he_o presume_v the_o church_n also_o to_o be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o holy_a and_o such_o as_o neither_o have_v err_v nor_o can_v err_v for_o shall_v he_o question_v this_o he_o must_v question_v the_o whole_a of_o his_o religion_n itself_o opposite_a to_o which_o character_n we_o shall_v now_o consider_v the_o character_n of_o a_o protestant_n but_o the_o protestant_a church_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n have_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o only_o upon_o the_o supposition_n that_o she_o have_v actual_o err_v but_o that_o she_o have_v be_v gross_o corrupt_v as_o well_o in_o manner_n as_o in_o faith_n and_o the_o protestant_a church_n have_v for_o the_o better_a justification_n of_o her_o own_o practice_n both_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o worship_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o doctrine_n and_o faith_n set_v up_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o sole_a and_o sovereign_a rule_n of_o god_n mind_n and_o will_n to_o his_o church_n as_o she_o can_v challenge_v the_o exercise_n of_o any_o authority_n therefore_o that_o be_v beyond_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o any_o that_o be_v not_o subordinate_a to_o the_o say_a scripture_n itself_o so_o it_o be_v expect_v that_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o she_o require_v and_o all_o those_o article_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o she_o at_o any_o time_n recommend_v to_o such_o as_o be_v the_o member_n of_o she_o shall_v always_o be_v enforce_v from_o those_o argument_n proper_o and_o only_o which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v this_o which_o she_o herself_o have_v appeal_v unto_o and_o this_o only_a which_o she_o challenge_v to_o justify_v she_o a_o protestant_n then_o that_o understand_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o religion_n or_o that_o have_v be_v at_o all_o instruct_v in_o the_o rise_n or_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n take_v this_o for_o the_o very_a first_o article_n of_o his_o faith_n that_o a_o church_n may_v err_v and_o may_v have_v corruption_n in_o it_o and_o may_v in_o its_o worship_n possible_o swerve_v and_o depart_v from_o the_o pure_a mind_n word_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o lay_v that_o no_o less_o firm_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o his_o belief_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n can_v err_v nor_o can_v be_v other_o than_o the_o unalterable_a and_o incorruptible_a rule_n of_o god_n law_n and_o of_o his_o will_n and_o mind_n to_o his_o people_n he_o can_v possible_o hold_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v divine_a any_o further_a or_o otherwise_o than_o as_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v clear_o ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o tie_n or_o obligation_n which_o he_o have_v to_o obey_v the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n and_o bind_v the_o conscience_n arise_v out_o of_o no_o other_o ground_n than_o from_o the_o conformity_n which_o he_o see_v or_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o say_a church_n have_v in_o her_o law_n order_n and_o doctrine_n to_o the_o say_a word_n and_o if_o this_o conformity_n do_v or_o shall_v once_o cease_v in_o the_o say_a church_n a_o protestant_n as_o a_o protestant_n can_v but_o judge_v his_o tie_n or_o obligation_n to_o she_o as_o a_o church_n ought_v to_o cease_v also_o with_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o that_o radical_a or_o essential_a difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o protestant_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o papist_n as_o a_o papist_n it_o will_v hence_o follow_v that_o if_o a_o church_n that_o profess_v herself_o to_o be_v protestant_n or_o the_o rule_v clergy_n of_o a_o protestant_a church_n shall_v not_o much_o consider_v or_o regard_v the_o justify_n of_o what_o law_n and_o order_n she_o make_v by_o the_o consonancy_n they_o express_o have_v to_o the_o law_n or_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n which_o be_v his_o rule_n to_o the_o church_n nor_o shall_v much_o concern_v itself_o to_o clear_v and_o enforce_v the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n which_o she_o hold_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n or_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o as_o sufficient_o ground_v upon_o that_o word_n that_o be_v absolute_o divine_a but_o shall_v on_o the_o contrary_a in_o whatever_o she_o command_v or_o in_o the_o thing_n she_o teach_v constrain_v or_o exact_v a_o obedience_n from_o her_o member_n to_o herself_o and_o to_o her_o own_o authority_n as_o absolute_a and_o as_o unsubordinate_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o to_o her_o authority_n as_o it_o be_v a_o distinct_a thing_n from_o the_o say_a word_n that_o church_n or_o the_o clergy_n rather_o that_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o she_o do_v this_o in_o any_o doctrine_n or_o in_o any_o law_n that_o she_o make_v indispensable_a do_v so_o far_o cease_v in_o her_o principle_n and_o practice_n to_o be_v protestant_a and_o do_v so_o far_o disclaim_v not_o only_o a_o main_a and_o chief_a ground_n of_o her_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o the_o very_a principle_n itself_o upon_o which_o she_o pretend_v to_o guide_v herself_o in_o her_o reformation_n for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o these_o be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n viz._n first_o because_o she_o have_v make_v herself_o absolute_a and_o have_v set_v up_o a_o authority_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o worship_n and_o faith_n above_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o only_a word_n of_o god_n and_o second_o because_o she_o do_v not_o bare_o excommunicate_a man_n but_o do_v also_o persecute_v they_o and_o do_v deprive_v they_o both_o of_o their_o estate_n liberty_n and_o live_v upon_o a_o principle_n as_o contrary_a to_o humane_a reason_n as_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o humane_a society_n and_o quiet_a viz._n not_o for_o any_o evil_n in_o their_o conversation_n in_o their_o moral_n or_o in_o their_o life_n but_o mere_o for_o obey_v what_o they_o sincere_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o law_n mind_n and_o will_v of_o god_n and_o mere_o for_o believe_v that_o his_o whole_a law_n will_n and_o mind_n to_o his_o church_n as_o a_o church_n especial_o relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o himself_o be_v contain_v in_o his_o word_n three_o because_o by_o this_o persecution_n as_o it_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o extreme_a punishment_n of_o person_n both_o in_o their_o liberty_n and_o good_n and_o