he_o among_o the_o divine_n the_o civil_a law_n term_v that_o soldier_n a_o apostate_n which_o fly_v from_o his_o camp_n and_o withdraweth_a himself_o from_o the_o allegiance_n that_o he_o owe_v to_o his_o captain_n so_o do_v modestinus_n the_o lawyer_n write_v in_fw-la l._n desertores_fw-la d._n de_fw-fr re_fw-mi milita_fw-la for_o he_o term_v he_o a_o runagate_n and_o apostate_n soldier_n who_o have_v be_v straggle_v long_o from_o his_o tent_n although_o after_o he_o be_v bring_v back_o again_o but_o among_o the_o divine_n l._n apostatae_fw-la c._n de_fw-fr apostatis_fw-la apostate_n be_v otherwise_o account_v namely_o such_o as_o betray_v and_o renounce_v their_o holy_a and_o christian_a profession_n once_o make_v and_o receive_v on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o schoolman_n and_o papist_n do_v yet_o make_v a_o other_o reckon_n of_o apostate_n and_o describe_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o break_v the_o rule_n and_o leave_v the_o order_n of_o religion_n the_o which_o with_o a_o vow_n they_o once_o take_v upon_o they_o but_o doubtless_o in_o this_o place_n of_o paul_n which_o we_o have_v now_o in_o hand_n he_o neither_o talk_v of_o military_a discipline_n nor_o of_o popish_a profession_n which_o as_o yet_o be_v not_o hatch_v therefore_o the_o apostasy_n or_o defection_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o here_o must_v needs_o be_v understand_v either_o of_o a_o depart_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o from_o subjection_n under_o the_o empire_n of_o rome_n and_o in_o deed_n some_o have_v understand_v it_o of_o the_o roman_a empire_n as_o lactantius_n lib._n 7._o cap._n 15._o august_n lib._n 20._o de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la cap._n 19_o jerom_n ad_fw-la algas_n quaest_a 11._o which_o opinion_n how_o true_a it_o be_v let_v we_o consider_v to_o speak_v brief_o in_o the_o point_n this_o be_v my_o judgement_n that_o this_o place_n of_o paul_n can_v be_v mean_v only_o of_o the_o empire_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o in_o many_o respect_n first_o paul_n intreat_v not_o in_o that_o place_n of_o earthly_a kingdom_n or_o change_v of_o common_a wealth_n but_o deliver_v doctrine_n touch_v christian_n faith_n again_o the_o issue_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v the_o best_a expositour_n of_o this_o prophecy_n that_o can_v be_v do_v show_v no_o less_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o withdraw_n of_o subjection_n from_o the_o roman_a empire_n as_o a_o deny_v of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n further_n damascen_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 27._o de_fw-la orthodoxa_fw-la side_n make_v for_o i_o affirm_v that_o antichrist_n shall_v come_v after_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v once_o spread_v abroad_o last_o all_o the_o ancient_a 〈◊〉_d when_o once_o they_o affirm_v that_o antichrist_n himself_o be_v already_o come_v by_o and_o by_o for_o proof_n thereof_o they_o make_v instance_n of_o the_o heresy_n which_o he_o maintain_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n not_o mention_v any_o sedition_n or_o insurrection_n of_o the_o subject_n against_o the_o sacred_a majesty_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n therefore_o this_o apostasy_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o antichrist_n be_v a_o backslide_n or_o departure_n from_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christian_a faith_n why_o the_o kingdom_n and_o state_n of_o antichrist_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n indefinite_o or_o without_o limitation_n call_v a_o apostasy_n the_o sixth_o chapter_n now_o whereas_o s._n paul_n term_v it_o by_o a_o general_a word_n apostasy_n he_o give_v we_o thereby_o to_o understand_v that_o this_o depart_n shall_v not_o fall_v out_o in_o one_o or_o two_o church_n only_o but_o in_o the_o whole_a body_n as_o it_o be_v call_v of_o the_o universal_a and_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o paul_n speak_v without_o circumscription_n for_o such_o indefinite_a speech_n be_v answerable_a in_o quantity_n to_o universals_z as_o the_o logician_n teach_v and_o this_o be_v confirm_v and_o make_v plain_a by_o that_o in_o the_o revelation_n where_o the_o whore_n be_v say_v to_o make_v drink_v with_o her_o poison_a cup_n not_o only_o one_o church_n or_o province_n but_o all_o the_o king_n nation_n &_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o yet_o not_o every_o particular_a man_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v become_v a_o back-slide_a for_o god_n will_v always_o keep_v some_o unto_o himself_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o general_a defection_n as_o he_o do_v six_o thousand_o in_o the_o day_n of_o eliah_n who_o be_v the_o true_a church_n but_o a_o incorporation_n as_o you_o will_v say_v a_o conspiracy_n and_o the_o great_a number_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v challenge_v unto_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o shall_v betake_v they_o to_o a_o doctrine_n clean_o contrary_a thereunto_o and_o this_o to_o be_v do_v every_o where_o open_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o public_a authority_n the_o which_o we_o see_v to_o be_v do_v in_o turkey_n in_o mahumetism_n and_o in_o popery_n from_o hence_o therefore_o we_o may_v gather_v two_o point_n worthy_a the_o knowledge_n and_o observation_n the_o first_o that_o that_o argument_n be_v not_o so_o strong_a and_o unaunswerable_a to_o persuade_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n which_o be_v take_v from_o long_a continuance_n and_o tradition_n of_o our_o elder_n for_o when_o once_o this_o general_a defection_n shall_v have_v set_v in_o foot_n how_o may_v a_o man_n then_o safe_o make_v this_o collection_n this_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o apostolic_a because_o it_o be_v public_o receive_v teach_v and_o allow_v common_o in_o every_o congregation_n for_o paul_n have_v say_v that_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o doctrine_n contrary_n to_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v admit_v yea_o and_o that_o with_o approbation_n into_o the_o very_a church_n in_o every_o place_n public_o indeed_o the_o ancient_a writer_n be_v wont_a to_o use_v this_o argument_n of_o succession_n and_o consent_n and_o before_o this_o defection_n it_o be_v both_o a_o forcible_a and_o sound_a kind_n of_o proof_n but_o now_o it_o be_v nothing_o so_o the_o second_o be_v that_o a_o man_n can_v not_o right_o gather_v and_o conclude_v that_o the_o true_a church_n and_o true_a doctrine_n be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v where_o there_o have_v be_v inviolable_o keep_v and_o observe_v a_o continual_a and_o orderly_a succession_n of_o person_n for_o see_v this_o defection_n be_v to_o take_v place_n and_o continue_v long_o in_o the_o very_a church_n of_o god_n even_o through_o many_o succession_n of_o person_n and_o age_n of_o man_n how_o may_v a_o man_n thence_o gather_v and_o conclude_v substantial_o that_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o backsliders_a because_o that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v see_v a_o continual_a succession_n of_o person_n whereas_o those_o person_n be_v the_o very_a apostate_n themselves_o last_o from_o thence_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o this_o be_v a_o false_a position_n in_o popery_n which_o notwithstanding_o the_o schoolman_n maintain_v with_o tooth_n and_o nail_n namely_o that_o the_o church_n can_v not_o err_v nay_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o can_v and_o that_o not_o only_o one_o particular_a church_n or_o two_o but_o many_o plentiful_a congregation_n yea_o whole_a counsel_n and_o to_o make_v short_a the_o universal_a church_n itself_o who_o fall_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n forewarn_v and_o the_o event_n or_o issue_n thereof_o have_v since_o verify_v against_o all_o which_o offence_n this_o be_v the_o only_a and_o omnisufficient_a remedy_n to_o resort_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o true_a church_n true_a doctrine_n and_o true_a pastor_n be_v to_o be_v discern_v and_o sever_v from_o the_o false_a and_o counterfeit_n and_o thus_o have_v we_o hitherto_o consider_v why_o antichrist_n be_v term_v a_o apostata_fw-la for_o now_o my_o purpose_n be_v but_o brief_o to_o prosecute_v this_o point_n intend_v afterward_o to_o cross_v this_o sea_n again_o with_o more_o full_a sail_n have_v hitherto_o only_o weigh_v anchor_n and_o launch_v forth_o a_o little_a why_o paul_n call_v antichrist_n a_o man_n the_o seven_o chapter_n paul_n proceed_v further_a and_o add_v and_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n here_o he_o speak_v direct_o and_o plain_o of_o antichrist_n as_o first_o of_o his_o name_n and_o then_o of_o his_o person_n or_o of_o his_o quality_n and_o doctrine_n touch_v his_o name_n he_o term_v he_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o son_n of_o perdition_n and_o here_o again_o that_o be_v call_v into_o question_n whereof_o i_o have_v already_o dispute_v namely_o where_o as_o paul_n call_v antichrist_n a_o man_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o one_o private_a man_n that_o shall_v live_v in_o the_o world_n
