Selected quad for the lemma: head_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
head_n church_n pope_n saint_n 2,963 5 6.4585 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A39769 The truth and certainty of the Protestant faith with a short and plain account of the doctrine of the Romish Church in its visible opposition to Scripture and the very being of Christianity : to which is adjoined some serious considerations anent popery & the state of that controversy. Fleming, Robert, 1630-1694. 1678 (1678) Wing F1277B; ESTC R37829 39,817 62

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

this_o we_o appeal_v our_o adversary_n to_o produce_v one_o essential_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o from_o the_o record_n of_o these_o time_n or_o any_o write_n of_o the_o father_n 3._o that_o no_o evidence_n can_v be_v give_v in_o contend_v for_o the_o christian_a faith_n against_o heathen_n and_o to_o hold_v forth_o the_o certainty_n thereof_o which_o do_v not_o undeniable_o answer_v to_o confirm_v the_o protestant_a religion_n 4._o that_o in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o great_a adversary_n &_o their_o bitter_a invective_n against_o christianity_n who_o in_o the_o first_o time_n do_v oppose_v themselves_o to_o the_o same_o doctrine_n the_o protestant_a church_n now_o own_v and_o profess_v such_o as_o c●●sus_n tryphon_n porphyry_n lucian_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o popery_n in_o any_o of_o these_o article_n against_o which_o the_o protestant_a church_n contend_v nor_o of_o the_o romish_a supremacy_n and_o infallibility_n where_o they_o can_v have_v have_v so_o great_a advantage_n to_o object_n against_o the_o christian_a cause_n and_o call_v its_o truth_n in_o question_n nor_o do_v the_o jew_n who_o object_v all_o they_o can_v against_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o least_o once_o mention_v any_o such_o point_n as_o be_v now_o controvert_v betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o 5._o it_o be_v clear_a from_o unquestionable_a history_n and_o confession_n of_o our_o adversary_n that_o a_o continue_a succession_n of_o orthodox_n doctor_n who_o do_v confess_v and_o teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n for_o the_o substance_n that_o we_o own_o have_v in_o no_o time_n be_v want_v to_o the_o church_n nor_o some_o visible_a party_n to_o withstand_v popery_n and_o keep_v up_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n even_o in_o the_o great_a darkness_n as_o the_o romish_a writer_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o the_o protestant_n now_o be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o waldenses_n be_v of_o old_a and_o the_o berengarian_o before_o they_o qu._n do_v not_o the_o popish_a religion_n find_v on_o such_o ground_n and_o principle_n as_o can_v bring_v a_o sufficient_a certainty_n therewith_o of_o its_o truth_n when_o it_o have_v the_o decree_n canon_n and_o infallible_a decision_n of_o their_o church_n to_o warrant_v the_o same_o and_o of_o the_o pope_n as_o supreme_a head_n ans_fw-fr according_a to_o their_o doctrine_n &_o principle_n they_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a certainty_n of_o their_o religion_n nor_o of_o that_o they_o pretend_v to_o found_v on_o when_o 1._o they_o be_v not_o agree_v nor_o ever_o like_a to_o be_v who_o that_o infallible_a judge_n be_v or_o in_o who_o such_o a_o infallibility_n as_o they_o claim_v be_v seat_v whether_o in_o a_o general_n council_n or_o the_o pope_n alone_o so_o as_o they_o be_v in_o great_a contradiction_n to_o other_o about_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n nor_o be_v this_o a_o controversy_n among_o a_o few_o but_o one_o part_n of_o their_o church_n with_o great_a heat_n be_v oppose_v the_o other_o therein_o 2._o they_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n if_o they_o have_v any_o church_n at_o all_o and_o whether_o most_o of_o their_o pope_n bishop_n and_o priest_n be_v not_o without_o baptism_n and_o still_o laic_n without_o ordination_n when_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n so_o express_o hold_v the_o efficacy_n of_o all_o sacrament_n of_o which_o they_o reckon_v ordination_n as_o well_o as_o baptism_n to_o be_v one_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n who_o officiate_n of_o which_o none_o possible_o can_v be_v sure_a 3._o such_o have_v no_o rational_a certainty_n of_o what_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v who_o be_v with_o their_o own_o consent_n shut_v out_o from_o all_o proper_a knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o on_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n must_v resolve_v their_o faith_n 4._o be_v it_o not_o on_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o most_o