any_o attempt_n upon_o that_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a he_o change_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n into_o a_o tyrannical_a yoke_n much_o more_o if_o all_o the_o new_a article_n of_o belief_n and_o rule_n for_o practice_n be_v impose_v under_o the_o severe_a certificat_o but_o here_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o that_o church_n have_v impose_v on_o all_o of_o her_o communion_n for_o which_o we_o withdraw_v from_o she_o be_v addition_n to_o our_o faith_n for_o in_o this_o we_o main_o differ_v from_o that_o church_n that_o whatever_o we_o acknowledge_v they_o acknowledge_v likewise_o but_o with_o a_o great_a many_o addition_n we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n for_o christian_n and_o they_o believe_v the_o same_o but_o they_o add_v tradition_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o scripture_n we_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v spiritual_o they_o believe_v the_o same_o but_o add_v that_o he_o may_v be_v worship_v by_o image_n and_o sensible_a figure_n we_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n they_o believe_v the_o same_o but_o add_v to_o this_o the_o intercession_n of_o saint_n we_o hold_v that_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v they_o hold_v the_o same_o but_o add_v saint_n and_o angel_n to_o our_o worship_n we_o believe_v heaven_n and_o hell_n to_o be_v the_o several_a state_n of_o the_o future_a life_n they_o believe_v the_o same_o but_o add_v purgatory_n betwixt_o they_o to_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n we_o believe_v baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n they_o believe_v the_o same_o but_o add_v five_o more_o we_o believe_v christ_n be_v spiritual_o and_o real_o present_a in_o the_o lord_n supper_n this_o they_o believe_v but_o add_v the_o unconceivable_a tenent_n of_o his_o corporal_a presence_n in_o a_o word_n it_o may_v be_v instance_a in_o many_o other_o particular_n how_o they_o have_v drive_v we_o from_o their_o communion_n by_o their_o addition_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o have_v adulterate_v by_o their_o invention_n and_o not_o only_o have_v they_o impose_v all_o these_o thing_n but_o thunder_v out_o anathema_n on_o all_o that_o question_v they_o and_o have_v so_o wreathe_v all_o their_o foppery_n with_o that_o main_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o their_o belief_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o hope_v for_o their_o recovery_n till_o they_o renounce_v that_o principle_n which_o be_v so_o dear_a to_o they_o for_o if_o their_o church_n be_v infallible_a then_o in_o no_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n can_v she_o decree_v amiss_o and_o therefore_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o sanctity_n of_o all_o her_o decree_n must_v be_v maintain_v with_o a_o equal_a vigour_n and_o zeal_n for_o if_o in_o one_o of_o they_o she_o step_v aside_o her_o infallibility_n be_v for_o ever_o go_v and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v see_v to_o how_o little_a purpose_n it_o be_v to_o treat_v of_o accommodate_v matter_n with_o that_o church_n since_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o our_o union_n with_o they_o without_o we_o turn_v over_o entire_o to_o they_o since_o they_o can_v part_v with_o one_o of_o their_o error_n without_o they_o first_o renounce_v that_o which_o be_v the_o dear_a of_o they_o all_o to_o wit_n the_o unerring_a authority_n of_o their_o church_n how_o cruel_a then_o be_v that_o church_n which_o add_v the_o severe_a sanction_n of_o a_o anathema_n to_o all_o her_o decree_n even_o about_o the_o most_o trifle_a matter_n and_o about_o thing_n that_o be_v by_o their_o confession_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o a_o consectary_n to_o this_o be_v that_o cruel_a opinion_n they_o hold_v that_o none_o can_v be_v save_v out_o of_o their_o communion_n pretend_v there_o be_v no_o salvation_n without_o the_o true_a church_n which_o they_o restrict_n to_o these_o who_o be_v under_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o roman_a bishop_n and_o this_o be_v what_o they_o usual_o frighten_v all_o with_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v what_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o so_o we_o may_v see_v through_o this_o frightful_a vizard_n the_o church_n than_o be_v a_o society_n of_o christian_n unite_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n for_o worship_v of_o god_n joint_o and_o another_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n can_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n