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doctrine_n apostle_n church_n succession_n 5,435 5 10.3947 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A33817 A Collection of discourses lately written by some divines of the Church of England against the errours and corruptions of the church of Rome to which is prefix'd a catalogue of the several discourses. 1687 (1687) Wing C5141; ESTC R10140 460,949 658

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same_o doctrine_n which_o she_o do_v and_o she_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o just_a prejudice_n against_o any_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n if_o they_o contradict_v the_o common_a faith_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v fair_o capable_a of_o different_a sense_n she_o choose_v that_o sense_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a with_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o shall_v any_o doctrine_n be_v impose_v upon_o she_o as_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n or_o which_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o it_o as_o the_o new_a trent_n creed_n be_v whatever_o pretence_n there_o be_v for_o the_o antiquity_n of_o such_o doctrine_n she_o utter_o reject_v they_o she_o will_v not_o put_v out_o her_o eye_n to_o follow_v any_o other_o guide_n and_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n she_o need_v not_o reject_v any_o true_o catholic_n doctrine_n in_o this_o way_n we_o still_o retain_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o be_v great_o confirm_v in_o it_o from_o that_o admirable_a consent_n there_o be_v between_o the_o scripture_n as_o expound_v by_o we_o and_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v ancient_o own_v and_o receive_v by_o all_o christian_n have_v thus_o show_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o scripture_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n contain_v in_o this_o paper_n that_o this_o church_n must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n by_o its_o continual_a visible_a succession_n from_o christ_n till_o our_o day_n now_o these_o few_o word_n contain_v a_o great_a many_o and_o very_o great_a mistake_n the_o subject_n of_o the_o inquiry_n be_v how_o we_o may_v find_v out_o such_o a_o church_n who_o word_n we_o may_v safe_o take_v for_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n now_o 1._o the_o author_n of_o this_o paper_n whither_o ignorant_o or_o design_o i_o know_v 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the_o holy_a scripture_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o pagan_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o christian_n as_o man_n that_o be_v content_a to_o part_v with_o their_o religion_n for_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n but_o that_o they_o think_v christian_a religion_n to_o be_v therein_o contain_v and_o to_o be_v betray_v by_o those_o who_o deliver_v they_o to_o be_v burn_v by_o which_o i_o have_v prove_v more_o than_o i_o intend_v in_o this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n concern_v our_o salvation_n be_v contain_v which_o be_v the_o true_a question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome●_n not_o whither_o the_o scripture_n be_v deliver_v to_o we_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o no_o in_o this_o our_o people_n ought_v to_o tell_v they_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v but_o whither_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o we_o as_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god._n and_o from_o that_o argument_n now_o mention_v and_o 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shall_v have_v conceive_v or_o teach_v otherwise_o of_o these_o write_n then_o as_o of_o the_o undoubted_a oracle_n of_o god_n she_o will_v have_v err_v damnable_o in_o such_o a_o tradition_n i_o shall_v sum_v up_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o second_o particular_a in_o a_o few_o word_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n at_o first_o teach_v the_o church_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n but_o afterward_o that_o which_o they_o preach_v be_v by_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o writing_n and_o deliver_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o irenaeus_n have_v say_v in_o express_a word_n l._n 3._o c._n 1._o speak_v of_o they_o by_o who_o the_o gospel_n come_v unto_o all_o nation_n which_o they_o then_o preach_v but_o afterward_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n deliver_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v in_o time_n to_o come_v the_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith_n iii_o and_o far_o we_o likewise_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o we_o even_o from_o the_o apostle_n day_n in_o other_o way_n or_o form_n beside_o the_o scripture_n for_o instance_n in_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n in_o the_o creed_n in_o the_o prayer_n and_o hymn_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o may_v call_v tradition_n if_o we_o please_v but_o they_o bring_v down_o to_o we_o no_o new_a doctrine_n but_o only_o deliver_v in_o a_o abridgement_n the_o same_o christianity_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n upon_o this_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o i_o shall_v enlarge_v but_o i_o proceed_v far_o to_o affirm_v iv_o that_o we_o reverent_o receive_v also_o the_o unanimous_a tradition_n or_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n which_o determine_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o make_v it_o more_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a in_o any_o point_n of_o faith_n wherein_o we_o can_v find_v it_o have_v declare_v its_o sense_n for_o we_o look_v upon_o this_o tradition_n as_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o scripture_n unfold_v not_o a_o new_a thing_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o scripture_n explain_v and_o make_v more_o evident_a and_o thus_o some_o part_n of_o the_o nicene_n creed_n may_v be_v call_v a_o tradition_n as_o it_o have_v express_o deliver_v unto_o we_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n concern_v that_o great_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god._n which_o they_o teach_v we_o be_v always_o thus_o understand_v the_o son_n of_o god_n beget_v of_o his_o father_n before_o all_o world_n and_o of_o the_o same_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n but_o this_o tradition_n suppose_v the_o scripture_n for_o its_o ground_n and_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o father_n assemble_v at_o nice_a believe_v to_o be_v contain_v there_o and_o be_v first_o fetch_v from_o thence_o for_o we_o find_v in_o theodoret_n l._n 1._o c._n 6._o that_o the_o famous_a emperor_n constantine_n admonish_v those_o father_n in_o all_o their_o question_n and_o debate_n to_o consult_v only_o with_o these_o heavenly_a inspire_a write_n because_o the_o evangelical_n and_o apostolical_a book_n and_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o old_a prophet_n do_v evident_o instruct_v we_o what_o to_o thi●k_v in_o divine_a matter_n this_o be_v so_o clear_a a_o testimony_n that_o in_o those_o day_n they_o make_v this_o complete_a rule_n of_o their_o faith_n whereby_o they_o end_v controversy_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o in_o several_a other_o synod_n we_o find_v they_o be_v wont_a to_o lay_v the_o bible_n before_o they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nicene_n creed_n but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o bible_n that_o cardinal_n bellarmine_n have_v nothing_o to_o reply_v to_o it_o but_o this_o constantine_n be_v indeed_o a_o great_a emperor_n but_o no_o great_a doctor_n which_o be_v rather_o a_o scoff_n than_o a_o answer_n and_o cast_v a_o scorn_n not_o only_o upon_o he_o but_o upon_o the_o great_a council_n who_o as_o the_o same_o theodoret_n witness_v assent_v unto_o that_o speech_n of_o constantine_n so_o it_o there_o follow_v in_o these_o word_n that_o most_o of_o the_o synod_n be_v obedient_a to_o what_o he_o have_v discourse_v and_o embrace_v both_o mutual_a concord_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o according_o st._n hilary_n a_o little_a after_o extol_v his_o son_n constantius_n for_o this_o that_o he_o adhere_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o blame_v he_o only_o for_o not_o attend_v to_o the_o true_a catholic_n sense_n of_o they_o his_o word_n be_v these_o in_o his_o little_a book_n which_o he_o deliver_v to_o constantius_n i_o true_o admire_v thou_o o_o lord_n constantius_n the_o emperor_n who_o desire_v a_o faith_n according_a to_o what_o be_v write_v they_o pretend_v to_o no_o other_o in_o those_o day_n but_o as_o he_o speak_v a_o little_a after_o look_v upon_o he_o that_o refuse_v this_o as_o antichrist_n it_o be_v only_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v their_o faith_n out_o of_o god_n book_n not_o mere_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o they_o but_o according_a to_o their_o true_a meaning_n because_o many_o speak_v scripture_n without_o scripture_n and_o pretend_v to_o faith_n without_o faith_n as_o his_o word_n be_v and_o herein_o catholic_n and_o constant_a tradition_n be_v to_o guide_v they_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a to_o what_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v receive_v and_o hold_v from_o the_o beginning_n can_v not_o in_o reason_n be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o scripture_n which_o be_v allege_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o church_n pretend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o the_o receive_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o bottom_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v this_o faith_n thus_o i_o observe_v hegesippus_n say_v in_o euseb_n his_o history_n l._n 4._o c._n 22._o that_o when_o he_o be_v at_o rome_n he_o meet_v with_o a_o great_a many_o bishop_n and_o that_o he_o receive_v the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n from_o they_o all_o and_o then_o a_o little_a after_o tell_v we_o what_o that_o be_v and_o whence_o they_o derive_v it_o say_v that_o in_o every_o succession_n of_o bishop_n and_o i●_n every_o city_n so_o they_o hold_v as_o the_o law_n preach_v and_o as_o the_o prophet_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o particular_a with_o a_o pregnant_a passage_n which_o i_o remember_v in_o a_o famous_a divine_a of_o our_o church_n dr._n jackson_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n chap._n 22._o who_o write_v
govern_v by_o apostolical_a man_n when_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suspect_v any_o deviation_n from_o the_o primitive_a practice_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n own_v in_o such_o matter_n and_o by_o which_o she_o reject_v and_o confute_v both_o the_o innovation_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o wild_a pretence_n of_o phanaticism_n so_o that_o we_o do_v in_o the_o most_o proper_a sense_n own_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o expound_v scripture_n we_o do_v not_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o expound_v scripture_n by_o a_o private_a spirit_n as_o our_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n reproach_n we_o we_o adhere_v to_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n on_o one_o side_n and_o the_o fanatic_n on_o the_o other_o have_v forsake_v and_o though_o we_o reject_v the_o new_a invention_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n yet_o we_o be_v no_o friend_n at_o all_o to_o scepticism_n but_o can_v give_v a_o more_o rational_a account_n of_o our_o faith_n than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v have_v we_o no_o other_o way_n of_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o by_o propriety_n of_o the_o language_n and_o the_o grammatical_a construction_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o text_n their_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n on_o what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o follow_v and_o such_o like_a mean_n as_o we_o use_v for_o the_o understanding_n any_o other_o book_n of_o humane_a composition_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o honest_a and_o diligent_a inquirer_n may_v discover_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n in_o all_o the_o great_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o yet_o this_o alone_a be_v a_o more_o uncertain_a way_n and_o liable_a to_o the_o abuse_n of_o heretic_n and_o impostor_n the_o socinian_o be_v a_o famous_a example_n what_o wit_n and_o criticism_n will_v do_v to_o pervert_v the_o plain_v text_n and_o some_o other_o sectary_n be_v as_o plain_v a_o demonstration_n what_o w●rk_n dullness_n and_o stupidity_n and_o enthusiasm_n will_v make_v with_o scripture_n but_o when_o we_o have_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o a_o ancient_a and_o venerable_a summary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o have_v be_v the_o common_a faith_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n to_o be_v our_o rule_n in_o expound_v scripture_n though_o we_o may_v after_o all_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o some_o particular_a text_n yet_o we_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o