sometime_o in_o their_o life_n by_o stink_a prison_n and_o want_n of_o necessary_n she_o do_v unavoidable_o draw_v upon_o herself_o the_o gild_n of_o man_n apostasy_n hypocrsie_n and_o dissimulation_n who_o dare_v not_o but_o obey_v and_o comply_v with_o her_o command_n mere_o out_o of_o fear_n and_o do_v as_o unavoidable_o draw_v upon_o she_o the_o gild_n of_o all_o that_o suffer_a cruelty_n and_o blood_n whatever_o it_o be_v she_o spill_v and_o do_v inflict_v upon_o those_o person_n who_o withstand_v her_o command_n and_o who_o be_v otherwise_o in_o all_o thing_n blameless_a both_o as_o to_o their_o moral_n life_n and_o conversation_n i_o say_v if_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o that_o which_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v some_o of_o the_o main_n and_o principal_a cause_n for_o which_o we_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o for_o which_o our_o first_o reformer_n themselves_o call_v her_o antichristian_a and_o sometime_o bloody_a and_o sometime_o the_o scarlet_a whore_n and_o if_o these_o three_o thing_n when_o at_o any_o time_n mention_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v still_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v evil_a and_o so_o style_v to_o this_o day_n so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v she_o yea_o if_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v at_o this_o very_a present_a in_o our_o controversy_n with_o that_o church_n not_o only_o charge_v upon_o she_o but_o cast_v in_o her_o tooth_n among_o many_o other_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o reproach_n and_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o just_a ground_n that_o we_o even_o as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o well_o as_o other_o church_n have_v both_o of_o exception_n against_o and_o hatred_n of_o she_o must_v not_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v much_o more_o evil_a in_o a_o protestant_a church_n who_o after_o she_o have_v condemn_v all_o these_o thing_n not_o only_o as_o evil_n but_o as_o antichristian_a in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o after_o she_o have_v pretend_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o say_a church_n for_o they_o do_v nevertheless_o give_v herself_o leave_v to_o practice_v they_o without_o condemn_v herself_o at_o all_o in_o they_o and_o must_v not_o this_o practice_n cast_v a_o manifest_a blemish_n and_o reproach_n upon_o on_o she_o own_o reformation_n and_o evidence_n to_o the_o world_n that_o she_o do_v not_o either_o believe_v the_o principle_n
popish_a clergy_n do_v punish_v man_n viz._n for_o their_o worship_a god_n and_o for_o their_o worship_v of_o he_o not_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n or_o contrary_a to_o any_o thing_n that_o seem_v clear_o and_o plain_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o contrary_a only_o to_o some_o order_n or_o other_o in_o the_o church_n and_o if_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o person_n that_o do_v suffer_v and_o that_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o protestant_a clergy_n be_v the_o same_o also_o with_o those_o that_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o popish_a clergy_n that_o be_v such_o man_n as_o be_v neither_o unblamable_a in_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o accuse_v or_o charge_v by_o they_o with_o or_o for_o any_o crime_n or_o any_o immorality_n in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n but_o such_o as_o otherwise_o demean_v themselves_o in_o all_o duty_n and_o with_o all_o subjection_n to_o their_o superior_n i_o say_v if_o both_o these_o be_v the_o very_a same_o one_o with_o another_o wherein_o do_v the_o essential_a difference_n lie_v between_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o popish_a clergy_n and_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o protestant_a clergy_n unless_o it_o be_v strict_o in_o this_o that_o the_o protestant_a clergy_n do_v pretend_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a rule_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o his_o church_n and_o if_o ask_v do_v free_o grant_v that_o man_n be_v not_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o any_o rule_n superior_a to_o this_o nor_o can_v be_v bind_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o faith_n or_o in_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o any_o rule_n above_o this_o and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o own_o this_o they_o persecute_v their_o brethren_n not_o only_o in_o their_o liberty_n but_o in_o their_o good_n fortune_n and_o estate_n and_o sometime_o in_o their_o life_n also_o through_o nasty_a prison_n and_o want_v of_o convenience_n for_o acknowledge_v the_o say_a scripture_n to_o be_v such_o as_o they_o themselves_o do_v own_o they_o to_o be_v and_o for_o that_o they_o according_o conform_v to_o their_o own_o principle_n whereas_o the_o popish_a clergy_n though_o they_o persecute_v man_n for_o the_o same_o crime_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o give_v so_o much_o honour_n to_o the_o scripture_n nor_o do_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o it_o but_o which_o of_o these_o two_o be_v for_o this_o very_a cause_n the_o great_a crime_n before_o god_n may_v be_v leave_v to_o all_o rational_a man_n to_o consider_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o be_o most_o sure_a of_o this_o that_o whereas_o our_o first_o reformer_n do_v call_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n antichristian_a and_o do_v charge_v she_o with_o innocent_a blood_n and_o do_v put_v the_o name_n of_o scarlet-whore_n for_o this_o reason_n upon_o she_o yet_o now_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o stain_n and_o discredit_v of_o it_o be_v in_o her_o eye_n manifest_o lessen_v if_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o blet_v out_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n shall_v ever_o hereafter_o grant_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v stain_n or_o crime_n proper_a only_o to_o she_o which_o she_o do_v not_o only_o see_v but_o can_v daily_o observe_v some_o protestant_a church_n or_o other_o to_o follow_v she_o in_o upon_o such_o ground_n as_o be_v far_o less_o justifiable_a in_o the_o say_a protestant_n church_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n they_o profess_v than_o they_o be_v in_o herself_o and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n ever_o to_o be_v hope_v or_o expect_v from_o she_o hereafter_o be_v the_o more_o clear_a in_o regard_n the_o say_a church_n of_o rome_n have_v already_o in_o so_o many_o word_n sharp_o and_o close_o retort_v it_o upon_o the_o protestant_a church_n so_o that_o the_o very_a thing_n which_o we_o blame_v the_o say_a church_n of_o rome_n for_o