doubtful_a relation_n they_o ground_n their_o faith_n and_o adventure_v their_o immortal_a soul_n where_o scarce_o a_o shadow_n or_o school-problem_n be_v to_o bear_v up_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o popery_n which_o be_v a_o allege_a presidence_n of_o peter_n among_o the_o apostle_n while_o no_o demonstration_n can_v ever_o be_v give_v that_o peter_n be_v at_o rome_n or_o that_o he_o be_v bishop_n there_o or_o if_o the_o same_o privilege_n be_v entail_v to_o his_o successor_n and_o how_o these_o shall_v be_v choose_v in_o aftertime_n 5._o according_a to_o their_o principle_n they_o have_v no_o bible_n nor_o any_o such_o authentic_a record_n to_o prove_v religion_n but_o what_o be_v a_o mas●e_n of_o dead_a unsense_v character_n that_o have_v no_o articulate_a voice_n or_o intelligible_a sound_n until_o the_o romish_a clergy_n put_v a_o sense_n thereon_o so_o that_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v most_o evidentlie_o pass_v from_o for_o myself_o i_o dare_v say_v before_o he_o who_o know_v all_o thing_n that_o i_o will_v tremble_v and_o stand_v in_o a_o we_o of_o any_o deceit_n or_o mistake_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o have_v in_o great_a earnest_n seek_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n without_o respect_n to_o interest_n party_n or_o education_n as_o that_o wherein_o i_o know_v a_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v concern_v but_o can_v see_v no_o way_n to_o embrace_v popery_n except_o man_n turn_v atheist_n yea_o quit_v all_o religion_n and_o reason_n at_o once_o cue_n be_v not_o rome_n the_o catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n ans_fw-fr we_o know_v there_o be_v a_o catholic_n church_n under_o the_o gospel_n that_o consist_v of_o all_o who_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n whether_o bond_n or_o free_a jew_n or_o gentile_n and_o be_v to_o no_o particular_a nation_n people_n or_o language_n restrict_v as_o under_o the_o law_n but_o that_o the_o romish_a church_n can_v have_v no_o possible_a claim_n here_o be_v unanswerable_a 〈◊〉_d because_o no_o institution_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o consist_v of_o all_o christian_n subject_v to_o one_o humane_a head_n and_o supreme_a governor_n under_o jesus_n christ_n on_o the_o earth_n or_o where_o subjection_n to_o the_o pope_n be_v make_v a_o condition_n to_o salvation_n 2._o it_o be_v clear_a that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o for_o many_o age_n after_o the_o christian_n catholic_n church_n have_v a_o be_v when_o it_o have_v not_o dependence_n on_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n nor_o be_v know_v by_o any_o such_o test_n as_o to_o own_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o supreme_a jurisdiction_n except_o it_o be_v aver_v that_o there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n before_o the_o set_n up_o of_o papacy_n and_o the_o other_o since_o essential_o different_a from_o the_o former_a 3._o there_o be_v no_o access_n to_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v more_o and_o of_o great_a extent_n in_o the_o world_n who_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n or_o their_o doctrine_n than_o such_o who_o be_v subject_v thereto_o 4._o as_o there_o be_v on_o faith_n and_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n so_o be_v there_o but_o one_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n unite_v to_o he_o as_o her_o head_n eph._n 4_o 3._o 4._o which_o be_v the_o prorogative_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o incommunicable_a to_o any_o to_o be_v the_o head_n thereof_o but_o he_o who_o for_o this_o end_n die_v and_o rise_v that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o of_o the_o live_n rom._n 14_o 9_o qu._n yet_o be_v not_o still_o the_o same_o christian_a religion_n at_o least_o for_o substance_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n which_o the_o protestant_a church_n own_v ans_fw-fr whatever_o in_o word_n such_o pretend_v their_o principle_n and_o the_o know_a doctrine_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n can_v too_o visible_o resolve_v this_o that_o these_o do_v not_o retain_v the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o essential_o thereof_o but_o have_v raze_v the_o very_a foudation_n who_o resolve_v not_o their_o faith_n on_o the_o scripture_n and_o its_o divine_a authority_n but_o on_o a_o humane_a testimony_n and_o deny_v religious_a worship_n to_o be_v due_a to_o the_o true_a god_n alone_o but_o give_v it_o unto_o angel_n and_o man_n also_o who_o lie_v another_o foundation_n to_o build_v on_o than_o jesus_n christ_n another_o purgatory_n than_o his_o blood_n to_o purify_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n another_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n to_o expiate_v sin_n than_o his_o death_n who_o be_v once_o offer_v to_o bear_v the_o sin_n of_o many_o heb._n 9_o 28_o another_o merit_n than_o his_o obedience_n by_o which_o we_o be_v make_v righteous_a and_o thus_o make_v void_a the_o great_a intent_n of_o the_o gospel_n lay_v down_o a_o way_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n on_o the_o same_o