of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a and_o horrible_a matter_n that_o paul_n speak_v of_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o so_o great_a labour_n of_o so_o many_o apostle_n and_o holy_a pastor_n and_o after_o water_v with_o so_o much_o blood_n of_o so_o many_o martyr_n shall_v after_o by_o the_o force_n of_o satan_n be_v overthrow_v and_o bring_v to_o confusion_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o can_v not_o but_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o godly_a work_n great_a grief_n as_o well_o such_o as_o live_v before_o the_o accomplishment_n hereof_o as_o such_o as_o live_v after_o whereupon_o some_o marvel_n why_o it_o stand_v with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o foretell_v so_o much_o see_v the_o knowledge_n thereof_o can_v not_o but_o great_o grieve_v the_o godly_a and_o make_v the_o wicked_a more_o obstinate_a and_o insolent_a against_o the_o church_n when_o they_o shall_v consider_v that_o according_a to_o the_o word_n 〈…〉_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o true_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v 〈◊〉_d and_o trample_v under_o foot_n and_o that_o false_a doctrine_n 〈…〉_o plausible_o and_o public_o receive_v whereunto_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v do_v and_o foretell_v in_o a_o double_a respect_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o ungodly_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o godly_a first_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o take_v offence_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v those_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v which_o they_o know_v be_v foretold_v and_o that_o by_o the_o will_n and_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n second_o that_o they_o or_o we_o shall_v not_o therefore_o make_v the_o less_o account_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o less_o glorious_a and_o heavenly_a for_o that_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v public_o and_o in_o every_o place_n reject_v and_o that_o man_n shall_v universal_o and_o in_o heap_n fall_v from_o the_o embrace_n of_o the_o same_o therefore_o we_o see_v how_o in_o respect_n hereof_o this_o point_n of_o prophecy_n be_v requisite_a for_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o stay_v of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o for_o the_o wicked_a it_o serve_v to_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v then_o ready_a to_o be_v pour_v on_o their_o head_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v those_o thing_n fullfil_v after_o which_o the_o last_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o their_o utter_a destruction_n shall_v immediate_o ensue_v and_o therefore_o in_o these_o two_o respect_n both_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o 24._o of_o math._n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n throughout_o the_o whole_a revelation_n do_v plain_o foretell_v what_o shall_v befall_v the_o church_n reveil_v even_o the_o most_o woeful_a and_o dangerous_a condition_n so_o that_o no_o man_n be_v to_o think_v that_o this_o be_v unreasonable_o or_o unreasonable_o bewray_v that_o antichrist_n shall_v not_o be_v one_o singular_a or_o particular_a man_n but_o that_o by_o that_o name_n be_v signify_v a_o multitude_n of_o man_n and_o a_o long_a succession_n and_o further_o why_o antichrist_n be_v call_v a_o apostata_fw-la or_o back-slide_a the_o five_o chapter_n thus_o much_o be_v speak_v let_v we_o in_o hand_n with_o the_o former_a place_n of_o paul_n wherein_o touch_v the_o word_n there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n or_o doubt_v for_o our_o book_n have_v usual_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v a_o defection_n be_v a_o noun_n substantive_a or_o primative_a and_o which_o include_v more_o than_o one_o man_n and_o yet_o augustine_n read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o derivative_n and_o which_o intend_v no_o more_o than_o one_o and_o therefore_o he_o translate_v it_o the_o reneger_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la and_o 19_o chap._n but_o all_o the_o greek_a and_o most_o ancient_a copy_n agree_v and_o the_o greek_a interpreter_n themselves_o do_v read_v it_o as_o we_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d doubtless_o that_o erroneous_a read_n which_o augustine_n follow_v breed_v a_o great_a error_n for_o thereupon_o some_o have_v in_o such_o sort_n interpret_v this_o place_n as_o if_o paul_n have_v speak_v of_o one_o only_a man_n who_o he_o so_o point_v out_o and_o term_v he_o only_o by_o the_o name_n of_o antichrist_n and_o not_o of_o a_o whole_a brood_n or_o body_n of_o a_o multitude_n but_o both_o the_o meaning_n of_o paul_n reason_n itself_o and_o the_o issue_n of_o thing_n can_v in_o no_o wise_n admit_v this_o read_n or_o exposition_n for_o paul_n speak_v not_o of_o any_o one_o man_n but_o of_o a_o crew_n cluster_v together_o a_o assembly_n and_o kind_a of_o fraternity_n of_o man_n agree_v and_o swear_v together_o in_o horrible_a and_o blasphemous_a manner_n against_o god_n himself_o therefore_o he_o use_v the_o primative_a word_n apostasy_n and_o after_o in_o the_o twelve_o verse_n he_o unfold_v himself_o and_o speak_v plain_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n that_o all_o they_o may_v be_v damn_v etc._n etc._n again_o reason_n itself_o enforce_v that_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o one_o man_n but_o of_o a_o multitude_n and_o kingdom_n for_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_o man_n can_v possible_o live_v so_o many_o year_n as_o there_o be_v between_o the_o day_n of_o paul_n and_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n after_o which_o the_o very_a antichrist_n be_v to_o come_v last_o the_o event_n hereof_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v universal_o of_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n &_o of_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o which_o have_v continue_v many_o age_n and_o as_o yet_o be_v in_o ure_n and_o not_o of_o the_o life_n or_o age_n of_o any_o one_o man_n for_o the_o life_n of_o one_o man_n though_o he_o be_v of_o a_o great_a age_n be_v but_o short_a if_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o time_n of_o this_o defection_n which_o have_v last_v now_o full_a out_o 900._o year_n and_o as_o touch_v this_o apostasy_n or_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v a_o woeful_a or_o most_o miserable_a estate_n or_o condition_n of_o thing_n which_o shall_v take_v place_n in_o the_o world_n before_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n wherein_o shall_v be_v not_o only_o a_o fearful_a and_o lamentable_a persecution_n and_o slaughter_n of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o a_o kill_a and_o almost_o a_o final_a quell_v and_o put_v out_o of_o all_o christian_a faith_n from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n because_o that_o common_o public_o and_o in_o every_o corner_n a_o doctrine_n most_o false_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v admit_v approve_a and_o publish_v and_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o this_o exposition_n of_o i_o be_v warrant_v first_o by_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n himself_o luk._n 18.8_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v come_v do_v you_o think_v he_o shall_v find_v faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o of_o math._n 24.12_o the_o love_n of_o many_o whereby_o faith_n in_o that_o place_n be_v mean_v shall_v wax_v cold_a therefore_o that_o miserable_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n make_v know_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o name_n of_o antichrist_n reach_v to_o many_o and_o concern_v not_o one_o alone_a so_o also_o it_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o prophecy_n of_o john_n in_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 17.1_o &_o 18.3_o where_o so_o great_a and_o so_o far_o spread_a power_n of_o this_o apostasy_n be_v in_o such_o sort_n describe_v as_o that_o it_o be_v there_o term_v a_o harlot_n flat_a opposite_a and_o contrary_a to_o christ_n which_o with_o her_o poison_n and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n shall_v infect_v the_o king_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n lostly_a it_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o 1._o john_n cap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 18._o where_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o name_n of_o antichrist_n be_v attribute_v to_o many_o upon_o the_o which_o place_n master_n caluin_n write_v thus_o paul_n 2._o thes_n 2.3_o speak_v of_o the_o apostasy_n or_o fall_v away_o that_o shall_v ensue_v plain_o give_v it_o out_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o body_n or_o as_o you_o will_v say_v a_o kingdom_n of_o defection_n this_o be_v so_o we_o may_v from_o hence_o gather_v and_o conclude_v and_o that_o upon_o a_o antecedent_n or_o thing_n go_v before_o that_o before_o the_o last_o come_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v namely_o that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o church_n general_o enlarge_v and_o plant_v and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n public_o receive_v the_o which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o foretell_v math._n 26.13_o but_o for_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_o handle_v of_o this_o point_n let_v we_o see_v what_o this_o word_n apostata_fw-la signify_v apostate_n or_o backsliders_a be_v otherwise_o take_v and_o define_v among_o the_o lawyer_n than_o they_o
be_v not_o yet_o come_v whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o man_n be_v a_o odd_a fellow_n differ_v from_o the_o other_o simple_a heretic_n as_o be_v a_o more_o foul_a blasphemour_n than_o the_o whole_a pack_n of_o they_o all_o the_o second_o be_v which_o here_o i_o do_v but_o propound_v and_o bare_o affirm_v purpose_v afterward_o to_o make_v it_o plain_a by_o substantial_a proof_n that_o this_o say_n of_o paul_n concern_v the_o opposition_n or_o contrariety_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o antichrist_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n neither_o can_v or_o may_v be_v understand_v or_o take_v for_o the_o sect_n and_o religion_n of_o mahumet_n for_o although_o it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o same_o also_o be_v dissent_v and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n yet_o neither_o do_v mahumet_n himself_o sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v they_o that_o profess_v to_o be_v of_o his_o sect_n acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n or_o pastor_n or_o prelate_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o which_o both_o antichrist_n himself_o and_o his_o adherent_n do_v but_o do_v open_o and_o profess_o in_o boast_a manner_n give_v it_o out_o that_o they_o abandon_v both_o the_o name_n and_o company_n of_o christian_n now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o consider_v of_o some_o particular_a point_n of_o the_o papist_n doctrine_n who_o notwithstanding_o will_v needs_o be_v account_v the_o only_a christian_n and_o catholic_n of_o the_o world_n and_o see_v