church_n witness_v be_v of_o great_a credit_n and_o weight_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 4_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n even_o the_o romish_a church_n can_v pretend_v to_o but_o what_o they_o plead_v from_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o church_n 5._o shall_v this_o be_v admit_v the_o christian_a cause_n be_v lose_v in_o contend_v against_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n nor_o any_o possible_a access_n to_o convince_v these_o for_o what_o can_v that_o argument_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n be_v to_o they_o who_o own_v no_o such_o thing_n 6._o if_o on_o this_o the_o scripture_n be_v admit_v our_o faith_n shall_v then_o resolve_v on_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o be_v but_o a_o human_a faith_n qu._n but_o must_v every_o private_a man_n be_v his_o own_o judge_n and_o not_o the_o church_n to_o put_v what_o sense_n he_o please_v on_o the_o scripture_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v clear_a 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o private_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n the_o mean_a christian_n have_v to_o know_v and_o discern_v the_o truth_n that_o his_o service_n may_v be_v reasonable_a service_n rom._n 12_o 1._o and_o his_o faith_n a_o rational_a act_n for_o every_o man_n must_v prove_v his_o own_o work_n gal._n 6_o 4._o 2._o we_o deny_v not_o a_o public_a and_o ministerial_a judgement_n to_o the_o church_n which_o in_o great_a and_o lesset_n synod_n may_v be_v pass_v where_o pastor_n &_o elder_n be_v assemble_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n though_o here_o no_o blind_a obedience_n be_v impose_v since_o this_o only_a can_v be_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o not_o above_o it_o but_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n alone_o can_v a_o supremacy_n and_o a_o sovereignty_n of_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o faih_n belong_v since_o there_o be_v but_o one_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o destroy_v jam._n 4_o 12._o and_o no_o power_n against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o it_o 2_o cor._n 13_o 8._o qu._n be_v we_o not_o call_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n mat._n 18_o 17._o and_o implicit_o rely_v on_o its_o sentence_n ans_fw-fr that_o command_n have_v respect_n to_o church-censure_n and_o against_o contumacy_n but_o to_o impose_v no_o implicit_a obedience_n or_o subject_v the_o scripture_n authority_n to_o man_n when_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a 1._o that_o the_o further_a observance_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v such_o as_o may_v not_o go_v without_o these_o bound_n be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o as_o i_o be_o of_o christ_n 2._o this_o be_v to_o divide_v faith_n and_o knowledge_n from_o one_o another_o and_o a_o express_v contradict_v of_o that_o 1_o pet._n 3_o 15._o to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o faith_n within_o we_o to_o every_o who_o demand_n 3._o thus_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n 4._o thus_o many_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n to_o live_v and_o die_v infidel_n if_o they_o must_v only_o hear_v what_o the_o romish_a church_n say_v &_o not_o read_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o who_o in_o some_o remote_a part_n of_o earth_n or_o by_o a_o close_a imprisonment_n may_v be_v shut_v up_o so_o as_o they_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a converse_n with_o that_o church_n sect_n vi_o qu._n be_v there_o no_o supreme_a visible_a and_o infallible_a judge_n place_v in_o the_o church_n upon_o who_o decision_n we_o may_v secure_o rest_v in_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o conscience_n ans_fw-fr this_o article_n be_v indeed_o of_o great_a weight_n to_o the_o romish_a church_n so_o as_o their_o whole_a interest_n seem_v to_o stand_v or_o fall_v according_o but_o it_o be_v clear_a 1._o they_o must_v bring_v another_o bible_n than_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o prove_v this_o or_o let_v we_o see_v the_o least_o commission_n and_o warrant_n for_o any_o such_o judge_n there_o as_o they_o plead_v for_o 2._o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o command_n 1_o thes_n 5_o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 3._o none_o can_v deny_v the_o apostle_n be_v fallible_a