for_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n its_o union_n with_o he_o as_o its_o head_n be_v hold_v forth_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o word_n col._n 2._o 19_o the_o head_n christ_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n by_o joint_n and_o bond_n have_v nourishment_n minister_v and_o knit_v together_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n from_o which_o word_n we_o see_v what_o constitute_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v first_o his_o union_n to_o christ_n as_o his_o head_n together_o with_o a_o dependence_n on_o he_o for_o growth_n and_o nutriture_n and_o next_o his_o be_v knit_v to_o all_o other_o who_o be_v thus_o unite_v to_o christ_n which_o be_v first_o the_o inward_a union_n of_o divine_a charity_n by_o which_o he_o love_v all_o who_o cleave_v to_o christ_n as_o their_o head_n and_o next_o his_o associate_a himself_n with_o they_o in_o outward_a visible_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o do_v with_o all_o that_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n but_o if_o a_o society_n of_o christian_n do_v visible_o swerve_v from_o christ_n in_o many_o great_a and_o signal_n contradiction_n to_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o his_o person_n and_o to_o the_o obedience_n due_a to_o his_o law_n and_o do_v gross_o adulterate_v the_o worship_n so_o that_o communion_n can_v be_v have_v with_o that_o church_n without_o depart_v from_o the_o head_n christ_n than_o it_o can_v be_v no_o depart_n from_o the_o church_n to_o adhere_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o true_a worship_n and_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o corruption_n be_v bring_v in_o upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o then_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v depart_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o so_o many_o great_a and_o main_a point_n these_o who_o attempt_v the_o reform_v she_o to_o her_o first_o purity_n and_o find_v that_o not_o to_o be_v hope_v for_o do_v unite_v among_o themselves_o for_o serve_v and_o worship_v god_n aright_o can_v be_v charge_v with_o separation_n from_o the_o true_a church_n but_o by_o that_o cruel_a tenent_n of_o they_o they_o breed_v up_o all_o their_o child_n in_o the_o great_a uncharitableness_n imaginable_a condemn_v all_o who_o can_v believe_v all_o their_o strange_a doctrine_n or_o concur_v in_o their_o unhallowed_a worship_n thus_o they_o be_v the_o schismatic_n who_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o true_a church_n and_o who_o force_n from_o their_o communion_n all_o who_o adhere_v to_o it_o but_o this_o cruelty_n rest_v not_o in_o uncharitable_a censure_n but_o have_v extend_v itself_o to_o as_o much_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a rage_n as_o ever_o spring_v from_o hell_n for_o all_o the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o heathen_a persecuter_n can_v match_v the_o practice_n of_o that_o whore_n that_o have_v be_v so_o often_o drink_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o martyr_n of_o jesus_n what_o enrage_a cruelty_n appear_v against_o the_o poor_a waldenses_n for_o the_o separate_n from_o their_o corruption_n how_o many_o of_o all_o sex_n and_o age_n be_v cruel_o butcher_v down_o by_o the_o procurement_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o that_o church_n and_o because_o the_o albigenses_n live_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o prince_n that_o favour_v they_o how_o do_v the_o pope_n depose_v their_o prince_n and_o instigate_v other_o ambitious_a invader_n to_o seize_v on_o their_o dominion_n which_o to_o effectuate_v a_o croissade_n be_v proclaim_v that_o have_v be_v former_o practise_v against_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o heaven_n be_v promise_v to_o such_o as_o go_v against_o these_o poor_a innocent_n whereupon_o they_o be_v kill_v by_o thousand_o without_o all_o mercy_n never_o be_v there_o any_o who_o have_v the_o zeal_n or_o honesty_n in_o these_o dark_a age_n to_o witness_v against_o the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o pope_n and_o clergy_n use_v all_o mean_n to_o get_v his_o zeal_n reward_v with_o a_o faggot_n and_o when_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n come_v with_o what_o rage_n and_o spite_n do_v the_o pope_n by_o his_o letter_n and_o legate_n instigate_v all_o the_o prince_n of_o europe_n to_o cruelty_n against_o they_o but_o as_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o do_v in_o corner_n so_o
