many_o age_n afterward_o till_o at_o length_n fall_v again_o into_o great_a corruption_n of_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n she_o with_o all_o the_o other_o six_o church_n of_o asia_n write_v to_o by_o our_o lord_n fall_v to_o be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o and_o the_o temple_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v upon_o be_v now_o become_v turkish_a mosque_n and_o so_o the_o burden_n of_o pergamos_n be_v fulfil_v and_o now_o have_v give_v you_o this_o account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o i_o be_o much_o mistake_v if_o from_o this_o authority_n we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n against_o the_o most_o specious_a and_o popular_a exception_n which_o they_o of_o rome_n make_v against_o our_o reformation_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v under_o these_o three_o head_n first_o that_o in_o this_o church_n whilst_o it_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o and_o subjection_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v notorious_a abuse_n and_o error_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n add_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o common_a faith_n second_o that_o upon_o this_o supposition_n we_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o reform_v ourselves_o as_o we_o have_v do_v three_o that_o the_o main_a objection_n which_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n do_v bring_v and_o whereby_o they_o seek_v to_o stagger_v those_o of_o our_o communion_n and_o to_o fright_v they_o into_o their_o own_o may_v by_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o message_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v vain_a and_o fallacious_a and_o therefore_o by_o no_o mean_n fit_a to_o remove_v we_o from_o our_o steadfastness_n first_o that_o in_o this_o church_n as_o in_o all_o other_o that_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v notorious_a abuse_n and_o error_n introduce_v into_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christian_n and_o first_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n so_o in_o these_o church_n there_o be_v doctrine_n and_o practice_n lead_v to_o idolatry_n i_o wish_v that_o be_v all_o but_o it_o be_v not_o all_o for_o idolatry_n itself_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v be_v practise_v and_o that_o practise_v not_o only_o connive_v at_o but_o encourage_v and_o command_v and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o adore_v the_o host_n pray_v to_o saint_n to_o dead_a man_n and_o woman_n and_o worship_v of_o image_n contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n provide_v that_o we_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o that_o he_o only_o we_o shall_v serve_v and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o when_o we_o urge_v they_o with_o these_o thing_n they_o defend_v themselves_o from_o idolatry_n by_o the_o use_n of_o such_o distinction_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o common_a people_n to_o save_v themselves_o by_o if_o indeed_o these_o distinction_n will_v do_v the_o business_n as_o for_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o licentiousness_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_o such_o than_o the_o easy_a term_n upon_o which_o they_o promise_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o security_n from_o hell_n confession_n to_o a_o priest_n with_o attrition_n be_v reckon_v sufficient_a to_o receive_v a_o pretorial_n absolution_n which_o shall_v be_v valid_a in_o heaven_n as_o also_o the_o invention_n of_o purgatory_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o shorten_v the_o pain_n of_o it_o by_o indulgence_n by_o apply_v the_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n merit_n by_o mass_n and_o prayer_n with_o a_o great_a many_o abuse_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n their_o half-communion_n their_o latin_a service_n their_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o precedent_n or_o rule_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o antiquity_n but_o plain_a and_o full_a consent_n there_o be_v both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o against_o they_o but_o now_o to_o all_o this_o they_o make_v one_o general_a reply_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o church_n mean_v the_o roman_a church_n have_v not_o err_v in_o these_o point_n because_o she_o can_v err_v at_o all_o for_o she_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n and_o the_o standard_n of_o catholic_n unity_n and_o faith_n she_o be_v that_o one_o catholic_n church_n which_o can_v fail_v to_o which_o christ_n have_v promise_v his_o perpetual_a presence_n and_o assistance_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o she_o and_o of_o which_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o she_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o a_o word_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v by_o she_o define_v be_v infallible_o true_a and_o therefore_o that_o these_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v neither_o damnable_a error_n and_o sin_n nor_o error_n and_o sin_n at_o all_o now_o if_o indeed_o such_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o that_o church_n we_o shall_v be_v bring_v into_o a_o very_a great_a strait_n and_o not_o very_o well_o know_v whether_o we_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n speak_v against_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n impose_v by_o that_o church_n or_o the_o scripture_n speak_v to_o we_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v as_o that_o church_n require_v but_o first_o of_o all_o we_o say_v that_o whatsoever_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n they_o do_v not_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o that_o these_o promise_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n and_o that_o christ_n will_v be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o she_o shall_v be_v preserve_v from_o so_o much_o error_n as_o will_v utter_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n not_o from_o all_o error_n whatsoever_o but_o that_o no_o promise_n in_o particular_a be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n so_o much_o as_o to_o secure_v she_o from_o fundamental_a error_n utter_o destructive_a of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n especial_o since_o st._n paul_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n plain_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v quite_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n rom._n 11.21_o 22._o where_n speak_v of_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o have_v these_o word_n for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n take_v heed_n lest_o he_o also_o spare_v not_o thou_o behold_v therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n on_o they_o which_o fall_v severity_n but_o towards_o thou_o goodness_n if_o thou_o continue_v in_o his_o goodness_n otherwise_o thou_o also_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o which_o have_v be_v vain_a word_n if_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a by_o virtue_n of_o any_o privilege_n confer_v upon_o the_o see_v of_o peter_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o to_o continue_v in_o god_n goodness_n or_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a truth_n that_o she_o shall_v not_o be_v cut_v off_o we_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o find_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o