tradition_n whether_o by_o word_n or_o epistle_n deliver_v to_o we_o 2._o thes_n 2_o 15_o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v there_o show_v 1._o that_o the_o apostolic_a authority_n whether_o in_o speak_v or_o write_v be_v the_o same_o and_o that_o to_o both_o the_o church_n be_v to_o give_v the_o same_o credit_n 2._o that_o what_o be_v teach_v from_o the_o apostle_n by_o word_n be_v the_o very_a same_o deliver_v by_o epistle_n but_o thence_o can_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o receive_v of_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v not_o only_o different_a from_o the_o scripture_n but_o visible_o contrary_a thereto_o when_o neither_o scripture_n reason_n nor_o antiquity_n discover_v their_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n qu._n be_v not_o oral_a tradition_n such_o as_o can_v possible_o deceive_v whereby_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v deliver_v down_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n and_o from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o ans_fw-fr to_o this_o of_o late_o do_v a_o part_n of_o this_o of_o late_o do_v a_o part_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n fly_v though_o nothing_o more_o visible_o repugnant_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n if_o man_n but_o open_a their_o eye_n to_o see_v 1._o that_o no_o more_o sure_a and_o plain_a delivery_n of_o the_o truth_n can_v be_v to_o we_o by_o speak_v than_o by_o write_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v possible_o judge_v how_o a_o certainty_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o traditional_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v more_o than_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n 2._o this_o be_v to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n not_o on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n but_o on_o what_o the_o father_n &_o forefather_n have_v tell_v to_o the_o child_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o pass_v from_o all_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o deny_v that_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o way_n of_o be_v eternal_o save_v which_o with_o most_o convince_a evidence_n be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n 3._o we_o see_v how_o far_o tradition_n in_o a_o few_o age_n differ_v from_o itself_o and_o have_v be_v the_o rise_n of_o such_o fabulous_a romance_n the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o about_o matter_n of_o fact_n from_o former_a time_n yea_o how_o oft_o the_o church_n have_v be_v almost_o swallow_v up_o of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n so_o that_o if_o one_o will_v trace_v back_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n by_o tradition_n they_o shall_v go_v near_o to_o lose_v the_o scent_n when_o it_o come_v to_o athanasi●s's_n time_n whilst_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n seem_v to_o be_v arrian_n qu._n be_v there_o no_o necessity_n of_o tradition_n when_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o refute_v all_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr can_v it_o be_v possible_a to_o understand_v heresy_n but_o as_o they_o be_v against_o the_o scripture_n or_o how_o to_o have_v another_o conception_n thereof_o and_o yet_o that_o not_o sufficient_a for_o their_o refutation_n this_o be_v i_o confess_v a_o doctrine_n meet_v for_o such_o who_o can_v make_v contradiction_n meet_v and_o agree_v at_o their_o pleasure_n sect_n viii_o qu._n have_v we_o not_o safe_a and_o unanswerable_a ground_n from_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o romish_a doctrine_n and_o its_o long_a continue_a succession_n to_o find_v a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o its_o truth_n ans_fw-fr none_o can_v deny_v these_o 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o true_a antiquity_n and_o what_o be_v not_o according_a to_o this_o be_v a_o novelty_n bring_v in_o on_o the_o church_n 2._o that_o the_o rise_n and_o pedigree_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n must_v be_v trace_v back_o to_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o beginning_n to_o work_v who_o gradual_a breaking-up_a do_v then_o hasten_v to_o a_o more_o full_a appearance_n 3._o but_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a