and_o for_o which_o we_o accuse_v she_o criminal_o and_o which_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n why_o we_o can_v no_o long_o have_v any_o communion_n with_o she_o which_o be_v she_o lay_v aside_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o her_o persecute_v such_o as_o desire_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o some_o protestant_a church_n have_v not_o only_o imitate_v she_o in_o but_o have_v outgo_v she_o and_o have_v do_v so_o much_o worse_a than_o she_o ever_o do_v by_o how_o much_o we_o have_v contradict_v the_o principle_n we_o profess_v which_o she_o have_v not_o and_o that_o she_o have_v cast_v this_o as_o a_o reproach_n upon_o we_o in_o word_n and_o have_v allege_v several_a argument_n to_o confirm_v it_o and_o such_o as_o have_v not_o to_o this_o very_a day_n be_v answer_v by_o we_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o if_o in_o all_o court_n of_o judicature_n matter_n of_o fact_n be_v good_a evidence_n and_o if_o the_o high_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v give_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v when_o the_o fact_n be_v able_a to_o speak_v and_o attest_v itself_o or_o when_o it_o be_v capable_a to_o be_v attest_v to_o by_o thousand_o then_o be_v the_o evidence_n which_o i_o here_o bring_v every_o way_n as_o good_a and_o every_o way_n as_o vallid_a to_o prove_v what_o i_o affirm_v which_o be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v endeavour_v to_o justify_v and_o acquit_v her_o self_n from_o the_o crime_n of_o unjust_a persecution_n and_o blood_n by_o instance_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o protestant_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o therein_o have_v exonerate_v herself_o from_o the_o sole_a gild_n of_o this_o evil_a and_o from_o the_o sole_a gild_n of_o her_o be_v alone_o that_o babylon_n mention_v rev._n 17._o which_o have_v be_v frequent_o fix_v single_o upon_o she_o and_o attribute_v to_o none_o beside_o she_o and_o she_o have_v produce_v several_a argument_n also_o and_o those_o of_o weight_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o protestant_n in_o their_o persecution_n one_o of_o another_o be_v far_o more_o unjust_a upon_o the_o principle_n we_o profess_v as_o protestant_n than_o she_o be_v upon_o she_o own_o principle_n how_o much_o so_o ever_o we_o have_v please_v to_o inveigh_v against_o she_o and_o revile_v she_o and_o these_o argument_n she_o have_v no_o way_n scruple_v public_o and_o open_o to_o divulge_v in_o english_a to_o the_o end_n that_o every_o man_n that_o be_v rational_a may_v the_o better_o examine_v they_o and_o judge_v of_o they_o and_o that_o we_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o plead_v to_o the_o say_a argument_n or_o to_o the_o retortion_n she_o have_v make_v upon_o we_o either_o by_o deny_v the_o fact_n itself_o absolute_o or_o by_o distinguish_v the_o respective_a differ_a circumstance_n and_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v also_o well_o know_v whereby_o she_o have_v the_o more_o just_a occasion_n to_o think_v that_o those_o protestant_n that_o have_v thus_o persecute_v other_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o gild_n and_o see_v all_o this_o be_v pure_a matter_n of_o fact_n one_o of_o these_o two_o conclusion_n therefore_o do_v seem_v to_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v avoid_v viz._n that_o either_o we_o have_v do_v very_o evil_a in_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o antichristian_a and_o in_o charge_v she_o as_o guilty_a of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n which_o be_v mention_v rev._n 17.6_o which_o must_v nevertheless_o be_v inevitable_o charge_v some_o where_n and_o very_o evil_a to_o impose_v the_o name_n of_o scarlet-whore_n and_o of_o babylon_n upon_o she_o or_o if_o the_o protestant_a church_n have_v say_v all_o this_o real_o in_o judgement_n and_o real_o in_o truth_n against_o she_o then_o have_v some_o protestant_a church_n do_v much_o worse_a themselves_o in_o be_v actual_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v so_o criminal_o charge_v upon_o she_o and_o if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v guilty_a of_o innocent_a blood_n than_o none_o that_o be_v sober_a can_v doubt_v but_o she_o must_v at_o length_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o extreme_a judgement_n of_o god_n for_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o any_o protestant_a church_n have_v follow_v she_o in_o that_o very_a gild_n the_o same_o judgement_n must_v as_o unquestionable_o come_v upon_o they_o and_o perhaps_o more_o severe_a and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o all_o protestant_a church_n may_v be_v awaken_v to_o consider_v their_o great_a danger_n in_o this_o case_n if_o they_o have_v be_v persecutor_n of_o their_o brethren_n i_o need_v do_v no_o more_o than_o to_o lay_v before_o they_o the_o express_a prophecy_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o this_o case_n viz._n that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o who_o delay_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o consideration_n of_o his_o come_n shall_v instead_o of_o give_v a_o portion_n of_o meat_n to_o their_o fellow-servant_n be_v find_v smite_v of_o they_o the_o
pertinancy_n weight_n and_o importance_n of_o which_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n with_o reference_n even_o to_o the_o theme_n we_o have_v at_o present_a in_o hand_n will_v appear_v very_o clear_a upon_o the_o ground_n or_o argument_n follow_v which_o be_v these_o 1._o that_o for_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o say_a prophecy_n viz._n that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o person_n that_o will_v be_v forward_o to_o smite_v other_o we_o have_v a_o double_a testimony_n even_o by_o two_o of_o the_o evangelist_n as_o math._n 24.48_o 49_o 50_o 51._o and_o luke_n 12.45_o 46_o 47._o 2._o that_o the_o person_n who_o will_v be_v so_o forward_o to_o smite_v other_o and_o of_o who_o therefore_o the_o lord_n christ_n speak_v this_o be_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v to_o be_v those_o very_a officer_n proper_o that_o be_v to_o be_v advance_v in_o his_o church_n above_o other_o be_v not_o only_o plain_a by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o word_n themselves_o but_o be_v yield_v to_o by_o all_o expositor_n both_o modern_a and_o antient._n 3._o that_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v not_o have_v mention_v such_o a_o thing_n express_o concern_v his_o own_o steward_n even_o concern_v those_o officer_n which_o be_v to_o have_v the_o high_a rule_n and_o trust_v in_o his_o own_o church_n nor_o will_v have_v leave_v it_o upon_o so_o good_a a_o record_n to_o we_o if_o he_o have_v not_o in_o his_o wisdom_n sure_o foresee_v that_o this_o