if_o we_o can_v find_v it_o there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o she_o have_v err_v because_o some_o of_o her_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n do_v seem_v to_o we_o apparent_o to_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n than_o to_o believe_v she_o be_v infallible_a because_o she_o say_v so_o of_o herself_o but_o to_o this_o they_o say_v that_o we_o misinterpret_v those_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o condemn_v what_o they_o profess_v and_o practice_v and_o in_o short_a that_o we_o can_v arrive_v to_o certainty_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n without_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n which_o the_o church_n be_v well_o for_o the_o present_a i_o will_v suppose_v this_o but_o then_o this_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o that_o church_n ever_o to_o convince_v i_o or_o any_o reasonable_a man_n of_o she_o own_o infallibility_n by_o the_o scripture_n for_o when_o she_o tell_v i_o that_o christ_n have_v say_v thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n she_o suppose_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o infallibility_n to_o herself_o be_v so_o plain_o make_v that_o
reformation_n be_v however_o schismatical_a to_o all_o which_o i_o answer_v in_o short_a 1._o as_o to_o the_o universal_a supremacy_n it_o be_v a_o point_n to_o which_o antiquity_n be_v whole_o a_o stranger_n scripture_n and_o the_o father_n say_v nothing_o of_o it_o ignatius_n who_o so_o often_o require_v that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v do_v of_o moment_n in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o bishop_n will_v have_v find_v out_o some_o one_o occasion_n at_o least_o to_o have_v say_v let_v nothing_o be_v do_v without_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n if_o he_o have_v know_v of_o any_o such_o privilege_n and_o power_n confer_v on_o he_o by_o our_o lord_n but_o if_o pergamos_n be_v justifiable_a in_o remove_v those_o corruption_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o that_o church_n without_o stay_v for_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n england_n in_o remove_v more_o corruption_n and_o of_o equal_a danger_n be_v to_o proceed_v also_o without_o his_o leave_n if_o it_o can_v not_o be_v have_v 2._o as_o to_o his_o patriarchal_a power_n over_o this_o nation_n it_o do_v not_o ancient_o belong_v to_o he_o he_o have_v it_o not_o when_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a confine_v he_o to_o his_o own_o province_n nor_o when_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n decree_v that_o no_o bishop_n shall_v presume_v to_o invade_v any_o other_o province_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n have_v not_o be_v under_o his_o or_o his_o predecessor_n jurisdiction_n or_o if_o any_o do_v and_o make_v it_o his_o own_o by_o force_n that_o he_o shall_v restore_v it_o and_o then_o the_o church_n of_o britain_n be_v free_a acknowledge_v no_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n the_o power_n that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n gain_v here_o in_o after-age_n be_v get_v by_o fraud_n and_o hold_v by_o force_n and_o be_v ever_o and_o anon_o dispute_v and_o gainsay_v and_o overrule_v and_o sure_o no_o injury_n be_v do_v he_o when_o that_o authority_n be_v resume_v which_o he_o have_v usurp_v 3._o as_o to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o saxon_n by_o austin_n send_v hither_o by_o pope_n gregory_n i_o say_v it_o follow_v not_o if_o long_o since_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o island_n receive_v any_o benefit_n from_o rome_n therefore_o they_o shall_v in_o all_o age_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o usurpation_n of_o that_o place_n afterward_o nor_o that_o because_o we_o once_o receive_v true_a religion_n from_o rome_n therefore_o posterity_n must_v receive_v also_o false_a doctrine_n from_o thence_o when_o it_o shall_v please_v she_o to_o send_v they_o hither_o but_o in_o truth_n christianity_n have_v be_v plant_v here_o long_o before_o by_o st._n paul_n himself_o in_o all_o probability_n and_o that_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n before_o rome_n herself_o have_v receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o british_a bishop_n who_o austin_n find_v here_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o roman_a legate_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o right_n that_o this_o particular_a church_n have_v to_o reform_v herself_o i_o come_v now_o three_o to_o consider_v some_o of_o those_o specious_a pretence_n and_o objection_n by_o which_o they_o go_v about_o to_o weaken_v the_o steadfastness_n of_o our_o people_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n and_o to_o draw_v they_o to_o they_o 1._o they_o say_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o error_n can_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n of_o that_o nature_n with_o those_o which_o we_o charge_v upon_o they_o there_o must_v have_v be_v great_a opposition_n make_v to_o any_o the_o least_o design_n of_o such_o a_o alteration_n in_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o such_o account_n of_o thing_n in_o history_n therefore_o these_o be_v not_o innovation_n but_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o omit_v this_o that_o concern_v most_o of_o their_o innovation_n we_o can_v very_o near_o show_v the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o but_o can_v plain_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o they_o be_v not_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v much_o more_o easy_a to_o conceive_v that_o in_o a_o thousand_o year_n time_n error_n shall_v creep_v into_o that_o church_n by_o degree_n and_o without_o noise_n than_o that_o in_o a_o church_n plant_v by_o a_o apostle_n as_o pergamos_n be_v guard_v by_o the_o angel_n or_o bishop_n place_v there_o by_o a_o apostle_n as_o pergamos_n be_v shall_v so_o soon_o tolerate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o balaamite_n and_o nicolaitan_n even_o while_o their_o apostle_n be_v alive_a and_o therefore_o very_a soon_o after_o he_o depart_v from_o they_o 2._o they_o say_v that_o the_o perpetual_a succession_n of_o their_o bishop_n from_o st._n peter_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o true_a doctrine_n among_o they_o in_o the_o purity_n thereof_o but_o behold_v a_o apostolical_a church_n in_o which_o a_o bishop_n succeed_v a_o apostle_n yet_o alive_a corrupt_v in_o her_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n can_v they_o have_v great_a can_v they_o have_v as_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o a_o perpetual_a uninterrupted_a succession_n after_o so_o many_o age_n as_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n have_v before_o one_o age_n be_v go_v or_o do_v their_o infallibility_n grow_v with_o their_o succession_n or_o the_o far_o they_o be_v remove_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n be_v they_o the_o sure_a still_o that_o they_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v teach_v at_o first_o 3._o they_o say_v we_o be_v depart_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v visible_a every_o where_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o the_o reformation_n be_v begin_v see_v there_o be_v then_o no_o communion_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o have_v be_v long_o before_o that_o profess_v the_o same_o doctrine_n in_o all_o point_n which_o the_o reformation_n bring_v in_o now_o in_o great_a liberality_n to_o admit_v for_o once_o