how_o true_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v call_v it_o a_o doctrine_n opposite_a and_o contrary_a to_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n for_o herein_o the_o ancient_a writer_n agree_v with_o we_o in_o refer_v this_o speech_n of_o paul_n unto_o the_o popish_a synagogue_n that_o be_v to_o that_o church_n which_o boast_v itself_o but_o false_o under_o the_o glorious_a title_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n bernard_n upon_o the_o canticle_n hom._n 33._o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n say_v he_o but_o they_o serve_v antichrist_n hilary_n against_o auxentius_n under_o the_o colour_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n he_o shall_v be_v contrary_a to_o christ_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v renounce_v even_o while_o man_n think_v he_o be_v preach_v last_o chrysostom_n upon_o math._n hom._n 49._o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a say_v he_o to_o discern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o antichrist_n from_o that_o that_o be_v true_a and_o sincere_a we_o be_v will_v to_o make_v our_o repair_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o say_v he_o if_o we_o respect_v outward_a name_n title_n and_o profession_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o after_o that_o he_o add_v yea_o they_o will_v outward_o pretend_v great_a chastity_n and_o mortify_v of_o the_o flesh_n then_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v among_o the_o true_a christian_n the_o which_o we_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v to_o jump_v very_o fit_o with_o the_o profession_n of_o popery_n and_o to_o paint_v the_o same_o out_o unto_o we_o in_o her_o proper_a colour_n well_o let_v we_o see_v the_o jar_n and_o square_n that_o be_v between_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o of_o antichrist_n and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v especial_o in_o these_o three_o point_n the_o first_o touch_v god_n and_o his_o essence_n the_o second_o concern_v the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o mean_n thereof_o the_o three_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n both_o inward_a and_o outward_a namely_o of_o ceremony_n concern_v the_o lord_n god_n the_o sacred_a scripture_n teach_v we_o principal_o and_o in_o general_a these_o three_o head_n the_o first_o that_o he_o be_v god_n only_o mark_n 12.29_o deut._n 6.4_o the_o second_o that_o he_o be_v of_o a_o heavenly_a nature_n not_o consist_v of_o any_o earthly_a dregs_n or_o humane_a corruption_n act._n 7.48_o isai_n 66.1_o the_o three_o that_o he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o all_o thing_n especial_o the_o lord_n and_o only_a master_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n 1._o pet._n 4.19_o &_o 1_o pet._n 2.25_o whereupon_o these_o three_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o follow_v first_o that_o the_o true_a god_n can_v but_o hate_v a_o multitude_n of_o god_n or_o if_o any_o one_o be_v join_v to_o he_o as_o a_o fellow_n second_o that_o he_o can_v abide_v to_o be_v represent_v by_o idol_n and_o last_o that_o he_o can_v admit_v of_o any_o other_o to_o prescribe_v law_n for_o the_o bind_n of_o man_n conscience_n touch_v man_n salvation_n and_o the_o cause_n thereof_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o these_o two_o principal_a thing_n first_o that_o the_o same_o be_v absolute_a and_o perfect_a perform_v by_o the_o only_a death_n and_o sacrifice_n once_o offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n very_a god_n and_o man_n heb._n 9.20_o second_o that_o it_o proceed_v free_o from_o god_n gracious_a goodness_n towards_o us._n rom._n 3._o &_o 4._o last_o concern_v religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o this_o in_o general_n first_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v only_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o take_v from_o the_o tradition_n and_o precept_n of_o man_n math._n 15.9_o deut._n 12.8_o again_o touch_v the_o outward_a action_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v solemn_a sign_n and_o seal_n of_o our_o salvation_n call_v sacrament_n we_o be_v teach_v out_o of_o the_o same_o word_n of_o god_n that_o god_n only_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o 1._o cor._n 11.23_o and_o touch_v outward_a ceremony_n which_o be_v also_o a_o part_n of_o god_n outward_a worship_n the_o same_o word_n of_o god_n will_v have_v but_o few_o of_o they_o such_o as_o be_v profitable_a and_o tend_v to_o edification_n to_o be_v admit_v wherein_o also_o no_o part_n or_o jot_n of_o our_o righteousness_n consist_v neither_o be_v the_o conscience_n of_o a_o man_n burden_v with_o they_o but_o only_o they_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o decent_a order_n of_o the_o public_a assembly_n that_o so_o a_o outward_a uniformity_n and_o comeliness_n may_v be_v keep_v among_o christian_n as_o paul_n write_v 1._o cor._n 10._o &_o 11._o and_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galat._n and_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebr._n cap._n 8._o &_o 9_o &_o 10._o but_o as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o popery_n what_o article_n shall_v we_o find_v there_o agree_v hereunto_o for_o as_o concern_v that_o of_o one_o god_n their_o divinity_n have_v clean_o raze_v out_o that_o point_n for_o they_o have_v chap_v and_o change_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o high_a and_o have_v convey_v the_o same_o as_o it_o be_v by_o piecemeal_o unto_o a_o number_n of_o new_a up-starts_a and_o pettie-god_n of_o their_o own_o for_o look_v how_o many_o saint_n they_o have_v canonize_v so_o many_o god_n have_v they_o coin_a and_o foist_v in_o to_o become_v lord_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o disposer_n of_o mighty_a matter_n insomuch_o as_o one_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o rain_n commit_v unto_o he_o a_o other_o the_o dispose_n of_o fair_a weather_n the_o three_o be_v make_v master_n of_o disease_n and_o a_o other_o the_o restorer_n of_o health_n and_o touch_v the_o heavenly_a essence_n and_o divine_a nature_n of_o god_n first_o they_o make_v god_n himself_o a_o earthly_a lump_n when_o they_o teach_v that_o the_o pope_n be_v a_o earthly_a god_n and_o when_o they_o will_v needs_o bear_v we_o in_o hand_n that_o their_o waifer-cake_n or_o crust_n of_o bread_n make_v of_o bran_n be_v a_o very_a true_a god_n second_o they_o have_v set_v up_o a_o number_n of_o idol_n which_o they_o worship_v and_o appoint_v man_n to_o worship_n god_n by_o and_o through_o they_o and_o in_o this_o point_n they_o show_v their_o wonderful_a excessive_a outrage_n for_o never_o among_o any_o nation_n no_o not_o among_o the_o grecian_n from_o who_o they_o say_v this_o idolatry_n first_o proceed_v be_v there_o the_o like_a furious_a madness_n show_v in_o 〈◊〉_d in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d idolworship_n as_o be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o papist_n for_o they_o erect_v still_o new_a idol_n and_o yet_o retain_v their_o old_a they_o bring_v in_o foreigner_n and_o withal_o worship_v their_o home-god_n unknown_a and_o know_v god_n they_o worship_v all_o alike_o to_o be_v brief_a they_o like_v mad_a man_n have_v bring_v in_o among_o we_o the_o perfect_a state_n of_o paganism_n and_o as_o touch_v our_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o the_o cause_n thereof_o they_o as_o though_o the_o work_n thereof_o be_v not_o full_o finish_v and_o perfect_v by_o the_o only_a sacrifice_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v daily_a celebrate_v and_o thrust_v upon_o we_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n in_o somuch_o as_o that_o detestable_a and_o horrible_a toy_n of_o the_o
for_o the_o dispose_n and_o get_v gift_n and_o grant_v of_o kingdom_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n do_v open_o lay_v claim_n unto_o that_o as_o appeareth_z out_o of_o the_o 2._o cap._n extravag_n of_o superiority_n and_o subjection_n although_o gregorious_a magnus_n do_v first_o call_v himself_o the_o servant_n of_o servant_n whereby_o he_o may_v teach_v his_o successor_n humility_n but_o as_o for_o they_o they_o keep_v indeed_o the_o outward_a name_n &_o inscription_n but_o as_o for_o the_o royalty_n that_o agree_v not_o with_o this_o poor_a title_n they_o take_v that_o upon_o they_o with_o a_o mischief_n and_o touch_v the_o free_a dispose_n of_o matter_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n like_o a_o wicked_a wretch_n he_o say_v it_o belong_v proper_o and_o only_o unto_o he_o as_o appear_v can._n cuncta_fw-la 9_o quaest_n 3._o can._n si_fw-la papa_n do_v 4._o can._n neminis_fw-la est_fw-la de_fw-fr sedis_fw-la apostolicae_fw-la iudicio_fw-la iudicare_fw-la 17._o quaest_n 4._o therefore_o his_o own_o decree_n do_v prove_v this_o point_n to_o be_v true_a for_o he_o appoint_v at_o his_o pleasure_n new_a sacrament_n and_o those_o that_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n he_o do_v repeal_v toss_v turkisse_n and_o take_v away_o he_o prescribe_v law_n to_o bind_v man_n conscience_n and_o as_o for_o such_o law_n as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o authorise_v he_o play_v fast_o and_o loose_a with_o they_o as_o he_o list_v can._n sunt_fw-la quidam_fw-la 25._o quaest_n last_o like_o a_o brazen_a face_a merchant_n he_o advaunce_v himself_o above_o a_o general_a council_n can._n nunc_fw-la autem_fw-la do_v 21._o now_o what_o be_v all_o this_o but_o flat_a and_o fair_a to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o power_n of_o god_n he_o bring_v under_o his_o subjection_n all_o power_n principality_n king_n and_o magistrate_n can._n si_fw-la imperator_fw-la do_v 96._o yea_o the_o very_a empire_n itself_o then_o the_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n great_a more_o sacred_a and_o magnificent_a together_o with_o the_o very_a emperor_n himself_o who_o with_o much_o ado_n he_o admit_v to_o come_v to_o the_o humble_a kiss_n of_o his_o foot_n in_o that_o that_o he_o liken_v himself_o to_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o emperor_n to_o the_o moon_n so_o that_o the_o foolish_a fellow_n make_v himself_o to_o be_v above_o all_o power_n make_v but_o a_o mock_n of_o that_o of_o peter_n 