great_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_n this_o use_n the_o church_n of_o england_n make_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o expound_v scripture_n that_o she_o religious_o maintain_v the_o ancient_a catholic_n faith_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o man_n to_o expound_v scripture_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o ancient_a faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o though_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n of_o understand_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n yet_o we_o can_v affirm_v this_o of_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o of_o the_o church_n of_o any_o particular_a age_n except_v the_o apostolic_a age_n or_o those_o age_n which_o immediate_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n notwithstanding_o this_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v be_v no_o good_a expositor_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o she_o usurp_v the_o name_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o presume_v herself_o to_o be_v the_o head_n and_o fountain_n of_o catholic_a unity_n yet_o she_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o church_n of_o france_n aind_v holland_n be_v and_o have_v no_o more_o right_a to_o impose_v her_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n upon_o other_o church_n than_o they_o have_v to_o impose_v upon_o she_o if_o there_o happen_v any_o controversy_n between_o they_o it_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o either_o church_n can_v decide_v it_o but_o this_o must_v be_v do_v by_o a_o appeal_n to_o scripture_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o it_o for_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o sovereign_n and_o absolute_a judge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o those_o church_n which_o be_v found_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o receive_v the_o faith_n immediate_o from_o they_o and_o be_v afterward_o sore_o some_o age_n govern_v by_o apostolical_a man_n or_o those_o who_o be_v teach_v by_o they_o and_o converse_v with_o they_o be_v the_o best_a witness_n what_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v and_o therefore_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a what_o the_o faith_n of_o these_o primitive_a church_n be_v they_o be_v the_o best_a guide_n for_o the_o expound_v scripture_n so_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o expound_v scripture_n be_v only_o the_o authority_n of_o witness_n it_o can_v reach_v no_o far_o than_o those_o age_n which_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v authentic_a and_o credible_a witness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o extend_v it_o to_o the_o four_o first_o general_a council_n it_o be_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v do_v it_o with_o any_o pretence_n of_o reason_n and_o thus_o far_o the_o church_n of_o england_n own_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o command_v her_o minister_n to_o expound_v the_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o catholic_n faith_n own_a and_o profess_v in_o those_o day_n but_o as_o for_o the_o late_a age_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v remove_v too_o far_o from_o the_o apostle_n day_n to_o be_v witness_n of_o their_o doctrine_n they_o have_v no_o more_o authority_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n nor_o have_v one_o church_n any_o more_o authority_n than_o another_o 3._o and_o therefore_o if_o by_o the_o church_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o know_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v understand_v the_o judgement_n and_o sentence_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n that_o we_o must_v seek_v no_o far_o for_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n than_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o expound_v scripture_n this_o also_o be_v absolute_o false_a and_o absurd_a this_o be_v more_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n assume_v to_o themselves_o while_o they_o be_v on_o earth_n they_o be_v indeed_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n but_o yet_o they_o never_o bear_v down_o their_o hearer_n mere_o with_o their_o authority_n but_o expound_v the_o scripture_n and_o apply_v ancient_a prophecy_n to_o their_o event_n and_o take_v the_o vail_n off_o of_o moses_n face_n and_o show_v they_o the_o gospel_n state_n conceal_v under_o those_o type_n and_o figure_n they_o confirm_v their_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n of_o their_o hearer_n whither_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o christ_n command_v the_o jew_n nor_o mere_o to_o take_v his_o own_o word_n and_o to_o rely_v on_o his_o authority_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v but_o to_o study_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v for_o this_o generous_a temper_n of_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n for_o they_o daily_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v whither_o the_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n preach_v be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o or_o not_o now_o i_o think_v no_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v more_o infallible_a than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o certain_o ought_v not_o to_o assume_v more_o to_o themselves_o than_o they_o do_v and_o if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o any_o other_o church_n will_v convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n convince_v their_o hearer_n that_o be_v by_o enlighten_v our_o understanding_n and_o convince_a our_o judgement_n by_o proper_a argument_n we_o will_v glad_o learn_v of_o they_o this_o course_n the_o primitive_a christian_n take_v as_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n against_o jew_n and_o heretic_n they_o argue_v from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o to_o prove_v what_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n i●_n they_o appeal_v indeed_o sometime_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n not_o as_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o scripture_n but_o as_o the_o best_a witness_n of_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n thus_o
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for_o her_o new_a doctrine_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o many_o age_n which_o be_v reject_v by_o many_o flourish_a church_n since_o the_o first_o appearance_n of_o they_o which_o never_o have_v a_o quiet_a possession_n in_o her_o own_o communion_n and_o be_v never_o form_v into_o article_n of_o faith_n till_o the_o pack_v conventicle_n of_o trent_n this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o paper_n and_o it_o pity_v i_o to_o see_v so_o many_o well-meaning_a person_n abuse_v with_o such_o transparent_a sophistry_n finis_fw-la a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n ask_v of_o we_o the_o question_n where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n london_n print_v and_o edinburgh_n reprint_v by_o j._n reid_n for_o t._n brown_n and_o g._n schaw_n and_o a._n ogston_n and_o g._n mosman_n stationer_n in_o the_o parliament_n closs_n 1686._o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n etc._n etc._n the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v once_o by_o the_o way_n of_o trust_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n unto_o the_o saint_n man_n of_o care_n and_o honesty_n and_o who_o shall_v preserve_v it_o in_o its_o first_o purity_n and_o spiritual_a intention_n only_o to_o prescribe_v method_n unto_o man_n by_o faith_n and_o a_o honest_a conversation_n how_o they_o may_v arrive_v at_o heaven_n that_o this_o religion_n may_v make_v a_o deep_a impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o memory_n and_o be_v more_o faithful_o keep_v it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o plain_a and_o significant_a term_n and_o reduce_v into_o 20._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 13_o 14._o rom._n 6._o 17._o 1._o tim._n 6._o 20._o short_a summary_n call_v a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n that_o good_a thing_n that_o form_n of_o doctrine_n a_o depositum_fw-la or_o trust_v and_o by_o the_o church_n afterward_o a_o creed_n that_o it_o may_v be_v believe_v and_o value_v it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n confirm_v with_o variety_n of_o the_o best_a of_o argument_n miracle_n prophecy_n innocent_a carriage_n and_o death_n of_o its_o numerous_a disciple_n and_o severe_a curse_n denounce_v against_o any_o that_o shall_v add_v to_o or_o take_v from_o it_o till_o 18._o gal._n 1._o 8._o 9_o rev._n 22._o 18._o their_o great_a master_n and_o its_o author_n jesus_n shall_v come_v from_o heaven_n again_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o by_o the_o malice_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o design_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n the_o ignorance_n and_o negligence_n of_o some_o the_o cunning_a and_o industry_n of_o other_o this_o plain_a and_o simple_a religion_n begin_v by_o degree_n to_o be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o mixture_n of_o philosophy_n and_o niceness_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o stat_n craft_n and_o policy_n by_o idle_a tradition_n and_o invention_n by_o the_o melancholy_a of_o some_o and_o the_o gaiety_n of_o other_o and_o the_o natural_a face_n of_o it_o be_v so_o strange_o change_v that_o it_o seem_v another_o gospel_n and_o you_o may_v seek_v christianity_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o yet_o scarce_o find_v it_o many_o kingdom_n and_o people_n be_v to_o blame_v in_o this_o be_v teacherous_a to_o their_o master_n and_o false_a to_o their_o trust_n suffer_v so_o pure_a and_o chaste_a a_o religion_n to_o be_v corrupt_v 2_o 2._o cor._n 11._o 2_o or_o steal_v away_o but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n seem_v the_o most_o guilty_a of_o they_o all_o especial_o upon_o her_o own_o ground_n her_o bishop_n be_v the_o infallible_a vicar_n of_o jesus_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n once_o indeed_o renown_v etc._n cyp._n epist_n ox._n edit_n p._n 5._o 6._o rom_n 18._o platina_n vit●_n bon_n 7._o p._n 159._o vide_fw-la quaeso_fw-la quantum_fw-la degeneraverint_fw-la etc._n etc._n for_o her_o faith_n and_o pious_a governor_n but_o now_o as_o famous_a for_o their_o degeneracy_n as_o well_o in_o religion_n as_o in_o their_o life_n who_o ambition_n or_o interest_n prostitute_v the_o faith_n to_o those_o design_n and_o make_v it_o earthly_a and_o sensual_a or_o their_o negligence_n and_o stupidity_n suffer_v the_o enemy_n in_o the_o night_n of_o ignorance_n to_o sow_v the_o tare_n which_o so_o grow_v up_o and_o choke_v the_o wheat_n that_o faith_n be_v turn_v into_o fable_n and_o lie_n foppery_n and_o superstition_n be_v nicknamed_a devotion_n ridiculous_a gesture_n and_o habit_n pass_v for_o repentance_n and_o mortification_n the_o bible_n be_v shut_v up_o and_o contemn_v and_o the_o legend_n open_v and_o praise_v honest_a and_o good_a man_n be_v butcher_v and_o unknown_a person_n and_o malefactor_n canonize_v saint_n with_o their_o picture_n and_o relic_n be_v make_v rival_n to_o christ_n in_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n good_a work_n be_v spoil_v by_o merit_n and_o arrogance_n or_o do_v by_o way_n of_o composition_n for_o vice_n the_o fear_n of_o hell_n be_v abate_v by_o the_o invention_n of_o purgatory_n christ_n be_v fetch_v from_o glory_n by_o the_o magic_n of_o a_o priest_n and_o put_v into_o a_o wafer_n or_o into_o a_o more_o sordid_a place_n riddle_n and_o quirk_n of_o their_o school_n be_v make_v article_n of_o faith_n in_o short_a old_a truth_n be_v root_v up_o and_o new_a error_n graft_v on_o they_o power_n and_o profit_n be_v style_v the_o church_n the_o court_n of_o rome_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o temple_n and_o call_v the_o holy_a of_o holies_n such_o error_n as_o these_o in_o the_o christian_n faith_n come_v from_o rome_n and_o infect_v our_o ancient_a british_a church_n not_o at_o first_o plant_v by_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o romish_a bishop_n of_o old_a but_o corrupt_v by_o their_o late_a emissary_n and_o last_v a_o long_a time_n among_o we_o be_v support_v by_o power_n twist_v with_o interest_n suitable_a to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n incorporate_v into_o the_o government_n have_v put_v out_o man_n reason_n to_o try_v and_o discern_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n and_o at_o length_n become_v fashionable_a legal_a terrible_a with_o fire_n and_o censure_n which_o make_v we_o sick_a unto_o death_n absolute_a almost_o and_o beyond_o recovery_n such_o be_v our_o condition_n here_o of_o slavery_n and_o ignorance_n but_o it_o please_v he_o that_o dwell_v between_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n to_o dispel_v our_o darkness_n and_o restore_v the_o ancient_a light_n of_o primitive_a christianity_n his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n improve_n the_o passion_n and_o inclination_n of_o some_o in_o temporal_a change_n and_o concern_v to_o spiritual_a purpose_n encourage_v the_o secret_a groan_n and_o desire_n of_o other_o put_v many_o more_o upon_o search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o infuse_v courage_n for_o it_o at_o length_n come_v to_o a_o resolution_n of_o argue_v and_o debate_v the_o error_n of_o the_o romish_a faith_n and_o manner_n of_o reform_v the_o abuse_n in_o discipline_n and_o devotion_n and_o to_o call_v back_o true_a christianity_n again_o and_o be_v dispossess_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o rome_n which_o oft_o tear_v they_o and_o rend_v they_o till_o they_o foam_v again_o be_v now_o clothe_v and_o in_o their_o wit_n once_o more_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o friend_n of_o rome_n call_v we_o heretic_n schismatic_n and_o innovator_n discharge_v censure_n and_o excommunication_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n against_o we_o be_v full_a of_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n and_o to_o show_v a_o little_a wit_n in_o their_o anger_n and_o pretend_a reason_n pert_o ask_v the_o question_n where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n this_o be_v the_o common_a and_o trite_a objection_n against_o our_o religion_n very_o frequent_v not_o only_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o their_o smith_n bellarmine_n campian_n smith_n more_o ordinary_a
