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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n apostle_n church_n holy_a 989 5 4.8664 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A70901 The pillar and ground of truth a treatise shewing that the Roman Chvrch falsly claims to be that church, and the pillar of that truth, mentioned by S. Paul in his First epistle to Timothy, Chap. III. vers. 15, which is explained in three parts. Patrick, Simon, 1626-1707.; Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1687 (1687) Wing P833; ESTC R12795 90,521 140

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defect_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v thing_n unwritten_a to_o become_v matter_n of_o faith._n which_o be_v such_o a_o unbounded_a prerogative_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o new_a faith_n as_o often_o as_o they_o please_v to_o pretend_v a_o tradition_n for_o it_o though_o they_o can_v prove_v it_o for_o we_o must_v rest_v in_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n which_o affirm_v it_o and_o that_o against_o the_o very_a scripture_n it_o self_n which_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o against_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o i_o have_v show_v forbid_v the_o produce_v of_o any_o other_o faith_n but_o that_o which_o be_v evident_o deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n there_o 3._o we_o can_v allow_v the_o church_n a_o infallible_a authority_n that_o be_v such_o a_o assistance_n in_o her_o doctrine_n and_o proposal_n that_o she_o can_v err_v in_o any_o thing_n she_o define_v in_o controversy_n indeed_o arise_v about_o matter_n of_o faith_n we_o own_o and_o reverence_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n xx._n church_n artic._n xx._n so_o as_o not_o to_o contest_v the_o public_a judgement_n but_o to_o prefer_v it_o before_o our_o own_o private_a conceit_n in_o doubtful_a thing_n but_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o proceed_v in_o its_o determination_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n so_o we_o think_v it_o possible_a it_o may_v mistake_v in_o the_o application_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o blind_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o its_o authority_n without_o all_o regard_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n unto_o which_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o respect_n in_o all_o its_o determination_n no_o that_o be_v another_o proud_a pretence_n of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n that_o they_o can_v mistake_v in_o their_o definition_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v submit_v unto_o they_o without_o examination_n from_o whence_o this_o intolerable_a mischief_n have_v 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out_o and_o tread_v under_o foot_n matth._n v._o 13._o 2._o but_o second_o the_o first_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v actu_fw-la &_o effectu_fw-la actual_o and_o effectual_o the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v they_o faithful_o discharge_v this_o office_n and_o perform_v their_o duty_n constant_o maintain_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n for_o the_o apostle_n be_v a_o part_n of_o those_o church_n who_o god_n lead_v into_o all_o truth_n which_o they_o teach_v sincere_o and_o entire_o while_o they_o live_v and_o do_v at_o this_o day_n instruct_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o whole_a truth_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n 3._o but_o we_o can_v say_v the_o same_o of_o all_o succeed_a church_n that_o they_o do_v faithful_o perform_v this_o office_n though_o in_o duty_n they_o also_o be_v bind_v so_o to_o do_v no_o some_o of_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v pillar_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o let_v it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n we_o have_v strange_a instance_n of_o it_o with_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o fill_v these_o paper_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n which_o show_v we_o that_o if_o we_o take_v not_o heed_n to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o we_o have_v no_o security_n that_o we_o or_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n shall_v continue_v firm_a and_o steadfast_a supporter_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o pillar_n themselves_o may_v decay_v and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o well_o look_v after_o will_v go_v to_o ruin_n and_o fall_v to_o the_o earth_n 4._o even_o this_o very_a church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n while_o timothy_n preside_v in_o it_o afterward_o begin_v before_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v dead_a to_o remit_v its_o first_o love_n and_o zeal_n for_o