case_n how_o notorious_a and_o strange_a so_o ever_o it_o may_v appear_v will_v certain_o happen_v in_o his_o church_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o reason_n to_o doubt_v and_o the_o less_o see_v we_o have_v another_o testimony_n leave_v we_o to_o this_o purpose_n by_o st._n paul_n also_o act_v 20.28_o 29_o 30._o with_o reference_n express_o to_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o way_n disagreeable_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n that_o if_o our_o lord_n himself_o suffer_v proper_o from_o his_o church_n and_o his_o own_o prophet_n also_o before_o he_o and_o suffer_v from_o the_o very_a ruler_n elder_n and_o overseer_n of_o the_o say_a church_n then_o his_o servant_n shall_v not_o think_v it_o a_o very_a strange_a thing_n and_o much_o less_o a_o impossible_a if_o they_o suffer_v also_o from_o his_o church_n and_o from_o person_n of_o the_o very_a same_o note_n name_n rank_n quality_n or_o dignity_n in_o it_o and_o especial_o see_v christ_n have_v leave_v a_o stand_a rule_n john_n 15.20_o john_n 13.16_o luke_n 16.40_o that_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o great_a than_o his_o lord_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v a_o privilege_n above_o his_o lord_n 4._o that_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o be_v smite_v by_o the_o steward_n prefect_n or_o chief_a officer_n of_o christ_n own_o church_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d even_o their_o very_a fellow-servant_n and_o no_o other_o viz._n such_o person_n as_o own_o and_o serve_v the_o same_o master_n or_o lord_n which_o the_o say_v steward_n profess_v to_o serve_v and_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o same_o testimony_n of_o his_o word_n or_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o they_o which_o the_o say_v steward_n and_o chief_a officer_n have_v be_v plain_a and_o unquestionable_a also_o even_o from_o the_o word_n themselves_o 5._o that_o the_o smite_v which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v literal_o intend_v by_o he_o for_o actual_a stripe_n or_o for_o such_o external_a punishment_n and_o misery_n which_o be_v to_o be_v inflict_v by_o the_o chief_a officer_n and_o steward_n of_o his_o church_n upon_o the_o person_n of_o man_n be_v not_o question_v by_o any_o i_o know_v of_o at_o least_o the_o contrary_n have_v never_o be_v maintain_v in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n 6._o and_o it_o appear_v the_o rather_o because_o the_o smite_v here_o mention_v be_v to_o be_v of_o a_o nature_n so_o very_o injurious_a so_o oppress_v and_o wrongful_a to_o they_o that_o be_v smite_v yea_o so_o provoke_v to_o the_o just_a mind_n and_o temper_v of_o the_o lord_n christ_n that_o as_o a_o argument_n how_o much_o he_o abhor_v such_o a_o smite_v and_o how_o much_o he_o be_v displease_v at_o it_o he_o threaten_v the_o say_v steward_n and_o chief_a officer_n of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o will_v cut_v they_o in_o sunder_o for_o it_o and_o will_v give_v they_o their_o portion_n with_o the_o very_a unbeliever_n and_o hypocrite_n 7._o which_o severity_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o he_o who_o be_v so_o meek_a a_o master_n will_v ever_o have_v threaten_v and_o threaten_v especial_o against_o the_o very_a steward_n ruler_n and_o officer_n of_o his_o own_o house_n or_o of_o his_o own_o church_n if_o he_o have_v not_o foresee_v that_o the_o cruelty_n which_o these_o very_a steward_n and_o officer_n will_v use_v towards_o other_o in_o smite_v of_o they_o will_v be_v such_o and_o so_o very_o merciless_a that_o the_o say_v steward_n will_v be_v such_o as_o will_v deserve_v no_o mercy_n or_o pity_v at_o all_o from_o he_o for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n that_o they_o and_o they_o only_a be_v to_o receive_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n who_o themselves_o have_v show_v or_o exercise_v no_o mercy_n james_n 2.13_o then_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o these_o chief_a officer_n and_o steward_n of_o christ_n church_n shall_v be_v punish_v by_o he_o without_o mercy_n if_o they_o in_o smite_v their_o fellow-servant_n have_v not_o utter_o shut_v out_o all_o bowel_n and_o all_o mercy_n towards_o they_o 8._o and_o therefore_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n speech_n and_o the_o end_n indeed_o of_o it_o appear_v both_o plain_o and_o brief_o to_o be_v this_o that_o as_o there_o will_v be_v among_o the_o very_a steward_n and_o chief_a officer_n of_o his_o church_n some_o that_o will_v be_v forward_o to_o smite_v their_o own_o fellow_n servant_n and_o to_o smite_v they_o so_o cruel_o and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o they_o will_v show_v no_o kind_n of_o compassion_n bowel_n or_o remorse_n at_o the_o suffering_n of_o they_o though_o this_o be_v but_o humane_a so_o the_o say_a steward_n shall_v at_o length_n most_o certain_o meet_v with_o the_o like_a measure_n of_o treatment_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n himself_o and_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o receive_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n upon_o they_o for_o it_o and_o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o establish_v i_o shall_v from_o the_o whole_a lay_v down_o only_o two_o position_n which_o i_o humble_o conceive_v none_o can_v dispute_v with_o i_o and_o much_o less_o go_v about_o to_o baffle_v that_o will_v not_o make_v a_o open_a mock_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n own_o saying_n the_o first_o proposition_n be_v that_o it_o can_v no_o way_n be_v deny_v but_o among_o those_o very_a steward_n ruler_n or_o chief_a officer_n which_o be_v to_o be_v set_v over_o the_o lord_n christ_n own_o church_n some_o will_v be_v find_v smite_v of_o their_o fellow-servant_n the_o second_o proposition_n be_v that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o among_o the_o say_a steward_n ruler_n or_o chief_a officer_n of_o his_o church_n some_o shall_v and_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o manner_n of_o smite_v wrong_v and_o ill_o treat_v of_o their_o fellow-servant_n as_o shall_v and_o will_v render_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n christ_n esteem_n no_o better_a than_o hypocrite_n or_o infidel_n and_o if_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v be_v any_o way_n question_v by_o such_o at_o least_o as_o question_v not_o the_o validity_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n his_o own_o say_n then_o for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o rule_v clergy_n of_o our_o own_o church_n have_v sometime_o not_o only_o cruel_o mulct_v some_o of_o their_o fellow-servant_n in_o their_o good_n but_o have_v cause_v they_o to_o be_v imprison_v whereby_o some_o time_n through_o the_o hard_a usage_n they_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o prison_n and_o for_o want_v of_o those_o necessary_n that_o may_v be_v convenient_a they_o have_v lose_v their_o life_n and_o consequent_o the_o rule_v clergy_n of_o our_o church_n have_v be_v guilty_a at_o least_o of_o be_v smiter_n of_o their_o fellow-servant_n and_o even_o of_o such_o of_o their_o fellow-servant_n as_o profess_v not_o only_o the_o same_o faith_n but_o the_o very_a same_o principle_n of_o reformation_n that_o the_o say_v rule_v clergy_n do_v and_o see_v it_o be_v yet_o further_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o say_v rule_v clergy_n have_v thus_o severe_o punish_v their_o fellow-servant_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o charge_v or_o accuse_v they_o of_o any_o vice_n crime_n or_o immorality_n in_o their_o life_n or_o conversation_n and_o much_o less_o have_v prove_v any_o such_o thing_n against_o they_o but_o