1._o pet._n 2.13_o the_o which_o curse_a point_n of_o blasphemy_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v to_o be_v find_v register_v cap._n 2._o extravag_n de_fw-fr maioritate_fw-la &_o obedientia_fw-la cap_fw-es quinto_fw-la &_o seq_n extr._n de_fw-fr translat_fw-la episcop_n and_o leave_v in_o record_n for_o remembrance_n of_o his_o impiety_n to_o all_o posterity_n last_o helmodius_n report_v in_o his_o history_n of_o saxony_n that_o alexander_n the_o 3._o will_v in_o no_o case_n acknowledge_v frederick_n to_o be_v lawful_o admit_v and_o all_o because_o the_o poor_a emperor_n hold_v the_o wrong_a stirrup_n while_o his_o holiness_n shall_v mount_v on_o horseback_n but_o among_o other_o author_n it_o be_v good_a to_o read_v in_o this_o behalf_n bernardus_n as_o well_o in_o his_o second_o book_n to_o eugenius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n where_o in_o conclusion_n he_o break_v out_o into_o these_o word_n thou_o have_v more_o need_n quoth_v he_o to_o have_v a_o rake_n in_o thy_o hand_n than_o a_o sceptre_n to_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o prophet_n as_o also_o in_o his_o epistle_n namely_o 230._o where_o at_o last_o speak_v of_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n he_o make_v a_o exclamation_n in_o this_o sort_n at_o first_o indeed_o you_o begin_v to_o play_v the_o lord_n but_o over_o the_o clergy_n contrary_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o peter_n and_o within_o a_o while_n 1.24_o 1._o pet._n 5.3_o 2._o cor._n 1.24_o contrary_a to_o the_o advice_n of_o paul_n peter_n fellow-apostle_n you_o will_v have_v dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o man_n but_o you_o stay_v not_o there_o you_o have_v take_v upon_o you_o more_o namely_o to_o have_v a_o peremptory_a power_n in_o religion_n itself_o now_o what_o remain_v whereon_o you_o may_v further_o encroach_v except_o you_o will_v go_v about_o to_o bring_v the_o very_a angel_n under_o your_o subjection_n etc._n etc._n what_o can_v a_o man_n say_v more_o than_o this_o whereby_o we_o may_v conceive_v that_o any_o do_v take_v upon_o he_o the_o power_n of_o god_n so_o that_o now_o no_o man_n can_v just_o make_v doubt_n but_o that_o the_o roman_a bishop_n be_v the_o head_n and_o chieftain_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n and_o that_o such_o as_o embrace_v and_o maintain_v his_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v repute_v and_o reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o antichristes_n of_o the_o place_n where_o antichrist_n shall_v sit_v where_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o neither_o mahumet_n himself_o nor_o his_o accompliss_n be_v the_o man_n who_o the_o scripture_n term_v antichristes_n the_o fiftenth_n chapter_n we_o be_v withal_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o place_n where_o antichrist_n that_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o apostasy_n and_o of_o all_o that_o generation_n shall_v sit_v s._n paul_n have_v endeavour_v to_o determine_v the_o same_o but_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o somewhat_o obscure_o when_o he_o say_v he_o shall_v sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o great_a and_o careful_a search_n have_v be_v make_v what_o those_o word_n of_o he_o shall_v signify_v origen_n upon_o math._n hom._n 29._o by_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o word_n of_o god_n therefore_o say_v he_o there_o shall_v then_o be_v in_o the_o church_n a_o false_a scripture_n for_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n a_o false_a doctrine_n shall_v prevail_v truth_n it_o be_v paul_n 1._o tim._n 4.1.2_o etc._n etc._n and_o 2._o tim._n 3.1.2_o etc._n etc._n &_o 4.3_o have_v plain_o avouch_v that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n man_n shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o shall_v embrace_v and_o spread_v abroad_o devilish_a doctrine_n the_o which_o also_o the_o very_a word_n of_o apostasy_n which_o we_o have_v before_o out_o of_o paul_n teach_v shall_v happen_v under_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n do_v sufficient_o prove_v again_o austin_n lib._n 23._o de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la cap._n 19_o interprete_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o not_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v write_v he_o shall_v sit_v for_o the_o temple_n or_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o as_o for_o this_o kind_n of_o speech_n he_o may_v have_v be_v well_o enough_o acquaint_v with_o it_o out_o of_o 1._o cor._n 6.19_o and_o 1._o pet._n 2.5_o where_o we_o see_v that_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v take_v for_o the_o people_n and_o place_n where_o god_n be_v worship_v which_o by_o a_o other_o name_n be_v call_v the_o church_n therefore_o antichrist_n shall_v sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v exercise_v that_o his_o power_n among_o the_o very_a faithful_a and_o child_n of_o god_n for_o this_o defection_n be_v to_o fall_v out_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o in_o somuch_o as_o they_o that_o be_v the_o author_n and_o maintainer_n of_o the_o say_a apostasy_n shall_v notwithstanding_o boast_v and_o vaunt_v themselves_o under_o the_o name_n and_o glorious_a show_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v short_a they_o only_o forsooth_o will_v needs_o be_v term_v and_o repute_v for_o the_o true_a church_n and_o that_o they_o only_o be_v the_o true_a prelate_n and_o bishop_n of_o the_o same_o whereby_o especial_o appear_v that_o which_o i_o have_v often_o insinuate_v namely_o that_o the_o sectary_n of_o mahumet_n be_v not_o the_o man_n of_o who_o paul_n speak_v and_o prophesy_v in_o this_o place_n although_o the_o doctrine_n of_o mahumet_n &_o of_o popery_n begin_v much_o about_o a_o time_n for_o mahumet_n which_o be_v the_o last_o of_o the_o two_o begin_v under_o heraclius_n and_o the_o papistical_a tyranny_n begin_v somewhat_o before_o under_o the_o emperor_n phocas_n so_o that_o these_o two_o kingdom_n be_v so_o opposite_a &_o repugnant_a to_o christ_n differ_v not_o much_o above_o ten_o year_n touch_v the_o time_n of_o their_o several_a beginning_n but_o yet_o see_v the_o follower_n of_o mahumet_n do_v open_o renounce_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o will_v at_o no_o hand_n admit_v much_o less_o pretend_v that_o title_n or_o call_n and_o see_v on_o the_o contrary_a side_n the_o papist_n do_v so_o greedelie_o affect_v hold_v and_o appropriate_a to_o themselves_o the_o stile_n of_o the_o church_n the_o title_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o catholic_n there_o be_v none_o if_o he_o will_v be_v account_v of_o
of_o man_n be_v urge_v in_o stead_n of_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n &_o in_o stead_n of_o his_o true_a worship_n mere_a idolatry_n be_v maintain_v in_o stead_n of_o the_o true_a sacrament_n of_o christ_n the_o devise_n of_o man_n be_v foist_v in_o all_o which_o we_o see_v open_o practise_v in_o popery_n we_o utter_o deny_v that_o those_o company_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o that_o they_o be_v the_o same_o society_n whereunto_o christ_n will_v or_o will_v we_o to_o resort_v last_o whereas_o common_o we_o say_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v belong_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o also_o we_o hold_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o the_o true_a church_n &_o at_o no_o hand_n either_o of_o the_o papistical_a or_o heretical_a synagogue_n now_o out_o of_o this_o that_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v easy_o to_o be_v gather_v that_o those_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v schismatic_n that_o renounce_v popery_n because_o that_o in_o so_o do_v they_o do_v not_o depart_v from_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n from_o which_o whosoever_o start_v be_v just_o to_o be_v charge_v with_o make_v of_o a_o schism_n but_o rather_o they_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v for_o such_o as_o have_v sever_v themselves_o from_o that_o blasphemous_a apostasy_n &_o curse_a crew_n of_o apostate_n that_o be_v from_o a_o disguise_a mark_n or_o vizard_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o action_n of_o they_o they_o be_v as_o great_o to_o be_v commend_v as_o those_o that_o with_o all_o speed_n rid_v themselves_o from_o filthy_a &_o infectious_a place_n but_o if_o hereunto_o the_o papist_n make_v reply_n as_o they_o be_v obstinate_a in_o maintain_v their_o error_n and_o say_v yea_o but_o you_o be_v baptize_v in_o this_o church_n of_o we_o why_o therefore_o be_v you_o not_o either_o rebaptise_v or_o else_o why_o do_v you_o not_o continue_v in_o and_o reverence_v that_o church_n wherein_o you_o be_v baptize_v and_o whereunto_o at_o first_o you_o give_v up_o your_o name_n i_o answer_v it_o need_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v baptize_v again_o in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o have_v once_o already_o be_v sprinkle_v with_o christian_a baptism_n the_o which_o sacrament_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v touch_v the_o substance_n &_o material_a point_n of_o it_o be_v keep_v &_o continue_v among_o the_o papist_n therefore_o have_v already_o receive_v the_o baptism_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v not_o again_o to_o be_v new_a christen_v austin_n have_v often_o answer_v to_o this_o effect_n to_o the_o donatist_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o we_o neither_o may_v nor_o may_v for_o all_o this_o continue_v still_o in_o the_o popish_a church_n neither_o be_v it_o perjury_n or_o apostasy_n from_o he_o to_o who_o we_o give_v up_o our_o name_n if_o we_o abandon_v their_o society_n for_o in_o our_o baptism_n the_o outward_a sign_n whereof_o we_o receive_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o papist_n themselves_o we_o give_v not_o our_o name_n to_o the_o pope_n but_o to_o christ_n into_o who_o name_n also_o we_o be_v at_o that_o time_n incorporate_a be_v thence_o call_v christian_n he_o we_o profess_v and_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o not_o man_n not_o the_o pope_n nor_o any_o bishop_n but_o we_o partly_o through_o the_o great_a unfaithfulnesse_n and_o partly_o through_o