though_o not_o in_o their_o doctrine_n be_v therein_o immediate_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o so_o ignorant_a of_o the_o death_n suffering_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v sure_a peter_n be_v far_o from_o this_o infallibility_n when_o he_o deny_v his_o master_n and_o after_o he_o be_v confirm_v and_o have_v that_o assurance_n give_v that_o his_o faith_n shall_v not_o fail_v which_o be_v one_o great_a foundation_n of_o the_o pretend_a romish_a infallibility_n when_o paul_n withstand_v he_o to_o the_o face_n gal._n 2_o 11._o 4._o this_o power_n do_v the_o pope_n challenge_v over_o the_o gentile_n as_o be_v peter_n successor_n when_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o paul_n be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o peter_n own_o consent_n rom._n 11_o 17._o act_n 13_o 2._o gal._n 2_o 9_o 5._o and_o do_v not_o all_o know_v what_o decree_v of_o council_n have_v be_v against_o council_n and_o pope_n against_o pope_n qu._n be_v not_o peter_n that_o rock_n on_o which_o christ_n promise_v to_o build_v the_o church_n mat._n 16_o 18._o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v manifest_a that_o by_o this_o be_v express_o mean_v the_o doctrine_n and_o profession_n then_o make_v of_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n yea_o that_o the_o same_o power_n give_v to_o peter_n be_v in_o as_o express_v term_n give_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n mat._n 18_o 18._o joh._n 20_o 22._o and_o where_o it_o be_v say_v you_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n eph._n 2_o 20._o no_o difference_n be_v in_o the_o least_o put_v betwixt_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n yet_o here_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o their_o church_n qu._n do_v not_o this_o prove_v such_o a_o infallibility_n that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim_n 3_o 1st_a ans_fw-fr this_o be_v not_o say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o evince_v her_o peculiar_a claim_n thereto_o beyond_o other_o church_n but_o here_o clear_o be_v show_v the_o stability_n and_o fixedness_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n unto_o which_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v and_o no_o possible_a reason_n thence_o for_o a_o infallibility_n to_o any_o church_n on_o earth_n qu._n be_v there_o nothing_o from_o the_o scripture_n to_o show_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o to_o his_o presidence_n and_o that_o the_o monarchy_n of_o the_o church_n be_v establish_v in_o his_o person_n ans_fw-fr we_o find_v this_o be_v express_o prohibit_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o whole_a apostle_n without_o exception_n that_o no_o such_o absolute_a authority_n shall_v be_v by_o any_o of_o they_o claim_v mat._n 23_o 10_o be_v you_o not_o call_v master_n for_o one_o be_v your_o master_n even_o christ_n but_o if_o any_o shadow_n be_v for_o this_o it_o may_v seem_v more_o applicable_a to_o paul_n when_o he_o say_v beside_o these_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n come_v upon_o i_o 2_o cor._n 11_o v._n 28._o if_o this_o have_v be_v say_v of_o peter_n the_o romish_a writer_n will_v have_v make_v a_o strange_a noise_n as_o if_o they_o have_v find_v one_o demonstration_n for_o all_o to_o secure_v that_o interest_n sect_n vii_o qu._n can_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o sufficient_a to_o decide_v controversy_n in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o help_n of_o unwritten_a tradition_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v 1._o because_o the_o alone_a way_n for_o be_v save_v be_v in_o follow_v what_o be_v write_v there_o joh._n 20_o 31._o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o full_a and_o sufficient_a rule_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a both_o to_o believe_v &_o do_v 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o from_o a_o child_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n yea_o it_o be_v there_o show_v to_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 3._o it_o be_v express_o against_o the_o scripture_n to_o impose_v any_o humane_a tradition_n on_o the_o church_n for_o subject_v our_o faith_n thereto_o deut_n 4_o 2._o thou_o shall_v not_o add_v to_o the_o word_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o qu._n but_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n command_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o