have_v cause_v they_o to_o be_v beat_v and_o treat_v after_o this_o manner_n single_o for_o this_o reason_n and_o no_o other_o viz._n because_o in_o worship_v the_o lord_n christ_n they_o choose_v rather_o strict_o to_o observe_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n according_a to_o the_o best_a understanding_n they_o have_v of_o his_o word_n i_o say_v rather_o than_o to_o observe_v any_o such_o order_n or_o rite_n as_o be_v not_o so_o warrant_v but_o be_v set_v down_o only_o by_o their_o fellow-servant_n that_o be_v officer_n of_o the_o church_n above_o they_o consequent_o then_o the_o issue_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o short_a between_o the_o say_v rule_v clergy_n and_o their_o fellow-servant_n that_o have_v be_v thus_o smite_v by_o they_o for_o either_o this_o smite_v of_o they_o for_o this_o very_a cause_n here_o rehearse_v and_o for_o no_o other_o be_v very_o wrongful_a in_o its_o self_n as_o be_v against_o the_o very_a light_n of_o a_o man_n nature_n and_o against_o that_o supreme_a and_o primitive_a obligation_n which_o the_o conscience_n have_v indispensable_o unto_o god_n above_o any_o that_o it_o can_v have_v unto_o man_n or_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o wrongful_a and_o either_o this_o kind_n of_o smite_v which_o have_v be_v use_v and_o urge_v and_o press_v for_o by_o the_o rule_v clergy_n of_o our_o own_o church_n be_v such_o a_o smite_v as_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v without_o all_o pity_n or_o remorse_n to_o such_o as_o have_v be_v so_o smite_v and_o beat_v by_o the_o say_a clergy_n or_o it_o have_v not_o but_o if_o the_o smite_v we_o have_v here_o instance_a and_o instance_a as_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v use_v by_o the_o steward_n and_o ruler_n of_o christ_n own_o church_n and_o use_v towards_o their_o fellow-servant_n but_o have_v be_v use_v wrongful_o and_o use_v without_o any_o manner_n of_o remorse_n to_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o say_a person_n whatever_o their_o suffering_n be_v then_o it_o must_v either_o be_v the_o very_a same_o kind_n of_o smite_v with_o that_o for_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o this_o speech_n of_o his_o that_o be_v thus_o record_v by_o two_o several_a evangelist_n do_v threaten_v the_o ruler_n and_o steward_n of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o will_v cut_v they_o asunder_o and_o account_v they_o as_o hypocrite_n or_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o nor_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n then_o it_o concern_v the_o rule_v clergy_n themselves_o to_o clear_v themselves_o and_o to_o give_v a_o instance_n what_o kind_n of_o smite_v there_o be_v or_o have_v be_v use_v by_o the_o rule_v officer_n of_o any_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v or_o have_v be_v more_o wrongful_a and_o more_o injurious_a than_o this_o and_o that_o be_v more_o remorseless_a and_o cruel_a than_o this_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v here_o condemn_v and_o will_v certain_o take_v vengeance_n for_o for_o some_o case_n we_o must_v necessary_o and_o unavoidable_o put_v unless_o we_o will_v deny_v or_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n own_o word_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o we_o may_v give_v a_o sufficient_a instance_n of_o even_o a_o instance_n in_o a_o christian_a church_n between_o the_o ruler_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o say_a church_n and_o other_o belong_v to_o the_o same_o church_n wherein_o the_o wrong_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o say_v rule_v officer_n in_o smite_v other_o of_o the_o say_a church_n be_v to_o be_v so_o extreme_o evil_a and_o so_o perfect_o injurious_a and_o cruel_a as_o that_o the_o author_n of_o it_o will_v neither_o merit_v any_o mercy_n from_o the_o lord_n nor_o be_v according_a to_o his_o word_n to_o expect_v any_o mercy_n from_o he_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o premise_n these_o follow_a thing_n be_v humble_o present_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o present_a rule_v clergy_n of_o our_o own_o church_n some_o of_o which_o if_o not_o all_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v be_v man_n of_o tender_a heart_n like_o the_o good_a king_n jesiah_n that_o tremble_v at_o the_o read_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n viz._n that_o for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o have_v state_v or_o instance_a such_o a_o case_n as_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o such_o as_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v use_v or_o practise_v by_o the_o rule_v clergy_n of_o our_o own_o church_n towards_o other_o of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o profession_n of_o faith_n with_o themselves_o and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o have_v state_v it_o express_o in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o the_o say_a clergy_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o say_a smite_v and_o for_o conviction_n consequent_o of_o the_o judgement_n that_o they_o be_v without_o repentance_n inevitable_o liable_a unto_o for_o it_o we_o do_v therefore_o further_o say_v that_o if_o the_o say_v rule_v clergy_n shall_v in_o any_o respect_n disallow_v the_o say_a instance_n or_o shall_v think_v it_o meet_v to_o exonerate_v themselves_o from_o the_o gild_n that_o be_v by_o the_o say_a instance_n intend_v to_o be_v charge_v upon_o they_o then_o we_o say_v that_o they_o can_v avoid_v the_o instance_n or_o state_v of_o some_o other_o case_n relate_v to_o the_o ruler_n or_o steward_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o to_o their_o smite_v of_o other_o in_o the_o say_a church_n and_o to_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o that_o must_v be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o