these_o practice_n another_o art_n not_o very_o remote_a froâ—…_n this_o for_o detract_n from_o the_o value_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n death_n and_o the_o confidence_n wâ—…_n shall_v have_v in_o it_o be_v the_o priestly_a absolution_n wherein_o after_o the_o sinner_n have_v go_v over_o his_o sin_n without_o any_o sign_n of_o remorse_n â—…nd_v tell_v they_o to_o the_o priest_n he_o enjoin_v a_o â—…enance_n the_o do_v whereof_o be_v call_v a_o satisfaction_n and_o the_o vulgar_a do_v real_o â—…magine_v that_o the_o undergo_a the_o penance_n do_v full_o serve_v for_o appease_v god_n wrath_n against_o sin_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o priest_n have_v enjoin_v his_o penance_n without_o wait_v that_o they_o obey_v it_o he_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o their_o head_n and_o say_v i_o absolve_v thou_o and_o after_o this_o they_o judge_v themselves_o full_o cleanse_v of_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n have_v their_o former_a life_n be_v never_o so_o bad_a it_o be_v true_a the_o practice_n of_o the_o priest_n in_o their_o slight_a penance_n and_o haste_v absolution_n and_o promiscuous_a allow_v of_o all_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v condemn_v by_o many_o in_o that_o church_n who_o complain_v of_o these_o abuse_n with_o much_o honest_a zeal_n but_o these_o complaint_n be_v so_o little_o regard_v that_o their_o write_n be_v condemn_v and_o the_o corruption_n continue_v unreformed_a now_o what_o can_v take_v off_o more_o from_o the_o value_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n than_o to_o believe_v it_o iâ—…_n the_o power_n of_o a_o priest_n to_o absolve_v from_o sin_n all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n be_v either_o ministerial_o to_o declare_v the_o absolution_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o condition_n in_o it_o or_o to_o absolve_v from_o the_o scandal_n which_o any_o public_a trespass_n have_v give_v it_o be_v count_v blasphemy_n in_o christ_n when_o hâ—…_n say_v thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o mar._n 2._o 5_o 10._o of_o which_o he_o clear_v himself_o from_o the_o power_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n to_o forgive_v sin_n which_o show_v it_o to_o be_v blasphemy_n in_o all_o other_o to_o pretend_v to_o absolve_v from_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o invasion_n of_o his_o prerogative_n to_o this_o i_o may_v add_v the_o scorn_n put_v on_o religion_n by_o many_o of_o the_o penance_n enjoin_v for_o sin_n such_o as_o the_o abstain_v from_o flesh_n for_o so_o many_o day_n the_o patter_z over_z so_o many_o prayer_n the_o repeat_v the_o penitential_a psalm_n the_o go_v to_o such_o church_n and_o such_o altar_n with_o other_o ridiculous_a observance_n like_o these_o which_o can_v but_o kill_v the_o vital_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o lead_v away_o soul_n from_o these_o earnest_a application_n to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o pardon_n and_o renovation_n and_o who_o can_v have_v any_o sad_a apprehension_n of_o sin_n who_o be_v teach_v such_o a_o easy_a way_n of_o escape_v punishment_n i_o confess_v in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o religion_n the_o master_n of_o that_o church_n have_v so_o contrive_v thing_n that_o their_o doctrine_n may_v according_a to_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o manna_n taste_v pleasant_a in_o every_o man_n relish_n for_o if_o any_o be_v grave_a and_o melancholy_a than_o silence_n solitude_n and_o retirement_n be_v enjoin_v they_o if_o their_o temper_n be_v more_o fiery_a and_o sullen_a severe_a corporal_a mortification_n and_o discipline_n be_v task_v on_o they_o such_o as_o cruel_a and_o perhaps_o public_a whip_n or_o other_o unspeakable_a austerity_n with_o which_o the_o life_n of_o the_o modern_a saint_n be_v full_a but_o if_o one_o be_v of_o a_o more_o jolly_a temper_n who_o desire_v heaven_n at_o a_o easy_a rate_n than_o some_o trifle_a penance_n shall_v serve_v turn_n these_o be_v a_o few_o of_o their_o art_n for_o divert_v soul_n from_o fly_v unto_o jesus_n as_o to_o the_o sure_a and_o safe_a refuge_n from_o the_o father_n wrath_n in_o who_o only_o we_o can_v find_v sanctuary_n and_o who_o the_o father_n have_v send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o seek_v and_o save_v lose_v sinner_n now_o whether_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o injunction_n of_o easy_a penance_n and_o give_v absolution_n do_v not_o violate_v thâ—…_n prerogative_n of_o jesus_n and_o insensible_o deâ—…_n bauch_v soul_n from_o that_o affectionate_a anâ—…_n grateful_a duty_n they_o owe_v their_o redeemer_n into_o their_o trifle_a method_n and_o appointment_n i_o refer_v it_o to_o