that_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n have_v corrupt_v its_o way_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v do_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o true_a but_o i_o say_v admitting_z it_o what_o will_v then_o come_v of_o it_o that_o we_o depart_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n no_o but_o that_o we_o depart_v from_o the_o general_a error_n and_o corruption_n of_o it_o and_o by_o that_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n whereof_o we_o ourselves_o be_v a_o part_n unless_o we_o depart_v also_o from_o ourselves_o nay_o but_o say_v they_o this_o be_v to_o fall_v into_o another_o damnable_a error_n and_o that_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v fail_v from_o the_o earth_n and_o so_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v perish_v for_o some_o age_n till_o the_o reformation_n bring_v it_o to_o life_n again_o not_o so_o neither_o for_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o error_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o to_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o that_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o damnable_a and_o that_o they_o make_v the_o salvation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o extreme_o hazardous_a but_o yet_o that_o we_o hope_v well_o of_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n maintain_v in_o the_o church_n and_o want_v mean_n to_o discover_v her_o corruption_n serve_v god_n according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n so_o that_o we_o do_v not_o say_v the_o church_n have_v perish_v but_o that_o her_o purity_n have_v be_v lose_v even_o as_o pergamos_n be_v a_o church_n and_o so_o acknowledge_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o because_o she_o hold_v fast_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o creed_n while_o yet_o she_o be_v corrupt_v with_o notorious_a error_n to_o this_o according_a to_o their_o usual_a way_n of_o argue_v they_o will_v reply_v that_o the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o between_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o pergamos_n be_v and_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n from_o which_o luther_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o separate_v themselves_o but_o then_o i_o will_v answer_v that_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v upon_o for_o if_o a_o particular_a church_n though_o under_o great_a error_n may_v yet_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o like_a reason_n if_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v overspread_v with_o foul_a error_n it_o will_v nevertheless_o still_o remain_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o obligation_n to_o depart_v from_o those_o error_n in_o the_o latter_a case_n as_o in_o the_o former_a and_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o depart_v from_o such_o error_n do_v no_o more_o depart_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n than_o she_o do_v from_o herself_o 4._o they_o pretend_v antiquity_n for_o their_o error_n and_o be_v often_o ask_v that_o shrewd_a question_n as_o they_o deem_v it_o where_o be_v your_o
have_v go_v this_o way_n to_o work_v to_o convert_v infidel_n pap._n therefore_o those_o who_o obtain_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n must_v have_v some_o rule_n to_o acquire_v they_o by_o which_o can_v deceive_v they_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o obscure_a say_v and_o i_o must_v make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o by_o obtain_v article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v believe_v they_o and_o by_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o to_o acquire_v they_o he_o must_v understand_v a_o rule_n or_o mean_n whereby_o to_o know_v what_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v and_o then_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n must_v be_v provide_v of_o some_o such_o rule_n or_o means_n to_o know_v what_o they_o be_v as_o can_v deceive_v they_o now_o whether_o this_o be_v in_o itself_o true_a or_o false_a it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o follow_v from_o what_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o before_o for_o 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the_o contrary_n be_v bare_o possible_a pap._n to_o a_o parliamentary_a protestant_n the_o ancient_a father_n can_v be_v such_o a_o rule_n because_o they_o be_v account_v fallible_a ans_fw-fr we_o never_o say_v they_o be_v such_o a_o rule_n this_o therefore_o be_v impertinent_a pap._n nor_o council_n because_o they_o also_o be_v account_v fallible_a ans_fw-fr this_o be_v impertinent_a also_o for_o we_o never_o say_v they_o be_v our_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o we_o have_v better_a reason_n to_o give_v why_o father_n and_o council_n can_v be_v our_o rule_n of_o faith_n than_o this_o that_o the_o disputer_n have_v make_v for_o we_o and_o one_o be_v this_o that_o we_o can_v make_v they_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o by_o so_o do_v we_o must_v depart_v from_o the_o primitive_a father_n and_o the_o ancient_a council_n in_o as_o much_o as_o all_o agree_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o they_o make_v it_o they_o pap._n nor_o scripture_n sense_v by_o a_o fallible_a authority_n because_o all_o such_o interpretation_n may_v be_v false_a ans_fw-fr this_o be_v the_o place_n where_o i_o shall_v tell_v the_o disputer_n what_o we_o believe_v and_o why_o we_o believe_v it_o and_o when_o i_o have_v do_v i_o shall_v consider_v whether_o he_o have_v say_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o clause_n to_o shake_v our_o assurance_n we_o firm_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n into_o the_o profession_n whereof_o we_o have_v be_v baptize_v we_o moreover_o believe_v all_o other_o doctrine_n that_o be_v reveal_v in_o holy_a scripture_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o our_o faith_n be_v these_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v record_v those_o testimony_n of_o divine_a revelation_n by_o which_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v be_v confirm_v that_o these_o testimony_n be_v too_o notorious_a and_o public_a to_o be_v gainsay_v insomuch_o that_o the_o doctrine_n build_v upon_o they_o can_v not_o be_v overthrow_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n engage_v against_o it_o that_o the_o holy_a book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o inspire_a preacher_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o contain_v and_o that_o for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o universal_a and_o uncontrollable_a tradition_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n credible_a of_o itself_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o that_o external_n evidence_n upon_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v ground_v in_o assign_v of_o which_o i_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n exclude_v that_o internal_a evidence_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o excellent_a goodness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o which_o show_v they_o to_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n now_o whereas_o this_o disputer_n say_v that_o these_o scripture_n can_v be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n to_o we_o because_o they_o be_v sense_v by_o a_o fallible_a authority_n that_o be_v because_o we_o who_o be_v fallible_a understand_v they_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v i_o answer_v that_o no_o man_n needs_o to_o be_v infallible_a in_o order_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o plain_a scripture_n i_o who_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o infallibility_n be_o yet_o certain_a which_o be_v enough_o for_o i_o that_o i_o do_v find_v the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o many_o other_o doctrine_n beside_o which_o i_o do_v understand_v i_o be_o sure_a that_o i_o know_v what_o these_o word_n of_o st._n john_n signify_v 5.3_o 1_o john_n 2.25_o and_o chap._n 5.3_o this_o be_v the_o promise_n that_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o even_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o the_o like_a the_o ancient_a father_n think_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o they_o argue_v out_o of_o they_o without_o pretend_v to_o a_o infallible_a