almighty_a against_o every_o such_o refractory_a opposer_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o he_o shall_v obey_v there_o be_v no_o exception_n from_o this_o rule_n for_o as_o it_o there_o follow_v v._o 11._o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o god._n will_v to_o god_n they_o will_v serious_o lay_v this_o to_o heart_n who_o now_o seem_v to_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o truth_n and_o for_o a_o right_a faith_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o deceive_v by_o this_o warm_a zeal_n as_o to_o miss_v the_o end_n of_o faith_n the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n which_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v obtain_v no_o not_o by_o faith_n itself_o without_o a_o holy_a life_n part_n ii_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o who_o this_o office_n belong_v have_v show_v with_o some_o care_n what_o the_o truth_n be_v of_o which_o s._n paul_n speak_v which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o propound_v the_o two_o next_o may_v be_v explain_v together_o with_o less_o pain_n viz._n what_o and_o who_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o these_o great_a truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o that_o will_v be_v save_v i._o and_o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v have_v we_o by_o a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n to_o understand_v that_o which_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o upon_o who_o credit_n and_o authority_n all_o christian_a truth_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n depend_v for_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n be_v this_o pillar_n and_o presume_v also_o that_o they_o only_o be_v the_o church_n they_o thence_o infer_v that_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o no_o truth_n but_o from_o they_o and_o that_o they_o give_v authority_n and_o certainty_n to_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o likewise_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n i._n e._n they_o declare_v to_o be_v truth_n be_v therefore_o to_o be_v receive_v insomuch_o that_o if_o they_o make_v any_o new_a article_n or_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o give_v a_o full_a assent_n to_o they_o because_o all_o truth_n depend_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o church_n this_o sound_v strange_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o accustom_v to_o such_o language_n and_o may_v be_v think_v perhaps_o a_o misrepresentation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o ●●●larmine_fw-la to_o name_n no_o more_o vouch_v this_o to_o be_v the_o catholic_a sense_n of_o this_o place_n and_o from_o the_o word_n pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n prove_v that_o the_o church_n can_v err_v either_o in_o believe_v or_o in_o teach_v 2._o teach_v l._n ii_o the_o council_n 〈◊〉_d c._n 2._o and_o again_o that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n approve_v be_v true_a and_o whatsoever_o it_o disapprove_v be_v false_a 14._o false_a l._n iii_o the_o 〈◊〉_d milit._n c._n 14._o but_o this_o only_a show_n that_o they_o be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o find_v proof_n for_o their_o high_a pretence_n for_o it_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o process_n of_o this_o discourse_n first_o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v the_o word_n pillar_n and_o ground_n have_v respect_n to_o the_o church_n and_o not_o rather_o to_o timothy_n for_o which_o there_o be_v good_a authority_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n i_o shall_v let_v the_o authority_n alone_o till_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o only_a note_n second_o that_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n not_o to_o refer_v this_o to_o the_o church_n for_o have_v call_v the_o church_n a_o house_n it_o do_v not_o seem_v a_o congruous_a speech_n immediate_o to_o call_v the_o same_o church_n a_o pillar_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o call_v timothy_n a_o pillar_n in_o that_o house_n and_o to_o wish_v he_o to_o behave_v himself_o therein_o like_o other_o great_a person_n to_o who_o in_o other_o place_n he_o give_v the_o name_n of_o pillar_n but_o three_o if_o it_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o church_n 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day_n not_o of_o all_o truth_n whatsoever_o much_o less_o of_o a_o absolute_a freedom_n from_o all_o manner_n of_o error_n for_o let_v these_o thing_n alone_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n if_o it_o refer_v to_o the_o church_n as_o i_o be_o content_a to_o admit_v not_o that_o the_o church_n as_o they_o absurd_o affirm_v be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n upon_o which_o it_o rely_v but_o that_o it_o firm_o retain_v uphold_v and_o profess_v the_o christian_a truth_n against_o all_o the_o force_n violence_n and_o opposition_n of_o earth_n and_o hell_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n that_o endeavour_n to_o overthrow_v it_o that_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a import_n of_o the_o phrase_n i_o will_v manifest_v first_o from_o the_o propriety_n of_o the_o word_n second_o from_o clear_a reason_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i._n first_o from_o the_o propriety_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o greek_a language_n in_o which_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d frequent_o signify_v such_o a_o pillar_n as_o stand_v before_o their_o common_a hall_n and_o court_n of_o judicature_n upon_o which_o the_o decree_n