what_o the_o lord_n christ_n here_o condemn_v than_o this_o instance_n or_o case_n be_v which_o we_o have_v here_o mention_v as_o matter_n of_o fact_n nor_o can_v they_o avoid_v the_o instance_n or_o state_v of_o some_o other_o case_n that_o must_v merit_v consequent_o more_o punishment_n from_o god_n and_o that_o must_v be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n far_o worse_o and_o much_o more_o injurious_a cruel_a and_o remorseless_a than_o the_o case_n which_o we_o have_v here_o instance_a and_o state_v be_v nor_o can_v they_o avoid_v the_o instance_n or_o state_v some_o other_o case_n that_o must_v much_o more_o proper_o relate_v to_o babylon_n and_o to_o that_o particular_a and_o express_a character_n or_o broad_a mark_n that_o be_v set_v upon_o she_o by_o the_o angel_n or_o apostle_n revelat._n 17.6_o than_o this_o particular_a instance_n or_o case_n do_v which_o have_v be_v instance_a relate_v to_o the_o rule_v clergy_n of_o our_o own_o church_n which_o be_v here_o mention_v or_o else_o they_o must_v say_v that_o that_o vision_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v by_o we_o nor_o can_v they_o avoid_v the_o instance_n or_o state_v of_o some_o other_o case_n differ_v from_o what_o we_o have_v here_o mention_v that_o must_v for_o the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o its_o smite_v be_v whole_o agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o the_o rule_v clergy_n of_o it_o and_o not_o at_o all_o agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n or_o custom_n of_o themselves_o but_o if_o the_o rule_v clergy_n of_o our_o church_n can_v state_n any_o such_o case_n relate_v to_o the_o smite_v of_o other_o of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o faith_n with_o they_o which_o shall_v manifest_o differ_v in_o all_o these_o four_o circumstance_n from_o the_o particular_a instance_n or_o case_n we_o have_v here_o mention_v and_o which_o every_o man_n know_v be_v matter_n of_o fact_n than_o these_o two_o thing_n will_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v avoid_v by_o the_o rule_v clergy_n of_o our_o church_n as_o first_o that_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o show_v we_o wherein_o the_o ground_n or_o principle_n upon_o which_o they_o proceed_v to_o the_o smite_v punish_v or_o persecute_v of_o their_o fellow-servant_n be_v not_o only_o different_a but_o far_o more_o justifiable_a than_o those_o upon_o which_o the_o popish_a clergy_n proceed_v in_o their_o cruelty_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o protestant_n and_o second_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o give_v we_o any_o clear_a reason_n and_o much_o less_o any_o cogent_n and_o invincible_a argument_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n will_v unquestionable_o reach_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o her_o cruelty_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o protestant_n but_o will_v not_o reach_v at_o all_o the_o rule_v clergy_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n for_o their_o smite_v and_o persecution_n that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o against_o their_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o reformation_n which_o two_o thing_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o all_o the_o tender-hearted_a of_o the_o rule_v clergy_n of_o our_o church_n will_v lay_v to_o heart_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o that_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n even_o the_o prophet_n david_n sometime_o have_v do_v for_o which_o his_o
heart_n smite_v he_o and_o some_o thing_n he_o be_v about_o to_o do_v for_o the_o prevention_n of_o which_o he_o give_v solemn_a thanks_o to_o god_n for_o we_o find_v that_o david_n heart_n smite_v he_o after_o he_o have_v number_v the_o people_n and_o after_o he_o have_v but_o cut_v off_o the_o skirt_n of_o saul_n garment_n 2_o sam._n 24.10_o and_o 1_o sam._n 24.5_o and_o he_o give_v solemn_a thanks_o for_o abigail_n be_v a_o instrument_n to_o prevent_v he_o from_o shed_v blood_n 1_o sam._n 25.32_o for_o if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v punish_v other_o real_o and_o indeed_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o disobey_v her_o authority_n though_o she_o dare_v not_o pretend_v this_o open_o lest_o her_o cruelty_n and_o bloodguiltiness_n be_v for_o no_o other_o cause_n shall_v be_v so_o manifest_a that_o it_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o admit_v of_o a_o competent_a apology_n colour_n or_o excuse_v and_o therefore_o leave_v this_o she_o insist_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o her_o persecution_n as_o it_o be_v for_o heresy_n only_o but_o if_o we_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n punish_v other_o not_o only_o with_o loss_n of_o good_n but_o with_o loss_n of_o liberty_n banishment_n and_o perpetual_a imprisonment_n which_o be_v far_o more_o cruelty_n than_o immediate_a death_n itself_o and_o will_v be_v more_o willing_o choose_v by_o most_o man_n and_o do_v all_o this_o for_o a_o nonconformity_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o order_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o church_n without_o so_o much_o as_o a_o pretence_n to_o any_o gild_n of_o heresy_n then_o where_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o persecutor_n unless_o the_o rule_v clergy_n of_o our_o church_n have_v do_v it_o more_o dare_o and_o more_o broad-faced_o than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v but_o which_o be_v more_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o punish_v those_o that_o acknowledge_v she_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o those_o only_a that_o condemn_v she_o as_o a_o false_a church_n and_o who_o do_v under_o this_o notion_n profess_o separate_v from_o she_o as_o from_o that_o babylon_n mention_v in_o the_o revelation_n and_o if_o we_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n punish_v those_o that_o own_o not_o only_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n but_o the_o very_a same_o principle_n of_o reformation_n with_o ourselves_o and_o who_o therefore_o give_v no_o just_a provocation_n nor_o use_v any_o such_o reproachful_a language_n to_o our_o church_n as_o the_o protestant_a church_n general_o do_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o then_o be_v the_o difference_n unless_o it_o be_v that_o she_o render_v evil_a to_o her_o profess_a enemy_n who_o can_v but_o open_o own_o a_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n for_o she_o we_o inflict_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_a upon_o our_o brethren_n that_o supplicate_v for_o peace_n with_o we_o and_o will_v be_v glad_a not_o to_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o which_o of_o these_o two_o than_o be_v the_o