all_o who_o know_v they_o another_o opposition_n make_v to_o the_o priestly_a office_n of_o christ_n be_v their_o conceit_n oâ—…_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n which_o they_o believe_v be_v a_o formal_a expiation_n of_o sin_n both_o for_o the_o live_n and_o dead_a who_o be_v in_o purgatory_n christ_n once_o offer_v himself_o up_o for_o take_v away_o sin_n which_o he_o do_v bâ—…_n that_o one_o sacrifice_n and_o this_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n state_v among_o the_o difference_n whicâ—…_n be_v betwixt_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o moses_n whicâ—…_n be_v to_o be_v daily_o and_o yearly_o renew_v and_o râ—…_n peat_v whereas_o christ_n offer_v one_o sacrifiâ—…_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o there_o wâ—…_n no_o need_n of_o more_o heb._n 10._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 12_o 14_o now_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o priest_n goinâ—…_n through_o the_o office_n of_o the_o mass_n and_o hâ—…_n receive_v the_o consecrate_a element_n 〈◊〉_d have_v a_o virtue_n to_o expiate_v the_o sin_n 〈◊〉_d other_o especial_o of_o the_o dead_a be_v a_o thing_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o most_o common_a impression_n that_o it_o will_v puzzle_v a_o man_n belief_n to_o think_v any_o can_v credit_v it_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o masterpiece_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o that_o church_n it_o be_v true_a in_o a_o right_a sense_n that_o sacrament_n may_v be_v call_v a_o sacrifice_n as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o ancient_n either_o in_o general_n as_o prayer_n praise_n and_o alms-deed_n be_v call_v so_o in_o scripture_n or_o as_o it_o be_v a_o commemoration_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o imagine_v the_o action_n have_v a_o expiatory_a force_n in_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a derogation_n from_o the_o value_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o all_o the_o value_n be_v in_o any_o outward_a sacramental_a action_n can_v only_o be_v derive_v into_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o receiver_n but_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o think_v one_o man_n action_n can_v be_v derive_v to_o another_o and_o it_o clear_o appear_v from_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o its_o end_n be_v the_o joint_n communicate_v of_o believer_n which_o be_v pervert_v manifest_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o priest_n who_o communicate_v in_o name_n of_o the_o spectator_n final_o what_o a_o derogation_n be_v it_o from_o the_o priestly_a office_n of_o christ_n one_o branch_n whereof_o be_v his_o intercession_n to_o join_v saintâ—…_n or_o angel_n with_o he_o in_o that_o work_n nay_o and_o prefer_v they_o to_o he_o which_o will_v be_v find_v too_o true_a if_o the_o office_n of_o the_o virgin_n and_o the_o prayer_n offer_v to_o she_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o offer_v to_o she_o son_n do_v christ_n by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o passion_n acquire_v this_o honour_n at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n and_o shall_v we_o for_o who_o he_o suffer_v rob_v he_o so_o injurious_o and_o sacrilegious_o of_o his_o honour_n and_o bestow_v it_o on_o these_o who_o be_v our_o fellow-servant_n but_o have_v touch_v this_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o advance_v my_o enquiry_n to_o the_o opposition_n give_v the_o regal_a office_n of_o christ_n and_o first_o how_o contrary_a be_v it_o to_o the_o glory_n wherewith_o even_o his_o humane_a nature_n and_o body_n be_v refulgent_a in_o heaven_n to_o believe_v that_o five_o word_n mutter_v out_o by_o the_o priest_n shall_v have_v the_o virtue_n to_o produce_v his_o real_a and_o glorify_a body_n instead_o of_o the_o annihilate_v element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n and_o yet_o under_o their_o accident_n and_o appearance_n this_o be_v a_o new_a and_o strange_a kind_n of_o humiliation_n if_o true_a by_o which_o he_o who_o be_v now_o clothe_v with_o glory_n must_v be_v every_o day_n expose_v under_o so_o thick_a so_o dark_a and_o so_o contemptible_a a_o cover_n as_o be_v the_o resemblance_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n what_o low_a thought_n of_o his_o person_n must_v it_o breed_v in_o such_o mind_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o believe_v this_o contrivance_n again_o he_o as_o king_n of_o his_o church_n have_v give_v her_o law_n and_o precept_n to_o who_o obedience_n she_o be_v oblige_v to_o which_o none_o can_v add_v without_o they_o acknowledge_v another_o head_n and_o who_o obligation_n none_o can_v untie_v or_o dispense_v with_o for_o christ_n dominion_n consist_v in_o this_o authority_n he_o have_v over_o