way_n or_o other_o be_v necessary_o include_v in_o that_o belief_n and_o think_v that_o he_o make_v sincere_a and_o sound_a disciple_n if_o they_o believe_v what_o he_o preach_v only_o jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n in_o their_o full_a compass_n and_o latitude_n though_o we_o believe_v all_o this_o in_o a_o more_o express_a and_o explicit_a sense_n all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n or_o the_o two_o other_o creed_n draw_v up_o by_o the_o church_n to_o explain_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o some_o article_n and_o to_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o heretic_n yet_o the_o first_o christian_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o we_o shall_v be_v damn_v they_o shall_v be_v the_o elect_a and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n we_o must_v be_v reprobate_n and_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n or_o let_v rome_n show_v her_o wont_a charity_n and_o say_v she_o doubt_v also_o of_o their_o salvation_n or_o do_v christ_n connive_v at_o that_o time_n of_o ignorance_n or_o have_v he_o as_o a_o lawgiver_n forget_v to_o declare_v some_o part_n of_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o upon_o better_a remembrance_n after_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n suggest_v it_o to_o his_o careful_a vicar_n or_o do_v christ_n know_v their_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o that_o they_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o at_o that_o time_n therefore_o delay_v the_o discovery_n so_o long_o or_o do_v these_o new_a article_n lie_v hide_v so_o long_o conceal_v by_o his_o apostle_n or_o bury_v by_o some_o lewd_a heretic_n in_o the_o rubbish_n of_o those_o church_n they_o pull_v down_o but_o afterward_o find_v as_o they_o say_v the_o cross_n be_v and_o now_o store_v to_o light_n or_o be_v these_o new_a article_n some_o way_n or_o other_o contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n which_o we_o believe_v and_o by_o easy_a and_o natural_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o they_o some_o such_o fine_a reason_n as_o these_o must_v be_v pretend_v otherwise_o we_o can_v safe_o conclude_v that_o our_o church_n be_v true_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a though_o she_o disow_v the_o late_a invention_n of_o the_o romish_a bishop_n and_o be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n by_o her_o first_o feature_n and_o complexion_n though_o she_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o new_a italian_a dress_n for_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n the_o house_n of_o god_n irregular_a in_o its_o build_n want_v of_o beam_n and_o pillar_n the_o essential_o of_o religion_n till_o rome_n curious_a and_o careful_a builder_n cast_v it_o into_o a_o new_a model_n and_o complete_v it_o 2._o this_o question_n suppose_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n ought_v always_o to_o be_v visible_a which_o be_v not_o so_o strict_o true_a for_o visible_a or_o invisible_a make_v not_o two_o church_n but_o different_a state_n condition_n or_o respect_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o it_o be_v design_v by_o christ_n that_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o church_n shall_v make_v a_o outward_a and_o vissible_a profession_n of_o it_o by_o their_o religious_a assembly_n and_o worship_n by_o their_o sacrament_n discipline_n and_o government_n whereby_o be_v unite_v among_o themselves_o and_o to_o christ_n their_o head_n they_o shall_v constitute_v one_o body_n call_v the_o catholic_n church_n in_o who_o communion_n they_o must_v live_v and_o die_v but_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o number_n of_o christian_a people_n so_o profess_v and_o own_v the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n be_v lesser_a or_o great_a more_o conspicuous_a or_o obscure_a as_o persecution_n or_o heresy_n grow_v and_o prevail_v among_o they_o which_o like_o rage_a plague_n waste_v whole_a country_n destroy_v some_o pervert_v other_o and_o make_v many_o fly_n into_o remote_a kingdom_n and_o only_o some_o scatter_a and_o solitary_a christian_n live_v in_o cave_n and_o wilderness_n remain_v behind_o or_o only_o the_o face_n of_o a_o distress_a christian_a church_n as_o it_o happen_v to_o the_o seven_o asian_n and_o african_a church_n which_o now_o labour_n under_o a_o mahometan_a pride_n and_o superstition_n but_o as_o it_o lose_v in_o one_o country_n it_o gain_v in_o another_o the_o jewish_a persecution_n and_o other_o drive_v several_a colony_n of_o christian_n into_o remote_a country_n where_o they_o spread_v and_o enlarge_v their_o religion_n and_o many_o time_n the_o distress_n or_o triumph_v of_o the_o church_n follow_v the_o change_n and_o revolution_n in_o the_o civil_a state_n suffer_v or_o flourish_v with_o it_o and_o often_o the_o abuse_n of_o religion_n prostitute_v of_o it_o to_o hypocrisy_n and_o secular_a end_n the_o wicked_a life_n of_o its_o disciple_n or_o want_v of_o courage_n or_o resolution_n in_o its_o defence_n have_v tempt_v providence_n to_o permit_v pestilent_a heresy_n worse_o than_o that_o in_o these_o northern_a part_n to_o prevail_v and_o paganism_n to_o return_v again_o but_o still_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n be_v firm_a and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n do_v not_o prevail_v against_o she_o and_o though_o he_o be_v force_v sometime_o to_o travel_v from_o country_n to_o country_n and_o look●_n small_a and_o obscure_a in_o the_o number_n of_o her_o follower_n yet_o still_o some_o or_o other_o part_n and_o corner_n of_o the_o world_n and_o true_a and_o zealous_a christian_n in_o they_o make_v up_o the_o little_a flock_n and_o shall_v never_o faill_v while_o the_o world_n endure_v popery_n like_o the_o egyptian_a darkness_n have_v overspread_v this_o and_o other_o nation_n yet_o here_o and_o there_o be_v as_o the_o israelite_n that_o have_v light_a in_o his_o dwelling_n and_o a_o counter-charm_n against_o the_o enchantment_n of_o egypt_n the_o gospel_n that_o at_o length_n do_v prevail_v against_o corruption_n and_o make_v its_o follower_n visible_a and_o numerous_a they_o ask_v we_o where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n as_o though_o it_o be_v not_o because_o it_o do_v not_o visible_o appear_v or_o no_o where_o in_o the_o world_n because_o not_o here_o in_o england_n or_o in_o other_o part_n where_o popery_n do_v domineer_v and_o the_o romish_a faction_n be_v all_o and_o whole_a christianity_n in_o the_o world_n the_o catholic_n church_n which_o imply_v contradiction_n and_o absurdity_n christianity_n here_o indeed_o be_v obscure_v and_o like_o the_o sun_n under_o the_o cloud_n but_o still_o the_o sun_n be_v the_o same_o and_o at_o length_n conquer_v the_o mist_n it_o be_v a_o fine_a question_n to_o ask_v where_o be_v the_o sun_n before_o noon_n day_n we_o will_v suppose_v her_o follower_n to_o be_v few_o yet_o christ_n be_v true_a though_o other_o be_v liar_n for_o he_o never_o promise_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n shall_v be_v always_o famous_a for_o their_o number_n or_o that_o multitude_n shall_v always_o follow_v truth_n nor_o ever_o direct_v man_n to_o follow_v the_o multitude_n in_o search_n of_o truth_n which_o 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and_o they_o far_o confess_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n there_o shall_v be_v neither_o pope_n monk_n nor_o mass_o if_o this_o be_v all_o that_o monster_n be_v not_o so_o terrible_a as_o he_o be_v paint_v and_o their_o annalist_n complain_v of_o such_o sad_a thing_n as_o these_o in_o the_o ten_o century_n and_o certain_o they_o have_v read_v of_o 12._o ver._n 12._o 6._o 11._o 7._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 12._o the_o woman_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o the_o witness_n slay_v and_o of_o hay_o and_o stubble_n co●ering_v the_o foundation_n which_o describe_v the_o deplorable_a condition_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o foppery_n nicety_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n obscure_v the_o essential_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n shall_v a_o revolt_n happen_v which_o god_n divert_v from_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n to_o romanism_n again_o may_v not_o other_o ask_v they_o the_o same_o question_n where_o be_v your_o religion_n before_o eighty_o three_o or_o eighty_o 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the_o high_a nature_n carry_v wilfulness_n and_o obstinacy_n with_o it_o and_o accordingly_z these_o infallible_a man_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o heresy_n as_o pope_n honorius_n of_o monothelitism_n and_o liberius_n of_o arrianism_n and_o the_o like_a and_o many_o of_o they_o live_v most_o debauch_a life_n as_o fatal_a to_o christianity_n as_o heresy_n and_o fallibility_n and_o wherein_o providence_n be_v high_o concern_v this_o doctrine_n of_o infallibility_n look_v like_o a_o plain_a contrivance_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n have_v some_o way_n or_o other_o slip_v into_o these_o gross_a error_n from_o small_a begining_n &_o find_v they_o not_o defensible_a by_o all_o the_o sleight_n and_o art_n of_o their_o cunning_a head_n be_v force_v to_o quit_v their_o hold_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o common_a sanctuary_n of_o infallibility_n that_o let_v these_o thing_n be_v what_o they_o will_v in_o dispute_n between_o we_o and_o they_o
power_n or_o design_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n it_o do_v prevail_v in_o a_o sly_a and_o silent_a manner_n interest_n have_v put_v out_o their_o eye_n this_o kingdom_n come_v not_o with_o observation_n and_o the_o approach_n of_o the_o enemy_n in_o the_o night_n of_o ignorance_n viz._n the_o darkness_n that_o can_v be_v feel_v of_o the_o nine_o ten_o and_o eleven_o century_n when_o all_o good_a learning_n and_o manner_n too_o be_v fast_o asleep_a the_o time_n when_o many_o of_o the_o new_a device_n of_o rome_n be_v hammer_v out_o and_o the_o noise_n not_o hear_v be_v not_o discover_v till_o they_o have_v take_v possession_n and_o then_o by_o virtue_n of_o power_n and_o great_a name_n defend_v their_o title_n and_o their_o own_o writer_n confess_v that_o many_o of_o the_o great_a guardian_n of_o faith_n the_o pope_n of_o rome_n be_v very_o vicious_a and_o illiterate_a person_n who_o vice_n and_o ignorance_n keep_v they_o nod_v while_o the_o little_a theives_n the_o notion_n and_o 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question_n where_o be_v our_o harvest_n of_o wheat_n before_o the_o weeder_n our_o reformer_n come_v for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n find_v old_a christianity_n strange_o overgrow_v with_o the_o new_a doctrine_n and_o creed_n of_o rome_n contrary_a to_o the_o office_n of_o christ_n the_o design_n of_o his_o undertake_n for_o mankind_n and_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o his_o religion_n it_o become_v a_o duty_n as_o much_o as_o they_o love_v their_o soul_n and_o will_v be_v true_a and_o loyal_a unto_o christ_n to_o shake_v off_o these_o new_a and_o sinful_a imposition_n and_o restore_v true_a and_o primitive_a christianity_n have_v our_o difference_n with_o rome_n consist_v only_o in_o thing_n less_o fit_a and_o proper_a use_v by_o they_o in_o their_o religious_a office_n or_o in_o ritual_n or_o gesture_n not_o so_o decent_a they_o may_v have_v have_v some_o pretence_n to_o roar_v against_o we_o for_o break_v off_o communion_n with_o she_o but_o when_o they_o plough_v up_o the_o 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a_o chaste_a virgin_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v 2._o 2_o cor._n 11._o 2._o long_o prostitute_v to_o the_o design_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n by_o a_o solemn_a vow_n and_o our_o soul_n be_v at_o stake_n we_o have_v engage_v to_o preserve_v it_o pure_a &_o undefiled_a &_o therefore_o with_o all_o just_a and_o proper_a way_n and_o method_n we_o be_v bind_v earnest_o to_o contend_v for_o it_o in_o duty_n therefore_o to_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n command_v at_o such_o a_o time_n we_o begin_v our_o reformation_n but_o