and_o order_n of_o the_o court_n be_v wont_a to_o hang_v or_o be_v fix_v unto_o which_o tertullian_n allude_v when_o speak_v of_o a_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n in_o the_o place_n above_o name_v 18._o name_v l._n the_o resurrect_a carnis_fw-la c._n 18._o he_o say_v vnum_fw-la opinor_fw-la apud_fw-la omnes_fw-la edictum_fw-la dei_fw-la pendet_fw-la i_o suppose_v one_o edict_n of_o god_n hang_v up_o among_o all_o viz._n to_o be_v read_v by_o they_o have_v just_o ask_v before_o quonam_fw-la titulo_fw-la spes_fw-la ista_fw-la proscripta_fw-la est_fw-la by_o what_o title_n this_o hope_n viz._n of_o the_o resurrection_n be_v propose_v and_o hold_v forth_o to_o all_o and_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ground_n signify_v not_o the_o foundation_n but_o the_o seat_n where_o any_o thing_n be_v place_v so_o as_o to_o be_v settle_v and_o lay_v up_o to_o remain_v and_o abide_v there_o and_o at_o the_o most_o can_v mean_v no_o more_o than_o the_o stay_n or_o establishment_n the_o seat_n or_o settlement_n of_o truth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d oecumenius_n render_v it_o the_o confirmation_n of_o truth_n or_o if_o we_o will_v have_v these_o word_n allude_v to_o a_o building_n because_o the_o church_n be_v here_o call_v the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o elsewhere_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o same_o they_o signify_v no_o more_o but_o supporter_n and_o upholder_n without_o which_o the_o edifice_n will_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o the_o most_o we_o can_v make_v of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n sustain_v and_o keep_v it_o from_o sink_v or_o fall_v as_o a_o pillar_n firm_o settle_v upon_o a_o basis_n sustain_v and_o uphold_v the_o fabric_n lay_v upon_o it_o this_o consist_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v distinct_o though_o but_o brief_o mention_n for_o the_o reader_n be_v clear_a information_n in_o this_o matter_n first_o the_o church_n be_v that_o body_n of_o man_n which_o preserve_v and_o keep_v which_o maintain_v and_o hold_v up_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o god_n have_v commit_v to_o its_o care_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o divine_a oracle_n deliver_v in_o old_a time_n and_o as_o the_o church_n will_v answer_v it_o to_o god_n and_o not_o be_v guilty_a of_o betray_v its_o trust_n it_o must_v constant_o preserve_v the_o truth_n commit_v to_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lose_v and_o do_v not_o perish_v this_o may_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o that_o the_o church_n
the_o truth_n ii_o rev._n 4._o and_o now_o be_v utter_o subvert_v and_o not_o to_o be_v find_v which_o be_v a_o demonstration_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o in_o these_o word_n intend_v to_o teach_v that_o the_o church_n can_v err_v but_o that_o as_o i_o say_v it_o be_v in_o duty_n bind_v by_o its_o call_n and_o office_n to_o preserve_v the_o truth_n pure_a and_o entire_a for_o he_o himself_o foresee_v this_o church_n will_v be_v haunt_v with_o grievous_a wolf_n after_o his_o departure_n act._n xx._n 29_o 30._o who_o no_o doubt_n come_v in_o sheep_n clothing_n as_o they_o also_o among_o themselves_o do_v who_o he_o foretell_v will_v arise_v speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o and_o immediate_o after_o he_o have_v here_o call_v the_o church_n or_o timothy_n the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n he_o admonish_v he_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o next_o chapter_n iu_o 1_o 2._o that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n as_o the_o spirit_n express_o declare_v for_o according_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n predict_v there_o be_v scarce_o any_o church_n but_o the_o enemy_n sow_v tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n which_o very_o much_o hinder_v the_o growth_n thereof_o so_o we_o be_v inform_v by_o hegisippus_n a_o very_a ancient_a christian_a historian_n who_o 32._o who_o fu●b_n l._n iii_o eccles_n hist_o c._n 32._o say_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o sacred_a choir_n of_o apostle_n be_v dead_a and_o that_o generation_n be_v go_v who_o have_v hear_v the_o inspire_a wisdom_n with_o their_o own_o ear_n then_o begin_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o conspiracy_n or_o combination_n of_o impious_a or_o atheistical_a error_n by_o the_o deceit_n of_o false_a teacher_n who_o make_v a_o bare-saced_a opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o speech_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v proper_a enough_o for_o a_o church_n or_o its_o pastor_n may_v be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v though_o they_o prove_v negligent_a in_o their_o office._n just_a as_o the_o priest_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v call_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n who_o lip_n shall_v so_o preserve_v knowledge_n that_o the_o people_n shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n because_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o office_n for_o which_o he_o be_v ordain_v though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o prophet_n complain_v that_o they_o