more_o ingenious_a but_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o if_o we_o as_o we_o be_v protestant_n can_v but_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o the_o church_n not_o only_o immediate_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o but_o to_o his_o word_n and_o that_o we_o utter_o deny_v that_o he_o have_v any_o such_o one_o as_o a_o vicar_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o utter_o deny_v that_o any_o man_n whatever_o have_v any_o power_n to_o dispense_v with_o the_o command_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n so_o far_o as_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v clear_a to_o we_o from_o his_o word_n wherefore_o if_o we_o notwithstanding_o we_o make_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o very_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n yet_o shall_v never_o punish_v any_o but_o such_o as_o keep_v exact_o to_o all_o and_o every_o of_o these_o principle_n and_o shall_v observe_v they_o conscientious_o and_o strict_o whereas_o the_o popish_a clergy_n on_o the_o contrary_a punish_v none_o but_o such_o only_a who_o deny_v or_o oppose_v whole_o the_o thing_n which_o their_o church_n affirm_v where_o then_o be_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o our_o punishment_n and_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o and_o which_o of_o these_o two_o have_v the_o great_a resemblance_n of_o hypocrisy_n even_o in_o our_o own_o judgement_n whether_o our_o punishment_n or_o they_o see_v we_o punish_v man_n for_o follow_v the_o principle_n we_o allow_v they_o never_o punish_v any_o but_o for_o follow_v those_o principle_n that_o they_o total_o disallow_v but_o the_o evil_a of_o this_o persecution_n further_o appear_v thus_o for_o if_o we_o as_o protestant_n say_v we_o have_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n out_o of_o conscience_n first_o because_o she_o impose_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v inscriptural_a upon_o we_o and_o second_o because_o she_o be_v guilty_a of_o blood_n and_o that_o the_o character_n of_o a_o false_a church_n do_v for_o both_o these_o reason_n lie_v upon_o she_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o can_v but_o give_v thanks_o solemn_o unto_o god_n for_o our_o deliverance_n out_o of_o her_o power_n and_o if_o the_o rule_v clergy_n of_o a_o protestant_a church_n have_v nevertheless_o not_o spare_v to_o persecute_v unto_o blood_n even_o those_o that_o have_v not_o only_o out_o of_o the_o same_o two_o motive_n separate_v with_o we_o but_o by_o persist_v constant_o in_o the_o say_a motive_n do_v daily_o justify_v we_o how_o come_v our_o blood_n and_o persecution_n to_o be_v less_o sinful_a than_o she_o and_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v less_o cry_v unto_o god_n for_o have_v we_o never_o so_o intent_o study_v how_o we_o may_v have_v put_v the_o great_a stumbling-block_n we_o can_v before_o our_o adversary_n or_o how_o we_o may_v have_v bring_v the_o great_a blemish_n scandal_n and_o reproach_n that_o be_v possible_a upon_o our_o reformation_n or_o how_o we_o may_v have_v open_v the_o complaint_n and_o exclamation_n of_o man_n most_o against_o we_o what_o course_n can_v possible_o have_v be_v take_v to_o all_o these_o end_n that_o can_v have_v be_v more_o effectual_a than_o this_o for_o how_o can_v he_o that_o be_v thus_o persecute_v by_o the_o rule_v clergy_n of_o a_o protestant_a church_n give_v thanks_o unto_o god_n solemn_o for_o his_o deliverance_n out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n thraldom_n when_o the_o very_a same_o person_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v deliver_v with_o he_o impose_v nevertheless_o the_o like_a thraldom_n upon_o he_o or_o how_o shall_v he_o that_o be_v thus_o persecute_v be_v any_o way_n able_a to_o imagine_v and_o much_o less_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o church_n which_o persecute_v he_o be_v serious_a in_o her_o profession_n of_o thanks_o unto_o god_n for_o her_o own_o freedom_n when_o she_o be_v no_o soon_o free_v herself_o but_o she_o bring_v other_o into_o the_o same_o hardship_n and_o servitude_n that_o she_o herself_o do_v but_o a_o little_a while_n since_o great_o complain_v of_o and_o groan_n under_o but_o leave_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v most_o serious_o consider_v by_o all_o protestant_a church_n in_o these_o three_o kingdom_n and_o elsewhere_o even_o by_o all_o whosoever_o they_o concern_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o give_v in_o this_o place_n a_o description_n of_o the_o absurd_a ridiculous_a and_o contemptible_a ground_n and_o foundation_n on_o which_o the_o papist_n build_v though_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o this_o that_o the_o thraldom_n or_o bondage_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v principal_o consist_v in_o the_o disagreeableness_n of_o her_o doctrine_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o in_o plain_a and_o express_v term_n deny_v the_o truth_n or_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o deny_v the_o end_n of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o church_n and_o if_o we_o can_v for_o this_o cause_n just_o charge_v she_o with_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n then_o we_o must_v necessary_o grant_v that_o the_o say_v doctrine_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v corrupt_v and_o have_v a_o real_a inconsistency_n with_o the_o scripture_n itself_o can_v have_v their_o rise_n at_o first_o not_o otherwise_o than_o by_o virtue_n of_o her_o authority_n as_o a_o church_n and_o consequent_o that_o as_o they_o have_v thus_o their_o rise_n at_o first_o so_o they_o have_v have_v their_o whole_a maintenance_n and_o support_n ever_o since_o no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o this_o authority_n be_v absolute_a and_o arbitrary_a have_v defend_v they_o against_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o opposition_n to_o they_o and_o therefore_o here_o we_o shall_v lay_v open_a her_o shame_n and_o nakedness_n and_o her_o great_a absurdity_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o manner_n and_o method_n and_o