the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n unvail_v in_o a_o discourse_n wherein_o be_v hold_v forth_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n to_o the_o nature_n design_n and_o character_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o gilbert_n burnet_n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o w._n godbid_v and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o m._n pitt_n at_o the_o angel_n over_o against_o the_o little_a north_n door_n of_o st._n paul_n 1673._o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n unvail_v he_o that_o increase_v knowledge_n increase_v sorrow_n be_v a_o observation_n which_o hold_v true_a of_o no_o part_n of_o knowledge_n so_o much_o as_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v some_o relief_n to_o he_o who_o know_v nothing_o of_o foreign_a wickedness_n to_o hope_v there_o be_v other_o nation_n wherein_o virtue_n be_v honour_v and_o religion_n be_v in_o esteem_n which_o allay_v he_o regrate_v when_o he_o see_v vice_n and_o impiety_n abound_v in_o his_o country_n but_o if_o by_o travel_v or_o read_v he_o enlarge_v his_o horizon_n and_o know_v mankind_n better_o his_o regrate_v will_n grow_v when_o he_o find_v the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n it_o argue_v a_o cruel_a and_o in_o humane_a temper_n to_o delight_v in_o behold_v scene_n of_o horror_n and_o misery_n and_o certain_o none_o who_o either_o honour_n his_o maker_n and_o redeemer_n or_o be_v a_o lover_n of_o mankind_n can_v without_o sorrow_n look_v on_o and_o see_v the_o indignity_n do_v to_o god_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n and_o see_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o humane_a race_n triumph_v over_o the_o world_n with_o such_o absolute_a authority_n and_o so_o much_o enrage_v cruelty_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o dark_a region_n of_o it_o which_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n have_v not_o yet_o visit_v with_o his_o gospel_n but_o that_o where_o christ_n shall_v have_v a_o throne_n satan_n seat_n shall_v also_o be_v be_v just_o surprise_v and_o astonish_v that_o almost_o all_o christendom_n have_v fall_v from_o their_o first_o love_n be_v what_o none_o who_o eye_n be_v open_a can_v deny_v and_o it_o be_v little_o less_o evident_a that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o have_v make_v shipwreck_n and_o err_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o the_o church_n who_o faith_n be_v once_o speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o world_n be_v now_o become_v the_o mother_n of_o the_o fornication_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v true_a the_o scripture_n warn_v we_o of_o a_o fall_n away_o of_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n of_o a_o antichrist_n to_o be_v reveal_v in_o due_a time_n and_o of_o a_o babylonish_n rome_n which_o shall_v bewitch_v the_o earth_n with_o her_o sorcery_n but_o shall_v be_v varnish_v over_o with_o fair_a colour_n and_o specious_a pretence_n so_o that_o mystery_n shall_v be_v on_o her_o forehead_n be_v then_o warn_v of_o so_o much_o danger_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v a_o necessary_a though_o painful_a enquiry_n to_o see_v if_o this_o antichrist_n be_v yet_o come_v or_o if_o we_o must_v look_v for_o another_o but_o because_o some_o have_v stretch_v the_o notion_n of_o antichristianism_n so_o far_o that_o thing_n harmless_a and_o innocent_a come_v within_o its_o compass_n and_o other_o have_v so_o much_o contract_v it_o that_o they_o may_v escape_v free_a we_o be_v to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o conclude_v from_o that_o what_o must_v be_v antichristianism_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o bare_a contradiction_n to_o some_o branch_n or_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o then_o every_o error_n or_o heresy_n be_v antichristianism_n but_o a_o design_n and_o entire_a complex_fw-la of_o such_o opinion_n and_o practice_n as_o be_v contradictory_n to_o and_o subversive_a of_o the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n and_o if_o we_o find_v any_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v broach_v and_o receive_v in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v with_o the_o least_o hazard_n of_o uncharitableness_n pronounce_v it_o to_o be_v antichristianism_n and_o if_o it_o be_v act_v or_o animate_v by_o any_o head_n he_o may_v be_v conclude_v antichrist_n