be_v depart_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n and_o have_v corrupt_v the_o covenant_n of_o levi_n mal._n ii_o 7_o 8._o the_o like_a we_o read_v in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n that_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o true_a to_o their_o trust_n but_o declare_v the_o vision_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n not_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o lead_v the_o people_n into_o error_n and_o falsehood_n feed_v they_o with_o lie_n instead_o of_o truth_n 5._o further_o i_o must_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n make_v to_o any_o particular_a church_n that_o it_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o pillar_n of_o truth_n no_o not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o now_o so_o bold_o lay_v claim_v and_o that_o sole_o to_o this_o privilege_n but_o quite_o contrary_a there_o be_v a_o terrible_a threaten_n to_o this_o very_a church_n include_v in_o that_o admonition_n which_o this_o very_a apostle_n give_v they_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o christ_n give_v no_o such_o privilege_n to_o this_o church_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v never_o err_v but_o direct_o contrary_a suppose_v it_o may_v err_v and_o err_v even_o to_o apostasy_n when_o he_o bid_v they_o take_v heed_n lest_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o unbelief_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n read_v xi_o rom._n 20_o 21_o 22._o they_o speak_v of_o the_o jew_n be_v break_v off_o by_o unbelief_n and_o thou_o speak_v to_o the_o roman_a christian_n stand_v by_o faith_n be_v not_o high_o mind_v but_o fear_v harken_v to_o this_o o_o you_o of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_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 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_o of_o from_o whence_o we_o may_v thus_o argue_v if_o god_n have_v grant_v to_o the_o roman_a church_n the_o privilege_n of_o be_v a_o pillar_n of_o truth_n infallible_o and_o immutable_o unto_o all_o generation_n all_o these_o supposition_n be_v vain_a and_o these_o exhortation_n utter_o needless_a and_o frivolous_a for_o it_o will_v have_v be_v absolute_o impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o and_o absolute_o necessary_a it_o shall_v continue_v and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n plain_o suppose_v otherwise_o and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v it_o may_v fail_v for_o these_o two_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o stand_v and_o to_o fall_v to_o continue_v and_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o to_o be_v a_o everlasting_a pillar_n and_o to_o be_v break_v off_o for_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o a_o pillar_n to_o stand_v and_o support_v but_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o as_o he_o suppose_v they_o may_v be_v be_v to_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o support_v one_o self_n much_o less_o other_o now_o that_o they_o of_o that_o church_n have_v go_v far_o towards_o this_o condition_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n supposition_n by_o falsify_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n even_o part_n of_o the_o apostolical_a faith_n and_o so_o have_v not_o continue_v a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a pillar_n of_o truth_n but_o maintain_v and_o support_v dangerous_a error_n and_o heresy_n be_v apparent_a from_o this_o alone_a if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o that_o they_o limit_v and_o confine_v the_o catholic_a church_n to_o themselves_o alone_o and_o exclude_v all_o other_o christian_n from_o it_o who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o their_o bishop_n and_o decree_n the_o impiety_n of_o which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v express_v for_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n to_o make_v the_o church_n not_o catholic_n but_o particular_a how_o new_a false_a sacrilegious_a scandalous_a schismatical_a and_o heretical_a this_o one_o article_n of_o the_o roman_a creed_n be_v one_o of_o our_o own_o morto_fw-la own_o bishop_n morto_fw-la morto_fw-la bishop_n have_v demonstrate_v evident_o in_o a_o book_n on_o purpose_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n which_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o call_v the_o grand_a imposture_n it_o will_v enlarge_v this_o treatise_n too_o much_o beyond_o my_o intention_n or_o else_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o show_v both_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o let_v truth_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o how_o they_o proceed_v to_o fail_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o betray_v their_o trust_n till_o they_o quite_o alter_v the_o ancient_a catholic_a faith_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o now_o they_o cry_v up_o as_o the_o great_a pillar_n of_o truth_n when_o it_o do_v nothing_o but_o lend_v a_o lame_a support_n to_o the_o most_o notorious_a falsehood_n which_o it_o establish_v as_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n when_o they_o be_v before_o but_o erroneous_a opinion_n in_o that_o