v here_o in_o st._n paul_n a_o great_a instance_n of_o true_a christian_a magnanimity_n he_o be_v sensible_a how_o great_a both_o the_o malice_n and_o quality_n of_o his_o enemy_n be_v he_o know_v he_o be_v to_o answer_v before_o a_o judge_n that_o regard_v nothing_o either_o of_o justice_n or_o religion_n yet_o he_o neither_o flatter_v his_o judge_n nor_o betray_v any_o distrust_n of_o he_o he_o do_v not_o bespatter_v his_o enemy_n nor_o discover_v any_o fear_n of_o they_o but_o with_o a_o modest_a freedom_n and_o manly_a courage_n own_v the_o main_a part_n of_o their_o accusation_n and_o effectual_o vindicate_v his_o own_o innocency_n and_o his_o religion_n together_o for_o even_o felix_n himself_o although_o a_o man_n otherwise_o very_o capable_a of_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o some_o way_n of_o address_n of_o which_o we_o read_v ver._n 26._o yet_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o the_o elder_n with_o their_o eloquent_a tertullus_n be_v force_v to_o return_v as_o they_o come_v and_o leave_v st._n paul_n under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prisoner_n but_o enjoy_v the_o conveniency_n of_o liberty_n ver_fw-la 23._o i_o have_v now_o go_v through_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o text_n with_o a_o respect_n to_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o be_v engage_v against_o he_o it_o may_v now_o be_v just_o expect_v that_o i_o make_v application_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v to_o our_o own_o state_n and_o condition_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n we_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o such_o a_o trial_n as_o st._n paul_n be_v we_o enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o speak_v for_o ourselves_o and_o our_o religion_n and_o not_o only_o speak_v for_o it_o but_o profess_v and_o own_v it_o and_o may_v we_o ever_o do_v so_o but_o we_o have_v busy_a and_o restless_a adversary_n abroad_o the_o factor_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o elder_n at_o rome_n who_o have_v as_o much_o spite_n and_o malice_n against_o we_o as_o ever_o those_o of_o jerusalem_n have_v against_o st._n paul_n and_o they_o have_v their_o tertullus_n too_o man_n of_o art_n and_o insinuation_n and_o who_o manage_n their_o cause_n against_o we_o just_a as_o
even_o at_o rome_n there_o be_v a_o succession_n of_o fifty_o of_o their_o high_a priest_n so_o remarkable_a for_o their_o wickedness_n that_o annas_n and_o caiaphas_n set_v only_o aside_o their_o condemn_a christ_n be_v saint_n in_o comparison_n of_o they_o and_o be_v it_o now_o any_o wonder_n that_o such_o error_n and_o corruption_n shall_v come_v into_o that_o church_n as_o those_o we_o charge_v they_o with_o nay_o rather_o the_o great_a wonder_n seem_v to_o be_v that_o any_o thing_n of_o christianity_n shall_v be_v preserve_v among_o they_o but_o beside_o the_o sottishness_n of_o those_o time_n we_o have_v many_o other_o cause_n to_o assign_v of_o the_o corruption_n introduce_v among_o they_o as_o a_o compliance_n with_o gentilism_n in_o many_o of_o their_o custom_n and_o superstition_n affectation_n of_o new_a modes_n of_o devotion_n among_o indiscreet_a zealot_n ambition_n and_o constant_a endeavour_n to_o advance_v the_o authority_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o priesthood_n above_o all_o secular_a power_n and_o when_o for_o a_o long_a time_n these_o have_v be_v gather_v the_o rude_a material_n together_o than_o the_o moorish_a philosophy_n happen_v to_o creep_v in_o among_o they_o the_o monk_n begin_v to_o busy_v themselves_o therein_o and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o that_o a_o little_a better_a to_o digest_v that_o mass_n and_o heap_n of_o corruption_n and_o to_o spend_v the_o wit_n they_o have_v to_o defend_v and_o improve_v they_o 2._o but_o against_o all_o these_o we_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o defence_n that_o st._n paul_n do_v we_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n and_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a antiquity_n we_o pretend_v to_o bring_v in_o no_o new_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o no_o miracle_n can_v be_v require_v of_o we_o which_o the_o apostle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n who_o be_v to_o alter_v that_o state_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v once_o appoint_v all_o that_o we_o plead_v for_o be_v that_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o christ_n may_v serve_v our_o turn_n and_o that_o which_o be_v record_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n to_o these_o we_o make_v our_o constant_a appeal_n and_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o decline_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n that_o st._n paul_n have_v as_o to_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o elder_n when_o he_o appeal_v to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n nay_o we_o have_v somewhat_o more_o reason_n because_o god_n have_v once_o appoint_v the_o high_a priest_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n among_o they_o but_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v a_o mere_a usurpation_n begin_v by_o ambition_n advance_v by_o forgery_n and_o defend_v by_o cruelty_n but_o we_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o we_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o be_v not_o only_o content_a to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o authority_n in_o these_o matter_n but_o we_o make_v our_o appeal_n to_o they_o and_o have_v beg_v our_o adversary_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n to_o prove_v the_o point_n in_o difference_n between_o we_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o first_o six_o hundred_o year_n but_o from_o that_o time_n to_o this_o they_o be_v as_o far_o from_o prove_v any_o