the_o edification_n of_o all_o church_n in_o all_o place_n and_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v evident_a from_o that_o so_o often_o repeat_v close_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n every_o church_n therefore_o because_o it_o can_v hear_v aught_o to_o hear_v and_o every_o man_n of_o every_o church_n because_o every_o man_n have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v and_o because_o this_o exhortation_n be_v also_o add_v to_o the_o epistle_n send_v to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n part_n of_o which_o i_o have_v now_o read_v to_o you_o i_o may_v also_o exhort_v you_o to_o hear_v or_o rather_o i_o need_v not_o since_o our_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o have_v require_v you_o so_o to_o do_v st._n john_n who_o have_v be_v the_o founder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n be_v now_o in_o the_o isle_n of_o patmos_n banish_v thither_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n as_o he_o witness_v himself_o chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 9_o i_o john_n who_o also_o be_o your_o brother_n and_o companion_n in_o tribulation_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o patience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o the_o isle_n that_o be_v call_v patmos_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o he_o have_v commit_v this_o church_n to_o the_o care_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o his_o absence_n who_o be_v here_o call_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o who_o this_o epistle_n be_v direct_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n under_o his_o care_n and_o it_o consist_v of_o these_o three_o general_a part_n i._o of_o a_o commendation_n ii_o of_o a_o reproof_n iii_o a_o warn_v to_o repent_v i._o a_o commendation_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v and_o thou_o hold_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n even_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o antipas_n be_v my_o faithful_a martyr_n who_o be_v slay_v among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v which_o commendation_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n retain_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o point_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n for_o if_o she_o have_v part_v with_o any_o point_n necessary_a she_o must_v then_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o a_o church_n she_o be_v by_o our_o lord_n be_v own_o acknowledgement_n and_o therefore_o by_o hold_v fast_o his_o name_n and_o not_o deny_v his_o faith_n we_o must_v needs_o understand_v that_o she_o have_v keep_v entire_a that_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n the_o apostolical_a creed_n which_o st._n john_n have_v leave_v among_o they_o 2._o that_o which_o heighten_v her_o praise_n be_v that_o she_o have_v do_v this_o in_o such_o a_o place_n where_o there_o be_v so_o great_a temptation_n to_o apostasy_n first_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v i._n e._n where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o idol_n temple_n that_o no_o place_n in_o asia_n can_v show_v so_o many_o as_o if_o pergamos_n have_v be_v satan_n principal_a court_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n second_o where_o by_o consequence_n there_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v and_o where_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o great_a persecution_n of_o the_o gospel_n under_o which_o antipas_n a_o faithful_a martyr_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o zeal_n and_o courage_n be_v a_o example_n to_o the_o rest_n be_v slay_v this_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n that_o in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n she_o have_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o she_o have_v hold_v fast_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v his_o faith_n but_o there_o follow_v ii_o a_o reproof_n but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n who_o teach_v balak_n to_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n so_o have_v thou_o also_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o thing_n i_o hate_v i._n e._n although_o she_o have_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o faith_n yet_o within_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n be_v teach_v and_o practise_v she_o have_v suffer_v damnable_a doctrine_n and_o wicked_a practice_n to_o take_v place_n which_o be_v likely_a enough_o to_o endanger_v the_o subvert_v of_o the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n profess_v among_o they_o but_o more_o particular_o 1._o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n be_v open_o teach_v among_o they_o and_o that_o be_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o idolater_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o idol_n for_o this_o be_v the_o stumbling-block_n which_o balaam_n lay_v before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n not_o only_o draw_v they_o to_o carnal_a fornication_n with_o the_o daughter_n of_o moab_n but_o spiritual_a fornication_n also_o with_o their_o idol_n now_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v such_o a_o grievous_a persecution_n of_o the_o church_n at_o pergamos_n that_o some_o of_o that_o communion_n to_o ease_v the_o church_n from_o it_o teach_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n and_o to_o have_v external_n communion_n with_o idolater_n in_o their_o worship_n to_o wit_n by_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n pretend_v as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o commendation_n give_v they_o in_o the_o former_a verse_n that_o if_o they_o do_v but_o still_o hold_v fast_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o deny_v any_o necessary_a point_n of_o his_o faith_n their_o external_n compliance_n with_o idolater_n in_o their_o worship_n will_v not_o deserve_v any_o severe_a reproof_n but_o that_o because_o they_o shall_v still_o retain_v the_o name_n and_o essence_n of_o a_o true_a church_n they_o shall_v therefore_o sufficient_o approve_v their_o fidelity_n to_o christ_n notwithstanding_o their_o burn_a incense_n and_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o give_v divine_a honour_n by_o their_o outward_a act_n to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o god_n 2._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n be_v also_o hold_v among_o they_o that_o be_v a_o doctrine_n that_o tend_v to_o a_o licentious_a life_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o good_a manner_n and_o it_o be_v call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n from_o nicolas_n