also_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o some_o age_n know_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o popery_n in_o so_o horrid_a a_o corrupt_a of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n that_o after_o follow_v nor_o what_o a_o universal_a bishop_n and_o his_o infallibility_n mean_v qu._n but_o can_v any_o evidence_n be_v find_v from_o these_o first_o time_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o will_v import_v a_o contradict_v of_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v now_o profess_a ans_fw-fr there_o be_v no_o accident_n where_o the_o thing_n itself_o have_v no_o be_v nor_o can_v these_o possible_o write_v against_o popery_n in_o such_o head_n as_o the_o romish_a infallibility_n the_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o saint_n etc._n etc._n before_o they_o be_v once_o bring_v to_o light_v but_o by_o undeniable_a consequence_n it_o be_v clear_a they_o hold_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o alone_a rule_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n therefore_o not_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o that_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o same_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v shut_v up_o as_o the_o fountain_n of_o error_n yea_o that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o place_n after_o death_n without_o the_o least_o touch_n or_o mention_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o purgatory_n this_o also_o be_v the_o know_a doctrine_n of_o the_o first_o time_n that_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v the_o alone_a way_n of_o salvation_n therefore_o not_o by_o o●r_n own_o merit_n sect_n ix_o qu._n be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n for_o which_o the_o romish_a church_n so_o much_o contend_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v secure_o rest_v upon_o that_o man_n by_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o work_n may_v be_v save_v ans_fw-fr it_o be_v clear_a we_o must_v go_v to_o heaven_n by_o merit_n though_o not_o our_o own_o yea_o upon_o the_o exact_a term_n of_o justice_n it_o be_v due_a to_o he_o who_o have_v pay_v the_o price_n to_o the_o utmost_a value_n that_o none_o of_o his_o purchase_n be_v lose_v but_o to_o we_o it_o be_v only_o of_o grace_n nor_o can_v such_o work_n be_v meritorious_a where_o 1._o we_o owe_v all_o and_o do_v nothing_o which_o be_v not_o a_o debt_n upon_o we_o be_v not_o our_o own_o but_o buy_v with_o a_o price_n 1_o cor._n 6_o 17._o 2._o where_o no_o equality_n proportion_n or_o suitablenesse_n can_v be_v betwixt_o the_o work_n and_o the_o reward_n as_o be_v clear_a 2_o cor._n 4_o 17._o rom._n 3_o 28._o 3._o which_o at_o the_o best_a have_v some_o spot_n and_o stain_v cleave_v thereto_o and_o come_v so_o short_a to_o answer_v what_o the_o law_n require_v isa_n 64_o 4._o but_o we_o be_v all_o as_o a_o unclean_a thing_n and_o all_o our_o righteousness_n as_o filthy_a rag_n 4._o it_o be_v most_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n rom._n 11_o 6._o if_o by_o grace_n it_o be_v no_o more_o of_o work_n otherwise_o grace_n be_v no_o more_o grace_n rom._n 4_o 4._o n●w_o to_o he_o that_o work_v be_v the_o reward_n not_o reckon_v of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n but_o to_o he_o who_o work_v not_o but_o believe_v in_o he_o who_o justifi_v the_o ungodly_a his_o faith_n be_v count_v for_o righteousness_n and_o chap._n 3_o 28._o wherefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o law_n qu._n yet_o may_v not_o some_o in_o a_o unconverted_a state_n deserve_v a_o confer_v of_o grace_n upon_o they_o by_o put_v themselves_o forth_o to_o the_o utmost_a for_o their_o own_o conversion_n which_o the_o romish_a church_n call_v the_o merit_n of_o congruity_n ans_fw-fr from_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o before_o renew_v grace_n all_o be_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n who_o of_o themselves_o can_v frame_v their_o thought_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a nor_o have_v a_o active_a concurrence_n for_o such_o a_o change_n 2_o cor._n 3_o 5._o and_o that_o the_o alone_a cause_n which_o make_v one_o to_o differ_v from_o another_o be_v that_o rom._n 9_o vers_fw-la 15._o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n therefore_o no_o plea_n for_o merit_n by_o any_o improvement_n of_o man_n natural_a ability_n qu._n but_o do_v not_o the_o work_n of_o the_o regenerate_v which_o follow_v justification_n deserve_v eternal_a life_n not_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n but_o from_o their_o own_o intrinsic_a worth_n and_o proportionableness_n to_o the_o reward_n which_o be_v call_v the_o merit_n of_o condignity_n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v to_o subvert_v the_o whole_a contrivance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o judicial_a transfer_v our_o sin_n as_o a_o debt_n on_o christ_n the_o surety_n and_o of_o his_o righteousness_n and_o merit_n to_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o our_o justification_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o work_n and_o lay_v down_o the_o very_a same_o way_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o