the_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n run_v betwixt_o these_o four_o head_n the_o first_o be_v to_o give_v we_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v conceive_v aright_o of_o he_o and_o adore_v he_o suitable_o to_o his_o nature_n and_o according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o thereby_o be_v admit_v to_o a_o free_a converse_n with_o he_o and_o become_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n how_o little_a of_o god_n be_v know_v by_o the_o twinkle_n of_o nature_n light_n even_o to_o the_o better_a and_o wise_a part_n of_o the_o world_n tully_n book_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o god_n do_v sufficient_o inform_v we_o but_o if_o the_o philosopher_n be_v so_o much_o to_o seek_v in_o it_o what_o shall_v we_o expect_v from_o the_o vulgar_a and_o indeed_o homer_n iliad_n and_o ovid_n metamorphosis_n be_v wretched_a system_n of_o divinity_n and_o yet_o such_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o nation_n about_o the_o godhead_n it_o be_v true_a the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n be_v deliver_v from_o that_o darkness_n and_o know_v god_n by_o his_o name_n jehovah_n and_o have_v law_n and_o ordinance_n give_v they_o by_o god_n yet_o their_o worship_n be_v so_o carnal_a and_o do_v so_o strike_v upon_o and_o affect_v the_o sense_n that_o we_o will_v be_v soon_o satisfy_v it_o be_v not_o so_o sublime_a and_o free_a as_o become_v the_o spirituality_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o so_o be_v only_o fit_v for_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n but_o by_o christ_n the_o mystery_n that_o lie_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n be_v reveal_v for_o he_o declare_v the_o father_n and_o reveal_v he_o and_o teach_v we_o to_o renounce_v idol_n and_o vanity_n and_o to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n wherein_o god_n wink_v at_o idolatry_n be_v then_o over_o that_o so_o mankind_n be_v god_n offspring_n may_v feel_v after_o he_o and_o not_o worship_v he_o any_o more_o in_o the_o blind_a grossness_n of_o idolatry_n but_o in_o a_o pure_a spiritual_a manner_n and_o whereas_o the_o law_n come_v by_o moses_n by_o christ_n come_v grace_n and_o truth_n grace_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n and_o truth_n as_o oppose_v not_o to_o falsehood_n but_o to_o the_o figure_n and_o shadow_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n and_o therefore_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o carnal_a ordinance_n and_o typical_a rite_n which_o shadow_v out_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o law_n the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o hold_v forth_o the_o method_n of_o man_n reconciliation_n with_o his_o maker_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o sin_n be_v a_o indignity_n do_v to_o god_n which_o deserve_v punishment_n and_o can_v be_v expiate_v by_o any_o service_n man_n can_v do_v it_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o mean_v find_v for_o encourage_v sinner_n to_o embrace_v a_o religious_a life_n of_o which_o all_o have_v reason_n to_o despair_v without_o pardon_n be_v offer_v to_o penitent_n upon_o the_o change_n of_o their_o life_n now_o this_o be_v that_o the_o heathen_a can_v not_o dream_v how_o to_o procure_v it_o be_v true_a the_o jew_n have_v sacrifice_n for_o expiate_v of_o sin_n but_o these_o can_v never_o quiet_a their_o conscience_n since_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n tell_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o beast_n can_v appease_v god_n the_o mystery_n therefore_o of_o the_o reconciliation_n of_o sinner_n to_o god_n be_v the_o proper_a character_n of_o the_o christian-religion_n which_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o how_o the_o eternal_a word_n be_v make_v man_n and_o endure_v unspeakable_a suffering_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n even_o to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v raise_v up_o by_o god_n and_o carry_v to_o heaven_n where_o he_o be_v vest_v with_o all_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n have_v a_o right_a to_o grant_v pardon_n give_v grace_n and_o confer_v eternal_a life_n on_o all_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o by_o who_o god_n convey_v all_o thing_n to_o we_o and_o through_o who_o we_o be_v to_o offer_v up_o all_o our_o worship_n to_o god_n he_o be_v the_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n the_o three_o head_n of_o the_o christian-religion_n be_v to_o teach_v the_o perfect_a clear_a and_o most_o divine_a rule_n for_o advance_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o the_o high_a perfection_n of_o their_o nature_n