the_o deacon_n who_o be_v upbraid_v for_o dote_v too_o much_o upon_o his_o fair_a wife_n to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v upon_o that_o account_n make_v a_o prostitution_n of_o she_o to_o all_o comer_n which_o lewd_a example_n have_v it_o seem_v spread_v its_o contagion_n into_o some_o of_o the_o asian_a church_n especial_o at_o pergamos_n where_o many_o of_o they_o hold_v community_n of_o woman_n to_o be_v lawful_a which_o be_v so_o vile_a and_o detestable_a a_o doctrine_n that_o god_n be_v here_o say_v to_o hate_v it_o so_o that_o the_o doctrine_n for_o tolerate_v of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n be_v here_o reprehend_v be_v such_o as_o grate_v very_o near_o upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n the_o former_a lead_n to_o idolatry_n the_o latter_a to_o a_o impure_a and_o vicious_a life_n a_o very_a strange_a corruption_n of_o the_o state_n of_o that_o church_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n from_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o it_o now_o iii_o we_o have_v in_o this_o message_n of_o jesus_n to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n a_o warning_n to_o repent_v and_o to_o make_v haste_n to_o repent_v too_o repent_v or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n and_o what_o be_v she_o to_o repent_v of_o but_o of_o suffer_v those_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n to_o prevail_v in_o her_o communion_n for_o which_o she_o be_v reprove_v before_o and_o how_o be_v she_o to_o repent_v but_o by_o reform_v those_o abuse_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o her_o communion_n those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v and_o return_v to_o the_o primitive_a purity_n of_o her_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o manner_n and_o if_o she_o will_v not_o do_v this_o jesus_n threaten_v that_o he_o will_v sudden_o take_v the_o matter_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o cut_v they_o off_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n from_o be_v a_o church_n at_o all_o who_o be_v so_o soon_o degenerate_v from_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o upon_o this_o warning_n she_o do_v repent_v and_o reform_v for_o she_o be_v not_o speedy_o cut_v off_o as_o god_n have_v threaten_v she_o shall_v be_v if_o she_o do_v not_o repent_v but_o continue_v a_o church_n for_o
be_v disgrace_v with_o the_o company_n of_o folly_n and_o lie_n thus_o the_o pharisee_n recommend_v their_o absurd_a tradition_n to_o the_o people_n because_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n they_o teach_v they_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n thus_o some_o of_o the_o gentile_n be_v ready_a to_o reject_v christianity_n when_o they_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v it_o necessary_a for_o they_o also_o to_o observe_v the_o moysaicall_a law_n if_o they_o will_v be_v christian_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o common_a scandal_n of_o the_o world_n that_o truth_n be_v so_o often_o insincere_o represent_v and_o false_a doctrine_n propound_v still_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o hold_v forth_o some_o necessary_a truth_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o gospel_n do_v not_o allow_v but_o command_v we_o to_o use_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n not_o to_o reject_v that_o which_o be_v good_a because_o it_o come_v from_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o require_v evil_a nor_o to_o admit_v error_n because_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o truth_n but_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 4._o all_o popular_a artifices_fw-la that_o be_v use_v to_o recommend_v either_o wicked_a error_n or_o practice_n be_v also_o great_a offence_n and_o lead_v many_o silly_a soul_n astray_o of_o which_o kind_n the_o most_o obvious_a be_v these_o a_o external_a show_n of_o strictness_n and_o piety_n without_o real_a virtue_n and_o godliness_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o and_o of_o this_o the_o pharisee_n be_v the_o first_o notable_a instance_n who_o place_v religion_n in_o abundance_n of_o nice_a observation_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o strict_a and_o devout_a people_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n know_v the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n compare_v they_o to_o white_v sepulcher_n that_o within_o be_v full_a of_o dead_a man_n bone_n and_o all_o uncleanness_n and_o this_o offence_n will_v be_v so_o powerful_a whenever_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o spirit_n to_o foretell_v it_o express_o viz._n that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n 1_o tim._n 4.1_o 2_o 3._o another_o offence_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o be_v also_o express_o foretell_v be_v pretend_v the_o testimony_n of_o miracle_n for_o say_v our_o saviour_n himself_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a behold_v say_v he_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o matth._n 24.24_o 25._o and_o thus_o st._n paul_n foretell_v that_o when_o that_o wicked_a one_o shall_v be_v reveal_v his_o come_n shall_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n i_o shall_v name_v but_o one_o other_o popular_a device_n for_o the_o support_v of_o error_n and_o that_o be_v to_o denounce_v damnation_n peremptory_a against_o all_o gainsayer_n with_o which_o artifice_n the_o judaizer_n secure_v themselves_o against_o the_o gentile_a christian_n say_v except_o you_o be_v circumcise_v and_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n you_o can_v be_v save_v now_o although_o every_o man_n that_o have_v a_o tongue_n may_v if_o he_o please_v lay_v this_o weight_n upon_o his_o cause_n as_o to_o exclude_v all_o from_o salvation_n that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o way_n and_o therefore_o the_o threaten_v be_v not_o worthy_a of_o a_o wise_a man_n thought_n till_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v examine_v yet_o it_o have_v two_o notable_a advantage_n that_o it_o be_v frame_v to_o work_v upon_o the_o passion_n of_o man_n more_o than_o upon_o their_o judgement_n and_o in_o most_o man_n their_o passion_n be_v strong_a than_o their_o 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it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v but_o in_o particular_a also_o when_o he_o say_v beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n which_o come_v to_o you_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n matth._n 7.15_o 5._o to_o this_o i_o may_v add_v what_o st._n paul_n observe_v 1_o tim._n 6.5_o perverse_a dispute_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o truth_n suppose_v that_o gain_n be_v godliness_n that_o any_o thing_n may_v be_v defend_v as_o a_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o make_v for_o worldly_a interest_n it_o be_v no_o such_o hard_a matter_n to_o perplex_v thing_n that_o be_v plain_a to_o find_v colour_n for_o deny_v thing_n that_o be_v evident_a to_o hide_v the_o weakness_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o argument_n to_o divert_v from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o person_n so_o artificial_o as_o if_o the_o cause_n go_v on_o still_o to_o lose_v the_o matter_n in_o debate_n to_o make_v truth_n look_v like_o error_n and_o error_n like_o truth_n to_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v if_o a_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o bend_v all_o his_o wit_n this_o way_n for_o something_o may_v be_v say_v for_o any_o