what_o pretext_n so_o ever_o for_o any_o to_o be_v popish_a nor_o be_v it_o strange_a that_o after_o such_o abuse_a light_n hell_n become_v now_o more_o hot_a and_o more_o inevitable_a than_o before_o whilst_o so_o much_o of_o the_o christian_a world_n who_o own_o that_o name_n and_o profession_n do_v shut_v their_o eye_n and_o ear_n at_o so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a a_o sound_n from_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o roll_v over_o all_o certainty_n hereof_o to_o the_o decision_n and_o irrevocable_a sentence_n of_o the_o great_a judge_n consid._n ii_o second_o can_v it_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a this_o day_n if_o this_o be_v not_o upon_o choice_n that_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o contend_v against_o popery_n be_v a_o most_o express_a appearance_n and_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o be_v so_o discernible_a upon_o these_o great_a head_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o sinner_n against_o such_o direct_a opposition_n thereto_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n that_o bring_v in_o a_o plurality_n of_o mediator_n and_o the_o worship_v of_o angel_n and_o saint_n depart_v for_o that_o end_n 2._o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o christ_n humane_a nature_n which_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v subject_v to_o have_v a_o new_a create_v be_v in_o their_o consecrate_a hostia_fw-la at_o each_o time_n &_o every_o where_o at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o wretched_a man_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n a_o most_o express_a deny_v of_o his_o bless_a body_n to_o be_v humane_a and_o finite_a 3._o it_o be_v clear_a how_o express_o concern_v the_o protestant_a church_n be_v in_o opposition_n to_o popery_n to_o contend_v for_o the_o reality_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o suffering_n for_o his_o elect._n and_o that_o this_o time_n be_v come_v and_o pass_v no_o more_o possible_o to_o be_v repeat_v again_o wherein_o he_o once_o appear_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o put_v away_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o heb._n 9_o 26._o and_o by_o one_o offering_n have_v for_o ever_o perfect_v they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v heb._n 10_o 14._o against_o that_o horrid_a blasphemy_n of_o the_o mass_n which_o they_o own_v as_o a_o repeat_v offer_v of_o the_o bless_a body_n of_o the_o redeemer_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o priest_n unto_o god_n as_o a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v so_o evident_a a_o subvert_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o make_v void_a the_o infinite_a value_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n once_o offer_v and_o for_o ever_o in_o behalf_n of_o his_o elect_n whilst_o they_o thus_o own_o a_o continue_a offering_n of_o his_o body_n which_o as_o the_o apostle_n show_v heb._n 9_o 25._o that_n if_o christ_n have_v offer_v himself_o often_o he_o behove_v to_o have_v fuffer_v often_o 4._o and_o be_v it_o not_o clear_a that_o great_a interest_n of_o truth_n the_o reform_a church_n be_v now_o press_v to_o appear_v upon_o against_o popery_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o that_o whereon_o we_o must_v found_v and_o resolve_v our_o faith_n and_o not_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n which_o they_o so_o express_o oppose_v and_o deny_v so_o as_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o christian_a cause_n and_o quarrel_n for_o which_o all_o who_o love_v the_o truth_n be_v call_v to_o contend_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v bere_a of_o that_o bless_a infallible_a rule_n and_o standard_n of_o truth_n by_o those_o who_o great_a aim_n be_v to_o have_v it_o denude_v of_o all_o authority_n but_o what_o be_v precarious_a and_o dependent_a on_o they_o nor_o to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o intelligible_a and_o to_o have_v a_o articular_a voice_n until_o they_o cause_v it_o speak_v and_o put_v what_o sense_n thereon_o they_o please_v consid._n iii_o three_o it_o may_v be_v astonish_v and_o be_v sure_o one_o of_o the_o great_a depth_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n this_o day_n to_o see_v what_o