the_o ignorance_n of_o our_o pastoral_a teacher_n be_v and_o that_o a_o great_a while_n together_o carry_v from_o our_o captain_n christ_n jesus_n and_o so_o in_o the_o dark_a ignorance_n of_o our_o blind_a understanding_n by_o they_o so_o besot_v we_o follow_v the_o pope_n in_o stead_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o now_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n lighten_v through_o god_n gracious_a goodness_n we_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v our_o error_n and_o therefore_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n in_o sincere_a affection_n we_o up-seeke_a with_o purpose_n ever_o after_o to_o stick_v to_o our_o first_o and_o true_a captain_n to_o who_o only_o we_o give_v up_o our_o name_n to_o wit_n christ_n jesus_n austin_n in_o his_o 40._o treatise_n upon_o the_o gospel_n of_o s._n john_n say_v we_o be_v god_n coin_n but_o be_v his_o money_n we_o be_v carry_v straggle_v from_o his_o treasourie_n and_o through_o our_o fault_n the_o print_n which_o he_o have_v stamp_v in_o we_o be_v wear_v out_o at_o last_o he_o come_v and_o reform_v that_o which_o himself_o before_o have_v form_n in_o us._n now_o i_o pray_v call_v you_o this_o treachery_n for_o a_o man_n to_o up-seeke_a his_o general_n and_o his_o banner_n the_o which_o for_o a_o time_n through_o ignorance_n he_o have_v lose_v or_o be_v this_o to_o be_v a_o renegade_n if_o any_o man_n think_v this_o answer_n of_o we_o not_o to_o be_v so_o currant_n let_v he_o hear_v austin_n in_o his_o sixth_o treatise_n upon_o the_o gospel_n of_o s._n john_n speak_v thus_o unto_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o donatist_n hold_v thou_o say_v he_o that_o which_o thou_o have_v already_o receive_v it_o be_v not_o alter_v it_o be_v only_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v the_o stamp_n of_o my_o lord_n and_o king_n it_o shall_v be_v no_o point_n of_o sacrilege_n in_o i_o i_o do_v but_o refourme_v the_o straggler_n i_o do_v not_o temper_v with_o the_o stamp_n for_o such_o as_o john_n have_v first_o baptize_v christ_n do_v after_o admit_v unto_o he_o and_o by_o baptism_n we_o become_v their_o disciple_n in_o who_o name_n we_o be_v baptize_v 1._o cor._n 1.13_o but_o if_o they_o further_o object_v and_o say_v that_o if_o we_o deny_v the_o papism_n to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n because_o it_o have_v some_o corruption_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o some_o ill_a behaviour_n that_o be_v among_o they_o we_o shall_v in_o so_o do_v fall_n into_o the_o error_n of_o the_o donatist_n who_o will_v acknowledge_v no_o congregation_n to_o be_v the_o lawful_a church_n of_o god_n which_o have_v in_o it_o any_o imperfection_n or_o blemish_n at_o all_o i_o answer_v that_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o popery_n we_o do_v not_o respect_v the_o lewd_a demeanour_n and_o disposition_n of_o man_n neither_o do_v we_o in_o consideration_n thereof_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n but_o we_o weigh_v the_o unlawfulness_n or_o pollution_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o church_n and_o the_o very_a groundwork_n whereupon_o it_o stand_v and_o find_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o whereupon_o the_o true_a church_n be_v establish_v we_o can_v yield_v that_o popery_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o come_n of_o antichrist_n and_o first_o that_o it_o be_v plain_o to_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reveil_v before_o the_o roman_a empire_n shall_v begin_v to_o totter_v and_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n shall_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n begin_v to_o grow_v and_o increase_v the_o eightenth_n chapter_n the_o four_o point_n that_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o discourse_n be_v touch_v the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n which_o be_v a_o point_n worthy_a nay_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v that_o so_o antichrist_n may_v the_o better_o be_v descry_v and_o avoid_v now_o touch_v the_o time_n of_o his_o say_a come_v such_o as_o have_v write_v thereof_o be_v of_o diverse_a opinion_n for_o one_o arabianus_n as_o platina_n report_v in_o the_o life_n of_o victor_n affirm_v and_o teach_v that_o even_o then_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o emperor_n severus_n antichrist_n be_v rise_v and_o hereunto_o be_v he_o persuade_v by_o the_o view_n of_o the_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o the_o church_n &_o by_o sight_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o heresy_n which_o they_o be_v spring_v up_o but_o to_o make_v short_a paul_n determine_v full_o of_o this_o matter_n when_o he_o say_v that_o then_o antichrist_n be_v to_o be_v make_v know_v and_o manifest_a when_o that_o which_o hinder_v be_v once_o take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n for_o you_o know_v say_v he_o what_o it_o be_v that_o withholdeth_a his_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o now_o hinder_v or_o with-houldeth_a now_o great_a search_n have_v be_v make_v what_o those_o word_n shall_v signify_v for_o some_o do_v take_v they_o in_o such_o sense_n as_o if_o thereby_o be_v mean_v the_o roman_a empire_n and_o some_o as_o if_o nothing_o but_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v thereby_o to_o be_v understand_v which_o be_v first_o to_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n which_o opinion_n although_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v diverse_a &_o repugnant_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v well_o and_o that_o easy_o reconcile_v for_o we_o shall_v find_v either_o of_o they_o true_a
think_v upon_o the_o reduce_n or_o restore_v of_o the_o italian_a empire_n unto_o her_o former_a dignity_n but_o labour_v their_o utmost_a her_o utter_a overthrow_n for_o they_o be_v barbarous_a man_n such_o as_o be_v the_o rugian_o and_o goth_n who_o begin_v now_o open_o to_o bear_v rule_n in_o italy_n now_o all_o these_o king_n of_o who_o i_o have_v speak_v reign_v almost_o but_o a_o hour_n that_o be_v a_o very_a short_a time_n and_o space_n yea_o they_o reign_v and_o die_v much_o about_o a_o time_n in_o as_o much_o as_o all_o of_o they_o come_v to_o the_o crown_n within_o little_a less_o than_o the_o compass_n of_o ten_o year_n and_o it_o may_v be_v that_o the_o image_n thereof_o i_o mean_v the_o state_n of_o popery_n may_v herein_o resemble_v she_o 〈◊〉_d she_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d platfourme_v and_o agree_v iompe_n therewith_o in_o have_v she_o ten_o last_o pope_n very_o short_a live_v for_o a_o final_a conclusion_n and_o ruinous_a confusion_n of_o that_o kingdom_n therefore_o both_o the_o number_n of_o the_o king_n which_o be_v specify_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o very_a short_a time_n of_o their_o government_n confirm_v my_o interpretation_n and_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v most_o true_a which_o i_o have_v rather_o follow_v than_o that_o exposition_n which_o primasius_n give_v of_o this_o place_n understand_v by_o a_o hour_n any_o time_n whatsoever_o either_o short_a or_o long_o where-unto_a the_o 8._o chapter_n verse_n 1._o of_o the_o same_o revelation_n be_v repugnaunt_a that_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a ground_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o popery_n first_o the_o diverse_a heresy_n that_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n touch_v the_o nature_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n second_o the_o bitter_a bicker_n that_o be_v among_o the_o bishop_n and_o three_o the_o large_a bounty_n of_o emperor_n and_o certain_a other_o man_n who_o both_o be_v able_a and_o superstitious_o bend_v which_o they_o bestow_v on_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o 24._o chapter_n which_o be_v so_o we_o be_v now_o to_o lay_v open_a by_o what_o step_n this_o seat_n and_o tyranny_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n step_v up_o to_o such_o a_o type_n and_o magnificence_n and_o how_o at_o last_o it_o attain_v his_o final_a furniture_n and_o perfection_n of_o building_n in_o the_o place_n of_o geddon-harma_n of_o geddon-harma_n desolation_n that_o be_v where_o the_o shard_n and_o ash_n of_o ruinous_a rome_n be_v to_o be_v find_v the_o first_o and_o original_a groundwork_n in_o lay_v and_o establish_v the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n be_v three_o to_o weet_v the_o error_n of_o heretic_n the_o contention_n of_o bishop_n and_o the_o superstitious_a devotion_n and_o excessive_a liberality_n of_o christian_a prince_n for_o so_o that_o their_o foolish_a and_o immoderate_a largisse_fw-la bestow_v upon_o the_o church_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v term_v then_o true_a devotion_n for_o they_o be_v too-too_o over-lasshing_a and_o cocker_a favourer_n towards_o the_o church_n and_o chief_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o touch_v these_o three_o cause_n which_o i_o call_v groundwork_n of_o the_o antichristian_a kingdom_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v perceive_v that_o they_o likewise_o be_v three_o mighty_a and_o effectual_a step_n or_o degree_n whereby_o antichrist_n by_o little_a and_o little_o rear_v himself_o unto_o that_o huge_a and_o tyrannous_a power_n which_o afterward_o he_o attain_v and_o first_o touch_v error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n truth_n it_o be_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n yea_o all_o the_o western_a church_n remain_v more_o pure_a and_o sound_a then_o the_o eastern_a and_o those_o in_o syria_n by_o two_o especial_a mean_n the_o one_o for_o that_o in_o the_o west_n there_o be_v continual_a persecution_n stir_v up_o by_o the_o emperor_n of_o rome_n the_o other_o for_o that_o the_o wit_n of_o the_o western_a man_n be_v always_o more_o gross_a and_o dull_a whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o of_o the_o eastern_a church_n repair_v often_o in_o matter_n of_o doubt_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o require_v their_o judgement_n and_o help_n in_o condemn_v newsproong_v heresy_n and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_n the_o credit_n and_o estimation_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n