thing_n 6._o and_o last_o bad_a example_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v another_o most_o dangerous_a offence_n since_o i_o doubt_v most_o man_n be_v so_o frame_v as_o to_o take_v up_o their_o opinion_n more_o easy_o from_o authority_n than_o from_o other_o argument_n and_o they_o understand_v more_o easy_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a manner_n than_o between_o strong_a and_o weak_a reason_n and_o then_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o a_o way_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a fruit_n of_o practice_n it_o bring_v forth_o in_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o which_o doubtless_o our_o saviour_n intimate_v in_o those_o word_n let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o other_o see_v your_o good_a work_n may_v glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o to_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n be_v not_o only_o a_o scandal_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o error_n confirm_v they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_a way_n but_o likewise_o to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n by_o encourage_v they_o to_o sin_n in_o like_a manner_n especial_o when_o evil_a example_n be_v set_v by_o those_o that_o be_v particular_o oblige_v to_o set_v none_o but_o good_a one_o who_o place_n or_o office_n wealth_n or_o quality_n make_v they_o more_o conspicuous_a and_o gives_z other_o any_o kind_n of_o dependence_n upon_o they_o and_o because_o of_o the_o pernicious_a influence_n of_o bad_a example_n we_o find_v st._n paul_n often_o call_v upon_o the_o christian_n with_o who_o he_o have_v to_o do_v to_o fix_v their_o observation_n upon_o those_o that_o be_v good_a brethren_n say_v he_o be_v follower_n together_o of_o i_o and_o mark_v they_o which_o walk_v so_o as_o you_o have_v we_o for_o a_o ensample_n for_o 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pharisee_n will_v eat_v nothing_o that_o have_v be_v touch_v by_o a_o gentile_a when_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v be_v that_o they_o shall_v beware_v of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o no_o wonder_n that_o these_o traditionary_a invention_n have_v take_v such_o root_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o they_o do_v not_o serve_v more_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o guide_n than_o for_o the_o ease_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n that_o follow_v they_o for_o though_o it_o be_v something_o a_o nice_a and_o elaborate_a business_n to_o observe_v all_o the_o tradition_n yet_o this_o be_v much_o more_o grateful_a not_o only_o to_o fancy_v but_o to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n than_o to_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o true_a piety_n by_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o instance_n though_o it_o be_v something_o troublesome_a to_o be_v wash_v at_o every_o turn_n yet_o if_o this_o will_v keep_v a_o man_n mind_n clean_o it_o be_v a_o much_o easy_a care_n than_o to_o keep_v the_o heart_n pure_a v._n 19_o from_o evil_a thought_n murder_n adultery_n fornication_n theft_n false-witnessings_a and_o evil-speakings_a which_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o defile_v the_o man_n v._o 20._o how_o be_v it_o possible_a but_o that_o people_n shall_v be_v fond_a of_o believe_v such_o a_o conclusion_n as_o this_o whosoever_o live_v in_o the_o land_n of_o israel_n and_o eat_v his_o meat_n in_o cleanness_n and_o speak_v in_o the_o holy_a tongue_n and_o morning_n and_o evening_n say_v over_o his_o phylactery_n let_v he_o never_o doubt_v but_o he_o shall_v obtain_v life_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o master_n and_o certain_o they_o must_v be_v very_o vereasonable_a people_n that_o can_v not_o be_v content_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o these_o if_o they_o can_v be_v make_v such_o fool_n as_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o true_o man_n be_v â—â—ry_v apt_a to_o hearken_v to_o such_o folly_n because_o they_o save_v they_o the_o labour_n of_o be_v true_o good_a no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o the_o scribe_n be_v so_o universal_o believe_v and_o obey_v by_o the_o people_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o undertake_v to_o carry_v they_o all_o to_o heaven_n infallible_o by_o such_o slight_a and_o cheap_a performance_n as_o be_v require_v by_o their_o tradition_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o it_o will_v cost_v more_o than_o ordinary_a pain_n to_o undeceive_v they_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v constrain_v to_o repeat_v his_o instruction_n over_o and_o over_o again_o to_o his_o disciple_n to_o get_v these_o fancy_n out_o of_o their_o head_n and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o charge_n which_o the_o pharisee_n lay_v against_o our_o lord_n disciple_n and_o concern_v that_o which_o be_v imply_v in_o it_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o scribe_n for_o their_o tradition_n and_o the_o fondness_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v addict_v to_o they_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o point_n and_o that_o be_v the_o answer_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o this_o charge_n viz._n why_o do_v you_o also_o transgress_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n by_o your_o tradition_n which_o do_v of_o itself_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o wise_a way_n of_o answer_v their_o bold_a question_n because_o it_o turn_v the_o difficulty_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o a_o thousand_o time_n a_o great_a difficulty_n to_o say_v if_o they_o can_v by_o what_o authority_n they_o advance_v their_o tradition_n against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o since_o they_o think_v it_o be_v so_o heinous_a a_o fault_n in_o the_o disciple_n not_o to_o observe_v their_o tradition_n to_o purge_v themselves_o if_o they_o be_v able_a of_o a_o notorious_a fault_n in_o keep_v their_o tradition_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o other_o inasmuch_o as_o their_o tradition_n can_v not_o be_v keep_v without_o transgress_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n which_o general_n charge_v our_o saviour_n make_v good_a also_o by_o one_o particular_a inference_n so_o plain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o fence_n against_o it_o for_o god_n say_v he_o command_v say_v honour_v thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n and_o he_o that_o curse_v father_n or_o mother_n let_v he_o die_v the_o death_n but_o you_o say_v whosoever_o shall_v say_v to_o his_o father_n or_o his_o mother_n it_o be_v a_o gift_n by_o whatsoever_o thou_o may_v be_v profit_v by_o i_o and_o honour_v not_o his_o father_n and_o his_o mother_n he_o shall_v be_v free_a thus_o have_v you_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o your_o tradition_n the_o tradition_n be_v this_o that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v vow_v never_o to_o relieve_v or_o to_o give_v any_o thing_n to_o such_o or_o such_o a_o person_n though_o it_o be_v his_o father_n or_o his_o mother_n he_o be_v hold_v by_o his_o vow_n and_o if_o afterward_o he_o shall_v change_v his_o mind_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o relieve_v his_o parent_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o go_v to_o the_o priest_n to_o be_v dispense_v with_o and_o absolve_v of_o his_o vow_n the_o priest_n shall_v challenge_v all_o that_o he_o now_o design_v to_o