church_n i_o call_v it_o lame_a because_o of_o the_o numerous_a flaw_n that_o there_o be_v both_o in_o the_o constitution_n and_o in_o the_o proceed_n of_o that_o council_n which_o make_v it_o of_o no_o authority_n for_o in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o it_o iv_o it_o sess_n iv_o they_o decree_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o a_o sense_n contrary_a to_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a mother-church_n i._n e._n themselves_o have_v hold_v and_o hold_v and_o so_o establish_v all_o the_o tenant_n of_o that_o church_n before_o they_o examine_v they_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o contradict_v their_o own_o decree_n by_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o sense_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o what_o their_o church_n then_o hold_v all_o the_o bishop_n likewise_o there_o assemble_v be_v swear_v to_o support_v the_o papacy_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n whereby_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v the_o usurpation_n of_o that_o see_v upon_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o world_n who_o authority_n be_v throw_v down_o and_o thereby_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o i_o have_v show_v they_o to_o be_v trample_v under_o foot_n when_o boniface_n be_v declare_v universal_a bishop_n and_o upon_o king_n and_o prince_n who_o hildebrand_n tread_v under_o foot_n yea_o upon_o the_o whole_a church_n over_o which_o pope_n leo_n
a_o contrary_a mind_n hope_v though_o they_o do_v not_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n yet_o they_o will_v help_v to_o establish_v the_o people_n of_o our_o church_n in_o the_o present_a truth_n which_o i_o doubt_v not_o they_o will_v see_v to_o be_v the_o true_o catholic_n apostolic_a faith_n which_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o part_v withal_o but_o preserve_v as_o careful_o as_o they_o do_v their_o life_n and_o so_o the_o can_v fail_v to_o do_v if_o they_o add_v to_o faith_n virtue_n in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v this_o treatise_n as_o practical_a as_o i_o can_v that_o we_o may_v not_o fall_v into_o that_o grand_a error_n of_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o hold_v the_o truth_n though_o we_o hold_v it_o in_o unrighteousness_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n deliver_v we_o all_o from_o that_o damnable_a delusion_n and_o establish_v our_o heart_n unblameable_a in_o holiness_n before_o god_n even_o our_o father_n at_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o his_o saint_n 1_o thess_n iii_o 13._o part_n i._n introduction_n it_o be_v a_o pious_a reflection_n which_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n make_v upon_o a_o say_n of_o plato_n that_o if_o truth_n can_v never_o have_v be_v learn_v 675._o l._n vi_o stromat_n p._n 675._o but_o either_o from_o god_n himself_o or_o from_o his_o dependent_n then_o we_o who_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a oracle_n do_v just_o boast_v that_o we_o be_v teach_v the_o truth_n by_o the_o very_a son_n of_o god._n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v unto_o we_o so_o plain_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n and_o transmit_v unto_o we_o so_o entire_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o great_a trouble_n to_o all_o those_o who_o love_v he_o and_o his_o religion_n to_o see_v such_o wrangling_n about_o it_o in_o his_o church_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o certainty_n among_o we_o what_o be_v truth_n than_o there_o be_v among_o the_o philosopher_n the_o contention_n about_o this_o be_v so_o sharp_a and_o fierce_a that_o while_o man_n seek_v after_o truth_n they_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o lose_v the_o very_a aim_n and_o scope_n of_o it_o which_o be_v charity_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o one_o another_o this_o s._n paul_n determine_v to_o be_v the_o very_a drift_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o he_o tell_v timothy_n the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v charity_n 1_o i._n 5._o nay_o they_o have_v raise_v so_o many_o doubt_n about_o this_o matter_n that_o poor_a people_n be_v many_o time_n to_o seek_v for_o truth_n itself_o even_o in_o the_o clear_a light_n thereof_o it_o be_v some_o man_n business_n so_o to_o confound_v their_o thought_n that_o they_o know_v it_o not_o when_o they_o see_v it_o but_o be_v still_o in_o great_a trouble_n about_o it_o even_o when_o they_o have_v it_o and_o where_o to_o seek_v for_o it_o be_v now_o grow_v a_o great_a question_n also_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v no_o doubt_n in_o the_o church_n but_o about_o that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o dispute_n that_o man_n be_v to_o seek_v as_o much_o as_o before_o if_o they_o go_v to_o find_v it_o there_o in_o short_a there_o be_v no_o word_n more_o abuse_v than_o these_o two_o truth_n and_o church_n and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v do_v some_o service_n to_o soul_n if_o for_o their_o plain_a and_o safe_a direction_n in_o these_o matter_n i_o rescue_v those_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n to_o timothy_n 1_o iii_o 15._o