and_o humane_a invention_n thus_o fredrick_n the_o three_o king_n of_o suy_o a_o religious_a prince_n in_o such_o dark_a time_n be_v stagger_v about_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o make_v to_o question_v if_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o some_o humane_a device_n as_o be_v publish_v at_o length_n in_o his_o conference_n with_o arnoldus_fw-la de_fw-fr villanova_n a_o learned_a man_n upon_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o the_o whole_a clergy_n great_a and_o small_a conform_v their_o life_n no_o wise_a to_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n and_o discharge_v sacred_a office_n for_o a_o form_n only_o or_o else_o in_o scorn_n and_o mockery_n which_o then_o be_v so_o noture_n as_o it_o can_v not_o be_v hide_v 2._o that_o those_o of_o the_o more_o severe_a order_n of_o monk_n do_v obvious_o evidence_n hypocrisy_n impiety_n wantonness_n rapine_n yea_o incredulity_n about_o the_o gospel_n itself_o 3._o that_o in_o a_o doctrine_n so_o weighty_a and_o of_o such_o consequence_n as_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o romish_a church_n seem_v so_o little_o concern_v be_v entangle_v in_o worldly_a affair_n and_o no_o course_n set_v on_o foot_n for_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o satisfy_v who_o arnoldus_fw-la show_v how_o express_o such_o defection_n and_o these_o corruption_n be_v foretell_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o that_o conference_n publish_v by_o himself_o show_v and_o beside_o it_o be_v know_v what_o advantage_n the_o visible_a grossness_n of_o popery_n give_v to_o mahumidanisme_n and_o for_o many_n fall_v off_o from_o the_o visible_a profession_n of_o christianity_n which_o cause_v averro_n the_o philosopher_n to_o cry_v out_o cu_z christiani_n deum_fw-la suum_fw-la manducent_fw-la sit_fw-la anima_fw-la mea_fw-la cum_fw-la philosophis_fw-la yea_o enforce_v such_o who_o give_v any_o serious_a look_n to_o the_o scripture_n to_o say_v that_o either_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o same_o be_v not_o christian_n and_o when_o thus_o atheism_n may_v be_v see_v to_o follow_v popery_n as_o its_o native_a effect_n and_o mutual_o concur_v together_o oh_o what_o may_v be_v fear_v from_o such_o a_o obvious_a conjunction_n of_o both_o in_o this_o time_n if_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n be_v not_o his_o church_n security_n consid._n v._n five_o shall_v it_o not_o seem_v strange_a and_o such_o as_o no_o reason_n can_v true_o answer_v why_o in_o these_o time_n king_n &_o great_a man_n of_o the_o earth_n have_v give_v their_o power_n to_o support_v the_o romish_a interest_n when_o this_o so_o visible_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o just_a right_n and_o interest_n of_o all_o magistrate_n but_o that_o we_o see_v it_o be_v of_o god_n in_o give_v than_o so_o far_o up_o in_o his_o secret_a judgement_n until_o the_o scripture_n be_v fulfil_v as_o be_v clear_a rev._n 17_o 17._o for_o its_o sure_a otherwise_o these_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v hide_v from_o their_o eye_n 1._o that_o as_o the_o grandour_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n grow_v up_o how_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n by_o give_v their_o power_n thereto_o lose_v their_o own_o and_o by_o their_o concurrace_n in_o this_o design_n be_v no_o less_o evident_o depress_v than_o the_o other_o raise_v so_o as_o all_o who_o look_v in_o on_o the_o history_n of_o such_o time_n may_v clear_o see_v the_o several_a step_n of_o the_o pope_n advance_v in_o come_v to_o his_o height_n and_o of_o the_o empir_n decline_a and_o fall_n both_o in_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a part_n most_o visible_o meet_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o history_n yea_o thus_o how_o quick_o magistracy_n and_o the_o power_n thereof_o be_v turn_v to_o a_o image_n and_o shadow_n that_o it_o can_v not_o further_o live_v and_o act_v but_o as_o it_o be_v enliven_v with_o the_o romish_a breath_n yea_o how_o quick_o in_o a_o few_o age_n after_o phocas_n the_o great_a of_o the_o western_a emperor_n be_v force_v to_o bow_v at_o the_o pope_n foot_n so_o as_o henry_n the_o four_o be_v put_v to_o stand_v three_o day_n in_o the_o cold_a winter_n barefooted_a at_o the_o pop_n gate_n ere_o he_o can_v be_v reconcile_v upon_o some_o pretend_a quarrel_n he_o have_v against_o he_o yea_o the_o popish_a writer_n account_v it_o their_o