wish_v that_o it_o have_v be_v promote_v and_o complete_v many_o year_n before_o though_o the_o same_o question_n will_v have_v be_v as_o fit_o ask_v then_o or_o any_o other_o time_n except_o they_o think_v that_o error_n must_v be_v immortal_a and_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o they_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o reformation_n will_v be_v ready_o acknowledge_v and_o imitate_v do_v not_o fame_n and_o ambition_n 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agree_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v deliver_v by_o christ_n from_o god_n the_o father_n or_o by_o the_o apostle_n from_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v embrace_v and_o firm_o retain_v whither_o it_o be_v write_v or_o not_o write_v that_o make_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o if_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a it_o come_v from_o he_o or_o they_o for_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v not_o its_o authority_n because_o it_o be_v write_v but_o because_o it_o come_v from_o god._n if_o christ_n say_v a_o thing_n it_o be_v enough_o we_o ought_v to_o submit_v unto_o it_o but_o we_o must_v first_o know_v that_o he_o say_v it_o and_o let_v the_o mean_n of_o know_v it_o be_v what_o they_o will_v if_o we_o can_v certain_o know_v he_o say_v it_o we_o yield_v to_o it_o but_o how_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n from_o his_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o any_o thing_n now_o pretend_v to_o it_o be_v say_v by_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o record_v in_o the_o 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to_o hold_v fast_o whither_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o epistle_n or_o in_o his_o former_a preach_n for_o he_o have_v not_o occasion_n now_o to_o write_v all_o that_o he_o have_v former_o deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n which_o afterward_o be_v put_v in_o writing_n for_o mark_n which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n the_o time_n when_o some_o thing_n remain_v unwritten_a which_o be_v when_o this_o epistle_n be_v send_v to_o the_o thessalonian_o then_o some_o thing_n concern_v their_o salvation_n be_v not_o contain_v in_o this_o letter_n but_o as_o yet_o deliver_v only_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n unto_o this_o church_n i_o say_v to_o this_o church_n for_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o all_o church_n whatsoever_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n without_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n complete_o write_v because_o among_o the_o thessalonian_o some_o traditious_a or_o doctrine_n be_v as_o yet_o unwritten_a which_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v extend_v no_o far_o than_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o this_o epistle_n which_o do_v contain_v all_o the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n though_o other_o writing_n which_o it_o be_v possible_a be_v then_o extant_a in_o some_o other_o church_n do_v and_o i_o say_v as_o yet_o unwritten_a in_o that_o church_n because_o the_o thessalonian_o no_o doubt_v have_v afterward_o more_o communicate_v to_o they_o in_o writing_n beside_o this_o epistle_n or_o the_o former_a either_o viz._n all_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o apostle_n and_o other_o apostolical_a epistle_n which_o we_o now_o enjoy_v which_o write_n we_o may_v be_v confident_a contain_v the_o tradition_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v to_o the_o thessalonian_o by_o word_n concern_v the_o incarnation_n birth_n life_n miracle_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o concern_v the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n 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faith_n of_o christ_n they_o shall_v not_o teach_v nor_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o whereby_o the_o unskilful_a multitude_n may_v be_v infla●ed_v either_o to_o the_o study_n of_o novelty_n or_o to_o contention_n vi_o but_o though_o nothing_o may_v be_v teach_v as_o a_o piece_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v not_o the_o forename_a original_a yet_o i_o must_v add_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v universal_o believe_v and_o not_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n though_o not_o write_v at_o all_o there_o nor_o to_o be_v prove_v from_o thence_o we_o do_v receive_v as_o pious_a opinion_n for_o instance_n the_o perpetual_a virginity_n of_o the_o mother_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n which_o be_v so_o likely_a a_o thing_n and_o so_o universal_o receive_v that_o i_o do_v not_o see_v why_o we_o shall_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o genuine_a apostolical_a tradition_n vii_o i_o have_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o to_o add_v which_o be_v that_o we_o allow_v also_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o 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c._n 32_o that_o the_o church_n remain_v a_o chaste_a virgin_n and_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n till_o the_o sacred_a choir_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o next_o generation_n of_o they_o who_o have_v have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v their_o auditonr_n be_v extinct_a and_o then_o there_o begin_v a_o plain_a conspiracy_n of_o impious_a atheistical_a error_n by_o the_o fraud_n of_o teacher_n who_o deliver_v other_o doctrine_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n saint_n paul_n fear_v even_o in_o his_o own_o life_n time_n about_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o cor_fw-la 1._o 3._o lest_o the_o devil_n like_o a_o wily_a serpent_n shall_v beguile_v they_o and_o corrupt_v their_o mind_n from_o the_o original_a simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n wherein_o they_o be_v first_o instruct_v and_o if_o it_o be_v attempt_v then_o it_o be_v less_o difficult_a and_o therefore_o more_o endeavour_v afterward_o as_o shall_v appear_v anon_o by_o plain_a history_n which_o tell_v how_o several_a 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whole_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o every_o age_n until_o this_o day_n witness_v that_o it_o be_v divine_a and_o it_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a business_n of_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o expound_v this_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o people_n and_o their_o book_n be_v full_a of_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n all_o agree_v in_o substance_n with_o what_o we_o now_o read_v in_o they_o nay_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n such_o as_o celsus_n porphyry_n julian_n never_o question_v but_o these_o be_v the_o write_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o author_n and_o which_o they_o deliver_v beside_o the_o mark_v they_o have_v in_o themselves_o of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n which_o indite_v they_o they_o all_o tend_v to_o breed_v and_o preserve_v in_o man_n a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v they_o true_o virtuous_a not_o one_o word_n of_o which_o can_v be_v say_v for_o any_o of_o those_o unwritten_a tradition_n which_o the_o roman_a church_n pretend_v to_o 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that_o all_o do_v read_v and_o silence_n be_v make_v that_o all_o hear_v this_o be_v also_o agreeable_a to_o the_o former_a opinion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o and_o for_o proof_n of_o which_o what_o can_v we_o desire_v more_o than_o the_o declaration_n of_o pope_n and_o council_n and_o this_o we_o have_v for_o we_o read_v of_o a_o permission_n give_v by_o the_o pope_n to_o the_o moravian_o at_o the_o instance_n of_o cyril_n who_o have_v 260._o aeneas_n silvius_n hist_n bohem._n l._n 1._o c._n 13._o aun●_n 260._o convert_v they_o and_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o sclavonians_n to_o have_v divine_a service_n in_o their_o own_o tongue_n and_o that_o he_o and_o the_o conclave_n be_v induce_v to_o it_o when_o not_o a_o few_o do_v oppose_v it_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n that_o say_v let_v every_o spirit_n praise_v the_o lord_n and_o every_o tongue_n confess_v to_o he_o as_o aeneas_z silvius_n afterward_o pope_n relate_v and_o pope_n john_n the_o viii_o not_o long_o after_o in_o anno_fw-la 880._o write_v thus_o to_o s_n fento_fw-mi opulcer_n a_o prince_n 1644._o coneil_n tom._n 24._o epist_n 217._o paris_n 1644._o of_o the_o sclavonian_n we_o command_v that_o the_o praise_n and_o work_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v declare_v in_o the_o same_o sclavonian_n tongue_n for_o we_o be_v admonish_v by_o sacred_a writ_n to_o praise_v the_o lord_n not_o only_o in_o three_o but_o in_o all_o tongue_n say_v praise_v the_o lord_n all_o you_o nation_n praise_v he_o all_o the_o people_n and_o the_o apostle_n fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v in_o all_o tongue_n and_o s._n paul_n admonish_v let_v every_o tongue_n confess_v and_o in_o the_o first_o to_o the_o corinthian_n he_o do_v sufficient_o and_o plain_o admonish_v we_o that_o in_o speak_v we_o shall_v edify_v the_o church_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v it_o hinder_v the_o faith_n or_o doctrine_n to_o have_v the_o mass_n sing_v or_o the_o gospel_n and_o lesson_n well_o translate_v read_v or_o other_o divine_a office_n sing_v in_o the_o same_o selavonian_a tongue_n because_o he_o who_o make_v three_o principal_a tongue_n viz._n hebrew_n greek_a and_o latin_a make_v all_o to_o his_o praise_n etc._n etc._n and_o consormable_a to_o this_o be_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n of_o lateran_n under_o innocent_a iii_o anno_fw-la 1215._o that_o because_o in_o 9_o con._n 9_o many_o part_n within_o the_o same_o city_n and_o diocese_n there_o be_v many_o people_n of_o different_a manner_n and_o rite_n mix_v together_o but_o of_o one_o faith_n we_o therefore_o command_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o such_o city_n or_o diocese_n provide_v fit_a man_n who_o shall_v celebrate_v divine_a office_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o ri●es_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n this_o may_v be_v far_o confirm_v by_o the_o very_a office_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o this_o be_v sufficient_a 36._o vid._n cassandri_n liturg._n c._n 36._o to_o show_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v depart_v from_o scripture_n antiquity_n and_o itself_o when_o it_o do_v require_v that_o divine_a service_n be_v perform_v in_o a_o tongue_n unknown_a to_o the_o people_n and_o that_o it_o be_v never_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n nor_o any_o church_n nor_o even_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o it_o be_v most_o expedient_a to_o have_v it_o so_o perform_v so_o little_o be_v it_o then_o think_v that_o religious_a thing_n the_o less_o they_o be_v understand_v 461._o epist_n cleri_fw-la gall._n collect._n p._n 63._o epist_n p._n alex._n 7._o in_o collect._n p._n 69._o hosius_n p._n 64._o bellarm._n sect._n septim●_fw-la p._n sanct._n c._n 17._o n_o 3._o e._n w._n truth_n will_v out_o p._n 45._o 47._o r●●erus_n c._n 22._o portraiture_n c._n 14_o p._n 224._o bellarm._n l._n 1._o de_fw-la ●●ssa_fw-la c._n 11._o sanders_n orat_fw-la p._n 72_o r●em_fw-la annot_n p._n 461._o the_o more_o they_o will_v be_v admire_v and_o that_o to_o preserve_v a_o reverence_n for_o they_o and_o the_o people_n from_o dangerous_a error_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o keep_v they_o from_o be_v understand_v so_o little_o be_v it_o plead_v that_o there_o be_v any_o tongue_n sacred_a in_o themselves_o and_o that_o as_o the_o three_o upon_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o other_o and_o to_o exclude_v the_o rest_n so_o the_o latin_a as_o next_o to_o the_o head_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o most_o venerable_a of_o the_o three_o so_o little_o be_v it_o then_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o divinity_n in_o latin_a and_o something_o more_o of_o majesty_n and_o fit_a to_o stir_v up_o devotion_n then_o in_o other_o tongue_n so_o little_o be_v they_o afraid_a that_o latin_a will_v be_v lose_v if_o the_o service_n be_v not_o keep_v in_o it_o or_o however_o so_o little_a evident_a be_v it_o that_o they_o value_v the_o preservation_n of_o that_o tongue_n above_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n last_o so_o little_o do_v they_o think_v of_o the_o expedience_n of_o have_v the_o service_n in_o one_o common_a tongue_n as_o latin_a that_o christian_n wherever_o they_o travel_v may_v find_v the_o self_n same_o service_n and_o priest_n may_v officiate_v in_o it_o as_o at_o home_n as_o if_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o few_o that_o travel_n the_o many_o that_o stay_v at_o home_n shall_v be_v leave_v destitute_a and_o for_o one_o man_n convenience_n 10000_o be_v expose_v to_o eternal_a perd●io●_n these_o be_v argument_n coin_v on_o purpose_n to_o defend_v the_o cause_n and_o so_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n that_o need_v they_o ii_o let_v we_o consider_v whither_o from_o the_o time_n of_o its_o have_v be_v a_o rit_n it_o have_v be_v the_o rite_n of_o every_o