begin_v more_o and_o more_o in_o wonderful_a sort_n to_o increase_v and_o be_v high_o repute_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o the_o many_o and_o diverse_a heresy_n that_o then_o be_v do_v not_o only_o shake_v the_o christian_a faith_n but_o make_v it_o as_o a_o matter_n great_o doubt_v of_o among_o many_o in_o the_o east_n especial_o where-by_a also_o they_o make_v ready_a way_n for_o that_o general_a backslide_n which_o after_o ensue_v and_o therefore_o those_o heresy_n be_v call_v by_o chrysostom_n army_n of_o antichrist_n especial_o such_o as_o spring_v last_o whereby_o bitter_a contention_n be_v raise_v and_o heal_v repugnaunt_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n touch_v the_o nature_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o their_o union_n or_o linck_n together_o of_o the_o office_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o work_n such_o as_o those_o be_v which_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o arrius_n nestorius_n eutyches_n and_o pelagius_n which_o heresy_n be_v both_o most_o detestable_a and_o most_o forceible_a to_o overthrow_v the_o uprightness_n of_o man_n judgement_n and_o therefore_o by_o this_o mean_n upon_o a_o sudden_a the_o superstition_n of_o mahumetism_n begin_v in_o the_o east_n and_o by_o occasion_n of_o the_o continual_a dissension_n that_o be_v among_o the_o christian_n touch_v such_o point_n of_o doctrine_n it_o be_v admit_v willing_o and_o prevail_v great_o for_o the_o eastern_a church_n be_v now_o taint_v turmoil_v and_o foulie_o deform_v with_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o heresy_n for_o look_v how_o many_o heresy_n there_o be_v about_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n so_o many_o foul_a blot_n and_o blemish_n there_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o true_o chrysost_n upon_o math._n hom._n 49._o observe_v very_o well_o that_o after_o such_o time_n as_o theodosius_n the_o great_a have_v once_o grant_v temple_n and_o place_n of_o public_a assembly_n even_o unto_o heretic_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o church_n receive_v great_a deformity_n &_o wonderful_a increase_n of_o heresy_n therefore_o the_o church_n of_o the_o east_n see_v they_o have_v lose_v all_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o christian_a profession_n among_o their_o neighbour_n &_o countryman_n at_o home_n they_o entreat_v symmachus_n than_o bishop_n of_o rome_n that_o he_o will_v by_o his_o censure_n condemn_v the_o heresy_n of_o acatius_n see_v that_o as_o then_o the_o eastern_a bishop_n have_v no_o such_o power_n &_o authority_n over_o their_o people_n so_o also_o they_o desire_v of_o agapetus_n that_o he_o will_v depose_v antimus_fw-la bish_n of_o constantinople_n as_o a_o heretic_n and_o to_o make_v short_a all_o ecclesiastical_a history_n be_v plentiful_a in_o such_o example_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o first_o mean_n whereby_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antich_n begin_v to_o get_v foot_v the_o second_o mean_n hereof_o be_v the_o continual_a dissension_n garboil_n brawl_n &_o woeful_a contention_n of_o the_o bishop_n among_o themselves_o whereby_o not_o only_a themselves_o become_v odious_a among_o man_n but_o even_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n whereof_o they_o be_v the_o pillar_n begin_v to_o grow_v into_o utter_a contempt_n these_o stir_n be_v very_o common_a in_o the_o eastern_a church_n but_o not_o so_o usual_a in_o the_o west_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o continual_a persecution_n that_o be_v there_o for_o idleness_n &_o long_a rest_n do_v make_v man_n more_o wanton_a &_o dissolute_a whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o bishop_n that_o be_v thus_o molest_v be_v glad_a &_o fain_o to_o fly_v unto_o a_o other_o bish_n of_o great_a countenance_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v ease_v &_o keep_v from_o wrongful_a deal_n offer_v they_o by_o other_o bishop_n now_o as_o for_o the_o bish_n of_o rome_n he_o no_o doubt_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o famousnes_n of_o the_o city_n itself_o seem_v the_o most_o principal_a who_o also_o be_v ready_a &_o willing_a to_o yield_v his_o help_a hand_n in_o the_o redress_n of_o other_o bishop_n their_o distress_a estate_n for_o both_o athanasius_n be_v put_v out_o of_o his_o bishopric_n by_o the_o arrian_n make_v his_o repair_n to_o the_o b._n of_o rome_n as_o unto_o a_o sure_a refuge_n &_o after_o he_o fabianus_n &_o before_o he_o many_o other_o do_v the_o like_v as_o appeareth_z by_o history_n infinite_a it_o be_v to_o reckon_v up_o all_o exampl_n in_o this_o behalf_n in_o so_o much_o as_o in_o process_n of_o time_n this_o repair_n unto_o the_o roman_a bishop_n in_o time_n of_o exigence_n procure_v he_o great_a authority_n among_o all_o nation_n in_o christendom_n and_o that_o indeed_o so_o
subdue_v by_o he_o there_o be_v never_o any_o call_v a_o italian_a emperor_n 5._o theodoricus_n king_n of_o goth_n be_v send_v for_o into_o italy_n by_o zeno_n the_o emperor_n to_o assist_v he_o against_o odoacer_n hold_v himself_o the_o roman_a empire_n in_o italy_n by_o the_o space_n of_o fifty_o year_n and_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v make_v it_o know_v how_o little_a he_o esteem_v rome_n he_o keep_v his_o imperial_a residence_n at_o ravenna_n this_o man_n be_v the_o five_o 6._o athalaricus_n who_o succéede_v his_o father_n theodoricus_n under_o anastasius_n the_o emperor_n for_o now_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o goth_n begin_v by_o a_o continual_a succession_n of_o their_o king_n to_o take_v root_n and_o foot_n in_o italy_n and_o under_o the_o government_n of_o this_o athalaricus_n the_o goth_n continue_v their_o deface_v of_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n in_o italy_n 7._o theodatus_fw-la be_v the_o seven_o and_o he_o also_o be_v a_o goatish_a king_n who_o succéede_v athalaricus_n in_o italy_n 8._o vitiges_n the_o eight_o king_n likewise_o of_o gotland_n after_o theodatus_fw-la who_o waste_v and_o spoil_v almost_o all_o italy_n he_o besiege_v the_o city_n of_o rome_n itself_o which_o have_v shrink_v and_o revolt_v from_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o goatish_a king_n upon_o confidence_n of_o assistance_n from_o the_o lieutenant_n and_o emperor_n of_o constantinople_n this_o man_n therefore_o as_o sabellicus_n report_v utter_o deface_v and_o put_v out_o all_o the_o law_n custom_n privilege_n record_n of_o antiquity_n of_o ancient_a family_n of_o the_o ancient_a roman_n which_o he_o find_v remain_v in_o italy_n he_o live_v under_o the_o reign_n of_o justine_n the_o first_o 9_o totilas_n king_n of_o goth_n succéede_v vitiges_n and_o this_o be_v the_o nine_o of_o those_o 10._o king_n he_o live_v under_o justinian_n the_o first_o emperor_n of_o constantinople_n this_o man_n both_o besiege_v sack_a and_o utter_o raze_v the_o city_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o conclude_v even_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v foreshowed_n it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v he_o burn_v it_o with_o fire_n and_o this_o fire_n range_v &_o rage_v by_o the_o space_n of_o 40._o day_n without_o cease_v in_o so_o much_o as_o the_o city_n be_v then_o so_o thorough_o consume_v may_v just_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v that_o geddon-harma_n the_o ruin_n of_o rome_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o revel_v that_o be_v the_o only_a shread_n &_o shard_n &_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o that_o famous_a &_o ancient_a city_n for_o after_o this_o vastation_n it_o remain_v only_o a_o ruinous_a &_o desolate_a place_n and_o this_o befall_v in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 546._o this_o scourge_n continue_v as_o be_v foreshowed_n revel_v cap._n 13.5_o by_o the_o space_n of_o 42._o month_n that_o be_v three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a for_o when_o the_o three_o year_n be_v expire_v after_o this_o burn_a and_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o rome_n do_v by_o totilas_n belisarius_n chief_a captain_n under_o justinian_n begin_v first_o to_o renew_v the_o same_o gather_v together_o such_o scrap_n and_o fragment_n thereof_o as_o be_v leave_v and_o at_o last_o to_o environ_v with_o a_o wall_n the_o plot_n or_o soil_n where_o once_o the_o old_a rome_n stand_v which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o wherewith_o even_o at_o this_o day_n that_o part_n which_o they_o call_v old_a rome_n be_v beawtify_v 10._o teias_n who_o also_o be_v king_n of_o goth_n be_v the_o ten_o who_o succéede_v totilas_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o vex_v or_o waste_v italy_n but_o a_o short_a time_n see_v that_o little_a or_o nothing_o be_v leave_v of_o that_o ancient_a city_n neither_o be_v there_o scarce_o any_o print_n or_o mark_v leave_v of_o the_o old_a roman_a empire_n this_o man_n be_v take_v prisoner_n by_o belisarius_n be_v carry_v unto_o constantinople_n now_o touch_v these_o matter_n if_o we_o begin_v to_o reckon_v the_o time_n from_o alaricus_n they_o be_v achieve_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o about_o 132._o year_n but_o if_o we_o begin_v as_o other_o will_v rather_o have_v it_o at_o the_o time_n of_o odoacer_n they_o be_v 60._o year_n and_o somewhat_o more_o in_o do_v which_o point_v be_v thus_o make_v plane_n we_o now_o perceive_v and_o see_v that_o god_n will_v not_o have_v the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n overthrow_v with_o worldly_a or_o carnal_a weapon_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v but_o spiritual_a that_o he_o will_v not_o contend_v with_o he_o with_o a_o iron_n sword_n but_o with_o the_o spirit_n or_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n other_o earthly_a and_o humane_a monarch_n have_v use_v earthly_a and_o carnal_a weapon_n both_o to_o the_o raise_n of_o themselves_o and_o raze_v of_o other_o so_o do_v the_o persian_n overrun_v assyria_n with_o weapon_n and_o bloody_a war_n and_o so_o again_o do_v the_o macedonian_n subdue_v the_o persian_n by_o dint_n of_o sword_n and_o so_o likewise_o do_v the_o roman_n tame_a and_o bring_v under_o the_o macedonian_n but_o the_o lord_n who_o at_o first_o