it_o be_v true_a noble_a piece_n of_o morality_n be_v acknowledge_v and_o teach_v by_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o virtue_n purity_n humility_n and_o meekness_n lay_v open_a very_o full_o but_o without_o derogate_a from_o these_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n teach_v all_o these_o precept_n with_o clear_a rule_n and_o full_a direction_n so_o they_o be_v in_o it_o recommend_v by_o the_o example_n of_o its_o author_n back_v with_o the_o strong_a motive_n and_o enforce_v with_o the_o great_a argument_n in_o these_o be_v the_o lesson_n of_o purity_n chastity_n ingenuity_n humility_n meekness_n patience_n and_o generosity_n so_o clear_o lay_v down_o and_o so_o full_o evince_v that_o no_o man_n who_o be_v so_o much_o a_o man_n as_o to_o love_v these_o thing_n whereby_o his_o mind_n may_v be_v improve_v to_o all_o that_o be_v true_o great_a and_o noble_a but_o must_v be_v enamour_v of_o the_o christian-religion_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v teach_v it_o the_o four_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o unite_v mankind_n in_o the_o close_a bond_n of_o peace_n friendship_n and_o charity_n which_o it_o do_v not_o only_o by_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v for_o the_o temper_v our_o passion_n forgive_a of_o injury_n and_o love_v our_o enemy_n and_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o obedience_n to_o those_o in_o authority_n over_o we_o but_o likewise_o by_o associate_a we_o into_o one_o body_n call_v the_o church_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o worship_n god_n joint_o and_o to_o be_v couple_v in_o one_o by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o ligament_n of_o the_o body_n have_v thus_o view_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o several_a branch_n and_o part_n thereof_o i_o shall_v add_v to_o this_o the_o main_a distinguish_a character_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o be_v also_o four_o the_o first_o be_v its_o verity_n that_o it_o be_v not_o found_v on_o the_o tattle_v of_o person_n concern_v nor_o on_o the_o reverie_n of_o dotard_n nor_o receive_v with_o a_o blind_a credulity_n be_v found_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o great_a god_n which_o appear_v visible_o in_o those_o that_o publish_v it_o chief_o in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o by_o his_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o people_n even_o his_o enemy_n look_v on_o and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v they_o but_o chief_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v see_v and_o know_v by_o many_o who_o follow_v not_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n but_o be_v the_o eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n who_o go_v in_o his_o name_n and_o publish_v it_o to_o the_o world_n confirm_v it_o by_o miracle_n and_o mighty_a wonder_n attest_v it_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o persecution_n they_o meet_v with_o most_o of_o they_o confirm_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n and_o this_o doctrine_n be_v receive_v and_o believe_v by_o the_o better_a part_n of_o mankind_n though_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o flesh_n who_o mortification_n it_o teach_v its_o reception_n can_v be_v impute_v to_o credulity_n or_o interest_n the_o second_o character_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v its_o genuine_a simplicity_n and_o perspicuity_n that_o all_o its_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n be_v clear_o and_o distinct_o hold_v out_o to_o we_o not_o like_o the_o heathen_a divinity_n much_o whereof_o lay_v in_o dark_a oracle_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o sibyl_n and_o in_o other_o pretend_a mystery_n which_o none_o but_o the_o priest_n may_v handle_v and_o expound_v the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v also_o veil_v with_o type_n and_o figure_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o see_v the_o substance_n and_o truth_n through_o all_o these_o folding_n and_o shadow_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o to_o this_o particular_a be_v noble_o lay_v out_o by_o st._n paul_n in_o these_o word_n 2_o cor._n 3._o 18._o but_o we_o all_o with_o open_a face_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n behold_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o three_o character_n be_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o contain_v none_o of_o these_o absurd_a incredible_a thing_n which_o abound_v among_o the_o heathen_n nor_o of_o