honour_n to_o tell_v the_o world_n how_o fredrick_n barbarossa_n the_o first_o emperor_n of_o that_o name_n be_v make_v to_o lay_v his_o neck_n under_o pope_n alexander_n foot_n until_o he_o trample_v thereon_o blasphemous_o make_v use_n of_o that_o scripture_n ps_n 91._o that_o thus_o he_o will_v tread_v upon_o the_o lion_n and_o the_o dragon_n before_o he_o can_v obtain_v his_o son_n liberty_n then_o in_o prison_n in_o venice_n and_o at_o the_o pop_n dispose_n and_o here_o we_o may_v have_v a_o conspicuous_a commentar_n on_o that_o scripture_n 2_o thes_n 2_o 3._o that_o this_o let_v which_o be_v to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n be_v reveal_v as_o be_v there_o foretell_v be_v not_o the_o heathen_a empire_n of_o rome_n only_o but_o the_o roman_a empire_n in_o its_o integrity_n and_o strength_n even_o after_o it_o be_v christian_a 2._o it_o be_v undeniable_a from_o the_o romish_a doctrine_n and_o principle_n that_o power_n the_o pope_n and_o ruler_n of_o their_o church_n own_v to_o dethrone_v king_n and_o tranferre_v their_o kingdom_n to_o other_o and_o by_o there_o interdiction_n to_o loose_a subject_n from_o any_o tie_n or_o alledgeance_n to_o their_o prince_n to_o bind_v or_o loose_v man_n conscience_n as_o they_o find_v their_o own_o interest_n stand_v and_o by_o that_o plenitude_n of_o their_o church_n power_n to_o exempt_v ecclesiastic_a person_n from_o the_o law_n of_o magistrate_n so_o as_o they_o may_v not_o be_v judge_v by_o these_o for_o the_o most_o horrid_a and_o notorious_a crime_n which_o the_o civil_a power_n ought_v to_o punish_v whilst_o their_o church_n immunity_n be_v a_o city_n of_o refuge_n for_o retreat_n 3._o and_o as_o the_o romish_a religion_n strike_v at_o the_o very_a rooâ—_n of_o piety_n and_o godliness_n when_o by_o the_o pope_n power_n yea_o of_o ordinary_a priest_n it_o can_v dispense_v with_o the_o most_o horrid_a act_n of_o wickedneis_n murder_n adultery_n rapt_n incest_n sodomy_n and_o have_v their_o rate_n state_v at_o what_o price_n they_o can_v purchase_v a_o full_a absolution_n for_o the_o same_o so_o do_v it_o thus_o no_o less_o visible_o strict_a at_o the_o great_a security_n of_o government_n and_o that_o which_o found_v the_o strong_a obligation_n to_o all_o civil_a and_o moral_a duty_n which_o be_v to_o have_v the_o awe_n and_o regard_n of_o religion_n keep_v up_o in_o a_o nation_n 4._o it_o be_v clear_a also_o how_o the_o romish_a doctrine_n subvert_v truth_n and_o righteousness_n among_o man_n which_o be_v the_o great_a security_n of_o all_o personal_a interest_n when_o it_o avowed_o warrant_v equivocation_n both_o in_o oath_n and_o word_n and_o in_o such_o doubtful_a term_n to_o swear_v as_o may_v be_v direct_o contrair_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o judge_n require_v the_o same_o so_o as_o a_o oath_n in_o judgement_n can_v be_v the_o end_n of_o controversy_n yea_o by_o their_o doctrine_n express_o teach_v also_o that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o repent_v present_o for_o the_o most_o heinous_a sin_n but_o be_v only_o necessary_a in_o the_o last_o extreme_a of_o life_n 5._o be_v not_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o romish_a religion_n such_o as_o be_v visible_o destructive_a even_o to_o humane_a society_n in_o so_o profess_v own_v under_o a_o pretend_a zeal_n against_o heresy_n for_o such_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n unto_o they_o those_o prodigy_n of_o cruelty_n which_o we_o shall_v think_v humane_a nature_n though_o corrupt_a can_v not_o but_o tremble_v at_o without_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o very_a image_n of_o the_o devil_n such_o as_o the_o french_a and_o irish_a massacre_n the_o netherlands_n persecution_n under_o the_o duke_n of_o alva_n the_o spanish_a inquisition_n and_o those_o bloody_a year_n under_o queen_n mary_n reign_n in_o england_n do_v before_o all_o the_o world_n witness_n yea_o it_o be_v obvious_a how_o no_o cruelty_n even_o of_o the_o heathen_n in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o church_n can_v almost_o be_v find_v to_o parallel_v with_o popish_a cruelty_n where_o they_o can_v have_v a_o door_n open_v for_o this_o oh_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o little_o see_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n at_o this_o day_n how_o the_o common_a interest_n and_o concern_v of_o all_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n even_o upon_o their_o own_o civil_a right_n be_v to_o contend_v