make_v and_o frame_v the_o whole_a world_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o word_n who_o also_o sustain_v and_o rule_v the_o same_o by_o the_o power_n there-of_a and_o will_v also_o reign_v in_o his_o church_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o his_o word_n and_o last_o who_o have_v give_v unto_o christ_n a_o spiritual_a not_o a_o earthly_a kingdom_n will_v use_v a_o spiritual_a sword_n the_o effectual_a preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o foil_a of_o his_o foe_n even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o zech._n 4.6_o and_o esay_n 9.5_o for_o the_o say_n of_o lactantius_n be_v right_a famous_a and_o most_o worthy_a of_o credit_n which_o he_o have_v in_o his_o five_o book_n and_o ninetenth_fw-mi chapter_n it_o stand_v with_o good_a reason_n that_o thou_o shall_v maintain_v and_o defend_v thy_o religion_n with_o patience_n or_o with_o death_n whereby_o keep_v thy_o faith_n sound_n and_o upright_o thou_o make_v it_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o gaine_v credit_n and_o authority_n unto_o religion_n and_o here_o that_o make_v no_o jar_n which_o be_v say_v psal_n 2.9_o that_o christ_n shall_v have_v a_o iron_n sceptre_n whereby_o he_o shall_v crush_v his_o enemy_n in_o piece_n like_o a_o potter_n vessel_n for_o indeed_o that_o place_n attribute_v unto_o christ_n such_o power_n and_o might_n as_o against_o which_o his_o most_o obstinate_a and_o mighty_a foe_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v but_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o proper_o or_o literal_o mention_v the_o mean_a or_o instrument_n wherewith_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v destroy_v for_o that_o must_v rather_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o with_o weapon_n for_o the_o weapon_n of_o christian_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v spiritual_a as_o paul_n speak_v 2._o cor._n 10.4_o revel_v 19.15_o and_o not_o carnal_a or_o worldly_a whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o christian_n and_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o gospel_n to_o wage_v war_n with_o the_o papist_n in_o purpose_n to_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n and_o to_o root_v out_o his_o doctrine_n the_o 29._o chapter_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o hereupon_o to_o think_v as_o some_o have_v do_v that_o the_o outward_a use_n of_o weapon_n be_v by_o the_o gospel_n utter_o condemn_v as_o tertullian_n lib._n de_n idolatria_fw-la &_o apologetico_fw-la lactan._n lib._n 5._o cap._n 22._o &_o cap._n 19_o make_v report_n indeed_o the_o marcionite_n be_v of_o that_o mind_n and_o even_o at_o this_o day_n some_o anabaptiste_n have_v renew_v the_o same_o error_n but_o if_o so_o be_v that_o the_o party_n be_v such_o as_o may_v take_v war_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o so_o of_o itself_o unlawful_a and_o such_o a_o party_n be_v the_o magistrate_n as_o appear_v rom._n 13.4_o luke_n 3.14_o but_o here_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n to_o show_v the_o difference_n that_o shall_v be_v between_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n for_o as_o touch_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o spiritual_a so_o do_v it_o use_v spiritual_a weapon_n such_o as_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o as_o for_o politic_a and_o earthly_a kingdom_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v to_o regard_v the_o commodity_n and_o have_v consideration_n of_o thing_n belong_v to_o this_o life_n and_o be_v for_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n establish_v they_o do_v maintain_v and_o defend_v themselves_o by_o outward_a weapon_n by_o the_o lord_n permission_n yea_o sometime_o by_o his_o express_a will_n and_o commandment_n and_o hence_o now_o arise_v and_o fall_v into_o this_o point_n that_o famous_a and_o profitable_a question_n so_o often_o handle_v and_o inquire_v after_o whether_o any_o man_n may_v at_o any_o time_n in_o defence_n of_o
action_n both_o in-ward_n and_o outward_a so_o be_v that_o unrighteousness_n where-by_a we_o be_v injurious_a to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n shrink_v from_o the_o will_n of_o god_n either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o which_o to_o be_v practise_v and_o find_v rife_o in_o popery_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n there_o be_v none_o that_o can_v make_v doubt_n except_o such_o as_o never_o see_v the_o shadow_n of_o it_o or_o taste_v the_o least_o drop_n of_o her_o venom_n but_o such_o as_o have_v learn_v but_o only_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o that_o state_n which_o too_o many_o have_v do_v and_o afterward_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v to_o see_v the_o true_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v assure_o perceive_v more_o clear_a than_o the_o sun_n at_o noon_n day_n how_o all_o corruption_n both_o of_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o holy_a life_n take_v place_n among_o they_o yea_o and_o approve_v with_o commendation_n therefore_o see_v the_o heinousness_n of_o this_o unrighteousness_n be_v and_o be_v so_o great_a and_o that_o grow_v to_o such_o a_o height_n or_o degree_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n though_o this_o so_o grievous_a a_o punishment_n ensue_v in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o reprobate_n &_o faithless_a man_n which_o most_o wicked_o contemn_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n either_o offer_v to_o they_o or_o acknowledge_v by_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o this_o so_o cruel_a a_o tyranny_n of_o soul_n and_o conscience_n a_o answer_n unto_o three_o certain_a principal_a argument_n of_o the_o papist_n wherewith_o they_o will_v justify_v themselves_o and_o approve_v this_o say_a kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n the_o 40._o chapter_n this_o whole_a discourse_n of_o antichrist_n out_o of_o s._n paul_n may_v now_o seem_v to_o be_v full_o finish_v but_o that_o there_o remain_v a_o hard_a objection_n of_o the_o papist_n whereunto_o i_o think_v good_a for_o a_o final_a conclusion_n of_o this_o treatise_n brief_o to_o oppose_v a_o answer_n this_o their_o objection_n rely_v upon_o three_o several_a argument_n which_o they_o urge_v very_o sawcely_a in_o way_n of_o defence_n both_o of_o themselves_o and_o of_o their_o say_a synagogue_n and_o doctrine_n 1._o the_o first_o whereof_o respect_v and_o rest_v upon_o the_o multitude_n of_o those_o which_o both_o heretofore_a have_v profess_v and_o as_o yet_o do_v hold_v the_o same_o apostatical_a that_o be_v papistical_a doctrine_n but_o hereunto_o the_o answer_n be_v easy_a for_o see_v that_o paul_n have_v very_o clear_o deliver_v this_o point_n namely_o that_o it_o shall_v fall_v out_o that_o only_o the_o elect_a and_o child_n of_o god_n shall_v persevere_v and_o continue_v in_o the_o true_a doctrine_n and_o those_o in_o number_n be_v but_o few_o but_o as_o for_o such_o as_o despise_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v seduce_v by_o satan_n they_o be_v almost_o infinite_a for_o the_o way_n be_v narrow_a that_o lead_v to_o eternal_a life_n but_o broad_a be_v the_o path_n that_o tend_v to_o destruction_n as_o our_o saviour_n affirm_v there_o can_v not_o undoubted_o be_v bring_v any_o proof_n from_o the_o great_a number_n &_o troop_n of_o man_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o true_a mark_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n &_o of_o the_o doctrine_n we_o profess_v for_o by_o that_o reason_n be_v the_o turk_n now_o rather_o to_o be_v reckon_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n then_o be_v the_o papist_n for_o there_o be_v more_o turk_n &_o mahumetanes_n the_o papist_n and_o again_o in_o time_n past_a the_o idolatour_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v count_v the_o church_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o number_n of_o idolatour_n be_v always_o great_a than_o be_v the_o number_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o christ_n call_v his_o church_n the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v the_o only_a church_n of_o god_n a_o small_a stock_n luk._n 12.32_o chrisost_n hom._n 28._o ad_fw-la popul_fw-la antioch_n it_o be_v better_a say_v he_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o a_o thousand_o wicked_a you_o may_v see_v if_o you_o will_v belove_v that_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o such_o as_o do_v not_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o a_o whit_n better_o than_o such_o as_o be_v not_o at_o all_o thus_o much_o chrysostom_n 2._o the_o second_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o general_a like_n that_o have_v be_v of_o that_o erroneous_a doctrine_n the_o which_o as_o they_o say_v have_v be_v approve_v by_o diverse_a man_n and_o sundry_a synod_n but_o i_o answer_v with_o paul_n that_o so_o it_o be_v to_o fall_v out_o that_o this_o antichristian_a and_o apostatical_a doctrine_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v allow_v of_o by_o some_o man_n but_o also_o be_v willing_o receive_v into_o the_o very_a church_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o that_o man_n shall_v secure_o and_o wonderful_o repose_v themselves_o in_o it_o and_o all_o because_o that_o then_o they_o take_v no_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n therefore_o this_o reason_n fail_v as_o have_v in_o it_o a_o fallation_n set_v that_o for_o a_o cause_n as_o also_o the_o former_a do_v which_o be_v none_o at_o all_o 3._o last_o the_o three_o argument_n which_o the_o papist_n use_v against_o we_o be_v draw_v from_o prescription_n long_a time_n wherein_a the_o say_a apostasy_n have_v be_v entertain_v and_o as_o yet_o reign_v among_o man_n in_o great_a security_n unto_o this_o argument_n also_o i_o make_v answer_n out_o of_o paul_n that_o it_o be_v so_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o god_n shall_v send_v such_o strong_a &_o effectual_a error_n and_o that_o upon_o just_a occasion_n that_o man_n will_v give_v ear_n &_o credit_n unto_o those_o lie_n not_o for_o a_o day_n but_o for_o a_o very_a long_a season_n therefore_o this_o plea_n of_o long_a possession_n that_o error_n make_v be_v so_o far_o