these_o rite_n of_o judaisme_n the_o reason_n whereof_o beside_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o enjoin_v they_o can_v not_o be_v assign_v but_o both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v fit_v for_o mankind_n and_o so_o congenial_a to_o his_o nature_n that_o they_o well_o deserve_v the_o designation_n of_o reasonable_a service_n or_o rational_a worship_n god_n have_v make_v our_o soul_n and_o they_o of_o a_o piece_n and_o the_o four_o character_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v its_o easiness_n christ_n yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n mat._n 11._o 30._o wherein_o we_o be_v free_v from_o all_o the_o barbarous_a and_o cruel_a rite_n of_o gentilism_n and_o from_o the_o oppressive_a bondage_n of_o judaism_n which_o be_v a_o law_n of_o ordinance_n and_o a_o yoke_n that_o our_o father_n be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v but_o that_o we_o be_v call_v to_o by_o christ_n be_v so_o simple_a so_o easy_a and_o so_o plain_a that_o well_o may_v we_o say_v his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a 1_o joh._n 5._o 3._o have_v give_v this_o hint_n of_o the_o design_n and_o character_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o hold_v it_o not_o necessary_a to_o dwell_v on_o a_o further_a deduction_n of_o those_o general_n into_o more_o particular_a branch_n nor_o to_o make_v this_o scheme_n of_o religion_n good_a by_o any_o long_a proof_n the_o position_n i_o have_v lay_v down_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o every_o consider_a person_n wherefore_o i_o go_v on_o to_o examine_v if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o system_fw-la of_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n among_o pretender_n to_o christianity_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_v and_o enervate_v of_o this_o whole_a design_n and_o who_o character_n be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o these_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o the_o less_o avow_v and_o the_o more_o disguise_v that_o society_n be_v as_o it_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o prevail_v since_o error_n and_o vice_n be_v not_o so_o formidable_a in_o their_o own_o colour_n as_o when_o veil_v with_o the_o pretence_n of_o truth_n and_o virtue_n so_o it_o will_v better_o agree_v with_o that_o great_a character_n the_o prophecy_n give_v of_o this_o defection_n that_o it_o be_v a_o mystery_n and_o have_v mystery_n on_o its_o forehead_n rev._n 17_o 15._o and_o here_o remain_v the_o sad_a part_n of_o my_o discourse_n for_o what_o lover_n of_o mankind_n can_v with_o pleasure_n either_o satisfy_v his_o own_o reason_n or_o convince_v the_o judgement_n of_o other_o in_o a_o matter_n the_o issue_n whereof_o be_v to_o prove_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a society_n to_o be_v antichristian_a and_o adulterate_a and_o certain_o if_o my_o love_n to_o truth_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o my_o redeemer_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o by_o consequence_n a_o zeal_n for_o soul_n do_v not_o engage_v i_o to_o this_o search_n i_o can_v easy_o quit_v the_o task_n and_o choose_v more_o easy_a and_o pleasant_a subject_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o my_o thought_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v declare_v it_o a_o part_n of_o wisdom_n to_o observe_v the_o character_n of_o the_o antichristian_a beast_n i_o therefore_o though_o not_o without_o pain_n engage_v in_o the_o survey_n of_o it_o and_o first_o in_o the_o entry_n it_o will_v be_v a_o bad_a omen_n of_o no_o good_a to_o be_v expect_v from_o any_o society_n that_o shall_v study_v to_o keep_v her_o member_n in_o ignorance_n and_o to_o bar_v they_o the_o study_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n and_o write_v by_o plain_a and_o simple_a man_n and_o at_o first_o direct_v to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o rude_a illiterate_a vulgar_a for_o teach_v they_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o path_n of_o life_n it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a indication_n that_o if_o any_o study_n to_o hide_v this_o light_n under_o a_o candlestick_n and_o to_o keep_v it_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n or_o forbid_v the_o body_n of_o christian_n the_o use_n of_o it_o though_o its_o native_a tendency_n be_v to_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n and_o to_o inflame_v the_o will_n it_o be_v give_v out_o by_o god_n for_o that_o end_n that_o those_o must_v be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o great_a deformity_n to_o that_o