relieve_v his_o parent_n withal_o but_o of_o his_o vow_n he_o can_v not_o be_v release_v and_o the_o money_n be_v put_v into_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o temple_n so_o that_o if_o his_o father_n or_o mother_n come_v afterward_o to_o he_o and_o ask_v a_o alm_n of_o he_o he_o may_v say_v it_o be_v corban_n or_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o temple_n whatsoever_o i_o can_v have_v a_o mind_n to_o give_v thou_o and_o in_o st._n mark_v our_o saviour_n conclude_v and_o you_o suffer_v he_o no_o more_o to_o do_v aught_o for_o his_o father_n or_o his_o mother_n for_o they_o hold_v he_o to_o his_o vow_n and_o whatever_o money_n he_o can_v be_v willing_a to_o give_v they_o afterward_o be_v under_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o vow_n it_o become_v sacred_a and_o be_v to_o go_v 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in_o those_o error_n than_o it_o have_v be_v and_o perhaps_o utter_o impossible_a to_o maintain_v they_o among_o christian_n without_o destroy_v the_o bible_n out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o such_o caution_n have_v be_v necessary_a a_o thousand_o time_n as_o many_o more_o have_v be_v necessary_a too_o for_o so_o many_o addition_n by_o way_n of_o caution_n must_v have_v be_v make_v as_o there_o be_v way_n of_o elude_v and_o pervert_v a_o rule_n which_o be_v so_o many_o that_o to_o have_v provide_v express_o against_o they_o all_o will_v have_v make_v the_o bible_n a_o more_o voluminous_a book_n than_o any_o be_v in_o the_o world_n not_o to_o say_v the_o most_o odd_a and_o uncouth_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v see_v for_o whoever_o write_v or_o speak_v in_o that_o manner_n as_o to_o provide_v against_o all_o possible_a way_n of_o be_v mistake_v or_o have_v his_o word_n pervert_v according_a to_o this_o rate_n a_o man_n must_v not_o expect_v to_o 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away_o from_o the_o truth_n the_o natural_a stiffness_n and_o inflexibility_n of_o other_o will_v detain_v they_o in_o error_n the_o very_a desire_n and_o love_n of_o novelty_n will_v at_o first_o help_n to_o bring_v in_o some_o and_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o pretence_n of_o antiquity_n will_v be_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o able_a to_o gain_v other_o final_o the_o unwillingness_n of_o most_o man_n to_o take_v pain_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o great_a ease_n of_o depend_v upon_o the_o absolute_a authority_n of_o other_o will_v give_v a_o far_a advantage_n to_o error_n which_o fear_v nothing_o more_o than_o a_o examination_n and_o therefore_o discourage_v all_o person_n from_o give_v themselves_o so_o needless_a a_o trouble_n since_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o those_o for_o their_o security_n who_o can_v possible_o mislead_v they_o consider_v the_o disease_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o cure_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o it_o can_v not_o be_v expect_v but_o there_o will_v be_v faction_n and_o heresy_n against_o the_o truth_n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v say_v there_o must_v be_v heresy_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o if_o he_o have_v say_v after_o all_o the_o care_n that_o god_n have_v take_v to_o restore_v mankind_n there_o will_v be_v pride_n and_o ambition_n there_o will_v be_v covetousness_n and_o injustice_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n there_o will_v be_v luxury_n and_o licentiousness_n there_o will_v be_v both_o inconstancy_n and_o stiffneckedness_n there_o will_v be_v laziness_n and_o slothfulness_n and_o unaptness_n for_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n for_o god_n have_v provide_v no_o infallible_a remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o as_o certain_o as_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o world_n will_v break_v out_o in_o the_o church_n so_o certain_o will_v error_n get_v into_o it_o by_o degree_n and_o usurp_v the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n if_o he_o please_v can_v absolute_o have_v hinder_v it_o by_o his_o overrule_a power_n but_o in_o this_o say_n it_o be_v imply_v that_o he_o will_v not_o do_v so_o and_o experience_n have_v show_v that_o he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o and_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o it_o since_o he_o be_v not_o please_v to_o make_v all_o man_n good_a by_o a_o irresistible_a grace_n and_o there_o be_v less_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v all_o man_n orthodox_n by_o a_o irresistible_a illumination_n and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o point_n which_o concern_v the_o reason_n assign_v why_o god_n be_v please_v to_o permit_v heresy_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a i._n e._n that_o it_o may_v most_o evident_o appear_v who_o be_v sincere_a and_o honest_a and_o who_o be_v not_o so_o for_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o way_n that_o be_v take_v to_o advance_v error_n do_v prove_v what_o man_n be_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o distinguish_v between_o those_o that_o will_v appear_v all_o alike_o if_o the_o same_o truth_n be_v equal_o profess_v by_o all_o the_o great_a difference_n that_o break_v out_o be_v that_o between_o the_o probity_n of_o some_o man_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o falseness_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o other_o on_o the_o other_o side_n which_o appear_v in_o these_o instance_n 1._o in_o a_o more_o diligent_a search_n after_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n heresy_n have_v upon_o honest_a and_o godly_a man_n while_o they_o give_v occasion_n to_o hypocrite_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v most_o for_o their_o ease_n their_o safety_n their_o advantage_n in_o this_o world_n whilst_o the_o several_a party_n
themselves_o allow_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n st._n paul_n and_o such_o as_o he_o believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n those_o very_a write_n which_o the_o jew_n themselves_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o though_o to_o this_o faith_n they_o add_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a life_n yet_o they_o be_v esteem_v heretic_n because_o they_o undertake_v to_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o instead_o of_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o council_n that_o have_v betray_v and_o murder_v the_o lord_n jesus_n 2._o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o sedition_n too_o as_o if_o they_o design_v to_o make_v stir_v and_o commotion_n and_o to_o alienate_v the_o people_n from_o theia_n governor_n thus_o when_o paul_n and_o silas_n have_v convert_v a_o multitude_n of_o devout_a greek_n and_o not_o a_o few_o of_o the_o chief_a woman_n at_o thessalonica_n the_o jew_n who_o believe_v not_o move_v with_o envy_n take_v unto_o they_o certain_a lewd_a fellow_n of_o the_o base_a sort_n and_o draw_v some_o of_o the_o brethren_n to_o the_o ruler_n cry_v these_o that_o have_v turn_v the_o world_n upside_o down_o be_v come_v hither_o also_o who_o do_v contrary_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o caesar_n say_v that_o there_o be_v another_o king_n one_o jesus_n act_v 17.5_o 6._o and_o yet_o they_o never_o make_v one_o step_n by_o word_n or_o deed_n towards_o depose_v prince_n and_o change_a government_n jesus_n indeed_o who_o have_v command_v they_o to_o pay_v tribute_n unto_o caesar_n have_v also_o