church_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o produce_v their_o own_o confession_n septime_fw-la cassander_n liturg_n c._n 11._o 13._o 15_o ledesm_n c._n 33_o n._n 5_o bellarm._n c._n 16._o sect_n obj_fw-la ult_n salm_a on_o in_o 1_o cor_fw-la 16._o sect_n septime_fw-la for_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o armenian_n egyptian●_n habassine_n muscovite_n and_o sclavonians_n have_v their_o service_n in_o a_o tongue_n know_v to_o the_o people_n and_o their_o give_v they_o the_o hard_a name_n of_o heretic_n schismatic_n and_o barbarous_a will_v not_o save_v the_o council_n from_o be_v fallible_a when_o it_o say_v it_o be_v the_o rite_n of_o every_o church_n but_o be_v there_o no_o such_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o herein_o practise_v contrary_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n yet_o it_o will_v no_o more_o justify_v she_o than_o it_o can_v make_v that_o good_a which_o be_v evil_a that_o expedient_a which_o be_v mischievous_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o reconcile_v one_o part_n of_o the_o council_n to_o the_o other_o that_o when_o it_o have_v declare_v the_o masi_fw-la contai●●●_n great_z instruction_n for_o the_o people_n yet_o add_v that_o it_o be_v expedient_a and_o a_o approve_a rite_n that_o it_o be_v not_o celebrate_v in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n but_o say_v they_o this_o be_v grant_v if_o there_o be_v no_o interpretation_n but_o that_o be_v provide_v for_o by_o the_o council_n for_o it_o be_v order_v that_o lest_o christ_n sheep_n shall_v hunger_n all_o that_o have_v the_o care_n of_o soul_n shall_v frequent_o expound_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o we_o be_v now_o to_o consider_v sect_n iv_o whither_o the_o provision_n make_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n for_o have_v some_o part_n of_o the_o mass_n expound_v be_v sufficient_a to_o countervail_v the_o mischief_n of_o have_v the_o whole_a celebrate_v in_o a_o tongue_n not_o understand_v of_o the_o people_n and_o to_o excuse_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o injunction_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o last_o refuge_n they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o 63._o s._n c._n answ_n to_o d._n piece_n 7._o 175._o sanders_n orat_fw-la p._n 63._o confess_v that_o without_o a_o interpretation_n s._n paul_n be_v against_o they_o but_o with_o this_o they_o plead_v he_o be_v for_o they_o but_o what_o shall_v we_o then_o think_v of_o the_o case_n in_o their_o church_n at_o a_o time_n when_o as_o the_o people_n can_v not_o understand_v so_o the_o priest_n can_v not_o interpret_v and_o want_v both_o the_o gift_n and_o have_v not_o acquire_v so_o much_o as_o the_o art_n of_o it_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o their_o case_n and_o their_o church_n that_o have_v neither_o provide_v nor_o do_v use_v such_o a_o interpretation_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o but_o what_o differ_v as_o much_o from_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o light_n it_o give_v to_o the_o people_n as_o both_o that_o and_o the_o tongue_n they_o use_v do_v in_o the_o way_n by_o which_o they_o be_v obtain_v if_o it_o be_v a_o translation_n what_o a_o ludicrous_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v for_o
to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n and_o ●hom_n he_o do_v predestinate_a they_o he_o call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o he_o justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o glorify_v the_o apostle_n have_v say_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o verse_n 28_o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a unto_o they_o that_o love_n god_n to_o they_o who_o be_v call_v according_a to_o his_o purpose_n add_v as_o a_o proof_n of_o what_o he_o have_v say_v who_o he_o do_v foreknow_v will_v be_v person_n of_o great_a and_o noble_a mind_n and_o so_o fit_a for_o the_o work_n they_o he_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n they_o he_o do_v decree_n to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n and_o by_o suffering_n to_o be_v make_v conform_v to_o his_o son_n who_o be_v make_v perfect_a through_o suffering_n and_o who_o he_o do_v predestinate_a they_o he_o also_o call_v they_o in_o due_a time_n he_o actual_o call_v forth_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o name_n and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o approve_v of_o as_o faithful_a servant_n as_o loyal_a soldier_n as_o invincible_a champion_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o who_o he_o justify_v he_o glorify_v they_o he_o crown_v with_o honour_n and_o renown_n here_o and_o with_o immortal_a glory_n hereafter_o this_o be_v the_o testimony_n god_n bear_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o authority_n they_o have_v receive_v to_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v and_o for_o which_o they_o die_v this_o be_v the_o honour_n the_o primitive_a christian_n deserve_o show_v to_o their_o victorious_a martyr_n they_o do_v not_o invocate_v they_o but_o love_v their_o memory_n commemorate_a their_o virtue_n and_o bless_a god_n for_o their_o example_n they_o perform_v to_o they_o not_o any_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n that_o be_v jul._n cultus_fw-la offici●sus_fw-la dilectionis_fw-la &_o so●ietatis_fw-la specialis_fw-la observantia_fw-la s._n aust_n contr_n faust_n l._n 20._o 21._o ou_fw-fr latreutik●s_fw-la alla_fw-mi schetikos_fw-mi kai_fw-mi ti_fw-mi metik●s_fw-mi cyril_n l._n o._n contr_n jul._n due_a to_o god_n only_o but_o as_o they_o call_v it_o a_o officious_a worship_n a_o worship_n of_o love_n and_o society_n a_o special_a and_o particular_a observance_n a_o respect_n convenient_a and_o proper_a and_o which_o they_o can_v not_o but_o think_v be_v due_a to_o they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o great_a service_n they_o have_v do_v to_o the_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o more_o than_o ordinary_a worth_n and_o excellency_n that_o shine_v in_o they_o but_o afterward_o in_o succeed_a age_n when_o through_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n and_o favour_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a the_o church_n have_v rest_n and_o ease_n and_o prosperity_n begin_v to_o dawn_n upon_o it_o the_o devil_n find_v he_o can_v not_o prevail_v over_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o fiery_a trial_n and_o temptation_n betake_v himself_o to_o other_o more_o secret_a it_o may_v be_v but_o equal_o dangerous_a stratagem_n and_o by_o work_v on_o the_o strong_a inclination_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n to_o ease_n and_o softness_n he_o too_o successful_o attempt_v to_o deprave_v and_o corrupt_v it_o by_o loose_a and_o superstitious_a doctrine_n most_o man_n be_v for_o some_o kind_n of_o religion_n whither_o the_o devil_n will_v or_o no_o which_o because_o he_o cannot_v hinder_v he_o labour_v what_o he_o can_v it_o may_v be_v such_o that_o whilst_o it_o pretend_v fair_a may_v do_v they_o but_o little_a good_a and_o man_n be_v for●ard_v enough_o to_o close_v with_o that_o which_o offer_v at_o carry_v they_o to_o heaven_n on_o the_o easy_a term_n the_o church_n be_v now_o out_o of_o persecution_n and_o riches_n and_o honour_n attend_v that_o profession_n for_o which_o such_o multitude_n have_v lose_v all_o and_o endure_v the_o flame_n the_o people_n begin_v to_o be_v more_o loose_a and_o vain_a in_o their_o conversation_n then_o when_o they_o still_o expect_v martyrdom_n now_o they_o begin_v to_o place_v their_o religion_n in_o show_n and_o pretence_n more_o than_o in_o a_o sincere_a and_o substantial_a piety_n and_o whereas_o before_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o frequent_v the_o tomb_n of_o the_o martyr_n that_o at_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o place_n their_o affection_n may_v be_v raise_v their_o devotion_n enliven_v and_o their_o faith_n and_o charity_n receive_v far_a degree_n of_o warmth_n and_o heat_n from_o their_o burn_a and_o shine_a example_n now_o they_o place_v all_o their_o religion_n in_o the_o bare_a outward_a observance_n of_o that_o solemnity_n and_o take_v more_o care_n to_o honour_v the_o saint_n by_o their_o lofty_a praise_n and_o commendation_n of_o they_o then_o to_o become_v saint_n themselves_o by_o imitate_v their_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o that_o what_o be_v want_v in_o the_o one_o they_o may_v make_v up_o in_o the_o other_o they_o now_o begin_v to_o fall_v into_o many_o superstitious_a conceit_n and_o opinion_n concern_v they_o to_o break_v out_o into_o too_o lavish_a and_o indeed_o extravagant_a expression_n of_o their_o worth_n and_o to_o fly_v too_o high_a in_o their_o panegyric_n and_o laudatory_a oration_n now_o they_o begin_v to_o attribute_v the_o miracle_n do_v at_o the_o martyr_n tomb_n to_o the_o martyr_n own_o power_n or_o at_o least_o mediation_n with_o god_n the_o common_a people_n observe_v that_o many_o cure_n be_v wrought_v upon_o those_o that_o at_o those_o monument_n apply_v themselves_o to_o god_n be_v lead_v by_o degree_n to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o so_o many_o testimony_n of_o the_o martyr_n great_a interest_n in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n and_o instead_o of_o beg_a relief_n of_o god_n to_o speak_v direct_o to_o the_o martyr_n themselves_o to_o fancy_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o martyr_n be_v always_o hover_v about_o their_o tomb_n and_o ash_n and_o so_o join_v their_o intercession_n with_o the_o prayer_n of_o christian_n that_o be_v put_v up_o to_o god_n in_o those_o place_n so_o it_o be_v object_v by_o vigilantius_n to_o st._n hierom_n to_o wish_v that_o the_o martyr_n will_v pray_v for_o they_o flavianus_n oret_fw-la pro_fw-la nobis_fw-la flavianus_n so_o they_o cry_v out_o in_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n let_v flavianus_n pray_v for_o we_o and_o in_o theodoret_n history_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o father_n we_o find_v in_o the_o close_a of_o most_o of_o they_o though_o some_o think_v they_o not_o to_o be_v his_o word_n but_o addition_n and_o insertion_n afterward_o i_o wish_v and_o desire_n that_o by_o their_o intercession_n i_o may_v obtain_v divine_a help_n to_o commend_v themselves_o to_o the_o martyr_n intercession_n aust_n commendare_fw-la nos_fw-la orationi_fw-la st._n aust_n to_o beg_v to_o be_v hear_v for_o their_o sake_n to_o be_v help_v by_o their_o prayer_n to_o be_v vouchsafe_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o prayer_n that_o be_v make_v by_o they_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n below_o to_o pray_v to_o they_o upon_o supposition_n if_o they_o hear_v or_o know_v what_o be_v do_v here_o below_o hear_v oh_o thou_o soul_n gorgon_n nazian_n orat._n 2._o in_o jultan_n ei_fw-la de_fw-la iis_fw-la soi_fw-fr kai_fw-fr ton_fw-fr hemeteron_fw-gr esti_fw-la logos_fw-la orat._n ●nd_n in_o gorgon_n of_o great_a constantius_n say_v st._n gregory_n nazianzen_n if_o thou_o have_v any_o understanding_n of_o these_o thing_n the_o like_a he_o have_v in_o his_o funeral_n oration_n which_o he_o make_v upon_o his_o sister_n gorgonia_n if_o thou_o have_v any_o care_n of_o thing_n do_v by_o we_o and_o holy_a soul_n receive_v this_o honour_n from_o god_n that_o they_o have_v any_o feel_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o receive_v this_o oration_n of_o we_o by_o such_o step_n and_o degree_n as_o these_o the_o frequent_v the_o place_n where_o the_o martyr_n be_v enshrine_v and_o honour_v their_o name_n and_o memory_n be_v turn_v into_o superstitious_a devotion_n and_o that_o soon_o end_v in_o solemn_a and_o downright_a invocation_n to_o all_o this_o we_o may_v add_v what_o a_o learned_a author_n of_o our_o own_o have_v ingenious_o guess_v that_o the_o great_a compliance_n tenison_n dr._n tenison_n and_o yield_n of_o the_o roman_a christian_n in_o this_o particular_a to_o those_o northern_a nation_n the_o goth_n and_o vandal_n when_o they_o invade_v and_o overun_v the_o empire_n do_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v to_o raise_v and_o propagate_v this_o saint-worship_n and_o invocation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o all_o the_o heathen_a nation_n none_o be_v more_o zealous_o devote_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o daemon_n than_o those_o be_v whereof_o he_o give_v many_o testimony_n now_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o the_o christian_n to_o mollify_v their_o fierce_a nature_n and_o to_o induce_v they_o the_o more_o ready_o to_o embrace_v christianity_n may_v indulge_v they_o still_o that_o