against_o this_o great_a adversary_n that_o ever_o jesus_n christ_n have_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o if_o now_o be_v not_o believe_v sad_a experience_n may_v yet_o make_v this_o clear_a that_o in_o those_o part_n where_o the_o truth_n have_v be_v receive_v and_o embrace_v and_o by_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n rescue_v from_o the_o yoke_n and_o dominion_n of_o antichrist_n that_o its_o sure_a the_o security_n of_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n be_v there_o necessary_o conjoin_v so_o that_o if_o the_o protestant_a interest_n shall_v wear_v out_o and_o the_o truth_n decline_v the_o land_n can_v possible_o be_v safe_a where_o once_o this_o have_v be_v receive_v the_o romish_a interest_n now_o seem_v to_o gain_v ground_n yea_o a_o strange_a and_o unusual_a conjunction_n to_o promote_v that_o way_n but_o it_o be_v well_o we_o know_v a_o more_o bless_a and_o infallible_a security_n than_o outward_a appearance_n to_o rest_v upon_o and_o with_o that_o assurance_n as_o we_o can_v be_v persuade_v of_o a_o eternal_a salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v sure_a also_o 1._o that_o the_o victory_n and_o decision_n of_o this_o war_n shall_v be_v on_o the_o lamb_n side_n and_o those_o that_o be_v with_o he_o must_v overcome_v when_o the_o live_a god_n have_v pass_v his_o word_n thereupon_o to_o his_o church_n and_o though_o we_o may_v set_v no_o bound_n as_o to_o any_o particular_a time_n we_o have_v solid_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o a_o more_o remarkable_a stroke_n above_o all_o that_o have_v be_v hitherto_o hasten_v upon_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n 2._o that_o who_o soever_o withdraw_v and_o think_v it_o their_o interest_n now_o to_o keep_v a_o distance_n in_o any_o adventure_n for_o the_o truth_n yet_o light_a and_o deliverance_n shall_v arise_v to_o the_o church_n from_o another_o airth_n but_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v their_o escape_n and_o outgate_v yea_o though_o it_o seem_v a_o strange_a contradiction_n to_o sense_n and_o reason_n it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o assure_o now_o the_o rise_n and_o advance_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v on_o foot_n and_o her_o sharp_a conflict_n and_o wrestle_n must_v tend_v thereunto_o 3._o though_o the_o spirit_n of_o intercession_n and_o prayer_n may_v be_v too_o discernable_o find_v under_o a_o sad_a restraint_n as_o to_o what_o have_v be_v in_o former_a time_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o this_o sure_a that_o many_o prayer_n and_o groan_n once_o put_v up_o by_o a_o innumerable_a company_n who_o now_o be_v in_o heaven_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o that_o solemn_a day_n of_o babylon_n fall_n yet_o wait_v and_o still_o cry_v before_o the_o throne_n such_o prayer_n wherein_o they_o have_v great_a access_n and_o liberty_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o pour_v out_o their_o soul_n thus_o before_o the_o lord_n 4._o it_o be_v sure_a we_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o instrument_n shall_v be_v yet_o raise_v and_o call_v for_o that_o end_n with_o a_o mervelous_a appearance_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o to_o execute_v the_o judgement_n write_v against_o this_o adversary_n and_o o_o what_o a_o bless_a and_o honourable_a service_n shall_v it_o be_v 5._o shall_v this_o not_o otherwise_o be_v make_v out_o but_o through_o a_o sea_n of_o blood_n and_o wound_v the_o head_n over_o many_o country_n yea_o in_o a_o way_n as_o we_o have_v clear_a ground_n to_o judge_v which_o humane_a reason_n can_v never_o reach_v it_o be_v sure_a this_o can_v be_v want_v and_o when_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n have_v say_v such_o a_o enemy_n shall_v be_v bring_v down_o his_o counsel_n must_v stand_v though_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n stand_v in_o the_o way_n thereof_o oh_o at_o what_o a_o rate_n do_v these_o now_o run_v themselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n and_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o plague_n with_o antichrist_n who_o yet_o will_v not_o cease_v for_o give_v their_o power_n to_o support_v that_o accurse_a and_o fall_a interest_n finis_fw-la