forbid_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o religion_n which_o caesar_n be_v then_o of_o and_o this_o be_v draw_v into_o a_o accusation_n of_o faction_n and_o disloyalty_n thus_o also_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n be_v bring_v before_o foelix_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o jew_n complain_v by_o tertullian_n their_o orator_n that_o they_o have_v find_v he_o a_o pestilent_a fellow_n and_o a_o mover_n of_o sedition_n among_o all_o the_o jew_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarenes_n act_v 24.5_o 3._o they_o conclude_v they_o under_o a_o sentence_n of_o damnation_n as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v do_v it_o indeed_o they_o will_v have_v it_o think_v so_o impossible_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v save_v that_o some_o of_o they_o after_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v strong_o persuade_v that_o they_o still_o ought_v to_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o will_v have_v mingle_v judaisme_n and_o christianity_n together_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n except_o you_o be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n you_o can_v be_v save_v act_v 15.1_o 4._o as_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o such_o case_n to_o damn_v first_o and_o then_o to_o kill_v they_o deliver_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o death_n and_o pretend_v the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o it_o for_o which_o we_o may_v take_v those_o remarkable_a word_n of_o st._n paul_n describe_v the_o temper_n of_o the_o jew_n then_o and_o what_o his_o own_o once_o be_v say_v he_o i_o be_v teach_v according_a to_o the_o perfect_a manner_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o father_n and_o be_v zealous_a towards_o god_n as_o you_o be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o i_o persecute_v they_o even_o unto_o the_o death_n bind_v and_o deliver_v into_o prison_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n act_n 22.3_o 4._o and_o in_o chap._n 26._o v._n 10_o 11._o he_o declare_v that_o he_o persecute_v they_o oft_o in_o every_o synagogue_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_v and_o be_v exceed_o mad_a against_o they_o he_o persecute_v they_o even_o into_o strange_a city_n such_o be_v the_o entertainment_n they_o have_v from_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n be_v first_o deliver_v but_o when_o it_o be_v carry_v among_o the_o gentile_n they_o condemn_v it_o too_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v run_v down_o as_o if_o it_o have_v bring_v irreligion_n and_o atheism_n into_o the_o world_n insomuch_o that_o the_o ancient_a apologist_n be_v fain_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o set_v themselves_o against_o this_o absurd_a accusation_n and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o all_o one_o to_o serve_v god_n at_o all_o and_o not_o to_o serve_v many_o god_n that_o there_o may_v be_v devotion_n without_o bow_v down_o to_o image_n and_o religion_n and_o worship_n without_o idolatry_n and_o better_o a_o great_a deal_n without_o these_o thing_n than_o with_o they_o it_o be_v exclaim_v against_o as_o a_o late_a upstart_n religion_n that_o begin_v but_o yesterday_o and_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v hiss_v than_o argue_v out_o of_o the_o world_n they_o use_v to_o ask_v the_o christian_n what_o sort_n of_o man_n they_o can_v name_v either_o greek_n or_o barbarian_n that_o make_v their_o profession_n and_o have_v their_o rite_n and_o worship_n before_o jesus_n appear_v you_o have_v forsake_v say_v they_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o father_n that_o have_v be_v observe_v of_o old_a time_n in_o all_o city_n and_o country_n you_o have_v revolt_v from_o a_o worship_n which_o have_v have_v the_o tradition_n of_o all_o age_n and_o the_o approbation_n of_o king_n and_o people_n lawmaker_n and_o philosopher_n and_o by_o almost_o all_o the_o world_n till_o such_o as_o you_o appear_v who_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o 3._o they_o try_v to_o overwhelm_v it_o with_o the_o most_o gross_a and_o palpable_a untruth_n they_o give_v it_o out_o that_o the_o christian_n be_v worshipper_n of_o the_o sun_n nay_o that_o they_o adore_v a_o asses-head_n and_o sometime_o a_o cross_n they_o do_v not_o stick_v to_o say_v that_o in_o their_o solemn_a assembly_n they_o kill_v a_o child_n and_o commit_v incest_n they_o also_o upon_o no_o occasion_n in_o the_o world_n disarm_v they_o as_o a_o seditious_a and_o disloyal_a people_n and_o accuse_v they_o of_o treason_n though_o none_o ever_o set_v better_a example_n of_o fidelity_n to_o their_o governor_n to_o conclude_v our_o predecessor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v now_o and_o then_o condemn_v to_o several_a sort_n of_o death_n and_o it_o be_v often_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o safe_a to_o be_v some_o notorious_a malefactor_n than_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n in_o a_o word_n the_o gospel_n meet_v with_o that_o opposition_n which_o no_o religion_n ever_o do_v before_o the_o god_n of_o other_o nation_n new_a god_n every_o day_n be_v admit_v into_o a_o temple_n at_o rome_n with_o some_o formality_n and_o without_o trouble_n but_o when_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n come_v to_o call_v man_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v jew_n and_o gentile_n conspire_v to_o extinguish_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o blot_v out_o their_o name_n for_o ever_o insomuch_o that_o the_o jew_n at_o rome_n can_v tell_v st._n paul_n as_o concern_v this_o sect_n we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v every_o where_o speak_v against_o those_o therefore_o who_o god_n justify_v have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v condemn_v by_o man_n which_o will_v not_o seem_v strange_a to_o any_o of_o we_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v for_o instance_n 1._o that_o hatred_n of_o truth_n which_o reign_v in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n they_o can_v bear_v sound_a doctrine_n nor_o can_v they_o therefore_o bear_v those_o that_o profess_v and_o practise_v it_o truth_n be_v against_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o will_v be_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o all_o that_o follow_v it_o so_o long_o as_o pride_n lust_n avarice_n revenge_n luxury_n and_o such_o thing_n remain_v there_o will_v be_v so_o many_o cause_n of_o condemn_v that_o which_o god_n approve_v to_o which_o we_o must_v add_v 2._o the_o inflexibleness_n of_o true_a doctrine_n and_o of_o those_o that_o maintain_v it_o to_o the_o design_n of_o worldly_a men._n christianity_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o perfect_a scheme_n of_o religion_n that_o will_v suffer_v no_o addition_n or_o alteration_n it_o be_v stiff_a and_o will_v not_o bend_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o priest_n or_o of_o statesman_n as_o all_o that_o will_v which_o the_o heathen_n call_v religion_n among_o themselves_o whilst_o it_o be_v keep_v in_o wise_a and_o honest_a hand_n and_o true_o represent_v there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o cheat_v no_o allowance_n for_o pious_a fraud_n no_o place_n for_o convenient_a invention_n innovation_n can_v not_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n or_o the_o substance_n of_o their_o worship_n but_o they_o will_v be_v corruption_n of_o both_o without_o tamper_n with_o it_o it_o can_v not_o serve_v the_o ambition_n of_o a_o