or_o papist_n but_o yet_o hearty_o desire_v to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o both_o but_o there_o be_v a_o more_o mischievous_a suggestion_n than_o this_o that_o the_o design_n of_o such_o paper_n be_v only_o to_o raise_v a_o new_a cry_n and_o noise_n about_o popery_n and_o to_o alarm_n the_o people_n and_o disturb_v the_o government_n with_o new_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n true_o if_o i_o think_v this_o will_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o i_o will_v burn_v my_o paper_n present_o for_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v get_v nothing_o by_o a_o tumultuary_a and_o clamorous_a zeal_n against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o i_o have_v much_o rather_o suffer_v under_o popery_n then_o contribute_v any_o thing_n towards_o raise_v a_o popular_a fury_n to_o keep_v it_o out_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o as_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o popery_n as_o we_o be_v to_o phanaticism_n and_o desire_v that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v know_v i●_n but_o we_o will_v never_o rebel_n nor_o countenance_v any_o rebellion_n against_o our_o lawful_a sovereign_n to_o keep_v out_o either_o we_o leave_v such_o principle_n and_o practice_n to_o papist_n and_o fanatic_n but_o when_o we_o find_v our_o people_n assault_v by_o the_o agent_n of_o rome_n and_o do_v not_o think_v ourselves_o secure_a from_o popish_a design_n we_o think_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o give_v they_o the_o best_a instruction_n we_o can_v to_o preserve_v they_o from_o such_o error_n as_o we_o believe_v will_v destroy_v their_o soul_n and_o can_v but_o wonder_n that_o any_o man_n who_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o take_v care_n of_o soul_n as_o we_o be_v shall_v think_v this_o a_o needless_a or_o a_o scandalous_a undertake_n i_o wish_v such_o man_n will_v speak_v out_o and_o tell_v we_o plain_o what_o they_o think_v of_o popery_n themselves_o if_o they_o think_v this_o design_n not_o well_o manage_v by_o those_o who_o undertake_v it_o it_o will_v more_o become_v they_o to_o commend_v the_o design_n and_o do_v it_o better_v themselves_o i_o know_v no_o man_n but_o will_v very_o glad_o be_v excuse_v as_o have_v other_o work_n enough_o to_o employ_v his_o time_n but_o yet_o i_o have_v rather_o spend_v my_o vacant_a minute_n this_o way_n then_o in_o censure_v the_o good_a that_o other_o man_n do_v while_o i_o do_v none_o myself_o the_o word_n of_o the_o paper_n which_o be_v send_v to_o i_o be_v these_o it_o be_v my_o opinion_n that_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o our_o legislator_n have_v leave_v to_o we_o a_o mean_n of_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o church_n now_o i_o judge_v this_o church_n must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n by_o its_o continual_a visible_a succession_n from_o christ_n till_o our_o day_n but_o i_o doubt_v whither_o or_o no_o the_o protestant_a church_n can_v make_v out_o this_o continual_a visible_a succession_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v inform_v answer_n that_o christ_n have_v lest_o a_o mean_n 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church_n our_o rule_n and_o in_o other_o matter_n follow_v the_o judgement_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v which_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o good_a government_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o but_o then_o this_o be_v very_o false_a if_o we_o mean_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n on_o if_o by_o the_o church_n we_o understand_v any_o particular_a church_n as_o i_o suppose_v this_o person_n do_v the_o roman_n catholic_n that_o be_v the_o particular_a universal_a church_n of_o rome_n or_o if_o we_o mean_v the_o church_n of_o the_o present_a age_n or_o by_o mean_n understand_v such_o a_o decretory_a sentence_n as_o must_v determine_v our_o faith_n and_o command_v out_o assent_n that_o we_o must_v seek_v
lay_v so_o much_o stress_n upon_o it_o 286._o bellar._n tom._n 2._o p._n 286._o if_o these_o be_v innovation_n creep_v into_o their_o church_n who_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o when_o do_v he_o begin_v in_o who_o reign_n and_o in_o what_o place_n do_v he_o live_v who_o do_v oppose_v he_o what_o company_n believe_v on_o he_o and_o what_o his_o new_a opinion_n be_v as_o they_o instance_n in_o arrianism_n and_o other_o heresy_n and_o because_o they_o fancy_v we_o can_v make_v all_o these_o particular_n so_o absolute_o plain_a therefore_o they_o say_v we_o have_v false_o charge_v the_o romish_a church_n with_o new_a error_n and_o that_o their_o faith_n be_v true_o ancient_a and_o by_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o infallible_a bishop_n have_v be_v convey_v down_o from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o its_o full_a purity_n to_o this_o present_a age._n to_o satisfy_v their_o curiosity_n the_o defender_n of_o the_o reformation_n have_v do_v this_o but_o suppose_v 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tell_v we_o what_o rabbi_n and_o in_o what_o place_n and_o age_n first_o superinduce_v the_o several_a false_a gloss_n and_o sense_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yet_o our_o saviour_n though_o he_o know_v they_o well_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o tell_v they_o that_o in_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o by_o compare_v the_o mosaic_a religion_n it_o plain_o appear_v they_o be_v new_a addition_n to_o the_o good_a old_a way_n and_o how_o many_o error_n spring_v up_o in_o time_n of_o christianity_n of_o who_o original_a and_o other_o circumstance_n both_o the_o romanist_n and_o ourselves_o be_v yet_o uncertain_a and_o how_o many_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n more_o near_o our_o own_o time_n be_v we_o puzzle_v about_o and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o know_v they_o arise_v principal_o from_o this_o twofold_a account_n 1._o from_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o contriver_n of_o error_n which_o many_o time_n be_v the_o cunning_a and_o the_o wise_a in_o their_o generation_n which_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o cause_n require_v truth_n be_v strong_a and_o error_n nutural_o weak_a and_o that_o sly_a deceive_a spirit_n lend_v it_o his_o utmost_a assistance_n to_o serve_v the_o design_n such_o man_n know_v how_o to_o disguise_v new_a falsehood_n in_o the_o old_a habit_n of_o truth_n to_o make_v they_o look_v ancient_a and_o venerable_a they_o feel_v and_o know_v the_o temper_n of_o the_o age_n and_o fit_v their_o opinion_n to_o the_o interest_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o they_o prepare_v their_o error_n to_o be_v receive_v by_o degree_n and_o one_o part_n must_v draw_v on_o the_o other_o and_o the_o who●e_n must_v be_v insensible_o swallow_v down_o so_o it_o happen_v in_o the_o adoration_n and_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o image_n and_o the_o whole_a structure_n of_o the_o romish_n religion_n which_o by_o several_a step_n and_o in_o many_o age_n advance_v to_o its_o mighty_a bulk_n the_o cunning_n know_v the_o consequence_n of_o their_o own_o position_n how_o far_o the●_n will_v reach_v which_o the_o vulgar_a eye_n discern_v not_o they_o well_o foresee_v how_o their_o hey_n and_o stubble_n variety_n of_o phrase_n and_o change_n of_o syllable_n will_v at_o length_n fire_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n yet_o be_v invent_v at_o first_o by_o the_o angelical_a doctor_n and_o leader_n of_o a_o age_n for_o fame_n and_o reputation_n sake_n they_o &_o their_o follower_n first_o defend_v they_o for_o bare_a truth_n afterward_o for_o sacred_a and_o fundamental_a one_o and_o thing_n at_o first_o only_a pious_o believe_v soon_o after_o have_v be_v adopt_v into_o a_o creed_n and_o man_n of_o rashness_n and_o superstition_n only_o great_a in_o place_n and_o office_n have_v vent_v opinion_n who_o fatal_a conclusion_n they_o at_o first_o we_o hope_v do_v not_o know_v yet_o the_o cunning_a many_o time_n have_v hatch_v what_o they_o leave_v and_o improve_v it_o fatal_o to_o religion_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o man_n whither_o a_o innocent_a or_o a_o hildebrand_n give_v the_o error_n its_o first_o reputation_n and_o the_o cunning_a of_o other_o its_o strength_n and_o argument_n many_o of_o the_o great_a and_o know_a head_n of_o the_o world_n be_v corrupt_v unto_o the_o roman_a side_n to_o defend_v those_o error_n which_o have_v get_v foot_v in_o the_o church_n but_o how_o can_v we_o unlock_v the_o secret_a method_n of_o rome_n or_o describe_v the_o way_n and_o policy_n by_o which_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n work_v yet_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o the_o wind_n and_o turn_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o man_n that_o he_o employ_v upon_o design_n to_o ruin_v truth_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n describe_v the_o sad_a apostasy_n and_o defection_n from_o the_o faith_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v wrought_v by_o man_n of_o skill_n 14._o eph._n 4._o 14._o and_o art_n who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v 2_o from_o the_o passion_n and_o infirmity_n of_o other_o man_n these_o give_v the_o false_a and_o busy_a deceiver_n a_o easy_a victory_n when_o opinion_n be_v so_o contrive_v as_o to_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o pride_n and_o covetousness_n ambition_n and_o lust_n and_o other_o vice_n they_o easy_o pass_v for_o mighty_a truth_n their_o original_a be_v not_o inquire_v into_o the_o judgement_n be_v bribe_v and_o they_o bear_v the_o title_n of_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a or_o what_o the_o deceiver_n please_v for_o these_o passion_n have_v effeminate_a the_o mind_n make_v it_o soft_a and_o sluggish_a and_o any_o bold_a error_n shall_v slip_v down_o rather_o than_o be_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o a_o far_a search_n and_o enquiry_n to_o know_v whither_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o no._n the_o roman_a religion_n be_v so_o well_o cut_v out_o in_o its_o different_a doctrine_n to_o hit_v man_n vice_n and_o passion_n gaiety_n or_o melancholy_n enthusiasm_n or_o fury_n
to_o this_o effect_n that_o tradition_n which_o be_v of_o so_o much_o use_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v not_o unwritten_a tradition_n or_o custom_n commend_v or_o ratify_v by_o the_o suppose_a infallibility_n of_o any_o visible_a church_n but_o do_v especial_o consist_v in_o the_o confession_n or_o register_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o so_o many_o several_a church_n as_o exhibit_v their_o concession_n to_o the_o nicene_n council_n out_o of_o such_o form_n as_o have_v be_v frame_v and_o teach_v before_o this_o controversy_n arise_v about_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o voluntary_o and_o free_o these_o church_n be_v not_o dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o nor_o oversway_v by_o any_o authority_n over_o they_o nor_o mislead_v by_o faction_n to_o frame_v their_o confession_n of_o faith_n by_o imitation_n or_o according_a to_o some_o pattern_n set_v they_o be_v a_o pregnant_a argument_n that_o this_o faith_n wherein_o they_o 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he_o thank_v god_n that_o they_o who_o former_o have_v be_v servant_n of_o sin_n do_v now_o obey_v from_o the_o heart_n that_o form_n of_o doctrine_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v deliver_v so_o the_o word_n run_v in_o the_o greek_a as_o the_o margin_n of_o our_o bible_n inform_v you_o cis_fw-la bon_fw-fr paredothnie_fw-fr this_o be_v the_o tradition_n which_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o retain_v and_o hold_v fast_o above_o all_o other_o as_o that_o without_o which_o all_o our_o belief_n will_v be_v ineffectual_a this_o be_v the_o very_a end_n for_o which_o all_o divine_a truth_n be_v deliver_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v deliver_v and_o make_v a_o surrender_n of_o ourselves_o unto_o it_o observe_v the_o force_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n which_o tell_v we_o first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a form_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v compare_v here_o to_o a_o mould_n so_o the_o word_n typos_fw-la form_n may_v be_v translate_v into_o which_o metal_n 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and_o mighty_o move_v and_o if_o we_o will_v show_v our_o thankfulness_n for_o it_o let_v we_o follow_v these_o godly_a motion_n and_o conform_v ourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o heavenly_a prescription_n of_o this_o book_n be_v confident_a that_o if_o we_o do_v we_o need_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o about_o any_o other_o model_n of_o religion_n which_o we_o find_v not_o here_o deliver_v for_o if_o you_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o form_n of_o doctrine_n it_o be_v to_o which_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v we_o deliver_v it_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n direct_o opposite_a to_o all_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n for_o herein_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v he_o tell_v the_o roman_n in_o that_o it_o have_v bring_v they_o from_o be_v slave_n of_o sin_n hearty_o to_o obey_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o teach_v that_o be_v virtue_n and_o piety_n now_o to_o this_o the_o present_a romanist_n can_v pretend_v to_o add_v nothing_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o 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this_o divine_a canon_n peace_n shall_v be_v upon_o they_o and_o mercy_n they_o be_v the_o true_a israel_n or_o church_n of_o god_n the_o end_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n maintain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n edinburgh_n reprint_v by_o j._n reid_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1686._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n