from_o ratify_v the_o same_o that_o it_o make_v it_o more_o great_a &_o grievous_a in_o that_o it_o have_v seduce_v the_o mâ—e_n and_o so_o long_o encroach_v the_o same_o answer_n innocentius_n the_o three_o bish_n of_o rome_n do_v likewise_o make_v in_o a_o certain_a decretal_a epistle_n of_o he_o for_o against_o piety_n against_o good_a manner_n against_o the_o express_v word_n of_o god_n a_o custom_n be_v take_v up_o and_o doctrine_n admit_v may_v at_o no_o hand_n prevail_v by_o plea_n of_o prescription_n or_o long_a continuance_n of_o time_n canon_n consuetud_n do_v 11._o for_o such_o thing_n as_o at_o first_o be_v not_o allowable_a can_v be_v justify_v by_o continuance_n of_o time_n as_o the_o lawyer_n themselves_o be_v plain_a in_o this_o point_n l._n quae_fw-la ab_fw-la initio_fw-la d._n de_fw-fr regul_n jur._n now_o if_o there_o be_v many_o other_o matter_n which_o by_o the_o very_a rule_n of_o the_o papist_n themselves_o and_o their_o decree_n can_v be_v overbear_v by_o never_o so_o long_a 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prevail_v in_o the_o church_n so_o than_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o popery_n be_v therefore_o true_a because_o it_o have_v be_v plausible_o admit_v for_o a_o great_a while_n together_o for_o daniel_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v foretell_v it_o so_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o therefore_o it_o can_v not_o otherwise_o fall_v out_o to_o conclude_v in_o the_o 2._o king_n cap._n 17.41_o the_o superstition_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n be_v condemn_v and_o such_o religion_n as_o jeroboam_fw-la have_v prescribe_v for_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n although_o it_o be_v affirm_v to_o have_v be_v observe_v from_o the_o ancestor_n unto_o the_o child_n and_o child_n child_n and_o so_o forth_o and_o whereas_o man_n wonder_v how_o god_n shall_v suffer_v his_o church_n to_o err_v so_o long_a time_n together_o
out_o a_o few_o word_n out_o of_o his_o filthy_a mouth_n i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n what_o a_o madness_n be_v it_o and_o what_o sacrilegious_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n therefore_o they_o have_v no_o god_n at_o all_o and_o much_o less_o have_v they_o any_o christ_n who_o they_o have_v dishonour_v mangle_a and_o tear_v in_o piece_n in_o such_o wonderful_a sort_n we_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o christ_n be_v a_o man_n but_o a_o man_n he_o can_v not_o be_v if_o he_o be_v infinite_a without_o circum-scription_a or_o limitation_n of_o place_n or_o person_n such_o a_o christ_n as_o the_o papist_n have_v dream_v upon_o they_o make_v christ_n both_o man_n and_o god_n of_o that_o mathematical_a superficies_n which_o they_o use_v in_o their_o mass_n which_o be_v so_o subtle_a and_o thin_a that_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o no_o thickness_n at_o all_o i_o will_v here_o know_v of_o they_o how_o in_o that_o little_a body_n or_o substance_n they_o distinguish_v or_o sever_v the_o 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our_o prophet_n why_o will_v they_o not_o stand_v content_a with_o his_o doctrine_n to_o what_o end_n do_v they_o require_v further_o humane_a law_n and_o tradition_n if_o he_o be_v our_o king_n what_o need_v we_o a_o other_o bishop_n to_o be_v our_o king_n which_o shall_v rule_v over_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n wherefore_o if_o he_o be_v antichrist_n that_o deny_v jesus_n to_o be_v christ_n the_o anointed_n as_o john_n have_v teach_v we_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v antichrist_n who_o have_v take_v away_o the_o kingdom_n priesthood_n and_o prophetical_a office_n of_o christ_n i_o can_v not_o run_v over_o each_o place_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o therein_o i_o may_v show_v how_o the_o bishop_n be_v contradict_v unto_o christ_n in_o every_o point_n and_o these_o have_v i_o light_o touch_v &_o in_o few_o word_n run_v over_o because_o i_o be_o not_o now_o to_o handle_v common_a place_n but_o brief_o to_o yield_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o my_o defence_n and_o assertion_n wherefore_o to_o let_v pass_v other_o point_n &_o to_o conclude_v this_o place_n i_o affirm_v that_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o set_v out_o unto_o we_o the_o cause_n &_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o which_o prescribe_v either_o the_o outward_a or_o inward_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v by_o the_o pope_n mean_n deprave_a spoil_v &_o clean_o overthrow_v the_o which_o be_v so_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o bishop_n be_v right_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o opponent_n or_o adversary_n 3._o and_o lest_o any_o man_n shall_v dream_v that_o antichrist_n shall_v be_v a_o outward_a enemy_n such_o as_o mahumet_n be_v paul_n add_v that_o he_o shall_v sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o he_o shall_v prove_v a_o household_n enemy_n not_o a_o foreign_a foe_n and_o shall_v withstand_v christ_n covert_o not_o open_o although_o notwithstanding_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o deadly_a enemy_n unto_o christ_n yet_o shall_v he_o pretend_v great_a faith_n religion_n friendship_n &_o familiar_a conversation_n with_o christ_n whereby_o we_o may_v see_v how_o much_o more_o dangerous_a a_o enemy_n he_o be_v so_o the_o bish_n of_o rome_n although_o he_o be_v repugnant_a unto_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n yet_o have_v he_o place_v &_o seat_v himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o people_n of_o god_n for_o he_o hold_v that_o himself_o be_v the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n &_o that_o his_o synagogue_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n &_o that_o all_o his_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_n and_o cry_v out_o that_o all_o such_o as_o separate_v themselves_o from_o he_o be_v heretic_n thus_o do_v he_o challenge_v to_o himself_o the_o title_n and_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o detract_v it_o from_o all_o other_o and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o paul_n mean_v in_o say_v he_o shall_v sit_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o god_n church_n many_o shall_v come_v say_v christ_n in_o my_o name_n say_v i_o be_o christ_n now_o what_o be_v it_o to_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o usurp_v the_o place_n or_o name_n of_o christ_n vicar_n and_o this_o have_v not_o only_o be_v perform_v open_o by_o the_o pope_n but_o also_o it_o have_v fall_v out_o that_o beside_o he_o no_o other_o do_v ever_o attempt_v it_o 3._o and_o do_v not_o the_o bishop_n open_o boast_v him-self_n to_o be_v god_n read_v gratian_n distinct_a 21._o he_o acknowledge_v the_o name_n he_o take_v it_o upon_o he_o he_o coumpt_v it_o proper_o to_o belong_v unto_o he_o and_o repose_v himself_o in_o it_o his_o client_n claw_n and_o worship_n he_o as_o a_o god_n they_o salute_v he_o by_o the_o name_n and_o make_v more_o account_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o precept_n than_o those_o of_o god_n herein_o i_o feign_v nothing_o i_o speak_v that_o that_o be_v evident_a and_o well_o know_v unto_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n give_v it_o out_o that_o he_o be_v a_o earthly_a god_n and_o vaunt_v that_o he_o can_v do_v whatsoev_a god_n can_v sin_n only_o except_v a_o impudent_a and_o blasphemous_a mouth_n hitherto_o all_o point_n do_v iompe_n and_o agree_v but_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o run_v over_o the_o description_n set_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o sufficient_a mark_v what_o follow_v now_o say_v paul_n you_o know_v what_o withholdeth_a namely_o that_o he_o may_v be_v reveil_v in_o his_o time_n herein_o he_o show_v what_o it_o be_v that_o do_v stay_v or_o keep_v back_o the_o come_n of_o antichrist_n this_o same_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o withholdeth_a tertullian_n hierome_n and_o chrysostome_n do_v understand_v of_o the_o roman_a empire_n the_o which_o so_o long_o as_o it_o stand_v in_o flourish_a estate_n antichrist_n can_v not_o rise_v to_o that_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n and_o therefore_o that_o room_n may_v be_v make_v for_o antichrist_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o the_o emperor_n of_o rome_n shall_v give_v place_n what_o this_o mean_v we_o shall_v easy_o understand_v if_o we_o shall_v bear_v in_o mind_n that_o which_o john_n forewarneth_a in_o the_o revelation_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v anon_o namely_o that_o rome_n be_v to_o become_v the_o head_n and_o metropolitan_a city_n for_o the_o antichristian_a kingdom_n see_v therefore_o that_o antichrist_n be_v to_o rule_v in_o rome_n necessary_a it_o be_v that_o the_o emperor_n shall_v leave_v rome_n empty_a for_o he_o for_o it_o can_v not_o be_v possess_v by_o both_o of_o they_o together_o now_o the_o issue_n &_o event_n of_o thing_n have_v show_v itself_o to_o be_v a_o most_o plain_a and_o plentiful_a interpreter_n of_o this_o prophecy_n first_o constantine_n translate_v the_o empire_n from_o italy_n and_o rome_n into_o greece_n unto_o constantinople_n unto_o which_o be_v constantinople_n byzantium_n then_o the_o greek_a emperor_n begin_v by_o little_a and_o little_a to_o lose_v all_o their_o interest_n in_o italy_n so_o that_o at_o last_o rome_n the_o ancient_a seat_n of_o the_o empire_n together_o with_o a_o great_a part_n of_o italy_n begin_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o bishop_n hand_n but_o whereas_o some_o understand_v this_o matter_n of_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o apostle_n shall_v signify_v be_v first_o to_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n i_o will_v not_o gainsay_v but_o that_o both_o may_v be_v understand_v viz._n that_o the_o empire_n be_v to_o be_v move_v out_o of_o rome_n and_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v preach_v over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o touch_v the_o time_n wherein_a both_o these_o be_v perform_v it_o agree_v fit_v and_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n write_v that_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n do_v