nature_n of_o her_o policy_n for_o the_o acquire_n of_o that_o arbitrary_a absolute_a and_o unlimited_a power_n which_o she_o exercise_v and_o first_o we_o find_v that_o she_o do_v upon_o she_o own_o authority_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o grammar_n of_o it_o how_o plain_a clear_a or_o express_v soever_o it_o be_v that_o do_v or_o aught_o to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n but_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o say_a scripture_n only_o and_o second_o she_o do_v affirm_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n also_o which_o do_v or_o can_v any_o way_n direct_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n if_o this_o sense_n be_v consider_v naked_o in_o itself_o either_o as_o literal_a or_o mystical_a but_o that_o the_o say_a sense_n be_v capable_a of_o bind_v only_o consider_v as_o it_o be_v catholic_n and_o three_o that_o it_o be_v not_o either_o in_o the_o letter_n or_o in_o the_o grammar_n of_o the_o say_a scripture_n how_o clear_a or_o plain_a soever_o it_o be_v that_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o it_o be_v place_v but_o simple_o and_o only_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o as_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o therefore_o that_o sense_n which_o be_v proper_o call_v catholic_n which_o proposition_n she_o have_v in_o her_o prudence_n thus_o peculiar_o lay_v down_o as_o the_o ground_n or_o foundation_n not_o only_o of_o all_o christian_a faith_n but_o of_o all_o christian_a verity_n and_o truth_n itself_o in_o the_o next_o place_n she_o build_v upon_o these_o unsound_a ground_n a_o assumption_n that_o be_v parallel_n to_o they_o and_o that_o be_v every_o way_n as_o entire_o her_o own_o as_o the_o former_a viz._n that_o she_o alone_o have_v not_o only_o the_o right_n as_o exclusive_a to_o all_o other_o of_o dispence_v this_o catholic_n sense_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o of_o dispence_v it_o in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n and_o have_v inherent_a in_o she_o the_o full_a and_o absolute_a power_n final_o and_o inappealeable_o to_o determine_v at_o all_o time_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n what_o the_o say_a catholic_n sense_n be_v concern_v all_o point_n whatever_o that_o may_v be_v controvert_v and_o concern_v all_o place_n of_o scripture_n whatever_o that_o may_v be_v doubt_v of_o or_o dispute_v and_o that_o as_o this_o power_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o unity_n so_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o say_v christian_a faith_n in_o regard_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v whole_o universal_a and_o catholic_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n err._n the_o conclusion_n then_o if_o all_o these_o premise_n be_v true_a be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o that_o all_o her_o determination_n whatever_o they_o be_v be_v for_o conscience_n sake_n to_o be_v obey_v and_o submit_v unto_o even_o by_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n without_o any_o dispute_n or_o without_o so_o much_o as_o any_o scruple_n of_o mind_n this_o conclusion_n be_v that_o which_o all_o the_o partisan_n and_o champion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v labour_n with_o may_v and_o main_a to_o bring_v every_o man_n to_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o security_n and_o rest_n which_o they_o pretend_v all_o man_n may_v have_v not_o only_o with_o absolute_a safety_n but_o with_o absolute_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o their_o church_n but_o indeed_o this_o conclusion_n have_v not_o any_o tendency_n to_o salvation_n at_o all_o but_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o all_o that_o be_v allege_v and_o lead_v express_o to_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o the_o utter_a overthrow_n and_o subversion_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n itself_o with_o the_o mind_n law_n will_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n so_o far_o at_o least_o as_o depend_v upon_o revelation_n in_o regard_v it_o put_v the_o scripture_n together_o with_o the_o whole_a authority_n of_o it_o though_o divine_a in_o itself_o absolute_o perfect_o and_o entire_o into_o the_o arbitrary_a will_n and_o power_n of_o the_o say_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o protestant_n upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o extreme_a mischief_n that_o must_v of_o necessity_n follow_v from_o such_o a_o conclusion_n as_o this_o they_o do_v with_o indignation_n reject_v it_o and_o first_o the_o protestant_n do_v whole_o deny_v that_o the_o say_a church_n of_o rome_n have_v any_o rightful_a authority_n to_o make_v null_a the_o grammar_n of_o the_o scripture_n second_o the_o protestant_n do_v much_o more_o deny_v that_o she_o have_v any_o right_a to_o institute_v or_o set_v up_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n under_o any_o name_n or_o pretence_n whatever_o that_o be_v either_o opposite_a to_o the_o grammar_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o that_o at_o least_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o necessity_n to_o follow_v and_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o three_o consequent_o they_o utter_o deny_v that_o she_o have_v any_o right_a to_o transfer_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o sense_n proper_a to_o the_o letter_n of_o itself_o to_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o be_v only_o and_o proper_o she_o and_o four_o they_o deny_v that_o she_o have_v any_o right_a or_o any_o power_n to_o set_v up_o any_o sense_n of_o her_o own_o at_o all_o which_o be_v not_o absolute_o subject_v to_o the_o rule_n and_o authority_n that_o be_v inherent_a to_o the_o scripture_n letter_n and_o word_n with_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o it_o as_o this_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v supreme_a to_o all_o other_o five_o and_o they_o do_v much_o less_o acknowledge_v that_o she_o have_v any_o such_o right_n in_o she_o or_o derive_v to_o she_o therefore_o as_o to_o make_v her_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o what_o she_o declare_v to_o be_v so_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o 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of_o the_o scripture_n especial_o so_o far_o as_o this_o be_v set_v up_o absolute_o by_o she_o and_o be_v not_o dependent_a upon_o any_o sense_n proper_a to_o the_o word_n and_o grammar_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o all_o and_o every_o of_o which_o power_n as_o the_o protestant_a church_n do_v whole_o deny_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n so_o for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v pretend_v to_o no_o one_o of_o the_o say_a right_n or_o authority_n now_o mention_v otherwise_o than_o as_o it_o must_v by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o be_v lawful_o convey_v or_o derive_v to_o she_o the_o protestant_a church_n therefore_o challenge_v she_o and_o provoke_v she_o to_o show_v that_o special_a and_o peculiar_a commission_n by_o which_o she_o and_o she_o alone_o be_v impower_v to_o do_v all_o or_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n before_o name_v because_o without_o this_o commission_n can_v be_v produce_v and_o produce_v upon_o some_o clear_a evident_a and_o sufficient_a 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