maintain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n whosoever_o with_o a_o impartial_a eye_n and_o a_o true_o religious_a concern_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o credit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n look_n into_o the_o estate_n of_o christendom_n he_o will_v scarce_o find_v any_o great_a cause_n of_o sorrowful_a reflection_n then_o from_o the_o many_o division_n and_o animosity_n which_o have_v distract_v and_o separate_v its_o part_n these_o have_v open_v the_o mouth_n and_o whet_v the_o tongue_n of_o profess_a enemy_n to_o revile_v invictive_n and_o profane_a scoff_v against_o our_o bless_a 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good_a order_n humility_n meekness_n patience_n etc._n etc._n direct_o oppose_v to_o those_o contention_n in_o every_o page_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n these_o it_o may_v suffice_v but_o to_o name_n it_o will_v soon_o be_v grant_v after_o the_o best_a provision_n of_o rule_n and_o most_o convince_a argument_n and_o motive_n to_o strengthen_v they_o that_o there_o will_v be_v need_n of_o some_o government_n to_o encourage_v all_o in_o their_o performance_n to_o restrain_v some_o from_o offer_v violence_n to_o they_o and_o to_o provide_v for_o many_o emergency_n our_o bless_a lord_n and_o master_n therefore_o for_o the_o better_a security_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o the_o safe_a conduct_n of_o those_o which_o adhere_v to_o it_o establish_v a_o society_n or_o church_n in_o the_o world_n which_o he_o purchase_v with_o the_o most_o inestimable_a price_n dignify_v with_o the_o high_a privilege_n encourage_v with_o the_o large_a promise_n back_v with_o the_o most_o ample_a authority_n and_o 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testament_n express_o tell_v what_o this_o idolatry_n be_v which_o suppose_v that_o we_o must_v learn_v what_o it_o be_v from_o some_o antecedent_n law_n and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o law_n in_o be_v but_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v in_o this_o case_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n refer_v they_o not_o to_o any_o write_a law_n but_o to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o idolatry_n but_o with_o what_o reason_n this_o be_v say_v will_v soon_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v to_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v and_o they_o be_v but_o jewish_a and_o heathen_a convert_v as_o for_o the_o heathen_n they_o have_v corrupt_v all_o their_o natural_a notion_n of_o idolatry_n and_o have_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o of_o this_o sin_n till_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o understand_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o idolatry_n without_o be_v teach_v it_o and_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a the_o apostle_n will_v 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one_o jot_n or_o one_o tittle_n shall_v in_o no_o wise_a pass_n from_o the_o law_n till_o all_o be_v fulfil_v and_o st._n paul_n who_o be_v look_v on_o by_o the_o believe_a jew_n as_o a_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v renounce_v all_o such_o pretence_n do_v we_o then_o make_v void_a the_o 31._o act_n 21._o 21._o 22._o rom_n 3._o 31._o law_n through_o faith_n god_n forbid_v yea_o we_o establish_v the_o law_n indeed_o have_v christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n attempt_v to_o have_v give_v any_o new_a law_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n it_o have_v justify_v the_o jew_n in_o their_o unbelief_n for_o god_n by_o his_o prophet_n isaiah_n have_v give_v this_o express_a rule_n to_o examine_v all_o new_a doctrine_n by_o to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o and_o that_o 20._o isai_n 8._o 20._o christ_n himself_o be_v not_o except_v from_o this_o rule_n appear_v in_o this_o that_o this_o be_v join_v with_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o messiah_n both_o before_o and_o after_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o isai_n 8_o 13._o 14._o and_o ch._n 9_o 6._o 7._o and_o therefore_o christ_n &_o his_o apostle_n always_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o st._n paul_n in_o all_o his_o dispute_n with_o the_o jew_n urge_v they_o with_o no_o other_o authority_n but_o the_o scripture_n and_o thö_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n do_v move_v the_o jew_n to_o hearken_v to_o they_o and_o great_o dispose_v they_o to_o believe_v their_o doctrine_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n whereon_o their_o faith_n be_v found_v as_o s._n peter_n tell_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v that_o though_o they_o preach_v nothing_o to_o they_o concern_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n but_o what_o they_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o and_o though_o god_n have_v give_v testimony_n to_o he_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n which_o they_o hear_v when_o they_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n yet_o he_o add_v we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o to_o a_o light_n 19_o pet._n 1._o 16._o 7._o 18._o 19_o that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n until_o the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o the_o jew_n of_o berea_n be_v great_o commend_v for_o their_o diligence_n in_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o examine_v st._n paul_n doctrine_n by_o they_o and_o this_o be_v assign_v 11._o act_n 17._o 10._o 11._o as_o the_o reason_n why_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v to_o apply_v this_o then_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n i_o observe_v 1._o that_o if_o christ_n do_v not_o make_v any_o new_a law_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n than_o he_o can_v make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o object_n of_o religious_a worship_n he_o can_v not_o introduce_v the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n without_o contradict_v that_o law_n which_o command_v we_o to_o worship_v no_o other_o be_v but_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n together_o with_o the_o supreme_a god_n be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o that_o law_n which_o command_v we_o to_o worship_n god_n alone_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o supreme_a god_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o that_o law_n which_o command_v we_o to_o worship_v none_o but_o god_n so_o that_o let_v this_o be_v a_o natural_a or_o positive_a law_n or_o whatever_o man_n please_v to_o call_v it_o it_o be_v a_o very_a plain_a and_o express_a law_n and_o christ_n never_o do_v contradict_v any_o express_a law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a that_o typical_a and_o ceremonial_a worship_n which_o god_n command_v the_o jew_n to_o observe_v be_v now_o out_o of_o date_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v no_o long_o oblige_v christian_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o be_v because_o it_o have_v receive_v its_o accomplishment_n and_o perfection_n in_o christ_n christ_n have_v perfect_v the_o jewish_a sacrifice_n and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o they_o by_o offer_v a_o more_o perfect_a and_o meritorious_a sacrifice_n even_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o the_o circumcision_n wash_n purification_n of_o the_o law_n be_v perfect_v by_o the_o law_n of_o internal_a purity_n the_o external_a ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n cease_v but_o they_o be_v perfect_v by_o a_o evangelical_n righteousness_n but_o this_o i_o say_v that_o christ_n never_o repeal_v any_o moysaicall_a law_n but_o by_o fulfil_v and_o perfect_v it_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v now_o methinks_v i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o sain●s_n and_o angel_n be_v not_o a_o fulfil_n but_o a_o destroy_v that_o law_n which_o command_v we_o to_o worship_v none_o but_o god_n and_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o these_o be_v positive_a law_n give_v to_o the_o jew_n though_o that_o be_v say_v without_o any_o reason_n for_o let_v they_o show_v i_o any_o positive_a law_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o christ_n have_v whole_o abrogate_a without_o fulfil_v it_o 2._o yet_o as_o a_o far_a proof_n that_o christ_n have_v make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n that_o he_o have_v not_o introduce_v the_o worship_n of_o saint_n or_o angel_n or_o image_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v so_o express_o forbid_v by_o the_o jewish_a law_n i_o observe_v
and_o useless_a light_n especial_o the_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la of_o purgatory_n whic●_n serve_v only_o to_o mislead_v man_n out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o so_o lose_v they_o i●_n the_o bog_n or_o wood_n of_o perpetual_a error_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o belieu●_v quite_o otherwise_o then_o the_o papist_n do_v for_o such_o as_o these_o be_v the_o instruction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n john_n 5._o 24._o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o he_o that_o hear_v my_o word_n and_o believe_v on_o he_o that_o send_v i_o hat●_n everlasting_a life_n he_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o condemnation_n but_o be_v pass●●_n from_o death_n to_o life_n mat._n 18._o 8._o wherefore_o if_o thy_o hand_n or_o thy_o f●●●_n offend_v thou_o cut_v they_o off_o and_o cast_v they_o from_o thou_o it_o be_v better_a for_o thou_o to_o enter_v into_o life_n halt_v or_o maim_v rather_o than_o have_v two_o hand_n and_o two_o foot_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n mat._n 19_o 29._o and_o every_o one_o that_o have_v forsake_v house_n or_o brethren_n or_o sister_n or_o father_n or_o mother_n or_o wife_n or_o child_n or_o land_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n shall_v receive_v a_o hundred_o fold_n and_o shall_v inherit_v everlasting_a life_n mat._n 25._o 46._o and_o these_o shall_v go_v into_o everlasting_a punishment_n but_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n everlasting_a in_o the_o sixteenth_o chapter_n of_o st._n luk_n gospel_n from_o the_o nineteenth_o to_o the_o one_o and_o thirty_o verse_n we_o read_v how_o the_o rich_a man_n be_v cast_v into_o torment_n and_o the_o poor_a man_n lodge_v in_o abraham_n bosom_n between_o the_o place_n of_o both_o these_o man_n there_o be_v mega_n chasma_fw-la a_o wide_a gulf_n never_o to_o be_v pass_v insomuch_o that_o dives_n do_v despair_v of_o any_o relief_n out_o of_o his_o misery_n when_o the_o gift_n of_o a_o drop_n of_o water_n to_o cool_v his_o tongue_n will_v not_o be_v grant_v he_o if_o we_o can_v assent_v to_o what_o the_o papist_n say_v they_o have_v 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declare_v for_o what_o reason_n the_o fiction_n of_o purgatory_n be_v first_o set_v on_o foot_n the_o tradition_n we_o receive_v as_o good_a and_o authentic_a be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o now_o read_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o i_o have_v prove_v purgatory_n to_o be_v none_o of_o these_o therefore_o those_o of_o the_o romish_a persuasion_n must_v mean_v some_o other_o tradition_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v write_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o here_o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o case_n aswell_o as_o in_o all_o other_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n therefore_o tradition_n council_n and_o father_n be_v only_o to_o be_v use_v as_o help_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n better_o but_o not_o to_o be_v entertain_v as_o any_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o case_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v of_o the_o apostle_n mind_n if_o i_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n then_o that_o which_o we_o have_v deliver_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v for_o this_o reason_n we_o can_v receive_v those_o doctrine_n for_o truth_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n press_v upon_o our_o belief_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o tradition_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v with_o what_o stratagem_n of_o force_n and_o fraud_n this_o church_n have_v labour_v to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o ignorance_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o her_o new_a doctrine_n that_o they_o may_v be_v swallow_v the_o more_o glib_o which_o be_v a_o artifice_n to_o enslave_v mankind_n by_o disable_n they_o either_o to_o see_v or_o know_v what_o she_o be_v a_o do_v whereas_o if_o we_o will_v keep_v up_o the_o honour_n and_o privilege_n of_o humane_a nature_n if_o we_o will_v preserve_v our_o bibles_n from_o be_v sequester_v into_o huckster_n hand_n if_o we_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o god_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n we_o must_v resolve_v against_o the_o novelty_n of_o popery_n for_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n there_o be_v nothing_o which_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n can_v challenge_v wherein_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n may_v not_o have_v so_o good_a a_o account_n