of_o the_o world_n with_o their_o own_o consent_n be_v subject_v to_o so_o visible_a and_o notour_n a_o imposture_n as_o popery_n be_v whilst_o such_o as_o it_o will_v seem_v not_o conceivable_a how_o man_n can_v exerce_fw-la reason_n and_o not_o as_o in_o a_o deep_a sleep_n and_o have_v this_o hide_v from_o their_o eye_n the_o obvious_a deceit_n and_o imposture_n of_o such_o a_o way_n where_o no_o religion_n but_o a_o compound_n of_o humane_a policy_n with_o their_o own_o private_a interest_n and_o gain_n be_v whole_o intend_v about_o which_o i_o shall_v offer_v i_o hope_v i_o may_v with_o some_o confidence_n say_v it_o be_v for_o the_o truth_n sake_n a_o short_a touch_n here_o at_o in_o some_o undeniable_a justance_n 1._o none_o will_v debate_v how_o this_o way_n be_v frame_v for_o such_o a_o interest_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o g●aunt_n and_o allowance_n from_o the_o pope_n for_o any_o sin_n and_o to_o transgress_v the_o express_a law_n of_o the_o great_a lawgiver_n yea_o this_o put_v to_o sale_n oh_o what_o a_o strange_a device_n that_o for_o money_n man_n may_v have_v a_o liberty_n to_o destroy_v themselves_o whilst_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n nothing_o be_v follow_v with_o more_o severe_a threaten_n than_o a_o absolute_a subject_n ●o_o their_o arbitrary_a command_n so_o that_o one_o may_v safe_o disobey_v the_o holy_a god_n and_o this_o with_o a_o warrant_n but_o not_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o clergy_n under_o the_o hazard_n of_o condemuation_n 2._o that_o such_o a_o stock_n and_o treasure_n of_o merit_n shall_v be_v in_o keep_v by_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o under_o their_o trust_n to_o dispose_v of_o as_o a_o thing_n deposit_v into_o their_o hand_n by_o such_o who_o have_v more_o than_o enough_o for_o themselves_o to_o serve_v for_o the_o use_n of_o other_o and_o thus_o at_o their_o disposal_n to_o give_v out_o thereof_o to_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n for_o those_o who_o have_v not_o sufficient_a merit_n of_o their_o own_o this_o only_o be_v necessary_o provide_v that_o these_o who_o get_v a_o share_n of_o such_o a_o treasure_n compense_v it_o by_o somewhat_o equiu●lent_a and_o buy_v it_o ere_o they_o have_v it_o but_o herein_o can_v they_o never_o resolve_v the_o world_n how_o to_o be_v sure_a if_o these_o merit_n be_v true_o more_o than_o such_o who_o they_o be_v need_v themselves_o or_o how_o they_o come_v into_o their_o hand_n or_o be_v entrust_v by_o they_o to_o apply_v or_o if_o their_o strength_n be_v not_o long_o since_o spend_v and_o exhaust_v by_o so_o long_o continue_v application_n in_o such_o innumerable_a indulgence_n give_v out_o of_o that_o treasury_n oh_o what_o a_o deplorable_a contrivance_n be_v here_o which_o i_o confess_v shall_v be_v own_v as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a master_n piece_n of_o cheatry_n as_o ever_o the_o world_n know_v if_o it_o be_v only_o to_o cheat_v man_n of_o their_o purse_n but_o this_o go_v further_a to_o those_o great_a interest_n of_o the_o immortal_a soul_n and_o yet_o so_o many_o will_v not_o see_v the_o visible_a intent_n of_o this_o trade_n and_o merchandise_n that_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o merchandise_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n so_o express_o foretell_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rev._n 18_o 13._o 3._o their_o take_n on_o they_o to_o change_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o ensure_v to_o their_o friend_n the_o happy_a estate_n of_o their_o soul_n upon_o some_o large_a offering_n to_o the_o church_n for_o this_o as_o likewise_o that_o respect_n and_o veneration_n they_o require_v from_o man_n to_o the_o relic_n of_o the_o saint_n decease_v whereto_o they_o ascribe_v such_o power_n both_o against_o fin_n and_o for_o heal_a disease_n of_o the_o body_n yea_o most_o of_o these_o pretend_a relic_n such_o as_o must_v necessary_o plead_v some_o extraordinary_a miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v for_o their_o continue_a preservation_n that_o thus_o they_o may_v with_o confidence_n persuade_v the_o world_n their_o have_v some_o bone_n or_o scull_n of_o the_o apostle_n &_o primitive_a saint_n to_o be_v still_o see_v if_o any_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o give_v a_o price_n for_o it_o 4._o that_o the_o romish_a pope_n be_v the_o true_a successor_n of_o peter_n and_o thus_o christ_n vicar_n as_o they_o term_v he_o upon_o the_o earth_n which_o man_n must_v needs_o take_v upon_o trust_n with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n from_o such_o who_o preferment_n and_o gain_v in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v other_o wise_a ruin_v if_o this_o be_v not_o take_v off_o their_o hand_n whilst_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o undeniable_a at_o what_o a_o strait_a they_o be_v