the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o protestant_a faith_n with_o a_o short_a and_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n in_o its_o visible_a opposition_n to_o scripture_n and_o the_o very_o be_v of_o christianity_n to_o which_o be_v adjoin_v some_o serious_a consideration_n anent_o popery_n &_o the_o state_n of_o that_o controversy_n i._o pet._n iii_o ver._n 15._o and_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o revel_v fourteen_o ver._n 9_o if_o any_o man_n worship_v the_o beast_n or_o his_o image_n and_o reâ—eive_v his_o mark_n in_o his_o forehead_n or_o in_o his_o hand_n ver._n 10._o the_o same_o shall_v drink_v of_o the_o wine_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o be_v pour_v out_o without_o mixture_n into_o the_o cup_n of_o his_o indignation_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v torment_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lamb._n ver._n 11._o and_o the_o smoke_n of_o their_o torment_n shall_v ascend_v up_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o print_a in_o the_o year_n 1678._o epistle_n to_o the_o christian_a reader_n reader_n these_o few_o sheet_n adjoin_v here_o against_o popery_n be_v in_o part_n former_o publish_v but_o be_v with_o some_o further_a enlargement_n now_o reprint_v i_o hope_v it_o may_v not_o be_v find_v unsuitable_a to_o set_v they_o down_o here_o in_o the_o close_a when_o so_o convince_a &_o necessary_a a_o rise_n from_o the_o forego_n subject_n be_v clear_a though_o such_o as_o desire_v may_v have_v it_o by_o itself_o also_o without_o the_o precede_a treatise_n these_o ground_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n press_v i_o now_o to_o the_o present_a publish_n thereof_o 1._o that_o the_o import_n of_o this_o controversy_n betwixt_o the_o romish_a and_o reform_a church_n concern_v the_o mean_a this_o day_n no_o less_o than_o the_o more_o know_v and_o learned_a and_o that_o to_o be_v a_o protestant_n in_o earnest_n must_v necessary_o require_v a_o see_v the_o truth_n with_o their_o own_o eye_n yea_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v the_o result_n of_o a_o judgement_n upon_o diligent_a search_n convince_v by_o the_o scripture_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v a_o hour_n of_o great_a trial_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n when_o the_o popish_a adversary_n be_v visible_o at_o work_n almost_o every_o where_o to_o sow_v tare_n whilst_o so_o few_o even_o of_o those_o who_o seem_v serious_a in_o profess_v the_o truth_n can_v give_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o grossness_n of_o popery_n and_o solid_a ground_n of_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n when_o thus_o assault_v but_o lyâ—_n naked_a thereto_o as_o without_o defence_n though_o abound_v and_o clear_a light_n have_v be_v hold_v forth_o for_o that_o end_n and_o at_o a_o sad_a disavantage_fw-fr to_o hold_v fast_o their_o profession_n by_o suffering_n if_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v thereto_o as_o in_o former_a time_n 3._o the_o visible_a hazard_n of_o many_o young_a one_o in_o this_o generation_n to_o be_v make_v a_o prey_n of_o and_o easy_o poison_v with_o popery_n who_o but_o seldom_o work_n out_o in_o their_o age_n and_o ripe_a year_n what_o they_o thus_o drink_v in_o in_o their_o youth_n 4._o that_o such_o a_o essay_n seem_v convince_o needful_a for_o these_o who_o age_n want_n of_o time_n indisposition_n to_o read_v or_o loathness_n too_o be_v at_o expense_n in_o buy_v book_n be_v too_o visible_a a_o let_v for_o their_o improve_n what_o have_v be_v more_o large_o write_v by_o other_o 5._o that_o as_o i_o hope_v it_o shall_v be_v find_v what_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n or_o necessary_a use_n to_o be_v know_v in_o these_o controversy_n be_v â—ere_z comprise_v though_o in_o small_a bound_n yet_o with_o such_o plainless_a that_o the_o mean_a reader_n may_v understand_v and_o know_v the_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o popery_n and_o what_o argument_n they_o pretend_v to_o be_v most_o strong_a hold_v forth_o in_o the_o question_n here_o propose_v with_o a_o clear_a view_n of_o their_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o answer_n thereto_o so_o as_o in_o a_o very_a few_o hour_n these_o for_o who_o this_o be_v most_o design_v may_v by_o read_v it_o but_o some_o time_n over_o have_v it_o so_o far_o impress_v on_o they_o as_o to_o know_v how_o to_o answer_v and_o give_v a_o solid_a account_n of_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n and_o grossness_n of_o popery_n when_o assault_v by_o any_o seducer_n if_o to_o any_o such_o this_o