the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n from_o those_o false_a gloss_n that_o be_v put_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a truth_n and_o for_o that_o end_n i_o shall_v distinct_o treat_v of_o these_o four_o thing_n first_o what_o that_o truth_n be_v of_o which_o either_o the_o church_n or_o timothy_n or_o both_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n second_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n three_o who_o it_o be_v to_o who_o this_o office_n and_o honour_n belong_v of_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o what_o we_o mean_v when_o we_o say_v the_o church_n be_v entrust_v therewith_o last_o how_o it_o discharge_v this_o office._n i._o what_o be_v the_o truth_n here_o we_o must_v begin_v because_o we_o must_v first_o know_v what_o the_o truth_n be_v before_o we_o can_v know_v a_o society_n of_o man_n to_o be_v the_o church_n which_o be_v constitute_v and_o make_v by_o believe_v and_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o this_o in_o effect_n be_v a_o resolution_n of_o that_o question_n which_o pilate_n ask_v our_o saviour_n but_o will_v not_o stay_v for_o a_o answer_n what_o be_v truth_n which_o though_o it_o be_v make_v a_o great_a difficulty_n by_o those_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o make_v thing_n intricate_a and_o perplex_a yet_o in_o my_o opinion_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o it_o and_o we_o need_v not_o go_v far_o neither_o to_o seek_v it_o for_o the_o apostle_n himself_o immediate_o explain_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o truth_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n receive_v up_o into_o glory_n where_o we_o learn_v two_o thing_n in_o general_a concern_v this_o matter_n first_o that_o the_o truth_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v that_o which_o be_v former_o a_o mystery_n or_o secret_n which_o lie_v hide_v for_o many_o age_n and_o generation_n in_o the_o unknown_a purpose_n of_o god_n but_o now_o be_v reveal_v and_o manifest_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o make_v man_n godly_a which_o be_v the_o other_o thing_n we_o learn_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o truth_n which_o the_o apostle_n intend_v be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n or_o as_o he_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o vi_o chapter_n v._n 3._o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o better_a man_n life_n by_o make_v they_o do_v their_o duty_n faithful_o both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n to_o some_o of_o which_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v owe_v be_v in_o this_o very_a epistle_n call_v show_v piety_n or_o godliness_n v._o 4._o we_o be_v not_o to_o reckon_v it_o among_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v deposit_v with_o timothy_n to_o be_v prefer_v and_o uphold_v in_o the_o church_n for_o god_n do_v not_o design_n by_o the_o discovery_n he_o make_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n in_o the_o gospel_n mere_o to_o enlarge_v our_o knowledge_n but_o to_o rectify_v our_o will_n and_o affection_n by_o the_o right_a information_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o by_o acquaint_v we_o with_o such_o weighty_a truth_n especial_o such_o wonderful_a revelation_n of_o his_o love_n as_o can_v but_o irresistable_o sway_v we_o if_o we_o lie_v they_o to_o heart_n unto_o his_o obedience_n but_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o guess_v at_o this_o truth_n or_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n without_o any_o certainty_n he_o set_v down_o a_o particular_a of_o it_o and_o reduce_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n to_o these_o six_o head_n i._o the_o principal_n be_v this_o that_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o be_v incarnate_a by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o be_v make_v man_n that_o he_o may_v suffer_v for_o we_o and_o make_v himself_o a_o offering_n for_o our_o sin_n all_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v include_v in_o these_o word_n god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n which_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o god_n the_o father_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o other_o place_n that_o it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n who_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n 1_o joh._n iu_o 2._o and_o be_v here_o declare_v to_o be_v god_n that_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n the_o word_n make_v flesh_n 1_o joh._n 14._o which_o do_v not_o denote_v mere_o his_o be_v make_v man_n but_o likewise_o his_o suffering_n for_o we_o he_o take_v our_o flesh_n on_o purpose_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o therein_o he_o may_v by_o his_o death_n make_v a_o atonement_n for_o sin._n and_o so_o the_o very_a phrase_n flesh_n and_o blood_n signify_v in_o scripture_n as_o it_o do_v common_o in_o the_o hebrew_n writer_n this_o weak_a frail_a mortal_a suffer_v state_n wherein_o we_o be_v at_o present_a into_o which_o our_o bless_a lord_n put_v himself_o when_o he_o manifest_v himself_o in_o our_o flesh_n so_o we_o read_v express_o ii_o hebr._n 14._o where_n to_o