as_o to_o receive_v full_a and_o ample_a satisfaction_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v any_o religion_n far_o than_o that_o which_o be_v own_v among_o protestant_n what_o more_o be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o papist_n be_v accommodate_v to_o serve_v some_o byend_n and_o purpose_n for_o this_o reason_n a_o great_a abbot_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o he_o do_v great_o suspect_v his_o religion_n must_v needs_o fail_v be_v not_o build_v upon_o so_o firm_a a_o rock_n as_o be_v suppose_v because_o there_o be_v so_o little_a ground_n for_o many_o tenant_n of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o may_v add_v that_o there_o be_v as_o little_a in_o the_o principal_n of_o god_n creation_n or_o in_o that_o which_o we_o call_v natural_a religion_n if_o this_o be_v so_o i_o wonder_v with_o what_o face_n they_o can_v still_o stand_v up_o for_o purgatory_n or_o imagine_v such_o a_o state_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v for_o a_o time_n shut_v up_o until_o they_o be_v set_v at_o liberty_n by_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o live_n or_o a_o pope_n indulgence_n but_o to_o justify_v themselves_o in_o this_o unpardonable_a abuse_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o christian_n in_o old_a time_n do_v make_v use_n of_o prayer_n and_o commemoration_n for_o those_o who_o die_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n now_o the_o question_n be_v whither_o the_o supplicant_n that_o use_v this_o kind_n of_o devotion_n intend_v by_o these_o mean_n to_o obtain_v a_o pardon_n for_o the_o criminal_n that_o be_v condemn_v to_o this_o prison_n the_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o custom_n will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o controversy_n and_o who_o can_v better_a inform_v we_o of_o their_o meaning_n than_o they_o themselves_o or_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o same_o age_n with_o they_o among_o who_o may_v be_v reckon_v dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n who_o treat_v particular_o of_o the_o rite_n use_v in_o their_o burial_n of_o the_o dead_a this_o author_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o bishop_n be_v wont_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o make_v a_o prayer_n of_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n for_o his_o restrain_v the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n over_o mankind_n as_o also_o for_o his_o merciful_a admittance_n of_o sincere_a penitent_n into_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o far_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v place_v they_o in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n seat_n they_o in_o abraham_n bosom_n where_o now_o they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n here_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o a_o place_n of_o light_n peace_n and_o joy_n everlasting_a this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o prayer_n for_o those_o that_o rest_v in_o the_o lord_n now_o le●t_o by_o mistake_v we_o shall_v infer_v from_o hence_o as_o some_o have_v do_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n depart_v this_o life_n be_v not_o yet_o in_o paradise_n but_o remain_v for_o some_o time_n in_o a_o condition_n of_o darkness_n loss_n and_o pain_n there_o to_o be_v prepare_v for_o heaven_n by_o certain_a purgation_n and_o thence_o to_o be_v discharge_v by_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o live_n the_o same_o excellent_a writer_n have_v mention_v only_o two_o division_n of_o the_o dead_a of_o those_o that_o have_v live_v well_o and_o of_o those_o that_o have_v live_v ill_o whereas_o the_o upholder_n of_o purgatory_n have_v lodge_v they_o in_o three_o distinct_a apartment_n but_o the_o primitive_a church_n know_v but_o two_o place_n of_o entertainment_n for_o the_o
that_o any_o other_o speculative_a scientifical_a doctrine_n do_v little_a or_o nothing_o conduce_v to_o a_o happy_a and_o bless_a life_n but_o that_o on_o this_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n do_v depend_v and_o that_o we_o can_v reject_v this_o without_o certain_a ruin_n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v head_n that_o cunning_a man_n do_v not_o deceive_v we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o teacher_n of_o new_a doctrine_n which_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o scripture_n their_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n and_o demonstration_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v false_a and_o unreasonable_a for_o they_o assume_v these_o great_a and_o unwarrantable_a privilege_n only_o to_o deceive_v the_o ignorant_a and_o to_o obtrude_v fictitious_a article_n of_o faith_n upon_o mankind_n wherefore_o all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o make_v some_o short_a reflection_n upon_o the_o author_n of_o purgatory_n and_o other_o new-invented_n doctrin●●_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n first_o they_o may_v be_v charge_v for_o impose_v upon_o our_o belief_n thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n self-inconsistent_a and_o incongruous_a of_o this_o i_o will_v give_v but_o one_o instance_n which_o be_v their_o assert_v that_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v change_v into_o the_o real_a and_o substantial_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o be_v the_o hard_a thing_n that_o ever_o be_v put_v upon_o man_n in_o any_o religion_n because_o they_o can_v admit_v it_o unless_o their_o reason_n be_v lay_v aside_o as_o no_o competent_a judge_n in_o the_o matter_n unless_o also_o they_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o the_o report_n of_o their_o sense_n and_o if_o they_o do_v this_o how_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o god_n make_v our_o faculty_n true_a which_o if_o he_o do_v not_o do_v we_o be_v absolute_o discharge_v from_o all_o duty_n to_o he_o because_o we_o have_v no_o faculty_n that_o can_v resolve_v we_o that_o this_o be_v of_o god_n for_o if_o our_o reason_n must_v not_o be_v trust_v we_o must_v cease_v to_o be_v man_n if_o our_o sense_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v the_o chief_a proof_n of_o christian_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n which_o be_v the_o sight_n of_o those_o who_o see_v our_o saviour_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a now_o if_o i_o may_v not_o believe_v the_o reason_n of_o my_o ●●nd_n in_o conjunction_n with_o three_o or_o four_o of_o my_o sense_n how_o sh●ll_v i_o know_v 〈…〉_o that_o any_o thing_n be_v this_o or_o that_o therefore_o i_o say_v that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v a_o gross_a invention_n of_o man_n contrary_a both_o to_o reason_n and_o sense_n second_o the_o truth_n they_o do_v acknowledge_v be_v make_v void_a by_o subtle_a distinction_n or_o equivocation_n as_o for_o example_n their_o doctrine_n of_o probability_n and_o of_o direct_v the_o intention_n if_o a_o man_n can_v find_v any_o doctor_n among_o they_o that_o hold_v such_o a_o opinion_n it_o make_v that_o doctrine_n probable_a and_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o conscience_n but_o what_o some_o romish_a casuistical_a doctor_n have_v resolve_v to_o be_v good_a and_o practicable_a just_a as_o tully_n say_v there_o be_v nothing_o so_o absurd_a or_o ridiculous_a which_o some_o philosopher_n or_o other_o have_v not_o maintain_v and_o assert_v so_o by_o direct_v their_o intention_n they_o may_v declare_v that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o deny_v that_o which_o be_v true_a because_o they_o intend_v the_o credit_n of_o their_o church_n and_o religion_n this_o mere_a intention_n shall_v excuse_v they_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o downright_a falsehood_n and_o lie_v they_o be_v so_o well_o practise_v in_o equivocation_n that_o you_o can_v confide_v in_o any_o word_n they_o speak_v they_o be_v so_o ambiguous_a and_o of_o such_o doubtful_a meaning_n in_o their_o evasion_n their_o speech_n shall_v bear_v a_o double_a sense_n whereas_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o use_v wit_n and_o part_n to_o impose_v upon_o another_o or_o to_o make_v a_o man_n believe_v that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o mean_v for_o the_o christian_a law_n be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a void_a of_o all_o ambiguity_n or_o ensnare_a speech_n free_a from_o all_o sophistication_n and_o wind_n of_o language_n never_o fly_v to_o word_n of_o a_o dubious_a or_o uncertain_a signification_n but_o plain_o declare_v the_o truth_n to_o man_n therefore_o these_o practice_n be_v contrary_a to_o that_o simplicity_n and_o plain_a heartedness_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o every_o christian_a three_o they_o superadd_a to_o religion_n thing_n altogether_o unlikely_a to_o be_v true_a and_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n which_o will_v appear_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n i._o the_o use_n of_o image_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n a_o idolatry_n they_o be_v too_o guilty_a of_o otherwise_o they_o will_v never_o leave_v out_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o divide_v the_o ten_o into_o two_o to_o conceal_v i●_n from_o the_o people_n we_o find_v better_a doctrine_n than_o this_o among_o the_o philosopeer_n who_o say_v god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v by_o purity_n of_o mind_n for_o this_o be_v a_o rational_a service_n and_o a_o worship_n most_o suitable_a to_o a_o immaterial_a be_v it_o be_v the_o use_n of_o that_o in_o we_o which_o be_v the_o high_a and_o noble_a of_o our_o faculty_n ii_o the_o veneration_n of_o relic_n a_o very_a vain_a and_o foolish_a thing_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n what_o they_o be_v and_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o what_o they_o be_v take_v for_o what_o veneration_n be_v or_o can_v be_v due_a to_o they_o for_o inanimate●hings_n ●hings_z be_v far_o in●eriour_a to_o those_o that_o have_v life_n and_o for_o the_o live_n to_o worship_n thing_n that_o be_v dead_a be_v unaccountable_a and_o irrational_a iii_o the_o invocation_n or_o worship_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n our_o fellow_n creature_n particular_o of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n to_o who_o they_o make_v more_o prayer_n then_o to_o our_o saviour_n himself_o although_o her_o name_n be_v not_o mention_v in_o a●l_a the_o ep●stles_n of_o the_o apostle_n although_o christ_n himself_o as_o foresee_v the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o thing_n do_v ever_o restrain_v all_o extravagant_a imagination_n of_o honour_n due_a to_o she_o yet_o the_o adoration_n of_o she_o be_v the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o why_o shall_v a_o man_n so_o prost●ue_v himself_o as_o to_o worship_n those_o i_o be_o sure_a god_n will_v not_o have_v i_o worship_n for_o he_o will_v not_o have_v we_o adore_v any_o creature_n as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v col._n 2._o 18._o it_o be_v but_o a_o show_n of_o humility_n to_o worship_n angel_n who_o be_v place_v in_o the_o high_a order_n of_o creature_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v worship_v sure_o none_o below_o they_o be_v and_o god_n have_v declare_v there_o be_v but_o one_o supreme_a self-existent_a be_v and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n jesus_n christ_n iv_o they_o withhold_v the_o use_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n because_o they_o say_v knowledge_n of_o the_o very_a oracle_n of_o god_n will_v make_v they_o contentious_a and_o disobedient_a to_o authority_n if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o the_o blame_n of_o all_o this_o must_v be_v lay_v upon_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o reveal_v such_o a_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n as_o this_o be_v and_o thereby_o we_o shall_v condemn_v the_o apostle_n for_o make_v know_v such_o a_o doctrine_n to_o man_n in_o a_o tongue_n they_o understand_v but_o i_o suppose_v the_o papist_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o lay_v all_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n although_o man_n may_v abuse_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v useful_a be_v never_o account_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o the_o take_v it_o away_o therefore_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hinder_v from_o the_o know-of_a the_o scripture_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v become_v proud_a or_o rebellious_a for_o this_o will_v be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v put_v out_o a_o man_n eye_n that_o he_o may_v the_o better_o follow_v he_o or_o that_o he_o may_v not_o loose_v his_o way_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o out_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v unfite_n for_o any_o man_n to_o know_v but_o what_o be_v plain_o design_v to_o promote_v holiness_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a life_n the_o romanist_n do_v indeed_o pretend_v that_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v maintain_v unless_o the_o people_n be_v keep_v in_o ignorance_n then_o the_o mischief_n will_v be_v that_o for_o the_o end_n of_o keep_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n