small_a essay_n may_v be_v of_o use_n i_o may_v then_o say_v the_o author_n have_v not_o lose_v his_o desire_n and_o aim_v what_o ever_o entertainment_n it_o shall_v otherwise_o meet_v with_o the_o time_n hasten_v when_o that_o only_a which_o tend_v to_o a_o solid_a peace_n with_o jesus_n christ_n will_v abide_v and_o â—y_a near_o to_o the_o soul_n when_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n will_v be_v of_o small_a value_n i_o shall_v but_o add_v that_o nothing_o be_v here_o charge_v on_o the_o romish_a adversary_n as_o their_o principle_n which_o their_o own_o great_a writer_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n do_v not_o clear_o attest_v the_o reader_n will_v consider_v that_o these_o section_n into_o which_o this_o be_v divide_v be_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o particular_a head_n of_o the_o romish_a doctrine_n which_o be_v there_o handle_v there_o be_v several_a mistake_v in_o word_n from_o the_o press_n which_o i_o hope_v the_o judicious_a reader_n will_v discern_v without_o have_v the_o sense_n darken_v thereby_o and_o pardon_v with_o some_o visible_a mistake_v also_o in_o the_o point_n sect_n 1._o qu._n sing_v our_o great_a interest_n be_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o that_o religion_n we_o profess_v what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o protestant_n reform_v religion_n as_o under_o such_o a_o designation_n it_o be_v now_o hold_v forth_o ans_fw-fr the_o scripture_n unto_o who_o trial_n this_o offer_v itself_o clear_o show_v that_o it_o be_v no_o new_a doctrine_n bring_v in_o on_o the_o world_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n by_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n on_o the_o reform_a church_n confess_v assert_v and_o purge_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o popery_n and_o have_v the_o very_a same_o ground_n to_o prove_v it_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v qu._n be_v it_o not_o of_o late_a the_o name_n of_o protestant_n much_o less_o as_o a_o church_n be_v know_v and_o from_o visible_a appearance_n but_o little_a to_o evidence_n its_o be_v and_o succession_n in_o the_o world_n when_o popery_n for_o many_o age_n have_v a_o conspicuous_a and_o flourish_a state_n ans_fw-fr we_o deny_v not_o the_o reformation_n to_o be_v late_o and_o that_o name_n of_o protestant_n which_o have_v its_o rise_n from_o a_o solemn_a protestation_n of_o several_a prince_n and_o city_n against_o popery_n but_o these_o also_o be_v demonstrable_o clear_a 1._o how_o it_o be_v the_o same_o truth_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a church_n wherein_o they_o walk_v though_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n after_o darken_a as_o antichristianisme_n grow_v up_o which_o have_v be_v unanswerable_o prove_v to_o the_o world_n 2._o that_o in_o the_o scripture_n no_o ground_n can_v be_v show_v for_o a_o continual_a visibility_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o unite_v body_n and_o in_o a_o flourish_a outward_a state_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v foretell_v how_o obscure_a &_o low_o her_o condition_n shall_v be_v during_o antichrist_n reign_n so_o as_o a_o place_n of_o hide_v be_v then_o prepare_v for_o she_o rev._n 12_o 6._o 3._o yet_o even_o in_o the_o dark_a time_n there_o do_v not_o want_v some_o visibility_n of_o the_o true_a church_n by_o a_o continue_a succession_n of_o witness_n to_o appear_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o against_o the_o romish_a apostasy_n which_o as_o a_o fresh_a river_n make_v its_o way_n through_o that_o horrid_a lake_n without_o mix_v with_o it_o qu._n what_o peculiar_a ground_n be_v to_o prove_v this_o or_o enforce_v a_o conviction_n on_o other_o that_o the_o protestant_a religion_n this_o day_n be_v the_o pure_a and_o ancient_a christian_a religion_n ans_fw-fr if_o man_n shut_v not_o their_o eye_n none_o can_v deny_v these_o ground_n as_o a_o test_n of_o the_o certainty_n thereof_o 1._o it_o be_v exact_a conformity_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o genuine_a and_o perspicuous_a sense_n thereof_o than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o clear_a if_o we_o will_v but_o compare_v these_o together_o 2._o that_o the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o all_o the_o essential_o thereof_o be_v the_o very_a same_o and_o exact_o agree_v with_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o first_o three_o century_n and_o for_o