14_o 9_o 10._o as_o shall_v cause_v man_n to_o tremble_v who_o be_v not_o under_o a_o strange_a height_n of_o induration_n and_o now_o since_o the_o break_n up_o of_o so_o great_a a_o light_n and_o these_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o water_n become_v bloody_a revel_v 16_o 3._o qu._n yet_o can_v all_o this_o make_v out_o the_o charge_n of_o antichristianism_n or_o that_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o antichrist_n who_o be_v so_o express_o foretell_v 2_o thes_n 2_o 3_o 4_o ans_fw-fr to_o resolve_v such_o a_o thing_n these_o be_v undeniable_o clear_a 1._o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a way_n particular_a in_o point_v antichrist_n out_o by_o such_o notorious_a mark_n and_o character_n that_o after_o age_n may_v know_v he_o if_o they_o will_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o that_o a_o most_o exact_a portraiture_n be_v there_o draw_v of_o such_o a_o adversary_n what_o shall_v be_v his_o form_n and_o shape_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o appearance_n 2._o except_o we_o deny_v our_o sense_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o see_v with_o our_o eye_n such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v there_o show_v forth_o so_o as_o none_o ever_o know_v the_o face_n of_o a_o man_n by_o his_o picture_n draw_v to_o the_o life_n in_o a_o frame_n better_a than_o the_o church_n this_o day_n may_v know_v antichrist_n and_o that_o this_o be_v he_o who_o so_o clear_o answer_v all_o these_o mark_n which_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v give_v of_o he_o even_o he_o who_o come_v shall_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n signs_z and_o lie_v wonder_n forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v use_v with_o thanksgiving_n who_o sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o exalt_v himself_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n bewitch_v the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o his_o enchantment_n and_o be_v drink_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o christ_n jesus_n yea_o who_o traffic_n and_o merchandise_n be_v not_o only_o gold_n and_o silver_n but_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n rev._n 18_o 13._o and_o can_v we_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a to_o know_v or_o discover_v who_o this_o antichrist_n be_v who_o doctrine_n be_v state_v in_o so_o direct_v a_o opposition_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o antichrist_n must_v be_v already_o come_v and_o reveal_v else_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n that_o prophecy_n can_v never_o have_v its_o accomplishment_n since_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n this_o mystery_n begin_v to_o work_v and_o he_o who_o for_o a_o time_n do_v withhold_v his_o come_n the_o heathen_a empire_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v long_o since_o take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o as_o the_o scripture_n point_v his_o first_o come_n and_o appearance_n in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o church_n so_o his_o last_o close_a and_o final_a ruin_n to_o be_v near_o the_o second_o come_v of_o the_o lord_n 4._o it_o be_v thus_o undeniable_a that_o this_o adversary_n can_v be_v no_o single_a person_n or_o of_o a_o short_a continuance_n but_o be_v a_o politic_a body_n and_o kingdom_n centre_v and_o unite_v in_o one_o supreme_a head_n and_o with_o a_o succession_n for_o many_o age_n 5._o it_o be_v clear_a that_o these_o express_a mark_n and_o character_n give_v by_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o church_n know_v of_o antichrist_n can_v answer_v to_o no_o adversary_n else_o which_o jesus_n christ_n ever_o have_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n either_o pagan_a or_o mahometan_a qu._n since_o antichrist_n fall_n must_v be_v by_o the_o word_n as_o be_v clear_a 2_o thes_n 2_o 4._o who_o the_o lord_n shall_v consume_v by_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n can_v it_o be_v now_o applicable_a to_o the_o romish_a church_n whilst_o popery_n be_v so_o spread_v even_o in_o those_o part_n where_o the_o word_n be_v most_o powerful_o preach_v ans_fw-fr this_o need_v not_o be_v strange_a if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o antichrist_n fall_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v by_o degree_n as_o his_o rise_n be_v 2._o that_o where_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o receive_v in_o love_n 2_o thes_n 2_o 18_o it_o can_v long_o want_v judicial_a effect_n to_o be_v give_v up_o to_o strong_a delusion_n 3._o