one_o point_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v 3._o what_o then_o follow_v from_o all_o this_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v imitate_v st._n paul_n courage_n in_o own_v and_o defend_v our_o religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o false_a imputation_n which_o be_v cast_v upon_o it_o what_o a_o shame_n will_v it_o be_v for_o we_o mean_o and_o base_o to_o betray_v that_o cause_n for_o which_o our_o ancestor_n sacrifice_v their_o life_n be_v the_o romish_a religion_n any_o thing_n better_o than_o it_o be_v then_o what_o error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o corruption_n in_o practice_n have_v they_o ever_o reform_v nay_o have_v they_o not_o rather_o establish_v and_o confirm_v they_o more_o be_v they_o any_o thing_n kind_a to_o we_o than_o they_o have_v be_v no._n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o late_a plead_n for_o evangelical_n peace_n and_o charity_n they_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o statute_n 247._o against_o heretic_n be_v still_o in_o force_n against_o we_o as_o condemn_v heretic_n and_o we_o be_v not_o so_o dull_a not_o to_o apprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o viz._n that_o be_v it_o in_o their_o power_n they_o can_v lawful_o burn_v we_o to_o morrow_n and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o height_n of_o evangelical_n love_n and_o sweetness_n who_o can_v but_o admire_v the_o perswasiveness_n of_o such_o argument_n to_o gospel-meekness_n and_o melt_v at_o the_o tenderness_n and_o bowel_n of_o a_o inquisition_n let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o it_o be_v not_o the_o mean_a compliance_n of_o any_o in_o go_v half_a way_n towards_o they_o will_v serve_v their_o turn_n there_o be_v no_o chew_v their_o pill_n all_o must_v be_v swallow_v together_o or_o as_o good_a in_o their_o opinion_n to_o have_v none_o at_o all_o for_o not_o only_o plain_a heretic_n but_o the_o favourer_n and_o suspect_v of_o heresy_n be_v solemn_o excommunicate_v every_o year_n in_o the_o famous_a bull_n of_o coena_fw-la domini_fw-la and_o lindwood_n 2._o their_o english_a canonist_n tell_v we_o who_o they_o account_v suspect_v of_o heresy_n viz._n all_o that_o show_v common_a civility_n to_o heretic_n or_o give_v alm_n to_o they_o or_o that_o once_o hear_v their_o sermon_n this_o last_o indeed_o have_v be_v mitigate_v by_o a_o considerable_a party_n among_o they_o for_o notwithstanding_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o jesuit_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o seven_o briev'_v obtain_v by_o their_o mean_n from_o several_a pope_n forbid_v all_o roman-catholic_n to_o come_v to_o our_o church_n yet_o the_o secular_a priest_n have_v contend_v for_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n lawful_a for_o they_o not_o only_o to_o come_v to_o our_o prayer_n and_o hear_v our_o sermon_n but_o to_o partake_v of_o 105._o our_o sacrament_n too_o which_o they_o may_v allow_v while_o they_o hope_v to_o carry_v on_o their_o interest_n better_o that_o way_n but_o if_o once_o which_o god_n forbid_v the_o tide_n shall_v turn_v with_o they_o than_o the_o old_a law_n of_o their_o church_n must_v prevail_v and_o nothing_o will_v be_v think_v so_o wholesome_a as_o a_o inquisition_n which_o it_o be_v strange_a their_o advocate_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n shall_v call_v only_o law_n in_o catholic_n country_n 24._o against_o heretic_n and_o not_o law_n of_o the_o church_n when_o there_o be_v extant_a above_o a_o hundred_o bull_n and_o briev'_v of_o pope_n establish_v confirm_v and_o enlarge_a the_o inquisition_n since_o than_o no_o 1607._o favour_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o their_o church_n for_o whatever_o they_o pretend_v all_o the_o severity_n come_v from_o thence_o all_o the_o favour_n and_o mitigation_n from_o the_o clemency_n and_o wisdom_n of_o prince_n let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o strengthen_v ourselves_o by_o a_o hearty_a zeal_n for_o our_o religion_n and_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o confirm_v and_o uphold_v it_o and_o since_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o their_o generation_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n practise_v among_o they_o which_o may_v deserve_v our_o imitation_n and_o those_o be_v 1._o a_o mighty_a industry_n and_o zeal_n in_o promote_a their_o cause_n they_o have_v learn_v of_o their_o predecessor_n to_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o gain_v one_o proselyte_n they_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o all_o company_n stick_v at_o no_o pain_n accommodate_v themselves_o to_o all_o humour_n and_o be_v provide_v one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o gratify_v person_n of_o all_o inclination_n for_o they_o have_v retirement_n for_o the_o melancholy_n business_n for_o the_o active_a idleness_n for_o the_o lazy_a honour_n for_o the_o ambitious_a splendour_n for_o the_o vain_a severity_n for_o the_o sour_a and_o hardy_a and_o a_o good_a dose_n of_o pleasure_n for_o the_o soft_a and_o voluptuous_a it_o be_v not_o their_o way_n but_o their_o zeal_n and_o industry_n i_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o so_o it_o often_o happen_v that_o they_o who_o be_v most_o secure_a of_o truth_n on_o their_o side_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v remiss_a and_o careless_a and_o to_o comfort_v themselves_o with_o some_o good_a old_a say_n as_o god_n will_v provide_v and_o truth_n will_v prevail_v though_o they_o lie_v still_o and_o do_v nothing_o towards_o it_o but_o certain_o such_o negligence_n be_v inexcusable_a where_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o so_o great_a importance_n the_o adversary_n so_o many_o and_o a_o account_n must_v be_v give_v short_o in_o another_o world_n of_o what_o man_n have_v do_v