it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v how_o such_o as_o at_o this_o day_n have_v fall_v off_o to_o popery_n be_v not_o upon_o debate_n or_o by_o argument_n to_o their_o judgement_n engage_v but_o it_o be_v the_o visible_a product_n of_o a_o licentious_a time_n and_o from_o a_o unusual_a growth_n of_o atheism_n and_o ignorance_n yea_o those_o only_a be_v find_v to_o change_v their_o religion_n who_o never_o in_o earnest_n embrace_v any_o 4._o yet_o can_v none_o deny_v those_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a effect_n the_o preach_v word_n have_v have_v to_o recover_v the_o church_n from_o antichristian_a darkness_n in_o these_o last_o age_n to_o which_o those_o famous_a plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o britain_n ireland_n france_n germany_n the_o low_a country_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o this_o day_n a_o witness_n where_o the_o great_a atheist_n may_v see_v a_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o god_n and_o something_o above_o nature_n with_o that_o convince_a increase_n of_o light_n as_o enforce_v such_o even_a to_o gnaw_v their_o tongue_n with_o pain_n who_o do_v nor_o cease_v to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n some_o serious_a consideration_n further_o anent_o popery_n and_o the_o import_n of_o that_o great_a controversy_n betwixt_o the_o romish_a and_o reform_a church_n at_o this_o day_n though_o there_o seem_v small_a ground_n of_o hope_n to_o convince_v such_o who_o in_o the_o holy_a judgement_n of_o god_n be_v give_v up_o to_o that_o strong_a delusion_n of_o popery_n and_o cease_v not_o to_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o the_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n yet_o this_o be_v so_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a a_o sight_n to_o see_v how_o much_o of_o the_o christian_a world_n thus_o perish_v who_o will_v not_o once_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o under_o the_o great_a of_o judgement_n this_o way_n must_v involve_v they_o if_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n have_v any_o weight_n or_o credit_n with_o such_o yea_o since_o this_o be_v so_o grave_a and_o concern_v a_o duty_n now_o in_o these_o last_o time_n to_o bea●_n witness_v against_o antichrist_n and_o pursue_v without_o cease_v that_o call_n whatever_o success_n it_o shall_v have_v that_o man_n will_v come_v out_o of_o babylon_n and_o hasten_v from_o under_o approach_a wrath_n and_o judgement_n i_o shall_v here_o add_v to_o what_o be_v premit_v before_o upon_o this_o subject_n some_o serious_a consideration_n concern_v popery_n with_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o adversary_n yea_o to_o their_o reason_n and_o judgement_n if_o they_o will_v allow_v its_o free_a exercise_n herein_o anent_o the_o truth_n thereof_o consid._n 1._o first_o at_o what_o a_o rate_n by_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a consequence_n from_o the_o romish_a doctrine_n and_o principle_n one_o can_v be_v popish_a conform_a to_o their_o way_n and_o what_o be_v necessary_o import_v in_o be_v a_o roman_n catholic_n as_o they_o thus_o term_v themselves_o which_o be_v not_o more_o strange_a and_o astonish_v in_o itself_o than_o may_v be_v clear_a in_o these_o particular_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v to_o deliver_v up_o their_o reason_n and_o judgement_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o such_o of_o who_o they_o must_v see_v true_a cause_n to_o fear_n adventure_v upon_o in_o the_o small_a of_o their_o outward_a interest_n and_o where_o it_o be_v so_o visible_a its_o money_n for_o merit_n and_o that_o all_o can_v be_v sell_v at_o this_o market_n upon_o such_o a_o price_n yea_o where_o the_o poor_a only_o must_v be_v leave_v hopeless_a who_o thus_o have_v not_o to_o expiate_v their_o guilt_n and_o purchase_v a_o plenary_a indulgence_n as_o petrarch_n of_o old_a be_v enforce_v to_o say_v that_o if_o judas_n can_v come_v with_o the_o price_n of_o his_o master_n blood_n to_o the_o romish_a market_n he_o may_v be_v welcome_a to_o buy_v a_o absolution_n where_o no_o sin_n needs_o want_v a_o dispensation_n to_o allow_v it_o or_o a_o pardon_n for_o its_o commitment_n if_o their_o purse_n can_v possible_o answer_v thereto_o 2._o this_o be_v to_o quit_v that_o judgement_n of_o discern_v give_v they_o of_o god_n and_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o all_o proper_a knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o their_o own_o consent_n except_o these_o of_o the_o clergy_n so_o as_o they_o must_v not_o trust_v their_o own_o eye_n but_o other_o in_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o their_o eternal_a state_n and_o thus_o take_v the_o romish_a authority_n for_o their_o bible_n yea_o such_o who_o they_o can_v